Chapter 9 - Reactions Part 2: Asari & Salarians

The information gained from the council was more valuable to the many than they could ever know. For a long time it was known that the Protheans favored the transmission of data directly to an individuals mind through touch. This was obvious with the Beacon of Mars, which could transmit information directly into an individuals mind, though the process was not without it's faults.

No matter what only vague images could be gained from the beacon, and while the information could easily be learned by the many, they never could access the information the were looking for. It was akin to having a book with all known knowledge ever recorded within it, but only able to access a single page at a time, and the page was always random.

Progress was slow, slower than the collective had hoped, and for a long time the many found that the information gained began repeating itself, with the occasional new information given every now and then, though very rarely. It made gathering the data a tedious process. A fault with the information, or rather a problem was that most of the information was tech based, useless for a species such as them.

Now however things had changed. When the council revealed they had successfully mapped the Prothean Genome through old remains and fossils, they learned that they had the oddest D.N.A structure. A quad-strand structure, something unique to the Protheans. Once Blacklight learned this, they requested a small sample of Prothean D.N.A for consumption.

Needless to say the answer was no, for various reasons. Prothean D.N.A was rare, and very few samples existed in the universe. And though Blacklight was able to replicate a quad-strand D.N.A structure, it wasn't hard, after all, humans already had a quadruple helix D.N.A structure to work with thanks to G-quadruplexes, which were tertiary structures that existed in guanine rich regions of human D.N.A. Though they did not have the information stored within the Prothean nucleic acids to use, which proved to be a major issue, they still took a chance.

After the Many had constructed the quadruple structure D.N.A. they coded it with their closest approximation of what chemicals the Prothean D.N.A. coded for. It was not perfect, since the exact structure of the Prothean Genome was unknown at the moment, however when using this false genetic structure with the Beacon of Mars, the most amazing thing happened. The retrieved more data than ever before, and the vast majority of it was new.

However it was still flawed, they could not control exactly what they got, but they were able to get more in less time. The many learned much after the experiment, and were quick to come up with a new trade, one that would revolutionize warfare forever. They asked again for Prothean D.N.A, and in return they would provide information on Prothean weapons, namely a fully functional particle rifle. The council accepted.

Within the hive mind of Blacklight exists two types of minds, these minds are referred to as either Consumed individuals and Fractured individuals. For Blacklight their is no distinction of note, except one. Consumed individuals entering the Hive Mind is a traumatic experience, one that would leave them irrevocably insane, if not for the aid of the others within the Hive Mind.

Fractured individuals on the other hand are mush more esoteric, born from stray thoughts and memories of many to create a singular mind. The first sentient thoughts of a fractured mind could very well tell a great deal about how they become an individual mind within the sea. Today marked the birth of one such mind. Stray thoughts suddenly began to develop thoughts of their own, and like every one within the Hive mind this individual was welcomed by the whole.

This little one whose mind simply entered into existence was spoken to all within the Hive, and through that it grew, in a metaphorical sense. As more and more spoke with this new individual it also spoke through it. And faster than conceivable possible the new individual grew and matured with the collective aid of billions, and once the new individual was ready they asked it the first question every Fractured individual is asked.

Choose your name little one.

In any other circumstance asking a new born to choose a name would be foolish and somewhat odd, though Blacklight is unlike any other entity in existence. In fact for Blacklight, names hold an esoteric meaning. It is a word which one chooses to define oneself and less a form of identification. The newborn mind looked at the massive amount of knowledge gained. A variable history of names and ideas from all of human history and beyond.

The newborn looked at the history of minds, directly looking at which particular thoughts it originated from. And throughout the history of those whose thoughts sired it. Several stray thoughts which made it could be directly linked to several individuals within the many. One individual had a unique if somewhat archaic job before he was consumed into the many. The job also was the family name of several others who lived within the Hive Mind.

Humanity was an interesting race, one who the new one was saddened to see would leave no marks on history with their death. Their cultures had died, though maybe it could be resurrected. The new one chose it's name.

Shepard.

Mordin looked around the planet as soon as the air lock opened. Blacklight was a truly amazing species, regardless of what anyone else thought of them. He knew a bit more than most. As a part of the STG research expedition to the planet Shanxi he was briefed on several facts most were ignorant to, such as the true origin of Blacklight, and the entity known as PARIAH.

He was younger than most of the others surrounding him, not that it mattered to him All he cared about at the moment was researching this strange entity known as Blacklight and discovering who knows what from it's unique genetics. There were a few issues with the expedition, the company was somewhat rough, namely the Turian Saren, who was not a pleasant person to work with by any stretch of the imagination. Still Mordin would endure.

He had already checked his biohazard suit. A caution due to Blacklight's esoteric viral nature and abilities. He took a step out the ship and looked at the landscape. Their first plan was to set up a camp near a large collection of the Helix Towers near the equator of Shanxi. The area got more sunlight than most making it perfect for the massive photosynthetic towers to suck up rays of the sun.

Dozens of eager scientists exited the craft, carrying equipment that would be used for the majority of their studies, at least until the rest got air dropped, namely the equipment too large to carry. All around him Salarians were looking at the unusual biosphere Blacklight produced.

Mordin was first drawn to the earth beneath him. The entire area as far as the eye could see was covered in a thin layer of biomass. He knelt down to get a better look at it, namely in an attempt to figure out it's purpose. The biomass was a black and brown tar like substance with barely visible microscopic veins that were a bright red color, though Salarian eyes were very keen, Mordin's more so than most. Taking out his omni-tool Mordin began his work.

Mordin's omni-tool had been specially modified to function as a miniature biological lab, crude but effective. Small sensors and scanners built into the device began to do their work as Mordin eyed the results.

"Same material seen in Blacklight's Evolved. Interesting, veins carries nutrients and energy to various parts of their Hive. Sub-strains of Blacklight detected. Pure strains of Redlight as well. Fascinating."

Mordin was vaguely aware of the Turian that had stepped up to him. Even without looking Mordin felt the unease of Saren's gaze. Mordin however paid it no mind as he continued scanning the biomass that covered the earth. As he did so, he noticed that a large tumor like swell was growing not three feet from him. Mordin stood as he watched what he remembered was called an Infested Pustule grow from the earth. Mordin could see Saren was tense at the display, but made no obvious action.

Mordin kept his eye on Saren a bit longer before turning to the pustule. Once it reached a large enough size it was drained of fluid by whatever organs exist under the earth. The fleshy skin ripped apart quickly, revealing a fully clothed Blacklight Evolved.

The Evolved stared blankly as Mordin waved his omni-tool in the Blacklight individuals face and around it's body. The Evolved only watched in mild curiosity before Mordin brought the omni-tool to his eyes. After a moment of messing with it Mordin nodded.

"As expected, bodies made of the same material as surrounding biomass. Minor differences. Much denser allowing for rigid movement associated with most races baring Hanar. Explains why Evolved bodies do not fall apart as they move."

The Evolved said nothing as Mordin continuously examined him, after a while Saren had enough of it. He motioned to the nearby Helix Towers with his rifle before speaking.

"If you are through, we are moving towards the towers.", said Saren, not even looking at Mordin as his eyes were glued to the Evolved.

After a moment he narrowed his eyes at the Evolved, before turning around and walking away.

Mordin waved Saren off before he deactivated his omni-tool.

"Greetings, I am Mordin Solus. Aware of many things with your race. Happy to be here", said Mordin as he put his hand forward.

"Understand original human species shook hands as a form of greeting.", said Mordin.

The Evolved looked at the outstretched arm for a moment inquisitively before it lifted its own hand and shaking Mordin's. Once the act was finished the Evolved smiled at Mordin before speaking surprisingly fast. Mordin knew why it spoke quickly, Salarians often found other races slow minded, apparently Blacklight had noticed this and was making conversing more comfortable for him. Mordin was not entirely sure how to take that, but he felt grateful, at least somewhat.

"I am Shepard. I am new."

Mordin nodded as he once again took out his omni-tool.

"Fractured mind, recently born. Shepard is an interesting name.", said Mordin as he began writing notes.

"I liked it so I choose it.", said Shepard.

"Hive mind makes names redundant. For my benefit or of some cultural significance?", asked Mordin.

"Yes."

"I see, both. Then could you please explain the cultural significance of names?", asked Mordin.

"Names define us, it is what we are or choose to be. More to it than that, but I would not want to waste your time.", said Shepard.

Mordin nodded.

"Personal question, what does Shepard mean to you.", asked Mordin.

"I am to Shepherd Humanity, in a way. I wish to bring knowledge of Blacklight to you, even when this endeavor of yours is over. I will travel, bring back culture of the now dead humans to you. I want to keep their memory alive, even if they are gone. They are the sheep, I am the Shepherd.", said Shepard.

"Sheep?", asked Mordin.

Mordin watched as a second Infested Pustule grew, this one exploded rather than 'deflate' to reveal a large mammal with white thick fur. Mordin eyed the creature as it began to simply stare at him.

"Shepherds tended to their sheep. An analogy, I choose Humanity as my sheep, since the Humans are gone, I decided to bring their culture to you. To keep them alive in some way. After all if not for them we would not exist. They do not deserve to be forgotten.", said Shepard as the 'sheep' melted back into the surrounding biomass.

Mordin nodded as he looked to the group that made their way to the mile high helix towers.

"Shall we go?", asked Mordin.

Shepard only nodded.

Mordin watched as massive Helix towers coiled upwards in the sky, growing from the surrounding Biomass, sucking in the rays of sunlight. Each tower grew nearly a thousand feet high as branch like tendrils grew out, each square inch was covered in trillions of photosynthetic cells, giving the towers a strange tint. While for a majority of the time it was green, occasionally they would shift to other colors.

They were interesting constructs, ones that his peers were already beginning to study as the labs were being set. The area was perfect for their research due to he close proximity to the seas of Shanxi. Where deep under them the massive Extractor Lungs grew over geothermal vents.

Mordin turned to the mountains, where between a protective valley, just out of sight was the skyscraper sized Brain hive. Nerve webs crept from the massive shelled tower covering the mountains. Presumably there were deposits of Element Zero within the mountains, either natural deposits, or those taken from downed Turian Ships.

Already he was beginning to collect samples. Shepard stood below watching the surrounding Salarians work. Occasionally turning to Saren, who would either glare at Shepard or from time to time would move about to examine the area. Mordin was examining a piece of the Helix towers beneath his microscope. More specifically, he examined the photosynthetic qualities of the towers. It worked similar to most plant life, using light energy and turning it into chemical energy. Sugars were synthesized from natural carbon dioxide and collected water, and oxygen was released as a waste product, but what was interesting, at least interesting to Mordin, was the pigments. Most of the towers used chlorophyll, but various other pigments were occasionally present in the antenna proteins, such as phycocyanin, carotenes, xanthophylls, phycoerythrin, and fucoxanthin. Which explained why the towers would change into a wide variety of colors.

Some of the computer data he collected also revealed that the towers were frighteningly efficient. Each tower had a photosynthetic efficiency of 20%, perhaps higher if conditions were right, compared to most plants which had an efficiency of 3–6% this was unheard of.

Mordin thought this was very telling. Blacklight used both the methods plants used and the methods used by photosynthetic bacteria simultaneously. Looking at it he could tell this was something that could not evolve naturally, it was too specialized. Overspecialization was not found in nature often, and if it was then those species were more likely to die out. Adaptability was always better than specializing.

Of course Blacklight was exempt from this due to their abilities to instantly alter themselves however they pleased. Mordin was pulled away from his research when he felt the ground lightly shake. He got up before moving out of the makeshift lab to look out and see what was causing the shaking. He found himself staring at one of the Infected Goliaths. Mordin could only watch the massive creature lumber slowly towards the Helix Towers.

Unlike the Goliaths of the past, these ones were not the misshapen, vaguely humanoid things. Like Blacklight they had evolved. While they still somewhat resembled a human, they also had traits associated with gorillas (especially in their choice of locomotion) and Bears. They walked on their knuckles, which had long hook-like protrusions sticking out of them. Mordin could tell the hooks on the knuckles were meant for climbing or as a convenient weapon, possibly both.

Their skin had also altered, covered in a shell like carapace in less flexible areas while the areas that needed flexibility was covered in rows of visible scales that appeared to be the same material that made up their carapace, creating an odd pattern along the beasts body.

It also had a snout, not unlike a bears, filled with razor sharp teeth of various length, notably were the much longer canine teeth towards the front of the maw. However the most distinctive part of the Goliath was the eyes. The Goliaths eyes were specialized like everything else. Taking traits of many animals with superior vision, in this case the eyes of the Mantis shrimp. At first the eyes seemingly were inside of a socket like most other animals, but Mordin discarded that idea as he watched the eyes slither out of the Goliaths skull on mobile stalks and moved independently from each other. After a moment the eyes returned to their protective sockets. It turned to one of the massive Helix Towers and began crawling up it in the most unusual of ways.

Instead of using the hooks on its knuckles or even it's impressive claws to climb the Helix Tower, it placed its palm flat on the tower, and to Mordin's shock had partially merged with the tower. Then it moved it's other arm up just a bit higher to repeat the process. Once the other hand had fused to the tower the one below would separate, move up higher and fuse to the tower once again. The Goliath heaved itself slowly up the tower, each time the stalks would snake out of the socket to look around, but the beast never really slowed. Once it got towards the top, it merged all limbs and parts of it's upper and lower body to the Helix Tower, leaving only the head and part of the shoulders not fused with it. The Goliath growled as it began soaking in the energy from the Helix Tower, then after a few short minutes the Goliath detached itself, looked down, and leapt back down to the earth. It landed surprisingly gracefully despite it's size.

Mordin watched in abject fascination as it then left the area.

"We can get food from anywhere there is Biomass, but doing so here does not take as long. Goliaths are big, they need more energy to act, so they come here", said Shepard.

"How often does it have to come here.", asked Mordin.

"Depends. If it constantly acts without stopping it can last just under three days, otherwise it can last as close to indefinitely as possible. It can gain energy anywhere, it's just faster and more efficient to do it here at the source.", said Shepard.

"I am going to love it here.", said Mordin.

Alex walked calmly through the citadel, surrounded by two of C-secs guards as he moved through the crowds, not that he needed to. Most of the surrounding aliens gave him a wide berth, keeping their distance as they watched him with clear suspicion. He didn't particularly care at this point. He just wanted to view the citadel and the actions and behaviors of the surrounding aliens. It was the council who insisted that if Alex wanted to wander the Citadel, he should have armed guards. Alex knew for a fact that it was not for his safety.

Occasionally, there were a few aliens who seemed to want to approach him for various reasons, but were wary, whether it was because of the guard or himself he could not say for sure.

Looking over the artificial lake of the presidium Alex observed the actions of a nearby Asari who was trying her best not to make it obvious she was looking at him. Alex stared right at her not even blinking. She quickly looked away before taking a deep breath. Alex recognized the Asari as Jesla Chrin, the one who asked the question of whether it was true if Blacklight were immortal or not. She looked back towards him before steeling herself and walking forward. Alex just watched passively as she did so.

"Jesla Chrin", said Alex as he nodded.

She froze for a moment before continuing to move forward. The C-sec guards kept a respectful distance as she stood just out of arms reach of Alex.

"Greeting Mercer.", said Jesla with a short bow.

"You wanted to ask me something?"

Jesla nodded.

"Yes. You see, I am a xenopsychologist, I study the minds and thoughts of alien races.", said Jesla.

Alex could guess the unasked question there.

"And you were curious of our hive mind."

It wasn't a question, but she nodded regardless.

"Among other things. You're a remarkable people Alex Mercer. The concept of a hive mind has always greatly interested me. I studied the Rachni for that very reason, but I was born after they became extinct so I never got a chance to experience for myself.", said Jesla.

"Experience it?", questioned Alex.

"You may not be aware, but the Asari have a very unique ability to meld our nervous systems with other beings.", said Jesla.

"No, I am aware. You however don't seem to understand the problem with 'melding' with effectively billions of minds simultaneously.", said Alex.

"I imagine it would be traumatic. However the Asari evolved many defenses against any possible mental assault during the process, I'm not saying it would work, but at the very least I would not die. At least theoretically.", said Jesla.

"Theoretically?", asked Alex skeptically.

Jesla only gave a sheepish grin.

"Are you asking to mind meld with me and by proxy billions of other minds.", asked Alex.

"Well. Yes. It's just, the idea of a hive mind fascinates me. It's like a permanent meld, only between an entire species. At least I think it is. Melding does have some cultural significance for my people, you could consider it a gesture of good will.", said Jesla, the friendly grin doing nothing to convince Alex this was a good idea at all.

Alex sighed as he leaned against a rail and looked over the artificial lake.

"Curiosity is an interesting thing. Species that display it are seen as intelligent, and nearly every sapient species has it. For space faring races, they have to possess it otherwise why would they choose to travel among the stars above. That being said, while curiosity can lead to understanding and enlightenment, it also can also cause people to do some phenomenally stupid things. There are countless minds speaking even now to me, and you have the undivided attention of every single one. We have decided that this endeavor of yours could potentially kill you. We are new to your citadel, we cannot risk endangering you, or indulging your curiosity. Doing so could kill you, and destroy what hope we have of coexistence.", said Alex.

"I see. Perhaps another time then?", asked Jesla hopefully.

"Not likely, but the future is ever changing. Whose to say that you may very well experience the minds of billions one day, but that day is not today.", said Alex.

"I see. Thank you for your time.", said Jesla as she walked off.

"Yep.", said Alex blankly before placing his hands in his pockets and walking away, not even sparing Jesla a glance.

'Did you really just say "That day is not today". A bit over dramatic don't you think?"

'Like you have room to talk miss "Whatever happens, you're still my brother." If that wasn't overly dramatic I don't know what is.'

'Eat a dick Alex.'

'You First Dana.'

Jesla watched as Alex left, once he was out of sight her smile dropped from her face. She m oved back towards the other side of the lake before activating her omni-tool.

"Matriarch, I have failed.", said Jesla forlornly.

"I heard it all, you have not failed Jesla. We may very well have a chance."

"Yes Matriarch."

"Do not worry, while we cannot confirm Blacklight's true goals, assuming they have any, we do know that they are not hostile, not yet anyway. For now we can assume they are true to their word, but preparations must be made. You are relieved of duty for now, I will call you if I have need of you."

"Yes Matriarch Benezia, Goddess watch you."

"And you as well."

The omni-tool deactivated as Jesla walked away.

Mordin watched the footage as the probes dove deeper into the sea. There were the massive Extractor Lungs that grew over undersea geothermal vents. The probes were merely there to watch how they worked, and it truly was fascinating. The Lungs inflated rhythmically, sucking up various chemicals while long tubes resembling massive veins sent the energy throughout a massive undersea network. The veins were never in danger of exploding, and only a fraction of the energy collected was used by the lungs themselves.

It was fascinating to see that on these large veins grew fleshy sacs upon it's surface filled with excess fluids and gases taken from the vents. Every now and then the tumors would bud off the veins and float to the surface, where the large birdlike fliers would swoop down and move them to where ever they needed to go. I was really an ingenious system.

The seas of Shanxi showed other forms of Infected suited to their undersea world. Even creatures much larger than even a Goliath. It somewhat resembled Blacklight's Bioships, only it was much more suited for sea travel than space travel. Evidently these Leviathans were made to protect the Extractor Lungs from parasites and predators. Though Mordin doubted any wildlife would willingly feed on Blacklight biomatter.

Mordin turned away from the screen as he turned to the fleshy sacs that Blacklight allowed him to study. The ones collected from the Extractor lungs. Every single one held chemicals that were used by Blacklight for a variety of reasons. Others held gasses. What was unusual was the materials inside the sacs were pure. Each separate chemical or gas had no trace of any other chemicals. The Extractor lungs not only were able to collect the necessary materials needed by Blacklight, but separate them perfectly. Better than most machines could in fact. The skin of the sac itself was highly malleable, resistant to tearing and breaking. It almost looked like plastic, only much, much stronger.

"Monstrously overspecialized.", said Mordin to himself.

Tevos sat quietly as she worked. Lately things had been hectic. The actions of the Cure had been horrid, and caused a lot of damage. Not to mention the fast actions of Blacklight that all but destroyed the Cure in only two days. Blacklight didn't even do it themselves, they simply had the consumed member of the Cure, a Turian, tell C-sec everything they had known about the cure, and let them deal with it.

Considering the alternative, Tevos was glad that Blacklight didn't do it themselves. Goddess knows how the people would react to Blacklight consuming an entire organization, terrorist organization or no.

She was drawn from her task when her personal computer lit up. She moved towards it and activated it with ease. She nodded when the image of Matriarch Benezia came on the screen.

"Greetings Tevos. I regret to inform you that my agent was unable to meld with Alex Mercer.", said Benezia.

Tevos only shrugged as she ran her hand through her head fringe.

"I didn't put much faith into this plan, it was expected. Still at least we tried. I just wish we could know for sure if Blacklight means well. They are a terrifying species.", said Tevos.

"True. I wrote up a few items that should be addressed about them and sent it to you. The other Matriarchs are wary of Blacklight, it has been discussed and we believe that while Blacklight should be allowed on colonized worlds and other planets, more limitations when it comes to home worlds should be taken.", said Benezia.

"I was thinking something similar. Thank you for the aid Benezia.", said Tevos.

Benezia gave a nod as the screen flicked out of existence. Tevos sighed as she went back to work.

Of course even as she did all her thoughts went out to Blacklight. They were without a doubt something capable of great strife. A sapient plague that could have been their end had they turned out differently, of course Tevos knew better than to look at what ifs. People could go insane looking at what could have been. What if the Krogan learned to cure the Genophage? What if the Turians turned their arms against the Citadel? What if the Asari abused their natural biotics? Well, she supposed that last one was true for a large majority of her people, especially the young. Tavos could certainly remember her younger years. Thank the Goddess she destroyed all those old vids. The hit to her reputation if the Galaxy found those things sent a shiver up her spine.

Either way Tevos had little faith that merging with Blacklight would lead to anything good for the Asari in question. Survival was highly possible, after all during the Rachni war Asari had melded with Queen Rachni that were captured. Dozens in fact had been successful, but few had come out unscathed, most ended up screaming of the color of oily black shadows and a sour yellow note. Taking that into account, surviving a merging with Blacklight may have been highly probable but still being sane afterward was a bit more complex.

Not to mention what Blacklight could learn from the Asari in question, then again all they would know was of Benezia, Tevos made sure that Jesla never knew she was personally involved. Still, Jesla knew a few secrets, not the most important ones, but a few that the Asari would much rather keep secret.

Tevos sighed as she looked to the Brandy in a glass next to her desk. It was tempting to down it now, but then again it was a bit early for that. Things were changing, and none of the Matriarchs knew where they were heading. Jobol's ambitions were frightening. Tevos could admit that the status quo of the galaxy was not perfect, but the idea of using Blacklight as Jobol had wished would lead to nothing but war and strife.

Sparatus as usual was cynical, a position he played rather well. It came with it's advantages at times, after all a cynic is only a person who would either be proved right, or ended up pleasantly surprised. Tevos could respect the idea, but their differing personalities helped council space more than most would know. Tevos the Optimist, Sparatus the Cynic, and Jobol the Realist. Together they took care of the Galaxy as best they could, but now. Now things were too unknown. It all lead back to Blacklight, and what was worse was it wasn't exactly their fault. They were just too different, too unknown for the people to handle.

Tevos had looked at the rumors and conspiracies that popped up on the extra net. A frightening many people distrusted Blacklight, in fact the vast majority mistrusted them. All laws of caution were looked at from positions so cynical that Sparatus would double take.

Everything she read was the result of the usual paranoids, theories ranged from the council attempting to destroy all life in the galaxy with Blacklight, to Blacklight being a monster biding their time before consuming all in the galaxy. Normally this would not be a problem, but it was the amount of people who truly believed this.

Tevos looked back to the glass of brandy, took it in her hand, and downed it faster than she ever had in her life. Her younger self during her wild maiden years would be proud.

Jobol read the files sent to him from the team sent to examine Blacklight, it was enlightening to see the myriad of ways Blacklight adapted to various extremes. Whether it be weather or temperature. After looking at it, he came across some more information, information that proved worrying.

"Never imagined the Batarians to come up with such an idea. Should remember they are smarter than I give them credit for.", said Jobol to himself.

Jobol had only just received the information himself. While the Citadel was trading information, the Batarians were doing all they could to gather excess Eezo from Blacklight. Due to their own close proximity to the virus they had acted quickly. It made logical sense, after all as they were associate members of the council and as such any information that the council had learned from Blacklight on relays and the like would also be learned by them.

Of course there were ways to limit that. Jobol was confidant he could hide some of the information gained from Blacklight, he would only have to convince Tevos and Sparatus, a feat in and of itself but not one that was wholly impossible. In fact based on what Blacklight already provided it would be simple for his co-workers to see what should be kept out of the associates hands, at least for now.

One such idea was the particle rifle supposedly used by the Protheans themselves. Apparently Blacklight gained much from their own beacon after learning more about the Protheans from consumed Turians. As a consequence they now had better information on how to extract even more information from their beacon, and were working faster than conceivably possible.

That was very interesting to Jobol. Even after the many millennia the Council had existed, not one of them was ever able to completely decode everything in a Prothean beacon, mainly due to the Protheans own technology that reacted uniquely with their own biology. It was always known Prothean D.N.A was quad-stranded, and the beacons were apparently designed with this in mind.

Apparently Blacklight was able to somewhat apply this to themselves the very moment they learned of the Protheans unique biology, and give themselves the necessary biology to better learn from the beacons. Jobol was even able to confirm this theory simply by asking Alex Mercer. Jobol knew Blacklight was vastly intelligent, more so than any one individual could claim to be, even himself. It was an absolute delight to learn the were resourceful too. Right now a minor sample of very rare Prothean D.N.A was being sent to Blacklight, the sample wasn't complete due to it's age and deterioration, but Jobol had high hopes Blacklight could work around that little problem.

Yes Jobol was confidant he could limit the Batarians from learning too much too soon. His goals for the future would not be threatened by vile slavers who thought they found a way to end up with a better deal. No he would show them the true meaning of conniving and backstabbing, after all, he already had a working on particle rifle prototype, what was even better, if his own private research was right, the particle rifle could theoretically be altered and retrofitted as a long range starship weapon, they just needed the math to figure it out.

After all was said and done for the day, young Mordin began filing his discoveries on Blacklight to present to the STG. Thus far his report did not paint a picture that his superiors would like, but he did not care for their reactions, only that his report was as informative as can be.

From the Desk of Mordin Solus

Initial Blacklight findings

The Blacklight Virus is unlike any known Pathogen ever encountered by any Citadel race. When the virus comes in contact with a living cell it hijacks and repurposes it, rather than use it as fuel to form new copies or strains of itself. Once a cell is infected all D.N.A traits are accessed by the virus, this allows Blacklight to build a library of various traits Blacklight can apply to itself. However this only scratches the surface of What Blacklight can do.

Infected cells replicate impossibly fast when Blacklight has sufficient energy with which to feed from, it is this process that allows the infected cells to remain alive rather than be used as a food source. What is most interesting is the effects the virus has on formerly dormant non-encoding regions, or Junk D.N.A. They become active, giving Blacklight traits that various species have evolved past long ago. Traits of extinct races.

Blacklight biomass all contains cells that are in essence 'blank' but are able to shift itself into any other type of cell facsimile simply by digging through the library of available traits Blacklight has gained.

According to one Blacklight Individual these changes are too drastic, and previously the virus has a mortality rate of 99.99% on those infected. Alex Mercer was the 0.01%, and through his consumption ability is able to absorb others thus enabling them to bypass the infection process and lead right to the end result should an individual have survived the infection.

In our initial observations we discovered that there were several strains of Blacklight, one such stain Blacklight calls the Roc Strain was airborne, one strain they called the Hydra Strain was capable of making trillions of copies of itself faster than any other strain, and one strain called the Gene stealer Strain was ideally suited for gene transfer by being able to select and hold an untold amount of genetic information to transfer from one viral colony to the next.

It must be noted that Redlight strains were found within Blacklight Biomass, as well as many viral species that cannot yet be identified, assumed to be other viral pathogens not related to Blacklight. Seeing that many of these viral strains have R.N.A. rather than D.N.A. and no cellular structure for Blacklight to hijack, it seems that there is another method Blacklight has to either assimilate or control viral pathogens. Please note that should this theory prove true, Blacklight may very well be able to assimilate or control the Genophage, and repurpose it as it wishes.

No one strain within Blacklight was in danger of extinction, and each strain is suited to various tasks, none are in competition of another, in fact each strain seems to work with each other flawlessly. It is unusual as these viral strains behave more like individuals within an insect hive rather than a viral colony.

The behavior of Blacklight is interesting, and it uses a unique system to transport materials from planet to planet. It's methods at gaining those materials are equally fascinating, and I have had the pleasure of seeing it first hand. The only structure we have yet to research for safety reasons is the Brain Hive, due to the occasional electric discharges and EMP bursts from the construct. Insulated suits with no electronic hardware are being sent to allow us to examine the tower, though the electrical activity will limit us to a strictly visual observation for now as electronic devices occasionally short circuit or even stop all together when in close proximity to the tower. Blacklight has cleared us to take samples from the towers as well. I look forward to seeing what new mysteries this strange race will reveal to us.

Interestingly enough, thanks to a Blacklight individual by the name of Shepard, we discovered how Blacklight Evolved are able to seemingly create metal based bladed weaponry. Blacklight is unable to actually manifest metals, instead the process is much less complex. When we made the discovery Evolved Shepard answered a few questions we had. Initially Alex Mercer did not have this ability, it took him quite a while to manifest it. However we learned that human blood had iron in it, much like Batarians the iron is stored in a blood cell protein called ferritin, not enough to use for the weapons Blacklight displays, however by consuming other humans with iron rich blood Alex unknowingly began to collect that iron, since Blacklight produces very little waste, He collected an excess of iron and the body found a way to use it. Rather than succumb to hemochromatosis (A buildup of iron in the blood common in some Batarians) Iron would be released as free floating particles found in Blacklight biomass that is collected and moved by what seems to be a microscopic single celled organism with a claw like head and a flagellum.

The claw like head holds the iron and carries it around as needed while the flagella is used for movement. Once Alex Mercer had collected enough iron he began to use it to form metallic claws, then later blades. When Blacklight wishes to form blades or claws they simply command the organism holding the iron to move to a specific area, usually the arms, and place the particles of iron in the needed shape. The organism then uses its flagellum as a grasping tool to link with other iron holding organisms to hold the shapes as needed.

Iron is no longer solely used. Metals such as titanium, tungsten, Chromium, and many different metals and materials are used as well. Many of their constructs can grow a similar metallic shell just under the carapace and biomass for added defense. This process is however somewhat limited, as the organisms flagella cannot hold onto others indefinitely, but we have measured it at up to 15 hours. This explains why carapace and shells are preferred to use by Blacklight over metallic armor. That said, sub-dermal metallic layers is not uncommon.

There is undoubtedly a horror to this species, not just due to their own biology but their actions and behaviors, yet I see the wonder that goes with the horror. Blacklight is an amazing species, I am glad I was able to meet them.

This has been Doctor Mordin Solus of the STG Research department.

Mordin finished writing before he sighed. As he went back to his papers as he started to take notes. He watched as Shepard came in. Deciding now was a good time to satiate his curiosity Mordin put his notes away.

"Shepard, may I ask you something.", asked Mordin.

Shepard only nodded.

"I was wondering how Blacklight applies genetic traits to itself, it should be impossible."

Shepard was silent for a moment before Shrugging.

"When we consume something we go through its cellular structure cell by cell and see what genes do what. Then we try to theorize what certain combinations would result in and apply those traits to ourselves. We can do this very fast.", said Shepard.

"Genes do not work like that. Adding new chemistry to existing structures can have various results on seemingly unrelated parts of the structure, ", said Mordin.

"On average you would be right, we can't do things like take the genes that make squid tentacles and put them in a cat in place of their leg genes because there are no genes that just make tentacles or legs, but we can accurately predict what the various combinations of genes would result in. And theorize what the new structure would do with a small margin of error. We have a lot of knowledge of how genes work, and we can predict what combinations do what. We can't always come up with exactly what we want, but we can get very close in a very short amount of time.", said Shepard with a shrug.

He was silent for a moment as he conversed with the Hive. After a moment he spoke again.

"Remember we are in essence a virus, which works by altering D.N.A. When we create a hypothetical D.N.A structure we guess what it might do and then we try and apply it to ourselves. If it turns out it did not result in what we wanted or our predictions were wrong, we just get rid of it and start again. If it turns out how we planed, or close enough, then we have effectively given ourselves a new advantage to our continued survival and will continue working with that structure to get it as close as possible to what we want to achieve. Genes can be very predictable if you know what you are doing, and trust me when I say we do.", said Shepard.

"I see. Interesting.", said Mordin.

This is new for us. We as many have long grown used to knowing what the all thinks. These races are unpredictable to us. A mystery to be solved. A mystery we are not likely to ever solve, not while so many individuals bereft of the hive exist. It is our salvation from ourselves, for so long as that individuality exists we will not be lost within our dreams and memories. And yet it could also be our end. While unlikely these aliens could destroy us, nothing was impossible. Of course they would have to do so cleverly, but nothing is unbeatable, nothing is unkillable.

The issue is trust

Indeed, trust is a two way street. We do not know them, and we cannot trust them, how could we expect them to trust us as we are. We are pandemic and pestilence given an ever shifting form that roams the cosmos, and spreads. We are horrifying to them. We are an apocalypse made flesh. Ever growing, ever changing. They should be terrified, just as the humans were during our rampancy.

We cannot have history repeat itself

No we can not. Not as we are, we cannot lose the control we have over our biomass. What would happen if we never found them? Would we have all been forever lost to our dreams as our flesh continued to move. Assimilating all life. What if we evolved further to assimilate matter and energy itself. Forever dooming us to solitude and isolation.

We need them if we are to prevent that

But the question is how can we trust them, and more importantly, how can they trust us. Billions of minds contemplated, and planed, and none could see an answer. It was much too new. But Blacklight can adapt, it can learn. The answer will be found one day, the only question is when and more importantly how.

We are many, we are as brilliant as we are vast. We will figure out how to save us from the apathy so many have fallen into, they are only now just being saved thanks to them. We owe them so much for that alone. We will plan, and we will learn. If we are to remain as we are, as we should be. We need them, and that may be our greatest weakness.

The Omega-4 relay was collectively known as the most dangerous relay in the galaxy. None who have gone through have ever returned, except of course for them. The Collectors. And though no one was around to see it, a large ship resembling a bee hive and a star ship exited the relay.

It roamed silently through space, unseen. After only a moment the Ship entered FTL speeds, slower than using relays, but fast enough none the less. No long after that, something else exited the Relay, something old, something powerful.

Nazara, the lone Reaper had sent available information to Harbinger, and he had his orders. The Collectors, while useful in their own way, were also a liability in many regards, especially considering the known capabilities of the species Blacklight, though theirs was a hardy pawn, and even with Blacklight's prowess, the Collectors knew how to fight without actually engaging the enemy.

The Reaper did not follow after the Collectors, no it had something else to gain. Lesser than even the Collectors, but they were unable to fall to that cancer that made itself known to the galaxy. They were far from ideal, but they would do for now.

Nazara entered his own FTL speed, and took off towards the planet of the machines. Hopefully they would get there before the Geth attempted to contact Blacklight.

Evolved watched from the distance as the Salarians went to their labs. They were watched at all times, no matter what. High above the world a single STG star ship floated, currently it floated aimlessly to preserve power for the long months they would be their to relay information back home. Of course to the fear of everyone on-board, their systems failed. Only Life Support was functioning, everything else was off.

The Evolved did not know this, instead each one working diligently as they walked towards the few uninfected areas of the planet. Any wildlife found would be consumed and it's genes taken back to the mass. Not all of Shanxi's resident species was consumed, and several areas were left untouched by Blacklight's infestation, where the wildlife was allowed to grow. Blacklight had learned from earth what happens when all life was consumed.

While geothermal energy and the rays of the sun could be used for sustenance, it was greatly inefficient to Blacklight when compared to consuming biomass, and Shanxi's life was abundant, or rather it was. Now large biomes were blocked off by walls of biomass allowing the life within to grow, before they were consumed.

It allowed for a near inexhaustible source of biomass. Hunters and Brawlers patrolled these biomes, watching the animals below. Ensuring no species would go extinct like what happened on earth during the Rampancy. They would never again be deprived of biomass again.

As the infestation of Shanxi continued, a new face made itself known to the Many. The very same race that had cut off the Salarians communication network. Instantly the many knew that something came through the relay, and the entire planet stood still. They knew the Turians had finished their rescue operation. They began to prepare for any event, whether it be peace or war.

High above the planet a Massive Bioship flew to the relay, where it began manifesting claws and tentacles as it's shape streamlined allowing it to move ever faster. Bio-polymer weaved into it's carapace in the event of an attack and specialized muscles that were built to shoot hardened bone spikes developed within the Bioships maw.

Within the Bioship, composed of hundreds of thousands of miles of densely packed nervous systems that coiled inside the body, as element zero nodes larger than a Krogan grew in specific areas along the system. Once the biotic network was complete, a biotic aura grew around the Bioship as it made it's way to the new ship.

It was a small ship of metal and wire, like the species of the citadel, though it's appearance was odd. It's size made it clear this ship was meant for stealth, and considering the memories of the consumed Turians, who knew these ships well, it was not a surprise that this race would choose to move quietly through the stars.

The Bioship watched as the ship began using flashes of light to commune with it using Morse code. Considering Blacklight had no ship to ship radio technology, it would have to do for now. Slowly the intruders message became clear.

'Greetings Blacklight. We are Geth. We wish to initiate an exchange of data.'