Begin first contact operations immediately using the remote-controlled human drones to meet with representatives from the investigating species
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You sit in a specially designed neural interface chair, your seven-and-a-half-foot frame dwarfing the equipment. Neural connectors slide smoothly into position against your temples as Maxine activates the drone control system.
"Neural interface established," Maxine announces, her enormous breasts straining against her lab coat as she monitors your vital signs. "You're now connected to your personal drone platform stationed on our diplomatic vessel."
Your consciousness splits, part of you remaining aware of the command center while simultaneously experiencing the world through your drone's eyes. The drone—a perfect replica of you, though scaled down to a more conventional human height—stands in the sleek command deck of the diplomatic vessel Harmony.
Around you, other drone platforms controlled by your inner circle prepare for the meeting. Maxine's drone adjusts her glasses with the same precise movements as the real Maxine. Victoria's drone wears an immaculate business suit, her posture perfect as she reviews diplomatic protocols.
"First contact vessels approaching our boundary," reports Navigator Chen, a volunteer from your empire piloting her own drone. "Sensors show Turian, Asari, and Salarian signatures."
"Open a communications channel," your drone instructs, your voice perfectly recreated through its vocal systems. "Standard first contact protocols."
The viewscreen activates, revealing the interior of an Asari diplomatic vessel. An elegant blue-skinned woman stands at its center, flanked by a rigid Turian and an inquisitive-looking Salarian.
"This is Matriarch Tevura of the Asari Republics," the Asari introduces herself, her voice measured and diplomatic. "We detected an unusual energy signature emanating from this region and came to investigate."
"I am Jane Powers, representing humanity," your drone replies with the practiced ease of a leader. "We welcome peaceful contact with other species."
The initial exchanges go smoothly—introductions, cultural acknowledgments, the basics of human society. Victoria's drone handles questions about governance structures while Maxine's drone fields scientific inquiries.
The Salarian representative, Dr. Mordin Solus, leans forward with characteristic speed-talking enthusiasm. "Curious about energy signature. Unprecedented scale. Purpose?"
Your drone responds with the prepared cover story: "We discovered ancient ruins on one of our worlds. Prothean, we believe. They contained warnings about entities called 'Reapers'—sentient machines that periodically exterminate all advanced organic life. Shortly after discovery, volcanic activity destroyed the ruins, but not before we extracted enough information to develop a preventative measure."
Dr. Solus's eyes narrow slightly. "Fascinating. If ruins destroyed, how were they operational? Our scans indicate this region produces nullification field against element zero technology."
Maxine's drone steps forward smoothly. "There are pockets within the anomaly that allow element zero to function under specific parameters. The ruins were located in one such pocket. Unfortunately, the volcanic eruption that destroyed them also collapsed the pocket, expanding the nullification field."
The explanation seems to satisfy the Salarian, who nods rapidly. "Logical explanation. Would value opportunity to study phenomenon."
Matriarch Tevura smiles diplomatically. "We would be interested in establishing formal diplomatic relations with humanity. Your preventative measure, while startling, seems to have had no negative effects on our territories."
"We look forward to productive discussions," your drone responds. "We're prepared to share cultural and scientific knowledge within reason. Perhaps we could arrange a face-to-face meeting in neutral space?"
"Most agreeable," the Turian representative finally speaks. "Commander Victus of the Turian Hierarchy would welcome such an exchange."
As the meeting concludes, the aliens' vessels prepare to withdraw, promising to return with formal diplomatic delegations. You maintain your drone's pleasant smile until the communication ends.
Back in the command center, you disconnect from the neural interface, a satisfied smile spreading across your face.
"They bought it completely," Victoria notes with professional approval.
"Phase one successful," Maxine confirms, checking the readings from the contact. "First impression: positive. Suspicion level: minimal."
"Perfect," you purr. "Now we begin the long game."