An Elephant Is Not Required, If I Can Use The Media To Be Admired

Xuumo-kalashasi stood in the elcor embassy, the scents and subtle lighting effects carefully calculated to put his people at ease, to recreate a sense of the birthworld. In his case, though, it did no such thing. It was, after all, nothing but an incomplete illusion; enticing, yes, promising - but utterly dependent on the willingness of imagination to work with what was given. Perhaps his own imagination was deficient. It wasn’t real, was the problem, and while patience was a trait for which his kind were renowned, Xuumo was unimpressed by substitutes for the real thing. Knowing that it was he who delayed his return home, that he had the option to go at any time, made his frustration all the more pronounced. But he would not go back before he had what was rightfully his.

Now, though, he might be getting it.

He had long despised the Citadel, even the most elcor-friendly of areas, resenting the confines of this artificial habitat, absent the open sky and the firm earth. His self-enforced absence from his people's few haunts aboard the station made it worse. Since returning from Farish Vey, though, he had come to recognise one of the benefits of being here - namely, that it didn’t rain. If he ever stood in the rain again, it would be too soon.

He stood now before chargé d'affaires Noltax, an embassy official enjoying his first taste of leadership in the temporary absence of the Ambassador. He was a friendly type, his scent cues and rumbles qualifying his polite questioning with fascination and projected goodwill. Xuumo allowed his pride to show through, basking in the admiration of another elcor. He had worn his best sheath and his cuffs were shined to perfection. Alonso had helped him with that. Slightly dismayed at the thought - and the satisfaction it had conjured - he stifled it with deliberate effort. Alonso he would worry about later. For now he needed to build his case here, and he was out of practice conversing with his own kind. He worried that his mannerisms would seem broad and clumsy.

He still couldn't believe he'd done it. The solution was so foolish he'd wanted to roll his eyes. A formula, as it turned out, which would allow those in the know to find a hidden cargo provided one knew where Pietro had set down. With Alonso guilted into revealing it, they had found the appropriate spot without much effort, and there a rather flimsy metallic container buried in the ground in ridiculously haphazard fashion, evidently the best Pietro could do with the Reapers breathing down his neck. Quite what had happened on that last desperate run, Xuumo still wondered.

“No means of access" their salarian guide had prattled, before Xuumo had broken the casing with a single blow, something Alonso had deemed “awesome” and which had silenced the irritating amphibian. Upon finding the artefacts inside - just sitting there, innocently, as though their two-year detour was of no concern at all - Xuumo had nearly bellowed in triumph. That or he might have cried. The sense of victory had been ruined, of course, by the salarian and his probing questions, but these aliens didn't know elcor cultural artefacts from elcor doorstops, and the guide had swiftly lost interest when told they were personal effects of no real objective significance.

With the appropriate respects paid to the overworked local government, obvious mess that it was, Xuumo had booked passage on the first run-down freighter to escape the planet, leaving the colonists to their silly schemes of social engineering. He and his cargo – the valuable part and the now expendable part – had finally returned to what the humans insisted on calling the Local Cluster, which he supposed was actually now quite an appropriate name, hub of transport as it was. He’d requested an immediate audience with officials at the embassy, breaking the wall of silence he’d so studiously erected over the last two years. And so here he was.

"We've made a point of your employment with the Courts, prior to the war" said Noltax. Recognition of service, polite formality, cautious interrogation. "This should hopefully provide a greater sense of continuity with the pre-war status quo, something our people will find reassuring". Quiet commitment to public good, assumption of inherent agreement.

“I had the honour to once escort the Ralinbathanon Collection, among others. It is due to that history that I recognized the significance of the find. I am unsure precisely how it ended up in Pietro Cutri’s possession in the first place. I suspect some disreputable types among the Alliance staff were seeking to take advantage of the chaos to pilfer our cultural history”. Guarded presentation of assumed truth acknowledged as being yet uncertain. Pleasure and relief at sense of resolution, hints of narrowly avoided disaster, personal investment.

“Those were dark days, Xuumo. Dekuuna evacuated...” Sorrow, slight apology for morose reflection. Noltax shifted his body mass mournfully, his scent shifting to something that a human might call a shudder, were a shudder based on involuntary pheromones. Xuumo matched the response. Empathic identification, longing for home. Noltax continued: “To think that some would use such a crisis as cover for acts of treachery and selfish gain...” Distress, generalized sense of anger, solicitation of agreement, personable appeal to shared values.

Agreement. Amazed consideration at the gall. Weariness over recent trials.

For a long moment, nothing was said. Silence such as this was comfortable for elcor, as each participant in the conversation reflected on what had been learned, their subtle shifts in body language and occasional low rumbles expressing their changing perspective as they turned things over. In this manner they ambled their way to a sensible resolution, teasing out the appropriate approach to the matter at paw.

Noltax eventually broke the silence: “Pre-war record aside, you’ve been off of our radar for some time, Xuumo”. Genuine interest, lack of comprehension, desire for understanding. Hint of accusatory displeasure, abstract sense of mild betrayal.

Xuumo shifted his body mass in a manner that both expressed a form of humility and demonstrated his frustration. “It has been extremely difficult. My time here has been plagued with doubts over what I had lost, and the stress of re-examining my foundations. I was left uncertain of my place and my legacy. I believe I was in desperate need of answers”. Acknowledgement of shameful lapses, uncertainty, proud commitment to personal virtues. Hints at truths acknowledged with reluctance.

“It is to our benefit that you did so”. Acceptance, familiarity. Solidarity. Noltax raised a paw, and Xuumo clasped it. “This is a joyous occasion for all elcor”. Assumption of shared delight, satisfaction of outcome, slight unwillingness to overlook poor judgement.

“For the cultured among us, yes”.

Acknowledgment of attempted humour, vigorous agreement. "We will be making the announcement shortly. The Embalhoth Collection was feared lost indefinitely. The Harsher Chastisement of Or-Gyclyn is one half of our identity as modern elcor, so say some of the scholars. Controversial of course, but the influence of the twin cities will see another boost from this. How it ended up in the paws of a human...”

Overt admission of error, appeal to understanding. "I knew Pietro as a colleague of sorts for some years; indeed, my desire to track the ship’s final journey was motivated largely by desire to pay my respects. A pilgrimage, it might be said. Pietro was a friend, or so I thought. Hasty and selfish like humans tend to be, but he was smart in his way".

“He appears to have been less than trustworthy”. Chastisement tempered by distance.

“It is possible he was seeking to keep our cultural treasures secure, as was so often the terms of his employment - in order to return them to Dekuuna when the war was over. We may never know”. Mingled anger and disinterested acceptance.

“Possible, but not likely”. Noltax ruminated for a moment. “This could potentially lead to embarrassment for the Courts. SATAE will be resentful of implications that their former staff were involved in anything of this magnitude. Ideally, we would take time to prepare a story, but someone appears to have leaked the news of your discovery. We're under pressure to make a statement. Weary frustration. I cannot say I blame them for their enthusiasm”. Tolerance, pleasure at affirmation of shared virtue, suggestion of inevitability.

“The story is inspiring, perhaps, but nothing outlandish. This is an age of reconstruction and rediscovery. I am sure I will handle it. Pride, anticipation of agreement.

“Again, your history of providing oversight for our cultural heritage will be a boon there, certainly”. Willingness to trust, pointed reminder of potential consequences. Are you up to date on the situation back on the birthworld?"

“I have read the rediscovered Code, although I have not had opportunity to learn of the commentaries and deliberations in any depth”.

“You have kept yourself knowledgeable throughout your absence?"

“I am dedicated to my roots, Noltax. My love for Dekuuna has sustained me through these trying times. I have every intention of making this discovery a symbol of hope and pride for our people". Fierce emphasis, personally committed promise made with righteous intent.

He watched as Noltax gave the elcor equivalent of a nod.

I'm going to get my life back. And not before time!

The crowd was considerably smaller than Xuumo had expected, and that made him quietly anxious. He hoped the others weren't picking up on it; now would be a poor time to earn a reputation for nerves. He'd anticipated greater interest, though, and the absence of the swelling throng he'd originally pictured undercut the pleasures of the moment. After a second or two, he relented and acknowledged to himself that, no, the crowd was smaller than he'd hoped. Not at all the same thing. He supposed its size wasn't really relevant, wasn't indicative in any way of how the news would be received. Distributed across C-space as it would be, the revelation would surely lift the spirits of elcor far and wide. He had hoped, though - there was that word again - for something more impressive.

He thought he knew why the showing here on the Citadel was so poor. It was also no surprise to him as to who was responsible for it. One of these days, those gibbering amphibians are going to be the death of me. With the protests and panic over the terrorist attack on the salarian homeworld, everything else had been of little interest in comparison. Most of the reporters here were simply going through the motions, doing their job, not particularly invested in the announcement at all. Disappointing. He should try to do something about that.

He was going to make sure this went the way he wanted.

The Gelor'dekuu, the banner of the First of All Meetings, the symbol of the original Courts, flew from a totem pole erected as per Dekuunan custom. Noltax stood before it, minor embassy officials flanking him, and security guards with their heavy ceremonial shoulder pads, decked out in their formal attire of deep green and crimson. Xuumo, standing beside and slightly behind the charge d'affaires, felt a very real sense of contentment. It was good, more than good, to belong again. He just wished there were more people interested in watching.It will have to do

He took in the small crowd of onlookers, evaluating them with not a little judgement. They lingered with representatives of the press, some of whom looked alarmingly bored, as though they'd rather be covering the dramatic situation with the salarians and not a plodding press release from the elcor. Many of those present who weren't journalists were elcor themselves. He was pretty certain that one of the volus he spied was a part of Kuat Nom's immediate clan; he fixed the rotund alien with a piercing gaze, getting no response from that ridiculous suited face, but hoping Kuat Nom would hear directly of his successes. Mostly, he tried to avoid looking at the few salarians present. They would just anger him.

Noltax began to speak, and Xuumo waited for the response.

Here we go.

"Warmly: The Courts of Dekuuna are pleased to announce the recent recovery of one of Dekuuna's most significant cultural treasures. Two years after our most devastating conflict, the congruence of citizen diligence and good fortune has restored to the elcor people the renowned Embalhoth Collection, including the Harsher Chastisement of Or-Gyclyn, one half of the deeply symbolic Pride of the Twin Cities. With pleasure: Positive confirmation of the artefact's identity has been made, and elcor government authorities will be investigating the site of the rediscovery, on the world of Farish Vey.

Soundbite: An important piece of our collective culture has successfully made the long journey home.

Warmth and gratitude: The Courts are indebted to Mr. Xuumo-kalashasi, a pre-war government employee, who by chance succeeded in locating the missing collection, and who immediately recognized the significance of the find".

The questions began, rather by rote and lacking much in the way of enthusiasm. Elcor just weren't of interest in a galaxy where monstrous plant-based weapons were eating Sur'Keshian cities. An asari was the first to get a query in, the sheer force of her personality - she was likely pushing Matriarch, if not there already - causing her counterparts to all but cower before her.

"Elcor record-keeping is renowned. How did such a important artefact drop off the Courts' radar to begin with?"

"Abstractly apologetic: That is not yet entirely clear, though through careful analysis we've attempted to ascertain the likely course of events. Grim recollection: The chaos of the evacuation of Dekuuna, during the Reaper War, represented a disruption that was unprecedented in our history, and necessitated haste that in any other circumstance would have been unseemly. Matter-of-fact: It's believed that a diligent soul took steps, perhaps misguided, to ensure the artefacts' immediate safety. Unfortunately, it appears their desperate security measures were too effective, for upon their death at the paws of the Reapers no record remained of the collection's fate. With firm emphasis: This oversight was a consequence of the desperate conditions of the war, and does not reflect on the otherwise flawless record of Dekuuna's most revered archivists".

"Where is the artefact now?"

"It is being stored at a secure location on the Citadel, awaiting transportation to Dekuuna. Apologetic: Due to ongoing concerns regarding security, it will not be available for viewing by the public at this time. Images and proof of authenticity will of course be released in the near future".

A human female, her fur cascading down her back, was next. "Given the reinterpretation of certain standing policies among Dekuuna's leadership, due to the rediscovery of the original Code of the Ancients, has the significance of this recovery been affected by recent rulings?"

Someone had actually been following the situation on Dekuuna, then. The humans, he'd learned, could often surprise you.

Noltax offered his answer. "Decisively: The protection of our heritage is the foundation upon which the strength of the elcor is built. Reinterpretation is less important in the short-term than simple restoration. It is the Courts' determination that any and all aspects of our culture scattered by the Reapers be returned to their correct and proper place, to be once again counted among the defining building blocks of our cultural edifice. With respectful delight: It is due to the diligence and civic virtues of people like Xuumo that the Courts remain a significant member nation of the Citadel, demonstrating that the elcor people remain committed to rebuilding from the damage inflicted by the Reaper War".

That was the cue for Xuumo himself to begin absorbing questions. He stepped forward very slightly, raising his head.

"Mr, Xuumo, you handled matters of transportation and security for such artefacts prior to the war?"

"Warmly: That is correct. It was due to my former professional contacts that I was able to trace a former colleague who had disappeared at the height of the war. To my considerable delight, the trip proved productive in a manner I hadn't anticipated. Firmly: Upon recognizing the significance of the find, and assuming that my former colleague had been attempting to secure the collection for safekeeping, I immediately took steps to return it safely to my pre-war employers.

With courteous acknowledgement: The embassy was quick to authenticate my findings; it is to the credit of my government that they have shown such commitment to restoring the heritage and morale of the elcor people".

"What does such a recovery mean for the elcor people?"

He'd been hoping for a question like that.

"With determination: It is at times like these that we have to look at ourselves as part of a larger community, to understand that the elcor can serve not merely as an auxiliary member of the Citadel - what Francis Kitt might call a 'spear-carrier' - but as an inspiration to the other races. Solemn: With the recent news from Sur'Kesh, we have entered into a state of uncertainty regarding our collective long-term stability. Proudly: Stability is the defining trait of the elcor government. It is that which has sustained us throughout this trying time of rebuilding, and the restoration of another part of our heritage will, I hope, strengthen not only the sons and daughters of Dekuuna, but allow us to demonstrate to our neighbours the virtues of perseverance and cultural self-awareness".

To his satisfaction, many of the reporters actually looked slightly more interested. Probably they hadn't been expecting an opportunity to make this so overtly about the salarians. Noltax wanted to avoid seeming insensitive to the salarians' plight, but Xuumo was sure he could capitalise on the incident without undermining his leaders.

A turian raised another question. "Regarding Sur'Kesh, the recent recovery of "The Dalatrass" is, of sorts, just such an opportunity, perhaps mirroring your own success? Can you comment on that?".

Xuumo hadn't even heard of this. The Dalatrass? From the context, he assumed it was a matter of cultural heritage, not one of the actual old bags having been saved. Would anyone even care about the latter?

Noltax informed him, via a shift in stance and a particular low hum, that he was going to answer this one.

"Quietly forceful: It is imperative in this era of rediscovery and change that we acknowledge the points of similarity between our races. Art, culture, the sense of whom each of us are as a people; these are the true treasures, the incomparable prizes which so many of the galaxy's noble denizens, warrior and civilian alike, sacrificed greatly to preserve. Firmly: As Xuumo has so correctly noted, the elcor government remains committed to rebuilding not only our own holdings but the morale of Citadel space in its entirety. The Courts would emphasise that the artefact was recovered on Farish Vey, a salarian colony. As such, we are especially interested in the unfolding situation - and the unfortunate instability - within the Union".

Any difficult questions regarding what had happened to the artefacts since leaving Dekuuna would hopefully be directed now at the Union, which was already a target of harsh inquiry, and not at the Systems Alliance Transitional Authority over Earth, which the Courts were currently more involved with. No need to announce any human involvement, at least not if they could avoid it.

Xuumo silently informed Noltax that he wished to speak again. The response, equally subtle, was affirmative but cautionary.

Xuumo made his final statement.

"Proudly: It is fitting that in a time of renewed distress for the Citadel and its affiliates, that we are reminded of that which makes this union great. As a citizen of the elcor nation, I am proud to be a part of the strongest and most secure force for peace and prosperity that exists in this galaxy, namely the Citadel community of which Dekuuna is enthusiastically a part.

With forceful assurance: The Citadel endures, and this discovery has reaffirmed for me the importance of remembering what it is that makes us so potent a force: our sense of history, our shared pride in our heritage, our commitment to rebuilding in the face of adversity.

Sincerely: I can only conclude by stating my commitment to ensuring that this discovery mean something big, not only for my beloved Dekuuna but to all of us in this trying time, from the Citadel itself to Sur'Kesh".

The salarians had thrown a spanner into the works for sure, but in the long run it might work out in his favour. Such was the way of fortune. And fortune had seemingly decided to align itself with him, at least for now.

As he basked in media attention - as disappointing in scope as it was - he reflected that he was finally getting his life back on track.

The sense of relief and pleasure carried him through most of the rest of the day; it lasted him until he returned to his paddock. Possibly he was becoming very sensitive to human moods, or those at least of one particular human, because the moment he stepped inside he could feel the tension, even in the absence of pheromones. It was a sense of discontent practically hanging in the air, and Xuumo prepared himself, annoyed that he should be so tentative.

Alonso had been in his “bed”, a hammock-like construct that Xuumo had rather desperately thrown together upon first taking him in, which the boy had then reworked into something more suitable. Apparently he’d had time to sit and think, and he jumped down to confront his guardian, an accusatory look in his eyes.

“You’re back”.

Despite himself, Xuumo felt a surge of humour. The sight of the human child, sternly adopting a scolding attitude toward an adult many times his size and weight, was rather amusing. There was no timidity there. Probably it’s because he likes you. Whether that was a true emotional appreciation or a simple opportunistic attachment Xuumo still didn’t know, but Alonso had become comfortable with him, comfortable enough that a disagreement wouldn’t give him ideas of slipping away (although maybe that was just fondness for his better living standards winning out over pride), and comfortable enough that he would challenge Xuumo if he felt slighted.

Clearly, inevitably, he felt slighted at present.

The lack of scent-based qualifiers, and the human manner of expressing emotion -- in tone of voice, in the eyes, in the body language that seemed both broad and imprecise -- made the species seem both oddly restrained yet unsubtle, as though their emotions were primal and unsophisticated, yet constantly restrained. So much raw emotional power bottled up in such an undersized being; sentimental fool as he was, it had an effect on him.

This must be the way they view their infants.

“Contrite: I forget that elcor proceedings drag on too long for others’ sensibilities. I should have sent you a message”.

“Yeah, so what happens now? Now that you’ve been through “proceedings” for, what, five days?” There was challenge in his voice, but also something not unlike a mild plea. The boy still hadn’t entirely reconciled his vulnerabilities with the tough exterior demeanour he’d learned to cultivate in the ducts. Five days was a long time for a young human to hang in limbo.

“Contented: For now, we wait for the response of the elcor people, particularly those of the Twin Cities. Personal satisfaction: Do not worry, Alonso. This is our... meal ticket, I believe the humans say?”

“I thought we were going to sell them". The simple statement had the tone of a challenge. In spite of the size difference between the two of them, the young human managed to sound comfortable standing his ground; as though he were addressing a partner - a senior partner of course, but a partner nonetheless.

“Patiently: There are more effective ways of making use of the opportunity. Never underestimate the benefits of reputation.

With certainty: This investment will pay off handsomely in the long run.

Firm conviction: It’s also the right thing to do. We must respect our roots, Alonso".

The boy bit his lip. His impatience and mounting frustration weren't unexpected, and Xuumo was frankly surprised (and a little heartened) that he'd lasted this long. Alonso had shared in the jubilation of the initial find, happily sharing with Xuumo a celebratory drink (Blacklight Extrastrong Ferment for Xuumo, a carbonated concoction for Alonso) on the return from Farish Vey. Possibly he had seen the collected artefacts, on a subconscious level if nothing else, as a final gift from his father; a last, precious connection. Naturally, then, he’d object to having them removed so quickly from his control, with no immediate benefit to himself. It was like losing an inheritance, the last transference from his father apparently squandered, only it packed an emotional blow as well. Some new comforting reality had been wrested away from him.

“Sternly: Alonso, you aren't thinking this through. I would ask you, again, to recall our discussions concerning haste”.

“I'm not being hasty!" he cried, then apparently felt embarrassed at the lapse. "... Sorry".

"Magnanimously: Apology accepted. Softly reasonable: I understand how you feel, Alonso. You see this, I think, as the two of us against the universe. That you and I were kindred souls disconnected from our own kind by circumstance, surviving as best we could.

Awkwardly empathic: Possibly you have become used to a sense of separation from the circles of functional society.

Stiffly: I regret that, and I wish I had succeeded in tracking you down sooner.

With conviction: Understand, though, that I am elcor; we are at our most effective operating among our fellows. This may be a difficult transition for you, but believe me when I tell you that the opportunities before us are immense. Once again -".

"Patience. Yeah, I know". He sighed, his frustration undisguised.

Given how Alonso could recognise certain basic scent cues, Xuumo emphasised how important this was to him, not averse to using his otherwise shameful vulnerabilities to play on the human's emotions. Please understand this.

"I just don't see how I'm being any use here". Alonso left it unspoken, but the real complaint was less humble and a lot more accusatory. You let me think we were going to be in this together, that I'd be involved. That you would be showing me things, not leaving me out of the loop while you get friendly with other elcor.

Xuumo couldn’t help but sympathise with the boy. Two years of struggling alone had taken its toll on both of them; they truly were equivalent. Look at what he himself had been willing to endure for the mere chance at continuing his life where he’d left off - how could he begrudge Alonso for being equally committed to that vision? Indeed, he'd always admired perseverance in all its forms. The boy was strong, even if still damaged by his ordeal.

So are you. He quashed the thought at once, very much annoyed at it.

There was also, he admitted, the uncomfortable truth that Alonso had proven far more cooperative than he’d expected. Xuumo had feared he’d flee back to the ducts if he knew he was being used, but the boy had adapted to their new partnership with some speed. He really does want this.

He found himself thinking now of his honoured mother. The young needed to follow in the wake of people they could respect, they needed to look ahead and feel pride at the footsteps in which they followed. That was true whether you were elcor, human, or asari. Alonso had no-one left, having lost his mother young and his father during the war. Substituting an elcor into the parental role was a surreal and probably unworkable patch over the wound, for all that he’d convinced Michelle Rondor that this arrangement would work.

Before long, I'm going to have to do something about this.

But not today. Today he should put the boy's mind at ease.

"Fondly: You’ve been sitting here for much of the day with nothing to do, haven’t you? Regretfully: I haven’t spent much time with you lately.

Grimly apologetic: Too much preparation and discussion at the embassy. You’ve been at loose ends, and that is another thing I regret.

Pleasant suggestion: Why don’t we go and get a nice meal, at a restaurant, perhaps find some entertainment afterwards?"

"You’re trying to distract me".

"Bluntly: Yes, I am. Because that's what life is, Alonso. It's about distracting ourselves from the more unpleasant truths and the things we don't want to think about by taking some time to simply... appreciate the moment. With gravity: Shall we see what the Citadel has to offer this evening?"

Alonso seemed to relent, perhaps accepting this as another lesson in elcor etiquette, and so in a sense the sort of thing he was clamouring for, albeit still a frustration. "Yeah, okay. But tomorrow -"

"Conviction: Tomorrow we can discuss this further. For now, we will distract ourselves".

They held a silent negotiation for almost half a minute, and then Alonso gave in. "Okay. See? I'm being patient. Where are we going, then?"

"Drily: This is you being patient?"

"Yeah, yeah..." The boy waved him off, but it was much less confrontational. The discussion had been successfully shut down for another evening, at least.

Xuumo felt he should make a concession anyway, and thought for a moment about what to say. Eventually, though, he found he couldn't think of anything.