So, this story began its life as 'oh, it'll be a short plot, it'll all be good'- and then, suddenly, it turned into this sprawling conspiracy theory saga that is still on-going. Nearly done, though!
Some context: This is based on a couple reports from Cerberus Daily News, which is the bulk of what I'll be going off of. Namely: the leaked economic reports, the TRUE STORY ABOUT THE GETH! + the raloi delegation. Beware tons of headcanon- these are both incredibly skeletal characters, and Bioware never bothered to give us a description of the raloi, so.
WARNINGS: There are ADULT THEMES in this 'fic. I will give every single chapter that has 'questionable material' the correct warnings/etc, though, so no one'll be caught off-guard. Also, I'll label any of those portions of the 'fic 'plot relevant' or 'not plot relevant' so you know what you can skip, and what you can't. Either way, you've been warned.
Original version of the 'fic (with all its unedited parts) can be found on the Mass Effect Kinkmeme under the same title (check the delicious archive).
[ 1 :: The Less Said About It, The Better ]
One and a half centuries past, Tela Vasir had gotten it in her head to leave a promising career as a military commando behind, and return to the city of Nos Astra. Born and raised in what passed for the middle-class suburbs of the commercial juggernaut, she found it difficult to abandon it entirely, even if it meant leaving the more 'relaxed' environment of Citadel space behind.
It wasn't the promise of wealth, additional freedoms, or the variety the two combined could buy on Illium that served as a lure; rather, it was the prospect of launching a career in law enforcement.
Most of her colleagues had looked at her cross-eyed, her commanding officer echoing the unspoken sentiment with a flatly stated, "The hell is wrong with you?"
Those few friends she kept in contact with back in Nos Astra had repeated the question multiple times, even more vehemently.
"You've got actual talent," one of them said, gawking at her as if she'd grown a second head. "It's what got you out of this shithole in the first place. What the hell are you wasting it for?"
Tela hadn't bothered to explain, save to facetiously state that she'd been swept up in a wave of nostalgia. In truth, it was a simple report that had caught her attention, one that stated that the police force had been overhauled entirely. About as useless as a bag of hair, law enforcement in Nos Astra was infamous- even within Citadel space- for being slipshod, the palms of their corporate-appointed Chiefs and sheriffs greased, leaving their lower-ranking personnel obstructed in cases that should have taken priority.
Apparently, the locals- the people who were like her, who worked for their money, and worked hard, besides- hadn't taken kindly to word that the force had become so worthless that even the corporate moguls who their ineffectuality had benefited the most began to complain. It was obvious to anyone with half a brain that the move wasn't made out of any sense of charity; anyone who was dumb enough to suggest it would've been laughed out of the room. No, it was as opportunistic as everything else the Illium matriarchs pulled, a calculated defense pulled out of their asses once civilian suspicions edged too close to the truth. In that, it wasn't a surefire shot that the 'new and improved' force would be of any use- but it was a gamble Tela was willing to take, if only for the sake of being closer to home.
With her nearly half-way to her fourth century of life, it became something of a joke that she had the inclination at all. To her new colleagues, it seemed only too fitting that, on the eve of her matron years, she wasn't seeking to mother a child, but instead, play den mother to an entire city district. There may have been some merit to that- Tela had never felt a particularly strong inclination towards raising children, nor did she see the urge striking anytime soon- but that was neither here, nor there... and, in the end, the force was more than happy to have her on-board.
Their prediction that it wouldn't last, however- that came true. Just not for the reasons any of them had in mind.
Sure as hell wasn't one she had in mind. It was surprising enough to see a Council Spectre walk into her office with little warning, saying nothing of being recruited to work alongside him- though... the reasons for that were less than shocking.
"You're the best biotic we've got here," her superior said, the elder matron's lack of enthusiasm nothing short of glaring. "Figure you're less likely to get killed on whatever 'caper' he's got in mind."
The implication wasn't exactly subtle. She'd gotten enough matriarchal panties in a twist to give the Chief ulcers; had a hand in taking down one of the more notorious money-laundering CEOs in the city- only made sense that they'd send her on a suicidal mission.
Only, there was that one small comment that came afterwards: "Besides... he requested you by name."
The admittance was a grudging one; made her expectations bleed away almost immediately. Nearly distracted her from wondering what the hell a spectre was doing so close to the Terminus systems in the first place, though that answered itself quickly enough: most of the refugees from Citadel space made it a point to go through Illium to get to Omega in order to evade authorities entirely. He'd give her some bland compliments for figuring that one out on her own, though he'd clearly been impressed that she'd been paying attention.
He was paying attention, too, she'd learned. Pointed out more than once that she was adept at picking up subtle cues in the investigation that most didn't; that she seemed to know all the right people to ask, even when she'd admitted to being in a place that she wasn't quite familiar with. She'd brushed the questioning off as suspicion- necessary paranoia, whatever you'd like to call it- at the time, though her dispatcher's words were still fresh in her mind: that she'd been requested by name to assist.
Shouldn't have shocked her that, once the investigation was over- with favorable results, no less- that she received a communique, one inviting her to come back to Citadel Space for a candid interview. Not with just anyone, though- with the Council.
Her performance, apparently, had been noteworthy enough to earn her an offer to become a spectre, herself- and she knew better than to decline.
It didn't take long for her to establish herself as an exemplary member of the already formidable organization, one willing to take full advantage of the Council's hands-off approach to their agents, exploiting- as she had on Illium- any and all methods available to her to complete her assignments. It was only on rare occasions that her tactics were questioned, but more often than not, the Council was only too happy to have someone on board whose discretion, and complimentary aptitudes, allowed them an incredible range of deniability, especially in cases that were too sensitive for a brute-force approach.
On into her fifth century, she continued to be assigned to tasks that played to her strengths, the most recent being a fine example of just that: the retrieval of information pertaining to an organization that had leaked sensitive financial documents to the public. The move had been instigated- at least in peripheral terms- by the Vol Protectorate's accusations of the Council releasing fraudulent information in regards to the economy, specifically unemployment. The more virulently the public outcry spread, the more it seemed likely that fringe groups might take advantage of the situation and, unsurprisingly, they did.
The documents, released on the extranet for all to see, was uploaded none too long after the populist movement had begun, turning an already tense situation into an outright firestorm. Councilors Valern and Tevos, both hailing from affluent backgrounds, took the worst of the backlash from the press- accused of everything from class warfare by those who were feeling the worst of the economic downturn, to a range of ludicrous conspiracies. Though Sparatus was not without his share of bruising, his military background served as its own shield against harsh criticism; though he was being taken in by the fiscal elite, he was, at least, less likely to be behind the measures taken.
All the while, the threat of more documentation being released on the extranet was a very real one. In the end, not one, but several Spectres had been assigned to dredge up intel on whoever was behind the leak, and, true to form, Tela had been the one to pinpoint the origin. It was one of the many occasions where cutting corners had truly paid off, and the sense of relief among the councilors was, she wagered, likely to be a palpable force unto itself.
It came as a surprise, then, that in the case of Councilor Tevos, she couldn't have been more wrong.
Invited to the councilor's office to turn in her report- a non-standard practice, but it was understandable that none of the councilors wished to have the information delivered over the airwaves- she found herself looking at a woman who was, at best, preoccupied. Even from across the ornate desk, Tela could see the pinch in the matron's shoulders, the slight furrow in her brow, as she poured over the details of the arrests. Supposedly, anyway; there was some doubt as to whether or not she was reading so much as a single word, rather than simply making a show of it.
"I didn't miss anything, did I?" Tela asked, finally, breaking the uncomfortable silence that had fallen between them.
Tevos glanced up, but didn't raise her head, her eyes going back down to the data-pad in-hand. "No, not at all. I'm pleased this was dealt with so quickly. I'd ask how you did it, but... it would probably be for the best if my curiosity didn't get the better of me."
"Probably."
"In any event," Tevos said, offering a forced smile, the data-pad set down in front of her, "you have my thanks. And if that's all...?"
"It is," Tela replied, knowing better than to accept the gratitude- forced or no- with anything but modesty, adding, "and thanks aren't necessary. I'm just glad I could help." Pausing, she afforded the councilor a curious look, taking the opportunity to add, "Judging by your expression, though, I'm not sure 'help' is the right word."
Tevos canted her head slightly, feigning ignorance in tone and expression as best she could. "Pardon?"
"Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to pat my own ass for a job well done, but I assumed you'd be a little more relieved. This is a hell of a breakthrough."
"It is. There's no denying that. That said-" Tevos paused for a moment, her expression easing somewhat. "Well. As you well know, when one fire is extinguished, another is quick to take its place."
"Sounds about right," Tela said, smirking lopsidedly. "What flavor of crisis is it this time?"
Another hesitation; it was like the councilor had been waiting for someone to ask the right question, but even when given the opportunity, she was hesitant.
"It's-" The councilor paused again, brow furrowing slightly. "Nothing that warrants mentioning. Really, the less said about it, the better."
"Whatever it is, it's making you treat a big win like an exercise in futility. I wouldn't call that 'nothing.'"
Tevos managed a weary look, lips pursing slightly. "Is there any particular reason you're so interested in hearing about it?"
"Blame it on my curiosity getting the better of me," Tela said, spreading her hands in feigned surrender. "You didn't bat an eye when you were taking heat from the press for being 'too elitist for your own good,' didn't even seem to take too poorly to getting a slew of anonymous threats- which, by the way, was pretty impressive. I'm pretty sure I would've come out swinging under those circumstances."
"I don't mean to sound impatient," Tevos said, a tinge of exasperation in her voice, "but is there a point you're attempting to make with this?"
"That this is getting to you," Tela said simply. "And if I can see it... well."
"-The press is just as likely to see it," Tevos completed for her, shoulders slumping just slightly. "Not only that... they'd misinterpret the reasons for it." She shook her head. "You sound like Ms. Tinos."
Arching an eyebrow at the mention of the Council press secretary, Tela said, "Please, councilor. I realize all these questions might be a little annoying, but is this really a time to sling insults?"
Tevos cracked a faint smile in response to that, her expression seeming to relax slightly. "Forgive me. I sometimes forget that you two aren't what one would term 'friendly.'"
"Oh, I like her just fine," Tela replied mildly. "And if she could take a little polite criticism, the feeling might even be mutual."
"Telling her that she's terrible at her job isn't what I'd call 'polite,' but- fair enough." Tevos paused for a time, considering whether or not to move on, or keep stalling- when, finally, she said, "And I suppose it wouldn't hurt to mention what's recently come to my attention. In truth, it may end up being little more than a nuisance, but if it isn't... then I fear I'll be taking some of the blame for it. Makes it difficult to maintain a healthy distance."
"I've got a little downtime coming to me," Tela replied, settling back in her chair. "Maybe there's some way I can help."
Loosing a soft chuckle, the sound bearing little in the way of humor, Tevos said, "I'm fairly certain putting spectres to work on what may end up being a personal matter constitutes abuse of power- but thank you." A pause. Then, "Do you... by any chance, recall a turian by the name of Soros Vinckeia?"
"Sure. He's your head of security, isn't he?"
"Was, yes. He retired a few weeks ago, claiming he was going to return home to Palaven."
"I take it he never made it back."
"I'd assumed he had. It wasn't until today that I came to learn that he hadn't- and that it has a great deal to do with a manuscript he intends to publish... one that offers details about his tenure aboard the Citadel. Specifically, the years he spent working with me."
That got the spectre's attention, her eyebrows arching in a show of mild bemusement. "Where did you hear about this?"
"From Ms. Tinos, actually." Tevos shot a chiding look in Tela's direction at the sound of a light snort, though the derision was more a point of levity than anything. "'Polite criticism' aside, Vasir, her sources are credible- at least, in this case."
"You should be able to say 'in all cases,'" Tela replied mildly, "but please. Go on."
Clearing her throat pointedly, though she let the interruption slide, Tevos continued. "They weren't able to get us an early copy of the manuscript, but they did give us fair warning that it was scheduled for release in the upcoming months... and that Soros has been granted what passes for asylum by a community outside of Council space."
"Asylum," Tela repeated, eyebrows arched. "So whatever he's got..."
"It's likely he expects to be prosecuted for releasing it, yes. And this, of course, means sending anyone out to either locate a copy, or deal with him directly, would lend him credibility. Without knowing what the manuscript contains, that's not a risk I'm willing to take, though it leaves me in a rather unfortunate position."
"Doesn't have to be a risk, you know," Tela replied, considerate. "At least, not the kind you're making it out to be."
"I take it you have something in mind?"
"A couple somethings, actually. If word's already gotten out that someone from the Council staff has access to sensitive records, then you can bet there's a small battalion of information brokers trying to sniff him out, which, of course, means they've probably got their hands on an early release. They won't be looking to sell it off, of course- they'll be more interested in combing through it so they can figure out what he didn't publish."
Tevos's expression turned grim at the implication, another glance cast out over the Citadel tower. "I suppose I should be grateful I was never that forthcoming with him, or his staff."
"Considering what their definition of 'forthcoming' is? Yeah, I'd say you dodged a bullet on that one. But that's the kind of thing they're gonna be after. Means the book itself won't be that difficult to acquire."
"And normally, I'd tell you that contacting one of these brokers might be worth the possibility of being discovered," Tevos replied, sighing gently. "But in this case, any attempts we make to purchase it-"
"Will fly under the radar," Tela interrupted calmly. "There's plenty of conspiracy theorists who've probably heard about it by now, and they'll be just as interested in getting their hands on a copy as we are."
"Wouldn't that be more expensive than purchasing it through normal extranet channels?"
"Not according to them. They'll want the early version so they can run a comparison, see if anything's been redacted from the final, published copy."
"Nothing I shouldn't be surprised by, I suppose," Tevos said under her breath. "Or know already." Beat. "In any event... if you're certain that you can manage this without it being traceable-"
"I'm positive. Wouldn't bother to offer if I thought it'd leave a trail." Noting the uncertainty in the councilor's expression, Tela softened her tone, and said, "I wouldn't go sticking my neck out if I thought it'd do more harm than good. Trust me- I won't be taking any chances, and neither will my contacts. I get so much as a sneaking suspicion that someone's on to us, and I'll call the whole thing off."
Tevos watched Tela's expression carefully for a time, again assessing whether or not to concede- when, finally, she said, "Then- I admit, I would be grateful to get an idea of what's been said. It'll allow me a chance to prepare answers for any press conferences, in the event he has gotten his hands on sensitive information." Beat. "Well. It's already clear he has, for reasons I've already mentioned. Whether or not it's accurate remains to be seen."
"We'll just have to hope it isn't," Tela said, raising from her chair. "Take care of yourself in the meantime, councilor. It's been a pleasure, as always."
"Of course. And... thank you, Vasir. For everything."
