Wild Effect
Sloarkies had fallen into silence after Nihlus had described Ranma's exploits. Ranma kept herself ready in case the Turian, Nihlus, wasn't here to just talk. Sloark, the chef was staring wide eyed and slack-jawed at hearing what he thought was a Spectre recruiting. Recruiting a human of all things.
Garrus leaned back and folded his arms. He listened in carefully, this was big.
"Unless you're talking about ghosts, no I haven't." Ranma responded flatly, her voice betraying no emotion. In her experience, when someone talked to her this way, it meant they were after something. Nihlus had tried to shoot her once already, which put him on the foe list, possibly a friend later on, as most of her friends had started out wanting to kill her at one point.
"I see." Nihlus responded. His mandibles twitched slightly as he thought about how to word his questions. The girl was on edge, even if she didn't betray it in her body language. He suspected it was from earlier. He had reacted a little too strongly to the situation, he admitted to himself. "The Spectres are the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance branch of the Citadel. They-"
"Not interested." Ranma interrupted.
"I hadn't finished." Nihlus didn't seem at all concerned by the interruption.
"I know. I've no intention of getting recruited into some special forces right now. I've got my own problems I need to fix and to get home. You're wasting your time."
"It's my time to waste. Will you hear me out?"
"Fine." Ranma relented.
"Spectres are an elite group, selected from the different species that work for the Citadel Council. Outstanding individuals that have proven themselves above the rank and file. They have one primary goal, preserve galactic stability by any means necessary. They are above the law and will do whatever it takes to complete their mission. Spectres either work alone or in small groups depending on what style they prefer."
"You make them sound like a bunch of James Bonds." Ranma snorted. "So are they supposed to go around and shoot people who fall onto annoying Ambassadors?"
"Not really. In my defence, what was I supposed to think seeing how you took out that squad?" Nihlus gave a tiny cough.
"You're the shoot first, don't bother with questions as they're a corpse kinda guy?"
"And you're the destroy their weapons and knock them out kinda girl?"
"Ah…" Ranma frowned as she had no comeback to that. "Fine, we both overreacted. So is that why you want to recruit me?"
"It is only the very best we need, people with exceptional skills. Usually those that have served in the military or law enforcement for a while. You've caught my eye. Not only are you skilled, fast and strong. But most importantly, you're honourable. You could have done much worse to that Jaret than letting the Krogan break a few bones."
"Nobody deserved to be enslaved." Ranma stated. "Bones will heal and it may teach him a lesson."
"Agreed. Although personally, I'd have shot him."
Ranma eyed Nihlus disapprovingly.
"In the legs." he finished with a twinkle in his eyes.
"Heh." Ranma shook here head in amusement.
"Now about signing up…"
"I told you I'm not interested."
Nihlus continued regardless. "Technically you wouldn't be signing up to join right at this very moment. I'd like to sign you up as a *potential* candidate. This wouldn't mean you had to drop what you are doing this instant and follow orders. Spectres, if nothing are very flexible. Also, even if I put your name forward as a recommendation, you would need to be assessed."
"Assessed?" Ranma turned to face the Spectre.
"Yes. Abilities. Character. Background. Spectres carry an immense responsibility on their shoulders. We have to be carefully chosen. We are beyond the law, our actions unquestioned. You can see that we have to make certain that someone elevated to the level of a Spectre is of sound character and will not abuse their position." Nihlus explained and Ranma listened intently. "Take me for instance. I could right now, draw my gun and blow off your head and both of these two as well. Nobody would question me as to why and assume it was part of my mission."
Ranma frowned at the implications. She didn't like the idea that someone had the power that they could just murder anyone they choose in cold blood and no one would think it wrong.
"An extreme example, but one well within the bounds of reality." Nihlus added at seeing the dark look appear on the girl's face.
"Have many Spectres abused their power?" Ranma asked coldly.
"I'd be lying if I said none." Nihlus stated.
"What happens when one does?"
"Their status is revoked and other Spectres are sent to eliminate them."
"If they're above the law, how do you tell if one has gone bad?"
"Although our actions are unquestioned, we are watched. Too many excesses, brutality, bad habits, any of these may trigger an investigation." Nihlus waited a moment to see if Ranma would ask another question. She didn't. "Getting back to you, as I said, if you agree to be assessed, it doesn't mean you have to do anything yet. You can take your time going home and sorting whatever problems out you need to. In fact, I would be pleased to aid you in anyway, as the more time spent with you, the better the assessment."
"Thanks for the offer, but I can deal with my own problems."
"You're certain?"
"Yep! I just need to walk back to Nerima from wherever we are…" Ranma trailed off at the sudden look of confusion that crossed Nihlus's face. "What?"
"One second." Nihlus raised his right arm and the slowly becoming familiar to Ranma, holographic interface popped up over it. He keyed in something and Ranma saw his mandibles twitch again. "Ranma, say that again?"
"Err, walk back to Nerima?"
"That's what I thought you said." Nihlus stated. He turned to fully face the human girl. "Do you actually know exactly where you are?"
"The Citadel?" Ranma offered unsurely, knowing that was the name of the place from the conversations she had been involved in with Avina.
"Do you know where the Citadel is?" Nihlus attempted the question again.
"Err…Japan?" Ranma guessed.
"Oh boy…" Nihlus muttered. "Ranma, the Citadel is located deep within the Serpent Nebula."
Ranma just blinked up at him in reply.
"You have no idea what I'm talking about…do you?"
"Heh, heh, heh. You've got me there." Ranma grinned goofily and nervously rubbed the back of her head.
"The Citadel is a massive space station. You're millions of light-years away from earth."
Ranma blinked and paused in her rubbing. "Haha! Very funny. Pull the other one. Next you're going to tell me you're all aliens and not oni. Oh and you're not actually speaking Japanese too! Hahaha!"
Nihlus just stared down at the girl, his face unreadable.
"Ranma…I need to show you something." Nihlus climbed down off the stool. "Follow me."
"Umm…will this involve another elevator ride?"
"Ahh, yeah…unfortunately."
x-X-x
"Holy shit!" Ranma so very eloquently put it. She wasn't one to usually swear but those were the only words she could manage at the moment. "Holy shit!" she repeated, her breath steaming up the window she currently had her face and hands plastered against. She stared out of the window of one of the observation lounges near to top of the Citadel Tower.
The entire Citadel lay out before her. The four other massive arms, covered in office blocks and lights twinkled below, to the sides and above her. Wherever she looked, lights sparkled like stars. Some stationary, others moving, the headlights on the flying cars people used to travel around the Citadel.
Various sized space faring vessels moved in and out of the docking bays, a constant stream of traffic bringing in and sending out goods. But the most impressive thing to catch Ranma's eyes was the massive dreadnought that drifted past the window. It was the largest man-made or alien-made thing she had ever seen, a ship with a hollow central oval shaped section and from the top, bottom and sides wing like protrusions. Just the sheer size inspired awe and made her feel tiny. But even the dreadnought was dwarfed by the Citadel itself.
"That is the Destiny Ascension." Nihlus informed the stunned girl as it drifted by. "It is an Asari dreadnought and flagship of the Citadel Fleet. It has almost as much fire-power as the rest of the Asari fleet combined and is currently commanded by the Asari Matriarch Lidanya. The Ascension is four times the size of the largest human ship, and boasts a crew of nearly ten thousand. It is considered to be the most formidable warship in the galaxy, with heavy kinetic barriers and powerful weaponry."
"This is…this is really in space?" Ranma could not tear her eyes from the sight of the stars beyond the citadel's arms, slow spinning. It captivated her. She had spent many nights staring up into the vastness of space and wondering about it. To see it like this was a completely different experience.
"Yes."
"Holy…Ryouga…you really did a number this time…" Ranma breathed in awe. "Hey, we're spinning." Ranma pointed out as she could see the massive sun in the distance moving across the sky.
"Correct. Although the Citadel is equipped with mass effect generating element zero cores, most of the gravity on the station is generated by the centrifugal force of rotation. The Citadel completes one full revolution every three and a half minutes." Nihlus explained. He let her absorb the sights for a few more minutes before asking what he needed to know. "Ranma, did you really have no idea you were not still on earth?"
"No." Ranma answered without taking her eyes off the view outside.
"Nothing at all? What of all the aliens?"
"I'm used to weird stuff happening and weird people. Err, no offence." she added quickly on the end.
"None taken. You're pretty odd yourself." Nihlus smirked.
"So," Ranma began turning to face the Turian. "Why do you all speak Japanese?"
"We don't." Nihlus remarked. "What you're hearing is a real-time translation of our native languages into your own, by your portable computer."
"Um, I'm pretty sure I don't have a portable computer." Ranma frowned.
"Are you left or right-handed?"
"Right. Why?"
"Hold out your right arm." Nihlus asked. Ranma did so and the Turian rolled her sleeve back. He tapped her bracer and Ranma leapt away in surprise as an orange interface popped up around her arm. She waved it around for a moment as if trying to dislodge the object before she realised she couldn't feel anything. Nihlus couldn't restrain the chuckle that escaped his mouth.
"What the?" Ranma exclaimed once she calmed down and began to poke her fingers through the hologram. "When did I get this?"
"You're telling me you didn't know you had that?"
"No! I've never had anything like this. Ever." Ranma replied.
"What's the last thing you remember? Before waking up here?" Nihlus asked.
"I was fighting…then…I'm pretty sure I got knocked out." Ranma struggled to remember.
"Anything else?"
"No…" Ranma rubbed her temples as a headache began growing.
"You're sure?"
"Yes damn it!" she snapped at the Turian as the headache flared. "Damn, now I've got a headache." Ranma grumbled and sat down on the large built-in lounger below the windows. She rubbed her temples.
"Ranma, I think we need to investigate this. My instincts are telling me there's more to this than we're seeing." Nihlus stated. Ranma looked up at him. "Where did you wake up? Can you show me?"
x-X-x
"Those elevators are beginning to piss me off." Ranma muttered as she and Nihlus exited back onto the Presidium.
"You can tell the Asari designed them." Nihlus chuckled. Ranma just eyed the Spectre curiously, not understanding. "Asari live for around a thousand years. Get it?" Nihlus expanded.
"Not really."
"They're never in a hurry…ah forget it." Nihlus gave up at the blank look. "Can you remember where you woke up?"
"Yeah. This way." Ranma set off along the walkways with Nihlus following alongside her. She soon traced her way back to the ledge she had woken up on.
"There it is." Ranma pointed. Nihlus quickly vaulted up onto the ledge just below it and then up onto the one Ranma pointed to. Ranma landed beside him after a single hop. They walked around the small area.
"All the stuff is gone." Ranma said staring down at the dug over patch of ground where the camp-fire had been.
"They were probably moved." Nihlus crouched down and picked up some of the disturbed soil and sniffed it carefully.
"By who?"
"Either the grounds-keeper, C-Sec, or even the Keepers could have taken them."
"Keepers?"
"The creatures that look after the Citadel. I'll show you one later." Nihlus dropped the earth and dusted any remaining from his hands.
"You!"
"Oh great…" Ranma groaned at the familiar voice that bellowed across the area. It was the grounds-keeper. He stomped over but kept his distance and pointed a digit at Ranma angrily.
"You! You!"
"Me. Me." Ranma replied. "Man, your vocabulary sucks."
"I'm calling C-"
"Back off." Nihlus appeared before the grounds-keeper. "She's with me."
"Who the hell do you think you are?" the grounds-keeper demanded. "That human is a vandal!"
"Nihlus Kryik. Council Spectre." Nihlus stated.
"I don't care if you're the – wait – Spec…Spectre?" the grounds-keeper stepped back in fear.
"That's right. I'm on Council business. You mind answering a few questions?"
"I…I…of c-course not."
Behind Nihlus Ranma mimed slitting her throat with her thumb and hung her tongue out the corner of her mouth. The grounds-keeper began trembling at the significance.
"The girl behind me woke up in a tent and had some camping equipment with her. Where is it?" Nihlus asked.
"I…it was thrown out…"
"Thrown out." Nihlus repeated darkly.
Ranma made a show of shaking her head and then mimed tying a rope around her neck. Then she mimed pulling the rope tight and hanging. After a moment she pointed at the grounds-keeper and smirked evilly. By this time the grounds-keeper was shaking uncontrollably.
"I…I didn't m-m-mean to!"
Ranma pointed a finger with her thumb in the air at him and mimed firing a gun.
"You didn't mean to. Hmm?" Nihlus finally took pity on the shaking grounds-keeper. He quickly and lightly slapped the back of Ranma's head without even looking.
"Ow." Ranma complained in reflex.
"Ignore her, you're not in any trouble." The Spectre assured. "Will her stuff have been through waste processing already?"
"Yes. I threw it down there immediately."
"Damn. Thanks for your help anyway." Nihlus nodded to the grounds-keeper and turned to leave. "Let's go Ranma."
"Right." Ranma followed Nihlus as he dropped off the ledge and landed lightly. She landed next to him and walked alongside. "Now what?"
"Now we check the Citadel's security cameras." Nihlus informed her. "Oh, and I'll be deducting points from your assessment for the childishness."
"How can you deduct points if I haven't agreed to the assessment?" Ranma countered.
"I can always start you off with negative points."
"No you can't."
"I'm a Spectre. I'm above the law." Nihlus smirked. Ranma had no real response to that.
"Where are we heading then?"
"C-Sec." Nihlus informed her. "They monitor the entire Citadel."
"How do we get there?"
"How do you think?" Nihlus chuckled heading towards the lifts.
"Awwwww maaaaan."
x-X-x
Ranma followed Nihlus as he led her down the steps into the C-Sec academy. The lighting was a dull blue, leaving the entire zone quite dark. Despite this, there was plenty of through-traffic.
"This is the main hub in or out of the Citadel." Nihlus explained when Ranma commented on the amount of people to the lack of things to see. "Everything and everyone should go though C-Sec."
"Should?" Ranma looked up at the Turian.
"Sometimes, some things slip the net so to speak."
"Or people?"
"Exactly."
The area he led Ranma into had a large waiting room. Seats lined the walls and there was an actual tree in the centre. People milled around the area. C-Sec officers moved in and out of the offices across from the waiting area. A couple of Turian guards stood by the way in and by each office, intently watching everyone that went by.
Nihlus stepped into the first office and walked over to the nearest desk. A bald on top human male sat with an arm hanging loosely over the back of his chair and looked to be watching a video on the screen instead of working.
Nihlus placed his hands behind his back and waited to be acknowledged. The C-Sec officer continued to ignore them.
"Ahem." Nihlus cleared his throat.
"Yeah, yeah. Come back in an hour." the guy waved Nihlus off.
Click.
The guy's eyes moved around as he felt the cold barrel of Nihlus's gun rest against his head.
"Hey! Easy tiger!" He spun around in his chair and raised his arms. He didn't sound too concerned. "Pulling a gun on a C-Sec detective is not smart my scaly friend."
"Nihlus Kryik. Spectre. Check if you wish." Nihlus stated staring down the barrel.
"I'll take your word for it." The detective replied and rubbed his greying and carefully groomed goatee. "What can old Harkin help you with, Spectre." He didn't sound impressed, neither did he remove his eyes from the barrel until Nihlus lifted the gun away and re-holstered it.
"I need access to Citadel Security video footage."
"Specifically?"
"The Presidium, going back at least twenty hours."
"Really?" Harkin pondered slyly. "That's a lot of footage. Looking for anything specific?"
"Nothing that you need be concerned about." Nihlus stated with finality.
"Hush hush. I get the point." Harking smirked smugly, as if he was in on a private joke. As he turned back towards his desk his eyes caught sight of Ranma. He paused and eyed her in a way that made her instantly think of Happosai. "Nice. She yours? Never knew you Turians had taste." He winked suggestively at her and Ranma suddenly felt the need to shower.
"None of your damned business. I suggest you keep your mind on your job and your eyes on the screen." Nihlus growled.
"Gotcha." Harkin stated, oozing smugness as he typed away. He turned his head back to Nihlus. "Got a particular area you're interested in?"
"Quadrant C. Sector 5."
"There. Twenty hours ago." Harkin stated. Nihlus leaned over his shoulder and took control of the station. He began fast forwarding the footage. Ranma stepped closer to the Turian and studied the screen as well. The area remained empty until suddenly there was a tent. Nihlus paused the footage and slowly backtracked until he found the frame the tent vanished.
"Hey look at that. Seems we've been hacked." Harkin stated with glee as he leaned in close and studied the screen. You could see the gears were turning in his head.
"Damn. This is worrying." Nihlus muttered.
"Is that bad?" Ranma asked.
"I'd say so." The Turian replied looking at her. "Any chance you can restore the correct footage?" he turned to Harkin.
"Not likely. I'd be interested in knowing how whoever did that, did that though."
"I'd bet." Nihlus remarked, having already pegged this human as scum.
"I'll have the boy's in Network to look into it." Harkin rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I'll forward anything on to you."
"Sure you will. Let's go Ranma." Nihlus straightened up and walked away. Ranma turned to follow and stiffened as a hand squeezed her behind.
"You've got five seconds to start running." Ranma turned and smiled sweetly at Harkin.
"Ooooh. I like aggressive ones."
"Five." Ranma stated and then her hands blurred. Harking sudden bellowed out in pain and clutched at his hand.
"Ah shit!" Harkin swore looking at his mangled hand.
"What did you do?" Nihlus had spun around when he heard the shout.
"Only dislocated every bone in his hand." Ranma stated feeling vindicated as she walked past. "He'll need a chiropractor to put that right."
'That looks exceedingly painful.' Nihlus thought, certain some of Harkin's fingers were actually twisted around and facing the wrong way.
"You're lucky. I'd have blown it off." Nihlus stated.
"Nice work." the nearest Turian officer congratulated Ranma as she passed.
x-X-x
Ranma trailed behind Nihlus, muttering darkly as they headed to the elevator that went back to the Presidium. Nihlus insisted they head back towards the human embassy. Her encounter with Harkin had left her in foul mood, not improved by Nihlus's insistence she stay with him.
"Are you certain you don't want to press charges?" the Turian asked as the lift doors closed.
"What's the point? Happens to me a lot and they never learn, no matter how hard to beat em. Anyway, I'll be outta here as soon as you let me and heading home." Ranma responded.
"About that, how do you plan on returning to Earth?"
"What do you mean?" the pigtailed martial artist looked up at the tall Turian.
"I mean, you can't just walk the distance as you planned. A flight back from here isn't cheap, even on the most basic of cargo ships." Nihlus explained.
"I've got credits."
"Not enough for a ride back home. I checked."
Ranma shrugged nonchalantly. "I'll get a job."
"Doing what? Nobody will hire someone who isn't legally registered as being here, the category which you currently fall under. The only work you'd get is not the kind I would like to see you in. It would be a…waste of talent."
"Why do you care so much about what *I* do?" Ranma asked, confused as to why someone actually wanted to know what she was going to do. In her experience, people told her what she would do.
Nihlus stepped closer to the curved glass of the elevator and looked out at the floors as they passed smoothly by, casting shadows over his features. He placed his hands behind his back before speaking.
"How old are you Ranma?"
"Sixteen." Ranma replied.
"Incredible. You've not even finished maturing yet, and you've caught my eye. That sort of talent should not be wasted. You could do so much good for the galaxy. So much good for your own species."
"What do you mean?"
"I don't suppose you know much about galactic history?"
"Don't know much about any history. I spent all my time wandering from dojo's to training grounds with my Pop's training."
"You humans were latecomers to the galactic scene. However, since joining Council Space your kind have achieved more in a few decades than most species achieve in a hundred years. Your aggressive spread into galactic affairs has brought fear and mistrust. Some claim you're receiving favours off the Council and growing resentment is abound."
"Are we?"
"No. In fact many humans believe they've been held back by the council. There are some races who even believe your kind are a blight on the galaxy. Many of my own are still sore over our first encounters with you humans."
"Why? What happened?" Ranma stepped up beside Nihlus.
"You humans call it the First Contact War. We Turians call it the Relay 314 Incident. A stupid misunderstanding that started a war. Both sides had losses and it was only with the Council stepping in it didn't escalate further. It's been close to thirty years since and the scars are only just beginning to fade."
"Oh…but we've made up right?"
"Slowly. As I said, many still distrust and dislike humans and only see your destructive nature. But some of us can see the potential you offer the galaxy as a whole."
"Like you." Ranma guessed.
"Like me." Nihlus agreed looking down at her. "Most species are content to be the best at one thing. We Turians have the best fleet and military force. The Asari the best biotics. The Salarians the quickest minds and best intelligence network. But you humans, you want to be the best at everything. You're constantly pushing your boundaries and surpassing them, and that scares a lot of us. Those that can't or won't see the good you could bring all of us as well with this constant desire to improve."
"So that's why you're pushing for me to join you?"
"You said you've trained most of your life? Why?"
"To be the best martial artist there is."
"See, there's that drive. The Spectres only accept *the* best. Joining would prove you are that, and that humanity is ready to accept the responsibility of protecting the peace of the galaxy."
"I…I'm not sure…" Ranma replied uncertainly. "I really need to fix a problem."
"There's also the bragging rights I'd get for finding and having the youngest ever Spectre under my wing." Nihlus smirked. "At the moment that belongs to the one who spotted me. Saren joined at only twenty."
"I…"
"Did I mention that in a few days I'm heading to Earth to pick up another potential? It's a free ride…" Nihlus almost sang the last word.
"You!" Ranma stared in shock for a moment before shaking her head. "Sly. Very sly." she faintly smiled.
"Interested in being assessed?"
"You'll give me time to sort my own problems out?" Ranma asked.
"Of course. Just don't wait too long, otherwise you'll miss the chance at being the youngest ever Spectre."
"Okay, fine, I'll do it."
"Excellent." Nihlus nodded. "I feel you'll be very interesting to assess."
"So, what happens next?"
"Well, I'd like to see what you can do over the next few weeks. Then you'll get some special training-"
"Training?" Ranma interrupted with wide sparkling eyes. "Why the heck didn't you say I'd get special training in the first place?" She literally vibrated with excitement as she spoke. "When do we start?"
"Wait - wha?" Nihlus was taken aback by the sudden enthusiasm. "You…you mean I didn't have to spend all that time buttering you up and could have just said 'you get special training'?" His jaw dropped open.
The rest of the journey was spent with Nihlus shaking his head in disbelief every time he looked over at the red head. Once the elevator stopped and let them out, they headed back to the embassies.
As they entered the reception area of the embassies, Ranma noticed Avina wasn't there. Instead a young human male was crouched down and working at the console the VI normally appeared behind and the embassy secretary, a blue skinned Asari, stood nearby with her arms folded.
"Well? Have you fixed it?" the secretary was saying as Nihlus and Ranma passed.
"I can't find anything wrong Ma'am." the Citadel Technician replied looking up from his analysis.
"Have you even looked? That damned thing has spent all day sighing like a lovestruck schoolgirl!"
"I've double checked it. I can't see anything wrong with the VI."
"Then triple check it!"
"Look lady, all diagnostics are coming back clean and it is answering questions with the correct answers."
"Are you calling me a liar?"
"If the shoe fits." the guy mumbled too quietly for anyone to hear.
"Wonder what that's about?" Ranma muttered with a strange feeling of guilt she couldn't figure out why she felt it. She quickly forgot about it as Nihlus led her away and up to the embassy by the normal access route, up the stairs on the right, through a door into a corridor.
"Try not to antagonise the Ambassador any more than you have to, if he's in." Nihlus stated just outside the embassy door. "He's a little high-strung."
"I figured." Ranma replied as the Spectre pressed the button to open the door. The door slid apart, granting them access and Nihlus stepped inside.
"Nihlus!" Captain Anderson greeted as he looked up from the desk he sat at. He was the only one in the room luckily. "Did you capture…" he trailed off at seeing Ranma walk in behind the Spectre.
"Yes Captain, I did, in a manner of speaking."
"Yo." Ranma raised a hand in greeting as the door slid closed behind her. Anderson got to his feet warily.
"Don't be concerned, Captain, we've cleared up our misunderstandings." Nihlus indicated Ranma. "Ranma overreacted. As did we all."
"Ah, that's…good to know." Anderson nodded. "Still, she did interrupt a classified meeting and assaulted C-Sec."
"That won't be a problem Captain." Nihlus informed him. "Ranma has impressed me and she has agreed to be involved in the project."
"…" Anderson stood and stared. "Excuse me?"
"I'm enrolling her in the project."
"I thought I heard you say that." Anderson looked stunned. He stared over at Ranma who was by then poking one of the far terminals in boredom while they were talking. "Nihlus, can I speak with you? In private."
"Sure Captain." the Spectre nodded. "Ranma, would you wait here?"
"Huh? Oh sure thing." Ranma looked back quickly. Nihlus indicated outside with his head. He and Anderson walked outside into the corridor.
"Are you insane!?" Anderson exploded once the door closed. "Udina is going to go ballistic when he finds out. No! Forget that! The entire Systems Alliance will! What are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking that I'm the Spectre, Captain. I can choose my own candidate at any time, if I find an individual with the desired skills."
Anderson took a deep, calming breath. "I know. I know. But this project is vital to humanity. The Alliance prepared you the dossiers of our potential candidates in good faith. The ones chosen are our best."
"That may be true, but I have not seen their skills up close, yet. Ranma's I have. I can vouch for her."
"Nihlus. I trust you." Anderson began pacing. "I had misgivings at first when I learned you were trained by Saren, but since then I've come to know you well enough that I know you don't share his speciesism. You have the galaxies best interests at heart and I know you believe in our potential, but I can already tell you how Udina and most, if not all of the top brass will react to this."
Anderson stopped pacing and faced Nihlus.
"They'll claim you're sabotaging our efforts. They'll demand another Spectre to do the assessments."
"I believe in her ability to pass." Nihlus stood proudly. "Think of it this way Captain. If she passes she'll be not only the first of the human Spectres, but the youngest of all time. Younger than Saren by four years if she does it quickly. That should be enough to silence any of your leader's opposition to this change in plans."
"That would be…incredibly poetic in a way." Anderson said slowly, finding the idea of a human taking the title of youngest ever Spectre from Saren appealing.
"I still intend to assess your best candidate as well. Shepard."
"Still…they won't be happy to have a nobody put Shepard on the back-burner while you assess this Ranma."
"I'll assess them both at the same time, that won't be a problem. The girl will be under my direct command. That way, there will be no problems with Alliance chain of command."
"That…that may work. But I'll need something more to pacify them." Anderson began warming to the idea.
"She manhandled a Krogan."
"Excuse me?" Anderson looked at Nihlus like he had grown a second head.
"She literally dropped him in one blow, threw him around and pinned him to a wall. I've never seen anything like it before."
"You're serious?" Anderson had a hard time believing what Nihlus was telling him, even after witnessing Ranma take down four C-Sec armed only with coins.
"I'm always serious." Nihlus stated.
"We'll…we'll need proof." Anderson responded after a moment to gather his thoughts.
"That will be simple. There were witnesses. We collect testimonies from those that were there. The Krogan was called Okar. There should be a human brought into medical with various broken bones called Jaret. There is a Hanar who saw it too. Add my own and the video of her taking down that C-Sec squad and I think we have enough proof to satisfy them." Nihlus paused as he remembered another incident and added. "Oh and ask a C-Sec detective called Harkin-"
"Harkin? That disgrace to humanity?"
"Ah you know him then."
"Unfortunately. He's only kept his job because Udina kept covering for him, thinking it would look bad if one of the few humans in C-Sec got fired. He's slime."
"You'll be pleased to know then, that Ranma dislocated most of his fingers after they wandered too close."
"She did, did she? I'm beginning to like this girl." Anderson smirked.
"She does have a certain rough charm." Nihlus agreed. He turned serious. "There is one thing I am worried about though."
"Go on."
"She had no idea where she was, believing she was still on Earth. I checked in with C-Sec to study the footage and find out when she arrived. The system had been hacked, and the footage removed."
"That's not a good sign." Anderson frowned. "She may be a plant."
"I thought that at first. When I first approached her she was closed up tight. She soon opened up to me after I showed her the Citadel. I feel she is being honest with us."
"Still…this could be a problem."
"I agree. I'd like to do a full background check on her unofficially before we break the news to your leaders. If anything strange pops up we'll know ahead of time."
"Then let's do that now." Anderson decided. He opened the door and they both stepped back in. They both stopped inside the doorway at seeing the sight that greeted them.
Ranma was running through a kata in the furthest area of the office near the balcony. She flowed smoothly from one form to another, around and through invisible opponents. Anderson had seen plenty of martial arts, everyone in the military knew at least one form of unarmed combat, but he had never seen someone moving so perfectly. He picked out a few forms but many he couldn't place, and Ranma didn't stay in one for more than a few seconds to fully study. It was breathtaking. Finally she wound down and turned to them.
"Hey." she rolled her right shoulder.
"What style is that?" Anderson asked walking up to her. "I recognised a little kempo, but most of it was unfamiliar."
"It's Anything goes. My family's style, it's a little of everything. Take what works and mix it all together. I'm a little stiff though. Pop's would've complained about that."
"If that's stiff, I can't wait to see it normally."
"As do I." Nihlus agreed. "Ranma, we need to do a background check on you. Do you have any objections?"
"Nah." Ranma shrugged.
"Okay." Anderson walked over to the nearest desk. He sat down in the chair and tapped the glowing interface on the desk. Nihlus walked to stand behind the Captain. Ranma joined them. "Lets get your records up for now. How old are you?"
"Sixteen." Ranma told him.
"Lets see. Ranma Saotome." Anderson typed in Ranma's name and how many years back to search. After choosing accept the screen changed. "Hmm? No results for your age. Are you sure that's correct?"
"Yeah. I know how old I am." Ranma rolled her eyes.
"I'll go back twenty years just in case." Anderson retyped the data. He got two results. "Ah better. No…wait their both males."
"That'll be right." Ranma nodded.
"What?" Anderson looked up at her.
"My Pops…wanted a son." Ranma lied. Anderson eyed Nihlus, they both knew something wasn't right.
"Something you're not telling us Ranma?" Nihlus asked.
"Nope. Why would I not be telling you something…" Ranma rubbed the back of her head and talked quickly. She finished by laughing weakly.
"You're transgendered aren't you." Anderson stated.
"Heh, heh…how?" Ranma nervously twiddled her fingers.
"It's nothing to be ashamed of." Anderson remarked seeing her discomfort.
"It's not? Don't you think I'm a freak?" Ranma blinked in surprise.
"No. The surgery is very easily done nowadays. It's nothing too unusual. Full scale genetic reconstruction though is rare, expensive and dangerous, so surgery is still the preferred method."
"Surgery? No it's a curse."
"I suppose many feel that way, Ranma. It won't have any bearing on your assessment. Both genders are well represented in the Alliance." Anderson reassured her.
"I…" Ranma shut up, deciding not to try and explain further. She doubted they would believe her.
"Let's pull up these files." Anderson selected them. Two profiles appeared. Neither looked to be Ranma, although Anderson didn't want to guess which one was true as facial reconstructive surgery was pretty damn effective. That was why most identification was through DNA scanner. When someone could wear your face, there had to be a more reliable method. "Which one is yours?"
"Neither." Ranma stated looking at the faces. "Those ain't me."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah. I know what my boy-form looks like." Ranma snorted. Anderson went back a screen and increased the years to twenty-five. He couldn't imagine her being any older. There were more results this time. He flicked through them. Ranma said "No." to each one.
"Does it need typing in Kanji?" Ranma asked after all profiles didn't match.
"No. The computer automatically translates it." Anderson looked at her. "Either you don't exist or you've not recognised yourself."
"Try letting the computer do a facial match." Nihlus suggested. "If that fails we'll have to go the DNA profile route."
"Right. Ranma would you look straight ahead and don't move for a moment?" Anderson quickly switched the search mode. "Good." he stated as Ranma's face appeared on the screen. He started the search. A progress bar appeared and began filling up slowly.
"How long does this take?" Ranma asked.
"Not as long as DNA matching across FTL communications." Anderson remarked. They waited as the bar filled slowly.
"Did the Asari build this too?" Ranma turned to Nihlus.
"No Ranma. It's just slow." Nihlus answered. They watched until the bar completely filled.
"There are over two thousand potential facial matches." The interface stated in a lifeless female voice.
"Narrow that down by family name Saotome." Nihlus suggested.
"Zero potential matches."
Anderson leaned back. "Looks like we'll need to do a DNA profile."
"Do I have to give a blood sample or something?" Ranma asked.
"No. A hair sample would be simplest."
"Oh." Ranma reached up and plucked a single hair from her pigtail. She handed it to Anderson. "There you go."
"This'll take a while to search through the records back on Earth from here. I suggest we find you an apartment to stay in for now." Anderson stood up and carefully held the hair as to not lose it. He looked at Nihlus.
"I'll find her a room." the Spectre nodded.
"Good. By tomorrow the results should have come back. We'll meet later tomorrow to discuss how to break this news to Udina." Anderson decided. "Oh and Ranma."
"Yeah?"
"Try not to cause any more trouble."
"Ah don't worry. How much trouble could I get into in one day?" Ranma grinned.
x-X-x
"Make yourself at home." Nihlus told Ranma with a wave to the room he had brought her to.
Ranma stepped in past the short entrance area and looked around. The room was spartan, it's walls plain and formed from a brushed metal with a bluish tinge. The room was divided into two sections. The furthest was lowered down a step and contained a single bed. There was a small cabinet next to it with a holographic clock showing Citadel standard time.
Halfway along the step down as a small divider and above that a glass screen that served as a television or extranet display. Behind that, facing towards the doorway was a small desk and a chair. The room's lighting was embedded in the ceiling and gave off a gentle blue-white glow.
Ranma wandered across the first area and paused before the walls. She curiously touched one of the panels. A gentle warmth radiated from it. As she ran her hands along the wall the warmth stayed constant, even over the joins.
"The temperature is controlled from either the night-stand or the computer on the desk." Nihlus explained. "And the lighting, etc. It's all done from the holographic interfaces. They're simple enough to use."
"I'm staying with you?" Ranma turned to look at him.
"No. These are just the rooms set aside for Spectres when we need to visit the Citadel. I've assigned this one to you." Nihlus explained. "If you need food, I'd prefer you to order it in rather than go wandering around Citadel Tower without me. Until I sort your clearance out you may get hassled by C-Sec."
"You're ordering me to stay here?" Ranma didn't sound pleased.
"Just for a while. I need to send a report in. That'll take an hour or so, then we can go and get you tidied up for the inevitable…well shit-storm when I reveal that I've picked you to your Ambassador." Nihlus chuckled.
"Tidied up?" Ranma glanced down at the state she was in. "Ah. Heh."
"There's a shower in here." Nihlus pressed a button off the side of the small entrance area and a hidden door slid open. Ranma looked inside the small bathroom. There was a shower and toilet. She found herself feeling a little sad to see no furo.
"I'll be back in a bit." the Spectre said as he left.
x-X-x
"Is this report correct?" The Turian council-member asked, his voice laced with scepticism as he looked across from the podium he stood at.
"It is, Councillor." Nihlus responded standing tall on the platform resting over the high pit that separated the speaker from the Citadel Council. He absently wondered if they had a hidden switch installed that would retract the platform on those they disliked and drop them into the pit below.
"You will forgive our scepticism, Spectre." The Salarian Councillor stated in the quick, clipped tone they spoke with. "But this is a most strange report."
"A human overpowering a Krogan? Destroying four C-Sec officer's weapons with only coins? Skilled enough at only sixteen years of age to know you were following her? These claims are…outlandish." The Turian Councillor remarked.
"And yet, Nihlus has proven himself one of our best many times over." The Asari Councillor stated. "He is not one to make such remarkable claims unless he has proof. You do have proof Spectre?"
"Yes Councillors. The proof is being collected at this moment and I shall present it, and the girl to yourselves shortly." Nihlus informed them.
"We look forward to seeing your proof."
"As do I." A strong and familiar voice stated from behind Nihlus. The Spectre turned to look in surprise.
"Saren." Nihlus greeted at seeing the Spectre who had recognised his own talent.
Saren cut an intimidating figure, a fraction taller than Nihlus, and heavier built, especially for a Turian as most were slender, built more for speed than strength. His armour a dull silver and showing dents and scratches from use. Unlike Nihlus, whose crests swept back over the top of his head, Saren had three thinner ones. One over the top of his own head, and one coming back off of his face by the side of his eyes. He radiated power and confidence as he approached.
"Nihlus." Saren returned the greeting with a friendly squeeze to Nihlus's shoulder as he drew up to him. Nihlus found himself trying not to stare as he realised the rumours he had heard of Saren being injured recently seemed to be true. Saren's cybernetic eyes glowed an electric blue, and his mandibles were scared and patched with metal sections.
"It's been a while."
"Yes, it has." Nihlus agreed.
"Saren Arterius. The Council welcomes one of it's most respected Spectres back to the Citadel." The Turian council-member greeted.
"It is a pleasure to be back, Councillors." Saren responded smoothly, giving a respectful nod to the three in turn. "I heard you give your report and I find it hard to believe." Saren turned back to Nihlus. "The differences in our beliefs are well known, but I will admit you don't make claims unless you have proof."
"The girl is talented. Unbelievingly so for one her age. If I hadn't witnessed it first-hand I would be sceptical as well." Nihlus replied with a nod. "I take no offence at being questioned over her skill."
"I see. The humans sent a competent one this time did they."
"Actually, I found her myself." Nihlus corrected. "In Captain Anderson's own words, their Top Brass will go ballistic over my choice."
"Captain Anderson?" Saren tried to sound surprised and failed. He had obviously known Anderson was involved. "So the humans promote their failures. Why am I not surprised." He turned to address the Council. "I would suggest the Council test Nihlus's claims of the human's skill, before agreeing to allow her candidacy."
"Dully noted Saren." The Salarian council-member stated.
"If I could be so bold, I offer my services in testing the human."
Nihlus turned towards Saren with a frown. "That, won't be necessary."
"An excellent suggestion Saren." The Turian council-member agreed.
"Yes. A second opinion is always a good idea." The Salarian nodded his agreement.
"Your history with the human's previous attempts may bring doubt into the fairness of your grading." The Asari Council Member countered.
"Saren is a professional. He won't let his personal feelings get in the way." The Turian council-member argued.
"No." Saren stated. "She is right. I offer only to arrange the testing."
The Council Members all exchanged glances at each other as they came to a decision. They shared a nod.
"Very well. The Council agrees to let Saren Arterius manage the testing of the human. Nihlus Kryik, you have one day to prepare the girl for whatever test Saren chooses." The Asari council-member said. "This meeting, is adjourned."
Nihlus watched the Citadel Council leave with apprehension. He rounded on Saren. "What game are you playing Saren?"
"Nihlus. I'm just making certain you aren't making a mistake." Saren indicated for Nihlus to walk with him. "We have our differences, but that's only opinions. I still care about the one I trained myself and consider you a close friend. Wouldn't you stop me from making a mistake if you had the chance?"
"Yeah." Nihlus agreed as they walked down the steps from the Council chamber. "I would. But this is no mistake Saren. This girl, she's different."
"That…I would like to judge for myself."
"I'll take you to meet her."
"Humans are all the same. Violent and greedy creatures, but...I do find myself curious about this one that you are so certain of."
"This way." Nihlus said as he headed off towards the apartment where he had left Ranma. It didn't take long until they stood outside the door. Nihlus pressed the button and opened the door.
"Hey Nihlus." Ranma's voice called out even before the door fully opened. "Who's your friend?"
Nihlus blinked in surprise at her knowing he had brought someone with him as he doubted she could she past him clearly.
"Ranma, how did you-" Nihlus started to speak but trailed off as he saw her. Ranma was balancing on the thin metal bottom edge of the bed, held up by a single finger. Her other arm was held folded in the small of her back and her legs straight up, toes pointing towards the ceiling. The back of her head was facing towards them, her pigtail hanging towards the floor. It was an act of serious balance and strength.
Nihlus remained silent as he walked further into the room. He noted Ranma had removed the bandages and her shirt, leaving her wearing only a loose fitting white vest and her silk pants. He studied her form for a moment, seeing the tight muscles vibrating minutely under her skin as they held her still. As Turian skin was thicker than humans and covered in metallic plates their own muscles were hard to see working. He found the sight of Ranma's interesting.
Saren approached and stepped around Nihlus to get a better view. After a moment he spoke. "This is it? Interesting."
Ranma leaned her head back so she could look at the other Turian that had returned with Nihlus. "It?" she questioned and decided she didn't like this guy instantly. "Who the heck are you?"
"An old friend of Nihlus's." Saren stated. He crouched down so he was eye-level with Ranma and stared at her with his unblinking cybernetic eyes. She returned the stare unflinchingly. "Nihlus thinks you're something special. From what I see…I doubt it."
"Really?" Ranma drawled as her opinion of this Turian dropped further. She very slowly did a single push-up on one finger before quickly switching her hands out so she was suddenly using the other one. She did this so fast that she had seemed to remain in the same position as she swapped to the other hand. All the time she kept her eyes locked with Saren's.
"Is that suppose to impress me human?" Saren said as he stood back up.
Ranma dropped down and then pushed off the bed into the air. She flipped around and landed right before Saren. The Spectre didn't budge and folded his arms as she turned to stare challengingly up at the taller Turian.
"Hmph." Saren slowly turned away. Then he moved, drawing his gun faster than Nihlus could react and placed the end of the barrel against Ranma's forehead without looking at her.
"What the hell are you doing Saren!?" Nihlus whipped his rifle out as fast as he could and aimed it at Saren's face.
"Nihlus. I'm disappointed in you. You should have realised the safety is on." Saren remarked unconcerned as he still faced the other Turian.
"And you should have realised you couldn't have fired it anyway." Ranma stated smugly. Saren turned his head to regard her and suddenly realised he had nothing in his hand. His face didn't betray his surprise as Ranma casually twirled his weapon around her finger. They locked eyes once more.
Saren suddenly laughed a dark, humourless laugh. "Interesting Nihlus. Very interesting. I could find a use for this one." His tone was light, but something in his words gave Ranma a chill. There was just something wrong with him, her instincts were screaming. He was bad news, she just knew it.
Nihlus relaxed as Saren laughed. "Next time give me a warning you're going to pull something like that. I almost shot you." His rifle folded in on itself as he reattached it to his armour.
"And miss the look on your face?" Saren joked facing Nihlus once more.
"That's it! Your aura. It's wrong!" Ranma suddenly stated as if she had figured out a puzzle that had been bothering her for some time.
"What?" Saren rounded on the girl, who had stepped up close to him and eyed the Turian. She appeared to be looking right through him, as if studying something only she could see.
"Your ki, it's twisted. Damaged. Flowing in the wrong way." Ranma put her finger on his chest and ran it downwards, tracing one of his flows. "Almost like…something…a hand has reached into you and grabbed your flows and pulled them the wrong way. Leaving something behind…" Ranma turned her eyes back up to meet Saren's. "…something ancient. Something wrong. What did this to you?"
Saren felt a jolt of fear shoot down his spine. 'She knows!' he thought in shock stepping back. Ranma's eyes narrowed. She had never felt anything so alien as she felt in Saren's ki. Even all the actual alien's ki wasn't as strange as this Saren's.
"What are you talking about Ranma? You've mentioned that word before." Nihlus asked. "What is it?"
"I should go." Saren interrupted as he regained his composure. "Nihlus. I'll see you soon." he promised as he moved around the younger Spectre.
"Saren! Wait!" Nihlus spun after the other Turian. "You've left your gun."
"Let her keep it." Saren kept moving as he called back, not looking back. Not wanting to see the girl's knowing eyes.
Nihlus's mandibles vibrated in confusion and worry as he watched Saren vanish into the throng of passing strangers outside on the street. The door suddenly slid shut with a click that sounded far louder than it should have, as if it were an omen.
x-X-x
Saren stumbled into the apartment he was using while on the Citadel. The door had barely closed behind him when he flew in a wild rage. He grabbed the nearby chair and threw it across the room, leaving a large dent in the far wall and smashing it in two. His fist crashed through the thick glass of the screen that split the room in two, shattering it. He raged, hissed and growled like a wild animal, feeling helpless. Unable to see a way out of his situation and raging at it the only way he could. He tore the sheets off the bed, sinking his claws deep into the mattress.
Her knowing eyes continued to stare through him.
He flung himself at the wall, pounding his fists against the unfeeling metal, leaving more dents. Finally his anger was spent and he sank to his knees and held a hand to his forehead in regret.
"Too late. Too late. They can't be stopped." Saren mumbled. "Can only survive…have to be useful to them. To them."
Her eyes continued to haunt him.
She knew.
"Eliminate her." Saren didn't hear the voice. He felt it. Like a jolt of dark electricity through every cell in his body. Every fibre of his being resonated with that dark, ancient voice that demanded obedience. "Our coming must not be foretold. Your will is ours. Eliminate her. Sovereign, demands it."
"Yes." Saren spoke as he climbed back to his feet, his will restored. "I understand." he turned towards the door. "And I know exactly how to do it."
End Chapter 2
Notes :-
Wow, where to begin…first, I'm completely blown away by the amount of positive reviews. I mean completely. I expected maybe a couple or being slated for even considering such an unworkable idea. I started out without any real expectation or hope of it working, but it seems to have. In fact, I didn't have much idea apart from lets see if I can get away with dumping Ranma into Mass Effect. Let him/her learn to control Mass Effects and then get back and beat Herb easily :P
But as I wrote the first chapter, I kept going back and revising as things occurred to me, until it actually became something totally different.
A few reviewers have commented on Ranma overpowering everything, so let me say I hope to avoid most of that as I believe a lot of the tech in Mass Effect can counter most of Ranma's physical abilities. Beside, hands up if anyone actually believes Ranma can punch the real villains hiding in dark space to death? No, put your hand down you crazy person at the back.
As was pointed out, I messed up the way the guns worked. Whoops, they fire a very dense grain of metal at supersonic speeds. I'll correct that soon. So Ranma isn't fast enough to dodge the guns, but they are still limited by how fast one can aim and pull the trigger which Ranma can use to avoid them before they're fired. Geth will be a problem for that as they wont give off the signals that person does when aiming.
As to the Ranma-chan angle, I think a lot of people have figured out what's really going there.
If anyone can confirm Ranma's birth date let me know with a link to source, otherwise as I found nothing, I'm going with 1980. Which would mean he is 203 by the time this takes place. Note, the average lifespan of humans in Mass Effect is 150 due to medical advances.
Ranma takes the space station in stride because she still doesn't know what the year is and is just accepting things as she never really learned much history travelling around with Genma aside from martial arts.
Yes, Ranma isn't replacing Shepard. I can't see Ranma being able to hold a team together and lead them successfully against what they're up against. She may make things easier or harder. No, she's not available to Shepard as a love interest.
I've set things roughly just over a month before Eden Prime. i.e. Harkin hadn't been suspended for a month yet.