Chapter 2
"Talus! Didn't expect to see you back so soon well done." C-Sec officer Harrun was there to greet him on the Citadel. Harrun signaled two other officers to take the unconscious Soyon into custody. After the burden was removed Harrun motion for Talus to sit with him.
"Its easy with people like that. They always run to Omega." Talus said as he took his seat.
"And I'm sure the honorable Septimus didn't break anything while he was there? Or anyone?" He and Talus both laughed, already knowing the answer.
Harrun was a Turian like Talus. Red skinned and a rather upstanding officer. He was one of the liaisons assigned to work with Spectres whenever they needed C-Sec help. Talus respected him. He was a bit loose with his attitude sometimes but he was a good cop.
"It seems the gangs of Omega don't want me coming back for a while."
"Oh what did you do? Wreck some store?"
"Of course not!" Talus exclaimed. "It was a restaurant."
Harrun stared at him for a moment before busting out with laughter. Talus smiled as he allowed the old Turian his fun. Finally he calmed back down. "Well I would love to chat but as soon as you hit Citadel Space the Council asked I send you straight to them."
Talus nodded. He was looking forward to at least one night off after so much travel, but he knew his duty. He said his goodbyes to Harrun and headed for the Presidium. It was a bit of a walk through the tightened security, but once they saw who he was he was through in no time. Things had changed on the Citadel since Saren Arterius went rogue and attacked with his fleet of Geth. If it weren't for Commander Shepard they may not have stopped him. The Council would surely have been doomed were it not for Human intervention.
Talus shook his head. The Humans were nothing short of amazing. How a race could be so ambitious, so capable of rapid advancement. Sure it was thanks to the elder races helping them along, but in 26 short years Humanity went from a near war with the Turian Hierarchy, to the fourth race to both get a Spectre and a slot on the Citadel Council. In ways it bothered Talus. It was almost frightening. Humans controlled defense of the Citadel, Humans were on the Council centuries before other races had managed it. But those who could see strength in cooperation were those who were successful.
Commander Shepard was a hero no matter his race. It was such a loss that he died, over a year ago. It was his heroism, his sacrifices, his fight that saved the Citadel. Talus didn't know what to think of his story though. Reapers. It was indeed easier to pretend they didn't exist.
As Talus waited on the elevator from the C-Sec academy to the Presidium, he drifted off into thought.
.
.
"Suppressive rounds!" The sergeant barked. Talus and his comrades did as ordered, knocking enemies from their feet with powerful hails of gunfire.
"Hold positions. Prepare to move forward on my command."
Talus looked up over the battlefield. It was a stupid move. There were enemies flanking them on three sides. Getting out of cover now would see them slaughtered. He pulled the sergeant by his arm.
"Sir, enemy fire is too thick. We cant move forward now we'll be cut down."
The sergeant looked at him with disgust. "Do as I order soldier!"
Talus sat back against the wall, looking his superior officer dead in the eyes. The rest of the squad watched the exchange, amazed to see defiance in one of their own.
Talus looked to them. "We stay here and take them by attrition. Eventually they will have no choice but to charge or retreat and then we take them."
The sergeant barked back at them. "No, all of you with me, lets move!" He pulled himself over the wall, guns blazing straight into enemy positions. Half of the squad followed, the rest did something unprecedented. They disobeyed.
The sergeant was cut down almost instantly, those who followed him fell right behind him. Those with Talus took the chance to pick a few targets off from range. Before long they had whittled down the opposition, and as Talus predicted, wiped their foe out when they charged. The Turians stood victorious.
Suddenly the lights came on. All of those who had fallen in battle stood, assessing their bruises.
"Septimus Talus!" The roar came from their highest authority, Primarch Aetius himself. "What the hell was that?"
Talus stood at attention. "We took the intelligent course of action and defeated the enemy under lopsided odds sir."
"Victory was not the goal Talus. Every Turian is expected to follow every order given by a superior. You were right in giving your advice, but this simulation was about following your leaders into battle no matter the cost."
Talus held his tongue. "Yes sir."
.
.
Talus remembered the day vividly. He was towards the end of his advanced training, already selected to serve in the Ferox Legion. He received lashes as punishment for his disobedience. At the time he hated it, but he knew the Primarch was right, and he respected him for it.
The elevator opened to the Presidium. It was a beautiful place. More effort was spent on keeping the Presidium clean and perfect than anywhere else on the Citadel.
Talus walked along the riverside, many nobles and dignitaries recognizing him and offering a greeting. Spectres may have lost some of their credibility with Saren's betrayal, but they were still some of the most respected individuals in Citadel Space.
After a short elevator ride, Talus arrived at the top of the Citadel Tower. Here he marched through the gardens, towards the back where the Council waited. He came upon them as a group of Hanar were attempting to protest some new law. The Council brushed them aside, motioning for Talus to come forward once they noticed him.
"Septimus," The Asari Councilor, Tevos, acknowledged. "Well done collecting Soyon. His crimes were too great to allow him escape into the Terminus Systems."
Talus nodded. "Am I to be sent out again immediately?"
The Turian Councilor nodded. "Yes. We have a rather important mission for you."
"Whatever you need Councilors, I am ready."
"Let us hope so." David Anderson, the Human Councilor, responded. "We had another Spectre investigating a Human named Salazar out in the Attican Traverse."
The Salarian Councilor took over. "We do not know what he is up to, but we believe him to have vast resources at his disposal, and sour intentions. So far four civilian freight liners have been abducted in Citadel Space, and the trail leads to Salazar."
"What has this other Spectre found?" Talus asked.
"We don't know." The Councilor Tevos responded. "Endosa D'Kerra has gone dark. She was at the time infiltrating Salazar's operations, and we believe she was found out and captured."
"We don't know if she is alive or dead, and we need to know the status of her investigation." Anderson said. "Find her. You have authorization to go wherever you need to go, and commission a ship to aid you."
Talus was a bit stunned at the name. 'Could it be the same Endosa?' He wondered. But he ignored it. "I will find Spectre D'Kerra and report on Salazar."
"Very good Talus." The Salarian Councilor said, dismissing him.
.
Talus turned and walked back out through the Council's Garden. At the elevator he met up with a C-Sec officer, a white skinned black haired Human.
"Septimus Talus?" He asked timidly. When Talus nodded he continued. "My name is Dimitri Chekenov. I have been assigned to provide you with the information you need for your mission." He was young, probably about 20 years old. It was likely he was still somewhat fresh in C-Sec, trying to prove himself by volunteering for the lower assignments. Dimitri handed him a datapad with a dossier of Salazar on it.
"Ozmund Salazar is a weapons merchant in Human space. He does it all, owning one of the larger chains of gun stores in the Galaxy to backing the Blue Suns mercenaries. Since hes one of their major investors he has a rather large army of the mercs at his disposal. Hes a powerful man."
"One into kidnapping Citadel citizens." It was the first thing Talus had said, and Dimitri was a bit relieved to know he at least wasn't being ignored.
"Possibly. Its er, your job to find out sir."
Talus nodded at him. "Are you alright Dimitri?"
The boy sighed, releasing some tension. "I've never really had many dealings with Spectres before. None actually."
"Relax. Don't commit any crimes and I wont have to kill you."
Dimitri began to laugh and ease tension when he noticed Talus was dead serious. "Ah, yes sir."
"Any leads for me Dimitri?"
"A few. We could link up with Alliance Military and see what they know. Or we could always head to his main factory in the Hades Gamma Cluster. But then he could have any number of businesses in the Terminus Systems. His connections with the Blue Suns make sure of that. Salazar also has some major business on Noveria, in the Horse Head Nebula. That was where Endosa D'Kerra was last seen, but she may or may not be there still."
"Alright, I can form a plan. In the mean time ill need reliable transportation."
"The Council has given me authorization to requisition any ship you need." Dimitri replied.
"The Destiny Ascension it is then." Dimitri just stared blankly. "that was a joke." Talus said after a minute.
"Oh right, well..."
"Contact Primarch Aetius. See if there is a Ferox Legionary ship nearby. We could use a seasoned crew."
"Yes sir."
.
A few hours later Talus was looking over his frigate, the Tartus. She was fast and elegant, and small. She would do perfectly.
"Spectre." Dimitri said walking up behind him.
"Please, call me Talus."
"Yes sir Talus. I'm supposed to offer my continued assistance with your mission. I have been briefed with the mission parameters and can assist you with accurate intel."
Talus thought about it for a moment. "Do you have combat training?"
"The best C-Sec has to offer." Talus grimaced. For what they were heading into that wasn't very much.
"Very well." Talus said. "Welcome aboard."
Together they boarded the Tartus, meeting with and familiarizing themselves with the crew. A few of them Talus had met years ago when he served in the Ferox Legion. They were good men and they would serve him well. Finally Talus settled in next to the ship's Captain, Harak. Together, along with Dimitri, they checked the Galaxy map working out the best course of action.
"Searching the Terminus for clues leaves us rather open ended with no goal, and alerting the Alliance to Spectre presence isn't the best idea." Talus said.
"Would it be so wise to go to Noveria though? If that was where Endosa was captured Salazar may have a trap waiting for us." Dimitri pointed out.
"With the other options ruled out, its either check out Noveria or bust down the doors of a gun factory. Not the best idea." Harak added.
Talus considered their advice but had already made his decision. "I can handle Noveria. Plot a course Captain.
.
It was a cold day, but then, it was always cold on Noveria. A constant blizzard raged outside while within Kirral Station everyone pretended things were normal. For them it was, deadly storms were business as usual. Their complexes were all protected against the frost. They had no worries.
The Tartus came down a bit uneasy. She wasn't designed for acclimate weather, and the crew had some trouble getting through the storm steady. The ship pulled into dock, and Talus exited with Dimitri.
The port was barren, not a soul within besides them. It seems that hub of business or no, there were few visitors here. The two walked forward towards the doors, a security checkpoint likely within.
"I'm not a Spectre." Talus said.
"What?"
"In here, I'm not a Spectre. Secretive or not whenever a Spectre hits ground word travels fast. We're here to gather information, not arouse suspicion." Talus explained. Dimitri nodded.
They hit the checkpoint, finding themselves staring down three security personnel armed to the teeth.
"Who are you and what are you doing here?"
"I'm Septimus Talus, this is Dimitri Chekenov." He garbled the Human's name miserably but ignored it, even whilst Dimitri cracked a smile. "We're just here to do business with Grom Corp."
"Wait here while we check you out."
Ten minutes passed before they finally came back with confirmation. "Alright you're clear to go but your weapons stay here." As they handed them over, the security guard cocked an eyebrow. "You're rather heavily armed for a trader."
"You can never be too careful out there." Talus responded casually.
.
After another twenty minutes or so of security checkpoints, they were through to the station proper. It was more of a large room, since the station was fully enclosed. Set up sort of like a business mall, there were little signs or attractions. It was all formal, with the few shops present pristine and classy. Massive windows revealed the tumultuous storm raging just outside.
"Lets see what we cant find out."
Talus led them to a night club nearby. A short elevator ride later and they were there. It was much different from the Afterlife club Talus had visited on Omega a few days ago. This place was classy, a rich man's hangout. There was music but it was somewhat light and mellow. Lighting was pretty even throughout the club, the only flashy lights were dimmed on the dance floor. The dance floor itself was tame compared to many other establishments Talus had seen. There was dancing but not the dry sex grinding of Afterlife.
They spent a few hours in the club, talking to random patrons trying to drop hints here and there and learn what they could of the notable people on Noveria. Dimitri more or less just mingled, letting Talus come over and do the important talking. They worked well together, getting people comfortable before asking otherwise curious questions.
Night came quickly with little more than basic information. Dimitri left to find a hotel they could stay at. It was his idea, keep up the appearance that they were there strictly for business. After playing the crowds for a while longer Talus finally retired and found his way to the hotel.
They had names of a few businessmen working for Salazar's companies. It wasn't much but at least they were pointed in the right direction. If they were lucky, Talus would find some clues as to where this Asari Spectre went.
He had to find her. Perhaps he was letting his sense of honor get in the way of his judgment, but nothing burned in him deeper than the betrayal that led to his own Spectre status. That which was his greatest triumph was also his worst failure. He knew there was something wrong with that mission, he could feel it. But... It didn't matter now. He would find the Asari, and she would have answers for him.
.
"Talus?" Dimitri asked. Talus looked about him. He was standing in front of the hotel door. He had been there for a full minute without knocking, completely lost in thought. I have to stop doing that
He moved past where Dimitri held the door open, walking into the common area of the apartment. There were two separate rooms so they didn't have to worry about that.
"Its late." Talus said. "Get some sleep."
Dimitri sighed. "Aye aye." Was he always going to be this cold and to the point?
The rooms were small and simple, nothing more than a tiny bed and a door. Talus took ages to fall fully asleep on the uncomfortable mattress. He was uneasy, letting his memories overcome him as usual. He was almost out, when a voice pierced the darkness.
"Septimus." It said cryptically.
He jolted upright looking around him. He couldn't see anyone, he was alone in the room. The voice spoke again.
"Calm yourself. I am not here to harm you."
"Who are you?" he asked, reaching for a combat knife he'd smuggled in the previous day.
"I am no one. I do not matter, only you matter. Stop searching for the one known as D'Kerra. You must stop Salazar, he is your concern."
"How do you know about my mission? Who sent you!"
"Ignore D'Kerra, stop Salazar."
Talus woke with a start. It was early, but the storm outside betrayed no evidence of time. Talus lay motionless for a few minutes, wondering if what he had seen was truly a dream.
Dimitri was having breakfast when his companion entered the common room. He looked tired and somewhat distraught, but when Dimitri asked about it the Turian just brushed him off.
.
They set out that day for the trams. A quick line at the ticket booth, another line waiting for their tram to arrive, and then a wait to get to their destination. Finally they arrived at the headquarters of the Excel company branch on Noveria. Talus led the way in, checking with the secretary first. He had arranged an appointment yesterday via his Omni-Tool, and now it was just yet another wait in the lobby.
Finally Veeto, the manager of Excel, came out to greet him. "Septimus Talus yes? Good to meet you sir." The Human held out his hand, and Talus shook it.
"The pleasure is all mine." Talus responded.
Veeto held out a hand gesturing towards his office. "Please, lets go into my office to discuss business." They followed his lead, walking through the main lobby to the noticeably warmer office. It was nice, with expensive furnishings. Quite a bit of posh for a Kinetic Shield company.
"So" Veeto began, walking around to his desk while Talus and Dimitri moved closer to the center of the room. "Here to trade shield tech is it? Or are you really here on Spectre business?" The two men from Citadel immediately felt the guns pressing into the back of their heads. Veeto sat all the way down in his chair and looked at them squarely. He motioned, less to them and more to his henchmen. "Have a seat."
They were pushed down forcefully. Dimitri was covered in fear, you could see it oozing off of him. Talus exuded no such feelings. He simply stared straight at Veeto, eyes narrowed sharply.
"Oh come now, you think we're stupid? Spectre goes missing and not but a few days later some off world trader shows up in a heavily armed ship? Turians always did take us for fools."
"So you admit to capturing Endosa D'Kerra." Talus asked smoothly.
Veeto smiled a wry smile. "Indeed, and there's nothing you can do about it." The gunman pressed his weapon into Talus' skull to emphasize the point.
"So you work for Ozmund Salazar then?"
Veeto laughed. "You are pretty calm with your questions even when I'm clearly the one in power here." He leaned in. "Ill humor you. Yes. Mr. Salazar is one of the richest and most powerful men in the Attican Traverse. He is doing something wonderful. You are trying to fuck it up. So you are gonna go away."
Talus nodded. "Just one favor, keep talking for just a few more seconds."
Veeto was alarmed. "What? Why? What are you doing? Do you have some sort of-" He was cut off by the sound of his desk exploding. Right at that moment Talus pushed back with his legs, reaching and arm out to grab Dimitri. Their chairs slid back across the floor, well away from the blast radius.
They knocked the gunmen over as they slid. Talus took the chance, flipping over to slit both of their throats with his knife. He grabbed their rifles, tossing one to Dimitri. The boy was still beleaguered, looking around the office. Veeto was in pieces, the desk too, the guards were bleeding out, a sprinkler system was pouring over them, and alarm sirens were going off.
He looked to Talus. "How did you?"
"Grenade."
"Yeah but-"
"Spectre thing."
"I-"
"Dimitri, focus."
Talus was pushed against the wall flanking the doorway. Dimitri came to his senses, posting himself opposite the Turian. Outside they could hear the screams of Excel employees, running around frightened. Almost on cue a thunder of footsteps headed their way. Talus leaned out and opened fire, cutting down the first two guards in a hail of fire. The rest of the group dove to the side halls for cover.
"Fire a few warning shots and keep em in place." He said. The C-Sec recruit nodded, holding his rifle out in front of the door and pulling the trigger. He was far too nervous to actually stick his head out. It was enough.
Talus pulled the pack from his back and set it on the ground. He dug through it for a moment, opening a sealed compartment. From within he pulled a compact Incisor sniper rifle, which he extended to it's full length.
He spoke as he adjusted the settings. "When I say, I want you to run down that hallway, dead center, firing as you go."
"WHAT!" Dimitri exclaimed "Have you lost your damn mind?"
Talus looked him in the eyes. "Two choices. Either you can trust me, or we can wait here until they get smart enough to lob in explosives."
"So either way I'm dead?"
"Yeah."
"So glad I signed up with you Talus."
Dimitri centered himself. He breathed in deeply, relaxed his muscles, and got a better footing.
"Three." Talus said slowly.
"Two."
"One."
Dimitri bolted down the hallway, trigger on his rifle held down. His mouth held open and he screamed the whole way, watching as his heads up display listed his Kinetic Shield strength. The shield was draining quickly. He wouldn't last more than a few seconds under this type of assault.
He heard a ping sound when his shields finally game out, and the Human closed his eyes bracing for the worst.
It never came.
He looked around him, at all the dead guards, a single bullet in each one's head. Talus ran past him, tugging on his arm.
"Keep moving" He said into his ear as he passed.
.
Most of the non combat personnel were crowded at the trams struggling to get away from the fight. Talus and Dimitri encountered a few more guards as they searched the building. Taking them out wasn't too difficult. They must not have been full Blue Suns. Finally Talus found it. He came across what was labeled as a storage room. Knowing better he pulled up the control to enter the room. It was locked, but with a little help from his Omni-Tool he was able to hack it. The door opened to reveal an Asari strapped to a chair. Her head was down but she was alive and conscious. Talus found a collar around her neck restricting mental capacity. He ripped it off, shaking the Asari awake.
Her eyes fluttered open as she suddenly became aware. Groggily, she looked about the floor for a minute before looking up to the Turian holding her by the shoulders.
"Septimus?" She asked dazed.
"So you remember me traitor?"
"I told you not to come for me." She said.
"What?" Talus was taken aback by the turn of conversation.
"I spoke to you in your dreams. I told you not to come for me. Salazar must be stopped." She was weak, it was apparent in her voice and on her face though she tried not to show it.
"How did you know I was here? What do you know about me? Why did you betray my team on Erinle!" He was screaming by the end of it, but it was moot. Endosa's head tilted back and she fainted.
Talus barked out a yelp of rage. He nodded to Dimitri and picked the Asari up from the chair.
Dimitri flicked on the headpiece in his ear. "Captain we're gonna need a pick up at Excel HQ." He paused for a moment to hear the renewed sound of alarms and more security on the way. "Quickly."