Urdnot Wrex felt mildly annoyed as he strode towards the access corridor his current appointment was supposed to be in. Associates of his employer were not usually known for being this stupid, but he mused sometimes there had to be exceptions. Lucky for him - at least such assignments were good for a laugh or two, the pay was good, and there were rarely complications. He felt his lips peel back in a sharklike grin as he saw the loosely-standing group of salarians and turians facing a lone quarian. Well, this is going to be fun.
Wrex watched the lead turian say something to the quarian, then lean close, pawing at the suit of the smaller alien, who shook of his hand, then warbled something - the krogan's smile widened, becoming even more predatory as he saw the quarian girl slide something into her palm. Time to go, things are about to get interesting - eh, there's only eight of them, still, it may be fun.
The krogan unlimbered his shotgun, his body blurred into blue light as he slammed into the lead turian, the impact pulping the spiky-headed bastard. Wrex' right hand fired his shotgun point-blank, smearing another turian on the corridor wall as his left hand lit up blue, the mass effect field throwing a salarian into a wall, cartilage and bones crunching, the small alien flopping down lifelessly. The krogan headbutted another salarian, feeling his boneplates crunch the skull of the not-so-nimble thug. His barrier crackled with blue as the remaining turian fired a full burst into it, then a salarian's omnitool lit his left side on fire. The answering boom of the shotgun obliterated the turian's upper body, the salarian was not quick enough to dodge when Wrex grabbed him, his fist breaking first the arm, then qith a swift motion, the neck.
Wrex stopped for a second, taking stock. Huh, so she can somewhat take care of herself. The remaining two thugs were down - one still twitching, his whole body smoking from the electric charge that fried his armor, his sensors, weapons, and flesh, while the other was slumping down with a knifehilt protruding from his eye. The quarian girl shivered and took a step back as the towering krogan's growling, menacing laughter seemed to shake the corridor.
"Easy there, little killer, no need to stab me in the eye" - for some reason, this did not seem to console the quarian girl too much. "Didn't your father teach you not to trust intelligence brokers, and always have backup ready for meetings like this?"
The quarian girl's posture was dejected, afraid, as she inched away from the scene and the hulking krogan who was methodically rifling through the dead thugs, collecting omnitools, datapads, credit chits.
"I...I thought...he said that the Broker would...that I would…" the warbling voice sounded just so young. Wrex sighed, motioning the girl closer.
"Yes, I know what that idiot Fist said to you. Consider this" - he motioned at the scene of carnage around them " both a lesson and an apology on behalf of the Broker. Now, I hear you got some interesting data that may tie into the newest uproar. Come along, quarian, let's take off before C-Sec gets here."
"My name's Tali'Zorah, you oversized turtle " apparently, her voice was not low enough, as the krogan again gave that deep, booming laugh, as she, somewhat reluctantly, followed the mercenary away from the access corridor, towards the Presidium.
Alliance EmbassyAmbassador Donnel Udina was not a happy man. He spent too much time verbally sparring with the Council, and usually whenever he seemed to get the upper hand, his superiors from back home came up with something so mind-numbingly insane and shortsighted that it was all he could do to limit the damage. Still, if he was honest with himself, he would not trade it for anything - and his detractors back home would be surprised that it was not only for the money, influence, and spotlight he persisted. No, he felt that he owed the Alliance, to humanity itself that he gave his utmost in furthering their interests. And if sometimes that meant getting into pissing contests with powerful alien diplomats, well, he did get paid well enough for that kind of shit.
"With all due respect Madam Councilor, the data already transmitted is more than enough for a condemnation. Do not even hint at attempting to sweep this under the rug - the pet butcher of the esteemed Councilor Sparatus slipped his leash, and used a fucking geth superdreadnought to melt a human garden world into slag!" the ambassador's voice rose while his hands fisted. "The casualty numbers are still coming in, but in a worst-case scenario, we are looking at another Shanxi, and again, perpetrated by a turian - and oh yes, not just any turian, but an Arterius to boot!"
"Ambassador, if you are quite finished?" Councilor Valern's low hiss cut through the building tirade. " The preliminary databurst we received does indeed paint a dark picture, but it's by no means conclusive. We will wait for details, and if necessary, take steps to reign in Spectre Arterius."
"Reign him in? After what he's done, reign him in? Mark me well, Councilors, the Alliance will…"
"Enough, Ambassador." the turian Councilor's voice vibrated with barely suppressed fury. "Once we get the full situation report from Spectre Kryik and the Alliance personnel present, we will take appropriate actions. The Alliance would do well to refrain from threats, especially since the reasons your Butcher was considered for Spectre elevation were the same as for Saren! And it's not like your pet Butcher did not do similar things, to human colonies even."
The smooth voice of Councilor Tevos cut through the beginning of a heated retort.
"Ambassador, the data sent is indeed very convincing. Nevertheless, the Alliance will accept that even in such extreme cases, the proper steps must be followed. We have scheduled a hearing where Spectre Kryik and the Eden Prime ground team can present their findings to the Council - and only the Council. If the preliminary data is correct, I should not have to tell you the likely reactions from the general public, both in Council and Alliance space. For the time being, details of the incident" - Udina snorted at the word - "must remain secret to lessen the generated panic."
A quick look from Tevos to Sparatus and Valern was answered with small nods.
"Notify your government that the Spectre corps and the Council Navy offer cooperation in handling the geth, and that relief efforts are already being coordinated for the Eden Prime victims. If there is nothing more, then we should adjourn for the time being."
Udina nodded, broke the connection, and turned towards his guest.
"So, at least they are not denying it. What do you think on their cooperation offer, Admiral?"
The scarred face of his guest settled in a thoughtful frown.
"If the data from the Normandy is accurate, we'll need them. I can mobilize Fifth Fleet, but I'm afraid that's all we have for this crisis." - Admiral Hackett barked a derisive laugh at Udina's surprised expression. "Surely you do not think that burning a small colony world would convince the Parliament to allocate more forces for the retaliation? Honestly, I'm not sure they would even accept my decision - lucky for us, the Fleet Master agrees with our conclusion, and has given me leave to deal with the geth as I see fit."
Udina's omnitool chimed, and he frowned.
"It seems we have some uninvited visitors. Admiarl Hackett, do you know a certain Urdnot Rex? According to the security team, he's got a packet for us...and he's with an unknown quarian girl - though going by the quality and colors of her suit, she's likely connected to someone important in the Migrant Fleet."
"Urdnot Wrex is a rather prominent krogan warlord, ambassador - and he often works for the Shadow Broker. I think our day is about to get even more interesting."
A few minutes and security checks later, the two human leaders (and an honour guard of a dozed marines, lead by an N6 operative) welcomed the towering krogan and his diminutive quarian shadow.
"Miss Zorah, Wrex. I understand you have something for us." Udina gestured for the aliens to sit, Wrex declining with a snort, and going back to grinning hungrily at the marines.
"Yeah, the little spitfire managed to dig out something that may be connected to the fun time your little colony had recently."
At the inquiring gazes, Tali seemed to shrunk back a second, then rallied.
"The Migrant Fleet Marine detail I was with ran into a geth ship in the Sheol system about two weeks ago. We managed to disable and board it, and then got to work on retrieving data from the memory banks. We needed almost a full week before we managed to reconstruct parts of the data, which included files mentioning Saren Arterius, including some audio. We planned to deliver this data to you, but we were attacked en route by mercenaries, and…"
Wrex put a large hand on Tali's shoulder.
"Only she got away to the Citadel, and she thought that using a known information dealer with ties to the Broker would get her quicker access to the embassy, and someone in charge." - seeing Udina's mouth open, he lifted a hand for interruption. "Do not tell me your guards would have allowed a young quarian entrance - or that we'd be having this conversation if she was alone." The ambassador's mouth closed, face turning sour, but he nodded.
"The dealer she went to was likely on the payroll of Saren - or just spectacularly stupid. Anyway, I picked her up, and brought her here."
Admiral Hackett leaned forward, eyes intent on Tali.
"Miss Zorah, what was in that data?"
The quarian fiddled with her omnitool, and a turian's flanging voice filled the room.
"Eden Prime will be first step towards victory and retaliation. Getting that Beacon will bring us a step closer to the Conduit."
Another voice joined in, a smooth, cold, aristocratic contralto. Asari.
"And one step closer to waking He Who Dreams the Void."
Council ChambersGarrus Vakarian watched as the human delegation headed towards the podium for supplicants, his eyes evaluating the Butcher and his chosen crew. Given that they had, at most, three days ago fought a brutal battle on Eden Prime, the marines looked surprisingly collected, though Garrus noted the signs of weariness and guilt in the female's posture, whose face seemed somewhat familiar. A quick search on his omnitool yielded an answer that had him shift his posture into an aggressive, pre-pounce stance - and he had to force himself to relax as Ashley Williams walked past him, a floor lower, at the left hand of the Butcher of Torfan himself.
Garrus had scoured the extranet sites for some available information about the battle, and found a surprising amount, even some footage clearly taken via a human soldier's armorcam. What he saw and pieced together made him want to shake Saren's hand for a professionally executed overwhelming strike … and then rip the bastard to pieces for going after the humans while there were so many more worthy targets for attacks like this - Khar'shan for one, or Omega itself.
Before he could lose himself in happy visions of the immense black ship burning away slaver bases, ships, and the various petty warlords of the Terminus, the chime signaling the beginning of the session was heard. He and Executor Pallin were inside the privacy field, he noted that C-Sec presence was much more visible than usual, and there were markedly more reporters and gawkers in the chambers. Well, nothing like a catastrophe to bring out the experts and pillars of the communities.
Garrus was surprised to see a krogan and a quarian enter after the humans, his mandibles flickered in amusement as he recognized Wrex, then once more when a green-eyed turian joined the group.
"The Council is in session." the cool, neutral tone of the VI sounded, as the three Councilor stepped to their pedestals, and Councilor Tevos spoke.
"After careful deliberation and analysis of the data presented by the Systems Alliance and Spectre Nihlus Kryik, the Council came to the following decisions. Saren Arterius is no longer considered a member of the Citadel Special Tactics and Recon Branch, his rank and privileges removed, any collusion with him is to be considered an act of war against the Citadel Council itself. The Spectre Corps, along with the STG, the Citadel Navy, and C-Sec will take action to bring him and his allies to justice. In light of the numerous grievances the Systems Alliance brought against Saren Arterius, the hunt for the renegade agent will be lead by a representative of the Alliance."
"Commander Alexander Shepard, step forward."
The Butcher marched to the edge of the podium, and Garrus saw the satisfied smile on the human ambassador's face.
"It is the decision of the Council that you be granted all the rights and privileges of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance Branch of the Citadel. You are to be considered an instrument of the Council's will, the galaxy's first and last line of defense, expected to go above and beyond the call of duty to enforce the safety of the Citadel community. Your dedication to your tasks, determination, and competence were already well-known within the Alliance - now you must use them for the greater good of the galactic peace and stability. Your first assignment is to bring Saren low - using any force necessary."
Garrus may have imagined it, but he could swear he saw the Butcher's face twist into a bloodthirsty grin at the last sentence. The public part of the audience concluded, he followed the Executor towards the suite where the turian Councilor had his offices.
Office of Councilor Sparatus"Now, I want you to understand something, Shepard. I don't like you. I don't trust you. If it was up to me, the Hierarchy would hunt down that barefaced, shit-eating, gutless bastard Saren, but I guess that would be too much to ask from the spirits." - The voice of Councilor Sparatus trembled from barely contained fury, which was not helped by Ambassador Udina's satisfied smile.
"Councilor, I understand your position, but I believe I have a task that needs doing - and let us not waste time with pointless posturing. Obviously, you have either information I'm expected to act upon, orders that I may or may not accept, or some hoops that I need to jump through before I can start with my new job." - Shepard rumbled, looking expectantly at the turian behind the screen-studded desk.
"The information we have is being compiled by STG and Spectre agents, and should be ready within a day or so. That should give you enough time to get supplies and establish some communications and chain-of-command guidelines. For the time being, the Council can't give you much support apart from Spectre-approved small arms, omnitools, and armor. A task force is assembling as your backup, but that will take about a week, at current estimates, as we are pulling back ships and captains who have good record from their Traverse and Terminus deployments."
"The Alliance finds itself in a similar position - our fleets are stretched thin, and we can't really give you immediate support. Admirals Hackett and Mikhailovich are scrounging up a few ships for you, but that will take time, limiting you to the Normandy; at least for a week or so." Udina said, obviously displeased.
"What about ground support? I guess it's the same in the short run, especially with the limited space on the Normandy. But background support? Intel?"
"Councilor Valern will provide you with access to the findings of the STG team dedicated to the Saren case. Also, your credentials should be enough to access the Spectre network, and keep pace with the other lines of investigation. I suggest you keep in touch with Spectres Kryik and Vasir, as they'll be working on other, less direct angles of the case."
"I'll work on getting you at least a few Intelligence resources from home, Shepard. At the very least, Admiral Hackett promised to get you access to Fifth Fleet's intelligence."
"Also, the reason for the ecletic company here is that I want you to consider using, shall we say, informal assets separate from our usual communications and intel gathering channels." Sparatus stated, motioning towards Wrex, Tali, and Garrus. "Urdnot Wrex is a…"
"I know Wrex, Councilor. Not in person, but I've seen his work, and am aware of his file. I can agree with taking him on board - based on what I've seen, he'll be a great asset for the ground team as well." Shepard said, nodding towards the huge krogan, whose low, sinister chuckle made Tali shiver.
"It seems the Butcher approves of me. How nice. Maybe we'll arrange for a nice match, Shepard?"
"Your funeral, Wrex." the operative smirked, locking gazes with the mercenary, the staredown broken when Wrex snorted, and leaned back, his chair creaking under his weight.
"Now, as for the others. Detective Vakarian may not be a model turian, but he's a competent marksman and a detective with good instincts for criminal investigations. He can provide you understanding in Saren's motivations and turian mindset," - Sparatus glared at Udina, whose derisive chuckle seemed precisely aimed at him. "also, you can use him to access C-Sec databases and the investigation they're about to launch to map Saren's financial background."
"That does sound useful, Councilor, however… Detective Vakarian, let me make it clear: as soon as you step out of line, you endanger the mission or the crew, or try to pull some honorable turian bullshit, I will end you. If you have problems working with humans, obeying orders from humans - not just me, but all the way on the chain of command, state it now, or shut up. Are we clear?"
Garrus' mandibles twitched, he half-raised a hand for some kind of gesture, then nodded.
"I may not always like the orders I get, I will tell my opinions and will disagree with you if the situation calls for it, and it does not put the mission at risk. That said, as long as we put a bullet in Saren's brain and you get some decent dextro food, I'm in, and ready to follow your commands."
Shepard deliberated for a few moments, saw Sparatus tensely watching in the background, then nodded towards the detective before he turned towards the young quarian.
"And what about you, Miss Zorah? What do you bring to the table, and why would you want to get involved?"
Tali was nervously wringing her hands, as she visibly steeled herself to answer.
"Weeeell, geth are involved, and they are kind of my people's responsibility, and I know a lot about them, understand the technology, do not forget that us quarians are quite skilled with tech, you'll definitely need someone able to hack geth tech and I can easily do that and maybe help with ship maintenance, we quarians are good with that and on a small, new ship you probably need someone who can improvise as you may not have enough experts and…."
"Breathe, Miss Zorah. " Shepard cut in the increasingly frantic speech with a small smile. "I am not discounting your abilities, but I want to know if you are willing to get involved in groundside operations as well? Shipboard techs I can get from the Alliance as well."
"I have trained and performed some missions with the Migrant Fleet Marines, Spectre Shepard, and if needed, I am not afraid of getting my hands dirty, and…."
The tirade stopped as Shepard lifted a hand.
"All right, I'll consider it. Let me ask you one more thing: would the quarians be willing to send ships and intelligence, if requested?"
Tali hesitated, thinking for maybe half a minute.
"I think yes, the Admiralty could be persuaded to share some intel, and maybe even relegate some ships of the Scout Fleet...especially if the Migrant Fleet got access to a somewhat secure location, relatively safe from geth."
Udina smiled, a parent proud at his child's achievement.
"Miss Zorah, you just may go far in the Migrant Fleet. I'll consult with Admiral Hackett, and see if we can come up with something for you."
Shepard turned towards Sparatus, nodded.
"All right Councilor, I'll take them onboard. Anything else? Maybe an asari, seeing that they may have an interest in the whole business, what with the second voice on the file. Or a salarian, just to round out the official Council representatives?"
"Funny you should say that, I think Councilor Tevos does have some relevant information for you, Shepard."
Citadel Docks, berth of the SSV NormandyAt Anderson's signal, the guards stepped away from the three men, leaving them in relative solitude. Udina nodded towards Shepard, who raised his omnitool, typed a few swift commands, then waited for a few seconds before nodding back.
"Shepard, it's for the best. I need Captain Anderson here as a liaison towards Hackett and the fleet. You should be well aware how differently civilians like me are handled, and the captain can likely bulldoze through where I'd be caught in the red tape."
"I understand, Ambassador. That does not mean I have to like it. Technically, I am qualified for it, but I do not have the same expertise for fleet actions as the Captain does. And I can't squeeze that much out from a crew, either."
"That's where you might be surprised, Alex. And while it would be nice to put the boot in Saren's ass directly, the Ambassador is correct, I likely can help you more from here. As for handling the ship - well, it's not like there's so much precedent using stealth ships, right? You have a quality crew, use them." - Anderson's deep voice resonated in the dock without much effort, Shepard unconsciously shifting to attention as his former CO spoke.
"I trust the equipment arrived, and there were no problems?"
"Well, the armor and small arms from Hahne-Kedar arrived without problems, and the Spectre stocks were also delivered once I got Nihlus to set the quartermaster straight. The Mako's main laser will need some calibration, though that's not unusual. Chief Engineer Adams reported the core is stable, ship systems are ok, repair stocks, omnigel tanks and food are topped… All considered, we're good to go, sir."
"Where will you start, Alex?" Anderson queried. "The Armstrong Nebula, using Hackett's fleet as a cover to check the geth outposts there?"
"No, Captain. According to the information presented by Councilor Tevos, and verified via Intelligence, the asari voice was identified as Matriarch Benezia T'Soni. Her daughter, Liara T'Soni is currently at a digsite on Therum, in the Artemis Tau cluster - on an expedition funded by the University of Kathmandu, sirs. I did not have time to read and digest her academic work and interest, but the people at Kathmandu do not fund alien scientists without reason - and they certainly do not get Kai Leng and a band of N-trained soldiers as a security detail." Shepard checked something on his omnitool, then continued. "Sirs, the digsite has missed two checkins. I do no like the sound of that, and whatever they found, I intend to either secure it, or deny it to Saren - or if needed, to any interested parties."
Udina paled a bit, and even Anderson looked as if he bit into something sour.
"Wonderful. Shepard, I know that Spectre credentials go a very long way, and N7s have in some way even less limits, but try to handle the situation before a full marine division or an orbital bombardment is needed. We may not be able to get either of those in time."
"I will do my best, sir. That said, I'd better be off. Captain Anderson. Ambassador." Shepard saluted to the two men, Anderson returned the salute, Udina nodded. The Spectre about-faced, and marched to his ship.
Less than an hour later, the Normandy was swallowed by the Widow Relay, hopping through the network in the direction of the Artemis Tau cluster, then at flank speed towards Therum.
Interlude - Burned memoriesConsciousness was slow to return. Sounds came first - light mechanical noises, whispers at the edge of hearing, a constant susurration, the low-level hum of an active drive core. Smells came next - the acerbic tang of burned circuitry, sharp smell of ozone after a lightning strike. Wires and bands binding him to place were next to be sensed, before the recumbent figure opened his eyes.
So sharp. So focused. So many details. Too many details. Blink. The vista before him appeared in cool hues of blue, with parts of the machinery glowing orange-red. Blink. Emptiness, a dark void, with only parts of his body glowing. Blink. Different parts of his body glowing. Blink. Blink. Blink.
Where was he? Why was he here? Who was he?
His focus turned inward, trying to find reasons, memories, anything.
A sharp-featured visage with backswept fringe, showing no facial markings. Feelings of awe and respect, turning darker, more savage, giving way to grief and rage. A family member? His sire, maybe? What is a sire, anyway?
A human face, flat, hard edges, defiantly staring him down - brown eyes boring into his before cold blue light seems to flare within the human's gaze. Loathing. Anger. Bitter condemnation - for him? for himself? - when he nods to accept something the human says.
Inquisitive green eyes, white facial markings, a younger turian looking at him respectfully, stance conveying attention and eagerness. Scenes of carnage flash by, explosions, broken bodies, exultation at a job well done, pride in someone who can keep up with him, follow in his footsteps. Shimmering heat-haze spotted from the corner of his eye, two flashes, two impacts, pain in his shoulder, arm going numb. A flash to another scene, similar yet different, and he's moving, too late, his head erupts in white PAIN…
Blue eyes looking at him fondly, conveying warmth, respect, and something he cannot, dares not place. The figure - the asari - soothes him, her presence quells the turmoil of his mind, making everything clearer. The face changes, becoming sharper, sterner, ever more ruthless to his distant dismay - aren't Matriarchs supposed to be unchanging, ageless beings?
A ship in the dark of the void, an immense leviathan of silent menace, his every step on its decks - within its body? - accompanied by incessant whispers, barely heard, always there. The constant feeling of hunger, impatience barely held back by a will beyond that of the asari, parts of the machinery counselling patience, urging for sleep, to wait for but a short while. The feeling of power suffusing him when he stepped on the bridge, and touched the command throne, a towering will crashing against his, eroding walls, discipline, feelings…
Saren Arterius howled - a bestial rage of fury, loss, and hunger given voice, mechanical undertones mixing into his flanging harmonics.
Matriarch Benezia T'Soni listened to her companion's awakening, the berserk tantrum he subjected the regeneration chamber to a thing that would have caused her pain, even a short while ago. Now, she considered his state with a cool, clinical detachment, while her fingers scrolled through maps, data requests, lists - her mind and concentration bent towards finding the possible next step in their campaign.
She was still undecided where to go next - the shell company on Noveria has finally produced results, and the experiment was in a state where interrogation was possible. At the same time, their agents located - or rather, were tipped off - an Alliance experiment which unearthed an actual thoi'han, and were in the process of establishing communications with the creature.
She regretted not having access to her daughter, whose expertise and knowledge would serve them well in finding clues, mapping out their steps, locating the patterns and trends buried in the layers of history and data.
A small asari, her face scrunched in concentration, digging up the garden. The same child looking up at her with tearful eyes, as she hurries to her - the tears drying up as she laughs, and sits down next to the child.
The same asari, somewhat older, talking to her, hands moving in agitated explanation, blue eyes shining with the wonder of discovery.
The same asari, face sad, distant, as she whispers something, and turns to leave, the Matriarch standing alone as she is immolated in a flash of red light stabbing from the sky, the sheer wrongness of the memory, the intrusive feeling making her scream.
Flashes of memory, flashes of colors - all drowned out, muted by the cold, void-blue light of the ship, intruding into her thoughts, her mind, her very being. The Matriarch feels the unending hunger, her stomach convulsing with sympathetic cramps, the cool metal under her touch guiding her back to her task, the whispers becoming less intrusive, as the cold seeps into her bones, her brain, her soul.
Matriarch Benezia T'Soni has a task, and she will see it through, no matter the cost. Only a tiny part of her brain, muted behind a barrier, wonders and weeps at the cost, at what she lost, what she will likely lose in the days to come.
