Chapter 2 Forsaken Alliance

Shepard waited for the Alliance to show up. The XO she spoke to last time tried to contact the colony, but she picked up the call at another console, "Well, what did I tell you a week ago? Oh, right you'll find an empty planet. Welcome to Mindoir, population: One."

"You. Let me speak to someone else."

"There is no one else to speak to, unless you can talk to the dead." Shepard scowled. Then a thought struck her, "Switch to visual."

"Fine."

Shepard got some satisfaction from the reaction. She sneered at the officer, "Care to land some troops and survey the damage?"

"Captain!" The woman practically shrieked.

The view switched to show the captain and his face paled visibly at the sight of Shepard's scar. But he recovered from his shock, "Still trying to prank us? Transfer us to whoever's in charge, that's an order."

"You're talking to her. Or haven't you noticed that none of the other settlements are picking up the call? I've been waiting two weeks for you to show up, since you continued to ignore the calls I tried to place." Shepard said, knowing the XO and the nice pilot were listening in.

"…Well… I… uh…" The captain was racking his brain for something to say.

The pilot interrupted, "Fuck this! You can charge me for insubordination and desertion, I'm taking a shuttle down."

"Joker! You are relieved of duty. Sit down!" The captain shouted.

After a couple seconds the XO shouted, "Security, seize Flight Lieutenant Jeff Moreau!"

"This is why I piped all of her transmissions through the ship, and sent copies to Admiral Hackett. Even the first one. In fact he's on his way and should be here in a day, having much farther to travel. Goodbye Captain Mikhalovich."

Shepard overheard the exchange and activated the console's tracking beacon and stepped outside. In twenty minutes a shuttle, settled down outside near the fire pit. Shepard walked up into the shuttle and said, "So, Joker?"

"Yeah, It's a long story, right now I'd like to show that asshole captain the pile of Batarians in that pit." Joker closed the shuttle and flew over the pit, angling the onboard camera to show the corpses in the pit. Then Shepard leaned out of the drop shuttle's hatch and tossed a lighter out, lighting it. Joker shut the hatch and said, "Well, that was dramatic. Where can we head to?"

Shepard pointed at where she had her sniper's nest, "Over there is good."

Joker set the shuttle down and eased out of the seat.

"You alright, Joker?" Shepard asked.

"Shit, I should be asking you that. But I'm fine, I have Vrolik's syndrome. Otherwise known as brittle bones disease. It has to do with the nickname. In flight school I never smiled, and one of the instructors started to sarcastically call me Joker and it just stuck. Though when I outperformed the instructors and graduated at the top of the class, I'll give you a guess as to who was smiling at graduation." Joker limped out of the shuttle, sensing that she wanted to go out for something. "So what about you?"

"Where do I begin? Well, I should say that the scar has been there for months." Then she proceeded to unload every bit of her pent up frustrations. Ending with how she felt to see her parents strewn dead on the floor. As she finished saying that, she found where she stashed her old rifle.

"You really have been through a lot. Really, are you alright?"

"I will be. But I don't think I'll be joining the Alliance, no offense."

"None taken, Mikhalovich is an ass. What do you think you're going to do?"

"I don't know. I'm sick of the Alliance, though. I think I'm going to go to the Terminus systems."

"I'm not even going to try and argue, but I don't really blame you. Good luck, I hope you find what you want."

"What about you? I don't think Mikhalovich is the type to forgive insubordination."

"Yeah, you caught all that? If Hackett can't block him, then I'll resign and figure something else out. Don't worry about me."

Shepard sighed and told him to wait here. She set out for her shed and dug around. She found her stash of Vodka and her gun cleaning equipment. She made it back to Joker's LZ to find him inside the shuttle digging around the storage compartments. He pulled out a couple bedrolls and an extra pillow.

Shepard cleared her throat, "Joker?"

"Just getting the bedding for myself. And whatever else is in there are just my few personal possessions. True to form, Mikhalovich left. I figured there was probably food here."

"Yes there is. But also, booze." She handed him the bottle and sat down against the bulkhead of the shuttle to start cleaning the old gun. After a few minutes she mused aloud, "You know, you are the first person to not look at me with a look of disgust."

"What do you mean?"

"Oh, come on. I know I'm not pretty. I mean I'm pale, gaunt, I always look like I'm brooding, I'm tall but not quite lanky, and I lack curves. Let's not forget the angry red scar running down my face."

"You certainly aren't ugly."

"That's sweet of you to say. How old are you?" Shepard asked.

"Eighteen." Joker answered quickly looking at his feet.

Shepard raised an eyebrow and Joker said, "Oh, alright. I'm seventeen, I lied about my age when I enlisted. Having a beard helped."

"How long have you been active?"

"A few months. Long enough to make Flight Lieutenant, anyway." Joker answered with a shrug.

Shepard disassembled the rifle and cleaned each piece, and put it back together. Then she tested the bolt once. With a little flair she slapped it back into place and gave off a satisfied grunt before setting it down next to her.

Joker took a drink of the Vodka and handed the bottle to Shepard, "What kind of rifle is that?"

"It's just a bolt action rifle. Designed for only one shot at a time, with .308 caliber bullets. It's quite the antique, but I recently found out that it's as effective against kinetic barriers as modern sniper rifles."

They kept their minds off their uncertain futures by chatting aimlessly while awaiting Hackett's arrival.

The next day

Joker maneuvered the shuttle back to where the beacon was going. Shepard first grabbed all she needed to go with the assault rifle, pistol, and antique rifle.

Hackett's drop shuttle landed and he stepped out into the cold early morning air. Joker stood up as straight as he could and saluted. Shepard adopted an air of unconcern as she leaned back against Joker's shuttle, crossed her arms, and watched Hackett's movements intently.

"Joker. What the hell happened? And is this the lady who sent Mikhalovich messages?" Hackett asked when he returned the salute.

Joker told all he knew, that Shepard wasn't going to say. They had agreed to let Joker handle Mikhalovich while she spoke of the attack.

Once the explanations were through Hackett turned around and surveyed the area. He noted the stripped out shuttles and the piles of Batarian guns and equipment as well as the ash filled pit. He extended his hand, "Well, Miss Shepard? Can I offer you passage to the Citadel?"

"Thank you admiral." Shepard nodded, but made no move to shake his hand.

Hackett shrugged, "I suspect you aren't particularly pleased with the Alliance at the moment. Well, I'm sorry to say I can't do anything to Mikhalovich officially. And Joker, he is pressing charges. Because you only acted in the manner in which you thought was right, which I agree with, I can offer an honorable discharge with some severance pay and partial veteran benefits."

Joker sighed, "Alright, I'll take the discharge."

Hackett turned around, "Follow my shuttle, I'll radio ahead and prepare some rooms."

On the Citadel

Joker went to pursue a job as pilot in C-Sec for now. So Shepard wandered into the wards. After a brief argument about her weapons she was permitted to carry them, so long as she didn't draw them. Hackett had told her that her father had a will, so she went in search of the executor of the will. A Turian C-Sec officer by the name of Vakarian. She entered the academy and endured the watchful stares of the guards and went to the offices. Having no money, she was in a bit of a hurry to wrap this up. She located the office and knocked, "Uh…Officer Vakarian?"

A Turian wearing a visor over his eye looked up and said politely, "Yes, who are you?"

"My name is Sarah Shepard, I was told my father named you the executor of his will."

"Oh, I'm sorry. You have the wrong Vakarian. My name's Garrus, you must need to speak with my father. Let me take you to him."

Garrus got up and started walking with Shepard, impressed at how strongly she carried herself, considering the reason she was here. "Sorry about your father. If you don't mind my asking, how did he die?"

"He was shot in the head by a Batarian slaver." Then Shepard winced at her own tone, "Sorry, I didn't mean to be so terse. It's been a long couple weeks."

Garrus was stunned at her bluntness, but recovered, "What happened?"

"Well, I woke up one day and Batarian slavers were launching an assault on my home of Mindoir. They figured out who I was based on headcounts and what seemed to be inside information and killed my parents in retaliation. I spent about half of that day killing forty eight Batarians and watching helplessly as the colonists were taken anyway. Then I had to wait two weeks before the Alliance deigned to show up." Shepard said a little bitterly.

"You spent two weeks alone on a planet? How old are you?"

"I just turned sixteen about three weeks ago. Not the best of years so far." Shepard said sardonically.

Garrus couldn't help but chuckle at the joke. They came to the correct office and Garrus said, "Dad? Someone here to see you. Business." He turned to Shepard, "I've got some work to do. It was nice to meet you. I only wish it were under better circumstances."

"Me too, Garrus. See ya around." Shepard said.

He left and Officer Vakarian eyed Shepard, wondering why she was here. "Have a seat, miss…?"

"Shepard, Sarah Shepard. I can see you're busy, so I won't waste your time. I was told you are the executor of my father's will?" Shepard went straight to business.

"Oh, Shepard! You must be his daughter. Huh, you know he never mentioned you until he named me executor of this will."

"Let me guess. My mother is the primary recipient, but in the event of her being dead too, I get it instead." Shepard said with a sigh.

"Yes. How did you…?"

"Inference based off of experience with the man." Shepard waved the question away.

"Actually to be honest that's how the will was, up until about four years ago. He contacted me and named you primary recipient. He said that you," he looked at the sheet of paper and read, "are more responsible at age twelve than her mother ever will be."

"So, what happened?" He asked as he flipped through the paper for the assets. "Batarian slavers. I'm the only one that managed to stay out of their grasp on Mindoir." Shepard said simply.

Mr. Vakarian brought up the paper and took one last look. "There are really only some old savings accounts to deal with. And a lockbox of research notes for you to do with as you will once you are of age at eighteen. Come with me, we'll head to the bank to get the funds out for you."

The car ride was silent, and fast.

The bank cooperated pretty quickly. Shepard realized she could buy a small ship for going through the relays, with enough fuel to travel between systems. And she'd have enough left over for some food stores and armor.

"Are you moving to the Citadel?"

"No. I'd have nothing to do, and nowhere to stay. I'm buying a ship with these funds, I'll see from there."

"Very well. I know enough not to argue with a Shepard. Good luck."

"Thanks."

She headed to the wards to find a decent ship to buy. After that she decided to wander a bit, take in the sights. She passed by a small night club and on a whim she ducked inside.

It was a lively place, but nothing really held her interests. She looked down a hall into a backroom and saw a fierce looking Krogan arguing with another one. There was just something about the first one that told her he was tougher, stronger and more powerful. She heard him say, "Let Fist know that he's treading on thin ice with the Broker."

"Get out of here." The Krogan with his back against a door was saying.

"I'm being paid to deliver a message, not kill him… this time." The tougher turned around to leave and the other Krogan whipped out a shotgun.

Acting fast, Shepard raced past the first Krogan, and grabbed the shotgun. She pointed it up at the chin of the Krogan holding it. He was so shocked he couldn't stop his finger from pulling the trigger.

It went off in his face and he collapsed onto the floor. Shepard noted that the Krogan was beginning to regen, so she pulled her pistol and squeezed off three shots in the Krogan's head.

"Who the hell are you?" The first Krogan asked.

"You're welcome." Shepard said sarcastically grinning.

"Ooh. Sarcastic and deadly. I'm liking you more and more human. Now who the hell are you?" The Krogan said.

Shepard holstered her pistol and said, "Name's Sarah Shepard. You?"

"Urdnot Wrex. You look really young to have a red battle scar."

"I am young, only sixteen."

"I'm familiar enough with humans to know you aren't even considered to be an adult, then. And yet you have the air of a hardened killer. Why'd you do it?"

"I'm looking to become a mercenary and I need contacts, both within the field of work, and employers."

"Triple threat: smart, sarcastic and deadly. Come with me. I'd like to see how good you are at an actual hunt for a target. I'll get you in touch with someone to give you a decent challenge. Then we'll be even and can start being friendly." Wrex teased.

"Deal. Do you need to know my experience?"

"Some. How many have you killed?"

"So far? Forty eight Batarian slavers… and one Krogan bouncer."

"Over what length of time?"

"Two weeks. Though technically the forty eight Batarians was within three hours. And you saw the bouncer."

Wrex and Shepard walked out of the club, and Shepard kept the shotgun of the dead Krogan.

"Let me stop by my ship."

"So you have a ship. How much room does it have?"

"Enough for myself and four or five others comfortably."

Shepard stored her antique rifle in her room and donned her armor. She stepped off the ship with her assault rifle, shotgun, and pistol strapped to the correct places on her armor.

"Now you look professional. Good. Follow me." Wrex nodded his approval and without another word stepped away with Shepard following.

They met Wrex's contact and Wrex started to ask about a more entry level job for his associate. He talked her up and made up stories around the truthful information she gave him.

Finally the contact said, "Well, there is something. But it isn't exactly entry level."

"Let me hear it." Shepard said.

"Okay. A local kingpin for drug smuggling has welched on too many debts. One of those rare instances where we actually do a favor for C-Sec. The contract holder wants her dead. She's Asari, and is blackmailing several high level politicians. The Shadow Broker is willing to pay out double the bounty for the blackmailing information. She's got a small army of personal bodyguards that she does pay well. And she's also got several fanatical Red Sand addicts protecting her. You'll have to get through all of them to get to her. Several mercs have tried and failed, so she is aware of the price on her head. It pays seven thousand credits. With an additional fourteen thousand for the blackmail info."

"Whoa. That sounds like something you'd give a veteran." Wrex said.

"Actually I was going to see if you wanted it." The contact said.

"Well, Wrex?" Shepard asked simply.

"Tell you what Shepard. We'll split it, professional to professional. Deal?" Wrex asked, holding his hand out in a human gesture for a handshake.

The contact chimed in immediately, "Wrex won't betray you."

"Alright, deal." Shepard said, shaking his hand.

"Good. The problem is she's in the presidium. She muscled the Consort out of the building that she used to be in. The one near the embassies."

Shepard smirked, "Well, I've never seen the Presidium."

"It's too quiet, though it is pretty scenic." Wrex said.

They walked off towards the elevator and Wrex said, "Hey, Shepard?"

"Yeah?"

"Why do all these humans look at you the way they do?"

"I'm not what most humans call 'pretty'. In fact to some I'm downright ugly. Even without the scar on my face."

"That is an impressive scar. What the hell are they so damn picky about?"

"Human females tend to be… curvier. A little shorter, and not so gaunt."

"Does it bother you?"

"Not at the moment. But then I've never had a crush on someone, so it hasn't really been important."

"Fair enough. If you did have a crush on someone and they rejected you because of your looks?"

"Then it would probably bother me. But I doubt I'd lose sleep over it." Shepard answered honestly.

"Well, let's focus for now."

They rode up to the Presidium and avoided attracting too much attention as Shepard followed Wrex past the strange statue of a mass relay. Shepard got an idea of how close quarters the initial fighting would be and pulled out her pistol as Wrex whipped out a shotgun.

"I'll take point, stick close." Wrex said.

"Wait. Is she even home?" Shepard asked.

Wrex stopped short. She could be out on business. He wondered why he didn't consider that.

"And besides, I think some of her guards are in this crowd of loiterers."

"What makes you say that?"

"It's a simple bait and snare trap. She already knows about the bounty, what if she set this place up to draw in mercs and is actually running her business from somewhere else. Or is she here, but as soon as we clear out the first room the disguised guards close off our escape route? Something doesn't add up, Wrex."

"I think you're right, Shepard. What do you propose we do?"

"Let me pose as a buyer, or offer her an opportunity to store her product in the Traverse. I doubt most people have heard of Mindoir being raided and even if they have, well then it's not likely to be raided again anytime soon. I can gather some information and then we can make a plan."

"Alright. I'll wait over in the little bar over there next to the human embassy."

Wrex walked off and Shepard prepared herself to offer bald-faced deceit.

A half hour later

Shepard sat down next to Wrex and said, "She's not there. She's in hiding and running her business through an intermediary. If the intermediary died, then she would just tap another one. None of the information is there either."

"Damn it!"

"I have an idea though. One of the druggies was a little talkative. Rumor has it that this Asari has a human lover, and that he knows where she's hiding. I figure he'd be easier to track."

"We'll see where that gets us." Wrex said, happy to simply be doing something.

They found the guy and tracked him around for an hour. Wrex's impatience got the better of him and he captured the human.

Between Wrex and Shepard they found out the Asari was hiding out in a back alley between Chora's Den and the lower markets. They made their way over there and moved slowly so she didn't go to ground at the first sign of trouble.

This time Shepard took point with her assault rifle and Wrex had his shotgun. Shepard walked into view and announced herself through a taunt, "You know your intermediary is an idiot. She can't cover for you on her best day."

"KILL HER, KILL HER! She's here for the bounty!"

Shepard shot all the guards that were further away. Wrex boomed into view and took down the guards nearby. It was over very quickly and the Asari had nowhere to run.

Wrex spoke up, "The honor for this one's yours Shepard. In fact, I barely helped."

Shepard fired the assault rifle, point blank range. "Thanks Wrex. Let's collect." They did a quick search and found the information for the bonus, stashed in the criminal's Omni-tool.

As the deal went Shepard and Wrex split the money even. Though Wrex thought Shepard deserved more than fifty percent. So, he asked for passage to Illium, where his next job was and paid for the trouble.