Two Spectres Are Better Than One
The Citadel was truly a remarkable structural masterpiece. The seamless bulkheads ran smoothly along the edges of the enormous station that was the meeting place of all races, whether it be for trade or for Council business. However, it wasn't the magnificence of the Citadel that caught everyone's attention.
Kaidan's eyes widened even more at the enormous flagship that guarded the Citadel.
"The Destiny Ascension," He whispered softly in awe. He wasn't the only one staring at the enormous ship. Both Ashley and the CO were oogling at the sight of the Asari-manufactured ship. When Ashley made a comment on how easily its missiles could bypass kinetic barriers of any Alliance freighters and perhaps dreadnoughts, Kaidan had to say something.
"At least it's on our side,"
"Yeah, we'd be toasted if not," Ashley snorted, her dislike of aliens having superior firepower clearly showing in her tone. The Commander, for his part, gave the female soldier a hard look and she kept her mouth shut.
The awkward tension between the Commander and the Gunnery Sergeant was thankfully broken by Joker asking the Citadel Controls for permission to dock.
"Alright, I need you and Lt Alenko to gear up and meet up at the airlock in ten minutes. Don't want to keep Anderson waiting."
The Commander still looked a little bit pale or perhaps it was just the trick of the light.
As Kaidan found out later, it wasn't just the trick of the light and even in the dimness of the Council Tower, the Commander's face seemed even paler. Could he still be feeling the effects of that beacon? Or maybe it was just simply the stress of what he had to do. Expose Saren and then that had a whole list of prerequisites to satisfy.
Even Ashely seemed to be a little concerned about their CO. If John had noticed the way they stole glances at him, how warily they observed the surroundings, he made no comment on it. While the minor search and retrieve missions were something to remember, most particular the rescue mission with a redhead doctor, one memory came to the forefront: the overview of the station.
It was Commander Shepard who first stopped at the edge of the balcony they were walking on. The glaring neon lights hurt his eyes but seeing his CO smile at the sights made his headache almost go away. Apparently, Kaidan was so taken with the sight, and not just of the immense buildings that were laid bare for their viewing pleasure, that he let slip out a comment about how the denizens of the Citadel would love him, especially him.
As soon as the words slipped out of his mouth, his face grew hot and he knew he was blushing or looking flustered at least by the way Ashley smirked at him, but in a teasing way. He felt even more embarrassed when the CO suggested that they turn their thoughts back to their duty. Yet, even as the CO began to walk away from them, he espied a small tug at the corner of those lips. Was it a smile of approval for his comment? Or one derived from amusement?
The answer to his question wouldn't come for a long time, at least not until they found a quarian named Tali, and, of all people, a Krogan battlemaster.
-o0o-
"If what you say is true, Spectre Nihlus, then Saren has indeed gone rogue. The report, along with the vids recording Eden Prime's invasion, proves it." The Asari councilor, Councilor Tevos, stated in a neutral tone. The other councilors nodded in agreement, even the Turian Councilor. However, he stared hard at the Commander and even Nihlus could see the resentment Sparatus had for the human Commander standing beside him.
"Also, we would need two Spectres to handle Saren as he is, was our best operative in Council space." Councilor Tevos continued and Sparatus strongly objected to it.
"The humans aren't ready for that responsibility! It is too soon!" The legendary control of the great former Turian General was breaking. His fringers almost bristled outwards, a visible sign of being flustered and annoyed.
"Sir, I believe he's ready for this. If it would set your minds at ease, I can personally accompany him on his missions." Nihlus suggested amenably, standing straight and holding his hands behind his back.
"No-" Sparatus began to deny his fellow Turian the offer but the human Commander, tired of being talked about when he was standing right there, interrupted them in a direct but polite way.
"Look, two Spectres are better than one when chasing down someone like Saren. Besides, the bastard owes me a life and more."
There was an almost audible groan from an older gentleman, gray-haired and with a crooked nose.
"While true, it is best if Nihlus stays out of this one, given the history between him and Saren," the Salarian Councilor said.
"History?" John gazed back at the still healing Nihlus. "Then, all the more reason for him to join us. He'll know Saren's tactics and habits better than anyone else here in this room. It was he who identified the bullet that almost killed him."
Whoever said that Turians weren't expressionless or even emotionless discovered that it was untrue. Nihlus' eyes cast downward for a brief moment and even the fringes that swept back from his head quivered. His three fingered hand clutched at his side, where the bullet had penetrated him and almost killed him.
It was perhaps wrong of the Commander to bring that up, but he was right and that fact alone convinced the three Councilors to agree with John.
"Commander Shepard, please step forward..."
-TBC-
A/N: Big thanks to everyone who reviewed! Since reviewing only takes a few seconds, please do! :D
Also, I love feedback and hearing ideas from my fellow readers. So if you've any ideas, suggestions, feel free to leave a note.
Thanks!
Additionally, I will start updating my other stories, most notably TLA (Transformers) and WOH (DragonAge) fics. So be on the lookout for those!
