Author's Note: In this chapter and subsequent chapters, I begin making use of material from other authors. By kind permission of Myetel, I'll be incorporating elements from her masterwork Spirit of Redemption, and I eventually will be making use of the Asari culture as detailed in Sharrukin's Memoirs series, also with permission. Thanks to both for their kindness, and I highly recommend both of their work. Spirit of Redemption is quite an investment but well worth the read, particularly if you enjoy original characters. The Memoirs series is very Liara-centric, but provides the character a lot more depth than what Bioware provided. Once again, I don't own Mass Effect, that honor belongs to Bioware.

After hearing the audio log, we knew we had what we needed.

Shepard looked to Doctor Michel, "How long does Tali need to stay here?"

The doctor tilted her head to the side slightly. " Now that she's awake, not too long. It may take a few minutes before the anesthesia wears off completely."

Tali spoke up, and all eyes turned to her suited form, now standing next to the bed. "I'm good to move now. I just wouldn't like to be in combat for a few hours at least."

Shepard nodded, "Then in that case, I would like to offer you the protection of the Systems Alliance in exchange for your cooperation in apprehending or otherwise neutralizing Saren Arterius."

Tali didn't answer right away. Her head moved slightly now and then, looking into each of our faces, first Shepard, then Garrus, then me.

Her partly synthesized voice was upbeat, even perky, as she said, "I would be glad to help."

With that we left the clinic, Doctor Michel ("anyone who assists me in surgery can call me Chloe") thanking us, and offering to help in any way she can.

As we made our way to the Human Embassy, Tali fell back to walk beside me.

"I wanted to thank you for saving my life."

I shrugged, "I'm sure you'd have done the same. Besides, I don't buy into all that racism for the sake of something 300-400 years ago."

Tali missed a step in what seemed like surprise.

I continued, "Granted, I suppose I will have to qualify that statement. I absolutely despise the Batarian caste system, particularly the slavery part." I narrowed my eyes, "I have ancestors who were driven from place to place on Earth, simply because of their religion. I do not condone mistreatment of any being based on anything other than their own actions."

Tali and I had fallen behind Shepard and Garrus, so she increased her pace to one of purpose.

"I can see that I'll need to get used to you humans bringing surprises."

We arrived at the office of Ambassador Udina to find the Captain, Kaidan and Ash already there. Anderson looked up as the door opened, then his eyes brightened.

Shepard caught his eye and nodded.

"What is the meaning of this, Shepard‽ Keeping us all waiting, when the perpetrator behind Eden Prime is still free."

Ambassador Udina was quite obviously present as well.

"As I would have explained, had you not jumped down my throat, we come bearing evidence that should leave the Council no choice but to believe us and take action." Shepard's voice was clipped and angry.

"Self absorbed snake," I muttered as I opened my 'tool and leaned against the low wall at the edge of the office's balcony.

"I apologize, Commander. Lets start at the beginning. Why are you here, miss...?" Udina looked at Tali, prompting her to fill in the blank.

"Tali, My name is Tali'Zorah nar Rayya."

"Welcome, Ms Zorah. Why did you leave the Flotilla?" Udina's voice contained...was that curiosity?

"I was on my Pilgrimage, the rite of passage into adulthood. I heard rumors of geth beyond the veil. My people created the geth, I was curious."

Shepard looked interested, her face relaxed and eyes clear. "Go on."

"I found a geth patrol and followed them. I waited until one of them was separated from the others, then I disabled it. I was able to salvage some data from its memory core."

I raised my head, "I still wanna learn how you did that, but go on - play the recording."

I returned to my 'tool, tying into the security grid for the embassy, trying to get some early warning if Tali's stalkers found us.

I must have been distracted by that for a while, because when I next looked up, Shepard was leading the whole squad out the door. I fell into step with Ash at the rear.

"We headed to the Council hearing?" I whispered.

Ash gave me a sidelong look of incredulity. "You really didn't hear? The commander was right, tunnel vision."

I sighed, "Yeah, I need to work on that."

"Anyway, they decided that we need to keep the recording as an ace in the hole, only pull it out if they don't believe everything else. It'll make Saren overconfident, might make him let something slip."

As we crossed a bridge on the way to our meeting with the council, I looked at Ash, "Hey, what I said yesterday in the Mess. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

She blinked. "You didn't, I was just startled. I'm not used to people thinking that way. Sure, they get intimidated, but that's mostly because of my rifle."

I scoffed, "Anyone who doesn't is either blind or missing their spine. Or both. Besides, sometimes feisty is a good thing."

Ashley smiled, pleased. "I have to admit, it's still weird being admired that way, but I could get used to it."

At that point, we had reached the elevator up the Citadel Tower, and had to be shuffled into place like people Tetris. I ended up squeezed between Kaidan and the wall.

"So what was that smile about, kid?" The voice was quiet, and came from the other side of my shoulder.

"What smile?"

"The chief seemed awfully happy after talking to you."

What is it about me and hearing smirks in people's voices?

"Just building up her self-confidence. What, did you think we were flirting?" I tried to hide it, but my face began feeling hot.

There were several other conversations running in the long trip skyward, so it's likely no one heard Kaidan and my exchange.

Kaidan chuckled, "Could have fooled me...but I agree with you, sometimes feisty is a good thing."

If anyone could see my face at that moment, I'm sure it would either be on fire, or resemble an overripe tomato.

I was saved from replying when the door opened revealing the Council's Chambers.

I wriggled free of the elevator before Kaidan could hassle me any further.

We formed up behind Anderson, Udina and Shepard. Udina marched directly to the petitioner's stage. Beyond, was another stage with the 3 most influential beings in the galaxy, the Citadel Council.

For those of you who didn't grow up in Council space, the 3 major species that make up the council currently are very different from each other.

The Asari in the middle spoke up.

"This meeting is to address the allegations regarding the involvement of Spectre Saren Arterius in the attack on the human colony of Eden Prime, and the death of Spectre Nihlus Kryik."

Councilor Tevos paused and then spoke again, her powder blue face calm behind the white freckle-like markings. Asari look mostly like blue women in various shades that have swept back tentacle-like appendages on their heads instead of hair. They also tend to live for around a thousand years, so they are inclined to take the long view, and favor diplomacy and manipulation over military force for the most part. They are skilled and slightly unpredictable politicians. Oh, did I mention that each and every one of them is a biotic?

"To open, the Geth attack is a matter of some concern, but there is nothing to suggest that Saren was involved in any way."

The turian on our left, Councilor Sparatus chimed in, his voice smug, "The investigation by Citadel Security turned up no evidence to support your charge of treason."

Ah, mister air-quotes. I remember hating your fringe off, Asparagus!

Turians resemble humans the least of the three, physically, mostly 7 foot tall at least, three fingers(or claws, take your pick) on each hand, beak-like mouths filled with sharp teeth, flanked by vestigial mandibles that don't seem to perform any useful function other than to make their faces more expressive, and their skins are covered in a kind of metallic plating to protect against the heavy radiation of their home planet, also they have a structure surrounding their neck like a ridge of some kind that for lack of a better term is simply called a cowl. They also have venomous spurs on the back of their legs, near where the calf muscle would be on a human.

Turians, despite their physical differences from humans, actually are quite similar in temperament and lifespan. Picture dinosaurs with the society of Ancient Rome and you'll come close. They tend to wear facepaint in various patterns and colors to show allegiance to their home colony or city. In recent centuries this has become more a clan marking than a regional thing, but the custom persists.

"An eyewitness saw him kill Nihlus in cold blood!" Udina this time, resentment coloring his voice.

Another condescending voice was heard, this time from Valern, the Salarian. "We've read the Eden Prime reports Ambassador. The testimony of one traumatized dockworker is hardly compelling proof."

Salarians are a tough species to read. Slightly shorter and more slender than most humans, Salarians are for the most part brilliant scientists, strategists or spies due to their incredibly fast metabolisms. This allows for their minds to work extremely quickly, but with a pronounced downside. Only rarely do they live to 40 earth years of age. They also look like bipedal frogs with a pair of fleshy horns extending above their heads, serving the function of ears in a human.

An angry voice came from our left and above. "I resent these accusations, Nihlus was a fellow Spectre. And a friend."

A hologram was projected of Saren, much larger than life, but no larger than his reputation.

Anderson spoke up, "That just let you catch him off guard!"

Saren's baleful gaze turned on the Captain. "Captain Anderson. You always seem to be involved when humanity makes false charges against me."

He glanced at Shepard, "And this must be your protégé, Commander Shepard. The one who let the beacon get destroyed."

Shepard's head jerked up to lock gazes with Saren, "The mission to Eden Prime was top secret. The only way you could know about the beacon was if you were there!"

Saren retorted, "With Nihlus gone, his files passed on to me. I read the Eden Prime report. I was unimpressed." He turned to address the Council. "But what can you expect from a human?"

Shepard stepped forward, "Saren despises humanity. That's why he attacked Eden Prime!"

Saren looked at Shepard the way I look at a cockroach, "Your species needs to learn its place, Shepard. You're not ready to join the Council. You're not even ready to join the Spectres!"

The Ambassador objected, "He has no right to say that! That's not his decision!"

Councilor Tevos turned to admonish Saren, her blue head tentacles now visible as she looked to the side. "Shepard's admission into the Spectres is not the purpose of this meeting."

Saren scoffed, his mandibles twitching in irritation, "This meeting has no purpose. The humans are wasting your time, Councilor. And mine."

Shepard threw more words into the teeth of the traitor, "You can't hide behind the Council forever."

Anderson, face earnest said, "There is still one outstanding issue. Commander Shepard and Lieutenant Johnston's vision. It may have been triggered by the beacon."

Saren looked to the Council, incredulous.

"Are we allowing dreams into evidence now? How can I defend my innocence against this kind of testimony?"

Councilor Sparatus shook his white painted face in disgust.

"I agree. Our judgement must be based on facts and evidence, not wild imaginings and reckless speculation."

Valern, his large eyes looking down on Shepard asked, "Do you have anything else to add, Commander Shepard?"

Shepard's eyes locked onto Saren's again, then she sank into one hip, her arms folded nonchalantly, "I don't, but your golden boy Saren might." She kept her eyes on Saren, but twitched her head in Tali's direction. "Tali? Now."

Apparently, Tali had been waiting for that, because no sooner had the words left Shepard's mouth than the Council Chambers began to echo with the sounds of the recording.

"Eden Prime was a major victory! The beacon has brought us one step closer to finding the Conduit.

And one step closer to the return of the Reapers."

The chamber was deathly silent, until Shepard broke it. "You wanted proof, there it is. This was salvaged from a geth platform's audio banks. You want to examine it, be our guest."

All as one, the Council turned toward Saren's avatar. The Turian Councilor's figurative jaw was hanging in the proverbial wind.

Saren ignored his erstwhile employers, choosing to glare with undisguised fury at our group on the petitioner's stage.

"How DARE you‽ I won't forget this, You'll pay when next we meet."

Saren's image flickered and disappeared as he seemed to hit a control with a clenched fist.

Could that have been a more cliché response? Hmm, let me think...Nope.

In the silence following Saren's departure, I pull open my 'tool and attempt to trace his location.

The last communication routed through the hardware shouldn't be hard to trace, at least to a certain point. Saren isn't stupid, so it might be routed through several relays, but may be able to get a general bearing...

This time I made an effort to remain aware of the world around me, so I heard when Sparatus said grudgingly, "This evidence is irrefutable. Saren will be stripped of his Spectre status and all efforts will be made to bring him in to answer for his crimes."

Tevos shook her head, then looked at Sparatus. "I recognize the other voice, the one speaking with Saren. Matriarch Benezia."

I raised my own head, "Good ear, Councilor, I've already compared the voice print to the Matriarch's and it is an exact match. She must be working with the Geth too."

Tevos lowered her eyes, showing emotion for the first time since entering,

"I never would have thought her capable of it, considering what happened on Eden Prime."

Udina stepped forward, "Then DO something, send your fleet in!"

Sparatus, shaking his head in dismay, "A fleet cannot hunt down one man."

Udina subsided slightly, "A Citadel fleet could secure the entire region, keep the Geth from attacking any more of our colonies!"

The turian councilor's head snapped up, and his eyes became cold, predatory.

"Or it could trigger a war with the Terminus Systems."

Shepard glanced in my direction, then spoke up, "How many times has Humanity been ignored by the Council? And how many times has that been manipulation from people like Saren, or is it only bigotry?"

Udina got his hackles up again, "Shepard's right, I'm sick of this Council and it's anti-human bull-"

"Ambassador!" It was Councilor Tevos, and I lifted my head, not wanting to miss this part. "There may be a solution that does not involve fleets."

Sparatus was even more agitated now. "NO! Its too soon, Humanity is not ready for the responsibilities that come with joining the Spectres."

Shepard's grin was feral, "It was a Turian who betrayed this Council, and it was a Human who proved it. Stop holding us back without cause!"

Sparatus's head didn't lower in defeat, like a human would; his neck became more visible as he turned to Tevos. After a moment, he nodded.

"Commander Shepard, step forward."

Here it comes, Commander Jane Shepard, First Human Spectre, and I'm on her crew!

Must not geek out, must not geek out!

Tevos spoke again, her tone extremely formal.

"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."

Valern stepped forward and continued, "Spectres are not trained, but chosen. Individuals forged in the fire of service and battle; those whose actions lift them above the rank and file."

The asari councilor took up the spotlight, "Spectres are an ideal, a symbol, the embodiment of courage, determination, and self-reliance. They are the right hand of the Council, instruments of our will."

Sparatus straightened, his mandibles pulled tight to his jaw, "Spectres bear a great burden. Both our first and last line of defense, the safety of the galaxy is theirs to uphold."

Tevos smiled, "You are the First Human Spectre, Commander Shepard, This is a great achievement for you and your species."

Heh, Achievement get!

Shepard was nudged by Udina to make some kind of response, and she reflexively said,

"I am honored, Councilor."

I was watching however when her fingers and thumb came together on her right hand, and then flicked outward in Udina's direction, palm up.

I chuckled, knowing the turian gesture was quite similar to a human giving the middle finger.

I also saw Garrus struggling not to laugh, the fabled turian stoicism beginning to crack.

Shepard then asked the Council, "You're sending me after Saren, right? Do we have any idea where he was transmitting from?"

Valern shook his head, "We are indeed sending you into the Traverse after Saren. He claimed to be in the field, and was most unhappy at being, how do you humans say it? Called on the carpet? In any case, He is a fugitive from justice, so you are authorized to use any means necessary to apprehend or eliminate him."

Tevos cleared her throat, and said, "All relevant information will be forwarded to you. This meeting is adjourned."

The Council filed out of the audience chamber, and Udina turned to face both Shepard and Anderson. Meanwhile, I set up a net filter program in preparation for receiving the promised data. This way I could flag anything related to Saren's activities and bring it to Shepard's attention.

"It'll take a lot of work to set all this up. Captain, meet me in my office later"

Then he walked away, to disappear in the sudden crowd at the base of the petitioner's stage.

Ashley spat, "Asshole, didn't even say thank you."

Garrus's mandibles twitched, "He's a barefaced politician, what can you expect?"

Shepard's mouth quirked up in a half-smile, "All right, can it about Udina. Vakarian, you have any luck finding the mercenaries who attacked Tali?"

Garrus's eyes sparkled for a moment, then he made an indelicate noise.

"Sort of, I backtraced one of the pair that attacked her through the surveillance vids. I was able to get a facial recognition on him, his clan paint was helpful in that regard, also one of his spurs had been amputated, kind of recognizable. His name is Exius Arcimer, known to be an enforcer for a low level crime lord known as Fist."

His mandibles twitched in irritation, "We haven't ever been able to pin anything on him."

Shepard bared her teeth, "Since I don't want any further attacks on a member of my team, I think we should have a chat with this Fist."

Garrus straightened, "He is normally holed up in the club he owns, Chora's Den. But I just got some reports of a Krogan Bounty Hunter making threats about him, so he may have gone into hiding."

Kaidan spoke up, "Reports? So you know where the bounty hunter is?"

Garrus looked over at Kaidan, "I'm told that he was brought in to C-Sec briefly, but has since been released."

I sighed, and looked over at Tali, who had been very quiet. "How are you at surveillance systems? Think that between the two of us we might be able to find one of them? or both, maybe?"

I paused for a moment, thinking, I know that the Keepers will tend to remove or destroy cameras in certain areas, but I'm not certain how widespread the areas are. Or for that matter, how well known that tendency is.

Tali didn't answer right away, so my dip into thought wasn't really noticeable, but we began moving, eventually .

"Possibly, it depends on their security, and how pervasive the surveillance systems are. Though I suppose we could cut through some of that using the Commander's new Spectre status. How good are you at encryption?"

I shrugged, "I'm decent at it, mostly I can get in, but I'm not so good at backtrace prevention."

At this point, we had arrived at the requisition office at C-Sec Headquarters.

I flipped open my 'tool, and so did Tali.

I glanced over at Shepard, who was looking at the inventory list, "Hey boss, we have the go ahead to try tracking through the station's systems? You got our backs with the shiny new badge, right?" I grinned.

Shepard looked up for a moment, seeming distracted before looking back down at the kiosk, "What? Yeah, just don't break the Citadel. The brass won't like that."

"Hooah, boss-lady!" I chirped back.

"Alright, Tali, we've got our 'Get out of Jail free' card, so how do you think we should do this?"

For the next hour, Tali and I tap-danced through the Citadel's systems. Eventually, we managed to pin down the location of one Urdnot Wrex.

"Seems he went back to Chora's Den, possibly hoping that Fist would make a mistake and turn up there." I reported to Shepard. "As for Fist, he's either smarter than I think he is, or he's got someone on the inside cleaning up after him."

Tali looked startled at that, and I smiled.

Yeah, yeah, I know I can't see her face, its her body language, whatever. She is endearingly naive, though.

Her partly synthesized voice had hints of chagrin. "I didn't even think to check for indications of that. One moment."

After a beat or three, Tali sighed. "He's right Commander, these feeds have been tampered with. I might be able to track where he went by checking which feeds have been altered during the relevant time period, but it will be time consuming."

Shepard glanced around at our growing team, her eyes locking first on mine, then Garrus, Kaidan, Ash and then back to Tali.

Her face took on a steely glaze, "Lets see if we can track him down. We'll start with the krogan, and see if we can put together any more leads." She looked at Tali and I, "You two keep working on tracking Fist electronically."

"Aye, aye."

We made our way to Chora's Den, which turned out to be near Shin Akiba at the extreme ends of Zakera Ward. Ash and Kaidan and I accompanied Shepard, while Tali and Garrus were left to stand guard, and watch our backs.

As we entered, I muttered a quote that was brought to mind.

"You'll never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious."

Ash snorted, "Thank you Obi Wan."

I replied, "Hey, gotta respect the classics."

We walked into a wide circular room with multiple levels, surrounding a circular bar and stage above it. What so captured the attention of both myself and Kaidan were the occupants of the stage.

Wow, the screen definitely did not do the asari dancers justice.

I was shaken from my awe by Ash's voice behind me, "Lieutenant, put your tongue back in your mouth, before you trip on it."

I blushed.

Turning around, both Ash and Shepard were looking on with an expression of smug amusement at the pair of shamefaced boys in front of them.

I ducked my head. With one hand, I rubbed the other shoulder, letting the arm attached dangle.

"Sorry, first time in a place like this." I blushed harder.

At least I'm not the only one caught drooling,

Ash had leaned back against the wall, arms confidently crossed as she watched with a raised eyebrow. Her tone of voice was what one might use with a favorite dog. "Awww, little innocent Lieutenant, fresh from school, in the big world for the first time?" She smirked, "Don't worry Doc, I'll protect you. Just try to keep the drooling to a minimum, 'kay?" Now she winked, and strode forward, pushing off the wall she'd leaned against.

At this point, Shepard followed Ash, and Kaidan walked beside me as we moved forward into the club.

He whispered, "I think you're in for an interesting time, kid."

I glared at him, "I'm not the only one. Aiming a bit high, aren't you? Shepard, eh?"

He stammered as he said, "I-I don't kn-know what you're talking about."

I grinned, enjoying needling him.

I said no more, but I caught his eye and glanced at Shepard's back, then met his eyes again as I winked. He blushed again.

I chuckled, and sped up, leaving him with no retort.

I checked my 'tool, to find that we had a partial trail, leading...thattaway.

What directional words should I use? East and west don't really work here, since the spin is inverted. Upspin and downspin, inward and outward?

By now Shepard had walked up to a certain enormous krogan, and of all things was staring him down.

Finally he chuckled, and said "You've got a quad, human, most people can't or won't meet my gaze. The name's Urdnot Wrex."

Shepard smiled a toothy grin and said, "I'm Shepard. A recently promoted Spectre who has been tasked with taking down Saren Arterius. However, one of my crew was recently targeted by some thugs that were apparently under orders from a local criminal named Fist. Sound familiar?"

Wrex's head lowered slightly, and his red reptilian eyes hardened into a laser gaze.

"Very. I'm a bounty hunter with a contract for him."

Shepard nodded, "Well, I don't take kindly to my crew being attacked or threatened, so I figured I would look him up and talk to him about that. Make sure it doesn't happen again. I notice he's not here, but if I know my tech team, they'll have a lead any minute now."

I piped up. "Already got one about 5 minutes ago, Shepard. See? I can learn manners, I didn't interrupt."

Ash mock-gasped as if in astonishment. I eyed her till she sent me a wink.

Shepard's smile broadened and she raised a hand in my direction in a 'there you go' gesture.

She met Wrex's gaze again. "You in?"

Wrex chuckled again, "Sounds like you'll be at the center of some action. I'm in."

With that settled, Shepard turned to me, and raised her eyebrows expectantly.

I flipped open my 'tool and projected a map of the area. "We have a partial trail at the moment, leading in the direction of Shin Akiba. As we keep moving, I'll have greater access to the surveillance systems due to proximity and I'll be able to refine it further. Especially if Alenko lends a hand."

Out of the corner of my eye I could tell that Kaidan was a little startled at his inclusion. Can't say I blamed him, I'd been sort of jumping into the tech or going tandem with Tali, totally ignoring that he was pretty decent with tech himself.

Shepard nodded, pleased. "Upload your progress to Kaidan and keep refining it. I want to know as much about the target location as possible before we get there."

Wrex grunted. Shepard eyed him. "Something to add, Wrex?"

He shrugged, which to a krogan his size is not insignificant movement. "Knowing Fist, he's probably gone to ground in one of his bolt holes." His sizable head turned in my direction.

"You say headed toward Shin Akiba?" I nodded. He turned back to Shepard. "The Shadow Broker gave me the contract along with some information on his holdings. He has a penthouse in the 1200 blocks. Well defended."

He turned back to me and tossed an Optical Storage Disk.

Oooh, this isn't like the disks back home, this uses 3D holographic multilayer nanometer storage.

I popped it into my 'tool and brought up the listing of properties. I selected the 1200 blocks penthouse and pulled up its specs. Both Ash and Kaidan had craned their necks to get a look at it over my shoulders.

I looked around to find we were being watched by any number of people in the club.

"Shepard? We're being watched, perhaps we should finish planning elsewhere?"

To her credit, she didn't look around herself, just nodded, and said "We'll discuss it in the aircar."

We formed up into our usual squad formation with Shepard taking point and the others watching the flanks and acting as rearguard. Leaving the club was a relief in more than one respect, both regarding safety. First, the usual scum that hung around places like Chora's Den weren't following us. And Second, while I didn't exactly drool, (well maybe, but not that much), the, uh, scenery was certainly a distraction.

As much as the ladies enjoy having the ammunition, I would imagine they don't appreciate us being distracted.

We picked up Tali and Garrus, and we all piled into a very large vehicle. The moment we sat down at least 3 omnitools opened and began scanning for bugs. Once the few that were present were either bypassed or overloaded, we began looking at the plans for the residence Wrex had provided.

Looks like there are 2 floors, but there is a skylight over what looks almost like a courtyard. The main entrance is an elevator, though the entry is double encrypted with multiple biometrics. We may possibly be able to bypass those, particularly since Shepard is a Spectre now, and we have Garrus along; but having some kind of backup from above, say sniper support such as myself or Ash, could prove invaluable. One angle from the skylight should cover nearly all of the apartment's floorspace. Garrus and Shepard should take Tali and, maybe Kaidan so they have a medic, to the front entrance to be able to attempt a semi-peaceful entrance, while Ash, Wrex and I suit up and drop on the roof, to await needed backup, whether by sniper support or dropping through the skylight. Though with how high this building is, there won't be atmosphere outside, so anyone who plans to survive inside once we intervene should be wearing a breather at least, depending on their physiology.

"Thoughts?" The voice had been Shepard's as she looked around at our furrowed brows.

Garrus spoke first. "I would recommend that you and I go in the front, and attempt a lawful entry, though we should have some kind of tactic available should that fail. How many of the rest of you have sniper training?" Both Ash and I raised a hand slightly.

I said, "We could provide support from the roof, though I would recommend you all at least bring your helmets to prevent decompression injuries if we do need to attack. We will be well above the xenon atmosphere barrier, it is a penthouse after all. If needed we could also drop a heavy like Wrex in if you need it. Pin them between two teams."

I wonder how Ashley would react if I called her a heavy too?

Shepard nodded. "We'll need a way past his security if diplomacy fails. How are you at scrambling biometrics?" she said, looking at both Kaidan and Garrus.

The turian spread his hands in a 'what can you do?' gesture and said, "I wouldn't gamble on my skill at it." Kaidan shrugged and grimaced in agreement.

"I can. just keep me out of the line of fire while I'm working and I'll get you in."

It was Tali who had spoken.

Shepard smiled grimly, "Its settled then, us four to the main door, and the rest of you in support on the roof as needed. Doc, you're in charge of team 2"

"Aye, aye," I acknowledged the order. Wrex simply grunted, though there were nods and "Aye"s from everyone else.

Shepard entered the coordinates for the strike. "We'll drop team 2 on the roof first. Make an effort to be quiet, we don't want to push them into attacking unless necessary."

"Boss, you're talking to the ninja with a rifle. Though I suppose I am taking a dinosaur with me."

I chuckled. Ash, Wrex and I readied to leave the vehicle, and everyone pulled on their helmets.

I saw a number of grins, well, not grins, since the helmets were in the way, but everyone was clearly amused as we arrived in position and the door of the vehicle opened to let team 2 exit.

As the aircar circled around, the three of us crept around the edge of the skylight, trying to get a feel for the tactical layout. I saw that there were at least a dozen guards.

Guards? More like thugs really. Not even any armor, except for that one guy on the upper floor. Probably Fist.

"Testing." I muttered into my comm. I turned to look at both Ash and Wrex. They both nodded.

"Coming through fine." Shepard responded. "We're coming up on the front entrance. Are you in position?"

I nodded, then knowing Shepard couldn't see, responded. "Affirmative, looks to be about 12 occupants, human and turian mostly, one krogan, all armed, no heavy weapons visible, only one armored. Fifty creds says that's Fist."

Wrex rumbled, "No bet, that's him alright."

We had spread out around the octagonal window, facing the door from different angles, keeping the upper floor in view. Both Ash and I had our rifles out, while Wrex had pulled out a monster of a shotgun. I recognized it as a Claymore, and shook my head.

Only a Krogan, or Shepard I suppose.

"Acknowledged. We're in position, likely visible on any surveillance already. Attempting nonviolent entry. Be ready." Shepard's voice was clipped, cold.

I swung my scope over towards the door, just in time to see the nearby thugs perk up and turn towards the small screen mounted on the wall near the door. One of them tapped the control panel at its base. A couple of faces appeared on the screen, and while I couldn't hear the conversation, the screen was not active long. The thug got agitated and cut the connection after maybe a minute. He turned and appeared to shout in the direction of the upper floor.

"Diplomacy has failed. Ready for breach on my mark. Tali, we need you to get us in."

Shepard didn't elaborate further.

There was a flurry of activity in the room below. Tables were cleared and then turned on their sides. Thugs crouched behind furniture for cover, all watching the door.

"What's the RoE, Shepard?" I murmured. The Rules of Engagement defined our objectives, and what actions we were allowed to take to protect ourselves or others from threats.

"Weapons free on all but Fist, repeat, non lethal takedowns only on Fist. We'll be taking him in if possible."

I felt more than heard Wrex's growl.

I made a quick sweep of the rooms through my scope, "Hostiles have cover, and in some cases the high ground, looks like Fist has barricaded himself into an office on the top floor."

Ash piped up, "Group of 6 hostiles massing to either side of the main entrance, looks like they're hoping to catch someone in a crossfire. Sighting on the rightward group."

"Sighting on the left group." I stated, lining up a shot on the base of one of the thugs' skull.

"Acknowledged. Helmets on, breaching in 3." Shepard murmured.

There was a puff of smoke from the door, and there was a large hole where the door used to be.

I gently squeezed the trigger, and found my shot deflected by a kinetic barrier underlying the window. I fired again, and this time the barrier was depleted and my round struck the target in a faint pink mist caused by a perfect headshot.

Seeing that, I shifted my sights to the next foe, noticing in passing that Shepard was colliding with a turian who had staggered back from his overturned table.

I heard a muttered curse from Ash. Seems she had also had a shot deflected before the barrier dropped.

I swept for a new target after firing again. I found that the ground floor was cleared.

Then I felt a vibration, no noise, since we were more or less in a vacuum, but I turned to see Wrex plunging through the skylight into the apartment.

He landed on the upper floor, and charged out of view. I felt the vibration of a thunderous crash.

There went the barricade.

"Wrex, what are you doing‽"

He ignored me.

I heard another muttered curse, but wasn't sure who this time.

Since Wrex was already out of my sight and control anyway, I concentrated on the last 2 persistent thugs. Finally, one of them stuck his head out of cover for an instant too long and I caught him with a round, knocking his body back.

I saw a bluish blur and Shepard was knocking down the last thug.

I looked down, the drop an intimidating 3 meters.

Shepard had raced into the office.

I tabbed my radio. "We show clear in the rest of the apartment, boss. You need backup?" As I spoke, I prepped an eezo charge in my 'tool to enable a quick intervention if necessary.

I steeled myself, knowing I would relive some unpleasant memories when in free fall.

"Negative," I heard Shepard say, but in the background, I heard a shotgun blast.

"What the HELL!"

The next thing I heard, were several muttered curses and a growled "We'll talk about this later!", presumably at whoever had interrupted her with a gunshot discharge.

"We're done here, we'll pick you up. Exfil in 5."

It'll be good to be back aboard the Normandy.

The ride back to the docking bays was an uncomfortable one, full of awkward silences and glares and avoiding eye contact. There were no wounds, other than Tali's continued convalescence, so there was nothing to distract me from the metric tons of awkward that had landed on our heads like an anvil.

When we finally arrived, I scrambled out of the vehicle as soon as I could. I managed to get inside the ship before the inevitable argument with the repel boarders guards about bringing aliens aboard an Alliance ship.

I made my way through the ship, tired beyond tired. It had been a long, full day, even without taking into account combat related fatigue, or even surgery related stress.

I cleaned my weapons, and removed and stowed my armor, after stowing my weapons appropriately.

I made a brief appearance in the Med Bay, considering that Karin was technically my department head. She took one look at my face and the drooping shoulders and as much as ordered me to get some rack time. "To bed with you, young man. March!"

I muttered, "Aye aye ma'am," and shuffled to my pod. I was asleep in moments, and it was some of the best dreamless sleep I've ever had.