I didn't release this as quickly as I would've liked. It's been a busy week. Much of this chapter is like an alternate reality of familiar gameplay. I found those parts necessary to progress the story and build the team. I greatly value my readers' opinions, so please, if you are bored by parts like this in a story please let me know and I will try to better summarize any parts that are too close to gameplay. It's hard for me to tell as I'm obsessed and can replay and reread the story several times over :)
Shepard stepped into the asari Councilor's office. It was pristine, like most offices in the Presidium, but was adorned with a few feminine touches. And as far as Shepard could tell, the Councilors seemed to have the best views on the Citadel.
"Councilor," Shepard greeted the asari.
"Commander Shepard," she returned with a slight bow of her head. "Please, have a seat." The Councilor motioned towards a small sitting area that sat apart from the main office.
Shepard was hesitant to agree as she didn't intend to stay long. However, for lack of being rude, she seated herself in the indicated chair. She gave the asari an expectant look, waiting for her to inform her of why she had been asked here.
Taking the seat across from her, the asari shot Shepard an assuring smile. "How are you, Shepard?" the Councilor inquired.
"Fine," she replied quickly, unable to hide her impatience. "Is there something you wanted to discuss, Councilor?"
The Councilor studied her with interest, her dark eyes the color of black irises; purple, but deep enough to be mistaken for black. Her white markings were fascinating as they intricately decorated her features and contrasted against the rich cobalt of her complexion. She was obviously attractive, however, Shepard never found herself drawn to their race. Asari seemed to appeal to nearly every other race in the galaxy, but Shepard found them to be a bit overrated. Perhaps there just wasn't enough ferocity or danger surrounding them to peak her interests.
"Commander, I'd like to speak with you about Saren," the Councilor said, breaking her from her thoughts.
"Are you also going to tell me to call off the investigation?" Shepard accused, narrowing her eyes dangerously. "I already told the turian Councilor that I refuse to give up on this. My answer to you will not be any different, I assure you."
The asari Councilor shot her a surprised stare. "That's not it at all, Shepard," she assured. "On the contrary, I wanted to inform you that I am on your side, and I believe what you claim about Saren." She hesitated a moment, as if pondering how to continue. "I don't quite know why I believed these accusations at first, but you have me convinced…" she trailed off as if wanting to say more.
"Go on," Shepard urged.
Folding her hands and resting them on her lap, her purple-black eyes stared at Shepard intently. "I have some contacts, which have recently provided me with extremely valuable information regarding Saren's case."
"What kind of information?" Shepard pressed, her curiosity peaked.
"I can't be certain of all the details, however, I know that you must seek out a quarian. This quarian is said to have solid evidence that will support your accusations against Saren."
"Any ideas on where I should start?"
"There is a turian C-Sec officer who has a lead on the quarian, his name is Garrus Vakarian. If you seek him out he should be able to lead you to her."
An image of those stormy blue eyes shot into her mind, and it brought a small smile to the corners of her lips. "I have met him, though I'm not certain where to find him."
"There is another C-Sec officer, a human named Harkin, who hangs out in Chora's Den. He makes it his business to know other people's business, especially that of other officers. He may be able to help you locate Officer Vakarian," the asari informed her.
"Why are you so eager evidence against your top Spectre?" Shepard asked suspiciously.
"Unlike the other Councilors, I care more about what will happen if we don't prosecute Saren over ignoring the problem. If Saren is killing other Spectres and working with geth, he's becoming much too dangerous to retain the privileges that come with being a Spectre."
"Well I'm glad the Citadel has at least one sensible Councilor," Shepard murmured.
The asari gave her an amused smirk. "Well Commander Shepard, you have a busy day ahead of you."
"I do," Shepard acknowledged as she rose to her feet. "Thank you for your intel Councilor."
"Anytime, Shepard. And please, call me Tevos." Shepard gave her a slight nod in affirmation before exiting the office.
After gathering Kaidan and Ashley, who were patiently waiting outside, she headed for Chora's Den to seek out Harkin.
Harkin, the C-Sec drunk, was reluctant to divulge much information. He seemed more interested in ogling the snug areas of Shepard's armor and whining about the unfairness of C-Sec's intolerance of his drinking on the job. It was people like him who gave the other galactic races a bad impression of humans, and it infuriated her. However she needed information, so she tolerated his groaning until he finally relented to giving it up, along with some other interesting tidbits she would have to confront Captain Anderson about later. Regarding Garrus, Harkin had told her that the turian had begun some investigation around the med-clinic. So, Shepard figured that's where she may find him.
When the team reached the clinic, they were welcomed by quite the scene. Officer Vakarian was taking cover behind a half-wall while a human female on the other side was being accosted by a group of thugs who didn't seem to appreciate Shepard's intrusion. One of them grabbed the woman to use as a shield against the intruders.
"Who are you?" he shouted, pointing his gun at them.
Suddenly Garrus shot out from his cover and shot the man in the head. Dropping his hold on the woman, the thug fell to the floor in a pool of red. Finally free from her captive, the woman took cover while the remaining thugs and armored soldiers engaged a firefight. Shepard immediately took one down with a headshot.
"Nice shooting!" Garrus shouted over the gunshots. He, in turn, took down another with a bullet between the eyes while Kaidan and Ashley took down the remaining two.
Shepard smirked to herself. This turian was a fantastic shot, perhaps even rivaling herself. She was very impressed. With the opposition defeated it was time to find out exactly what had triggered it. She noticed the gaze of the turian officer as he regarded her with interest, his familiar blue eyes shining brightly.
"Fancy meeting you here, Officer Vakarian," she said with a smile.
The turian chuckled, almost bashfully, in response. "Yeah well, I gotta be where the action is, you know how that is, Shepard. And uh… you can just call me Garrus," he added with a grin. However, his grin faded when he noticed the hostile look he was receiving from the human male that accompanied her.
"So what was all that about?" Shepard inquired to both Garrus and the woman, who appeared to be the clinic's doctor, Chloe Michel.
"Those men work for Fist. They wanted to shut me up and keep me from telling Garrus about the quarian," Doctor Michel informed her.
"She must be able to link Saren to the geth," Garrus chimed in. "There's no way the Council can ignore this!"
"Sounds like we need to find this bastard, Fist," Shepard said with an anxious glint in her eyes. She wondered if they would find Urdnot Wrex there. If not, he was going to miss out on all the upcoming fun.
"Let me join you, Shepard. I want to see Saren taken down as much as you do, and you could use my firepower," Garrus urged.
"I doubt you want him dead nearly as much as I do. Not only is he a traitor, he's a murderer. For me it's personal. But you're right, we could definitely use your skills," Shepard confirmed. "Kaidan, Ashley, could one of you two meet wait for us at the Ambassador's office? I don't want too many of us rushing in to take down Fist. I like to keep my squads small, less chaotic."
"I'll go, Commander," Ashley volunteered. She knew Ashley wasn't comfortable around aliens, so she wasn't surprised by her willingness to stay behind.
"Okay Ash, we're going to go find that quarian. We'll meet you at the Ambassador's office with the evidence," Shepard told her.
"Yes mam," Ashley replied.
Turning to Kaidan and Garrus, a deadly smile crossed her lips. "Now let's get Fist!"
As the team drew closer to the club they could hear the sound of gunshots echoing through the Wards. Something wasn't right. Shepard knew they had to get there fast, so the team picked up the pace. The sound of a firefight grew significantly louder as they reached the roundabout room that led to Chora's Den. A stray bullet that was shot from inside the club zipped past the team, hitting the wall behind them. From afar, Shepard could make out a krogan taking cover outside the open door of the gentlemen's club. Wrex.
"Cover the krogan," Shepard ordered her squad.
Without questioning her decision, Garrus and Kaidan rushed up to the krogan's side, taking cover where possible. Shepard moved in next to him, giving him a wry smile.
"Shepard!" Wrex exclaimed. "I didn't think you'd ever get here. I was getting bored. Thought I'd stir up the place."
"I can see that. So much for sneaking in," she replied.
"Krogan don't sneak," Wrex said with a gruff laugh.
"Well, it most certainly looks like you pissed off everyone here. Fist still cowering in the back?"
"Of course."
"Good. I need information from him, so when we get there, let me talk to him before you blow his brains out."
"He better talk fast," Wrex mused.
As it turns out, Fist had a lot of lackeys, and the club was littered with many bodies by the time they reached the door that led to the back rooms. When they reached Fist office, it was almost amusing to find that he was also hiding behind a pair of turrets. Talk about overkill. There was no end to this man's cowardice. It had taken a few rounds, but they had managed to take them down and, as was almost suspected, Fist was quick to surrender and beg for his life. Shepard took this as a good opportunity to get the information she needed.
"Where is the quarian?" she demanded.
"I don't know where she is, that's the truth!" Fist cried shakily.
"He's no use to you now," Wrex told her. "Let me kill him."
"Wait, wait! I don't know where the quarian is but I know where you can find her," Fist admitted. "She said she would only deal with the Shadowbroker himself."
"Face-to-face? Impossible! Even I was hired through an agent," Wrex chimed in.
"Nobody meets the Shadowbroker… ever. But she didn't know that," Fist told them as he scrambled to his feet. I told her I'd set a meeting up. But when she shows up, it'll be Saren's men waiting for her."
Unsheathing her knife, Shepard grabbed Fist by the neck and waved the sharp tip before his face. "Tell me where that meeting is or I'll cut out your eyes and feed them to the krogan," she warned.
"Here in the Wards, the back alley by the markets. She's suppose t meet them right now. You can make it if you hurry-" Fist barely uttered the last word before Wrex drew his gun and shot him dead.
"What are you doing!" Garrus shouted.
"The Shadowbroker paid me to kill him. I don't leave jobs half-done," Wrex replied.
"He had it coming," Shepard said with a shrug. "Now let's move, we have to get to that quarian." Garrus and Kaidan both nodded in affirmation. Wrex, on the other hand, met Shepard with an uncertain scowl. "Are you coming, Wrex?"
"Krogan don't eat eyes," Wrex stated gruffly. "At least not humans'. Turians' maybe." He gave Garrus a sideways glance.
"He didn't know that," she said motioning towards Fist's body.
Wrex gave her an understanding nod. "I get you Shepard," he said with an amused grunt. "Well, what are we waiting for!"
The alley Fist had mentioned was not at all far from the club and they were able to reach it within minutes. When they got there, the quarian was already involved in a gun battle with three of Saren's men. When Shepard's squad joined the fight, the men were easily taken down, and Shepard noted that the quarian impressively held her own during the battle.
"Fist set me up! I knew I couldn't trust him!" the quarian shouted, more to herself than anyone else. She gave an exasperated sigh, knowing she'd been fooled. "I appreciate the help, but who are you?"
"My name is Shepard and I'm looking for the evidence that proves Saren's a traitor and a murderer. If I can get my hands on that evidence I'll make sure the Council puts an end to his privileges. Also, Wrex here killed Fist, so you don't have to concern yourself with payback," Shepard said motioning towards her krogan squad mate.
"Well, then this is my chance to repay you for saving my life, and taking care of Fist," the quarian said in a more cheerful tone. "I have the evidence you need against Saren, however, we should go somewhere safe…"
"How about the Ambassador's office? He'll want to see this anyway," Kaidan recommended.
"Good idea Kaidan, let's get this evidence there quick," Shepard said, not noticing the man's pleased smile as he absorbed her praise.
Apparently Udina had already been informed of the events in the Ward, and he was not pleased. As usual, Shepard was completely prepared for a scolding from the uptight Ambassador.
"Shepard! What do you think you are doing? Firefights in the Wards and an all-out assault on Chora's Den; what were you thinking?" Udina demanded irritably with a wave of his hand. "And who are these people?"
Ashley moved in next to Kaidan with a grimace on her face. "What's with all the aliens?" she whispered. Kaidan didn't respond, deciding to let Shepard do the talking.
This," she continued motioning towards quarian, "is your evidence against Saren. "And these," she said motioning toward Garrus and Wrex, "are the people who helped me track her down."
The quarian spoke up, "my name is Tali'Zorah nar Rayya, and I was on my Pilgrimage when I came across the evidence. I had tracked a patrol of geth to an uncharted world. While there, I waited for one to become separated from its unit. From it, I was able to salvage some of the memory core. And this is what I found in its audio banks." After pressing a few controls on her omni-tool, the sound of Saren's unmistakable voice rang clear through the room.
"Eden Prime was a major victory. The beacon has brought us one step closer to locating the Conduit."
"That's Saren's voice!" Anderson exclaimed. "This proves he was involved in the attack! The Council can't ignore this."
"What is this 'Conduit' that he mentions?" Shepard inquired. "Know anything about it?"
Anderson shook his head to the negative. "It could be another type of Prothean technology."
"Wait there's more," Tali broke in. "Saren wasn't working alone." She replayed the video, Saren's voice once again resonating through the office regarding Eden Prime and the Conduit, then, another voice came through the recording.
"And one step closer to the return of the Reapers," said a rough female voice.
"I don't recognize that other voice," Udina said, "the one talking about the 'Reapers'."
"Reapers? I've heard that somewhere…" Shepard trailed off in deep thought.
"According to the geth the Reapers are a race of machines that existed fifty-million years ago. They were the cause of the extinction of the Protheans, and then, they disappeared," Tali explained.
"Sounds a bit far-fetched," Udina mumbled doubtfully.
Shepard's eyes widened as she remembered the vision she had after being drawn into the beacon. Flashes of images she couldn't quite comprehend of their meaning. Death, organic flesh meshed with synthetics, and an unfamiliar alien race, the Protheans; it all came flooding back. "The vision I had on Eden Prime! I understand it now," Shepard announced. "I saw the Protheans being wiped out by the Reapers."
"The geth revere the Reapers as gods, and it seems they believe Saren can bring them back," Tali surmised.
"The Council is going to love this…" Udina grumbled.
"If the Reapers are a threat to Citadel space, the Council needs to know of it," Shepard told him. She doubted they would believe her, but she had to try.
"We have all the evidence we need in those audio files," Anderson said. "They can't deny that Saren is a traitor now."
"The Captain is right. We need to present this to the Council at once," Udina agreed.
"What about her, the quarian?" Ashley asked, a touch of scorn present in her voice.
"My name is Tali," she corrected irritably. "Shepard, you've seen what I can do. Please let me come with you."
"I don't see why not. I'll take all the help I can get," Shepard told her.
"Thank you Shepard, you won't regret this!" Tali said excitedly joining Shepard at her side.
"We're going to request an audience with the Council. Shepard, meet us in the Council Chambers as soon as you are ready," Udina told her.
"Right," Shepard replied.
Shepard arrived at the Council Chambers alone, after requesting that the rest of the team stay behind. She wasn't certain how this meeting with the Councilors was going to go. At least one, the asari Councilor, Tevos, was on her side. She wasn't certain about the salarian, as he seemed to go strictly for the facts without bias. The evidence was definitely strong enough to convict Saren, however, the mention of the Reapers was not solid enough proof that they were a threat. She was also very unsure about the turian, Valern as well. He seemed to have an extreme dislike of the human race, however, after the events of the other night, she wasn't sure what to think. Perhaps there was still room for him to learn to accept humans as more than second-class citizens. And perhaps, with this evidence, he'll finally acknowledge that he no longer has any control over Saren.
Reaching the second flight of stairs that led up to the Council, she found Anderson waiting for her. "Let's head up, Udina is presenting the quarian's evidence to the Council."
As Shepard and Anderson made their way up the final flight of stairs, they could hear the recording of Saren's voice echoing over the vast space of the stage. As they came up to stand beside Udina the recording ended with the woman's voice.
"You wanted proof? There it is!" Udina declared.
The turian Councilor was the first to speak up. "This evidence is irrefutable Ambassador. Saren will be stripped of his Spectre status and all efforts will be made to bring him in to answer for his crimes." It surprised Shepard that the turian seemed to change his tune so drastically.
The asari Councilor was next to speak. "I recognize the other voice. It's Matriarch Benezia."
"Who is she?" Shepard inquired.
"Benezia is a powerful biotic who has reached the final stage of her life to become known as a respectful Matriarch. She has many followers and will make a formidable ally for Saren," Tevos explained.
"I'm more interested in the Reapers," the salarian Councilor spoke up. "What do you know about them?"
"Only what was extracted from the geth's memory core," Anderson admitted. "The Reapers were an ancient race of machines that wiped out the Protheans, then vanished."
"The geth believe the Reapers are gods, and they believe Saren is the answer to their return," Shepard continued.
"We believe the Conduit is the key to bringing them back," Anderson added. "Saren attacked Eden Prime so that he could locate the Conduit through the beacon."
"I'm not so sure about these 'Reapers'," Valern said, air quoting the word.
"Yes, unfortunately there isn't enough proof that they exist. The Reapers could just be a convenient lie to cover Saren's true purpose and to bend the geth to his will," the salarian Councilor surmised.
"Fifty-thousand years ago the Reapers destroyed all galactic life! If Saren finds the Conduit it could happen again!" Shepard argued. Part of her could understand their doubt, however, it was never wise to ignore a possible threat, no matter no impossible it seemed.
"Saren is a rogue agent who's on the run for his life. He no longer has access to any Spectre resources. The Council has stripped him of his position," Valern assured them.
"That is not good enough!" Udina shouted, his frustration obviously building. "You know Saren is out there! Send your fleet in!"
"A fleet cannot track down one man," the salarian stated.
"This is crap!" Shepard bit out angrily. "Every time humanity asks for help, you snub us. We're tired of being treated like second class citizens!"
"Shepard's right!" Udina agreed. "I'm sick of this Council and its anti-human bull!"
"Ambassador, there is another solution…" Tevos interrupted. "A way to stop Saren that does not require fleets or armies." She gave Valern a knowing look, preparing herself for his opposition.
"While I would normally disagree, I find myself unable to do so. Humanity is not ready to face the responsibilities that come with joining the Spectres, however… I see something different in Commander Shepard. Perhaps, if given this responsibility, the rest of humanity can learn from her example," Valern said, ignoring the surprised glances he was receiving.
"I agree," said the salarian Councilor. "Then it is decided."
"Commander Shepard," Tevos addressed. "Step forward."
With a supportive nod from Anderson, Shepard stepped to the edge of the dais, regarding the Councilors respectfully. She could see small crowds, comprised of all races, forming on the surrounding balconies to witness the event. Shepard could feel excitement welling up inside her. This is exactly what she wanted; a way to make a difference with no restrictions. She wished Nihlus could be here to witness it.
"It is the decision of the Council that you be granted all the powers and privileges of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance branch of the Citadel," the asari Councilor announced.
The salarian straightened, regarding the human standing before him with a newfound sense of respect. "Spectres are not trained, but chosen. Individuals forged in the fire of service and battle. Those whose actions elevate them above the rank and file."
"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," the asari Councilor continued.
"Spectres bear a great burden. They are protectors of galactic peace, both our first and last line of defense. The safety of the galaxy is theirs to uphold." The turian Councilor finished the speech with a grin.
"You are the first human Spectre, Commander. This is a great accomplishment for you and all of humanity," the asari commemorated.
"I'm honored, Councilors," Shepard said with a respectful bow of her head.
"Your first and primary mission is to seek out and either apprehend or eliminate the fugitive of justice, Saren," the salarian instructed.
"I'll find him," Shepard replied determinately. There was no doubt about that. By any means necessary, he will answer for his crimes.
"This meeting is adjourned," Tevos concluded.
"We have lots to prepare," Udina stated excitedly when the Council finally made their leave. "You're going to need a ship, a crew, supplies… Anderson, come with me, I'll need your help to set all this up!" The Ambassador could barely contain his enthusiasm.
"Shepard, prepare your team and meet us at the spaceport and we can discuss how to proceed," Anderson instructed her.
Shepard nodded before heading back to rejoin her team. Now that the search for Saren has become a reality, it was the time for them to decide if they were going to remain under her lead, or back out. She hoped they would all decide to remain with her as she had a good feeling about each one of their skills. Their presence would definitely make for a more successful, and interesting, mission. As she made her way out of the Citadel Tower, her omni-tool notified her that she had received a message.
"Shepard, I'd like you to meet me in my office before you depart the Citadel." -Councilor Valern
Shepard frowned at the message, pondering whether or not to respond. She didn't feel comfortable meeting with him so soon after their rather inappropriate episode and she couldn't imagine what he would possibly want to speak to her about. She didn't need, nor have time for his congratulations, if there were any. There were many things to do before their departure. However, since he did support her initiation into the Spectres, she decided it best to respectfully decline. No sense in making enemies out of supporters. Besides, she was going to need the continuing support of the Council. Quickly sending a response to the Councilor, she proceeded to the location of her team.