Chapter 10

The Presidium was still sight to behold as always, for those who used to cramped confines of a starship, or those who had spent time on more typical space stations such as the Alliance military run Arcturus Station, or free wrangled semi-controlled chaos of Omega.

The wide open spaces, fresh air, and the greenery all replacing the tedious surroundings of normal life in space. People strolled through the parks, enjoying the artificial sunlight as it left a warm kiss on their skin. Even a gentle breeze gave life to the grass and leaves of the trees creating a delicate movement as if they were just beginning some kind of protracted waltz.

The occasional whirring hum of RTVs passing overhead interrupted the otherwise serene setting.

Shepard walked on following the instructions he had received from the V.I, Avina, attempting to reach his current destination. The address Septimus had sent him was harder to find than he had expected, luckily there were the always convenient terminals placed through the Presidium to contact Avina.

A hushed beep signaled Shepard that he had arrived at his goal, looking up at the slanted building that seemed to recess into the wall of the station.

Navigating his way through was much easier than finding it was. Being lit by the same sterile white lighting giving the building interior more of a hospital like feel to it than that of an apartment building. Row upon row of almost identical doors lined the hall.

Coming to a stop, he put his hand to the screen beside the door before him; then came the sound of doors catch releasing as it slid open revealing the space beyond.

The room was sparsely furnished with a couch, a few chairs around a square table, and a desk sat off the side with a single terminal atop it. A hall on the back left led away from the main room, more than likely off to the sleeping quarters and other facilities, to the right an archway led into a kitchen area and directly ahead, a large open balcony allowed ample amounts of the artificial sunlight to permeate the room.

A lone figure stood out on the balcony overlooking the very park Shepard had passed through on his way here. The tall figure was dressed in a dark colored suit, reminiscent of a military uniform, his white facial paint a stark contrast to his naturally darker skin tone.

"Welcome to my home, Commander Shepard" the turian spoke as he walked into the main living area to greet the human.

"An honor as always, General Septimus" Shepard extended his hand to which the turian eyed it carefully before he accepted clasping the humans hand giving a solid handshake.

"Septimus, I am retired. Please come share a drink," the turian moved off toward a series of shelves stocked with bottles of varying sizes, shapes, and even colors.

Shepard scanned over the bottles, many looked like run of the mill alcoholic beverages though with labels he could not comprehend, but a few caught his eye. One of them seemed to almost glow with a light green fluorescence. He was slightly worried when Spetimus' hand paused at the bottle before selecting the one beside it.

Septimus turned to Shepard with the turian's best equivalent of a grin, "Don't worry Shepard, its safe."

The former General placed two glasses down on a table near an already opened bottle. Pulling the top off the bottle in hand, Septimus proceeded to pour it into one of the glasses, setting it down he repeated the motions with the other bottle.

Shepard reached to the glass taking it in hand, the liquid inside seemed a little thick more like thin syrup than a normally watery beverage. The smell was a heady combination of smoke, fruits, and the strong alcoholic content that no doubt resided within.

His eyes returned to the turian who already had his glass to his mouth taking a swig from whatever he had previously had been drinking. Placing his glass to his mouth, Shepard parted his lips allowing the thick liquid to creep inside.

The flavor was just as complex as the smell, but mainly it was the accompaniment of a strong burning sensation that grabbed him. Swallowing hard to force the fluid down, the whole way it seemed to sear his throat. The Commander quickly set the partially emptied glass back upon the table; a sputtering cough erupted from him shortly thereafter.

"A bit stronger than what I am used too," the human replied hoarsely to the turian's quizzical look in an attempt to save face.

Septimus once more moved out onto the balcony followed by his guest.

"Any particular reason why you invited me here today, General?"

"My intention is to thank you for what you said to me those years ago" he took another sip from his glass, "you were right about my behavior of the time, it was most shameful."

"We all have hard times, but we have to stand and face them. If we retreat then it becomes that much harder for us to overcome them."

"Again your right kid. No war is ever won when the soldiers retreat from the battle."

Shepard approached the railing, placing his forearms on them as he leaned over them gazing out acrossed the park.

"I am familiar with that look I have seen it many times in my life; the look of a soldier who is weighing his thoughts on an upcoming battle. What is it that troubles you?"

"I am having problems with a member of my crew. A turian, Garrus Vakarian" Shepard straightened up looking to the drink he still held.

"He lost several comrades on Omega to a betrayal, and recently he had a chance to avenge them," he paused "And I stopped him from doing so."

"The loss of comrades is never easy, especially when you serve with them for any length of time. Our society is built upon discipline, duty and honor, for someone to commit an act of betrayal it breaks everything we hold dear." The turian's voice was sorrowful, as memories of past comrades bubbled up.

"I stopped him because it was something he would not have done were in his right mind. He was obsessed with revenge for his men. I confronted him about it and our exchange grew heated."

Shepard then relayed what information he could to Septimus about the incident aboard the Normandy.

"While there is nothing against it; expressing ones emotions publicly is commonly discouraged unless amongst closely trusted friends. To spark such a reaction sounds like you and he are rather close friends."

"Garrus is like my own brother, I couldn't allow him to become just like what he spent so much time fighting against." Shepard sounded distant.

"Turians generally prefer to face a conflict, not skirt about it."

The human once more gazed out over the park, watching several couples walking along its winding pathways.

Garrus sat in the back of the RTV, his bound hands lying in his lap as he would shift is his gaze from them to the two arresting Officers. The two humans sat in the front seats of the RTV, one was reading something with his omni-tool while his partner sat there reclined in his seat, and head tilted downward eyes closed.

The trip was reminiscent of the many times he himself had escorted criminals into custody. The two individuals up front remained quiet during the whole trip. Garrus knew the tactic all too well; it was all part of the psychological mind games employed quite extensively at C-Sec, used in order to break down a suspect.

Soon the vehicle stopped, coming to rest just outside of the Citadel Security building.

The original Officers remained seated looking to the left as two new uniformed bodies approached. Garrus was surprised to see that one of the beings was a krogan dressed in C-Sec uniform; trailing after him was a short human female.

The krogan was a young one, though he seemed a little short for a krogan standing less than 7 foot, his brighter skin tones signaled his youth, his eyes were a muddy brown in color, and his crest somewhat resembled Grunt's with far less individual plates.

The human girl following alongside him appeared almost equally young. Standing at best just over 5 foot tall, with a rather light build, she had sandy colored hair that she wore pulled back in a ponytail, again another curious term Garrus never fully understood. Facially she was unremarkable as far humans go; but she possessed a pair of striking green eyes.

"This the one we were told to get?" the krogan asked his eyes roaming over Garrus.

"Yeah, sure looks like it. Alright up and out of there" the human girl directed to the turian before moving to her seated comrades.

They handed over a datapad and after a short exchange of words, she returned her attention to him, "I am Officer Tanya, this is Officer Tarek. If you would please follow us."

Garrus obeyed the request, standing he took the opportunity to stretch his legs glancing to the krogan; before he looked to the girl.

"This way," Tanya pivoted on the heel of her right foot, as she took off toward the C-Sec building.

With a glance over his shoulder to the krogan cop following behind him, keeping the turian between him and his partner. They walked on through passing other Officers, all Garrus could do was hope that none of his former associates would currently recognize him.

It was odd experience for him to be on this side of the proceedings, his information be taken and cataloged as if he was just an ordinary criminal. Tarek kept watch over him as Tanya directed him in what to do, once they were through Garrus was escorted to a holding cell.

Garrus took a seat on the provided bench, leaning his head back he let out a deep sigh.

"I sure hope my father doesn't find out about this."

The artificial clouds drifted lazily acrossed the sky, seemingly without a care in the world, as the two figures on the balcony gazed upon them.

"Time has not been kind to you Commander," the turian took another drink "There have been quite a few rumors circulating as of late."

"Not your doing I trust?"

Septimus mandibles flexed as he began to laugh, "No I am afraid not. I have heard you are working for the terrorist group Cerberus. I am sure the Council didn't take the news lightly."

Shepard sighed as he turned around to face the turian, "No they did not, I was informed it amounted to treason. I cooperate with them so far as this mission is concerned, but once it is finished so is my relations with them" Shepard lifted his glass bracing himself as he took another gulp of the liquid.

"Politics, there is a war that I never want to get involved in."

The human flashed back to his reunion with Council.

Anderson was already in the middle of a discussion with the other Councilors when he had arrived; their flickering holograms turning to see who was entering. Garrus and Grunt flanked him as they made their way into the embassy room.

Anderson greeted Shepard warmly; however, the Council's was less amicable. From there the proceedings became a bit more tangled. The Council admitted that it was good that he was alive however, the recent development were quite unsettling.

Shepard told them of the Collectors working for the Reapers in their plot to abduct the human colonies; though the Councilors were not so easily swayed maintaining their stance of denial without any solid evidence. The Turian Councilor in particular seemed the most adamant about it; going so far as to accuse him of being mentally unbalanced. When he attempted a rebuttal, it was then the Asari Councilor explained that his working with Cerberus was tantamount to treason!

That statement, having his loyalties questioned like this struck at his core.

"My involvement with Cerberus only goes so far as their providing the ship and information for the investigation. My allegiance lies with the Council and the continued relations between our races as it always has. I will not allow them or anyone jeopardize that."

It was Anderson, who spoke up reaffirming his trust in the Commander and did his best to alleviate the tension in the room. In the end they came to a mutually agreed solution, he was welcomed back as a Spectre so long as he did not try to exercise his authority outside of the Terminus Systems.

The sound of door opening and closing drew Shepard back to the present, looking about he noticed his host had retreated into the apartment so he followed suit.

"Welcome to our home, Commander Shepard. It is good to meet you." An oddly feminine voice spoke up with a distinctive flanging to it as he entered the room.

Septimus stood in the center of the main room with another turian, "Commander, this is… how you humans say my wife, Aella."

Aella stood only slightly shorter; her waist was thicker and hips wider than her male counterparts. Her eyes a vibrant green, her facial features seemed softer, much more feminine with more curves to them than the sharp angles of the males, her face paints were similar to Septimus' own but violet in color. Her fringe was not as long as the males, her mandibles lacked the two downward protrusions, and she possessed a smaller collar around her neck.

"It's an honor to meet you"

Aella bowed her head toward the human in acknowledgment, "Excuse me for the time being I must go change."

She turned leaving the room as she moved off down the hall to bedroom; leaving Septimus and Shepard alone once more in the main room.

There was electronic beeping came from the humans omni-tool, gaining the attention of both parties.

"Commander got a call from a Captain Bailey" Joker's familiar voice spoke over the comm.

"Patch it through, Joker."

"Shepard," the gravelly voice spoke.

"Bailey, I take it you found Garrus?"

"Found him, hell I have him sitting down here in a holding cell."

"What's going on, why is he locked up?" Shepard's voice betrayed his concern.

"He was involved in an incident at nightclub, seems he was part of a fight that broke out" Shepard could hear the sound of a cup being set down on a hard surface.

"In a related note, we had a turian by the name of Lantar Sidonis turn himself over to our custody he mentioned your friend during the interview. He claims to be responsible for the deaths of several individuals on the Omega station."

"What are you going to do with him?"

"Not much we can do, Citadel Security has no jurisdiction there. However, he is being extradited to the Turian Hierarchy as they have launched their own inquiry into the allegations."

"Alright, I'll be there shortly. Shepard out," with the link cut the omni-tool once again returned to its normal state.

"I must be going, thank you for the drink General."

"A pleasure, Commander" Septimus bowed his head to the human, and watched as he made his way to the door.

Garrus sat in the small cell, his eyes closed as he thought about this most recent predicament and its implications. However, he did not have to sit for long as soon the sound of the force field being taken offline garnered his interest. Looking up saw another turian standing to the side of the cell entrance.

"Come with me" his voice was serious leaving no room for questions.

Garrus followed close behind as he was led through the building, from the detention area to the offices. As they passed through, it brought back memories what he had disliked most about working for C-Sec, mounds of paperwork he always had to fill out. He and fellow Officers used to joke about how it seemed they had to file three reports and a requisition form before they were even allowed to scratch their chins.

Many other Officers sat behind desks filling out reports, or some sat talking to complainants about a myriad of subjects. He guessed he was being led to one of the turian's superiors, as to who he had no idea.

Garrus would soon have his answer as they came to a stop outside one of the offices, "Wait here," the turian officer held up a hand to his chest.

He disappeared into the small room; Garrus could just make out the sound of muddled voices. The new voice held authority over the intruder, at the same time it had a ring of familiarity to it. Yet Garrus was unable to place where he had heard the voice before.

The Officer reappeared almost as fast as he had disappeared, with a nod to Garrus he walked away back down the corridor they had come through. Garrus paused for a moment then pressed hologram, the doors quickly parted.

There was someone seated in a rather high back chair, they kept the back of the chair directed to the door. The room was virtually silent only sounds he heard was his own steady breathing and footsteps as he moved through the room.

"It has been some time since your last visit to my office," the authoritative voice from earlier spoke.

Gradually the chair began to rotate revealing inch by inch who it was that spoke. The moment the figure was entirely showcased was one of the more startling moments, Garrus recognized him now. It was an old friend of his fathers, Quintus Antenor.

Quintus' face spoke some of his age; a deep-set scar ran acrossed the bridge of his nose. His eyes were both a dark red in color, though the right one was, as Garrus knew was a cybernetic implant. It was the price he had paid for a mistake made long ago during his time in the Turian Military. His fringe was badly scarred, with the entire end of one seemingly broken off. The face paints he wore marked him of the same clan descent as that of the Turian Councilor.

Garrus had known Quintus for many years; his father and he were old friends since their time serving in the same unit in the military. Quintus was very much like his father both were very by the book, believing in the rules and held a certain level of contempt for anyone who went against them. Many times Garrus had to report to him during his time in C-Sec, often it resulted in a grating conversation about rules and regulations.

The older turian sat behind his desk eyeing Garrus, paying particular attention to his newly acquired scars. Reaching he picked up an errant datapad that lay on the desk, with a quick glance he looked it over before returning to Garrus.

"Though I would not have suspected you would show up here like this. I see you have not taken the best care with yourself" Quintus motioned with his hand to for the younger turian to be seated.

Garrus strode closer taking up one of the unoccupied chairs that sat in front of the desk, "I didn't know you were still serving in C-Sec after all this time, Quintus."

"I will serve till I am dead. However, the conversation here today is not about me, but you. To think the son of my old friend would behave in such a manner as this" he tossed the datapad in front of Garrus.

"You are lucky your father is not here at this moment, I doubt he would be so pleasant to deal with as I" Garrus remained silent.

"Starting brawls in nightclubs now, seems a step down from what you were doing on Omega, Garrus or should I refer to you as Archangel."

Garrus was aghast as Quintus spoke so openly of that, "How…does my father know?"

"You do not work as long as I have without making a few contacts with which to gather information. I don't think he needs to learn of this, but I know all about your actions there. My contacts also tell me you're once again working the human Spectre Shepard, who now is a member of a known terrorist organization"

"I am working with Shepard, but he is not a terrorist! He is only working with them because they have information he needs to investigate the disappearing colonists. Since the Council is unwilling to do anything about it," Garrus responded as firmly as he was able without sounding irate.

The older turian leant forward placing both hands on the desk, "Proper investigation does not require such actions; it is unethical, immoral and untrustworthy to deal such people. There is a way to get things done; nothing gets accomplished when one disregards the rules."

"Unorthodox actions are sometimes necessary, not all situations can be handled with standard procedures."

"By your behavior I can't say this human has been a good influence on you. You have given up a promising career here in C-Sec to go gallivanting around the galaxy." Quintus' tone was brash as he waved a hand as if to dismiss his actions.

"I have seen Shepard do more than I have managed to accomplish my entire time at C-Sec, he has seemingly gone out of his way to help many innocent people out there. Shepard is perhaps my closest friend and I have learned a lot from him," Garrus received a hard stare from Quintus.

Quintus grumbled quietly, placing a taloned hand to his forehead. The terminal atop the desk suddenly lit up, as it displayed a notice of new message.

The turian looked it over, "Seems your Commander is here, and waiting for you with Captain Bailey," with sigh, Quintus relented his mannerisms softening.

"I am usually strongly against such abuses in authority. However, as this is your first offense and you are not at fault, I will lower the charges. You will still pay the fines of the original charge though" Quintus' spoke as if to no-one in particular while his talons typed out something on the keypad.

Garrus just about had to scoop his jaw off the ground at such a statement; never would he have thought that something so out of character could happen.

"This should cover any debt I owe to your father," he looked back to the youngster and who with a nod, stood, and moved off to the door.

"Garrus…" at the sound of his name he paused looking back to the seated turian, "It is good to see you again. Take better care of yourself out there, your father would be quite displeased if something happened to you."

"I will," pivoting around making his way back to the door, they parted before him. He hastily exited the room entering the the corridor on his way to the rendezvous with Shepard.