"Allies Like Us"

We head back down toward the Rapid Transport. "Hmm", says Ashley absent-mindlessly. "That guy is up to something", Ashley notices. "What guy?", asks Kaidan. "That one over there by the keeper", said Ashley. "Yeah he does look real suspect", I said. Shepard approaches the salarian. "What?..Oh no I wasn't-never mind. Um yes, is there something you want?", asks the salarian. "Why are you so interested in the keepers", asks Shepard curiously. "Keepers? I've got no interest in the kee-" states the salarian. "Don't get coy. I know what I saw", states Ashley harshly. "We have eyes. We saw you. What were you doing?" I ask, driving the point home. I already know the answer but I need to push this conversation along.

"I uh...I'm not so sure I should be talking to you about this", said the Salarian. He seems nervous. "We're just talking. Is there something wrong with that?", asked Shepard. "No I guess it wouldn't hurt to tell you. I'm using a small scanner to gather readings on the keepers. So far I've had mixed results. I find it difficult to get near the creatures", said the salarian. "Why were you being so secretive about it, though?" quizzed Shepard. "Well, technically we're not supposed to disturb the keepers. I don't really think I'm disturbing them with the scans", said the salarian. Shepard continued finding out the guy is a scientist named Chorban. He's trying to figure out the keepers purpose since no knows. I applaud his effort. The conversation ends with Shepard agreeing to scan the keepers for him.

We use the Rapid Transport to get to Chora's Den. Something isn't right...oh yeah! Those 2 turians are going to try to sneak up on us. I instinctively withdraw my weapon and yell "Contact!". Shepard withdraws her Kessler pistol. I have to upgrade that for her when she's a Spectre...possibly before that. I imagine the Normandy fund hasn't started yet. Ashley and Kaidan follow suit. I shoot a Singularity toward the turians capturing them. Kaidan unloads two shots on one of the turians. Ashley uses her Marksman skill to target the last turian. Shepard finishes him up with the Kessler. "All clear, Commander", Kaidan said. "God damn that was close!", I exclaim. "Those were Saren's men", remarked Ashley. "Everyone keep your eyes open. Let's get inside", said Shepard.

We walk inside Chora's Den. It really is a seedy club. I see the Asari dancers grinding on tables. For the record, I can't take any "strip" club seriously if the dancers can't alternate their ass cheeks. Just saying. This will be sexier to me when I see that. I hear Ashley telling Kaidan to put his tongue back in his mouth. Then I see Wrex talking to that bouncer. We get closer to him and he turns to Shepard. "Out of my way human. I have no quarrel with you", he says. "What was that all about?", says Shepard. "Best not to find out", said Ashley cautiously. Finally, I see Harkin. I have a feeling I'm going to slap him for this little misogynistic conversation we're about to have.

I check out of these conversations often but I do hear Shepard say "I'd rather chew razor blades after swallowing acid". Ha! You tell him Shepard! Harkin is pushing the envelope and I hear one word from him that makes me snap: princess. My biotics flare and I slap him so hard, his father will feel it. "What was that for?!", Harkin said stunned. "Don't you ever, EVER, talk to Commander Shepard that way. While you've been lazying around messing up humanity's reputation, she's been out saving the galaxy. You speak to her with respect or I will stick my foot so far up your ass, the fluid from my knee will quench your thirst", I said. It was a little harsh but I really get tired of Harkin in the game talking cash shit and no one checked him about that. Ashley regards me with a smile. I guess she approves of my defensive nature. Another conversation for later. "S-s-sorry", Harkin manages to utter. "My bad, Shepard. I'm not here for the disrespect. Now talk, you louse", I said to Harkin. Shepard nods but there is some worry in her eyes. She must have felt my energy change again. Guess that is a conversation for later, too. Harkin tries to tell Shepard about Anderson's Spectre run with Saren but she dismisses it. He finally gives us Garrus location. I could have aged a wine in the time it took him to give us information. Off to the transport and more importantly, Mr. Vakarian.

Lower Wards, Medical Clinic

Before heading to the medical clinic, we stop at that store the salarian runs to pick up a few things. I convince Shepard to take the Kessler III upgrade and I buy a few more Tungsten rounds. I also took the liberty of upgrading everyone's gear and buying 2 Savant X biotic implants for Liara and Wrex. Shepard eyes me curiously when I make these purchases but I simply smile saying "Never know when you might need them". We head up the stairs and I see Conrad Verner. He tries to get Shepard's attention but she completely ignores him. Good. We have other pressing matters. We head outside of the markets upstairs and I see a breathe-taking view of the Citadel. I am naturally drawn to it and apparently, Shepard is too. We approach the area, taking in the sight. This moment needs to have music. Luckily, I take my iPod everywhere. I hit a button on my suit to retrieve it.

"What are you up to, Daniels", Ashley asked. "A beautiful sight like this...I need music to make sure this is remembered properly", I said. "That sounds like a great idea. You mind if I listen as well?" Ashley asked innocently. This is a great slogan for a commercial...Sexual tension: it never goes away! "Umm...sure, Ash. I'm not so sure you will like my type of music though", I said. "What is your type of music?", Ashley asked. "Mostly hip-hop. I love R&B, jazz, classical, and some rock but not much", I said. "That doesn't sound bad. I haven't heard anyone play hip-hop during this century but I did find plenty of it via the extranet", Ashley said. I can't believe hip-hop didn't survive into this century. I blame 2Chainz. I can't believe Ashley listens to it! Okay...just play something nice. No suggestive tracks just something mellow. I chose Iman Omari's "Energy". That probably wasn't the wisest choice. I take one earphone and give Ashley the other. This scene is perfect. Kaidan and Shepard are conversing in the background and Ashley and I are just...chilling. Soaking up the lights and this moment. "I love the mood this song sets. It goes perfectly with this moment", Ashley says with a smile. I'm no genius...I don't like to read between the lines...but that was the most loaded smile she has given me. It said so many things...things that I shouldn't want to know...but I do. What do I do with this? Sigh. "It is part of a collection I have. If you'd like, I can make you a play-list and send it to your via extranet", I said. Yep...I'm messing up. "I'd like that", Ashley replies with another smile, bigger than the first. "Hate to break up this unfilmed love story but we are still on duty", Shepard says, breaking us out of our reverie. I clear my throat and Ashley shuffles her feet. She hands me back the earphone and I turn to Shepard who has the most ridiculous smile on her face. I can't with her. She's egging this on, yo. "Five by five, ma'am", Ashley said.

We finally get to the medical clinic. The door opens and I see Garrus crouching behind the front desk with his gun drawn. "I swear I didn't tell anyone anything!", yells Dr. Michel. "Good! And when Garrus comes around you'd better-What...who are you?!" was the last word I heard from that henchman's mouth. He'd spotted us. After that, I heard a loud pop and Dr. Michel scream. Garrus stands victorious being the only person from any species that I've ever known to use a pistol like a sniper rifle...and successfully at that! "Get down!" I hear one of the henchman say. "You're about to have a bad time", I said. I use Lift to take away their cover. Ashley shoots one of them with her Avenger assault gun. Kaidan uses Overload for another. Shepard uses throw to take out one of the other henchman. I use my Carnifex to finish them off. "Clear", Ashley said.

"Shepard, thanks for having my back", said Garrus. "What were you thinking?! You could have injured the hostage!", Shepard bellowed out. "I wasn't thinking...Dr. Michel, are you hurt", Garrus asked. "I'm okay. Thanks to you two", said Dr. Michel. I'm barely listening but I hear them go over how Fist is responsible for all of this and Dr. Michel tells Shepard about a quarian that came into her clinic. Tali. They connect Tali and Fist not working for the Shadow Broker anymore as well as the evidence Tali has to prove Saren's a traitor. "We have to get to her", said Shepard. "Shepard this is your show but I want to be part of it when you take Saren down", said Garrus. "You're a turian...why do you want to stop Saren?" Shepard quizzes him. Garrus tells her about how Saren is a disgrace to his species and he knows that something isn't right about him. Well said, Vakarian. "Welcome aboard, Garrus", Shepard says. No doubt, Garrus and I have a few jokes to exchange between us. I like him. He's a cool dude...at least he will be...I know he is kind of reckless in this game. Shepard's sends Kaidan back to the ship. "Daniels, you can get that shopping done that you told me about if you want", said Shepard. "I want to see this one through, if you don't mind Shepard", I said. "Okay. Let's get back to Chora's Den", Shepard said. Garrus, Ashley, and I head out with Shepard to the rapid transport.

End Chapter 12

A/N: This chapter is kind of short but then I always said that length doesn't equal depth. I write these chapters off of the top of my head. I'm not kidding. I don't write notes or anything I just sit at the computer and type...and eventually post after proofreading. This is my first story so I figure it isn't a bad thing. I wanted the chapter with Shepard becoming a Spectre separate from all others. Next chapter: Tali Zorah vas Nar Rayya...vas Neema...vas Normandy. I thank you all for continuing this journey with me. Constructive feedback is always welcome! Obligatory disclaimer: Bioware owns it all. Not my Sercy. Not my Chagoya.

P.S. If there are any artists out there reading this...people who draw or paint...I'd love to see what Sercy looks like in your mind. I want to see if it matches my mental picture. If you decid to show me anything, please keep in mind that Sercy is a black woman. Don't make me side eye you lol! Peace!