Hello everyone! Again I'm so sorry it's been so long since I've updated. I've just finished this chapter today and couldn't wait to post it. Thanks again for all the support you've all shown. Please keep sending your thoughts my way, they help me a ton. I'll try and post every two weeks from now as the ending chapters of this Fanfic get closer and closer. Thanks again - Jens
She spoke and he listened, setting his own opinions aside. Working in C-Sec had some perks, it taught him to observe without bias and put the evidence together after. At the moment, that was Shepard's saving grace. Garrus didn't know why she had turned to him for consolidation, it probably had something to do with the domestic she had shared with Nihlus. Reasons aside, he had meant it when he said he wanted to believe her. She had proven herself to be something more than a criminal even before they had reached Noveria and now, he needed to hear her out, for his own peace of mind.
Jane had given him one of the funniest looking faces when he told her he wanted to know about her past, it took all of his self control not to laugh. Several emotions ran across her face, many of which he didn't recognize, before she let out a sigh and made her self comfortable. She started from the very beginning, telling him about her parents. They had been scientists back on Earth, she didn't know what they studied or whom they worked for, it wasn't really something a seven year old was interested in knowing. She then went on to explain their death, a gas explosion that had left her an orphan. She told that part of her story with such ease, Garrus was expecting a tear or two to shed but nothing came.
She then went on to tell him about her life in foster homes, listening to her recall this part of her life was harder to swallow. The home she had been sent to was an underground brothel, the supposed 'foster parents' sold the kids out nightly to any sick bastard that wanted them. Jane spared him the details of her accounts with such men, leaving Garrus' imagination to fill in the holes. His anger had almost gotten the better of him at that point, thank the spirits Jane moved on quickly to the later years of her life.
Her storyline then began to morph into something more familiar as she explained her life in street gangs and eventually her escape into Alliance ranks. She confirmed that she faked her age and entered the Marines at 16 but she wasn't the first to do so. Although Garrus already knew this part of her story he couldn't bare to stop her, a huge grin overtook her face as she told him about her times in Alliance boot camp and it seemed to him, that it was one of her happier times within her past.
Then came the part where she met Saren. Every time she mentioned his name she tensed, even her back had became ramrod straight. She wasn't as relaxed as she had been recalling her previous memories and Garrus had concluded that she was getting close to her breaking point. He offered to have her skip the part that included her now arch enemy but she shook her head and said it was too important for her to leave out. She then stood had seemed to try and stretch the tension from her body, none of it leaving. She continued into her spectre training, each of the candidates getting paired with a veteran spectre, she was given to Saren. She explained her training and how the two had quickly became close, Jane then went on to explain a Saren that sounded completely out of character. He was kind? Caring? He must have brainwashed her at some point. He expressed this to her and she laughed, telling him that he'd understand more once she continued. As she did, things did become clear. Saren had become indoctrinated, as he was now, and when Jane had finally pulled through and become a spectre, the Saren she had known before, was long gone.
As she continued to explain the missions that dipped into reaper investigations, Garrus understood more and more. Finally, once Jane got to the part where Saren betray her, Garrus decided he would never doubt the Commander again. Saren had been the one to kill all those colonists and used Jane as his escape goat. It made sense, she was a new spectre, it was easy to make up a story that she had gone rogue. Garrus stood and turned his back to Jane, leaning on the railing that surrounded the thanix cannon. Jane had stopped talking then and had once again found a seat upon the stacked crates.
"I know it's hard to believe coming from my mouth but you did ask for my story." Jane spoke.
Garrus turned to her and shook his head.
"That's not it. It is easy to believe, it's makes so much more sense then the shit I once thought was true." He then looked to the ceiling, again shaking his head. "Did you tell the Council this during your trail?"
"Of course I did. They were on his side Garrus. Nothing I could say would have saved me at that point, the Council had already made up their minds."
Garrus sat back on his bench in front of her.
"Saren's plan was packed tight, he knew they would choose his story over yours."
"Well duh!" Jane hissed. "I had just been made a Spectre, he had been in the program for years. There was no way I was going to make it out of that trail with my dignity in tacked." A sinister smirk then played on her face. " but that's when I began to make my own plan."
"I guessing your implying your escape from prison." Garrus added.
"Aren't you a clever one." Jane played. "But yes, that's exactly what I'm saying."
"So how'd you do it?" He asked.
"You think I'll tell you? Ha. This is where things get a bit-illegal. I think it'll be better for my case if I just leave off here."
Garrus' mandibles dropped from his face in disbelief.
"That's it then, you're gonna leave me wondering."
Jane looked to her omnitool and saw that it read 05:00.
"It's almost time for you to report to your duties anyway." Her face then softened. "Thanks for hearing me out Vakarian."
Garrus awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck.
"I- well I needed to clear some things up in my own mind too." He then walk a few steps towards her. "And I don't know if this will mean anything to you but- there's one less turian that hates you in this galaxy now."
Jane laughed and turned to leave.
"That means more than you know."
Garrus heard her footsteps lead towards the medbay. He didn't regret letting her talk to him like he thought her would. Her story had filled gaps that he now didn't have to fill himself, in the back of his mind there was still a nagging sensation telling him not to trust her but most of his mind had been put to rest. He didn't know how many people were there for Jane anymore but he would try and help her. When this thing was over and they had brought Saren down, he would gladly stand in the Council chambers and defend her.
…...
She was able to sleep a full 8 hours after her talk with Garrus. She had told her story many times, so many times that she almost didn't feel an ounce of emotion anymore. Except when she had to re account her past with Saren. Her body would involuntarily seize up and tremble, she hated how weak he made her. Jane hadn't expected Garrus to listen, let alone accept what she had told him. It was baffling how bipolar he seemed to be at times but she herself was much like that. It wasn't something she had room to criticize him on. It almost seemed like everyone on the ship was in some sort of emotional downfall.
Nihlus wouldn't stop contacting Jane with apologies, at which she refused to answer. She couldn't help but like him more for his persistence, he cared for her and he wasn't afraid to show it. Many of her previous relationships, including her one with Saren, had been black market deals so to speak. Her relationships had always been very private and secretive, Nihlus had shown her the other side of the entire notion. She hated that. She hated that she was actually starting to care for him because she was afraid. When you begin to care for people, they become leverage for your enemies, Jane had learned this early on. So when Saren tore her world to shreds she decided to become cold. Be ruthless, and care for only one person, yourself.
Deep down inside there was still a part of her old self. Some of her old crew that had followed her to hell and back, still holds a deep place in her heart. Shepard would never forget Anderson, the man that taught her life was worth living. Innocence was also a be fault of hers, no innocence would be killed on her watch.
The wosh of the room's doors brought her out of her trance. In stepped Nihlus, a coffee mug in hand.
"I think you've ignored me long enough. I bring a peace offering." He nodded towards the mug. "The bed feels too empty without you."
Jane did all she could to hide the smile that threatened to break out across her face.
"I do miss those oversized pillows." She stood and took the mug from Nihlus', inhaling the steam that waved off it. "This is just what the doctor ordered." She said taking a sip of the drink.
Nihlus let of an awkward sniffle.
"So you uh slept well?"
Jane smiled, gripping the warm mug with both hands.
"Surprisingly, yes I did. Feels like forever since I've just slept." She twisted her back, trying to rid herself of some tightness. "Although I wish these cots didn't feel like rock when you lay on them."
"I'll get on solving that once we get Saren. Anyway, I'm gathering up Garrus so that we might discuss our next move. Meet us in the CIC in five."
Jane gave him a nod.
"I expect you'll be back in our quarters tonight. Right?" Asked Nihlus.
Jane made her way over to him, balancing on her tip toes, she placed a tender kiss on his mouth.
"You got it Kryik. Now get out, I need to get dressed."
"I've seen more of you than most. I don't th-"
"Ah ah ah. I said move soldier. Now march!" Jane cut in, bring a hand up to point towards the door.
Nihlus smirked and mock saluted her before leaving the room.
Shepard watched him leave, her smile fading. She felt like she was going to throw up from the feelings going on inside her body. She was in deep shit because she loved him.
…...
Garrus caught his friend leaving the medbay and waved him over. Nihlus looked as if he was on cloud nine, a turian grin making his mandibles stick out from his face.
"What are you on? Cause I want some." Joked Garrus.
Nihlus laughed in reply.
"I'm afraid my drug of choice is taken."
"I take it you and Shepard made up." Grinned Garrus.
Nihlus nodded.
"It was surprisingly easy too. I think I'm finally cracking that hard shell of hers."
Garrus followed Nihlus to the elevator before getting inside.
"It'll be a crazy day when we all get to see the Shepard behind the mask."
"If only you've had seen her when her guard is down Garrus. It's wonderful, I never knew I could feel such love for one person."
Garrus looked to his friend and said nothing. If only he knew.
"But I hardly think you flagged me down to talk about my love life. What is it that you needed?"
"I wanted to know if you've gotten any further in Saren's case. What's our next move?"
The two turians stepped off the elevator and onto the CIC.
"He's fled to somewhere on Virmire, his exact location is still unknown. Jane should be joining us any minute now, maybe she'll know something."
As one queue, Shepard stepped off the elevator. Garrus smiled at her, she was taken aback at first but returned the gesture.
"So glad you could finally join us." Played Nihlus.
Jane settled in front of him, hands on her hips.
"You're lucky I rushed, remind me to take my time next time you call a surprise meeting."
Nihlus let out a small laugh and nodded to his two companions to follow him towards the galaxy map.
"As I was telling Garrus, we've tracked Saren to the surface of Virmire. Shortly after, he picked up our drone's signature and shot it down. Now we have no idea as to where he went." He turned back towards Jane. "Do you have any ideas as to where he would've gone?"
Shepard stood quietly for a moment, running different ideas through her head. Of course she knew where he would be heading but it would be directly to one of her most precious of research centers. She swallowed as she realized she would have to make a sacrifice in order to bring Saren down.
"He'll be heading to a cloning facility right off the shore of the western hemisphere." She spoke. " I know how to get there but it won't be easy." She stepped around Nihlus to put her attention on the galaxy map. Bringing up a scan of the planet's surface, Jane continued by mapping out a course they could take. "We can use the rocks around the area as cover, hopefully we can make it to the main base without starting a firefight."
With Nihlus on her left and Garrus on her right, she continued to map out their course.
"We should definitely go in small teams. If we all go in together, there's no way we'll make it in undetected." Stated Garrus.
"Good call." Nodded Nihlus. "We need to play this card carefully. Who knows what'll be waiting for us down there."
As they ended their meeting, Jane prepared to explain her knowledge to the two turians. Nihlus was usually the one to leave things unquestioned but to Jane's surprise, Garrus walked away giving her a pat on the shoulder, without a single raised brow plate. Nihlus came over and snaked his hands around her waist once Garrus had left.
"I don't know how you got Garrus off your case but I'm glad you did." He brought his mouth down to tickle her neck with his breath. "Now I can focus on more important things."
Jane gentle pulled his arms from her waist and turned to face him.
"You should be focusing on Saren, not wooing me. I thought I already made it clear that you're stuck with me."
Nihlus brought his forehead to hers.
"Is that your way of telling me you love me?" He smirked.
Jane held her breath for a moment before letting it go.
"Maybe that's exactly what I'm saying."
Nihlus slowly brought his mouth to hers before kissing her. He brought his brought his hand up, tipping her head to the slide so that he could kiss her deeper. Jane added to the kiss, the two of them becoming quickly unshackled in the wide open CIC. A quiet clear of a throat made them cease their actions. The source of the sound was Liara, who now stood before both of them, her cheeks a deep purple.
"I don't mean to impose but I was hoping I could talk to Shepard." She spoke.
Jane looked to Nihlus with a shake of her head and moved from his grasps.
"What is it that you need?" She asked the asari.
Liara and cleared her throat and stood a little straighter.
"You had come to me a few weeks ago in hopes of me finding someone from Garrus' past. I've recently gotten a ping on the location the man you wanted to find. If you wish to find him, I suggest you go now."
Jane quickly made her way over to the asari and captured her in a hug.
"Thank you Liara." She released the girl, walking to one of the intercoms on the wall near the elevator. "Garrus meet me in the shuttle bay asap." She demanded.
After a few seconds, Garrus' confused reply flooded the silence of the ship.
…...
By the time Shepard made it to the shuttle bay, Garrus had ran thirty two situations through his head. Jane had not given him a single clue as to what was happening, surely they weren't planning on going to Virmire now. When she stepped off the elevator, he couldn't help but notice the smile that took up most of her face nor the utterly confused look Nihlus held a few strides behind her. Jane walked, more like jogged, over to Garrus near the shuttle before her mouth took control.
"I know that look Garrus but please trust me on this. It'll benefit you more than anyone in this room."
She continued by dressing herself in her armor. As the two turians watched her hurried actions dumbfounded.
"Shepard I am utterly lost right now. What's going on?" Garrus spoke with a supporting nod from Nihlus.
Jane stopped what she was doing before shaking her head.
"I probably should inform you two on what's going on." She laughed at herself before continuing. "I overheard a conversation you were having with Nihlus. You mentioned that the man you were trying to bring in got away. I had Liara look into and she found him Garrus. We're going to get Dr, Saleon."
Garrus looked as though he was going to faint. Nihlus put a hand on his friend's shoulder to steady him.
"I- How did you find him? I've been looking for years." He barely whispered.
Jane laughed.
"I have a particularity well-informed asari on my side, I can't really say more."
Garrus was at a loss for words.
"Shepard I don't know what to say. I don't really understand why you would go through all this trouble after all the indifference I showed you. Why? Why would you do this for me?"
Jane looked to the floor to hide the smile that threatened to show.
"Because whether you like it or not, I think of you as my friend Garrus. Friends are family to me, and we need a strong family to bring down Saren. I know how the past can hinder someone and I-" She looked to Nihlus who stared into her eyes fondly. "We need you at your best."
Garrus began to smirk.
"I've never seen the squishy side of you Shepard."
"Leave it to you to make me feel embarrassed for doing something good." Jane backhanded him playfully on the arm. "Now let's go before this turns into a gooey love fest. This will count as my good deed for the next few months."
They all entered the shuttle, Jane taking sitting in the pilot's chair. Coming up behind her, Nihlus cradled each side of her head before placing a kiss on top of her head.
"Thank you." He whispered into her ear.
Jane spun around to look at him.
"For what?' She asked, brow furrowed.
"For helping Garrus. He needed this more than you know."
"I'm glad I could help." She smiled gently. "But there's no need to thank me. I kind of owed him."
Nihlus look at her in questioning.
"I'll tell you someday." She giggled. "Now please, can we all stop being so dramatic? I feel like we're stuck in a bad soap opera."
She got two very confused set of eyes from her last choice of words.
…...
As they stepped onto the MSV Fedele, the happy go-lucky mood they had each shared before, was gone. In its place stood desperation, a need to clean up and finish what had been started. Garrus immediately took point, Jane and Nihlus submissively stepping out of control. The entry room had little to offer, as Garrus overlooked it and pushed ahead. Almost as soon as they stepped through the doors and into the main hold, creatures that looked like the thorian creepers they had face on Feros, attacked.
The team kept on the move, not letting the creatures and their acid spew, get close. Jane took to directing her overload on many of the explosive canisters that surrounded the room. Her tactic aided in saving Garrus' ass many times as he rushed on ahead. Shepard and Nihlus finished off the creatures before hearing shouts from another room. That's when they notice Garrus was no longer among them and had chosen to take on the doctor alone. Jane shared an annoyed glance with Nihlus before they sprinted off to fins him.
In a room to the right of the cockpit is where they found Garrus and his companion. Inside the doctor seemed to be frozen in fear as Garrus continued to scream at him.
"Stop acting like you don't remember! We all know what you did to those people!"
Dr. Saleon looked to the two who had just entered the room.
"Please!" He shouted. "Get this man away from me!"
Jane put a hand on Garrus' shoulder, offering him some solstice.
"Put the gun down."
Garrus turned to her in a flash.
"Are you kidding me?! You're protecting this man. I thought you knew what he did!"
Shepard let out an angered breath to keep her from lashing out at the enraged turian.
"I do know what he did and I gave you an order. Stand down Vakarian."
"There's no reason for me to comply. You've done worse than what I plan to do."
Jane clenched her jaw. There it was, there was the questioning Vakarian she knew. Before she could add into the shouting match, Nihlus cut in.
"You heard what she said Garrus. Put down your gun."
With bewildered eyes, his friend slowly brought his pistol to his side.
"Explain to me why I shouldn't just turn and shoot this guy down where he stands." He spoke towards Jane.
"You said yourself that you wanted to bring this man to justice. Shooting him does no justice Garrus, all it does is make you a murderer. We have him now, all your old reports prove what he has done. There's no way he can hide from the law now."
Garrus stood quietly for a second before nodding and pointing a talon towards the doctor.
"You are a very lucky salarian Saleon." He spoke through his teeth.
Moving to cuff the man, he then pulled out his gun.
"I should offer a thanks but... I'm not one for unneeded pleasantries."
Within a second, Jane had ended the man with a single shot through the head.
…...
They arrived back to the Normandy at would be midnight, ship time. Garrus had shoved his way off the shuttle and towards the elevator, leaving Jane and Nihlus to themselves. The two stripped off their armor, not sharing a word. Nihlus would try, telling her she had made the right decision but she would just shake off his compliments with a nod of her head. Shortly after, with an arm around Jane's waist, Nihlus brought them both to their bed. He fell back into the sheets first and then dragged her down on top of him. She molded herself into him but where their should have been lust sat frustration. Nihlus rolled them to their sides, so that he could get a look at her face.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
Jane sighed and rolled her eyes.
"When do I ever want to talk about it?" She looked back to his face to find it blank. She sighed again. "I'm sorry. I'm just sick of putting effort in and getting nowhere."
Nihlus hummed in recognition.
"So that's what this is about." He tilted his head up and brought her closer to him so that her head rested under his chin. "Don't worry about Garrus. What you've done for him is still more than most would. He'll come around and if he doesn't then I'll talk to him."
Jane pushed herself away from him and sat up.
"That's not what I want Nihlus. I want him to trust me like he did before. We were so close before, I just want him to see me as something other than Commander and murderer."
"I see." Nihlus replied. "And are we still talking about Garrus here or the rest of the galaxy?"
Shepard looked to him with annoyance.
"Can we not start this shit again?"
"I think you need to talk this out Jane. You can't keep everything bottled up forever."
Jane shook her head.
"If I needed to talk then I would. I know you care Nihlus but I don't need you coddling me all the time."
Nihlus sat up himself and then tackled Jane back into the bed.
"Fine. You've made your case, you're a hard-ass soldier that doesn't need her boyfriend to try and help her." He started kissing her face vigorously. "But your boyfriend needs you to help him." He purred suggestively.
Jane didn't move underneath him. 'Boyfriend'. Is that what he saw himself as? Was she ok with that? She didn't know how to react. She had just confessed her love for him, to herself, just a few hours ago. Now he was throwing titles around. Jane felt awfully rushed and scared. She was scared of love, scared of how it could be used against her once again. By now, Nihlus had noticed her hesitance and had halted his vigorous attempts at trying to get her into the mood. Jane took that chance to remove herself from grasps. She walked herself to the shower and made sure to take as long as she could. By the time she got out, Nihlus had fallen asleep, leaving her side of the bed neatly made. She didn't even bother dressing as she crept into bed and placed a kiss on the turian's mouth. She still wasn't comfortable with the title he had given himself but maybe someday she would be.