A/N: And here we are once again. With roughly a hundred documents to go through from DFX I got my work cut out for me, and despite my best efforts there are still grammar errors that keep slipping under the radar. For those out there catching these errors, I appreciate your eye for detail and I'll do what I can to keep them at a minimum. (Grammar was always my Achilles heel in school.)
Regardless, I got more updates for you all and I ain't stopping at one!
X
Jason 'Maverick' Harlow
Council Chambers - Citadel Tower
July 24, 2183 - 11:37 hours
Jason leaned back on the bench he was seated upon. After the hearing the audio log the council had called a brief recess to discuss among themselves about what to do about their rogue agent. Everyone who had been present had moved to the atrium to wait until they were all called back.
The group had separated across the large room. Garrus was talking with Executor Pallin, no doubt to explain the firefight that had torn Chora's Den apart along with the deaths of 18 hired thugs plus Fist himself.
Tali stood off to the side fiddling with her omni-tool. Wrex was leaning against a wall in the far corner. Shepard, Ashley and Kaidan were all grouped together not too far away talking with Captain Anderson.
"Helped save our asses again. At this rate you should be keeping track." said Nhilus sitting down next to him.
"Got lucky. Back on the Normandy Detective Vakarian contacted me about information regarding Saren's motives. If it wasn't for him, and Tali for having the information, we wouldn't be able to piece together what he was after." replied the nano soldier.
The Spectre nodded, "Saren always seemed to have little regard for life, saving someone always came second priority unless ordered otherwise. He'd do whatever it took to get results no matter who was in his way. His hatred for Humanity was always a factor as well. He thinks you're too aggressive and believes you have no place with the galaxy at large."
"Personally...I think Humanity earned its place and then some. Our pasts be damned."
"Considering that he was a Spectre it's no wonder how he got away with a lot of the acts he committed. He had diplomatic immunity and a license to kill all at the same time, and his past military training would make him a very dangerous adversary." said Jason knowing the Turian's background very well and recalling the face-off they had on Eden Prime.
"He is, even more so now that he's got the Geth's support." said Anderson, coming over to join the two. "The last time he and I crossed paths things didn't go well. The mission ended in failure and it was pinned on me. Things wouldn't have gone nearly as well if we came at the council with just reports on the incident."
Jason stood and patted his shoulder, "He'll be brought down, sir. You can bank on that one. Without council support and a bulls-eye on his back bigger than a mass relay he can't hide forever."
Everyone looked up when Udina descended the stairs, "The council is done deliberating and requesting everyone's presence." he said fixing the collar of his shirt.
Re-entering the council chambers, Jason stood with Anderson, Shepard and Nhilus as the councilors retook their spots. "We have gone over the data presented to us and have found it to be genuine." said Valern.
"Saren has already been stripped of his Spectre status and all efforts will be made to bring him in to answer for his crimes." added Sparatus.
Tevos stroked her chin a moment, "The second voice on the recording, the one speaking with Saren. I recognize it. It is Matriarch Benezia." she said finally.
"She must be allied to the Geth as well, same as Saren." said Jane.
"Matriarch Benezia is a powerful biotic, and she had many followers. She will make a formidable ally for Saren." replied Tevos.
"I'm more interested in these Reapers they were speaking of." said Valern. "What do we know about them?"
Tali stepped forward, "I think I can answer that councilor." she said gathering everyone's attention. "From what I learned from the Geth. The Reapers were said to be an advanced race of machines that existed 50,000 years ago. It is said that the Geth worship them as gods, the pinnacle of non-organic life. And they believe that Saren knows how to bring them back."
"The Reapers hunted the Protheans to total extinction, and then they vanished. At least, that's what the Geth believe." finished the young Quarian.
"This vision I received on Eden Prime...it makes sense now." said Jane rubbing the back of her head. "I saw the Protheans being wiped out by the Reapers. And if they believe that Saren can bring them back, then this 'Conduit' he was speaking of must have something to do with it."
"Do we even know what the Conduit might be?" asked Tevos.
"If Saren thinks it'll bring the Reapers back, that's bad enough." said Anderson.
Sparatus scoffed, "Listen to what you're saying. Saren wants to bring back the machines that wiped out all life in the galaxy? Impossible. It has to be. Where did the Reapers go? Why did they vanish? How come we've found no trace of their existence? if they were real we'd have found something."
"Your a former military man, Councilor Sparatus." said Jason for the first time startling a few people. "On a black ops assignment, if ordered to wipe out an enemy base and ensure that any and all useful information or weapons didn't wind up in the wrong hands, how would you ensure complete mission success?"
The question caught the Turian councilor off guard. Jason continued. "Any squad leader would go about taking out any and all personnel within the base before destroying all vital information and making sure all evidence of the squad's presence was non-existent."
The vigilante crossed his arms over his chest, "It's obvious that if the Reapers do exist, they wanted to make damn sure they weren't discovered. In essence, it makes perfect sense."
"We can all agree he's using the Geth to search for the Conduit, but we don't really know why." said Tevos. "We have not evidence to prove that the Reapers even exist. Saren could be using them as a way to bend the Geth to his will."
"Either way, Saren is a rogue agent on the run for his life. He no longer has the rights or resources of a Spectre." said Sparatus.
"That's not good enough!" shouted Udina. "You know he's hiding somewhere in the Traverse. Send your fleet in!"
"A fleet cannot locate one man." said Valern.
"A Citadel fleet could secure the entire region. Keep the Geth from attacking any more of our colonies." said Udina.
"Or it could trigger a war with the Terminus Systems!" exclaimed Sparatus. "We won't be dragged into a galactic confrontation over a few do Thrax Human colonies."
Jason chuckled humorlessly catching everyone's attention. "That's very nearsighted of you, councilor. So willing to throw away Human lives for the sake of saving face. What if I had chosen not to save your lives because I didn't feel like being dragged into a confrontation?" he asked pointedly.
The following silence was so thick you could cut it with a knife. All those gathered were looking between the vigilante and the Council wondering what would happen next.
Tevos cleared her thoat. "Perhaps there is another option. A way to stop Saren that does not require fleets or armies." she said trying to take away some of the tension.
"It's still too soon." said Sparatus. "Humanity is not ready for the responsibilities that come with joining the Spectres."
"Councilors, even though you may believe that Humanity isn't ready there aren't many options open about this situation." said Nhilus. "And I can vouch for the Commander on her appointment to our ranks. Her combative and tactical skills would be invaluable. However, I would also like to make another recommendation."
The councilors all looked to one another, "Speak your mind, Spectre Kryik." said Tevos.
Nhilus looked back at Jason, "Had it not been for Maverick's intervention, the mission could have been a lot worse. And my body would be on its way back to Palavan. He has shown how dedicated he is to ensuring the protection and safety of others in the traverse. He has also earned my respect as a fellow soldier, and would gladly accept him in the Spectres as well."
All eyes trailed to the nano soldier, on the outside he made no movements, but within his suit he was very surprised. The last thing he had been expecting today was a full on recommendation into the Spectres.
"What say you, Maverick?" asked Valern, wondering on the Post-Human's thoughts.
"Saren posses a threat to everyone in the galaxy. If the Reapers prove to be real, than things could prove to be a lot worse than we believe." Jason stated calmly, quickly overcoming his shock at the turn of events. "I'm still a neutral party, but I'll do all I can to make sure that Commander Shepard is successful in her mission. If you allow her to join the Spectre ranks, I'll be more than happy to sign on myself."
He looked to each of them, "I have proven to be an asset to this Council for my past actions. I'll gladly offer my skills to bring Saren down."
The Councilors all looked to one another, silently deliberating before pressing a few keys on their podiums. "Commander Shepard, Maverick, please step forward." The two stood at the head of the platform. Throughout the room, people gathered around on the balconies above to watch the event unfolding before them.
"It is the decision of the Council that you two be granted all the powers and privileges of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance branch of the Citadel." said Tevos.
"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." said Valern.
"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." said Tevos.
"Spectres bear a great burden. They are protectors of the galactic peace, both our first and last line of defense. The safety of the galaxy is theirs to uphold." said Sparatus.
"You are the first Human Spectres. This is a great accomplishment for you both and your entire species." finished Tevos.
Jane and Jason both bowed respectfully, "We are honored Councilors." said the Commander.
Jason nodding in agreement, "We will not fail."
"We're sending you both into the Traverse after Saren." said Valern. "He's a fugitive from justice, so you are authorized to use any means necessary to apprehend or eliminate him. Any and all information will be forwarded to you when we are aware of it. Until then good luck to both of you."
The meeting came to a close soon after and all groups dispersed.
X
"Congratulations, both of you." said Anderson shaking Jane's hand before doing the same to Jason.
Udina put his hand to his chin, "We've got a lot of work to do. You're going to need a ship, a crew, supplies..." Jason brought up his omni-tool and pressed a few buttons. Jane's omni-tool chimed with a new message and saw that it was coordinates.
"It's directions to a weapons shop in the Lower Wards. Best prices on weapons, armor, upgrades and mods. I'd start there." he said before heading off toward where his skycar was parked.
"Where are you going?" Garrus called after him as the group watched him go.
"I have some things to take care of before we go off to find Saren. Contact me when you're ready to get started." without another word he activated his cloak and vanished before their eyes.
Everyone stared at where he had vanished with a questioning gaze, "Don't worry, he does that a lot." said the Nhilus, shaking his head at the vigilante's style.
"Hopefully he'll remain an asset. We don't need another Saren running around." said Udina.
"Maverick's always done good for the Citadel and it's people. His track record from the past three years speaks for itself, and his skills on the battlefield would make him an N7 in a heartbeat." commented Anderson.
Udina didn't look convinced as he turned to the Captain, "Anderson, come with me. I'll need your help to set everything up." Anderson gave one last nod to everyone before following the Ambassador.
"You'd think Udina would be a little more appreciative since there are now two Human Spectres." said Ashley.
Jane looked to where the Post-Human had disappeared a minute ago. Deep in her mind she was hoping to talk to him more and understand the man behind the helmet. She was never so trusting at first, but something about the vigilante made her feel as though she could trust him with her life.
It was a strange and confusing feeling, but oddly welcoming.
X
Jason 'Maverick' Harlow
Chellick & Reena's Apartment Building
July 24, 2183 - 14:14 hours
Jason parked the skycar on top of the apartment building before stepping out wearing a black t-shirt, jeans and his combat boots. The nano suit locked in a secret compartment in the back of the car as he made a call on his omni-tool.
"Thrax? It's Jason, I'm going to need to take a leave of absence from the shop." he said heading toward the door leading to the stairs.
"Why? You hardly take time off anymore." asked the old Krogan.
"Emergency from back home, I don't know when I'll be back but it takes priority right now." the vigilante lied smoothly.
The Krogan gave a rumbling sigh, "Fine, you've done damn good for the shop, kid. And this place will always have a job for you when you get back."
Jason nodded, "Oh by the way. Your going to hear about it soon, but the Council has elected two Humans for the Spectres. I was there and met up with them, I gave them the coordinates to the shop and told them that you'd have the best equipment for their assignment."
Thrax's remaining eye widened, "You gave the location of my shop to two new Spectres?" his mouth twisted into a wide grin. "Kid, I just might make you Vice President of this place if you keep doing shit like this."
"Thought you'd like that, old man. Be seeing you around." Jason ended the call as he arrived on the floor where Chellick and Reena lived.
Finding the right door, he knocked and waited a moment before it opened revealing Reena. "Jason? What a surprise." she said hugging her Human friend.
"Been a little while Reena, how has everything been?" he asked hugging her back.
"Everything's good. How has things been for you?" before they walked into the apartment. Jason took a breath, "That's why I'm here. I've got a lot to tell you and Chellick."
The Quarian heard the tone in his voice and knew that the situation was serious. "Chellick, Jason's here." she said as they walked into the living room. The Turian looked up from the datapad he was reading and smirked seeing them enter.
"Jason, what brings you here?" he asked setting the datapad aside.
The vigilante sat down on the recliner across from them while Reena sat next to her boyfriend. "A lot's happened in the last 48 hours." he said thinking back to everything. "You know about the attack on Eden Prime?"
"Know about it? It's been on every news network for the last few days." said Chellick.
Jason nodded, "Well...I was there. Saren, one of the Council's best, was responsible."
The name caught the couple off guard. "Saren Arterius? The Council's top Spectre?" asked Chellick in astonishment.
"The one and the same. He somehow managed to get the Geth to bend to his will and used them to attack the colony, even tried to shoot another Spectre on site in the back when I managed to get in the way. When I got back here Garrus and I managed to track down a Quarian woman who had evidence leading to what he was after." stated the vigilante turned Spectre.
"A Quarian?" wondered Reena. "What's her name?"
"Tali'Zorah nar Rayya." said Jason.
Reena sat up straight, "Tali'Zora! I grew up with her on the Rayya when we were children. It seems like forever since we last saw each other." said his friend excitedly.
Jason smiled at Reena's excitement before telling them everything that happened from Eden Prime to when they had gotten to Tali before she was set up leading up to he and Shepard being elected Spectres and charged with bringing Saren down.
"Wow, sitting in the same room as one of the two first Human Spectres. I feel honored." said Chellick with a smirk.
"You better feel honored, split-lip." said Jason joking back.
Reena rolled her eyes, "So, your leaving with Commander Shepard to go after this guy? When will you be back?"
"Don't know." replied the nano soldier shrugging. "I already called Thrax and told him I'm taking a leave of absence. Told him some BS about needing to head 'home'." he said with air quotes.
"Either way this is a lot more important. This asshole can't get what he wants, or we all will end up paying the price." said Chellick.
Reena looked to Jason, "Aren't you worried though? You won't be able to pull off being 'Maverick' on this mission for long before someone discovers you. Especially if the Commander recruits Garrus with the others that helped you."
Sighing, the Post-Human ran a hand over his scalp, "I know, the chances are I'll be exposed before the missions over. But the least I can do is do it on my terms." He looked at his friends, "I just wanted to let you guys know what was going on before I disappeared on you. I didn't want you thinking that I didn't care."
Chellick and Reena gave each other a look before looking back at him, "We have something to tell you too." said Chellick.
Reena held the Turian's hand and squeezed, "Chellick asked me to marry him, and I said yes."
Jason grinned a mile wide, "About damn time! Congratulations guys." he said getting up and hugging his two friends. "I can't think of two people who deserve each other more than the two of you."
"Thanks, Jason." said Chellick. "And I wanted to ask, if you'd be willing to be my best man at the ceremony."
"Of course, I'd be honored." Jason replied shaking his hand. "Though don't be surprised when I throw you a bachelor party for the history books." he said causing them all to laugh.
After setting up a few details about the future wedding. The nano soldier informed the couple that he paid his rent up for the next year and left the keys to his apartment in their care. He also told them to keep a close eye on his skycar while he was gone.
Reena and Chellick both promised to keep an eye on his stuff for him and wished him luck on the mission before he set out back for home.
Along the way, Jason's omni-tool went off with a new message from Shepard;
We have a ship for the mission. Report to the Nomandy with any supplies you might need.
P.S. You were right about the weapons shop. They had everything we could need and the prices were the best. Thanks.
- Shepard
Chuckling, Jason landed back at his apartment building and heading inside. After Reena had moved out, he had converted her old room into a store room for any and all supplies he needed for when he was in the field.
The room was filled with crates full of ammo, clips, arrows, grenades, and medi-gel. Just about everything a lone Post-Human soldier would need to start a small war.
After putting together a duffel bag of clothes and other essentials before putting on the nano suit, he collected several crates worth of everything from the store room and put them into the skycar before locking the place up tight and putting several encryptions on the rooms and front door to make sure no one other than Chellick and Reena could get in.
Satisfied, the new Spectre got into his skycar and flew off toward the main docking area of the Citadel.
Along the way he started to think things over. Becoming a Spectre wasn't what he had thought would happen when all of this started. But there was no changing it now, and he had to make the best of the hand he was dealt. He was on the Normandy now, helping to stop Saren and in the long run the Reapers.
He also knew of what was to come on some missions, Virmire being at the top of the list. And if Jason had anything to say about it he was going to help make sure everyone got out of this mission alive.
Setting the skycar down at docking bay D24 where the Normandy was situated, the Post-Human Spectre got out and looked to the side where several technicians were loading crates of supplies onto the ship.
"Hey! I got a few extra supplies for you guys." he said unloading the skycar and setting the crates among the ones they were loading.
"Can I get your identification and the contents of the crates, sir?" said one of the techs holding a datapad. Jason brought up his omni-tool and sent his knewly acquired Spectre ID to the man whose eyes widened. "O-Of course sir!"
Jason held up his hand, "Relax, I may be a Spectre but I'm not hard to work with. The crates are filled with supplies, mostly ammunition and medi-gel for the mission."
Taking a deep breath one of the techs marked the crates' contents down on the datapad in his hands. "Alright sir, is there any place special you want them set up?" he asked.
"Have them put with the rest of the armaments on board, no need for nothing special. And thanks." said the new Spectre as he headed toward the airlock where he saw Shepard talking with Anderson.
He quickly programmed the skycar to fly back to the apartment building, watching it go before approaching them. "Really didn't take yoou long to get here did it?" said Jane crossing her arms and smirking in his direction.
"Had to tie up a few loose ends and gather a few supplies for the mission." he said flinging the duffel bag over his shoulder, "Where do you want me, Commander?"
"You do realize that it's not just my mission right? You were made a Spectre too, so that makes you my partner." said the Commander.
"Very true. But this is your ship, Shepard. I'm more than happy to call a few shots while in the field, but on the Normandy you're the one in charge." said Jason honestly.
Jane looked baffled while Anderson shook his head, "Still as noble and chivalrous as ever, eh Maverick?"
Shrugging, the Post-Human headed toward the airlock, "I am to please, Captain."
The two Alliance soldiers watched the other Spectre enter the Normandy before turning back to each other, "He'll definitely be a good addition Shepard. He saved my life as well as Admiral Hackett's that day. It was a shock he didn't push for a Spectre position at the time, he fits the qualifications almost as well as you do."
Jane nodded as her brow scrunched up, "He's still pretty mysterious. The Alliance still doesn't have any concrete background data on him to form a proper dossier. But my gut tells me that I can trust him."
Anderson smiled, "Trust your instincts, Commander. And I know that this man will have your back no matter what." his smile faded slightly, "But your right about the mysterious part. I have a feeling that there is much more to this man than any of us could possibly know. Something about the way he holds himself that speaks of a troubled past."
The Commander chewed on her lip, a habit she'd had since she was little and living on Mindoir. "Guess that means I'll have to get to know him. Maybe we can find some common ground."
"If there's anyone to get Maverick to open up more it would be you, Jane. Good luck." said Anderson giving the woman one last handshake before leaving her to her own devices.
Jane took a deep breath before entering the airlock. It was time to hunt down Saren.
X
A/N: A new Spectre has been crowned and the hunt has officially begun. Saren, the Heretics and the Reapers have no idea the help ally Shepard had just gained and the devastation coming their way.