A/N: Another day, another update. And I have a feeling that I will have the first part of this story done in no time at all at the current rate I'm going.
X
Jason 'Maverick' Harlow
SSV Normandy - Bridge
July 29, 2183 - 13:00 hours
Joker went through the proper procedures as the Normandy docked with the Citadel. Jason stood on the bridge next to Jane as the frigate made its approach and the magnetic clamps locked in place. "Alright ladies and gentlemen, we have officially docked with the Citadel. Please put your seats in the upright lock positions and don't forget to tip the stewardess'." said the helmsman.
Jane shook her head at Joker's antics before turning to her fellow Spectre. "You have plans while we're all getting supplies?" she asked as they headed to the airlock.
"I have a few things to pick up as well. More ammo for my weapons, explosives, and a project I started long before I came on to the Normandy." said the Post-Human as the airlock began to cycle.
"Do I even want to know what you have planning?" she asked as they exited the ship into the docking area.
Before the nano soldier could respond they were approached by a man wearing Alliance dress blues with the insignia for Rear Admiral proudly displayed. "Rear Admiral Mikhailovich, sir." said Shepard quickly standing at attention and snapping a salute.
Mikhailovich saluted back, "Commander Shepard. I see the Normandy is serving well as a Spectre vessel." he said disdainfully.
"Sir?" asked Jane confused.
"I command the 63rd Scout Flotilla. You and the Normandy were slated for my unit after shakedown." said the Rear Admiral. "Then the Council got their paws...Claws. Tentacles. Whatever. They got them on our ship. And you."
"I still serve the Alliance, sir. As a Spectre, I can advance our interests to the Council." Shepard reasoned.
Mikhailovich scoffed, "You still know what color your blood is, Shepard?"
Jason stepped forward, "That's some nerve, Rear Admiral. The Commander has achieved what Humanity has been striving for, for some time now. And we're on a mission to ensure that another Eden Prime incident doesn't occur."
"Ah yes. Maverick." Mikhailovich said stiffly. "I've heard many things about you from Admiral Hackett. Personally I don't understand why the Alliance higher ups haven't managed to recruit you yet."
"If I remember correctly, you sent more than one message to me requesting that I join the Alliance and help protect Humanity." replied Jason. "And I also remember telling you that I protect everyone who needs to be protected."
The two stared each other down a moment before the Rear Admiral spoke again. "Despite our difference of opinion. I don't begrudge the politicians' decision to throw you both to the Council. It's an...opportunity. I do begrudge this over designed piece of tin, though." he said leering at the Normandy.
"The Normandy is a fine ship, sir. She's served us well so far." said Jane.
"It's a gimmick, Commander. Useless in a stand-up fight." said Mikhailovich. "This experiment diverted billions from our appropriation bills. For the sam price, we could've had a heavy cruiser. But no, we had to make nice to the Turians. Throw money at a co-developed boondoggie."
"Brute force isn't always the answer, Rear Admiral." said Jason crossing his arms. "There have been several times where stealth proved to be the more effective method for me than simply storming enemy territory. And that's exactly what the Normandy is capable of. The stealth system allows it to fly in, hit a target, and flee before the enemy can discover it was there."
"It is also able to drop a shadow team behind enemy lines without detection for recon and sabotage. I don't think a heavy cruiser would prove that effective."
The Rear Admiral narrowed his eyes thoughtfully at the nano soldier while Shepard looked at him in slight shock. "Regardless, I am here to make an inspection of this vessel. It is an Alliance warship. I intend to see if she's up to snuff."
"Be our guest, sir." said Jane. Mikhailovich nodded before walking around them and entering the Normandy's airlock. "How do you know so much about the Normandy's systems?" she asked the vigilante next to her.
"I'm a Spectre too, and your partner. It's also my job to know the vessel we're leading into a firefight. So I read up on every piece of information we have on the ship, learning it's strengths and weaknesses just in case." replied Jason.
They waited for almost 20 minutes when the Rear Admiral reappeared. "Commander. I'm not happy." he said evenly.
"I'm sorry to hear that, sir." said Shepard. Jason rolled his eyes behind his visor.
"Who designed that CIC? Putting the Commander aft of everyone else is inefficient. What if he needs to discuss with the operators toward the bow?" The Rear Admiral ranted.
"Modified Turian style. They prefer Commanders looking over their subordinates, rather than in the middle of them. We wanted to see how effectively they can command with that setup." explained Jane.
Mikhailovich mulled it over, "Hmm. Reasonable goal. But they should have studied that in the lab rather than on the front-line warship." He shook his head, "I had to shake my head at that drive core of yours. 120 billion credits of element zero to make this thing able to move without giving itself away. You realize we could make drive cores for 12,000 fighters with that money?"
"And as I explained to you, Rear Admiral. One ship moving fast and quiet can do a lot more than dozens that can hit hard. It's not always about strength, but about the best way to hit the enemy." said Jason.
"Maybe. But that's not the job of a proper warship." said Mikhailovich. "Above all else we need to talk about your crew. "Krogan? Asari? Turians? What are you thinking? You can't allow alien nationals free access to Alliance equipment!"
Jason clenched both fists, but Jane spoke up. "Between Saren and the Geth, we have enough enemies out there. Treating other species with suspicion and distrust won't win hearts and minds." she said evenly.
The Rear Admiral crossed his arms. "That assumes that hearts and minds are worth winning. That hasn't been proven yet."
"Just like whether or not the Alliance is worth joining." the nano soldier bit out. "If you keep burning bridges you'll have no allies when your back's to a wall. Humanity won't always be able to stand on it's own. We have to learn to work together with the other species in Council space, not distance ourselves from them."
There was silence before Mikhailovich adjusted the collar of his dress blues. "I'm not convinced Normandy isn't a waste of taxpayer money. But I am convinced that the two of you believe otherwise. And that you'll use it to its best ability. I'll be submitting a report to the Joint Military Council. It will not be as negative as I had planned."
He saluted the two before him, "Commander, Maverick. Good hunting." with that he headed toward the elevator.
"Well...that could have gone better." Jason said sarcastically. The airlock behind them opening as the rest of the crew were going to take advantage of the minor shore leave they were given.
"Hopefully it'll give the Alliance brass something to chew on while we deal with all of this." said the Commander as they got into the elevator and rode it down to the C-Sec Academy.
They took two steps out of the lift when they were blind-sided by someone that made Jason's eyes roll again. 'That's it...god hates me.'
"Commander Shepard, Maverick. Khalisah bint Sinan Al-Jilani, Westerlund News. Would you two mind answering a few questions for our viewers?" asked the infamous reporter.
"What do you want to know?" asked Jane.
"You two have been given a unique position to represent our race. People want to get a sense of how you'll do that." said Al-Jilani as she activated her omni-tool and the hovering camera behind her turned on shining a light on the both of them.
"Humans have been trying to get the respect of the galactic community for 26 years. With that in mind, what are your feelings on being the first Human Spectres? she asked.
Jane relaxed her shoulders, "The Spectres represent the best of every species in the galaxy. To be asked to join them is an honor." she said honestly. Jason just nodded next to her in agreement.
Al-Jilani made a few notes in her omni-tool, "Some have said your appointment is the Citadel 'throwing Humans a bone'. Have either of you encountered any situations where the Citadel asked you to place its needs before the needs of Earth?"
"The Council is concerned with the needs of the whole galactic community. We're part of that community now. Humanity's needs are on their agenda like everyone else's." said Jason. "But we're one of many."
"You really believe that, don't you?" asked the reporter pointedly. "You've been given Command of an advanced warship for your mission. Is there anything you'd like to say about it?"
She was digging, trying to find any useful information to manipulate for her own gain. Jason knew this. Shepard did not. He needed to find a way to shut this down before it got out of hand fast.
"Actually, the Normandy was co-developed by Human and Turian engineers. Its design incorporate many innovations. All of which are classified, I'm afraid." said the Commander. Jason winced, this was going to hurt.
"So the Turians have knowledge of the Normandy that is being kept secret from the Alliance public?" asked Al-Jilani with a slight smile in her voice. "Do you think it was appropriate to hand Earth's most advanced warship over to the Citadel?" she pressed.
"The Normandy wasn't 'handed over' to anyone." said Jason. "We are in command and last I checked we're both Human. Same goes for the crew."
Al-Jilani looked at the vigilante, "Considering who you are and what you've done, it's hard to consider you 'Human' Maverick."
The blood under his skin boiled. The Post-Human fought back the urge to knock the head off of the woman's shoulders. Jane must have seen this and stepped in, "I've fought along side Maverick since we started working together. If there is anyone I wouldn't mind having my back it would be him. So I'd be careful about how you project him."
Tension started to rise quickly. Though the reported looked like she could care less. "The last question I have is for you personally Commander Shepard." she said looking up from her omni-tool. "With your past, are you worried that your mission will be compromised due to emotional trauma?"
The camera exploded when Jason's fist went through it. "That's fucking enough!" he roared making the woman stumble back in fear. "Your job is to show facts and honesty. Not a goddamn smear campaign to give yourself more ratings. And honestly, how would the public feel to know that your personally attacking the first Human Spectres to make you look better."
At that point everyone around them were watching. Jane took a deep breath and put her hand on the nano soldier's arm. "Let it go, Maverick. She's not worth the words if she can't do her job right."
Jason glanced at her before looking back at the terrified reporter. "Your right Shepard. I think we have better things to do." they both stepped away and headed toward the rapid transit station. He looked at the Commander who looked to be off in her own world. "You okay?" he asked gently.
Jane rolled her shoulders, "Fine." she said simply punching in the coordinates into the terminal.
He reached out and grabbed her shoulder when the cab's door opened. "Shepard...I know your past is horrible. I've read about the Mindoir incident, it couldn't have been easy for anyone." She looked up at him. "I can use my words well, but I can also listen if you need it."
She was silent and Jason took that as the que to leave. He started walking toward the exit to the academy when he heard her speak behind him. "Thank you." he smiled under his helmet and activated his cloak.
Jane watched him go and couldn't help but feel a little better from his words.
X
Jason 'Maverick' Harlow
Stargaze Restaurant - Lower Wards
July 29, 2183 - 15:04 hours
Hitting up his apartment first and sending several crates to the Normandy's docking area. Jason put his nano suit away and dressed in a black t-shirt, jeans and combat boots before firing off a message to Reena saying to meet up with him.
Stargaze reminded the Post-Human of the old fashioned diners back in his universe. They sold a variety of foods to various races and was considered one of the best/cheapest places to eat on this side of the sector.
It was also his, Chellick, and Reena's usual meeting place after they all got out of work on some nights.
Arriving at the building, Jason stepped inside and was approached by an Asari hostess. "Welcome. Table for one?" she asked kindly.
"I'm actually part of a group of three. My two friends should be joining me soon." he said back.
"We're here Jason." he turned as Reena and Chellick stepped inside, both smiling at him. "Hay guys, glad you could join me." he said receiving a hug from Reena.
"Been gone almost a week, how has everything been going?" asked Chellick.
"Let's get a table and I'll give you an update." replied Jason as the hostess lead them to a table in the back to the restaurant. "This mission's slow going. But we're making progress little by little." he told his friends lowly while looking over the menu.
"You are going after someone who was one of the top Spectres of the Council. Of course he'd be difficult to catch." said Reena drinking from a sealed bottle of purified water through a straw.
"Been looking for anything around here to give you a hand, but damn if Saren wasn't thorough before he left." said Chellick
Jason waved him off, "You did your best, thanks for that. Nhilus managed to send a couple pieces of information that could give us a clue on where to go next, so we're making progress." The waitress came and took their orders before quickly departing. "Though with what connections we have we might be able to narrow things down sooner." he said leaning back in his chair.
"Have the crew figured out who you are?" asked Reena.
Shaking his head, Jason gave a smirk. "Not yet, there have been a few close calls but I've managed to cover my tracks."
Chellick scratched his right mandible. "You can't keep it up forever, Jason. Something's going to eventually happen that will force you out of the suit and into the open. I just hope you're ready for the backlash when it does."
Jason nodded seriously, "Believe me, I am. And I know how rough things will get when I do tell everyone." he leaned on the table and thought hard to himself. "Worse case scenario, I'll just tell them and show them the same thing I did to you guys."
The couple gasped. "Are you sure they can handle all of that? And keep it a secret?" asked Reena desperately.
"I can trust them." the nano soldier said with conviction. "I've been around them for only a short time, and a part of me knows I can count on them with this when the time comes. Especially Commander Shepard. I don't know why, but I get this feeling that I can trust her with anything. Christ, more than once she almost made me slip up about certain things."
The Turian and Quarian shared a look. Jason raised an eyebrow, "What?".
"You getting the hots for the hero of the Blitz?" asked Chellick bluntly with his mandibles stretched into a Turian smirk. Reena giggled next to him.
Jason froze up, fighting with all his might to keep the blood from his face. "No, she's just a good person and a fantastic soldier. She's easy to get along with." he said leaning back casually.
"He's got it bad." said Reena taking another sip from her drink.
"I do not!" the Post-Human exclaimed, finding it harder to avoid blushing.
"Come on Jason, when are you going to accept that you need a woman in your life?" asked Chellick seriously. "It's been three years since you arrived here and the only thing you've done is kill bad guys, make weapons, work, eat and sleep. You need a social life. One that includes a girlfriend."
Rubbing a hand over his face, Jason went to fire back a retort when their food arrived. As they ate Chellick kept picking at him about looking for a mate and consider making a better life for himself.
The Post-Human wanted to throttle the Turian after too long.
Halfway through their meal the door opened and a large group of people entered. Jason looked up and recognized the dress blues of Alliance personnel as the hostess began seating them all. "That's the crew from the Normandy." he said shocking his friends.
A second later Garrus walked through the door. Jason raised his arm and waved in his direction to signal him over. "What's going on Garrus?" he asked as the Turian approached.
"Thought I'd show the crew of the ship I'm now on where to get some good eats around here. And since you, me and Chellick found this place I thought they'd have a good meal here." said Garrus stopping by the side of their table.
Jason nodded, "Yeah, I heard you got recruited by the two Human Spectres. Geez Garrus, finally got bored of all the paper work at C-Sec?" he asked chuckling.
Garrus chuckled back, "Kind of. Going out and killing Geth and blowing apart enemy outposts is a lot more exciting than sitting at a desk."
"Well, I'm proud of you big guy." Jason said shaking the Turian's hand. "And don't forget to write sometime, we get kinda bored while you're out saving the galaxy."
Chellick and Reena were both surprised at Jason's acting skills. He sounded so authentic as he spoke to Garrus. After a bit they decided to play along. "It is pretty boring around here without you, Garrus. Saturday nights aren't the same." said Chellick.
"What? So you guys can bleed me out of my creds? Forget it." replied the former C-Sec officer as the group of friends shared a laugh.
"Hey Garrus, mind introducing your friends." said as a familiar person approached them.
Garrus stepped aside, "Jason, this is Commander Shepard."
Jason gave his best smile despite the situation and held his hand out, "Commander, it's an honor to meet you in person. I've heard a lot of good things about you around the station."
Jane shook his hand, but felt a huge sense of déjà vu. "Something wrong, ma'am?" asked Jason concerned.
"It's nothing...I just feel like I know you from somewhere." she said confused.
Jason kept his face the same, but inside he was afraid.
'She couldn't know...could she?' he thought desperately.
The Commander suddenly perked up, her eyes narrowing slightly at the man before her. "I know who you are."
Jason kept his poker face up, Reena's eyes widened and Chellick was gripping the table so hard his talons were digging into the surface.
"I've seen your picture up at the weapon shop I visited when I first became a Spectre. Jason Harlow, right?" she asked causing the three of them to let out a breath.
"That's me, ma'am. Been working at Thrax's shop for a while now. I'd like to think I'm getting good at it." replied Jason.
"No doubt." said Shepard taking out her pistol and examining it. "I got this heavy pistol from the shop. The old Krogan said that you put it together with increased accuracy and tungsten round mods. I gotta say it's a fine piece of work."
"Thank you ma'am. That means a lot coming from you." said Jason pushing out as much fake praise as he could into his words.
Jane's omni-tool suddenly went off with a new message. Reading it over quickly she looked at Garrus and told him there was an altercation going on in the docking area. Something about a girl threatening to kill herself as she ran out of the building with Garrus right behind her.
"What was all that about?" wondered Reena.
"Don't know. Hey Jason, you know what's-" Chellick paused seeing Jason gone with a credit chit sitting on the table where he had been. "Spirits, he has to stop doing that." muttered Chellick.
X
Knowing about what was happening in the docking area. Jason swung by his place and threw on the nano suit again before heading to where he knew Jane would be.
Arriving on sight, Jason parked the car in the right area before activating his cloak and entering the docking bays. Inside, he saw the Commander standing strong in front of a fragile woman holding a pistol to her chest.
Getting closer, he heard Jane talking the girl down while slowly approaching her. They both had something in common. They both were born and raised on Mindoir. The difference being that Talitha had been abducted and had to suffer through torture and other horrifying things for years at the hands of Batarian pirates.
Jason could see that it was effecting Shepard. More than once he saw her flinching as the young woman told her story.
Jane talked to her about what had happened to her on Mindoir that day. How she missed her parents and little brother. How the Batarians took everything she ever loved away. Telling Talitha that she could be strong too when she over came what happened .
Talitha took the pill offered to her before Jane pulled her into a hug as she drifted off to sleep. She picked the girl up and handed her off to EMTs that were standing by who quickly took her to the hospital to get help.
It was then another piece of the puzzle that was Commander Shepard fell into place.
He watched her for a little while longer, rubbing her temples before heading toward where the Normandy was docked. The way she moved troubled him. It was almost as if she were trying to escape something.
After this little incident, he'd need to keep a close eye on her.
X
A few hours later the crew was called back to the Normandy. Jason hung out with Reena and Chellick and told them he'd drop a message every now and again to let them know he and Garrus were still kicking.
Getting back aboard he could tell Jane was more tense than usual. She was still the same individual as before, but she seemed distracted after what happened earlier. "We got a new heading." she said turning to him. "The colony on Feros has reported a lot of Geth activity. I was also contacted about an Alliance team going dark on the planet Edolus by Rear Admiral Kahoku, it's along the way so we'll be stopping there first."
Jason gave a nod, reminding himself to keep an eye on her again as he headed toward the CIC.
He suddenly stopped mid-step. 'Edolus...fuck me...'
X
A/N: And we venture into dangerous territory once again. There's going to be more character background in the next couple of chapters along with some good combat, for now I hope this sedates all your curiosity for the time being.
New update ready to be fired. Same time, same place tomorrow folks!