A Matter of Time and Space
THE PARTING OF THE WAYS
"Welcome to Citadel NewsNet, I'm Emily Wong. Citadel authorities have arrested the CEO of Armali Council on kidnapping and slavery charges. Matron Tusanna Cathropiln is accused of conspiring with the head of Haliat Armory, Invidius Ruthlain, to sell Citadel citizens to an unknown third party in exchange for unregistered technology. The conspiracy was exposed by newly appointed Spectre, Valni Severan. Born on Palaven, Officer Severan was herself a victim of the kidnapping ring, but fought back and succeeded in downing the slavers' ship before it could leave Citadel airspace. The Haliat Armory ship, Imperium, crashed on Tayseri Ward, narrowly avoiding a collision with the Dilinaga Concert Hall. C-Sec search and rescue teams recovered a number of survivors who were due to be sold as slaves. The scandal has rocked the corporate world with both the Asari Republics and Turian Hierarchy stepping in to save the corporate giants from financial collapse. The companies have been placed under emergency administration with interim leaders expected to take over. Cathropiln has reportedly entered a plea bargain and is seeking immunity from prosecution. A full investigation is ongoing.
"In other news, Alliance officials are reporting strange energy readings from the Omega 4 relay. While no ships have ever returned after going through the relay, scans suggest it has been used recently. Alliance officials are on alert…"
Citadel Embassies, Presidium, Citadel – 10:10 GST – 28th June 2185 CE
Inquisitor Passcal entered the office on the Citadel Embassies, escorted by two C-Sec guards. Several people were waiting for him in the office. Newly appointed Spectre Severan, dressed in simple black leggings and a dark-blue jacket, stood casually by the window, her back to the view of the Presidium and hands clasped behind her. To her right was Executor Pallin, while sat behind the desk was a stern-faced turian; a man Passcal instantly recognised – his immediate superior, the head of Internal Affairs.
Passcal mentally prepared himself. The irony of the situation was not lost on him. The office was where he had first met Severan, though he had studied her file extensively before meeting her. It seemed fitting the office would serve as the location of his hearing. But he wasn't planning on going down without a fight.
"Inquisitor," Valni greeted him brightly. "Glad you could join us."
"Spectre," Passcal grunted.
"Let's make this quick, shall me?" the head of Internal Affairs announced.
Inquisitor Passcal marched up to the desk and stood before his superior, pointedly ignoring Severan and Executor Pallin. The guards kept a respectful distance behind him.
"We are here to examine Inquisitor Passcal's conduct during his investigation of then Warrant Officer Severan for treason against the Hierarchy," the head of Internal Affairs said. "Based on the events of the past few days, I think we can dismiss the charges levelled at Spectre Severan. That only leaves the question of Inquisitor Passcal's actions during his investigation. A number irregularities have been brought to my attention, supported by the testimonies of several high-ranking figures in the Asari Republics and Turian Hierarchy…"
Passcal interrupted him. "If you're referring to Legate Trajan, I can assure you that his testimony is highly suspect…"
"Legate Trajan is dead," Valni said.
Passcal looked sharply at her. "Really?" he said with interest, his shoulders relaxing as a small smile played on his lips. "That is unfortunate. Was he killed by your hand?"
"No. Jela Sederis executed him. For failing Eclipse. It was Trajan who sent those mercs to capture me at the opera house."
The Inquisitor blinked and clamped his mandibles against his cheeks, the involuntary response betraying his feelings. "Trajan was responsible?"
"He was," Valni confirmed. "He boasted about it before he died. He even outlined their entire plans for me."
"And what were those plans?" Passcal demanded.
"That is confidential information," the head of Internal Affairs said curtly.
"Authorities searched his office at Haliat Armory," Valni added. "They found the records of the calls he made to the Blue Suns, they confirm he hired the mercs directly. He wasn't very good at hiding the evidence. His incompetence knew know bounds."
"This is news to me," Passcal confessed. "I was not aware of that."
The head of Internal Affairs grunted. "Evidently. Otherwise you would not have allowed him to manipulate you so freely."
"Or let the Eclipse spy leak information to you about our mission to Illium," Executor Pallin put in.
The Inquisitor bristled. "Do you have any evidence to corroborate that claim?"
"Jela Sederis confirmed she planted the data package on your desk. She was quite proud of it, frankly. She seems to be under the delusion her sister will break her out from jail."
"Eclipse gave you information on Severan, and you used it to disrupt her taskforce, thereby aiding Eclipse's plans," the Executor accused. "They were using you."
"One must wonder how C-Sec let an Eclipse spy work for them," Passcal said.
"Do not try to divert blame, Inquisitor!" his superior snapped. "You are the one at fault here. You brought Legate Trajan into a sensitive investigation and compromised your position by liaising with him! I've read the transcript of your conversations. He kept you in the loop. He regularly updated you with timetables detailing the release of Haliat Armory's latest tech. Technology that could aid the Hierarchy in their fight against our enemies – especially Cerberus."
"He played on your prejudice of humanity," Valni said. "He obviously recognised a kindred spirit. You brought him into the investigation. You should own that."
"He was evidently a cold and calculating liar," Passcal said in his defence. "Had I known the truth, I would have executed him myself."
"You allowed your own prejudice to cloud your investigation," the head of Internal Affairs continued. "Trajan exploited that. He manipulated you. And you let him. Maybe your time as a member of the hastatim has blinded you? You see traitors everywhere."
"One wonders how many innocents you condemned while working for the hastatim?" Valni said.
"My past is not on trial here," Passcal objected.
"No, but it is a contributing factor to our present situation," his superior told him. "I see now it was a mistake to promote you to the role of Inquisitor."
Passcal's face paled, his mandibles flaring wide with concern. "Sir… If my position is in doubt…?"
"I blame myself!" his superior said, cutting him off. "I must bear the responsibility for this. It grieves me to admit it, but your promotion was evidently a lapse in judgement."
The head of Internal Affairs rose from the desk.
"As head of the Office of Internal Affairs, it is ordered that you, Commander Passcal, be stripped of the rank of Inquisitor."
Passcal stood ramrod straight, his eyes glassy and expression strained. "Yes, sir," he said. "Do you also require my resignation from Internal Affairs?"
"No. Fortunately, we have another role in mind." The man gestured at Valni. "Due to Spectre Severan's efforts to re-establish relations with the krogan, the Clan Leader has agreed to allow a representative from the Hierarchy to liaise with them on minor matters."
Passcal frowned, his expression suddenly growing worried. "Sir? What are you saying?"
"It has been decided that you should be that representative," Valni told him. "You will be the Hierarchy presence on Tuchanka."
"What?" Passcal growled.
"Think of it as an ambassadorial role," Valni said; she couldn't stop the smile forming on her face. "It will be the face of the Hierarchy to Clan Urdnot."
"You will be stationed on a CDEM orbital battlestation for most of your tour. However, the job will not be without hardship," the head of Internal Affairs said. "You will need to be on the ground and interact with the local clan members. In addition to patrolling and reconnoitring key areas around the Kelphic Valley."
"The Kelphic Valley? It's a wasteland!" the former Inquisitor protested.
"This is a priority order. The Hierarchy have assets on the krogan homeworld, or more specifically under the krogan homeworld. Part of your responsibilities will be to ensure those assets remain… undisturbed."
"But… Tuchanka, sir?" Passcal began. "A turian on Tuchanka is a prime target. Without backup, Spirits only knows what those savages will do!"
"It is for the good of the Hierarchy. And I'm confident a man as resourceful as yourself will do their very best to carry out his orders…"
"It is, after all, in the service of Palaven," Valni told him with a smile.
Passcal knew when he was fighting a losing battle. "When do I leave?"
"Immediately," his superior said. "There's a shuttle waiting for you at the Presidium docks. You have 30 minutes to pack."
Passcal's face was a picture of indecision. He looked like he was trying to decide whether to attack Valni or storm out of the room.
In the end, his training took over, and he saluted his superior, and then turned and left the room.
Valni watched him leave. She had enjoyed that a lot more than she cared to admit.
Bridge, Threads of Fate, Citadel Docks – 12:30 GST
The repairs to the ship were almost complete.
At the moment, only Zaalia's legs visible as she lay under her console, Lia'Vael was sitting the engineering station and Erata was checking the haptic interface of the mosaic.
"Cathropiln is trying to avoid prosecution?" Zaalia asked from beneath the console.
"In exchange for a full testimony, yeah!" Erata confirmed.
"Unbelievable," Zaalia remarked. "Then what prompted her to give us that datafile?"
"Probably when she realised who was behind those assassination attempts," Erata suggested. "Eclipse wanted the tech for themselves and Cathropiln was in the way. That's how Armali Council kept the mercs sweet. They handed over top of the line technology and prototypes to help give the mercs an edge."
"Like the omni-blade mod?" Lia'Vael asked from her station.
"Exactly," Erata said.
Lia'Vael shook her head. "All this had been going on for years; do you think the Collectors would have ever given them the ability to control the relays?"
"Hard to say," Erata said. "It's possible the Collectors would have kept drip-feeding Armali and Haliat schematics and advanced tech, but I get the feeling they might have kept stringing the companies along indefinitely. I don't think they would have shared their tech to control the relays."
Zaalia clambered from beneath her console. "All those people killed for a plan that might never have worked."
"And we still don't know why the Collectors were taking the colonists," Lia'Vael said.
"Well, hopefully Commander Shepard took those monsters out," Zaalia said firmly.
"Do you think what they said about Shepard the Normandy crew dying is true?"
"Goddess, I hope not!" Erata said quietly.
"So why did Eclipse need to infiltrate Lidanya's staff?" Lia'Vael asked.
"They needed a Matriarch with of high-level access to the Network," Erata said, "and Lidanya was often away from Illium on the Destiny Ascension. By using Lidanya's computer, they were able to monitor allied patrols to move their slaves undetected. They even used the Matriarch's own computer to coordinate the movements of the mercs and slavers. The Blood Pack, the Blue Suns – Eclipse were manipulating them all. If the other mercs got caught, then Eclipse had deniability. It was all working perfectly. If we hadn't infiltrated Lidanya's apartment and discovered the truth, that Eclipse spy might still be there. Jona Sederis had everyone fooled"
Lia'Vael finished her repairs. "Now the Matriarchs know what Eclipse were doing, what will happen to them?"
"The galaxy just got a lot smaller for Sederis! There will be very few places she can run where the Network won't find her."
"What about Omega? That's not controlled by the Matriarchs," Zaalia pointed out.
"No, but it's controlled by a Matriarch," Erata replied. "If something threatens her domain, Aria won't hesitate to act. And don't underestimate the reach of the Network. Omega may not be in asari controlled space, but that doesn't mean the Matriarchs aren't watching…"
Zaalia nodded slowly. "Your sister is on Omega, isn't she? I hope she'd safe?"
"Chora can take care of herself. She always has. My family are very resourceful."
"Yeah…" Zaalia regarded Erata thoughtfully. "How many sisters do you have, by the way?"
Before she could answer, Valni entered, followed by their former Maven, Major T'Moirai.
"How are the repairs?" T'Moirai asked.
"Almost done," Lia'Vael declared.
"Excellent. Zaalia, Lia'Vael, would you two mind joining Chaill just outside the ship on the dockside? I need to speak to Erata and our new Spectre for a moment."
Zaalia and Lia'Vael agreed and quietly left the room.
T'Moirai turned to face Valni and Erata.
"What is it?" Erata asked.
"The human councillor just received a message from the Normandy," T'Moiroi began. "The ship re-entered the Omega 4 relay. Shepard sent a message informing the Alliance of their success. The Collector base was destroyed. It's over."
"The Normandy is back?" Valni asked. Aisa nodded. "What about the crew? Are they safe?"
Erata held her breath.
"Shepard reported the crew were rescued from the Collector base. No hands were lost."
Erata gasped. She clutched her hands to her mouth, tears welling in her eyes. Valni let out a sigh of relief, trying her best to look composed.
"There was a comm blackout after they returned," T'Moirai continued. "Apparently, there was a lot of damage to the Normandy. The crew had their hands full making repairs, and others were recovering from the Collector attack…"
"But they're all OK?" Valni repeated.
T'Moirai nodded, placing a gentle hand on Valni's shoulder. "Yes, Donnelly and Daniels survived. They're alive."
"Oh, thank the Goddess!" Erata cried.
Valni clutched T'Moirai's wrist, feeling as though she needed to hold onto something, anything, just to remain upright.
"According to Shepard's report, the ship had to run dark while they made repairs," T'Moirai said, not that either Valni or Erata were listening anymore. Erata closed her eyes, tears flowing between her fingers. "I tried to contact them myself, but I haven't been able to establish a link…"
Valni turned to Erata. She reached for the asari and pulled her into her arms.
Erata clutched at Valni, holding to her like a rock in a storm, and wept without shame.
Valni didn't let go. There was something comforting in hearing Erata's release, if only to veil her own tears of relief.
It was several minutes before Valni, Erata and T'Moirai were in a fit state to join the rest of the team assembled on the docks.
The trio emerged from the Threads of Fate and moved onto the catwalk. T'Moirai, carrying four computer tablets, asked Erata to stand in line with Zaalia, Chaill and Lia'Vael as T'Moirai and Valni stood facing them, in the shadow of the asari warship.
"Firstly, I must apologise," T'Moirai said. "I deceived every one of you. The mission wasn't what you expected, I wasn't what you expected. But you were deceived for the best of reasons. When each of you were recruited, I knew you would bring something to the table, I just didn't realise how much. Never has such a dissimilar group of people achieved such success. You represent species from every corner of the galaxy, and as a team you have defeated slavers, killers, mercenaries, and Collectors. You fought against intolerance and preconceptions. You saved lives… And you have bled for one another.
"Such loyalty does not go unrewarded. On top of individualised honours, the Turian Hierarchy has awarded you all the Palladium Star, in recognition of your bravery in the face of overwhelming odds."
Major T'Moirai turned and passed one of the computer tablets to Valni. "Spectre…" she prompted.
Valni approached Zaalia, the tablet and Palladium Star medal in one hand, and a pair of officer bars in the other.
"The Primarch of Palaven," Valni announced, "on the recommendation of the Turian Councillor, has acknowledged the aptitudes, fidelity, and honour of Sergeant Zaalia Gerumis. In recognition of these skills, and her proven ability to command at a higher tier, Sergeant Zaalia Gerumis is promoted to the grade of Second Lieutenant, Cabalite of the Hierarchy, effective immediately." Valni handed the bars to Zaalia. "Congratulations… Second Lieutenant Gerumis."
"Lieutenant?" Zaalia repeated in astonishment.
"In recognition of your outstanding service," Valni confirmed.
Zaalia stared at the officer bars in her hands, then she promptly squared her shoulders, standing at attention. "It is an honour to serve," she said firmly.
Valni smiled. "In addition to your new rank, Primarch Fedorian has agreed that you be granted the same status and freedom of movement as any asari biotic in Citadel space. You are freed from the restrictions of the Cabal and permitted to choose your next assignment."
"The Primarch agreed to do that?" Zaalia asked.
"I may have put in a good word on your behalf," Valni confessed. "Apparently, a Spectre's opinion carries weight. Who knew?"
Zaalia ran a taloned thumb over her new officer bars. "Thank you… Warrant Officer." A broad grin spread across face. "So, now that I'm a commissioned officer, does this mean I outrank you?"
"Technically I think a Spectre still beats a lieutenant," Valni said with an equally wide grin.
"I'll have to get promoted again so I can catch up!"
Valni didn't try to suppress her grin as she pinned the Palladium Star to Zaalia's chest.
Zaalia didn't want to suppress her grin as she saluted the Spectre.
T'Moirai approached Erata.
"What to give someone in your position?" she asked the asari engineer.
"A krogan or human dancer will do me," Erata replied cheerfully. "Maybe one of each?"
"Well, I couldn't stretch to that, so I suppose this will have to do," T'Moirai said and handed Erata the tablet.
It contained a single document affixed with the symbol of the Asari Republics and the seal of the Matriarchs Network. The tablet automatically performed a retina scan as Erata touched the pad, and the document opened.
'For the attention of Network Operative Erata D'Ceni, recipient of the Order of Serrice.
On the advice of the Citadel Council and after careful consideration by the Matriarch Assembly, it is the decision of the Network that Operative Erata D'Ceni be granted an indefinite leave of absence and released from all assignments and responsibilities pertaining to Network operations.
Operative D'Ceni has performed with distinction over many years of service and is hereby discharged with highest honours from all Network duties.
Erata D'Ceni's status will remain inactive and not be reinstated except in time of direst galactic need.
The Network thanks Operative D'Ceni for her loyal service to the Republics.
Signed, from the depths of my heart, Calliopa D'Ceni (M)'
Erata closed the document.
She looked up, her eyes glistening.
"I'm free," she whispered.
T'Moirai gave an almost imperceptible nod, and smiled. The next moment, she stepped forward and pinned the medal to Erata's breast, before kissing her on both cheeks.
Valni approached Chaill.
"I don't suppose you have a cure for the genophage on that tablet?" he joked.
"I'm afraid not. However, there is a consignment of 100 tons of building materials. A gift from a grateful Mr Bakshi for bringing the Blood Pack mercenaries to justice."
Chaill examined the consignment list. "Huh!" he exclaimed. "There's enough equipment here to rebuild and furnish every dwelling in the female clan, and still have some left over."
"Is there?" Valni said innocently. "Well, isn't that fascinating? It's almost as if someone advised Mr Bakshi on what items were needed…"
"I notice there are Armali Council and Haliat Armory products in here as well. These items weren't confiscated, by any chance?"
"Not at all. These were requisitioned!" the Major interjected, she was still smiling. "And you should know, based on my recommendation to the Republics, you have also been given a work permit and freedom to travel to any asari controlled world… Although it might be advisable to avoid Illium for the time being. I'm given to understand Matriarch Lidanya wasn't shy in praising your many, um… talents." She coughed into her hand. "You may find yourself quite popular there."
"I'll bear that in mind," Chaill promised.
T'Moirai stepped in and pinned the Star to Chaill's chest.
Chaill glanced down at the shining award adorning his coverall. "A krogan with a turian medal…" he murmured. "That's going to be a conversation starter!" He laughed. "Thanks… For everything."
The Major nodded happily and turned to Lia'Vael. Without a word, she handed her the final tablet.
Lia'Vael looked at the document on the computer pad.
She frowned, not quite believing what she'd read. Then she looked up.
"I don't understand…"
T'Moirai gestured at the Threads of Fate. "I registered the ship in your name."
"What?"
"You are now the official owner of the Threads of Fate."
Lia'Vael gaped. "But… But how? The Republics wouldn't just give an asari warship to a quarian!"
"No, but they would give her to a former commando and representative of the SSC."
"How can that…?"
"Despite appearances, the Threads of Fate isn't a young ship. She's almost 50 years old. There are other corvette designs already in use; newer, larger ships deployed on the front lines. The Orison-class is being phased out. The Threads of Fate was due to be decommissioned, that's why the Second Fleet agreed to part with her. But we build our ships to last. There's still plenty of life left in the old girl, and the right owner can make her fly for decades to come."
Lia'Vael looked between the Threads of Fate and T'Moirai. "I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything; I know you'll look after her. And… well, as I understand it, a pilgrim needs a gift to take back to the Flotilla."
It was all too much; Lia'Vael looked down at the document of ownership, her vision misted by the tears that spilled freely down her cheeks.
"Of course, the weapons have had to be taken offline, since she is, technically speaking, owned by a civilian now," T'Moirai continued, "though that shouldn't be an issue for a skilled engineer…"
But Lia'Vael didn't hear anymore. She leaned in and pulled the asari into a tight hug. T'Moirai smiled and gathered Lia'Vael in her arms, letting the quarian weep with joy into her shoulder.
"Thank you!" Lia'Vael blubbed.
"Hey, come on, you'll mist up your helmet."
Lia'Vael freed herself from T'Moirai's arms.
"You're probably the first quarian to ever receive the Palladium Star," T'Moirai said as she attached the medal to a Lia'Vael's armoured chest-plate, but Lia'Vael's gaze was still focused on the ship.
"I can't believe it. I can go home!" she said excitedly. Her teammates gathered around to congratulate her. "I can go home. I can …" She looked at Chaill. "… leave."
"Yeah," Chaill said, his expression torn between joy and regret. But he still gave a wide smile. "I couldn't be happier for you."
Lia'Vael looked over at the ship, her ship, and then at Chaill.
She wrapped her fingers between his.
For a long moment, no-one spoke.
Slowly, the team drifted away, leaving the couple together on the docks.
It was a full day before the ship was ready to depart. The Threads of Fate was prepped and 100 tons of building materials loaded into the cargo bay. Lia'Vael had invited Chaill to join her for her inaugural cruise of her ship, with a stop at Tuchanka on the way to the Flotilla.
The team spent most of the time toasting their victory in the bar before they left. But the celebrations were bittersweet – the team were going their separate ways, returning to their people or moving on to other assignments.
On the dock, they said their goodbyes. Hugs and tears were shared in equal measure, until Lia'Vael and Chaill disappeared inside the ship and the team retired to the catwalk to wave them off.
The couple made their way to the bridge, arm in arm.
"My home now," Lia'Vael said. "I still can't believe it. It hasn't sunk in."
"You'll get used to it," Chaill assured her.
Lia'Vael stopped and glanced at the pristine, white-blue, asari-made walls of the corvette. "I'll have to," she said as she reached for her helmet.
Chaill touched her arm. "It hasn't been sterilised. You'll get sick."
Lia'Vael gently lowered his hand and reached up to unlock the seals on her helmet. She prised the faceplate away and leaned in to touch her lips against his.
"Worth it!" She grinned.
On the dock, Valni, Zaalia, Erata, T'Moirai, and even Commander Timoleon watched the Threads of Fate glide free of its mooring. The ship cleared the pressure barrier and turned 180 degrees. The thrusters fired and the ship powered away from the station, to quickly fade to a pinpoint of light in the glittering mosaic surrounding the Citadel.
Eventually, T'Moirai and Timoleon bade their farewells and wandered back to their duty.
The three women continued to stare out into space.
"Do you think they can make it work?" Valni asked.
"With Lia'Vael on the Flotilla and Chaill on Tuchanka?" Erata said. "I hope so. But is isn't just the distance separating them. There are plenty of other challenges in their way…"
"Interspecies relationships can be tricky," Valni agreed.
"It's going to feel strange without you guys – like the end of an era," Zaalia said.
"What are your plans now?" Erata asked.
Valni shrugged. "Honestly, I have no idea what's going to happen next…" she admitted.
"But based on past experience, it won't be boring!" Zaalia put in.
"Hey, you never told us about your tournament," Erata said to Zaalia.
"That's true. How's about I tell you over lunch? You hungry?"
"I could eat," Erata agreed. She linked arms with them, settling herself between and the Spectre and Second Lieutenant. "Just the three of us. You know, I would love a sandwich right about now. Does anyone fancy a triple-decker?"
"Um, Erata…" Valni began.
But the asari was already steering them towards the skycar. "Ooh, let's have a melange. Something with a little bit of everything – honey-glazed thigh, a side of tender breast, lots of tongue!"
"Oh, Spirits."
"Or sample the delights of the patisserie… Have you ever tried a blueberry muffin?"
"I'm not really into…"
"Maybe I could tempt you to a box lunch?"
"That's thoughtful, but…"
"How about a tossed salad?"
"I've got a hankering for jerked louza myself," Zaalia said.
"Hey, whatever tickles your fancy. I'm not one to judge."
Valni and Zaalia grinned. They shared a look, the smiles quickly dissolving into peels of laughter.
Zaalia pointed at Val.
"Come on, Spectre. You're buying."
