Karma comes after everyone eventually. You can't get away with screwing people over your whole life, I don't care who you are. What goes around comes around. That's how it works. Sooner or later the universe will serve you the revenge that you deserve. — Jessica Brody, The Karma Club

Cabal – Elite, all female turian infantry units created to isolate the rare individuals possessing biotic abilities.
Irin – Pronounced similar to the girl's name 'Erin' – Zaeed Massani's shortened form of 'Iringù-Eßizkur'
Kawuk'sa – an extremely strong insult, literally, a "grave-robber" or "corpse-eater" (Batarian; source, CDN)
Ø7 – An allegedly discontinued vocational code in the Systems Alliance military.
· · · · The Ø designates covert operations; the 7 refers to the highest level of proficiency.
OSD – Optical Storage Device, analogous to present-day digital recording disks.

• AHN'KAHAR STATION, STRENUUS SYSTEM · HORSEHEAD NEBULA •

"What can we do for you today, Ms Traynor?" Spectre Rachaél Shepard and Lady Liara T'Soni peered at my image on their viewscreen as Shepard attempted to keep a neutral expression on her face; I expected she had a very good idea about why I was contacting them so soon after my recent visit.

"Lady Liara … Spectre Shepard. I have information for you, Spectre, but first, I have a request I hope you can help me with." Rachaél's expectant silence prompted me to continue on. "I know from my research that Garrus Vakarian is now a trusted councilor to Primarch Adrien Victus on Palaven. I have to wonder if, with the seriousness of what I hope you are willing to reveal to the Council, I should have a sit-down meeting with Garrus … see how he feels about my revelations concerning the fate of MSV Anixara."

A worried frown was the Spectre's only reaction; Liara responded with a question of her own. "You're not planning on revealing your real identity and capabilities, are you?"

"That's the last thing I want to do, Liara. If he needs to actually speak with my employer …" I grinned at them both, "… Buchanan makes a thoroughly convincing Broker. Must be his size. We came up with this plan on our return trip back … one of us as Broker while the other one is out."

Rachaél laughed at that. "I have to think you're correct, Ms Traynor. So, when would you like to have this meeting with Garrus? And where? Would it be simpler to have him meet us on the Citadel?"

"Actually, I would like to return to Thessia – the ship about which Griff contacted you should be at T'Sere Shipyards by now. I'd like the chance to see it myself, maybe speak with Matriarch Tralis concerning needed repairs and upgrades."

Shepard nodded her head as she commented, "That sounds like a good idea, actually. It would be good to see Garrus again, and we can have you and Garrus spend the night, so there'll be plenty of time for both of you to discuss the fate of the Anixara. I'll contact him – set it up for you."

"Thanks, Shepard. Oh, and Liara … Aria T'Loak will probably be raising hell on Illium shortly. The Broker's agent on Omega tried to give her the data concerning Jona Sederis stealing Eezo, and that unpaid transaction fee on Omega; she refused to speak with a mere agent … wanted Bray to take the info." I sighed as I thought back to my conversation with the pirate queen.

"She insisted on speaking with the Broker personally, so the salarian routed the connection through his own comms systems … which kept the Broker's location secret." With a chuckle, I added, "She found both subjects to be of great interest, particularly the location of Sederis, but the Broker had to put Aria in her place, something I know really chapped her ass."

The asari rolled her eyes at the news before commenting, "Not what I'd hoped to hear, but it appears you managed to keep yourself above the fray … that's good, Sammy. Don't get personally involved … leave that to your agents and enforcers."

Shepard's expression showed concern. "She doesn't suspect the Broker's true identity, does she?"

"I don't see how. She was looking really hard at the image on her screen, but even the best vid-monitors cannot display something that is not there."

Shepard nodded in relief. "That's good, Sammy. I'd hate to think of the lengths that old witch would go to track you down." After a brief pause, she said, "Give me a day or two to arrange for our turian friend to meet you here. I'll contact you when I have confirmation."

"Sounds good, Spectre. Lady Liara …" I terminated the connection and went to find Griff.

Before I was able to track down my partner, Chinami'Taelas succeeded in tracking me down – not that I was difficult to find. "I have a progress report for you, Ms Traynor. Can we talk?"

"Of course, Chinami. Let's go to the lounge." Griff and I had started referring to our dining area as a lounge, since it seemed to be the one place we visited together on a regular basis. It was handy to already be in the compartment where we could relax for a bit after finishing a meal.

Upon entering the lounge, I moved to the beverage station to fix a cup of tea for myself; Chinami prepared a cup of Rannochian tea for herself, to which I commented, "I'm glad you can share a beverage with me while we talk." I sat down beside her and took a sip from my cup.

"As am I, Sammy. On Illium, I always had to eat by myself, unless I was sitting with others of my species, or happened to be among turians." After a brief pause, she set a datapad on the table between us and continued, "Here's my status report on the programs controlling the environmental ops on this station; I discovered and was able to purge several especially vile bits of interference software from the atmosphere processor, along with the heating and cooling controls."

"So, we shouldn't have any more problems?"

"Actually… " Realizing her response was not something I wished to hear, the young quarian dipped her head momentarily before explaining. "Actually, I discovered the same software on the atmo-processor, among the same lines of code, on three consecutive mornings. The thing is, I had already scrubbed that malicious software from the servers."

"I thought you had isolated those bits of code on a stand-alone. How? …"

"Ahn'Kahar Station was, until yesterday evening, receiving environmental programming updates from Minuteman Station. The VI is still operational there, and I believe it is simply auto-executing instructions entered by the Illusive Man during the early stages of the Reaper war."

"Aw, shit! That bloody piker is long-since dead, and he's still influencing things here?" I took a few sips from my cup as I gave the matter some thought. The solution I came up with was not something I looked forward to doing. "It sounds like someone needs to go to Minuteman in order to modify that VI's program … or terminate it altogether."

Chinami shook her head in near perfect imitation of a human's non-verbal 'NO'. "Terminating that VI wouldn't be a good idea, Sammy. The station is devoid of life, yet is still functional because of its VI control. I looked at the data gathered when Normandy and Hong Kong were in the systems here … the remnants of Lazarus Station are also nearby, still in dark space. It appears the Illusive Man preferred this nebula's location for siting his headquarters and research facilities."

"Will blocking the updates at this end be enough?"

She touched the datapad on the table, saying, "It's all outlined in here. I see no reason to allow that VI continued access to this station's computers. Since the Illusive Man and Cerberus are dead, you can employ whomever you wish to keep the operating systems here up to date. The Shadow Broker appropriated an abandoned space station for your use, Ma'am. Space salvage laws make no distinctions concerning the way a recovered station or ship must be used."

I finished my tea, set the cup down and turned towards her, innocent expression firmly in place. "It sounds as if you are applying for a full-time position as a software engineer, Ms Taelas."

Chinami, having dialed back the opacity of her mask to its minimum tint, met my eyes as she whispered, "It has been difficult for me … being away from the fleet and my people. You … and Mr Buchanan … have treated me as an equal. After my experiences on Illium, being bound to Synthetic Insights by that contract? … it's really nice to work for people that seem to care about me as a person, instead of some ignorant suit rat that shouldn't be seen or heard."

I took her gloved hand in mine as I replied, "You're no suit rat, Chinami … don't ever think that! … and we do care about you. I'm glad you're happy here, but my offer—the Shadow Broker's offer—is still valid. Either Griff or I will take you to the Migrant Fleet, or Rannoch, whenever you are ready to return. All you have to do is say the word."

The skin next to her eyes crinkled in response to the smile hidden by the lower portion of her mask. "I appreciate that, Sammy. But I feel I am not yet ready to return to my people. I want to stay here on the station … as long as you still want me, that is."

"I'll have the techs install the rest of the isolation emitters in your quarters, Chinami. You may as well be comfortable while you're working for us." I placed my hand on her shoulder and squeezed slightly as I added, "Thanks for choosing to stay."

Shortly after lunch, I received a call from Spectre Shepard. "I spoke with Garrus, Sammy. He didn't seem surprised to learn of your resignation from the Alliance Navy … if fact, he expressed some surprise that it had taken you so long to make the jump." Rachaél grinned as she concluded, "He was a bit concerned that I wouldn't tell him what you were doing these days; figured I'd leave that up to you." She laughed as she concluded, "He actually said 'What the hell… I guess it really doesn't matter. I'm coming to visit with you and Liara. If Sammy just happens to be there when I visit, so much the better!'"

"I'm sure we'll have lots to discuss. Did he give you a date when he can meet with me?"

"I told him the sooner, the better. Honestly, I just want to get this damned mess settled and behind me … behind us, Sammy, so we can get on with our lives." She cocked her head as she asked a question for which I had no answer. "Any ideas on how the Alliance can compensate the turians for the loss of that ship and everyone on board?"

"None. But, with your permission, I would like to have an Alliance Marine General accompany me for this meeting with Garrus … and I'm hoping you'll be joining in on the discussion yourself, Spectre." I grinned wickedly as I continued, "The human councilor will probably soil himself when he finally hears about this, and I expect Councilor Sparatus will be calling for someone's head, as long as it's not his own. My thoughts are that Garrus can quietly discover the Primarch's wishes for what form the compensation from the Systems Alliance should take."

"It would be nice if we could avoid a repeat of the First Contact War. Thing is, Harbinger will never allow another such conflict to begin."

"I suspect the Repositories would only interfere after shots were actually fired, but you shared an intimate relationship with Harbinger, so know his mind better than any living soul today. He's the reason you regained your human form."

"Thanks for the reminder," Shepard smiled. "Okay then. Plan on arriving tomorrow morning. It'll give you, your general and Garrus a bit of time to have a discussion before we sit down for lunch. I'll join in afterwards, and hope to have plans in place to deal with the inevitable fallout."

"Sounds good, Shepard … and thank you. I really appreciate you allowing us to invade your sanctuary." I broke the connection and sat back as I reconsidered the wisdom of stirring up unpleasant memories from the recent past. I concluded that I was doing the right thing, even if my motives were all about exacting revenge against a high-ranking Alliance officer. The dirty bastard had begun taking credits from the Illusive Man long before I joined the Ø7 program; now, it was time—past time, actually—for the late Admiral Owen Fletcher to be exposed for the Cerberus pawn he had become.

Having secured a meeting on neutral ground with Garrus, I sent a contact request to General RaeLee Park, hoping as I did so that she would be able to accommodate my short-notice request to accompany me the Thessia.

An hour after my conversation with Spectre Shepard, I accepted the return call from Vancouver; General Park's image greeted me as soon as the connection through multiple relays and countless light-years of distance solidified. "Ms Traynor? What may I do for you?"

"Actually, I need to ask a favor of you … one that will require a bit of travel tomorrow morning." I continued quickly, hoping to head off any protests. "In regards to the destruction of a certain vessel before the war, I have arranged a meeting for us that will require a trip to Thessia."

She reacted with a throaty chuckle before replying softly, "Why am I not surprised at the speed with which you set this up, Sammy?" She retrieved a datapad from among several on her desk; after inspecting the contents on its screen, she said, "You're in luck. There's nothing on my schedule that won't keep for one …" she looked at my image on her terminal; seeing me holding up two fingers, she corrected as she continued, " … or two days." She set the device down and asked, "Who are we meeting, and where?"

"Spectre Rachaél Shepard was kind enough to help me set up a meeting with Garrus Vakarian, the top adviser to the Turian Primarch; she also offered to allow us to stay with her and Lady Liara at their estate, which is where the meeting will take place."

"Why should we meet with him at all, Traynor?" Park's tone was colored by a touch of anger.

"We need to learn how the turian government will react to the revelation concerning the MSV Anixara, and Garrus can be trusted, Ma'am … I trust him. You know he was part of the Normandy crew and had first-hand experience with Cerberus during the war … fought against and killed many of the Illusive Man's indoctrinated troops. I know he won't promise anything he cannot deliver, and he can smooth the way for the Alliance to make reparations, before Spectre Shepard presents the evidence to the Galactic Council."

RaeLee heaved a heavy sigh. "I firmly expected Fletcher's actions would eventually come back around to bite all of us in the ass."

"Not you, General! I intend to see you held completely blameless for Fletcher's sins. I have recordings of all the meetings in which Fletcher vehemently argued for allowing the ship's destruction, as well as his illogical push to have the Ø7 program terminated." I smirked as I revealed, "Those meetings also contained every one of your impassioned pleas to save the Ø7 program, and to allow Griff and myself to prevent the destruction of that ship."

Park, already aware of my findings, asked, "So, why do all of this, Sammy? What do you hope to achieve?"

"Justice … long delayed." I smiled. "So, can you be ready to leave the base at 0700 tomorrow?"

With a solemn expression, Park sighed a reply. "I'll be waiting at the gate, Sammy."

"Sounds good. I'll have another OSD containing additional info to give you when I arrive."

• SYSTEMS ALLIANCE WESTERN NORTH AMERICA HQ · VANCOUVER, BC •

I approached the main entrance to Alliance headquarters at exactly 0658 and was not surprised to see a uniformed woman standing there, a few meters from the guard shack and to one side of the gate. General RaeLee Park looked every bit the career military officer I had come to know and respect during my time in the Navy; I considered it a privilege to remain friends with her, even after my resignation from the Service.

Pulling my X3M to a stop beside her, I opened the canopy and side door for her while saying, "Good morning, General. Beautiful day for a trip, wouldn't you say?"

She chuckled as she placed her travel bag and briefcase in the back, before deftly lowering herself into the seat beside me. With a small grin, she asked, "How are we traveling to Thessia, Sammy? … Hope we're not flying commercial."

I glanced at her as I released the flight controls to the onboard VI. "No, Ma'am. I have a much more capable method of inter-cluster travel … not that I think you will approve of it."

I received a questioning look followed by a shake of her head, but she remained silent for a few minutes, until my speeder slowed its speed and turned to approach a towering, jet-black remnant from the Reaper War. "Sammy?"

"Trust me, RaeLee. You are about to have the introduction of a lifetime." I watched as she sat back in her seat and stared with equal parts curiosity, awed amazement, and maybe a touch of plain old fear as the speeder floated up from behind Iringù-Eßizkur's structure; in a matter of moments, we were docked within the destroyer-class Repository.

As the canopy slid forward, I scrambled out to stand beside the nose of the craft. "Come on, General. Let's get inside so I can introduce you."

She climbed out slowly, retrieved her travel bag and briefcase, then joined me as I opened the hatch to Irin's reception area. Cheerful music could be heard at a low volume as the hatch closed behind us. "Iringù-Eßizkur, this is General RaeLee Park … General, Irin is the Repository that delivered supplies to Normandy during our trip back from the galaxy's edge. She's been a substantial contributor to my success as a data broker."

The general looked around in stunned silence as Irin spoke to her. ›Welcome, Park-General. I am pleased to meet a friend of Traynor's.‹

Hooking an arm through one of Park's, I guided her to the observation lounge. "Have a seat, RaeLee. Irin doesn't have viewports, but the monitors are a good substitute. Would you care for some coffee or tea?"

She sat heavily in one of the comfortable chairs before answering. "I think I need a stiff drink, Sammy! What on Earth have you done!?"

I grabbed a bottle of whiskey and a couple of shot glasses. Returning to sit beside her, I poured a healthy measure into one glass and handed it to her. "Sip it, General," I said with a smile. "I don't want you to arrive on Thessia so blasted you can't walk a straight line."

With a look that could have seared flesh, she slammed the contents down in one go, closing her eyes and scrunching up her face as the liquid burned its way down her throat. With a gasp, she looked back at me through narrowed lids and said, "Sammy, I wasn't aware you had a Reaper as your personal transport. How in the flaming hell? …"

I interrupted her with a hand held up, responding, "Irin is my friend, RaeLee, just as if she were flesh and blood. I know she's a mechanical construct, but Shepard's choice to end the war is responsible for the organic aspects of her existence."

She stared at me for several moments before finally giving voice to her feelings. "Well, shit!"

I chuckled as Iringù-Eßizkur's melodious voice came through the speaker between our chairs. ›I am ready to leave for the Serpent Nebula, Friend-Samantha.‹

"Very well, Irin. In the meantime, I'll tell the general about our short history together." I sat back in my chair, wordlessly sent a request to Irin to enable the monitor in front of us, then turned to face RaeLee as I began to tell her how Iringù-Eßizkur and I had met, during our trip back to civilization within the Nazara-class Repository, Žiuk'Durmah.

• OMEGA STATION · OMEGA NEBULA, SAHRABARIK SYSTEM •

Nyreen Kandros had been summoned to meet with the station's Queen, Aria T'Loak. It had taken the turian female nearly a year to recover from injuries sustained during Aria's campaign to kick Cerberus forces off the station; Aria had rewarded her for her efforts—if reward was the correct term—by giving her a legitimate position as head of station security. As such, she answered to no one but Aria on matters concerning her job; even Bray, Aria's batarian bodyguard and nearly constant companion, had to answer to Nyreen.

The position came with a security contingent that numbered close to a thousand, the majority of which were turian; of these, all were former Cabal members … fearsome biotic warriors, trained to handle the deadliest infiltration missions. The remainder were a nearly equal mixture of krogan and batarians, all former military or mercenaries.

Prior to and immediately after Cerberus gained control of the station, Nyreen had been the leader of what was now Omega's security force … the Talons, a gang that operated completely in the shadows, such that even Aria was unaware of the true extent of their numbers or influence. Seeking to save a group of civilians being fired upon by a pair of Cerberus-created Adjutants, Nyreen had detonated an entire belt of grenades at their feet; while the explosion killed both abominations, the concussive wave had propelled her hard into an adjacent wall.

The combined forces of the explosion and impact nearly killed her … her reward had been nine weeks in a hospital bed, followed by almost forty weeks of rehabilitation. Even now, she still experienced sharp twinges of pain in various parts of her body.

She thought about all of this as she used the back entrance to Aria's private apartment under Afterlife. Keying in her personal identicode, she opened the hatch and silently slipped inside. After allowing her eyes to adjust to the darkened area before her, she moved into Aria's small office area, listening carefully to the volume and beat of the music above. After waiting for a few minutes, she detected a noise beyond the back wall, indicating the asari was riding the elevator down from her observation deck in Afterlife above.

The asari, her scowl seemingly a permanent expression these days, actually smiled ever so slightly as she caught sight of the turian. "Ah, Nyreen. I told Bray there could be no one else down here, as there's no one on this entire station foolish enough to attempt an invasion of my personal space." With a small chuckle, Aria stepped in front of her security chief and used her arms to pull the turian into an intimate hug. "I've missed you," she whispered. After placing a long kiss on Nyreen's mouth, she added, "You know I always have room in my bed for you."

Kandros flared her mandibles, a turian expression of happiness. "I'm pleased to see you as well, Aria." Narrowing her eyes slightly, she added, "Sleeping in your bed is wonderful, but you always want to have sex with me first, and most evenings I'm just too damned sore and tired to participate." Knowing the effect her close presence had on Aria, Nyreen reached in to nuzzle the soft, violet-blue skin under her jaw, a move that brought a low moan from the asari's throat.

A whispered protest of, "Dammit, Nyreen. You know what that does to me," brought forth a small chuckle, which was transformed by the turian's sub-harmonics into a sound both lustful and sensuous. Aria moaned again before reluctantly pushing Kandros away. Holding her by her waist at arm's length, she shook her head slightly. "I still don't know why we can't seem to make us work."

"We're both too independent, Aria. You're an arrogant, scheming, back-stabbing bitch. It's what I've always loved about you."

The scowl had instantly returned at Nyreen's statement. "The same could be said of you, Kandros … except, you're just too damned good-hearted. I suppose that's because your lifespan is measured in mere decades, rather than centuries." To show there was no hard feelings at the apparent insult, Aria pulled Nyreen in for another sensuous kiss, then released her in order to take a few steps and sit behind her desk.

Picking up a datapad, she set it on the far edge of the desk as Nyreen sat down across from her. "I have a job for you … one that will provide a real challenge to some of your Cabal members." She continued explaining as Nyreen picked up the datapad to inspect the contents on its screen. "The person behind the theft and illegal sale of recovered Eezo has been located. She needs to be eliminated … permanently, and publicly." Blue eyes glittered in enmity. "Jona Sederis. She thinks it's funny to tweak my nose while she fills Eclipse coffers with credits … my fucking credits, Nyreen!"

The turian studied the information on the screen for several moments before asking, "Is it safe to presume everything on here is accurate?"

"In all the decades I've done business with him, I've never had a bad tip or inaccurate data from the Shadow Broker, Nyreen. I have Sederis' location on Illium! Fucking ardat is still leading the Eclipse; info I have says her body is so screwed up she cannot utilize her biotics … can't employ the concentration necessary to pull up the required dark energy, even for a simple pull."

The scowl deepened slightly as her eyes narrowed to murderous slits. "I want you to drag her ass out of the hole she's hiding in and relieve her of her head! … understand? I'll mount it on a pike outside the club … a warning, to anyone thinking about breaking my one rule!"

Nyreen's eyes narrowed slightly in response. "You serious about this? … You really expect me to bring back her head like … like some kind of stinking trophy? That's just … really cold, Aria!"

"Don't fail me in this, Nyreen. You know I love you … more, perhaps, than I've ever loved anyone my entire life. That said, you need to realize how important this is to me. Crazy burned up slut thinks she's beyond my reach! The Eclipse needs to be taught that no one fucks with Aria T'Loak and lives to enjoy it! … no one!" She rose from her chair, a signal that the meeting was over. "Regular updates, Nyreen. I'm looking forward to having this business behind me."

• T'SONI COUNTRY ESTATE, ARMALI REPUBLIC · THESSIA •

Partially due the speed in which Iringù-Eßizkur traversed the distances between Earth and the Charon relay, as well as that between the Athena Nebula relay and Thessia, and the differences in Vancouver local time compared to local time in Armali, Irin's clawed feet touched down on the pavement of the T'Soni estate at 0820, local time.

During the nearly three-and-a-half hours of actual travel time between the two planets, I had told General Park nearly everything; while revealing nothing concerning my position as the Shadow Broker, I explained that I had fallen into a new career as a data-broker. My personal experiences during the Normandy's trip back from the outer reaches of the galaxy really began to interest her when I told of how I ended the life of the Prothean Javik; she pointed out that I had obviously learned the lessons Xiùlán taught me exceedingly well.

I rose from my chair, prompting RaeLee to do the same as she asked me, "So, do we leave by the same method we used to come aboard?"

I shook my head in response as I addressed the air around me. "Deploy the transfer tube, Irin."

After a questioning look, RaeLee followed me to the reception area, where a hatch had irised open to reveal the entrance to the null-gravity tube Irin had lowered to the ground outside. I smiled to ease her nervousness and stated, "I'll go first, okay? Give it a few seconds, then step in after me; you'll float gently to the ground." Stepping through the entrance, I felt as if my body's entire weight had been negated … almost.

I looked up in time to see the general step through the portal with her forearms crossed hard against her chest, as if she were leaping into a body of water. I called up to her, "Relax, RaeLee … enjoy the ride!" Looking down at me, I could see her doubtful expression gradually transform to one of acceptance.

Gazing down past my feet at the bottom of the tube, I bent my knees slightly—truth be known, I didn't need to bother—in anticipation of my boots contacting the pavement; Iringù-Eßizkur's null-gravity device set me down quite gently. I moved through the exit portal to allow clearance for RaeLee's touchdown, five seconds after mine.

"That's one helluva ride, Traynor!" Her face was slightly flushed. "I imagine it works in reverse for boarding?"

"Exactly. It's really quite extraordinary." I led the general past the left side forward clawed foot, then looked up at Irin's face … she had slid the cover panels aside in order to have an unobstructed sensor view of the area around her. Rather than offer my thanks verbally, I used my thoughts to send a text as I rubbed the cold metal of her foot. »Thank you, Irin.«

»You are most welcome, Friend-Samantha. As always, it is my pleasure to be of service.«

I turned to find three of my best friends in the galaxy approaching from the edge of the pavement. I gave the clawed foot an affectionate pat, then moved to intercept the approaching welcoming party. Since I was accompanied by a stranger, their greetings were more formal. I held my hands out to greet Liara, then Shepard, then introduced General Park to each of them, pleased that she followed my lead by presenting her hands palms up in greeting.

I turned to the big turian who had walked up with them, but had then hung back as Liara and Rachaél greeted Park and me. "Garrus … good to see you once more." We clasped each other's forearms as he replied, "Samantha Traynor. Last time we traveled together was just before Javik attempted to destroy Žiuk'Durmah near the Charon relay."

He tilted his head back to look up at Irin's face. "Iringù-Eßizkur left Žiuk'Durmah and carried Liara and me through the relay …" returning his blue eyes to my face, he continued, "… leaving you on the Normandy to eventually deal with Javik. Actually, I don't believe I ever bid you farewell before I left the ship for home … an oversight for which you have my apologies, Ms Traynor." He flared his mandibles in happiness, asking, "How have you been since that time?"

"Oh, we have a great deal to talk about, Garrus, but first, I'd like you to meet a dear friend … and a trusted mentor." I looked to RaeLee as I continued, "Councilor Vakarian, this is General RaeLee Park. General, this is Garrus Vakarian, advisor to the Primarch."

After the greetings were done, Shepard walked ahead of the rest of us beside RaeLee; Garrus and Liara fell in on either side of me as we all walked to the house. "It's still early, Samantha …" Liara said. "… would either of you care for some breakfast?"

I realized that, for me, it was closer to lunch time than breakfast, but I didn't have it within me to turn down an offer to enjoy a meal with Liara and Rachaél. "I can't speak for RaeLee, but actually, breakfast sounds good. What about you, Garrus? Did you eat before leaving Palaven?"

He grinned at me before answering Liara directly. "I would enjoy having breakfast with my former traveling companion." He looked around as he added, "This is my first visit to your home since your bonding ceremony … I'm looking forward to having a more relaxed visit this time."

I seriously doubt you'll be so damned relaxed once you've heard why I'm here, came the thought.

During breakfast, I entertained Garrus with the story of my participation—along with Zaeed Massani and Master Gunnery Sergeant Sandra Patton—in the elimination of Blue Suns leadership on the Citadel.

He expressed amazement that Sandee and I hadn't died in that explosion. "This the same woman I met on Lazarus Research Station? … the one in charge of Normandy's weapons systems?"

"Master Gunnery Sergeant, Garrus—or Master Guns—and yes, she's completely in charge of the ship's weapons and all the small arms." I smiled slightly at the memory. "First thing she did after walking out of the hospital was eliminate all the non-standard small arms. She outfitted everyone with Alliance approved weapons in order to standardize replacements and training, then drilled everyone at the live-fire range until she was satisfied in their abilities."

Garrus harrumphed. "I'll bet that wasn't popular with some of the Marines. And what about her own sniper rifle … that J.T. Helix model 10?"

I giggled as I replied, "Some of them didn't like it, but Corporal Vic promptly put the dissenters in their place." My grin disappeared as I thought about Patton. "Sandee retired her personal rifle for an Alliance manufactured Black Widow, Garrus. She's improved the performance of Normandy's main gun and updated the targeting programs running the defensive weaponry."

Shaking his head slightly, he stated, "I knew there was something I liked about her, the very instant we met! Sounds like Normandy has the perfect person in charge of all the weapons, Sammy."

Garrus had listened in amazingly controlled silence as I told him of everything Griff and I had done before the war; his only reaction to the revelation concerning the MSV Anixara was a subdued grunt. Sitting across the table from me, it was easy to see the news had upset him. After several moments of silence, in which he repeatedly dropped, spread and retracted his mandibles—a sure sign of his distress—he looked me in the eyes and calmly asked, "You're sure of all this, Sammy?"

He glanced at General Park, who was seated beside me and casually sipping her tea, demonstrating an identical military stoicism to that of the turian seated across from her.

I realized I sounded a bit harsh as I replied, "I'm the one that compiled the information, Garrus. Cerberus wanted me dead … wanted to make me vanish! That I'm sitting with you today is not because the bastards didn't try extremely hard to make that a reality."

"Spirits!" After several moments, during which I continued enjoying my meal, he found his voice once more. "If it was anyone else sitting there telling me all this, I would have serious doubts about their credibility!" Turning his attention to RaeLee, he asked, "And you could do nothing to put a stop to this … this act of terrorism?"

I placed my open hand up as I interceded. "Garrus, I have the records … all of them. General Park is not to blame for what happened to the Anixara. You fought beside Shepard … you know how fanatical Cerberus troops were." I dropped my hand to the table. "The Illusive Man was Jack Harper's unofficial title … one he lived up to every day of his life after the First Contact War."

"That was in 2157, Sammy."

I nodded my head as I agreed, then added, "He began buying influence that very year, Garrus. The deaths of Ben Hislop and Eva Coré had an extremely negative impact on him, one he could never seem to get past." I took a sip of Kaffe as I thought about those events. "Bastard eventually grew so powerful he was able to buy, then give orders to a large number of Alliance leaders … hell, even galactic leaders … tell them what to do, what to say … who to assassinate … all while holding no public office. I have the recordings, Garrus. Everything downloaded by Iringù-Eßizkur from Lazarus and Minuteman stations when you and Liara visited, looking for the clones of Rachaél Shepard."

"How did you? …" he started, then closed his mouth as he made the connection. "Spirits, Samantha," he whispered, so quietly I wasn't sure I heard him. "You took it over, didn't you? … All of it!"

"Took over what, exactly?" General Park was looking at me with new interest. "You've become a very effective data broker, Sammy … for evidence, I only need to look at the OSDs you gave me." I looked directly at her and watched her expression change as realization slowly dawned. "Shit!" she exclaimed quietly. "You're the goddamned Shadow Broker, Sammy! It all makes perfect sense now. But how in the name of all? …"

I held up a hand. "Don't jump to conclusions, RaeLee. I can prove I'm not the Shadow Broker. I will contact him, let you talk to him, if you wish." I took a deep breath, sent an accusing look at Garrus, glanced at Shepard and T'Soni, then turned back to the general. "I work for him, is all. No dark, dangerous secrets. I'm an info broker … an extremely competent info broker, not unlike Lady Liara during her time on Illium."

As I held my breath, waiting to see if she would accept my half-truth, I mentally composed a quick text to Buchanan. With the table and the linen concealing the purple glow of my omnitool, I sent, »Griff! Broker comms incoming! Be ready!«

Liara and Rachaél looked on interestedly; thankfully, they said nothing.

After nearly a minute of dead silence, she sighed heavily in acceptance. "Okay. Because it's you, I'll take what you've told me purely on faith, Sammy, but I sincerely doubt you're a simple info broker. Hell, if you're not the number one researcher in that organization …" She trailed off, then added, "I would hate to think that, with all our history, you would lie to me about something so damned important." She paused, then asked, "So, all the data? … everything on those OSDs you gave me? All legit? Nothing doctored, by you or anyone else?"

"The Broker undoubtedly hires the best of the best, General." I attempted to keep the relief I was feeling from coloring my voice. "Have your own techs … ones you can trust! … check the source codes for each segment of video, Ma'am … in fact, you taking the time to do that … to verify those vids are authentic, is something your bosses would expect you to do, before you present them as evidence against those traitors."

I could still see a bit of doubt in her eyes, but she didn't allow it to color her response. "I suppose we'd have to reenter that black colossus in order to talk to the Broker?"

I answered with the truth. "Lady Liara had to deal with him occasionally in her capacity as an info broker on Illium. I'm sure her onsite communications suite here is capable of reaching him, if you'd rather remain on the ground."

I looked meaningfully at Liara, who quickly spoke up. "Of course, Sammy … General Park? I will be happy to put everything in motion for you." She rose from her chair and indicated the main door with a wave of her hand. "If you would? …" RaeLee looked at each of us as she silently stood. With a nod in Liara's direction, she followed the asari out of the dining hall and down the passageway.

I didn't expect more of a reply than the single, low-volume chime that indicated my message had been received. I could only hope my warning had been soon enough for Griff to get set up.