Mass Effect Chronicles

By PurpleReignonHorses

Story Legend:

Locations and Time Stamps- Bold

Characters' Thoughts- Italics

Actions- Normal Text

"Dialogue"- Normal text in parenthesis

Communications- Bold and Italicized

Chapter X: Citadel Visit Pt. I

Medical Bay- Normandy SR-1

2183.12.11- 08:00:00 GST

Alex walked into the medical bay. He spotted Doctor Chakwas tending to Liara.

She was resting on one of the beds.

Both women immediately noticed his presence.

He gave them both a small smile. "How's our Prothean expert holding up Doctor?"

Doctor Chakwas gave Alex a small smile. "Liara will be fine." "She just needed to rest for a while."

Alex gave the doctor a nod. "Good to hear." "Would you mind giving us a minute?" "I'd like to speak with her in private."

Doctor Chakwas gave the man a nod. She then walked out of the room.

Liara gave Alex a small smile. "Thank you again Commander for sharing your mind with mine." "That vision was eye-opening for me." "I've never experienced a find that important in all my fifty years of searching for the Protheans."

Alex gave her a wide grin. "I'm just relieved to have someone on this ship that shares my interest in them." "I've always been somewhat fascinated by Prothean civilization."

Liara's eyes widened, "Really?" "I didn't think human universities taught about Prothean culture." "It has always seemed like humanity has been so closed off from the other races." "Even the exchange program had its difficulties finding human volunteers." She then covered her mouth in fear. I can't believe I just said that out loud! "I'm sorry Commander!" "I didn't mean to say it like that!"

To her surprise, Alex let out a small chuckle. "Don't worry Liara!" "No offense taken!" He then steadied against one of the beds and shook his head. "Humans are complicated beings Liara." "We spent centuries warring with each other over race, religion, nationalism and everything else in between." "War has historically played an important part in humanity's development as a species." "In some ways, there are parallels between our history and the krogans." "I'm trying to change that history."

Liara eyed the Commander with a fascinated look in her eyes. "I see."

Alex then spoke, "I do have one question for you Liara."

Liara gazed back at him with curiosity brimming in her eyes. "What is it?"

Alex spoke with a rueful sigh, "Can you tell me anything about what you've found in your research?" "I understand that you haven't found a lot of evidence." "But I would appreciate anything you can tell me right now."

Liara then gave the Commander a nervous grin and fiddled with her hands. Finally, someone who doesn't think I'm crazy. "W-Well I do know that they were a highly advanced race of beings who ruled the galaxy." "Their civilization was highly advanced." "They created a lot of the beacons that have granted the Council races their individual advancements in technology." "They created the Citadel. "The mass relays, along with a lot of other technology they had was given to them by the race before them."

Alex raised an eyebrow at her. "The Protheans got the relays from another race?" "Do you know what race that is?"

Liara shook her head, "No." "I only have bits and pieces to give you." "I am sorry Commander."

Alex gave her an understanding nod and smiled at her. He then put a hand on her shoulder reassuringly. "It's ok." You've been a big help Liara." "Oh, and just call me Alex or Shepard if you prefer." "I prefer to be informal with my crew."

Liara gave him a quick nod. "I-I see Alex." "I'm glad I could help." He's quite the interesting one. She felt her face redden, "You may call me Liara."

Alex half-smiled at her. "Alright then Liara!" "I'll let you rest up." "Speak to the doctor about your accommodations when you have the time." "Don't be afraid to reach me by comms if you need anything."

Liara gave the Commander a silent nod.

Alex then walked out of the room.

Liara took a moment to calm herself.

Doctor Chakwas then walked in. She gave Liara a concerned look. "Is something wrong doctor?"

Liara's eyes suddenly met hers and she shook her head furiously. "Not at all Doctor Chakwas!" She then spoke in a rather timid tone. "W-What do you know about the Commander?"

Doctor Chakwas then gave the asari scientist a warm smile. "I know quite a lot actually."

Normandy SR-1- Pilot's Seat

2183.12.11- 08:15:00 GST

Alex stood near the intercom and activated it. Alright crew! We are making a small pit stop at the Citadel! You all are free to take a bit of shore leave. Cheers suddenly erupted all over the ship. Alex let out a small chuckle. They sure seem excited. He then continued. Make sure not to cause trouble. It will all fall back on me and Ambassador Udina if any of you start problems on the Citadel. You will not like the consequences! Alex made sure to emphasize the seriousness in his voice with those last words. He then let out the deep breath he had been holding in. Hopefully, they understand. Tali. Garrus. You two are with me!

Docking Bay 47, Citadel

2183.12.11-09:00:00 GST

Alex, Tali, and Garrus stood outside the entrance into the Normandy. Alex was clad in his N7 armor sans the helmet. "Alright let's move out!" The two then headed to the elevator and sent it down to C-Sec Academy.

As they filled out of the elevator, Alex was stopped by a dark-skinned woman in a stylish purple dress. She had a bob haircut that went down to her shoulders. "Hello Commander!" "I was wondering if I could have a word."

Alex raised an eyebrow at her. "And you are?"

The woman then smiled at him and outstretched a hand. "My name is Khalisah al-Jilani." "I'm a reporter with Westerlund News." "I was wondering if I could have a word."

Alex crossed his arms at the woman and gazed at her suspiciously, "I'll answer your questions."

Khalisah suddenly had a giddy expression on his face. "Thank you Commander!" She then activated her recorder bot. "We are live." "So you have been chosen as the first human Spectre." "Some are calling your appointment nothing more than an attempt by the Council to interfere in human affairs." "They think you are nothing more than their pet." "What do you say to that?" Alex let out a sigh and cleared his throat and spoke in an authoritative tone. "I'm no one's pet." "I'm still an Alliance soldier and last I checked I'm still human." "Let me be clear." "I joined the Spectres to do one thing."

The reporter then raised an eyebrow at him. "What would that be Commander?"

Alex replied, "I joined the Spectres to defend all of civilization from Saren Artemus and his army of geth." "Saren Artemus is a former Spectre wrho has betrayed his oath to the Council." "He, along with his army of geth, plan to resurrect the Reapers and eliminate all of organic life." "He is a threat to the Systems Alliance, Turian Hierarchy and every other race in the galaxy." "I was sent by the Council to stop him by all means necessary!" "That is my mission!"

Khalisah continued, "I see!" So that is why you have a quarian, turian and a krogan on the Normandy!" She then narrowed her eyes at the quarian and the turian. "Are you sure you can trust them Commander!" "The Normandy is an Alliance vessel paid for by our tax dollars!" "For all we know, they could be gathering intelligence for their own races in a plot to destroy us!" "Or they could be working for this Saren character!"

Tali and Garrus narrowed their eyes at the woman.

Tali let out a loud huff. What a bosh'tet! Like I would align myself with a madman like Saren!

Garrus's mandibles twitched in frustration. This woman is an utter tool.

Alex let out a groan and shook his head. Ah. I see what she is doing now. She is a tabloid journalist. She merely wanted to paint me in a corner. She is probably aware of my views towards non-humans and wanted to falsify my words for clicks. I am putting an end to this now! He then cleared his throat and sent the woman a glare. "I'm going to leave you with this." "The non-human crew members on my ship want the same thing I do!" "They want to stop Saren!" "Now if you'll excuse me!" He then quickly brushed past the woman.

Garrus and Tali eagerly followed him.

Khalisah was gazing at him with a shocked expression on her face. He just brushed me off! Damn it! I need more if I'm going to write a piece on him. She called out desperately, "Commander wait!"

Alex and his squad merely walked off without a word.

Lower Wards, Citadel

2183.12.11- 11:00:00 GST

Alex, Garrus and Tali were now in the Lower Wards searching for the shop Tali was talking about.

Alex let out a sigh. He turned back to his two squadmates. "I apologize for all that back there you two." "I had no idea she was just going to try and paint me in a corner like that." "Humanity has a way to go when it comes to addressing our knack for xenophobic attitudes." "It unfortunately comes with being such a stubborn and independent race."

Garrus chucked and shook his head. "No harm done Shepard." "I'm used to it." "Some of my kind are too fond of humans themselves."

Tali let out a small giggle. "No need for apologies Shepard!" "I quite enjoyed that actually!" "It's fun watching you shout!"

Alex gave the quarian a wide smirk and winked at her. "Is that so?" "I'll be sure to do that more often then!"

The quarian felt herself blush under the facemask. She gazed at him with a flirtatious look in her eyes. "Please do."

Garrus eyed the two of them curiously. Is there something going on between the two of them? The three of them then came across a little store that had neon purple lights on the roof. It was quite small in size and looked a bit run down.

Tali's eyes widened with glee when she saw it. "This is the store." "Zora's Den!"

Alex gave her a nod. "Let's head on in then."

Zora's Den, Lower Wards, Citadel

2183.12.11- 11:05:00 GST

Tali, Alex and Garrus all walked into the dingly little store.

Alex took a look around the place. This place looks a bit too obvious to be a store for quarian enviro-suits.

Zora's Den looked like your average drinking establishment. There was a human bartender at the front serving drinks to two turians. He had matted curly blonde hair that sat perfectly on his head. He was also clean-shaven. People clamored around in large groups chatting. The lights in the place offered a pink neon color.

Alex looked back at Tali with a wary look in his eye. "Tali are you sure this is the place?" "This all looks like just an average bar."

Tali gave the human soldier a nod. The quarian then spoke with excitement in her tone. "I'm telling you Shepard!" "This is it!" "I just need to talk to the bartender!"

Alex merely gave her a shrug. "Alright then!" "Lead the way!"

Tali gave him a gracious nod, "Thank you!" She then walked up to the counter and attempted to get his attention by waving an arm. "Excuse me Sam!" "I need your assistance!"

The bartender smiled at her and walked over to her. It's Tali! Been a long while since I have seen her around! He then spoke, "Tali!" "It's good to see you!" "What can I help you with!"

Tali had reached the counter and was about to speak when a batarian mercenary forced himself in her way.

He crossed his arms and glared at her. "Well look at what we have here!" "A quarian away from the fleet!"

Tali glared at the man with crossed arms. "What do you want?" Great! This is just what I needed! The last thing I need right now is Citadel Security on my ass! I'd rather not cause trouble for the Commander!

The batarian then called over a couple of his fellow mercs. They all quickly surrounded the young quarian.

Tali let out a sigh. She covertly unlocked her omni-blade and laid it at her side. "Listen assholes!" "I just want to talk to my friend!" "I have no quarrel with you ax'kah!" "Leave me alone!" "This is your only warning!"

The lead batarian merc let out a guffawed laugh. "A quarian threatening me?" "That is hilarious!" He then pointed his pistol at her. "Citadel Security will probably give me a bonus for killing you suit rat!" "There are four of us and one of us." "You are hopelessly outnumbered."

Alex and Garrus then appeared alongside the quarian with weapons drawn. Alex glared at the lead batarian and spoke in a low growl, "Make that three against four!" "You lay one hand on her and I will shoot you in the head!"

The batarian glanced at Alex with an amused expression on his face and turned his gun on him. "And who might you be human?"

Alex grinned at the batarian and spoke, "My name is Alex Shepard." "I happen to be the first human Spectre."

One of the batarian mercs suddenly gazed at Alex with pure fear in his eyes. "You mean you're Shepard?"

Alex glared at the merc with fury in his eyes. "That's right!" "That means I can kill you and your friends, and no one would bat an eye!"

The lead batarian merc gave Alex a quick nod. The man was sweating profusely. Fuck. It is just my luck that I piss off a Spectre. The pay ain't worth it! He let out a frustrated grunt and turned to his men. "No amount of credits is worth pissing off a Spectre." "Let's get out of here!" He and his men then made a quick run for the entrance.

Alex then lay his weapon down and holstered it. What do you know? That worked! He then turned his gaze towards Tali. He took one of her dextro-hands in his. "You alright Tali?" "He didn't hurt you did he?"

The quarian was trying desperately to hide the blush on her face. He defended me right in front of them. She quickly shook off the blush and smiled at the Commander through her facemask. She spoke in an elated tone, "Yes!" "Thank you both for backing me up!" "They had me in a corner!"

Garrus let out a chuckle. "No problem!" "We dextros have to stick together after all!"

Tali gave the turian an approving nod. "Agreed!" For a turian, he isn't so bad!

She then turned her gaze towards Sam. "Sorry about all the trouble Sam!"

The human bartender simply shrugged at her, "No worries Tali!" "I get people like that all the time in here!" "I do appreciate you resolving that dispute peacefully!" "I'm not a fan of cleaning up blood and brains off the counter!"

Tali gave him a happy nod.

Sam then grinned at Alex and crossed his arms. "So you are the famous Shepard?" "I've heard a lot about you." "It's an honor to have you in my bar!"

Alex gave the man a nod. "I see." I don't like how friendly he is with Tali. He then raised an eyebrow at the man. "How do you know Tali?"

Sam spoke, "When Tali first arrived on the Citadel, I managed to come across her." "She was badly wounded and had a suit puncture." "I brought her here and did what I could to seal the puncture." "I then helped her walk to the Med-Clinic."

Tali then turned towards Alex and beamed at him from under her mask. She took his hands in hers. "Sam saved my life that day." "I would have never lived to give you the data on Saren if he hadn't taken me to Doctor Michel."

Alex gave her a small smile. "I see." Alex then outstretched a hand towards Sam. "Any friend of Tali's is a friend of mine!"

Sam eagerly shook the man's hand. "I never thought a lowly bartender like myself would get to meet the great Commander Shepard!" He then glanced at Tali, "You keep interesting company Tali'Zorah!"

The quarian woman crossed her arms and chuckled, "Tell me about it!" She then gazed at him with a serious look in her eyes. "I am afraid this isn't a social visit." "I'm helping Commander Shepard on his mission!" "I need suit upgrades!"

Sam gave her an understanding nod. "Say no more!" He then pressed a button on his panel. Manuel, can you cover for me? There is a personal matter I need to attend to! Another voice answered the call. Sure. Sam then gave the three of them a nod. "It is done!" "Come follow me to the back of the bar!"

Alex and his squad then followed the man through the back door.

Quarian Storefront, Zora's Den, Lower Wards, Citadel

2183.12.11-11:10:00 GST

Sam came up on a wall with a red button on it. He pressed the button.

The walls of the hidden room flipped around to reveal rows of quarian envirosuits and omni-tools. A desk flipped up from the ground.

Alex looked around in wonder. "I got to give you credit Sam." "This is quite the set up you have." "If you don't mind me asking, what drove you to start a quarian shop?"

The blonde-haired man pressed his hands against the desk and sighed, "After I first met Tali and helped get her to the Med Clinic, I thought about all the other quarians out there that often struggle to make do with punctured or outdated envirosuits." "I contacted a quarian friend I had in the Admiralty and explained I wanted to set up a shop where quarian visitors to the Citadel could shop in complete secrecy and safety." "He sent a few of his people to set this place up." "Most people just think I run a bar." "It helps keep this place under the radar." "It's probably for the best." "I wouldn't put it past a few mercs to come trash this place." "As I'm sure you are aware, quarians don't have the best reputation here on the Citadel."

Alex gave the man a nod.

Sam then turned back towards Tali with a grin on his face. "I'm sure you have had enough of my blabbering though Tali!" "You are free to shop as you wish!"

Tali gave the bartender a happy nod. "Thank you!" She immediately began browsing the suits with a look of wonder in her eyes. "Just look at all these choices!" "I don't know where to start!"

Garrus let out a chuckle. Tali's excitable demeanor is kind of adorable.

Alex chuckled loudly and teased, "Just remember you are on an allowance Tali'Zorah nar Rayya!" "My wallet isn't bottomless!"

Tali turned and stammered out, "R-Right!" She felt herself go red a bit.

Zora's Den, Lower Wards, Citadel

2183.12.11-11:40:00 GST

Tali managed to find an upgraded envirosuit called the QuarianWorks IV. It was a mixture of purple and black colors. It was kind of stylish. It also had upgraded defenses against hacking and tech attacks. She also bought a BlueWire IV omni-tool. It was faster and allowed her to hack things quicker than usual. She paid for everything with the money Shepard gave her. As she approached one of the clean rooms, she turned nervously towards Alex and Garrus and fiddled with her dextro-hands. "I'd like to do this privately if that's ok with you two." "Changing envirosuits is usually a very personal experience for me."

Alex gave her a nod. "Of course!" "Garrus and I will be outside near the bar if you need us Tali!" He then glanced at Garrus, "Come on Vakarian!" "I'm sure Manuel has a turian brandy with your name on it!"

Garrus let out a hearty chuckle, "As long as your buying Shepard!"

Alex and Garrus then walked out of the secret entrance into the shop.

Tali gave them both a grateful nod. Thank you Alex! I will not forget what you have done for me today! She then glanced at Sam. "I'll only be a moment."

Sam merely gave her a nod. "Take your time Tali!"

Zora's Den, Lower Wards, Citadel

2183.12.11-11:51:00 GST

Alex and Garrus were busy downing drinks at the bar.

Alex was enjoying a whiskey.

Garrus was downing a turian brandy.

Most of the patrons were avoiding eyes with the human Spectre and his turian squadmate. Their earlier encounter had scared off anyone desiring a fight.

Alex quickly downed his third drink and sent Garrus a wide grin. "So tell me a bit about yourself Vakarian." "We didn't get much time to chat while we were chasing Saren."

Garrus then chuckled to himself, "Heh right." "Well I was born on Palaven." "I have a mother, father and sister back home." He then downed another shot of turian brandy. "My father was actually a C-Sec officer."

Alex raised an eyebrow at the turian. "Is that so?" "So you followed in his footsteps?"

Garrus turned his head towards the human. His mandibles twitched in frustration. "I did." "It was a good run while it lasted."

Alex raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms at the turian. "What changed?"

Garrus let out a frustrated sigh, "As I rose in the ranks, there was so much red tape that got in my way." "Rules, regulations and limitations that got in the way of my work."

Alex gave the man a thoughtful nod. "I see."

Garrus then continued, "It especially got frustrating when I was investigating Saren." "The Council was definitely protecting him." "I couldn't get a whiff of evidence on him." He then slammed a hand on the table in frustration and sighed ruefully. "That is actually why I joined up with you Commander."

Alex raised an eyebrow at him. "What do you mean?"

Garrus then spoke in an excited tone, "Spectres operate differently from C-Sec." "They are allowed to operate however they damn well please." "No rules and no red tape."

Alex rubbed two fingers under his chin. "I see." "So you joined up with me thinking you could act on your own accord with restriction from higher ups."

Garrus gave the human Spectre a nod. "That is right." "The problem with law enforcement organizations like C-Sec is that they hold back their officers from doing their jobs." "All that red tape does is give criminals like Saren the ability to slither out of our grasp to hurt more innocents."

Alex let out a sigh. So that is his reasoning for joining my crew. Troubling. "I understand." "For the record, I agree with you halfway." "The line sometimes has to be broken." "But I want this to be clear." He set down his glass gently on the counter and shot the turian a serious look. "I have no problem allowing you to operate as you see fit." "However, I do want to make it clear that I will not tolerate the deaths of innocents on my watch." "We will find Saren and kill him." "But we will not stoop down to his level." "Is that clear?"

Garrus chuckled nervously, "Crystal clear sir!" Alex then smiled at the turian and put a hand on his shoulder. "Good." He then glanced at Manuel and activated his omni-tool, "Here's the money for all our drinks." "Sorry about the trouble earlier."

Manuel raised up his hands in defense, "N-No worries Commander." "Come back anytime!"

Tali then came out of the back door. She was outfitted in her new suit.

Alex gave her a nod, "How does it feel Tali?"

The quarian met his gaze and chirped, "It feels amazing!" "The seals and filters are all new!" "The suit fits like a glove!" She ran up to him and wrapped him in a hug. "Thank you again!" "I couldn't have done this without you!" "I promise I'll pay you back in full!"

Alex felt himself shudder a bit in her arms. He felt his face grow red. He chuckled lightly and returned the gesture. "It was my pleasure Tali!"

Garrus loudly cleared his throat and crossed his arms at her. "And what about me?" "I helped as well."

Tali turned towards him. She shook one of his dextro-hands graciously, "Of course Garrus!" "Thank you as well!"

The quarian woman then cocked her head at him, "I guess you're ok for a turian!"

Garrus let out a small laugh, "Same goes for you!" "You are pretty cool-headed for a quarian!"

Tali let out a laugh. "Why thank you!"

Alex then cleared his throat. "Alright you two." "Let's get moving." "We need to get those dextro-rations." The quarian and turian then saluted the Commander. "Yes sir!"

Lower Wards, Citadel

2183.12.11-12:10:00 GST

Alex, Garrus and Tali were walking towards the elevator to the Presidium.

Alex had already ordered premium dextro-rations from a rations shop and ordered some of the men to load them on the Normandy.

Garrus and Tali both nodded at one another. Garrus spoke, "Glad we have an ally in the Commander." "It'll be nice to have some good rations on the ship." Tali gave him a nod, "Indeed."

Suddenly Alex's omni-tool went off.

Commander are you there?

Alex activated his comms. Yes. Who is this?

A female voice came over the comm. My name is Shai'ra. I'm the Asari Consort. I have a problem that needs solving. I'd be more than willing to reward you for your efforts if you'd be gracious to help me.

Alex let out a sigh. Of course, it is an asari. First there was the Councilor. Then the doctor. And now the consort. Hopefully I keep my cool this time. He then activated his comm. Alright. Where can I find you Shai'ra? He heard a relieved sigh on the other end.

You can find me in the Consort Chambers on the Presidium.

Alex cleared his throat. Alright I'll head there now.

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