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
Khelish Dictionary
kiyet- bitch
Chapter XI: Citadel Visit Part II
Presidium, Citadel
2183.12.11-01:00:00 GST
Alex, Garrus, and Tali walked off the elevator.
Alex let out a grunt as he gazed at the scenery.
"Shame the Reapers are coming to destroy all this." "It is quite beautiful seeing interracial harmony between the races like this."
Garrus lightly chuckled, "You know you are unlike any other human I have ever met Shepard." "You seem to hold an air of authority around yourself and have a realist point of view on things" "Yet you are strangely an optimist at the strangest of times."
Alex turned his head towards the turian and half grinned at him. "I was a student before I was a soldier Vakarian." "You sort of hold on to that optimism after a while." "It keeps you sane when you least expect it.""
Garrus gave the human an understanding nod.
A voice called out to them. "Commander!"
Alex turned to his right. It was Liara. "Oh hey there Liara!"
The asari scientist smiled at him. She was still dressed in her scientist outfit. "I hope you are well Alex."
Alex gave her a nod. "I am." "I hope you are feeling better."
The asari gave him a nod. "I am." "Thank you." She then turned to Garrus and Tali. "My apologies to you both." "I didn't get to properly introduce myself to you both back on the ship." "My name is Liara T'Soni." "I'm an archaeologist who has spent fifty years studying the Protheans." "It is a true pleasure to meet you both." "I-I don't meet many quarians or turians on my travels." Liara then started fidgeting nervously with one of her hands. I hope I'm not coming across as too awkward. I usually don't converse with people that often.
Garrus's mandibles twitched in curiosity. She is an interesting one. He then outstretched a dextro-hand. "I'm Garrus Valkarian." "Former C-Sec officer and Shepard's second in command." "I met the Commander when he first testified to the Council." "I was in charge of C-Sec's investigation on Saren." "I joined up with Shepard to lend my C-Sec expertise and to stop Saren." "It's a pleasure to meet you Liara!" "Please just call me Garrus!"
Liara replied, "Pleasure to meet you Garrus!" She then shook the turian's forceps. She then turned her eyes towards Tali.
The quarian gazed at her with a suspicious look in her eyes. If she doesn't try to make on move on the Commander, I won't have a problem with her. Tali then outstretched a dextro-hand and spoke in calm tone. "Tali'Zorah nar Rayya." "But I prefer people call me Tali for short." "I was the one who found evidence that linked Saren to the geth." "Shepard and his squad saved my life down in the Wards when I attempted to sell the information to the Shadow Broker." "I joined up with them because I wanted to stop Saren as well." "I'm also the squad's chief expert on the geth since my people created them." "It is a pleasure to meet you."
Liara shook Tali's dextro-hand. "The pleasure is all mine Tali." She then glanced at Alex for a moment. "I have a small request Alex."
Alex then cocked an eyebrow at her. "What do you need Liara?"
Liara stammered out, "I-I'm not the military type." "I've been spending most of my time in old ruins looking for evidence on the Protheans." "I have no military equipment to work with."
Alex smiled warmly at the asari scientist. "Don't worry." "I'll get you what you need." "Just follow us." He then gestured to the three of them to follow him to the Consort Chambers. He activated his omni-tool and activated Tevos's commlink. Tevos are you there?
A female voice then spoke. Alex! It is so good to hear your voice again!
Alex felt a small smile grace his face. Good to hear yours as well Ambassador! How are things on your end?
He heard a chuckle on the other end. Ah! Well you know galactic politics! Never a dull day!
Alex chuckled to himself. I understand. He then cleared his throat. I am back on the Citadel for a bit. Do you know where I can find a good vendor for asari armor and weapons?
Tevos grinned to herself. Of course! Talk to Nassana Dantilus on the Presidium. She has connections to a dealer who deals exclusively in Armali Council bioamps and omni-tools.
Alex nodded. Thank you Ambassador!
Tevos smiled to herself. Of course! Drop by the asari embassy if you can Alex! I'd love to catch up!
Alex sighed to himself. Right. He then disengaged his comms.
Tali crossed her arms at him. She was looking up at him with worried eyes. "What was all that about Shepard?" "It sounded like you were speaking with the asari ambassador."
Alex gave her a nod, "I was." "She's been trying to assist with the mission however she can." "She's even given me information on Matriarch Benezia and her abilities." "It turns out she was one of my former professors back on Thessia."
Garrus let out a small chuckle, "Well that is interesting and useful." "If you have the asari counselor as an ally, then that helps our cause even more.
Tali gave him a nod. "It does help the mission." "Just be wary of her Shepard." "You and I both know it took a lot for the Council to realize Saren turned into a traitor." "I don't know if I trust her."
Alex gave her an affirmative nod, "I don't know if I do either Tali." "But you and I both know we need as much help as we can get in our fight against Saren." "Having the asari ambassador as a potential ally can only help our cause." He then put a hand on her shoulder, "I'm not asking you to trust in her." "I am asking you to trust in me." "Can you do that?"
Tali felt herself blush again. Her breathing quickened and her heart felt like it was going to rip out of her chest. I trust him with my heart and my life! That's why I worry so much! She gave Alex a nod, "Of course I do Shepard!" "Wherever you go, I go with you!" Alex flashed her a small smile. "Good." He then turned his gaze to Liara. "I'll get you the equipment you need Liara!" "Don't worry!"
Liara stammered out, "T-Thank you!" She felt herself blush a bit. What is this feeling? My heart feels like its racing.
Consort Chambers, Presidium, Citadel
2183.12.11- 01:05:00 GST
Alex and his squad walked into the Consort Chambers. The place was packed full of people and attendants.
One of them noticed the Commander. She eagerly ran over to Alex and his squad. "Hello Commander Shepard!" "The Consort has been expecting you!" She then opened her omni-tool and spoke. Consort are you there?
A female voice spoke out. Yes! What is it?
The attendant then spoke in a chirpy tone, I have Commander Shepard here for you.
A voice then spoke out in delight. Please bring him in.
The attendant then nodded and turned towards Shepard. "If you will follow me Commander!" Alex shrugged and followed her.
Consort Chambers, Presidium, Citadel
2183.12.11- 01:07:00 GST
The attendant led Shepard and his squad up the stairs. The door in front of them opened to reveal a large spacious room.
Sha'ira was sitting pensively on one of the couches in the room. She noticed the attendant and spoke, "Thank you Limaraes." "You may go."
The attendant bowed. "Thank you ma'am!" She then made her way down the stairs.
Sha'ira glanced at Alex and smiled warmly at him. "Thank you for coming so quickly Commander!" "I appreciate it greatly!"
Alex rubbed his neck and chuckled nervously, "No problem!" "What is it you need?"
The asari flashed a smile at him. "I-I have a problem that needs solving." "I have a turian friend." "He is a famous general by the name of Septimus Oraka." "He and I were close at one time." She then hung her head sadly, "We had an unfortunate argument and now he spends his days in Chora's Den spreading lies about me." "I need you to convince him to drop his lies."
Alex rested his hands under his chin. "I see." "Why come to me about this though?"
Sha'ira then walked up towards him and rested her hand on his. "You are a military man Commander." "You can appeal to his sense of honor." She then caressed his cheek with one of her hands. "If you do this for me, I'd be very grateful."
Garrus let out a chuckle. Well damn. Why doesn't that happen to me? I could use an asari's touch.
Tali let out an indignant huff. She was glaring daggers at the Consort. Damn it! Why is it every time Shepard meets an asari, they become affectionate with him. It's not fair! I'm stuck in this damn suit and can't touch him without getting deathly sick! Her dextro-hands tightened into fists.
Liara let out a gasp and covered her mouth. Oh my!
Alex went red in the face. He took in a deep breath and calmed himself. He gently removed her hand from his face. "I-I appreciate the offer Sha'ira." "But that won't be necessary." "I'm beyond honored to be able to aid you in this matter." He then turned towards his squad. "Alright form up squad!" "Let's be on our way!" "They all stood at attention. "Yes Commander.
Chora's Den, Lower Wards Citadel
2183.12.11-01:20:00 GST
Alex and his three-man squad walked into Chora's Den.
Liara began immediately cringing at the sight of her own people flaunting and dancing around on poles. She let out a frustrated groan. "Goddess this is embarrassing!" "My people are responsible for some of the greatest advancements in Citadel space and yet here we are dancing around like common whores." "This is so demeaning." She put her hands to her face.
Tali and Garrus both sent her a worried look.
Alex gave her a concerned look. "Would you rather wait outside Liara?" "I understand if all this is hard to watch."
Liara then sent the Commander a warm smile, "No it's alright." "I'm fine really." "Let's just find this turian general and get out of this disgusting place."
Alex gave her a quick nod. "Don't worry!" "We won't be here long!" He then spotted the lone turian sitting at a table drinking alone and walked up to him. "General Septimus."
The elder turian general then narrowed his eyes at the human Spectre. "What do you want Commander Shepard?" "I'm busy."
Garrus let out a hearty chuckle, "That you are general." "I must say that a gentleman's club is quite the place to waste the last of your days." General Septimus narrowed his eyes at the former C-Sec officer.
He then rose from his seat. The turian covertly activated his omni-blade. How dare he! "Garrus Vakarian." "The golden boy of Citadel Security." "You're one to talk." "I know your history." "You have a reputation for being a maverick." "You prefer to do things your own way than by going by the book."
Garrus then crossed his arms at the man. "At least I still have the will to fight for my people."
Septimus then switched his gaze to the Commander. "Is this the type of soldier you allow in your crew Commander?" "A loudmouth who doesn't know when to throw in the towel."
Alex then let out a frustrated sigh, "Garrus that's enough!"
Garrus begrudgingly nodded, "Yes sir."
Alex then focused his gaze on Septimus. "I'm here on behalf of Shai'ra." "Your lies are hurting her."
Septimus's mandibles twitched in frustration. "Her lies have been hurting me for years." "Fair game is fair game." "She is the only thing that makes me forget the horrors I've experienced in my time as a general." "I explained to her how I truly felt, and she just rejected me outright!" He then slammed his dextro-hands on the table in anger. "Me!" "Septimus Orkus!"
Alex thought for a moment. I see. He got rejected and is not taking it well. He then took in a deep breath. "I understand now why you have an issue with her." "Rejection can be tough for anyone." He then continued, "But spreading lies about her isn't going to help you." "Look at yourself General." "You are sitting here wallowing in your own self-pity, drinking your sorrows away and spreading lies." Alex then crossed his arms at the man. "The way I see it; you have two choices Septimus." "You can sit here and stew in your own pity." "Or you can put that drink down, stand up like a man, and recover your dignity." "It's your decision."
Septimus then took a good look at himself. His generals' uniform was somewhat stained with turian brandy. The turian's mandibles twitched in frustration. He is right! What the hell am I doing! I used to be an honorable soldier! I used to have dignity! I am done feeling sorry for myself! The elder turian then stood straight up and outstretched a dextro-hand. "You're right Commander." "This is no place for me." "Thank you for clearing my head."
Alex flashed the turian a small smile and shook it. I'm glad he took the hint. "The pleasure is mine General."
Septimus then let out a rueful sigh, "Now I have to explain myself to the Consort." "I hope she will forgive me for the things I've done."
Alex put a hand on the man's shoulder. "I'm sure if you come clean with her, she will forgive you in time." "She is a kindred soul."
Septimus gave the human a nod. "Thank you again Commander!" "There is another case of business we must discuss unfortunately."
Alex raised an eyebrow in confusion. "And that is?"
Septimus then spoke with regret in his tone, "I managed to convince an elcor diplomat named Xeltan that Shai'ra had exposed one of his secrets to the public." "As a result, he joined in my smear campaign against her."
The general then pulled out a datapad and handed it to Alex. "This data will help the diplomat understand the truth." "I need you to hand it over to him."
Alex gave Septimus a nod. "Consider it done."
The two men then shook hands.
Septimus spoke, "You know Commander." "I just wanted to let you know." "You would make a fine general one day."
Alex gave the turian male a nod. "Thank you."
Septimus then cleared his throat, "Right." "I'll be on my way then." He then walked past Shepard and his squad.
Liara beamed at Alex. Wow. He talked that man down without even a fist raised. She spoke with a tone of admiration. "That was a fascinating exchange Alex." "You managed to talk him down without it turning into violence." "You even befriended him and gained his trust." "How interesting."
Alex glanced back at her, "I don't relish fighting unless it is absolutely necessary." "The galaxy thinks of my species as nothing more than brutish warriors who think for our own." "I'm endeavoring to change that."
Liara gave him a happy nod. She felt herself blush a bit. He really is something.
Garrus also nodded at the Commander. Part idealist. Part soldier. An interesting combination.
Tali was smirking at Shepard from under her helmet. Well, he really is in a league of his own. It is amazing how open and friendly he is with everyone. It is kind of an attractive quality.
Alex then cleared his throat. "Alright then!" "Let's get out of here!"
Elcor and Volus Embassy
2183.12.11-01:50:00 GST
Alex and his squad walked into the Elcor embassy.
Calyn, the elcor ambassador noticed the three of them walk in. "Hello Commander Shepard!" "My name is Calyn." "I am the elcor ambassador." "It is my pleasure to invite you to the elcor and volus embassy!"
Tali then eyed the diplomat curiously, "Your speech is much slower than most Council species." "Why is that?"
Calyn smiled through his mouth slits, "My people communicate easier through scent and touch." "However, we found that most non-elcor species didn't understand the subtle nature of our usual level of communication." "We have learned over time to communicate through normal speech."
Tali gave the elcor a nod. "I see."
Alex smiled at the elcor and nodded. "Thank you for the warm welcome!" "I'm here to speak with one of your fellow diplomats." "His name is Xeltan."
Calyn raised an eyebrow at the human. "Is that so?" Calyn then called out to Xeltan. "Xeltan you have a visitor."
Xeltan was going over a datapad and finally put it down.
Alex and his squad then approached the elcor.
Xeltan spoke harshly, "What is it that you need human?" "I'm busy."
Alex gave Xeltan a half-smirk and crossed his arms. "Easy there Xeltan!" "I'm not here to cause trouble." "I'm just the messenger." He then continued, "A turian general by the name of Septimus Oraka told you that Shai'ra exposed one of your secrets." "I'm here to provide proof that he was lying to you."
Xeltan felt a drop of sweat fall down his cheek. "Lies." "Shai'ra exposed my secret." "I was told this."
Alex then chuckled and pulled out the datapad Septimus gave him. He handed the datapad to Xeltan. "Read this."
Xeltan eyed the pad curiously and took it from him. He then skimmed through its contents. "Not possible." "Turian general found my secret." "Blackmailed me." "Shai'ra didn't expose secret." "Troubling." "If turian general found secret, then others can."
Alex then spoke, "I wouldn't say that." "This took a lot of favors for him to find out."
Xeltan spoke, "I-I see." "Thank you for showing me this human." "I must go apologize to the Consort immediately." "I hope she forgives me."
Alex then gave the elcor a nod. "I believe she will." "Just tell her the truth."
Xeltan gave the human a nod. "Agreed." "If you will excuse me human."
Alex gave the elcor a nod. "Best of luck."
Consort Chambers, Presidium, Citadel
2183.12.11-02:15:00 GST
Alex and his squad walked inside the Consort's Chambers.
Shai'ra noticed him and his squad approaching. She turned around and faced, "Commander it is good to see you!" "I just received a message from General Oraka." "He apologized to me and has retracted his statements."
Alex walked up to her and smiled. "I managed to talk him down." "He won't bother you anymore."
Sha'ira smiled warmly at him and took his hands in hers. "Thank you, Commander!" "You have done me a great service."
Tali was glaring intensely at the Consort. Kiyet. Alex felt himself blush a bit. He quickly removed his hands from hers. "It was an honor Sha'ira."
Sha'ira smiled warmly at him. She then pulled out the Prothean artifact and placed it in his hand. "I offer my clients many things Commander." "If you would allow me, I'd like to offer you a gift of words."
Alex then smiled at her, "I'd be honored."
Shai'ra gave him a nod and took his hands in hers. "I sense you have had a difficult journey." "From Midnoir to Thessia and back to Earth." "Your travels have changed you and shaped you in the man you have become today." "You are the on the gateway to a great destiny." "There will be challenges and struggles ahead." "But as long as you stay true to yourself, you will come out stronger than ever before." "These are the words of comfort I offer you."
Alex gave her a nod. "Thank you!" "I appreciate your words!"
Shai'ra gave him a small smile. She then gave him a nod. "I've given you a token of my appreciation." "Look at your hand for a moment."
Alex did. He saw what looked like a bone fragment in his palm. "What is this?"
Shai'ra spoke gently, "I do not know." "All I know is I felt I was drawn to give it to you. She then turned her back to him. "I must ask you to leave now." "I have many clients waiting for me."
Alex gave her a nod. "Right." He then called out to his squad. "Alright let's go!" "On the double!"
All of them gave him a nod.
Tali let out a relieved sigh. Finally! I thought my suit was going to puncture from the amount of jealously I was holding in! Tali spoke in a chirpy tone, "Right behind you Shepard!"
Alex gave her a nod.