Sacrifice only means something when you're willing to give up everything for a greater purpose. – Dannika Dark, Twist
Ài – [愛 – love] (whether spoken by Xiùlán or Samantha, the meaning is 'luv')]
Inamorata – A woman with whom one is in love; a female lover (Italian)
Irin – Pronounced similar to the girl's name 'Erin' – Zaeed Massani's shortened form of 'Iringù-Eßizkur'
• AHN'KAHAR STATION, STRENUUS SYSTEM · HORSEHEAD NEBULA •
I must have been more tired than I realized, as I didn't awaken until 0745. Of some surprise was the fact that Buchanan had actually let me sleep in undisturbed. Is he getting used to the fact I will soon be gone?
After doing my exercises and taking a quick shower, I dressed, straightened my room and went to scrounge up a mug of coffee and some breakfast; Oriana had just finished her own meal and greeted me as I entered the dining area. "How'd you sleep, Sammy? Are you healing okay?"
I nodded, took a sip from my mug, then responded, "I slept well … thanks for asking. Knife wound is healing as well. But, that's not what you really want to ask me, is it?"
Sitting across from me, Ori clasped her hands in front of her on the table; in a nervous tone, she replied, "No … well, yes, but there is more." She silently looked at me for several moments before continuing. "When you asked me to come work with you, I never envisioned you'd be leaving so soon after I arrived. I'm not sure I can be an effective replacement for you, Sammy. It's just that … well, you and Griff have a background in the military. I feel that it shaped you, shaped both of you – how you think, how you respond to events."
I grimaced slightly as I placed a forkful of scrambled eggs in my mouth. After chewing and swallowing, I replied, "Ori, there is no good reason for you to be concerned about that. Hell, your lack of a military background may just be the best thing you can bring to this job." I took several sips of coffee before continuing. "You're a natural at data mining. Being successful as a research analyst is more about your ability to focus on minutiae and tease out the bits of data that are most important to your goals." Biting off a bit of toast, I chewed for a few moments, then added, "Think of a scrambled mass of string, or wire. The best way to untangle everything is to find one end or the other and slowly pull on it. Tease it out, until you can see how its length is snarled in the main pile. You're exceptionally good at untangling those loops and knots, Ori."
"That's really nice of you to say that, Sammy. Thank you."
"I'm not saying it just to make you feel good, Ori. You've earned your place here."
I was expecting that Rachaél would answer the call I placed to her secure comms at the estate, so was a bit taken aback to have the connection enabled by a member of her personal guard. I was even more surprised when she addressed me by name. "Samantha Traynor. A pleasure, as always. I expect you're calling to speak with my captain?" When I answered affirmatively, she responded, "I'll inform Spectre Shepard you are waiting to speak with her, Ms Traynor. Please, standby." She muted the audio and cut the video, which cross-dissolved into a standard test pattern of vertical color bars.
In less than two minutes, the vid-test pattern was replaced with the image of Rachaél Shepard. "Sammy!" She actually smirked while asking, "May I assume you arrived home safely—wherever home currently happens to be these days—and you have a mission update to share?"
I grinned at her image on my monitor. "I did … and I do." I activated the data transfer as I continued, "Oriana and I were forced by circumstances to spend the evening in Vancouver." I grimaced slightly, prompting a look of concern from the Spectre. "It was nothing much, Shepard. Suffice it to say Savina Delarosa was unwilling to accede to a generous offer of a comfortable—albeit forced—semi-retirement under the Broker's protection; her attempted escape left me with no choice but to forcibly and permanently retire her, after she jammed a push-knife in my ass! Sad end for an exceptionally talented woman, and a real shame I could not have been less violently persuasive."
While I was speaking, Rachaél had glanced through some of the data I'd transmitted. With a slight frown, she said, "Sorry to hear about that, Sammy. May I assume your injury was treated and you're healing?"
"I've had worse injuries. Muscles are still sore. She used a monomolecular blade – sliced right through my underarmor mesh as if it were thin cloth." I paused for a moment before solemnly adding, "Just like that assassin you encountered during Cerberus' attempted coup on the Citadel, middle of the war."
Her frown had changed to an expression of concern. "As we log off, I'll transmit the contact information for an asari that sells extremely effective combat mesh undergarments. You're gonna need good equipment once you're on your own." Her smile returned. "I'll meet with Dokken near the asari diplomatic docks; everything I've learned concerning Garrett Sutton indicates he ignores movements of the other races there. I'll be leaving here shortly on a diplomatic shuttle, so I'll probably be on the Citadel before you arrive."
I nodded my head and offered advice I knew she didn't need to hear. "Don't underestimate him, Spectre. He will most certainly have an escape route laid out. Of the several we identified, the one included in the data I just transmitted is his most likely exit avenue."
Rachaél nodded her head in turn. "Thank you for all your assistance, Sammy. You've been extremely helpful." After the briefest of pauses, she added, "Here's the info I just promised you." After making sure the transmission was successful, she concluded with, "I'd consider it a favor if you would stay in touch with me and Liara. We'll be interested in where you finally land."
I felt my throat start to tighten in sadness. "We'll talk again, Spectre. Goddess watch over you."
• INSIDE IRINGÙ-EẞIZKUR · DOCKED WITH AHN'KAHAR STATION •
I had moved most of my possessions into my new quarters within Iringù-Eßizkur, and was strolling towards the boarding passageway to return to the station when she posed a question. ›Friend-Samantha. Have you given any thought to having a larger vessel in which to live? In which to traverse dark space?‹
This took me by surprise. "What are you suggesting, Irin? Do you no longer desire to be my guardian? My companion?"
›Your welfare is still my primary focus, Friend-Samantha, as it always will be. For this reason, I have been in contact with Žiuk'Durmah. Since completion of his drive core replacement by you and Tali'Zorah-Admiral, he has been assisting with routine repairs of sections of the Citadel that were damaged during the station's time in orbit around your home-world.‹
"Why would Žiuk'Durmah be interested in my welfare, Irin?
›The routine, Friend-Samantha. To be blunt, Žiuk'Durmah is feeling dissatisfied with his current, routine assignment, but it is something he would never allow Harbinger to become aware of.‹
"Help me understand what you are saying, Irin. He's working to repair damages that occurred during the two times the Citadel was relocated, plus the havoc that occurred in orbit. I realize that's a routine task, but he's a machine, Irin. I didn't think machines could even become bored."
›He is fully sentient; all Repositories are fully sentient, and have always been so. The difference now is that our purpose—our reason to exist—has changed, thanks to the choice made by THE SHEPARD. Before THE SHEPARD merged her DNA with our life-forces, our purpose was dictated by the program – there was only THE HARVEST, for each of us.‹
›Since her sacrifice on that day, the purpose for each Repository's continued existence remains unclear. Žiuk'Durmah told THE SHEPARD he was unable to resurrect those that were used in his creation. He chose to learn, as much as possible, about the races of this cycle, so he could assist any organics or synthetics in need of aid. Since returning from the galaxy's edge, he has been assisting in making repairs to damaged infrastructure. What he desires most is to once again be free to fly through space, Friend-Samantha.‹
"What are you suggesting, Irin?"
›Žiuk'Durmah knows of your plans to take up residence within my structure. He has suggested that it would be an efficient use of resources for me to remain docked within his structure for your long-distance voyages through dark space – or even between relays. Analogy: I would be as a shuttle craft docked within an interstellar capable dreadnaught.‹
I thought about this as I stood by the entrance to the transfer portal. After several minutes, she prompted me. ›Friend-Samantha?‹
"Sorry, Irin. I was thinking. Seems like I would derive all the benefit from this arrangement. Docked within Žiuk'Durmah, you would certainly not be able to fly free nearly as often as you currently do." After a few moments of thought, I added, "The amount of space inside would allow me the ability to dock a UT-47 shuttlecraft. That would be a real plus when I need to keep a low profile during planetary visits."
›There is more. You are already aware that the volume of free space within Žiuk'Durmah is enormous. He informed me he can easily erect partitions – bulkheads – decks and ceilings, for living quarters, much as I did when T'Soni-Shadow Broker and Vakarian-General needed me to serve as their transport. It could even resemble the living quarters aboard Ahn'Kahar Station, albeit on a somewhat smaller scale. This is something I can never hope to emulate, Friend-Samantha.‹ She paused for a few moments—long enough that I almost began speaking—before adding, ›There is also the matter of defensive and offensive weaponry for you to consider. My total weapons capability is less than half of Žiuk'Durmah's. That is another difference between a destroyer and a dreadnaught.‹
"You sound a bit envious, Irin. Don't be. Your size and capabilities are perfect for what I need to accomplish. You have plenty of space inside for two people to live in relative comfort … so much better than the small patrol craft Buchanan and I shared before the war. And I can certainly live without having a shuttlecraft available." I paused for a few moments before continuing. "That said, I can certainly see the advantage of having a dreadnaught-class Repository readily available, and he does have a considerable speed advantage – even over Harbinger." I heaved a sigh, then concluded, "Please inform Žiuk'Durmah I will consider his generous offer. If he is willing, we can have a meeting in Widow, near the relay. I would rather avoid going to the Citadel, for the time being."
It was late afternoon by the time I had everything moved into Iringù-Eßizkur's habitat area. Oriana and Griff had insisted I take a portion of the food stores reserved for the Broker's lead researchers, which meant I wouldn't starve anytime soon, and Irin could distill all the water I would need, for drinking, bathing, and doing my laundry.
My main concern was credits. Once I left the brokerage, I would lose my income – or rather, my freedom from having to worry about one. After giving the matter some thought, I knew I had to pay a visit to the Widow System before I went anywhere else. My research had shown Garrett Sutton had plotted his escape routes, so it made sense these routes would lead to a ship – no doubt a military vessel … probably a corvette or frigate class – a vessel large enough to comfortably accommodate the spoiled-by-luxury, soon to be ex-colonel. I just needed to identify the ship, get on board, neutralize the crew, find Sutton's stash, and get out.
Thinking of this caused yet another thought to surface – if he chose to run, the miserable rat-bastard could possibly elude Spectre Shepard and Dokken's team. Once away from the Citadel, he would be nearly impossible to follow, much less capture. I didn't spend all this damned time setting him up just to watch him slither away. I wonder if he could be permanently neutralized in such a way that the assassin would remain unknown.
I thought of the special rifle I had confiscated after Delarosa's failed escape attempt. The only way that could be used would require me to get to the Citadel, soon – before Shepard talked to the Council. I would need to identify a superior position in which get set up, then lie in wait, and avoid discovery after taking the shot, if it came to that. Another possibility came to mind as I contemplated shooting him, but it would be incredibly risky to pull off … even riskier than assassinating him. I could plant a tracker on him, but it means getting close enough to touch him. That idea doesn't appeal to me at all! No! If I have to stop him while he's running, I either take a long-distance shot, or I intercept 'im, beat the living 'ell outta 'im, then give his miserable ass to Spectre Shepard!
• INSIDE IRINGÙ-EẞIZKUR · AT LARGE, BETWEEN SYSTEMS •
Buchanan and Oriana had finally, albeit grudgingly, allowed me to leave Ahn'Kahar Station, but only after extracting a promise that I would return for a visit as soon as possible. Iringù-Eßizkur had left Anadius behind and was hurtling through the void towards the Pax System, where she would use that system's Mass Relay to initiate a transit through the Annos Basin to the Widow System.
While she was speeding towards our destination, I was seated in front of my main research terminal, looking for the vessel to which Garrett Sutton would be most likely to embark on, should he be fortunate enough to elude pursuit through the Keeper tunnels and access passageways running through the Citadel's foundations. There were several Alliance corvettes and two frigates in Widow, any one of which would make an excellent getaway vessel for the miserable húndàn, [混蛋 – bastard] but I expected Sutton would be drawn to the newest, shiniest vessel in the fleet. SSV Thermopylae was a newly christened frigate attached to the Fifth Fleet's 63rd Scout Flotilla. Makes perfect sense, came the thought. Rear Admiral Mikhailovich's former posting. I doubt the 63rd will ever be free of the taint of having been led by a dirty Admiral.
The Thermopylae's specs looked as if Alliance engineers had somehow cloned Normandy SR-2, right down to the ostentatious Deck One loft – luxury quarters for the ship's captain. The Illusive Man had felt that addition to be an absolute necessity for keeping Shepard happy during her campaign against the Collectors, but now, having the ship's captain separated from the rest of their officers by a limited-access elevator ride seemed to confer more privilege than necessary on a frigate.
This one needs to be my first target, came the thought. I expect it'll be positioned relatively close to the Presidium diplomatic section. I began to seriously inspect the Presidium ring, with the expectation that its foundations would not run as deep as they did in the wards.
I quickly discovered the pivot points where each of the wards was attached to the ring—with the associated machinery necessary to open or close the wards—presented a blockade of sorts to a continuously accessible path beneath the inner surface of the Presidium, something I could turn to my advantage if Sutton slipped past both the Spectre and Dokken's team. I studied the schematics minutely, and realized that entering the foundations beneath the diplomatic section would limit the number of available airlock exits to just three.
My thoughts were interrupted by Irin, who quietly announced, ›Friend Samantha. Warning: I am within five minutes of entering the relay's space-time corridor to Annos Basin.‹
"Thanks for telling me, Irin. When we arrive in the Widow System, please remain near the relay and contact Žiuk'Durmah; ask him to rendezvous with us there."
›As you wish.‹
• INSIDE IRINGÙ-EẞIZKUR · WIDOW SYSTEM, SERPENT NEBULA •
Upon entering the nebula after an uneventful passage through Annos Basin, Iringù-Eßizkur took up a position a hundred thousand or so klicks in a positive 'Z'-direction (above) and to one side of the relay; I believed Irin's presence—well away from the normal transit routes—would probably go unnoticed. The composition of the Serpent Nebula made navigation difficult for space vessels, no matter the species piloting them, leading me to believe the Reapers had chosen this location for the Citadel primarily for just that reason. The station—itself a dormant relay connected to dark space—was, or had been, a gargantuan trap, meant to lure the galaxy's space-faring races to settle and establish centralized governments there, so they could be easily annihilated in a single, devastating attack upon the Reaper's return.
Once within the nebula, the difficulties involved in plotting an accurate course from the Widow relay—complicated further by the station's loose orbit around the planetless star—would largely prevent any species from launching an effective counter-attack. The Reapers/Repositories had no such problem with the thick gas and dust of the nebula, leading some to speculate the majority of the gases and debris making up the nebula had been created over the millennia by the Citadel itself, as waste material from constant maintenance and repairs by the Keepers was ejected into space.
Having tasked Irin with monitoring Citadel Central Traffic Control for any mention of the SSV Thermopylae, I continued to research the secrets of the Presidium ring's construction while waiting for Žiuk'Durmah's arrival. If the frigate was sitting within a thousand klicks of the Presidium ring, their pilots would have to request permission to move, whether to relocate closer, dock, or travel towards the relay – in any event, Irin would alert me to any movement requests made by their pilots.
• COUNSELOR TEVOS' PRIVATE CHAMBERS · CITADEL, WIDOW SYSTEM •
Counselor Tevos' aide, Dalis Shegos, preceded Spectre Rachaél Shepard into the Counselor's private meeting chamber. "Please, Spectre, take a seat – my mistress will join you shortly, as will the human Counselor, Dominic Osoba." She cocked her head slightly as she asked, "Would you care for something to drink while you wait? A fruit tray will be brought in shortly."
Shepard grinned as she sat in a comfortable upholstered chair. "Nothing just yet, but thank you. I'll be fine."
Shegos, hands clasped in front of her, bowed slightly before turning and silently leaving through a nearly hidden side door; Shepard sighed, leaned back in the chair and closed her eyes. It would be so easy to doze off in this chair, came the thought. Best get up, walk around a bit.
Leaving the chair's embrace, Rachaél strolled towards one of two large windows flanking the counselor's desk; Tevos had an especially choice view of several active fountains within one of the many lakes that dotted the grounds outside the walls. The peaceful scene before her was completely at odds with her memories of the desperate situation in which she had found herself only a few years ago … many months, actually, but she could still remember the agony of the many injuries and wounds she endured to achieve a bittersweet victory. True, the Illusive Man had died, but so had an extremely good friend; her heart ached anew from that memory. And then, she had sacrificed her own life – or so she had thought at the time.
A quiet noise behind her had her taking a combat crouch as she spun around to face an unknown threat; with an embarrassed huff, she warily relaxed and stood erect. The source of the noise nervously coughed to hide his own chagrin, then extended his hand, saying, "Spectre Shepard. I apologize for surprising you. Counselor Tevos asked me to join her here, saying she would be with us momentarily. If I may ask, how have you been, and how is your lovely bondmate?"
Rachaél allowed the corners of her mouth to rise in the thinnest of smiles. Taking the proffered hand, she pumped it twice, released it and replied, "Counselor Osoba. It's good to see you again … and we're doing well. Liara asked me to convey her regrets, but demands for the attention of the leader of a great house can seem overwhelming at times."
"I completely understand, Spectre." The start of an uncomfortable silence was broken by the fortunate arrival of Dalis Shegos; the Counselor's aide was carrying a large tray bearing a pitcher, several glasses and a fruit tray, which she placed in the center of the small conference table sitting to one side of Tevos' desk. "My mistress will be with you momentarily." Indicating the items she'd just placed on the table with a graceful wave of a hand, she added, "Please, help yourselves."
As she turned to leave, the side door opened once more, this time to reveal an asari matron wearing an elegant, floor-length gown in an iridescent shade of pale green. Counselor Raesia Tevos swept into the room and, with a gracious smile, placed the palms of her hands on Rachaél's as she said, "Spectre Shepard, a pleasure to see you once again." It seemed she reluctantly slid her hands from those of the human as she turned towards her colleague and spoke. "Counselor Osoba, thank you for agreeing to meet us here, rather than in chambers. The subject of our discussion should clarify my reasons for a private session." She indicated the table where Matron Shegos had just placed the refreshment tray. "If you'd both be so kind, let us begin."
Dominic Osoba sat back in stunned amazement at all he had learned from Spectre Shepard in the previous fifty-five minutes. Finding his voice, he said, "Appalling, Shepard … simply appalling. It is difficult to believe that anyone, especially an Alliance Naval officer, could be so consumed by their own greed and hatred of other species that they would carry out instructions by an avowed xenophobe. Complicit in the murder of a student? Contemplating the murder of a service member before the war? And now, General Park?" He shook his head sorrowfully; splitting his attention between the asari Counselor and the Spectre, he added, "Had I not witnessed the proof of Sutton's many conversations with Jack Harper, I would be hard-pressed to believe any of this."
Tevos turned a pair of glittering green eyes on her colleague. "The commander's actions, both before and during the war, are egregious, indeed, but it pains me to admit they are unsurprising; his illegal activities are a validation of everything I have learned to expect from members of your race during the past three decades. The primary motivators of a great many humans seems to be procurement of credits through any means, and their hatred of non-humans; if the former can be accomplished because of the latter, so much the better."
Focusing her attention on Rachaél, she added, "As to the Commander's many transgressions, the independent proof you have provided here today would have been unnecessary to convince me, Spectre; your word would have been more than sufficient." She contemplated each of her guests for a few moments before asking, "So, what are your intentions, Shepard? Surely this is a problem that should not require involvement of the Systems Alliance."
Rachaél studied Raesia's face for several moments. She nodded ever so slightly to her friend before focusing on the human Counselor. "I intend to take Garrett Sutton into custody and turn him over to the Alliance Navy, with the recommendation he be court-martialed for his complicity in multiple murders, attempted murders, and high treason against the Systems Alliance, with the understanding that once they are done with him, I will be turning him over to the Galactic Council for prosecution."
This surprised Tevos. "Why not simply have him stand before the Council for judgement, without involving the Alliance?"
To Shepard's surprise, Dominic offered the answer Shepard had been about to reveal. "Because the Alliance will strip him of his rank and give him a dishonorable discharge from the Navy, most likely followed by thirty to fifty years of confinement. As a private citizen, he will not have any military sponsored cover when the Council charges him with galactic treason."
Rachaél nodded in agreement. "This person is one of the worst examples of humanity I have ever encountered. It is imperative for humanity's reputation among the galaxy's other races that the Systems Alliance do everything in their power to prove this man is the antithesis of all that our species actually is, and that he represents a distinct minority of humankind in the galaxy."
Tevos offered a thin smile. "When will you confront him, Spectre?"
"As soon as I have a team in place to counter any thought he may have of eluding me. He has an effective network of spies here on the Presidium. Any warning at all, he'll disappear into the foundations and the Keeper tunnels and make his way to a ship. My source informs me the Alliance frigate SSV Thermopylae is the ship on which he's most likely to seek refuge. I want to make sure he cannot get off the Citadel – not of his own free will, anyway."
"Very well, Spectre. Keep us informed of your progress. We will withhold information concerning this meeting until after his apprehension."
• INSIDE IRINGÙ-EẞIZKUR · WIDOW SYSTEM, SERPENT NEBULA •
It was nearly 2215 – still plenty early enough for me to call my Inamorata on the Hong Kong. I wanted to tell her I had left behind my Shadow Broker persona, along with Buchanan and Oriana, and was simply waiting for Spectre Shepard to take Garrett Sutton into custody.
As she had when last I'd called, Miranda Lawson answered my comms call. "Traynor. What may I do for you this evening?"
I smirked at her image on my monitor. "Do I really need to spell it out for you, Lawson?"
She frowned slightly and shrugged her shoulders. With a resigned sigh, she responded, "I'll inform her that you are waiting to speak with her."
She placed the call on standby; in less than 45 seconds, the color bars dissolved into an image of Xiùlán's smiling face. "Sà mi. Where are you calling from tonight … and why?"
"I just wanted to let you know I am currently unemployed. Do you have any odd jobs I could do for you? Perhaps I could take out the trash … maybe on the Normandy?" The instant frown I received from that last question was totally worth it to me.
"That's not amusing, Sà mi." She pinched the bridge of her nose for a moment before continuing. "You must be really close by – there's hardly any lag in your transmission."
"I can adjust transmission lag to whatever degree serves my purpose, Ài, but I'm currently parked in Widow, waiting for a comms call from Spectre Shepard. After our business is concluded, I'll probably travel to Apien Crest and pay a visit to a turian friend."
Recognition at my reasons for being in this system instantly washed over her features; fortunately, she didn't comment, simply asking instead, "Will I be able to meet with you before your departure?"
I chuckled with my reply. "Not as if I'm keeping to any kind of schedule these days. And, as I no longer have a paying job, maybe you can treat me to a nice dinner at a fancy restaurant? Though, it'd have to be well away from the Alliance docks," I finished with a smirk.
She heaved a seemingly disgruntled sigh and replied, "You're simply not going to let that go, are you?" Another sigh as she cocked her head. "I cannot begin to tell you how much I regret informing you of Cody's discussion with me, but it's done now, Sà mi. I wish you would move on."
"It is, and I will be more than pleased to move on … once he's no longer in a position to influence our lives together. Fair warning, Xiùlán. If Bill Cody ever comes near me, I will beat him within a heartbeat of his life. I'll not spend a single moment of my time on the Citadel, or while dirtside anywhere else in the galaxy, looking over my shoulder."
"Gāisi de, [該死的 – Damn it] Sà mi! How can we resolve this? I know what you're capable of doing. What happens if he dies from a physical beating administered by you? The Alliance will put a price on your head for murder, which would make our relationship even more impossible."
"Then he best never attempt to meet with me in person, Xiùlán. I've given up my livelihood on account of his meddling … left my friends and my home behind. I'll never forgive him for causing all this upheaval in our lives, Ài." I studied her image for a moment before adding, "And I didn't contact you so we could discuss my former captain. I only wanted to inform you that I have acceded to your request. I've relinquished my title and left the organization."
I watched and waited as she thought about all I had said; after several moments that seemed like forever, she replied. "Sà mi, I am truly sorry for having any part in you having to abandon everything, and will assist you any way I can. Do you need financial support? You must realize every credit I possess is yours for the asking, Wo zuì qīn'ài de." [我最親愛的 – my dearest]
Her offer made me smile. "I'm okay, Xiùlán. As soon as Spectre Shepard has accomplished her task, I'll leave the system and travel to the Apien Crest for a visit. I'm confident something will turn up." A chime sounding from a nearby console diverted my attention just as my omnitool lit up to indicate its receipt of a text message. Holding my wrist up for Xiùlán's benefit, I said, "I have to attend to whatever message I just received, my darling. I'll contact you again before I leave Widow." An unhappy frown appeared, to be quickly replaced by a tiny grin as I finished speaking.
"Okay, Ài. Wo ài ni. [我愛你。– I love you.] But do me a favor? Can you manage to somehow stay safe and stay out of trouble, at least until after we've had a chance to have a meal together?"
I smirked at her image and replied, "I may be able to do that for you." I paused for a moment as a recent memory surfaced. "Since I'm just sitting out here all alone with a bit of time … well, a lot of time, actually, on my hands, why don't you make good on the threat you voiced on Thessia?" At her instant look of puzzlement, I added with a chuckle, "The tutorial? Conversational Mandarin as a second language?"
Her answering smile gladdened my heart. "Of course, Sà mi. I'll be happy to do that for you."
"Okay, then," I grinned. "I'll speak with you soon." I cut the connection and took a quick look at the text I'd received; of no surprise, it was from Iringù-Eßizkur. I spoke aloud to the space around me. "What's up, Irin?"
Her reply came from the small console that had been the source of the chime. ›Žiuk'Durmah has arrived and is waiting close by, Friend-Samantha. Do you wish to speak with him now?‹
"It would be my pleasure, Irin." I wasn't fully prepared for the next voice sounding from the console.
»Traynor-Specialist. It is once again my privilege to speak with you. Please specify how I may be of service.«
I chuckled to myself at his use of my former rank in the Alliance, thinking, Oh, hell! This is the first time we've spoken since before my departure from the Navy. "It pleases me to speak with you as well, Žiuk'Durmah, but I am no longer a member of the Alliance Navy, so no longer have the rank of Specialist. That said, I wish to learn more about your offer of interstellar transportation for myself and Iringù-Eßizkur – specifically, your proposal to reconfigure interior space to include secure quarters for me, and a docking platform for Irin."
»Query: where have you been residing since your departure from the Alliance Navy, Traynor-Specialist? Would it be possible for me to review schematics?«
His question surprised me. As I considered how best to reply, Irin offered the solution I needed. Speaking so the massive construct could also hear, she said, ›The data Žiuk'Durmah requires is on a file stored on my main server, Friend-Samantha. With your permission, I will transmit a copy.‹
"Thanks, Irin. Žiuk'Durmah, the security of several people extremely important to me depends on the contents of the file being transmitted to you never being revealed to anyone. I feel certain you will keep it safely hidden, but I am a bit paranoid about security these days, so please accept my apology for stating the obvious."
»File received from Iringù-Eßizkur, Traynor-Specialist.« A momentary pause was followed by, »This is … or rather, was … Ahn'Kahar Station. A research facility formerly utilized by human-centric group Cerberus. Abandoned prior to termination of our harvest by THE SHEPARD.« Another brief pause. »Contemporary Shadow Broker headquarters. This knowledge will be kept secure. What portion of Ahn'Kahar Station should I replicate for you, Traynor-Specialist?«
"My living quarters, including the lavatory and bathing area, the kitchen, dining area and a lounge." Thinking about my own routine on the station, I added, "It'd be really nice to have a small, dedicated exercise compartment a few steps from the shower. I don't need much in the way of equipment – just a heavy bag and a bamboo mat on which to practice Jing Quan Dao. The greenhouse – the conservatory – could be smaller, but it's an important addition. I realize you are unable to have transparent panels in your outer hull, so some kind of lighting would have to be provided in order to sustain the plants. And since you asked, it'd be nice to have an actual platform on which to park a UT-47 shuttlecraft."
As I expected, Žiuk'Durmah remained completely silent for a number of minutes – long enough that I felt the need to prompt him. "Do you foresee any problems in replicating these areas?"
»It will take some time. Concerning the shuttle platform: it will require mechanical restraints to secure the craft when docked. You must remember what happened to your shuttlecraft while you were within Harbinger's structure, after ejecting my element zero core in the Sol System.«
"Of course I do, and I totally agree with your assessment. But …" I hesitated. "Do you have an estimate of how much time you will require for these mods? Weeks? A few months?"
The tone of the construct's reply suggested amusement. »Fifteen to twenty days should be sufficient. I will have you enter my structure so you may inspect my work before it is complete. Is this acceptable, Traynor-Specialist?«
"Absolutely … yes! But please. There is no rush to complete these modifications, Žiuk'Durmah. Take all the time you need." I paused for a moment, then asked, "Why? Why do this for me. I am sure Harbinger must have more important tasks for you."
»There are none more paramount than providing transportation for you, Traynor-Specialist. You risked everything to preserve my existence. I consider any service I am able to render for you as insufficient compensation for such a selfless act.«
I could think of no response that wouldn't sound snarky, although the Repository would probably not recognize my answer as such. I simply replied, "Very well, Žiuk'Durmah. I will contact you in three weeks or so, just to see what progress you are making. Thank you."
»I will begin immediately.«
CDR SUTTON'S OFFICE, HUMAN EMBASSIES · PRESIDIUM, CITADEL
"Sir, there may be a small problem." Though outwardly composed, Lieutenant Declan Powell was mentally braced for the explosive response he expected; his commander was never a calm recipient of any bad news that affected him personally, and Powell was certain the news he needed to relay would raise Sutton's ire considerably. "My sources tell me that Spectre Rachaél Shepard is on the station. She had a private meeting with Counselors Tevos and Osoba, and while the subject of their discussion is unknown, I find it odd that Shepard is here so soon after the failure in Vancouver."
"The asset disappeared without a trace prior to completing the assignment, so what in hell could Shepard actually know, Lieutenant, when she wasn't even on the ground there." Sutton used a thumb and forefinger to pinch the inside corners of both eyes for a moment before continuing. "She just arrived here from Thessia, correct? No stops or detours on the way?"
Powell nodded once with his reply. "Transit records show a direct flight here from Thessia, Sir, not from Earth."
"Then her visit here is of no interest to me, Declan. She's probably only here to bitch and moan some more about the way humans are treating the asari, or the salarians, or whatever. I'm sure she'll never be happy until humanity is completely subjugated by those blue harpies." He concluded by muttering, "I'll never understand what her fascination is with those whores. I mean, she actually married one of 'em, for God's sakes! Another human wasn't good enough for her?"
Declan nodded noncommittedly, saying, "Yes, Sir. I just thought you should know, Sir."
Sutton nodded once in return. "Thank you, Lieutenant. That will be all."
As Powell turned and left Sutton's office, the commander returned to the reports he'd been reading before the interruption. While he felt quite sure the Spectre's presence on the station was no cause for alarm, Declan's news had brought back the slight prickle of unease he'd been feeling between his shoulder blades. I have to be absolutely sure. If a major shitstorm is headed my way, I need to know before it lands on me, he thought. Best make a few discrete inquiries.
