Mass Dragon Effect I: Shadows of the Past
Chapter 5: The Politics of the Citadel Part 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Mass Effect or Dragon Age. Otherwise, Bioware would have done a remaster of Origins by now, and I may have done a few more tweaks to Mass Effect 1-3 Legendary Edition, such as restore missing content, add new classes, and change the ending.
Beta Reader: Albert
Last Update: 6/20/2021
Location: Serpent Nebula/Window/Citadel/Customs & FCIS Headquarters
Human Date: February 5, 2183
The Citadel, the former crowning jewel of the Prothean Empire, now serves, once again, as the center of political power in the Milky Way Galaxy. No other place had such an extensive collection of diplomats, military leaders, and politicians from the Citadel Council's Races and its aligned governments. Even the Union of Federations has a sizable number of Very Important Personnel (VIP) assigned to the station permanently, including military personnel and diplomates from the Federation Diplomate Core (FDC). Even though the Federation is technically independent on paper.
Technically independent, but not in practice, as laws passed by Citadel Council affect them through their influence. Council's races or aligned races make up the heart of the galactic economy, and together, the top three make the strongest military power in the galaxy. This is especially true compared to a young and developing nation such as the Union of Federations, which has very few established and fully developed planets and infrastructure. At least, compared to established powers like the Asari Republic, Turian Hierarchy, and Salarian Union, who each had at least two thousand years of development, and each had at least two dozen fully industrialized colonies with a population in the billions if not tens of billions. As well as several rapidly developing new colonies due to recently discovered clusters near their space thanks to new exploration policies initially developed by the Union of Federations. Such as the use of Heavy Cruisers to explore nearby clusters before activating their relay once it was determined it was empty.
However, that is not to say the Federation cannot defy the Council on a few key aspects, like AI research. The UF is a rapidly developing "independent" nation with a powerful military force that is the only supplier of dilithium crystals. Allowing them to have a sizable portion of the Citadel be considered sovereign territory of the Federation. Including their own embassy and spaceport. Moreover, since it is not Citadel territory, it is policed by its personal private federal investigation service, the Federation Criminal Investigation Services (FCIS), tasked with investigating the crimes committed by the Federation's citizens. This often leads to them butting heads with Citadel Security Forces (C-Sec) on the Citadel, as they fought over jurisdiction based on citizenship or where the crime is committed.
To the point that passersby considered it just another day for FCIS when a dark, silver turian in blue C-Sec armor was arguing with the local branch offices of the FCIS. Nothing unusual except they were not arguing over jurisdiction but the sharing of information. Moreover, it was friendly despite not going the C-Sec officer's way. The white face turian with blue face paint frowned as he stood in front of the roughed, bricked face human in the black padded police uniform. The older human typed away as the turian focused on the human's face as he begged for information.
"Bailey, please, you're my only hope. My own investigation against Saren is producing little results due to the Council making everything that bastard touches top secret. But I know the Federation has kept records on his movements. Combined with a lead I have-I can nail the bastard if you help me."
Senior Special Agent Bailey sighed as his pale brown eyes looked up at Turian's deep blue eyes behind a blue targeting visor over his right eye, "I'm sorry, Garrus, but I can't help you there. Suppose I give you any information about our investigation. In that case, the Council could try to suppress it to make sure their prized SPECTRE isn't convicted."
"Then I can work this off the books, and-" Garrus started but was stopped mid-sentence by Bailey.
"No, Garrus. I am not going to allow one of the few C-Sec Officers I like to risk his career for a big maybe. Especially since we have enough evidence to nail that son of a bitch!" Bailey exclaimed as he pounded his desk before he calmed down. "Just trust me, kid, and let it go. Don't put your career on the line for something that is not a sure thing regardless of what you do."
"I'll try," Garrus had sighed as he slowly got up and was about to leave when he gave some parting words. "But tell me this, Bailey. If one of your own betrayed your people, and your superiors didn't want to admit it. Would you let it go?"
Bailey was strangely quiet as Garrus left his office with a frustrated sigh. He had had a disappointing day until he saw a large, unique group pass him. It did not take eyes as keen as his to tell him most of them were First Battalion troops. Especially the two human leaders he had seen on recruitment posters. Overall, they acted like the excellent oiled machine he expected from a diverse elite force. Although, for him, two things stood out even among the elite squad from the Federation.
First, the group they escorted wore what appeared to be robes or primitive human-style armor seen during their Medieval and Renaissance era. Second, a young, dare he say, cute quarian who looked nervous as she walked through the Citadel without the visor her people usually wear with their helmets. He could not help but let his looks linger as he watched the group head to the FCIS office when he got a beep from his communicator that he answered.
"This is Garrus."
"Garrus, this is Chellick. Your target has just been released by FCIS. He's now in Chora's Den. If you want to talk to him, now is the time," Chellick said through his comm.
"Thanks, Chellick, I owe you," Garrus said with a smirk.
"Don't thank me, Garrus. If Pallin finds outs you are continuing your investigation into Saren, he'll chew you out."
"You see that as a bad thing. I see it as confirmation I am doing the job right when the boss isn't too happy with me," Garrus snarked as Chellick became increasingly worried.
"Garrus, is this worth the risk?" Chellick asked, and Garrus was silent before he spoke his conviction.
"I am not letting another criminal escape because it is inconvenient. Saren has to pay for his crimes, or we'll let corruption lead us to war that will kill tens of billions."
"Then good luck Garrus, you will need it."
"I don't need luck, Chellick, but thanks all the same," Garrus smirked before he turned off his comms and moved towards more crowded areas just as the large group reached Bailey's desk.
To say John and Jane's visit to the Citadel was considered to be an experience was an understatement, as they walked through the extravagant halls and grand architecture that made up the Citadel. The entire trip was filled with incredible sights, and it was only a few minutes into the trip. However, they now have to deal with bureaucracy as they headed to the local branch officers of the FCIS.
"Are you the Senior Special Agent Owen Bailey?" John asked the man before him.
Bailey stopped his typing to looked up with his steely blue eyes, "Aye, that's me. You must be Captain John Shepard and Commander Jane Shepard. It is a pleasure to meet you."
The two men shook hands as Jane smiled, "On behalf of my blunt brother and me, we say the honor is ours and how sorry we are we've dumped all this on you."
Bailey laughed as he spoke in his thick New York accent, "You have only contributed slightly to my woes. That son of a bitch, Saren, is the one that created the gigantic paperwork I'm forced to work on after he attacked Eden Prime. So, he is the one that deserves my full wrath."
This earned him a laugh as Bailey turned his attention to his other guests. He called up some Officers and Agents to take care of the next step as he addressed his next hurdle, "Now to the civilians picked up on Eden Prime. Please follow the Officers and Special Agents into the next room. We will get you registered in our systems and push you a lot through in two shakes."
"It won't be as thorough as it was at um… customs, right. Yes, customs," Merrill asked with a blush as she remembered how thorough they were with handheld scanners, blood samples, and so on.
"The scan your… um… engineering and the medical officers used was not extensive," Zevran pointed out for the group.
"Trust me, we are not going to be as crazy as those panicking Council members are," Bailey snorted as he smiled gently at the refugees before him.
"As long as it's not as frustrating as the fools at the gate," Sten depended.
"The VIs took care of most of the paperwork before you came here, so it will be as painless as possible," Bailey smiled.
"Thank you," Leliana bowed before heading off to the side room as she looked around in wonder with Anders, Merrill, and an amused Varric. While Sten looked stern and Zevran gave a cocky smirk before they all went to the next room, leaving the First Battalion soldiers with the FCIS agent.
"So, security is not usually this secure," Jane broke the silence as the Senior Special Agent laughed in response.
"Not even close," Bailey laughed before his face tightens into a more serious, grim look. "With the darkspawn attacking planets for the first time in thirty years with unknown technology, the entire galaxy is panicking. Moreover, the ones who are panicking the most are the Citadel Council. In the past two days, they've activated and created a dozen security procedures for bio-infections, invasions, and increased criminal activity brought by refugees and panicking citizens."
"Isn't it a good thing that they are taking security so seriously?" John asked with a raised eyebrow while Trex scuffed in response.
"Yeah, I really think it was necessary that I had to go through a more intense scan twice," Trex sarcastically grumbly as Ashely, Tali, and Legion-VII nodded in response. Especially Legion-VII, as its subroutines had wondered why they had to examine a sterilized machine three times.
"And now you see one of the problems with these new security implements," Bailey grumbled to the group. "Some of the officers are using it as an excuse to abuse their power for old grudges against others. Another problem is that a number of security measures are useless. They are just implemented to make it seem like they are doing something while tripling the amount of work everyone has to do."
Bailey then sighed in response, "Just another day on the Citadel."
"Sounds like the Citadel is not the paradise the Council wanted people to think," Velanna quietly quipped while Jane looked thoughtful.
"What is the Citadel like?" Jane asked Bailey, who gave a thoughtful answer.
"I have to say it like patrolling New York on Terra (Earth), except more extreme on both ends despite the smaller population. At the top levels, there is the beautiful Presidium and the restricted Citadel Tower. A place where diplomats, important business people, lobbyists, and even a few scientists get together to write policies that will affect the entire galaxy. Generally, it is the safest area of the entire Citadel, and I can tell you from experience, they are a lot safer than the Wards."
"The Wards?" asked Tali.
"The five long arms attached to the Presidium's ring structure," Bailey explained. "It's where most of the action on the Citadel can be found. With a collection of less cultivated bars, shops, arenas, warehouses, factories, casinos, apartments for non-VIPs, and strip clubs. It's also where you can find drugs, gangs, organized crime, and the dirty politician caught in a compromising position."
"Anyone we should worry about?" Kaidan asked.
"Well, outside of mercenary groups slash gangs like the Eclipse, Blood Packs, and Blue Suns, I would have to say Fist," Bailey stated with a raised eyebrow. "He is a human that recently started a small syndicate and is trying to become big. So, he is trying to make as big of a splash as possible to make a name for himself. The others, I wouldn't worry about as they try not to rock the boat in fear of C-Sec military forces crashing down on their heads."
John nodded and was about to speak up when the locals of Thedas return from their examination and paperwork. Along with a human marksman in diplomatic white armor, carrying a standard assault rifle and pistol, along with a Black Widow sniper rifle. A man whose blue eyes held amusement while brushing his short brown hair in a manner that fit his demeanor.
A casual soldier gave a curious salute to the group, "Captain John Shepard, Commander Jane Shepard. My name is James Reed, and I was instructed to get you and your guests safely to the Ambassador's Suites before the pencil pushers can descend upon you."
Jane and a few of her fellow squad mates chuckled as John frowned at Thedas's locals, "Are you done with the paperwork?"
"Yes, and now we're ready to see the rest of this Citadel if you don't delay us any further, my friends," replied the cocky elf of the group.
"Then let's go. I doubt the ambassadors want to wait any longer for us dallying around," Jane suggested to her brother.
John nodded as he led the group to the elevators that lead to the Presidium.
Location: Serpent Nebula/Window/Citadel/Presidium: Federation Embassy Suite
Human Date: February 5, 2183
It was a short ride for them to reach the beautiful Presidium, a large park with a lake and river running along the park. A park meant for the various diplomats and politicians to relax if they were not so busy working in their homes and offices. The largest and most active was the one designated for the Union of Federations. It is where David Anderson and Urdnot, Wrex waited for them as they stood outside the Ambassadors' offices. The rest of his senior staff waited for orders in another room. John and Jane were about to head into the diplomat's room when Wrex stopped them as they heard the local yelling competition.
"I wouldn't go in there right now. Several members of the ragging egos club are having a heated discussion right now."
"I would say the three butt heads, the ass, and Nakmor are in a pissing match. But I guess ragging egos and heated discussion are more diplomatic," James Reed joked, getting a few chuckles.
Hiding his own mirth, Anderson ordered James to leave. As soon as the marksman complied, he turned his attention to the group, "Well then, as you can tell, the Council is not taking our accusations about Saren very well. (Sigh) The Counselors haven't changed since the last time I've seen them."
"You've met them?" Jane asked with a twinkle. "The Codexs doesn't mention anything about the current Counselors on the Citadel Council."
"Yes, I've met them, unfortunately," Anderson mumbled as he turned to the Thedas's locals. "You've read the Codexs on the Council?"
"Of course, we have my friends. We wouldn't want to wander in on the most powerful people in the galaxy without some knowledge," Varric stated with a smile.
"Then you four prove it. By each of you telling me the three dominant races on the Council and the Council Government as a whole," Anderson ordered over another loud scream of outrage from the human ambassador in the other room.
A scream Leliana ignored as she steps up to speak, "Well, the Citadel Council is best to describe as a tight-knit alliance between various governments. Who ban together to share their resources and military strength to protect each other from galactic threats. It is made up of at least seven different species. Nine if you include the primitive vorcha and batarian citizen living in Citadel Space. However, despite having so many different species and governments that make up its membership, it's only led by three governments, the Asari Republic, the Salarian Union, and the Turian Hierarchy."
"The asari are an all-female race that can live up to a thousand years and are the dominant species on the Council. They have a fully democratic government influenced by their elder Matriarchs while the officials carry out the Asari's decisions," Merrill nervously explained next. "They are known to produce the galaxy's best diplomats and are experts when it comes to this Element Zero. As a consequence, they produce some of the most powerful ships in the galaxy and the largest economy. Their army, while small due to being formed from their local communities, it is still formable. The asari takes advantage of being a biotic race to develop an army of elite troops such as Commandoes and Huntresses to win battles. Which is just amazing that an entire race exists as biotics. I wonder if other species can become either all biotic and mage, and if so…" Merrill trailed off before Varric stopped her with a chuckle.
"I think that enough, Daisy. No need to go beyond other topics other than the asari is like a poisonous flower, beautiful but lethal to those that are not warry."
"Ironic for a species that is supposed to be about peace," Trex grumbled before he stiffened when Wrex snorted.
"It's easy to be the best diplomats in the galaxy when you have the biggest guns and the best killers to back up any treaties," Wrex added while Trex nodded at the joke.
"I guess I'm next, and I'll talk about the salarians, the hyperactive frogs that only live slightly longer than a dog by two decades. And have a high birth rate that is disappointing when you learn that nine out of ten are male. Making the females very valuable and rare. Enough so that most females make up the leadership and political intrigue similar to monarchs of my, what do you call it… ah yes, homeworld," Zevran added with glee. "They are supposed to be the galaxy's best thinkers and the leaders in inventing new technology such as the planetary shield generators. Though I think you guys in the Federation are a safer bet in winning the award of best inventors." Zevran got in a few chuckles before he added, "They are also the Council's main eyes and ears with their STG (Special Task Group). Basically, their military is an organized group of spies, saboteurs, and assassins that move across the galaxy to spread their influence; and discord when they decide they don't like you and attack first without worrying about the consequences until later."
"Those organic units certainly love their spy programs. Allied units have to clean out spy programs every time units, like this unit, interface with Citadel units," Legion-VII reported.
"Tell me about it. Lieutenant Commander Adams always complains whenever we're near Council Space due to the need to triple check for spy programs," Tali quipped with a weak smile.
Anderson nodded as he turned to Sten to command him to speak, "And finally, the turians."
"The turians are much like qunari under the Qun," Sten said with a stiff lip. "Each individual has a place as the entire population is under a military hierarchy from its workers to its soldiers. The grand military leaders for each world are known as the Primarchs, with the Primarch from Palaven entrenched as the head of the entire Turian nation. Because of this, they are the main police force of the galaxy. Having the largest army and attack fleet that an individual race can produce with the largest number of dreadnaughts in service."
Wrex nodded as long as David smiled, "Good to see you have the general sense. Now the three Counselors in power are Tevos, Valern, and Sparatus. Tevos is much like most asari. She opts for diplomacy before violence. But unlike most asari, she is a political animal who puts the Asari's influence above all else and has four hundred years of experience to ensure she gets what she wants.
"Valern is one of the few male salarians in power and is rumored to have close ties to STG, which he uses to keep his opponents on their toes.
"Then there is Sparatus. Sparatus is like most turians, who takes the security of the Citadel very seriously. And due to said mentality, he is the only Councilor openly hostile to the idea of the Federation being outside the Council's immediate control. As Tevos is patient enough to play the long game. And Valern believes our independence will not last long. Due to such… hatred, he will be the most frustrating to deal with, so don't provoke him if you can help it.
"Overall, they are the most dangerous politicians you will ever meet. So be cooperative and watch what you say, for they have long memories, and they will make your life frustrating."
And with those words floating in the air, a black geth, Legion's Shadow, decloaked before them. Zevran whistled as he asked, "How did you do that? And is it possible I can do it as well?"
"This unit used a cloaking device that refracts light and energy to make units such as this one disappear from most sensors, including visual. As long as a unit has the appropriate equipment or modified armor, any unit can use it as long as nothing disrupts the field."
"I want one," Zevran quietly added with a whisper. "It will be quite useful for accidents."
Legion's Shadow took note of Zevran before it turned to the high-ranking personal, "The Council units is about done Wrex-Supreme Commander and Anderson-Rear Admiral. All these units may approach the ambassador units."
The group nodded as they walked in to see Ambassador Udina expressing his rage, "This is an outrage! You wouldn't be allowing Saren to walk around free if it were a Turian colony that was attacked!"
"The Council is not about to put one of our top SPECTREs on hold every time they are accused of a crime on hearsay," spoke the salarian repressive.
The salarians are a thin bipedal amphibian species with their three-digit finger, large eyes, a long face, and two organic horns. A species that humans have a hard time telling the difference between individuals. Thought Counselor Valern was distinctive with his grey iris, short snout, and unique blue dress robes. Most salarians wore armor or jumpsuits instead. His type of clothing is worn as a symbol of power, and the man understood what power is and was not fazed by Udina's attempt to bully them.
"It is not just an accusation! We have evidence he attacked one of our colonies with the darkspawn! He is a threat to the entire galaxy, and I demand you do something about it!" Udina yelled at the Council.
"You don't make demands of the Council, Ambassador!" yelled a brown turian. A powerful man who looked odd wearing the red and blue suit as opposed to most turians who regularly wore armor. However, no one was fooled by the politician's exterior. Behind the Counselor Sparatus's white face paint and green eyes flared a soldier.
He was a turian who did not take threats likely and needed to be calmed down before the human and turian escalated things. That is why Ambassador Nakmor took charge to smooth the negotiations over, "And we are not making demands. But we are concerned Saren is not being detained considering the charges and how dangerous he can be, even without the darkspawn."
That was when the asari representative nodded her head. The asari were considered to be the most beautiful species in the galaxy that resembles a human female, to humans, at least. The only difference was that they were women with cartilage-based tentacles on their heads instead of hair, lacked earlobes, and their skin could be shades of blue and purple. Counselor Tevos herself could be considered a cold, beautiful rose with violet-blue skin hidden behind a beautiful blue and red dress that complimented her round face. She was an older asari in the matron stage, the mid-life of an asari's lifespan as evident by the white markings on her upper lip and white strips along her forehead, and each side of her chin and lower lip that were a contrast to her steely grey eyes.
She was a powerful woman who had great respect for Ambassador Nakmor, as shown in her voice, "And I understand your concerns Ambassador Nakmor, Utag. However, Saren does have the right to defend himself. Citadel Security will report their finding during the hearing."
"And we will report ours," Nakmor, Utag added just before the transmission ended, bringing the two ambassadors' attention to the newcomers.
Udina was the first to let his frustration out, "Admiral Anderson, Supreme Commander Wrex, I've seen you brought a large number of guests with you."
"Just the ground teams and the survivors we rescued from the ship we've captured. I thought it would be best to bring them in. In case you had any questions," Anderson explained with a deceptively calmed tone.
"We've both read the mission reports. I trust they are in order?" Udina asked with a calmer yet more vicious tone.
"They are," Anderson stated slowly before switching gears to a parallel track. "I see you're not having much luck with the Council."
"They are not happy," Udina stated with a hidden snarl. "Saren is one of their top agents, and they dislike that we have accused him of not only treason but also bringing the darkspawn onto the galaxy."
"So, they are not in the happiest moods. Especially after such a big failure on your joint mission," Utag added as he looked at Jane.
"It wasn't my fault!" Jane yelled.
"It was no one's fault. No one could have seen what happen to Eden Prime until it was too late," John added to placate his sister and the politicians before him. "If there is anyone to blame, it's Saren."
"But that may not matter as several advisors and lobbyists on the Citadel, along with Councilor Septimus himself, is looking for any reason to disbar Jane from the SPECTREs," Udina bluntly stated. "Just be glad we have ironclad evidence that they can't ignore, or we may not have a chance to salvage this."
"Speaking of evidence, I believe you have the Ghost Crystal filled with Nihlus's last moment and the recorded information downloaded into Jane's mind?" Utag asked with a raised hand.
"Yes, I have it right here," Anderson replied as he pulled out of his side pocket the Ghost Crystal and a data crystal the Normandy's AIs recorded. "I recommend you don't activate the Ghosting Crystal until moments before you show them the information. It's upsetting to the turians who believe their spirits can be trapped within such vessels."
"Don't worry, I have no attention of starting the next galactic war," Utag stated while Udina checked his omni-tool onboard clock.
"We have eight hours before the meeting starts. I would like to go over some things with Anderson before that time," Udina stated as he tried his best to be civil to Anderson.
"Of course, but I would like to speak with my former crew first before we discuss the hearing," Anders stated.
"This unit would also like to discuss other avenues of finding information that can be used against the Saren-SPECTRE and connections the enemy unit may have built," Legion's Shadow added.
"Very well, we'll meet in the lodge to discuss our options. We'll see you then," Ambassador Nakmor, Utag commanded before he and Udina left the room, leaving behind a large group of fighters.
"Well, that was certainly a contrast," Jane stated with an amused smile while Ashely saluted.
"Permission to speak up, ma'am? Sir?" Lieutenant Ashely William asked.
"Lieutenant, you don't need to ask. Just speak your mind when we're not trying to be diplomatic," John ordered the younger junior officer.
"Yes, sir," Lt Ashely Williams acknowledged before she spoke her opinion. "Sir, why is Ambassador Nakmor collaborating with Ambassador Udina. Wouldn't it make more sense to use one diplomat that could be more diplomatic instead of a diplomat working with that angry asshole?"
"Despite the fact I'm biting my tongue saying this, Udina has his uses," Rear Admiral Anderson stated. "Udina's blunt approach is sometimes the only way to negotiate, especially in trade and military negations."
"Plus, he helps soften up diplomats for Utag by allowing the freakishly calm pyjak of a krogan to make people agree with him. Even if it is the same deal that Udina was suggesting," Wrex added with a smirk.
"Udina-Ambassador's approach has increased favorable agreements to the Federation by seven percent. While Nakmor-Ambassador brings an additional eight percent to favorable agreements," Legion's Shadow reported with Legion-VII nodded in compliance with the information.
"But that doesn't make sense," Tali added in confusion.
"That's politics Ensign, Lieutenant," Lieutenant Kaidan Alenko pointed out.
"I hate politics and the fact it has anything to do with the military." Ashely had stated with a scold before straightening her form and saluted to Anderson, "Sir."
"And sometimes it's necessary, just tolerate it a whole lot, and you'll be fine," Anderson recommended before turning towards the others. "Now then, as you can no doubt surmise, the Council is not particularly pleased were accusing Saren of war crimes. And while we have enough to get him, I don't want to wait for his allies."
"In particular are criminal and political units here on the Citadel," Legion's Shadow reported. "While this unit may not have identified specific targets, this unit has identified one unit here on the Citadel that reports to a higher unit that is off the Citadel."
"I recommend you take care of them before the Council hearing later today," Anderson recommended to his two former subordinates.
"Recommended, sir?" Velanna asked while staying behind John.
"I've told you before the mission for Eden Prime had started that no matter the outcome, I would step down. And now it's your turn to take command after these final orders," Anderson stated as he addressed his former senior staff from the USS Normandy. "My final orders are that my former Senior Staff aboard the USS Normandy watch over our witness. While the rest of the crew goes on shore leave as technicians transfer Eliza to the USS Waterloo. So, say we all."
"So, say we all!" the Federation personnel saluted at their beloved leader's final orders.
"Then so let it be," Anderson smiled as he looked at their guests and his former crewmembers. "Go on; enjoy your time on the Citadel, for the Council will not let up when it comes time for the trial."
Two of the members looked ready to leave, but a few others did not want to go just yet. "Is there any way we can help you?" Merrill asked with a slight blush on her face.
"No, it's too risky," David Anderson had stated. "You are all valuable witnesses, and I'm sure Saren will love to make you disappear."
"If that is the case, you would have assigned guards to protect us instead of your senior staff to function as tour guards," Varric pointed out while Leliana nodded along.
"So please, let us help you nail the bastard that tried to kill us," Leliana begged.
"Otherwise, how can we enjoy being a free mage if I have to look over my shoulder," Anderson added.
Anderson ignored Anderson's comment in favor of those that begged to help his former crew. "I'm sorry, but I'm not putting people who have never seen or used a gun in the middle of a firefight. Besides, you'd be safer in the public areas with chaperons and a few guards shadowing you. Over being confined in safe houses that I'm sure the SPECTREs know about thanks to STG Intelligence. At least in the open, Saren can't attack you without it looking too suspicious for him, and it would be easier for you to escape to safety if he does try."
The Leliana, Merrill, Anderson, Sten, and Varick looked defeated or disappointed at the prospect, while Zevran nodded along. "It's for the best. While I'm skilled at what I can do, I am not sure that it would fit in your investigation. So, with no further ado, ladies and gentlemen. I leave you with a pleasant farewell," Zevran slyly smiled as he walked away as Legion's Shadow observed with mechanical interest.
Legion's Shadow returned its interest back to the group as Admiral Anderson turned towards John and Jane Shepard's group as he got to business. "Now then, with the civilians out of the way, Legion's Shadow will lay out a few avenues to peruse."
"Thank you. Anderson-Rear Admiral," Legion's Shadow nodded as it reported to the group. "There are currently three avenues to peruse. The first is to peruse Sha'ira-Consort, an asari that is considered to be many things. An oracle, a leading unit, a high priestess, a spiritual therapist, and a high price organic escort all rolled in one."
"I've heard of her," Kaidan admitted. "Some of the crew would trade two weeks of their paycheck to visit the Consort or her acolytes. Surprisingly, most of them just want to talk to her, though some of them wouldn't admit it," Kaidan added as a few organic crewmembers looked away in embarrassment.
"Sha'ira-Consort also has the ties to a lot of valuable units on the Citadel and beyond. So, at the very least, that unit can talk to the right people to ensure information normally censored would be released and vice-versa. And the asari unit may be willing to help with the investigation if allied units help with a problem that the unit is experiencing," Legion's Shadow advised the group.
"We should probably talk to her, even if her loyalties are fluid," Ashely advised.
"Very well, we'll talk to her even if it turns out to be nothing," John mused. "Any more advice that is more concrete?"
"Yes, Shepard-Captain," Legion's Shadow acknowledged. "A more credible source is the former C-Sec and FCIS liaison unit, the defective Harkin unit found in a strip club called Chora's Den."
"Harkin! You can't be serious," Anderson snarled.
"You know this unit is incapable of joking, Anderson-Admiral," Legion's Shadow answered the shocked Rear Admiral.
"But Harkin is nothing more than a drunk and a corrupt loser that should have been let go day one," Anderson growled in anger.
"A possible sound assumption, but it also is possible the organic unit may be more than perceived," Legion's Shadow pointed out. "Former Harkin-liaison was removed from duty because of the unit's criminal ties with several different organized criminal collectives on the Citadel. While that wasn't unusual, a C-Sec officer, a turian unit named Garrus Vakarian-Officer, believes one of the criminal organizations Harkin deals with has ties to Saren-SPECTRE."
"Okay, while I'm loathed to ask this, why don't we talk to this turian instead of Harkin?" Trex asked while gritting his teeth.
"Because allied FID units tasked with intercepting C-Sec communication have found out the turian unit has gone underground to investigate a case C-Sec closed. Finding the corrupted Harkin unit could either give units possible locations for the Vakarian-Officer. Or alternatively, discover information on the corrupted units the collective seeks," Legion's Shadow pointed out a revelation that shocked Tali'Zorah and Ashely to different degrees.
"Isn't spying on our supposed allies considered illegal?" William asked.
"It's illegal for their collective to spy on this unit's collective, but the collective knows the other collective does it anyway to get ahead of this unit's collective. So, the collective does the same to counter attacks in what allied units call the Game. A game every unit has to play when units first formed collective units," Legion-VII explained.
"It still doesn't make it right," Tali said under her breath.
"No, it doesn't, Ensign. But sometimes, it doesn't matter in the end. You just have to hope you don't have to make the dirty choices to survive, if not thrive," Anderson admitted. "And speaking of dirty jobs, I loathe the thought that ass Harkin being useful, but sometimes you have to win with a shitty hand."
"At least the corrupted unit won't cost a fortune to get information as opposed to the next unit," Legion's Shadow stated. "The final recommendation is a Volus unit named Barla Von-banker. A financial unit that has ties with SPECTRE units and a known information broker for the Shadow Broker."
"The Shadow Broker?" Ashely and Trex asked at the same time.
"An Information Broker of the highest level. He, she, it has been playing the Game for years. And accumulated enough agents and information that every galactic government has to play his Game," Anderson explained to the group.
"For the right price, an individual can get any source of information from him," Tali stated with a nervous twirl of her fingers. "When my people were wandering the stars during our exile from our homeworld, they often dealt with the Shadow Broker for information. Such as the locations of empty systems to strip down to keep my people alive. Of course, we also knew that the Shadow Broker stole a few pieces of technology we salvage or made as well to sell to others."
"Which makes it a burden dealing with the Shadow Broker," Legion's Shadow explained. "That unit has agents everywhere and is able to collect vital information. Forcing collective governments to either pay to keep it hidden or to acquire it. The unit must be extremely wealthy with the standoff between the Union of Federations and Citadel Council collectives."
"Aye, and he doesn't take betrayal well," Wrex whistled with a smile. "Some of my best-paying jobs when I was mercenary were to execute those that betrayed him."
"So, we have a high-class consular slash whore, a sleazebag, a hothead cop, and an information broker. So many great choices," Jane said with sarcasm. "Well, I will talk to the Consort and Harkin since I do have more tact than my dear brother."
"I'll deal with Barla Von and C-Sec to possibly find anything about Garrus if Harkin is less reliable than Anderson's indicated," John nodded to Anderson.
"Sound like you're ready to face the world," Anderson added with a smile. "Then I will take my leave. Good luck."
Soon Anderson and Legion's Shadow left the group alone in the office as the group decided on how to split up their teams. "I'll take Lieutenant Commander Velanna and Lieutenant Kaidan, Legion-VII and Trex. You take Lieutenant Ashely Williams and Ensign Tali'Zorah nar Normandy."
"And me," Wrex stepped up and volunteer. "No way am I going to miss seeing both Shepards in action. And since I've seen the Captain at work, it's time to see how the Commander does it."
"But sir, wouldn't that put you at unnecessary risk? You are the leader of the Krogan Clan Alliance!" Jane exclaimed as Wrex laugh.
"Do you know how long it has been since I got to kill anything? At least a decade since the last time I went through the Rite of Succession. If you think I am going to let this slip by, then you have another thing coming."
"Does that mean you're in command, sir?" Jane asked while Trex cursed his luck in missing the chance to see Wrex at work.
"Nope, you are. I am sick of ruling over hotheads, so I leave it to you. Think of this as me going through the Rite of Succession early," Wrex explained as the other's eyes widen.
The Rite of Succession was a new tradition started by the Krogans to decide who the Krogan Clan Alliance's Supreme Commander can be. It is a long, grueling three-part ritual that determines if one is worthy of ruling the Krogan Clan Alliance. Starting with the first ritual, making do with what they can on their own. Basically, live without access to any form of wealth accumulated to learn what it is like to be the poorest of krogans looking for work and whether government welfare programs are needed or not. And every krogan who wants the position or has it must perform the Rite of Succession every ten years, and it's Wrex time again.
"We can work out a mercenary contract later as I dump… I mean acquiesce my workload to the Clan Heads. Until it is official, and afterward, I expect you to treat me like one of your subordinates," Wrex added with a smirk. While the two human siblings looked at each other with worry.
Finally, Jane accepted there was no stopping as she consented to Wrex's request. "I'll try to keep that in mind," Jane added as a swirl of uneasiness in commanding the man who leads the Krogans.
She quickly swallowed her fear as John ordered them to move out to complete their first mission without the old man over them. Jane was exceedingly nervous as they took the first steps to greater Presidium itself.
Location: Serpent Nebula/Window/Citadel/Presidium: Park and Consort Offices
Human Date: February 5, 2183
To say the Presidium was beautiful was an understatement of galactic proportions. For as far as the eye could see was stunning architecture and a large lake/canal in the center of the Presidium. Surrounded by flora native to every corner of the galaxy. An attractive design that was not what the Protheans intended but did not stop the current natives in their pursuit to convey beauty beyond one's dreams. The most beautiful area within the Presidium was a garden right before the offices of the Consort.
Built as a symbol of beauty and unity that litter asari philosophy, the garden was made up of several different flowerbeds large enough to walk through. Each bed represented individual homeworlds of a spacefaring species. Each flowerbed was filled with a dozen different species of flowers/equivalent found on said planet. Jane smiled at the smell of lavender and honeysuckle mixed in the air as the group walked through the archway into the Consort lobby. A beautiful room filled with long couches, chairs, and Jacuzzis. Most of which were occupied by clients of various species and acolytes. Mostly asari with the odd human female and rare female from other species working just as hard as the asari acolytes.
At the very front of the room was a reception with the holographic plaque inscribed with the name 'Acolyte Nelyna.' A perky asari with bluish dark skin with white paint on her face. She was a beauty that conveyed enough sexuality to match her flimsy dress. She gave a charming smile to newcomers as she pulled up the Consort's schedule.
"Hello, my name is Nelyna, an Acolyte to the Consort. I don't recognize you as one of our expected clients today. Especially important people like Commander Shepard and the Supreme Commander of the Krogans. Would you like to schedule an appointment?"
"Can't I just go in?" Jane asked with curiosity.
"Hm, I'm afraid not," Nelyna admitted though she was tempted by such handsome/beautiful people from their respective species. "You must understand that many seek the Consort services, but only a few actually get to meet with her. In fact, most of our clients here today are only here to see our acolytes while waiting a few months to actually meet her."
"Wait a few months to meet someone? What makes the Consort so special?" Jane asked the 'young' asari before her.
"Well, the Consort is a remarkable woman that is difficult to explain," Nelyna admitted nervously. "She's many things to many people and something different for each. Some seek her for advice, some seek her entertainment, and others seek her for pleasure. Most of the time, our clients don't realize what they are seeking until she provides it to them."
"You make it sound like she's some kind of Oracle like the ones found in Ancient Greek mythology," Ashely pointed out.
Nelyna shook her head in amusement for answers, "Not in the usual sense. She's merely a woman. A woman with remarkable skill, kindness, and a very generous spirit."
"And you're her followers?" Tali asked with a blush as she noticed an acolyte was getting close to one of the clients in a sensational way.
"In a sense, yes," Nelyna admitted. "We all felt a calling to the Consort, and we accept all walks of life, even occasionally female members from other species. Though it does appear humans are becoming more common, I guess your species are really spreading your wings," Nelyna added with a wink before she continued the conversation.
"As Acolytes, we learn under the Consort various different aspects of her craft. Though we acolytes often focus on a single aspect like singing, dancing, playing games, being conversationalist, and even provide pleasure."
"And what's your specialty?" Wrex asked with a smirk.
One Nelyna returned, "My specialty is touch. My fingertips can find every tension point in your body and… relieve it."
"I think I may want to try such service," Wrex laughed in response as Nelyna exclaimed in excitement.
"Excellent, we'll add you to the client list and hopefully see you in a month."
Wrex lost his job as he stated, "You can't be serious. No woman is worth that long of a wait to relieve stress."
"Oh, if you think that's bad, then you should see the waitlist for the Consort. It's three to four months long," Wrex explained to the shocked group. "Regardless, I'll add you to both client lists, and I'll add you as well, Commander, and you should hear back from us."
"Um… great, I guess," Jane added while unsure if she should since she is not usually interested in women, but let it go as she had a job to do. "But I actually want to talk to the Consort now," Jane had stated as she leaned over to give the acolyte charming smile. "I heard she has been experiencing trouble, and I am good at helping people. So, I was hoping to trade one favor for another."
"I don't know. She's very busy and may not have the time to meet strangers…" Nelyna started off but stopped as her desk beeped.
Soon a beautiful voice called out behind the speakers on Nelyna's desk, "Nelyna."
"Yes, Sha'ira," Nelyna replied.
"Send the Commander up; I wish to speak with her," Sha'ira commanded as off in the distance, a screen door closes, as though someone was spying on them.
"Yes, of course, Consort," Nelyna bowed before she turned to them with a smile as the sound of footsteps echoed through the walls. "Looks like the Consort will meet with you after all."
"Thank you, Nelyna," Jane had bowed in response.
"Just don't have too much fun up there," Nelyna winked at a confused human before directing Jane to the entrance to the Consort offices.
The group was about to go with Jane, but Nelyna stopped them with her words, "I am sorry, but the Consort only wants to talk to the Commander at this time. If you follow me. Me, and my fellow acolytes, we'll make sure the rest of you are comfortable," Nelyna told Jane's companions.
"Do I have to meet her alone?" Jane asked with a raised eyebrow.
"No offense Shepard, but the feeling I'm getting from my mother's bones tells me this is something we should not intrude on. We'll see you when you're done with the hot asari waiting for you upstairs," Wrex laughed as he followed two lovely asari along with Tali'Zorah and Ashley Williams, leaving Jane alone.
Jane sighed as she moved through the screen door that led to not only a hallway of rooms where the Acolytes could sleep but a set of stairs to another room. A large room filled with everything needed to entrained guests for every kind of party, including the adult ones. For some reason, Jane felt like her entire body perspired as she stared into the back of a very beautiful asari in a red and blue skintight slip dress that exposed her back and midsection.
The baby blue matriarch with a dark scalp seemed to have psychic powers when she ordered Shepard to stop when she stepped onto the carpet floor. "That's close enough, Commander. I've heard a great many things about you even before you came to the Citadel."
Jane felt like butterflies as she stood with confidence, "Then you know why I am here."
"Of course, you need help against Saren's allies, and you're hoping I can help you if you do me a favor," the Consort smiled as she turned to face Jane with a smile. Brilliant blue eyes stared into Jane's powerful green eyes, "And I can offer you some aid. In fact, the favor I ask will lead you to the very things your search for."
"And what is the favor?" Jane asked as Sha'ira came closer.
The Consort loved how nervous she made Jane feel as she rubbed her cheek affectionately, "There is a turian named Septimus Oraka. He's a retired General who had seen too much action and needs my help to put it to rest. I won't go into specific details, but I couldn't be what he wanted me to be and is now drinking his trouble away in Chora's Den while spreading vicious lies about me."
"So, you want me to talk to him?" Jane asked as the Consort let her hand fall.
"I want to appeal to him as a fellow soldier with honor. Convince him to stop spreading lies about me." The Consort had stated before she moved in close with a very affectionate hug to whisper into Jane's ear, "If you do this for me, I will be… very grateful."
Jane unintentionally shivered as she pushed the Consort gently away. The Consort gave a hurt and yet understanding smile as she allowed Jane to ask her question in a more comfortable position, for now. "And this will lead me to the evidence I need against Saren?"
The Consort gave a knowing smile in return, "Let's just say Chora's Den is more than just a strip club."
"Then I will do this favor for you," Jane acknowledged as Sha'ira returned the smile.
"Thank you, Commander. I appreciate it. Now could you please leave me? I have many clients waiting for me," Sha'ira directed Jane to the exit, and Jane did not look a gift horse in the mouth as she hightailed it out of there.
Jane was down the stairs into the lobby to find a contented Wrex, a smiling Ashely Williams that was listening to the asari equivalent to Ulysses's Odyssey, which lacked in the blood department and focused more understandings one's place and unity. Jane did not care as she called for them to leave, "Wrex, Ash, Tali, it's time to go."
Wrex groaned as he got up, thanking the girl for her services as he followed the human with equally reluctant, satisfied girls as they followed the Commander out. Wren gave a toothy smile as he asked, "So, Shepard, did you enjoy the visit?"
"No," Jane had stated rather quickly.
"So, you didn't get anything out of it?" Wrex asked with a knowing smile as Jane growled.
"Outside of being embarrassed, I did get something out of it, information that this Chora's Den is more than just some strip club," Jane stated as she pulled out her omni-tool, leaving a message to John and telling him her team was heading to Chora's Den.
After a quick call, Wrex could not let it go, "So you want to go now, or do you want to talk to some of the higher-class ladies for a while?"
Tali'Zorah nar Normandy actually blushed a bright reddish-purple while Ashely Williams sighed in annoyance. Jane looks exhausted as she exclaimed, "I hope you're not saying what I think you're saying. For if you are insinuating that I will punch you in the nose! I am not the type to go to someone's bed due to attraction and… and I'm not one to do so with another girl… at least usually," Jane whispered quietly to herself. "Now let's go, we don't have all day, and I had rather not spend the rest of our eight hours here arguing."
Location: Serpent Nebula/Window/Citadel/Presidium: Market Place
Human Date: February 5, 2183
In another part of the clean and beautiful Presidium was the marketplace filled with banks, shops, and various kiosks. While not as numerous shops as marketplaces found in the Wards, their merchandise was generally exotic and expensive since their customers ranged from the rich to those whose organizations fronted the bill. And the most expensive and most reliable services available came from a bank run and owned by Barla Von.
Barla Von was a volus, a vertically challenged species with short stubby limbs and a body as round as a bowling ball. An unintimidating species with its drooping cheeks seen through high-pressure suits. Suites designed to allow them to breathe in their ammonia-based atmosphere with a simulated high-pressure environment needed to survive without expanding like a popped balloon. They are not a species meant to fight, but that did not stop them from dominating galactic markets. Moreover, Barla Von was one of the most successful, and his suit showed it. He was dressed best as a high-class businessman in an expensive black pressure suit with green and gold stripes on his suit.
He was ensuring his customers were happy when he noticed a group of well-armed individuals made up of members of the Federation. He knew he had to give his best presentation as he greeted his guest, "Ah, greeting Captain John Shepard."
"You know who I am?" John asked.
"Of course, one does not work in the circles I do without knowing who the important people are. Whether they are politicians, Generals, Counselors, SPECTREs, or members of the First Battalion. And you're one of the most famous members, with a reputation that dwarfs even your sister in some respects, despite her being the SPECTRE candidate in the Council's efforts to bring you back into the fold," Barla Von pointed out.
"Then you must know why we are here, as an Agent of the Shadow Broker?" John asked as Barla Von blinked in exclamation before he shook his head.
"You're very blunt, Captain. But you are right. I do work for the Shadow Broker, and I do have the information you want on Saren and his allies."
"What's the price for such vital information?" Legion-VII asked.
"Normally, such information would cost a large sum of credits, but the Shadow Broker is feeling very… generous, so the tip is free," Barla Von stated as he pulled up the necessary information.
"The information is free? That does not comply with what this unit knows about the Shadow Broker," Legion-VII stated.
"Unless there is something, he gets out of it," Velanna suggested before Trex asked the man the question they were all thinking.
"And what is the catch for such valuable information?"
"No catch. The Shadow Broker isn't very happy with Saren at the moment, and any information that would hurt him would be a plus to him," Barla Von explained to the group. "The man you want to speak to is Fist. He's a local Crime Boss that has been dealing with Saren to supply a large number of things like weapons, tech, chemicals, and people, both as personnel and slaves," Barla Von added, getting a twitch from the group, especially John and Velanna.
"Do you know where this Fist is?" John practically growled at the diminutive volus.
"No clue. Fist owns over a dozen legit businesses procured thanks to an exchange of hands, both legal and of questionable legality. That is not including the dozen or more warehouses or hideouts he can stay hidden in if things go south. He is not exactly stupid," Barla Von explained to the group. "However, a four-man bounty hunter squad known as Death Hand hired by the Shadow Broker was able to track him down. But was arrested on the job and will not reveal his location in fear of losing their contract. Inform them that they will be paid in full if they provide the information, and you should have a direct line to Fist."
"Thank you for the information," John stated before he turned around with his group, not noticing Barla Von was eye smiling.
"The pleasure was all mine, Captain John Shepard."
Location: Serpent Nebula/Window/Citadel/Wards: Chora's Den
Human Date: February 5, 2183
The Wards are the true heart of the Citadel for the average citizen. While the decisions and actions of the people on the Presidium and the Citadel Tower affect the galaxy as a whole, the Wards are where the average person lives, and it showed. Every inch of the place was crowded, with people from all forms of life and all walks of life. At least that was true for the main hallways. Some areas were deprived of crowds since few go for being uninteresting or shady. Such as the maintenance areas found in the back alleys of the Wards and the entrance to an out-of-the-way striper club called Chora's Den.
Chora's Den was a small, sleazy bar that used primarily young asari strippers to attract customers of drooling men and some women. Stripers whose only protection, supposedly, is a dozen different guards, including a vicious-looking krogan bouncer in high-grade mercenary armor. Guards ready to kick out any drunks that caused the owner any troubles. They were also there to question heavily armed personnel, such as Jane and her team.
"Hold human. What business does the Federation have with this establishment?" asked one of the guards at the entrance.
"I am here at the request of the Consort to talk to one Septimus Oraka. I'm also looking for a human named Harkin. We have some questions for him," Jane explained to the group.
"Ah…" the krogan bodyguard nodded as he pulled up a list of clients from his omni-tool. "Well, the General is inside if you wish to talk to him. As for Harkin, he left a while ago. You can go in, as long as you don't pull out your weapons."
"Thank you, we'll be quick," Jane stated, just as she walked in while Ashely Williams looked disgusted at what was called a bar.
"A million miles away from Earth, and instead of the final frontier, there is a bar filled with half-naked women shaking their asses on a dancing pole," Ashely Williams stated while Wrex laughed.
"That's how you know we've entered civilization! By walking into a bar filled with strippers!"
"Please don't make such a joke, or the three of us will beat the crap out of you," Jane stated while Wrex continued to laugh, and Tali'Zorah tugged onto Jane's side.
"Commander, I think that is the turian we seek," Tali pointed to a tall, brown turian sitting in a private booth, alone and not even looking at the patrons and strippers around him.
"Yep, that's our man, let's go," Jane ordered as her team followed, not realizing a perky redhead waitress and a female human reporter of Asian descent were keeping their eyes on them as Jane's team walked toward Septimus.
The former Turian General was a drunk, but a handsome drunk, for a turian. He had a well-kept body under a tidy uniform that was sleeker than even the servers in this bar. His orange eyes were steady as the white face paint on his flat face twitched in annoyance as the man watched another girl was treated with disrespect, at least in his mind. The long fangs on his face popped open as he sighed in exasperation in his empty cup when he noticed he had company.
Septimus's posture stiffened as he greeted his fellow military officer and spoke with a smoother tone that hid the swirls in his voice, "Commander, well, this is interesting. Please have a seat, and please shut the door. I'm not one for heavy beat music."
"Or Strippers, by the looks of it," Jane pointed out. "Which makes me wonder, why come here when there are other bars to go to?"
"Besides the fact this place has some of the best drinks," Septimus asked with an amused smile. "It's because I came here to forget about her." Septimus sighed as he leaned forward, "I've done a lot of horrible things in my day, and there is only one woman in this damned galaxy that helped me forget it!" Septimus practically yelled as he slumped down.
He stirred sadly into his drink when a cute redhead in skintight clothing walked in with a glass filled with a silvery drink, "Here's your drink General."
"Thank you, Jenna," Septimus smiled as he accepted his drink.
Jenna returned his smile as she gave a slight bow. "Would your guest like anything to drink? We have a wide selection of drinks for every species. Even batarian, quarian, and krogan drinks if you like."
"None for me, thanks," Jane stated as her fellow soldiers also waved Rita off while Wrex just smiled.
"I have a mug of Ryncol. If you, have it?" Wrex asked as he smiled at the girl.
"One mug of Ryncol coming up," Jenna jolted before she walked out of the room.
Just as Septimus took a sip of his drink before he set it down, "Ah, that's the stuff. Now, what were we talking about?"
"Well, I was about to ask why are you spreading lies about her if she is so important to you?" Tali asked the man quietly as she took a trip down memory lane. The turian, even drunk, made her think of her father and other members of her family with how reposed and powerful he was.
A thought broken as Septimus yelled, "Because she rejected me, me! Septimus Oraka, General of the Turian Army!"
"That's rough," Ashely Williams stated before moving in for the kill. "But surely to take this route isn't going to fix the problem or make it better. And certainly, it's not the honorable route to take," Ashley added as she spat out 'honorable.'
"Look, kid, I know what you're trying to do, but I don't need a speech or a sermon to get myself together or tell me what I did is wrong. I just… I don't know what I need. Just something to fill the hole that was my heart," Septimus sighed as he stirred his drink just as Jenna came in with a twenty-ounce glass mug of green liquid that could kill anyone but a krogan.
"One mug of Ryncol," Jenna smiled as she handed the krogan his mug. "Are you sure none of you want anything else?"
"No, but thank you," Jane stated as Wrex took a big gulp of his drink.
Jenna gave a small smile and quickly left as Ashley stared with suspicious brown eyes. As her eyes darting to Wrex's mug and back to the girl while Jane moved back to her conversation with the former General.
"Well, General, it sounds like you just lost a battle in a long war we call one's life. And while it may hurt right now, you know it's not over. So, what do you say to your men to get them back up to fighting shape so you can win a war?"
"War," Septimus roared with a bit of humor in his voice. "That's what it feels like. How did it come to this?" Septimus asked as she looked at the drink in his hand.
"I guess heartbreak is much like war," Jane stated. "But that's still doesn't answer my question. What do you tell them?"
"I tell them life is not fair, but we have a duty to protect what we care about most. Then help them stand on their own two feet so they can walk the path of a good soldier," Septimus stated as he leaned back. "So, you think it's that easy, just stand up and walk like a soldier?"
"It certainly is less pathetic than just drinking this swill all day in some back-alley bar," Wrex grunted as he took another large gulp of his drink.
"Alright, I'll do it. Once, I have a cold shower or two," Septimus admitted as he remembered something. "By the way, would you mind doing me a favor?"
"Depends on the favor," Jane told Septimus, who smiled in response.
"There is an Elcor Diplomate by the name of Xeltan, who believes Shira gave up his secrets."
"Why would he think such a thing?" Tali asked.
"Because I've told him," Septimus admitted. "Look, I just need you to convince him of the truth with this." The General then handed them a datapad. "Take this datapad. It shows my information. It will exonerate Shira and convince the elcor."
"Thank you, General," Jane stated as she uploads the information to CID, who will send agents to tell the elcor at their embassy of what really happen and that the Consort did not betray him.
"Well then, here's to soldiers acting like soldiers," Septimus saluted as he took one last gulp. He smiled as Jenna made her back in.
"Oh, General, I see you're done with your drink early. Would you like another?" Jenna asked.
"No, I'm heading out to get my life back on track, but thank you," Septimus told the young woman with a charming smiled that broke hearts.
Jenna returned the smile as she turned to face the others, "Would you like a refill of your drink? Um… Mr. Krogan? And would the others wish to make an order?"
"I like to make an order in you telling me why you're spying on us," Ashely growled as she spun out of her chair to grab Jenna and point her rapid-fire, Federation issue, M-5 Phalanx pistol to the woman's side.
Jenna silently shrieked in fear as Septimus jumped up with his own M-9 Tempest. A machine gun pistol that resembled one of Earth's Ak-47 machine-gun, except it is half its length. "What are you doing?"
"This girl was spying on us," Ashely growled as Jenna began to pale considerably. "One of my sisters worked as a cocktail waitress, so I know enough about the job and the regulation most stores have their workers abide by to know you were acting suspiciously. I saw this girl rush past three customers after delivering our drinks instead of getting their orders or just telling them you be with them in a minute. She then activated her omni-tool and seemed to be listening in a secluded place behind the bar that only a few could see. And unfortunately for her, I was one of those people.
"I also notice that mug you used for Wrex's drink. It has a plastic holder underneath it, while the other customers are just plain, naked glass mugs that have not even an ounce of plastic on them. If I was a betting woman, I bet that's where you planted the listening device, and you were listening in on us."
Jenna shook in fear as the others turned to Wrex, who quickly finished his drink before smashing the mug. The shattered glass gave way to the plastic holder to reveal a listening chip planed right at the bottom, concealed. Wrex picked it up to examine it up close, "Well, would you look at that. One listening device. I guess you were right. Though I think we would appreciate it if you told us your suspicions sooner, Lieutenant."
"I didn't want to tip her off, sir," Ashely replied as she pressed the gun closer into the scared girl's side while Jane stared at her while silently stating, 'We'll talk later.'
The others stared as Septimus lowered his gun to ask the girl, "Why, Jenna? Why?"
"It wasn't my idea to plant bugs on customer drinks," Jenna quickly stated in a panic.
"Then who did?" Jane asked.
"C-Sec," Jenna slowly admitted. "I am an informant for C-Sec with two officers ready to save me if it comes to it." Jenna looked over to the two turians sitting at the booth. Jane did not need her omni-tool to confirm they were C-Sec officers as Ashely William pulled away from her pistol.
"Why is C-Sec spying on us?" Tali asked with a nervous tap.
"They're not spying on you specifically. More like they are spying on this bar," Jenna admitted.
"Why?" Jane asked.
"The bar is not just a bar, but a front to a corrupt man named Fist. He is the current rising kingpin, and C-Sec wanted to clip his wings before he makes any more headway."
"Hence why a nice girl like you is in this joint instead of anywhere else," Wrex growled, as Septimus looked shocked he was drinking in a place owned by a criminal.
Ashely Williams was not convinced of the sincerity of the woman, "That still doesn't explain why you spied on us."
"There a rumor going around that Fist has powerful SPECTRE friend. And since you were investigating Saren, they wanted me to see if he's the SPECTRE Fist befriended. Hence the bug," Jenna nervously smiled in response.
Jenna then felt relief as Jane revealed she believed her, "So Fist is the criminal that reports to Saren. Looks like the Consort stating we don't have to look far taking her question was true after all."
"Saren, as in Saren Arterius?" Septimus asked as those from the Federation were forced to answer yes to the growling general. "That entire family has always been trouble. His father being the warmonger that started the brief war between the Humans and us, and his children were the worst. If they weren't such a prominent family, I would have been able to kick them out of the military."
"Wished you did, then we wouldn't have to deal with Saren," Ashely Williams. "At least we have a more solid lead now, and we don't have to deal with Harkin since he is not here."
"But Harkin is still here," Jenna stated with confusion. "In fact, they took him to the backroom after a turian in C-Sec armor wailed on him for information."
That caused the Federation soldiers to stiffen as they visual scanned the bartender, the bouncers, and guards that litter the room. Their eyes meet them as if they knew the soldiers were onto them. Moreover, they knew the First Battalion knew they were onto them as both moved their hands closer to their primary weapons. Both sides only need a moment's notice before Cora's Den became a battlefield.
Location: Serpent Nebula/Window/Citadel/Wards
Human Date: February 5, 2183 (Ten Minutes Earlier)
Meanwhile, in another part of the Wards was a small medical clinic not far from the beaten path, owned and run by a single human doctor. It was a simple clinic with its lobby and a single medical room with three bio-beds seen through a currently transparent glass window from the lobby. A place that would be unremarkable compared to most clinics if it were not for two things. One was that the pale skin doctor that ran it, Dr. Chloe Michel, was one of the best doctors found on the Citadel. The second was that the forty-something woman with pale green eyes and pale bowl-cut red hair was alone with four armed thugs threatening her.
"Please, you don't have to do this!" yelled the doctor in the pink and white jumpsuit. Her body was shaking as she backed up against the glass window while the thugs moved closer. "I won't tell anyone I saw him! I swear!"
"That's a good doc, but our boss doesn't want to take any risks," one of the two human thugs told the scared woman.
"Just be glad you're just being taken to be our main doctor since our usual methods to ensure others being quiet…" the turian thug tailed off when he noticed the door open and a large group of two humans, an elf, a krogan, and a turian. In a flash, he took the doctor hostage as his gun was pointed at the heavily armed group.
He did not realize it was a member of the First Battalion and a CSEC Officer when he demanded answers, "Who are you?"
"Let her go," John demanded with his own pistol pointed at them.
However, the turian thug did not have a chance to comply when a second turian armed with the M-77 Paladin appeared from the open door and opened fire. One shot was enough to penetrate the civilian-grade kinetic barrier, killing the man as the doctor ran to safety. The turian, Garrus Vakarian, walked with his Phaeston assault rifle. A predator-looking assault rifle with a Heavy Barrel sticking out of the center of its mechanical opening shaped like a beak.
A dangerous-looking gun made the thugs back up until one felt an electrical omni-tool blade sticking out of a salarian thug as Legion-VII decloaked from behind the thug. The last two thugs did not have a chance to comprehend what happened when the glass window in front of them was shattered from Velanna with her N7 Variant and Kaidan N7 Valkyrie. The bullets hit their target as their corpses hit the ground, dead. The battle was over as Garrus stood in front of the doctor while greeting his helpers.
"Perfect timing, Captain. Your distraction allowed me to get the bastard," Garrus smiled as he approached the group. "Though it does bring up the question of why you're here?"
"We're here for the same reason you are here, Fist and his connection to Saren," John stated as he walked forward while being flank by Trex and Kaidan as Velanna and Legion-VII secured the entrance.
"And how would you know that?" Garrus asked as he stood a bit on edge.
"The same reason you did," John stated. "You and your turian friend Chellick have arrested the bounty hunter squad Death Hand and interrogated them. During your interrogation, you'd learned that they were after Fist for the Shadow Broker and how they plan to discover Harkin's location. A doctor who treated him a week ago for wounds received by a now destroyed gang. Chellick was forced to agree to tell us where you were when you told him your progress."
Recall: Serpent Nebula/Widow/Citadel: C-Sec Headquarters
Human Date: February 5, 2183
Deep within the offices of C-Sec passed Captain Decian Chellick, a thin turian with blue face paint around his silver scales and green eyes. Chellick received word that members of the Union of Federations have gotten permission to interrogate the bounty hunters he and Garrus questioned earlier. He waited patiently as a large group of soldiers appeared. He sighed as he faced the group with a forced smile, "Awe, Captain, how can I help you?"
"You can help us by telling us where Garrus is, and we know you know, don't insult our intelligence," John Shepard told the tired Turian.
"Honestly, Captain, I don't know where he is," Chellick stated.
"But you know where the organic could have gone, Chellick-Captain," Legion-VII theorized.
"I have no idea where he-" Chellick when he was interrupted by a call from the man he tried to protect.
"Chellick, this Garrus, I'm sorry to call you, but Fist's men are going to adduct the doctor I warned you about. Please send some officers over. I don't care how, Garrus out."
Chellick cursed as Trex smirked at the turian. "So, you don't know where he is, huh." Trex had added, sarcastically, before he asked, "Do we need to talk to your supervisor about a possibly illegal investigation, or are you going to take us to Garrus and this doctor?"
Chellick sighed as he looked up; "Follow me," as he picked up his weapons and led them to the small medical clinic.
End Recall
He noticed the familiar turian, and Garrus winced, "Sorry, Chellick, for getting you involved."
"At least now you owe me one," Chellick sighed as Velanna approached the good doctor.
"Are you alright, Dr. Michel?" Velanna asked.
"I'm fine, thanks to you and Garrus," Dr. Michel smiled with more confidence.
"So, what happened here, and why are Fist's men after you?" Kaidan asked.
"It started a week ago when I was brought to a patient's residence to treat them for a shotgun wound to the ribs. I didn't know until after I treated the man that it was Fist, the local crime lord. He then told me in no uncertain terms that if I talked, his friends in C-Sec would kill me. So, I kept my mouth shut, figuring the worst they would do to me is blackmail me into treating his men. But it appears he has other plans for me that I don't think I would not like too much."
"No, you won't, but I can provide you protection if you tell us where he's hiding out," John told the woman as she looked uncertain before she gave in.
"Fist is hiding in a local Stripper Club known as Chora's Den. Last I heard, he is still there planning something big,"
"We must go after him. If he still has ties with that traitor Saren, then he must be brought to justice before he enacts his plan!" Garrus growled.
"Commander Jane Shepard should be there already; we'll call her to give her a heads-up," John stated as he pulled up his omni-tool while Chellick followed suit.
"I'll do the same. I have two officers watching over my informant there." Chellick then made a call, a call no one was picking up. "That's odd; someone should have picked it up by now."
It was then when John made contact, "Commander, this is Captain John Shepard. Heads up, Fist is hiding in Chora's Den, and there are C-Sec agents there looking out for an informant. Rendezvous at these coordinates, and we'll engage in full force."
"A little too late for that plan!" yelled Jane through the communicator as the group heard gunfire and explosions in the background. "We need help, big brother. We're pinned down protecting civvies and a C-Sec informant. Some of the thugs have military-grade weapons and shields, and they killed the two C-Sec Officers stationed here. I appreciated it if you get here as soon as you can!"
"We're on our way, Captain John Shepard out," John disconnected his communicator as he turned to the group. "You heard her. Jane's team is being pinned down and needs assistance. Let's move out."
"Wait, I'm coming with you," Garrus stated as he stepped up. "You'll need help navigating this place, and I know a shortcut to Chora's Den. Plus, you saw I'm an excellent shot, and I'm even better with my sniper rifle," Garrus added as he indicated to the folded M-97 Viper, a high-power sniper rifle, on his back.
"Very well, but I will leave you behind if you slow us down," John stated as Garrus nodded with understanding.
He then turned to Chellick to ask, "Chellick, are you coming?"
Chellick shook his head 'no,' "Someone has to call this in Garrus to get C-Sec rolling, and I am the higher rank agent. It has to be me." Chellick sighed as he looked at Garrus, "Get Jenna out of there safely. I promised I would protect her when she became my informant, and I'd rather not be made into a liar."
"Don't worry, I will," Garrus stated before he turned to John, giving a firm nod before he ran out, followed closely by the members of the First Battalion as they ran to Chora's Den.
Finally done, in time for Legendary Edition to come out, though it was more to explain that this story will not be an overpowered humanity story. I hope you enjoy it. Also, I am pleased to reintroduce Lieutenant James Reed, Leaf Ranger's OC, possibly the only other OC introduced until the Reaper War outside of Jane's mother XO. If anyone has any idea for any alien species, please send it via review or PM.
Author Note
A) If this were a game instead of a story, you could choose to hunt for Saren's allies or not as you have enough evidence to show Saren is guilty but will lose one or more of your witnesses in an ambush set up by Fist. You will then go after Fist after the trial but skip Harkin and Barla Von. Garrus will meet with you after the Council meeting to give you the information. Though he will not join up without a high enough paragon/renegade persuasion score. Also, not taking the quest earlier will mean you miss some xp and dialogue choices.
Character Stats
Name and Rank: Officer Garrus Vakarian
Species: turian
Class: combat soldier (tech)
Melee Weapon: molecular bladed knife
Grenades: homing grenades
Kinetic Weapons: Phaeston (heavy barrel), M-77 Paladin, & M-97 Viper (heavy barrel & thermal scope)
Ammo: armor-piercing rounds