CHAPTER 22:
THE DUST SETTLES
Glowing blue eyes, clearly synthetic replacements, watched the dying sun's surface ripple. The eyes were set in the aged face of a man who, even at his age, was handsome. He'd even been mistaken for a clone of Martin Sheen more than once, something that flattered him. Sat in a chair, watching the sun, glancing occasionally at many holographic displays.
To the vast majority of the galaxy, he was known as the Illusive Man, the leader of Cerberus. Years ago, he was a human mercenary, Jack Harper. A cold and calculating mind behind an affable and suave exterior. Someone who believed with the utmost conviction that he knew what was best for humanity.
His eyes flickered to one particular feed. Over and over again, the same person, on the Citadel, on Noveria, on Feros, on every place that Cerberus had contacts in that Commander Shepard and her crew recently visited. Not Shepard herself, though she had been on his radar for some time, after she struck a blow to his organisation. He felt she would be better as an ally than an enemy, even if only an ally of convenience, and he had a number of plans in place to bring about such an outcome.
No, the subject of his scrutiny was Harry Potter.
Jack Harper had learned of the wizards long ago, and of that damned cult. He'd allied himself with at least two of the sects, with one being one of the more prominent ones. They claimed that Potter's advent would see the return of magic to humanity.
Harper knew better than to simply order Potter snatched. That would backfire rather badly. He knew that Potter had the allegiance of Wotan, and one simply did not oppose Wotan like this without a plan. In fact, it would be better to allow Potter to feel safe, to become complacent, so that when the time came, they could bring him and his Quarian girlfriend in.
Harper wasn't actually that xenophobic per se. He didn't want extermination of the aliens, just humanity at the top, where it belonged. He honestly thought the relationship between the two of them was actually rather sweet, in a perverse way. A shame it would not last, given the way the galaxy was at the moment.
He did have his agents at the Citadel obtain cell samples by any means necessary. A blood test at a hospital here. A stolen toothbrush there. Subtle, furtive, and less likely to draw attention than kidnapping him outright.
He did have to cover himself with his allies in the cults. They'd want to kidnap him outright. Idiots. Fanatics were useful, but in the right circumstances. Harper knew he would catch hell from them afterwards, but he cared little. So he helped the System Alliance in their keeping Potter to the shadows. For now, anyway.
But soon, he knew the time was coming when Shepard, Potter, Wotan, and the Alliance would need Cerberus' help. Their misguided morality would mean nothing during a time of war, especially during a war of shadows, of knives in the dark. The Council may bestow favours onto humanity, but you could not trust them or their client races one iota. The Reapers were coming, and while their advent would be a disaster, Jack Harper saw opportunity in that crisis to come…
"Excuse me?" Jeanne asked. "I'm not sure I heard you correctly. Did you just say you were going to declare that Sovereign was a Geth ship?"
"If I may be allowed to continue, perhaps I could explain our rationale for such a course of action, Commander," Councillor Tevos said.
Harry scoffed. He and Tali were standing a little behind Jeanne at a conference table in one of the few intact rooms in the Citadel Tower, along with the others. It had been a few days since Sovereign fell, days filled with frantic search and rescue.
Jeanne nodded eventually, and Tevos said, "Please keep this in mind, what is more believable? That there is an armada of ancient, sentient spaceships, hibernating in the dark spaces outside of this galaxy, hellbent on wiping out all sentient life in the galaxy, or that the Geth developed such a craft as their trump card? But keep in mind, this is only the official, public story. It's one palatable enough to spur the people of the galaxy into accepting any kind of military build-up. Thanks to your foresight, we have managed to bring Vigil back online, and we are currently questioning it for every scrap of intelligence regarding the Reapers, how they wiped out the Protheans, and so on. In addition, we are following up on Wotan's leads."
"An STG team has been already dispatched to Mnemosyne," Valern said. "As Wotan suggested, we are using remote probes, just in case."
Sparatus shook his head. "Reapers…I would have loved to have dismissed that claim. This is insanity, and yet, we are living in it. However, the military build-up, for now, has to be kept relatively low-key, until we find further intelligence and proof of the Reapers, and that Sovereign was not an isolated threat. Otherwise, the people we represent will dismiss it out of hand, and we risk war with more belligerent groups in the galaxy. And I don't mean just dead Reapers as far as proof is concerned. We need to know that they are a clear and present danger beyond Sovereign."
"I presume that will be my mission? Finding more proof?" Jeanne asked.
"Once it has been cleared with the Systems Alliance, yes," Tevos said. "However, there was a couple of things I wished to say. Firstly, I thank you for ordering the Alliance fleet to protect the Destiny Ascension. It was not a choice anyone could make lightly, but I am personally grateful, and owe you a debt. Secondly, while this is something that will soon be announced, few people know about it currently. Humanity has shown it is ready to stand as a defender and protector of the galaxy. We believe humanity is now ready to stand alongside us on the Citadel Council."
Jeanne blinked, her surprise matched by everyone else present, before she said, "…I…I'm not sure what to say. Why tell me this? Why not, say, Ambassador Udina?"
"He already knows," Valern said. "We were wondering whether you had anyone in mind to recommend as a Councillor."
"Your recommendation would carry a lot of weight," Tevos added.
Jeanne shook her head. "I'm a soldier, not a politician, Councillors. I despise politics, as I am sure you already know. Though I'm sure Udina has made his interest in becoming a Councillor clear, hasn't he?"
Sparatus scoffed. "As much as he can without being too blatant. Why? Do you recommend him?"
"No. Don't get me wrong, you need someone with more or less the same savvy in navigating politics, but I got the impression he's somewhat self-interested, more concerned about covering his ass than helping others, and I mean more than the average politician. I'd recommend Captain Anderson, but he'd never forgive me for throwing him to the wolves, though if nobody else fits the job, he has my vote anyway. But you need someone who is willing to stand up for humanity when needed, able to navigate those dangerous shoals of politics, and someone who realises that being a person is more than being a human. Someone who can balance the needs of the Alliance with those of the Citadel Council. And someone who won't forget the people they are responsible for."
"Well said," Tevos said. "We'll keep your suggestions in mind, Commander."
"And know that we will honour your people's sacrifice," Sparatus said solemnly. "To die in the line of duty is the highest calling."
"Honour it by preparing," Jeanne said. "Make their deaths worth something, Councillor. I can understand the need for a cover story, even if I despise it, but don't sit idly by and pretend it is reality to everyone, including yourselves. We've lost people thanks to Saren, even before then, good people. We lost people on Eden Prime, Tali lost her crewmates on her Pilgrimage, there were the workers at Peak 15 and the colonists of Feros. And so many of Kirrahe's group on Virmire. I don't want their deaths to be in vain. And I want you to remember that this was not just humanity's victory. Turians, Asari, Salarians…Krogan, Quarians…all had their part to play…"
Some time after that particular meeting was over, Harry and Tali were summoned to the damaged office of Councillor Tevos. Harry had to wonder what the Asari Councillor wanted, and he knew Tali was curious as well. Of course, the animosity both of them felt towards the Council was not so easily erased.
"I'm sure you are both wondering why I called you both up here," the Asari said, even as she gazed out across the damaged vistas of the Citadel.
"The thought had crossed my mind, Councillor," Tali said with an acid tone to her words. "After all, it's rare that a Quarian is even given an audience with the Council, let alone acknowledged by them."
Tevos winced as she turned around. "If this were public, I would rebuke you for your tone. But I understand why you would say such a thing…and that, to some degree, I do deserve it, and more. I was not the Councillor when your people were shunned by the Citadel Council and those under its aegis for their mistakes, but I am old enough to remember it happening. You may not know this, but while there were laws against AI development beforehand, more stringent legislation was introduced after your people's exile from Rannoch. Personally, I think what has happened since was excessive, but even as a Councillor, there is only so much I can do. Too many think your exile and shunning just punishment for your people's hubris, not helped by the actions of your exiles and the worst of your Pilgrims, to say nothing of strip-mining many a planet." She held up a hand. "I am stating both facts and the general perception of matters. Even a Councillor has less power than we would like, and that is a double-edged sword."
Tali clenched her fists, trying to keep a lid on her emotions, but Harry shot a glare at Tevos. "So you're saying that you can't do anything about the way Tali's people are treated like shit?"
"I can do surprisingly little, Harry Potter, especially as, due to my predecessors' actions, Quarians are no longer a Citadel species. I never said I liked it, especially in light of Tali'Zorah's actions on behalf of the people of the galaxy. But my people are long-lived, and the politicians, the Matriarchs in charge of Thessia, are hide-bound and conservative, even compared to most species' perception of us. We Councillors are as answerable to our respective governments as we are to the citizens of Citadel Space as a whole. It is a burden as much as a privilege. In any case, arguing about the past is not what we are here for. We are here to discuss the present…and the future." She sat down behind her desk.
"And that is…?" Tali asked.
"Wotan has seen fit to forward some information to me personally, along with the Reaper information," Tevos said. "They told me that the Geth that attacked the Citadel were part of a rogue faction…and that the other Geth are open to peace overtures, and that you are aware of this. As a Councillor, I should be preventing this from taking place. But as an Asari…we as a species prefer diplomacy and mediation. On a personal level, if you do open up such talks, I hope you succeed, even if I cannot support them publicly. Your people have gone for too long without a world to call your own."
"…You seem open-minded about this, Councillor," Harry pointed out.
"Even if I have to publicly support many Council policies does not necessarily mean I agree with them privately," Tevos said. "Legislation against AIs is born from fear, and not all of it rational. Not so long ago, I saw some information in our archives that disturbed me. In any case, if the Geth at large do not desire our destruction, and the Quarians can co-exist with them peacefully, then I am for it, on a personal level at least. Unfortunately, I doubt that my fellow Councillors, especially Sparatus, feel the same way. Both Turians and Salarians are too quick to judge things based on potential threats, and I'm sure many in the Systems Alliance have a similar mindset at times."
"But if we do make peace with the Geth? How will the Council deal with that?" Tali asked.
"Honestly, I don't know," Tevos said. "Given the need for more firepower against the Reapers, Sparatus and Valern may let it slide, but even then, there will be many within the Turian Hierarchy and the Salarian Union who would look upon your people making peace with the Geth as a potential threat. If need be, I will try to play up your role in helping us discover the threat of Saren, Matriarch Benezia, and Sovereign. But keep this in mind: Shepard's team is seen as politically dangerous in some circles. Garrus Varkarian is seen as a maverick who bucks against the chain of command, and Dr T'Soni as a backer of dangerous and unproven hypotheses that are considered fringe at best. Humans are seen as an upstart species by many, I need not reiterate what was said about the Quarians, and the Krogan have left deep scars on galactic history that may never heal. Even with the cover stories and our investigations into the Reapers, it may not be enough. As much as we trumpet the Citadel as a means of uniting all sentient species, in truth, there are too many divisions. Divisions that the Reapers and their agents may exploit."
"So, is that it?" Tali asked. "You can't help us in any meaningful way?"
Tevos' eyes flickered over to Harry. "I will ensure your role is not downplayed, Tali'Zorah. Your people need all the good publicity they can get. However, Wotan suggested that I help the Alliance cover for Harry's involvement, given the cults around him. I've asked for Valern and Sparatus' help in that matter too, and Valern will ensure the STG's discretion. In addition, I intend to personally gift a number of supplies to the Migrant Fleet, discreetly, as thanks for your help. But I also want the pair of you to be on the lookout for any scrap of evidence you can find about the Reapers, whether it be any Prothean artifacts they have missed to the creatures themselves. The more we have and know, the better, because no matter what so many may believe, even those in the know, I myself am certain that Sovereign will not be the last Reaper we will face."
Harry scrutinised her, before finally nodding. "Okay. Don't get me wrong, I despise what the Council have done to the Quarians, and to the Krogan. But I care about people. An old friend of mine told me I have a saving people thing. That's never changed."
"And I hope it never will," Tevos said.
"Do you think she was telling the truth?" Tali asked as they left the Citadel Tower, intending to meet up with the others.
"I dunno. At least unlike some politicians I know, she bothers to explain things, even if I hate the explanation. She's not like Fudge, at least," Harry said. "The problem is, she can't guarantee your people's safety if they make peace with the Geth."
"She's at least upfront with that," Tali conceded. "What worries me, as with her, are the Turians and the Salarians. Quarians and Turians have a rather acrimonious history, and the Salarians…Keelah, this is heavy."
"So…where to next?" Harry asked.
"…Well, for now, I was thinking we stay with Shepard for a while longer, see if we can get more intelligence on the Heretics," Tali said. "Then, once we're done, we head to Noveria, collect the Scorpio and everything else Wotan has ready…and go back to the Migrant Fleet. Keelah, I am not looking forward to that. I mean, discussing Legion's offer. Between that and the nanomachine treatment, they'll probably think I'm a sleeper agent for the Geth. I think I may have to submit myself to testing by Daro'Xen. As long as she doesn't try to vivisect me, her word that the nanomachines aren't affecting my brain should help."
"And that's without going into your father probably shooting at me for daring to date you," Harry said.
Tali snorted. "I'll hack his suit's waste management systems if he so much as gives you a dirty look. So, knowing him, I'll probably have to do it within a few minutes of meeting him again."
"I've been a bad influence, haven't I?" Harry asked, chuckling.
"Oh, you're not the only one. But you know what? I don't care. Even if Legion's offer is a trap, even if Hermione isn't who you thought she was…I think something of us has to change. We care about the community, true, but mostly our own. Too insular, too inward-focused when we're not fixated on Rannoch. I'm not saying the Council will accept our help, unless the Reapers are knocking on the door, but…some of the more isolated colonies, perhaps. We need to begin showing the galaxy we're more than a fleet of vagabonds, beggars and thieves whose major claim to fame was getting kicked off our homeworld by the Geth."
"Well, you're definitely not that, Tali. You're a hero."
"This coming from the Boy Who Lived?" Tali asked wryly. As he grimaced, she said, "…I honestly don't feel like a hero. I guess I know how you feel in that regard…and Jeanne. We managed to stop Saren, Sovereign, and the Heretics…but…I just feel tired…and maybe a little relieved. No jumping for joy…I mean, my Pilgrimage is…what did Jeanne call it? A SNAFU? And too many people died even before I met you. Keenah and the rest of his crew were murdered thanks to Saren's goons. And that was before everything else. We got lucky, but…"
"I know. I felt the same way after Voldemort was killed. I felt so tired, so…over it all. I felt relief, yes, but for those people who died…it's why I threw myself into trying to make that Time-Turner. The irony is, if it weren't for me trying to make it in the first place…I may never have met you, for real. So…something worked out in the end, right?"
"…Yeah. C'mon, let's go see Shepard and the others."
And so the wizard and the Quarian began heading back to their comrades, not knowing what the future had in store. All they knew was, they would face it together. And that was what mattered…
CHAPTER 22 ANNOTATIONS:
So, there you have it. A brief scene with a certain Illusive Man, a somewhat different outcome with the Council, and Tevos baring her soul to Harry and Tali.
Now, I wrote Tevos the way I did because, prior to the third game's events, she seemed like the most reasonable of the Councillors. In light of the events of the third game, as well as fanfics I have read, I decided to write her character so that most of what we see in the games are her public actions, but her private opinions, and the things she would like to change where possible but can't because of politics, better reflects this. Keep in mind, she's canonically an ex-lover of Aria T'Loak, so she has to have some degree of open-mindedness, or at least like having a bit of rough on the side. She'd want to help the Quarians, but political opinion of those she is beholden to prevents this.
No numbered annotations this time.