Mass Dragon Effect I: Shadows of the Past
Chapter 7: The First Human SPECTRE
Disclaimer: I do not own Mass Effect or Dragon Age. Both are owned by Bioware, and sadly they seem to update faster than I do since their job and life are not making them too busy to write.
Beta Reader: Albert
Last Update: 11/28/21
Location: Serpent Nebula/Window/Citadel/Presidium: Confederation Alliance of Worlds' Embassy
Human Date: February 9, 2183
Deep within the CAW's Embassy, Leliana had a lovely dream as she slept in the most comfortable bed she had ever been in her entire life. It felt as though the bed was made for her body. Making her sleep well into the morning and oblivious to the door to her room opening from the outside. She, or her roommate, Merrill, did not hear the patter of footsteps across the metal floor. She only noticed something was off when she felt the whole bed move. Her eyes fluttered open slowly to see large black eyes that belonged to the giant green insect moving her bed. Leliana stared for a second before she let out a scream, startling both the keeper and Merrill. The latter of which ended its attempt to reorganize the room in a controlled panic.
The keeper ran out the door past the group that came to see all the commotion. Leliana and Merrill were glad they slept clothed when Varric, Ashely Williams, and Kaidan Alenko suddenly entered. The latter two arrived in their standard jumpsuit worn under their armor. The group looked bewildered at the keeper running away. Lieutenant James Reed arrived in full armor and had a tired reaction as he came in with his M-8 Avenger in hand but not ready to fire. Seeing it was as he had expected, he responded in the only way he could. He groaned as his eyes followed the keeper's retreat.
"Let me guess, a keeper was trying to move your bed while you were sleeping?" James asked as he put up his rifle.
"Yes," Leliana answered back with a blank look at an irritated lieutenant that sighed in acceptance.
"Sorry about that, the keepers often rearrange the furniture and equipment from time to time. We don't know why exactly. But it is theorized it's because of preset programming made by the Protheans when they owned this station," James explained to the group as he settled down in annoyance.
"Can't they be reprogramed?" Ashely Williams asked, and James shook his head negatively.
"The Council forbids it, claiming they don't want anyone interfering in operations. Possibly, because they are afraid someone will mess up their programming. Losing the best mechanics on the station and forcing them to personally take care of the logistic nightmare that is the Citadel. But that is just my biased opinion when dealing with the security nightmare that is the keepers."
"The brief on the keepers said they were supposed to be docile workers and would not bother anyone, so they are to be left alone. How would a briefing like that translate into a security risk?" Kaidan asked.
"Because they don't care that when they enter a room that they may be moving or accessing sensitive material," James told the group, and Varric caught onto what James implied.
"And since the Council is the one that claims they are just docile workers, I assume there is the fear that the political tri-force is lying and can be reprogramed. And are, in fact, using them to spy on anyone that has an embassy in their capital."
"That and I'm just waiting for someone to just reprogram them to kill someone. Assuming it hasn't been done before and just never made the news. There are things that do happen on the Citadel all the time, but people aren't made aware, so they don't know how vulnerable the Council's system is," James added to superstition before he switched subjects. "Well, I better inform security and tell them they need to perform another security check. The boys are not going to like it," James mumbled as he left the group alone.
Alone, Varric broke the silence as he stated, "Well, that's a thing and a rude way to wake up, aye nightingale?"
"I could have done without the creepy crawlies waking me up," Leliana grumbled as she got up to put on her civilian clothing.
"You thought they were creepy?" Merrill asked in shock. "I thought they were quite cute. They are like giant friendly spiders."
"You like spiders, Daisy?" Varric asked with amusement.
"Only the small, cute ones. Not the giant ones that ambush people and eat them," Merrill admitted. "Luckily, there are no giant ones in space, except the darkspawn ones. But they are always ugly and… uh…." Merrill started to trail off before fatigue began to catch up to her.
Leliana, acting as a gentle soul as she helped the girl get comfortable, "Calm yourself. Doctor Chakwas said if you get enough rest, your body will adapt quickly to the implant. Are you feeling better?"
"I'm fine, just still sad that Anders is no longer with us," Merrill admitted. "I mean, I didn't know him too long, or at all since it's only been a few days since I met him. But I still feel bad if only for not getting to know him."
"You missed out on a good man. The man could tell and take a joke better than most others," Varric smiled as he took a trip down memory lane.
In fact, he remembers a few days before being taken to task as to why he ran away from the Mage's Circle. And he replied it was so he could have the quote, "Right to Shoot Lightning at Fools." While remarking he wore mage robes, they were quoted, "Breezy" and "Pants make me itch." He could have been a good friend if people were not out to kill him.
"I will miss him," Varric commented, and the other felt solemn while also feeling a few flashes of anger.
"Certainly more than our lovely ambassador did. He seemed to care more about lost assets and costs than lives," Kaidan pointed out as the group recalled that particular conversation.
Recall Location: Serpent Nebula/Window/Citadel/Presidium: Union of Federations' Embassy
Human Date: February 6, 2183
"You're not making my life easier, you know," Udina growled as he faced the large group of soldiers and his star witness standing before him. "An all-out firefight you had in the wards; millions in property damages; the deaths of not only six Federation soldiers, but over a dozen civilians. And my personal favorite, you lost three of my star witnesses. One to injuries. One made invalid thanks to the Magician implant to the brain. The last one was killed because of your neglect. Do you have any idea how much trouble you have caused!?"
"I say not much trouble when you take into consideration that we have captured a local kingpin aligned to Saren for C-Sec. This ensures we not only gotten even more evidence against Saren but also taken away a valuable supplier capable of smuggling dangerous individuals onto the Citadel like the Black Kahunas. We also discovered an ally of Saren that we didn't even know about. And my personal favorite; kill a hit squad that Saren's kingpin hired. A hit squad most platoons would have difficulty fighting against," Jane pointed out much to Udina's anger and to Anderson and Nakmor's amusement.
Amusement turned to a smile as John added, "Not to mention that despite such overwhelming firepower, we were able to save most of our witnesses from an attempted assassination. Thereby ensuring you have witnesses instead of corpses."
Udina looked intense and was about to yell some more before the calmer ambassador intervened, "That's enough, Udina. You've made your point just as they have made theirs. So, let us move on and focus on the valuable information that they got us. Legion's Shadow, did you discover who our friend is?"
"Negative, Nakmor-Ambassador," Legion's Shadow admitted. "The facial structure and voice patterns do not match any known asari criminal unit on record. Or any that this unit has retained as priority identification files in this unit's data banks. Informational retrieval programs have now expanded to other files to search for known asari units on record. But it will take several galactic days to find a match if this unit can find a match."
"Do those data banks include governmental, celebrities, and politically connected asari?" Rear Admiral Andrew Anderson asked.
"Affirmative Anderson-Rear Admiral," Legion's Shadow nodded before it developed a quizzical look. "Query. Does the asari unit look familiar?"
"Maybe. I think that I remember seeing an asari during a conference I had guarded early in my career," commented a thoughtful Anderson. He desperately tried to recall a name, but he was hard-pressed to put a name to the picture.
One was joined by the ambassadors when Nakmor mumbled aloud, "Now that you mentioned it, I think I've seen her a few times. Before, at some peace conferences, I've attended since I've become the ambassador for the Federation. I just can't remember specifically where, nor remember her name."
Legion's Shadowing, admiring how organics can recall things with the barest minimum of inputs, pulled up an electronic screen to type in its commands. "Search parameters will be narrowed to the criteria mentioned, but it will still take up to twelve hours before a match can be found."
"Time that we don't have since the Council has upped the timetable. The trial will be in two hours, and they have agreed to allow Saren to holo-conference the meeting from a disclosed but un-assessable location!" Udina practically yelled
"You mean he is not going to be here?" Jane asked in shock as Udina nodded in anger.
"That's right, Commander. He will not be here, defending himself. The Council is bending over backwards to accommodate him and accepted his excuse that he is on assignment in Illium in the Terminus System. The fact you shot up the Wards just made it all that more difficult to convince them, and it's entirely your fault!" Udina practically yelled at the group, making his displeasure known. Before he calmed down and walked away while giving out some final order, "Take a few minutes to get properly dressed and meet us in the Citadel Tower. We have a hard case to win."
End Recall
"Yeah, Udina, the grumpy ambassador is not someone I want to deal with more than necessary," Varric stated with a slight smirk as he settled down.
"You mean asshole. Laying all his problems on us when all we did was our job," Ashely stated as she stood with a perfect posture. Unlike her laidback fellow officer, Kaidan.
"You have to admit, we could have done a better job out there and saved Anders at the very least," Kaidan pointed out as Ashely nodded reluctantly.
"Maybe, but to me, it's more BS politics than us, not just doing our job as well as we could. Hell, it felt more like he was taking out his anger on us instead of manning up to the fact that he could not get Saren here, even if he had days to make that argument. This shows why politicians and the military do not mix well," Ashely stated negatively.
Leliana, seeing how the conversation was becoming political, decided to switch subjects as she put on her armored clothing, "So, where is the rest of the crew?"
"Trex, Legion-VII, and Tali are back on the Normandy, getting it ready for launch. Joker and Doctor Chakwas were the last two to get on board the ship. We'll be leaving in a few hours, give or take," Kaidan told Leliana, who looked up with a smile.
"Oh, they reported in together. Are they a couple? Like our two qunari friends?" Leliana asked with enthusiasm.
"Oh, definitely not. Joker drives her too much up the wall with his sense of humor," Kaidan admitted. "More like they have a long-term patient and doctor relationship, you will have to ask them for specifics."
"Anyway, Supreme Commander Wrex has worked out a contract between his government and the UF and will be tagging along with us. Believe it or not. Captain John Shepard and Lieutenant Commander Velanna O'Connell are taking care of some last-minute preparations at some bar. As for Commander Jane Shepard, well, she um… she um…." Ashely began to stutter when Varric saved her with a smile.
"Let's just stay; Lady Shepard found a reason not to come home as she is staying with some VIP." Varric's smile let everyone know the kind of visit as a few giggled, and others blushed at the thought of what now their superior officer was doing.
Location: Serpent Nebula/Window/Citadel/Presidium: Consort's Office
Human Date: February 9, 2183
It was early in the morning as Jane Shepard began to stir in what would be the most comfortable and most awkward position she felt in recent history. Her only comfort came from the fact she had found herself in probably the softest and the largest bed she ever slept on in her entire life. The bed was large enough to hold half a dozen people if need be, and she was not alone. Hence her awkwardness as she had felt the bed's owner's large, squishy breasts pressed deep in her back. In addition, her body was still simulated from last night's actives. Making Jane feel even more awkward and a little horny from the two blue arms wrapped around her body, caressing her bare breasts.
Jane tensed and felt a little squeamish as she moved around enough to wake her bed partner. Who began to kiss the back of her neck and moved onto the younger woman's ears while she held the younger woman firmly within her grasp. Jane felt the hot air brush against her ear as the Consort said in a soft, delicate voice, "Good morning Shepard. Did you sleep well?"
"I slept… well enough," Jane had stammered as a blush formed on her face, much to the amusement of the Consort, Sha'ira.
"You know, I am a bit surprised. That you are still embarrassed after such a memorable night," the Consort smiled as Jane shifted in the woman's arms to face the asari.
"It was a fun night," Jane chuckled with the Sha'ira before she shifted into a more serious mood. "I'm just perplexed about how I should feel about being attracted to a blue-skinned woman when I wasn't even attracted to any woman a few days ago."
Sha'ira leaned in Jane, giving her a small smile, and released some comforting words, "That understandable. Many species cannot understand that as we are a mono-gender species, we do not view the sexes differently. Male or female to us is more about who carries the child after we mate than what sex one is born with."
"So, what does that make me? The male or the female in this case?" Jane asked as the Consort laughed before kissing the young human on her lips.
"It makes you a lover that deserves a little more of a physical reward. For helping me with not only with Septimus but getting the Elcor diplomat to back down as well," the Consort stated with a smile.
"It was no problem. Especially as you did help me nail Saren by pointing me in the right direction," Jane smiled. Her mind drifted off as she recalled the Council meeting that happened a few days ago.
Recall Location: Serpent Nebula/Window/Citadel/Citadel Tower
Human Date: February 6, 2183
The Council Tower, home of the Citadel Council Chambers and the home of the most influential individuals in the galaxy, was itself the most significant symbol of the Council's power. The tower was over 1047m high, complete with an elevator fast enough that it took exactly one minute to reach the Council Chambers. A three-layered floor plan designed to intimidate visitors. Starting with a decorative fountain on the first floor that showcased the Council's wealth. Wealth compounded by the presence of large trees with leaves resembling red cherry blossoms resonated as visitors had to climb thousands of stairs before they reached the top. The trees always awed people with their beauty before visitors even met the most influential people in the galaxy.
At the very top was a platform overlooking a glass garden where petitioners pleaded their case to the Citadel Council. Two UF Ambassadors, Normandy's chief of staff and ground team soldiers, their healthy eyewitnesses, and Officer Garrus stood in the garden. Staring up to the Citadel Council members on a raised balcony as a show of their dominance to others. By the Councilor's side was the grey, cybernetic turian SPECTRE, Saren. The Confederation was in an uphill legal battle against Saren, but they were ready to come swinging as the Asari Councilor, Tevos, started the trial.
"This meeting between the Citadel Council and the Union of Federations on the accusation of Saren's involvement in an attack on the Federation's colony world Eden Prime will now come to order. Does anyone want to give an opening statement?"
"Let's just get this farce of a trial over and done with," Saren growled through the flickering hologram. "Nihlus was a fellow SPECTRE and my friend. To even think I would commit such a terrible crime against my friend, along with committing treason against the Council, is inconceivable."
"I have to agree with Saren. C-Sec found no evidence of treason," the Turian Councilor Spartacus argued for Saren. At the same time, the head of C-Sec, Executor Venari Pallin, a white-faced brown, reluctantly agreed, as indicated by the twitch of his massive jaw.
"Yeah, what a shock that C-SEC found nothing when the case was cut short and everything SPECTRE touches is classified. I can't see how that could go wrong," Officer Garrus Vakarian muttered angrily below the range of hearing.
Something Ambassador Udina was grateful for when he started his rounds, "C-SEC may not have found anything. But we have found evidence of his crimes, starting with an eyewitness."
"An eyewitness?" the Salarian Councilor Valern asked in shock. "The only eyewitness noted in Jane's logs was a traumatized dockworker who is also a smuggler. Hardly a reputable witness."
"I wasn't talking about Mr. Powell. I was talking about the people taken off one of the invading ships that were shot down," the krogan ambassador Nakmor stated. Gaining the Council's undivided attention onto himself and his star witness. "A woman that DNA testing shows that due to exposure to the X-Chromosome Mutation Disease for generations has developed immunity against the disease. Increasing the likelihood she was born on the darkspawn's homeworld. She has a story to tell. So, let me introduce you, Leliana of Orlais, a country found on the world of Thedas."
"A pleasure to meet you," Leliana bowed before she retold her story. A story about the attack of the darkspawn, her kidnapping, and her ordered imprisonment.
A moving story that had convinced the Asari Councilor, who had doubts about Saren's character. Though, for most people, it is not apparent, thanks to hundreds of years of training in politics, that help her keep a straight poker face. Still, it did play on her emotions and invoked sympathy for Saren's latest victim, winning over the asari. However, it did little to move the other two Counselors, who were more in tune with hard logic than emotions. Especially the Turian Councilor, Spartacus, as he snorted aloud, "That proves nothing, as all turians sound the same to you humans."
"That is untrue, as I spent years as a bard… eh, singer, and I can tell the difference between voices. For instance, Garrus, while a higher pitch, has a deeper tone compared to the Councilor, and Saren's is even deeper in tone and pitch. And his voice sounds gruff and almost scratchy to my ears. It's not a voice that one can forget. Especially combined with his mechanical blue eyes and his distinctive metallic face I saw. Before I was put into my freezing coffin," Leliana added with a solemn face. So convincing that even those who realized the last line she told was a lie were unsure she told a lie and were relieved no one on the Council realized she lied on the spot.
Seeing a possibility the Council may believe his accusers, Saren tried to turn the tide with a verbal attack. "Are we really taking the word of a primitive girl that comes from a world whose civilization is not even in the industrial age? Let alone a space fairing people."
"And how would you know about the level of technology Leliana's people are at if we made no mention of it?" Anderson asked with suspicion written over his face. "The only way you could know that is if you were there yourself."
"Admiral David Anderson," Saren said with a mocked snarl as he stared down at the powerful human. "It figures that you would be involved when the Federation accuses me of treason. You could never let things go. Even when I have done nothing wrong," Saren added to build doubt in the evidence against him before turning towards the other two high-ranking human soldiers. "And these must be your protégées, Captain John Shepard and Commander Jane Shepard. I've read the report of Eden Prime, and I'm not impressed, but then what can you expect from humans."
Jane twitched in annoyance, and she would have retorted if Udina did not beat her to it with a sharp remark. "That is big talk coming from a traitor who is trying to put the blame on us. Well, not this time as we have more evidence against you, Legion's Shadow."
Legion's Shadow stepped up, and with a series of taps, released a list of names and dates of those that had accessed secure STG's spy programs active in Eden Prime. With Saren's name highlighted in several spots. Counselor Valern blanched at the fact that STG's spy programs were exposed as Legion explained the significance of the evidence, "As your organics' visual cortex can see, the Saren-unit had accessed surveillance files nine times over the course of weeks before the attack. In addition, the unit had accessed it roughly around the time a debilitating virus was introduced into the Eden Prime-Primary World's Defense Grid. Which was traced back to the spy program."
"That proves nothing," Saren growled with a hint of worry as he tried to come up with an excuse. "Lots of SPECTREs and STG members have access to these files, and I wasn't the only one that used it to spy on Eden Prime before the attack. It is just circumstance evidence."
"Perhaps it is, but it is damming circumstantial evidence. You have no reason for accessing those files while near the border of the Terminus Systems," the Salarian Counselor stated. He was now suspicious of Saren and started to think he may have been behind the attack on Eden Prime. "The only reason you would access such information is if you planned to go to the colony yourself."
"Or I'm doing my periodic survey into a potentially dangerous group of races to make sure they don't betray the Council," Saren quickly pointed. He knew two were a lost cause, and he was not trying to convince the doubting Turian Counselor he was not a traitor.
Though Saren should not have bothered as Jane presented the next set of evidence, "Then maybe you should explain why your ally used your name for an attack against our witness. Tali, if you please."
Ensign Tali'Zorah nar Normandy nodded as she played back the audio she had collected from Fist. She played the recording between Fist and the unknown woman and ordered the hit in Saren's name. It was a voice Counselor Tevos knew as she let go of centuries of training to keep her cold visage that kept hidden her shock. Counselor Spartacus was a different matter. His face showed he was now convinced that either Saren was responsible for the attack. If not compromised by others. Either way, he needed to be brought in for questioning or protection if compromised.
"There is enough evidence to prove Saren may be responsible for the attack on Federation Colony World Eden Prime. Therefore, Saren, I request you turn yourself in for questioning. Otherwise, we will be forced to issue a warrant for your arrest and detainment," the Turian Counselor said as Saren sputtered out in anger.
"This is ridiculous! You're going to take the words of these-outcasts over my word! The Word of a SPECTRE!"
"If you need the word of a SPECTRE to show the truth. Then may I suggest a fellow SPECTRE you had murdered," Anderson stated as he held up for all to see a Ghost Crystal. Just before he inserted it into a holographic floating projector.
The project took a moment to connect to the crystal before it brought Nihlus back from the grave to be a witness to his own murder. Saren looked at the hologram in shock as he muttered softly, "Nihlus," as the ghost of the turian faced him.
"Saren, you shot me!" the dead SPECTRE exclaimed softly in a room as silent as the grave. "Why did you shoot me, Saren? Why did you kill me?"
"I had no choice, for the Reapers are coming," Saren answered quietly before turning to Jane Shepard. "You saw them, didn't you, Commander. You saw them through the Beacon as they destroyed the Protheans, and they will do it again unless things change. So, I will do what must be done to save your race, my race, and the whole galaxy. Even if I have to burn dozens if not a hundred worlds to do so."
The Council, cold at the fact one of their SPECTREs was a traitor. They shared one look before Counselor Spartacus pressed one finger into his pad to give the order light-years away, "Kill him."
That was all the warning given before an explosion played out in the background as a team of Salarian STG burst in. Waves of holographic bullets passed through Saren like ripples until the brown STG Captain ordered them to stop, "Stop! Saren is not here! It's only a hologram."
The gunfire stopped as Saren smiled slowly, "You cannot stop what is to come, and I will do what I must to save you all."
And with those final words, Saren's image dispersed, and chaos was left in its wake until Counselor Spartacus called for order with, "QUIET!"
The chaotic shouts ended as Counselor Spartacus called over the floating projector to retrieve Nihlus's crystal. He looked like he wanted to break it to release Nihlus's spirit. However, Spartacus knew his duty, and it was evidence. Therefore, he set it down to give the Council's official statement. "Due to irrefutable evidence and his own confession, Saren is hereby stripped of his SPECTRE status. And all efforts will be made to make him answer for his crimes, one way or another."
"That may be difficult since he not only has an army of darkspawn, but he has a powerful ally I recognized from the recording with this criminal known as Fist. Matriarch Benezia," Counselor Tevos stated as Varric chuckled.
"Good, we have a name to go with the woman that kidnapped us," Varric whispered to Zevran and fellow cadets as Legion's Shadow recalled the name file.
"Confirmed with a ninety-six percent accuracy that the unknown female-unit is Benezia-Matriarch," Legion's Shadow stated as the two Ambassadors nodded.
"I thought she looked familiar," Ambassador Nakmor stated as he thought it over. "I've seen her giving a speech of peace in a convention or two. I find it unusual such a woman would turn to such violence."
"Unusual or not, she is one of the most powerful biotics with many followers and allies. She will make a formable ally of Saren," Counselor Tevos stated with a hint of concern.
"I am more interested in these Reapers Saren keeps talking about them. What do you know about them?" Counselor Valern asked, and Anderson was bold enough to answer.
"Very little, but we do know it is terrifying thanks to the Beacon." Anderson then tapped on his omni-tool to activate a video file shown on holographic cubed TV. "The Beacon downloaded into Jane Shepard what is possibly the last moments of the Prothean Empire. Revealing who may be responsible for the Prothean Empire's fall."
And with a few taps, he played the disturbing image of people being slaughtered. Entire fleets and cities are being wiped out and with the same words being repeated as by the same gargled worlds loosely translated, "Reapers."
Counselor Tevos gasped out, "By the Goddess."
"What nonsense is this? These Reapers killed off the Protheans. How could that possibly be the reason the Reapers vanished?" Counselor Spartacus sputtered as he tried to make sense of what he had seen. "Where did these Reapers go? Why did they vanish too? How come we found no evidence of their existence?"
"Would we find any evidence?" Jane had asked innocently. "It's been roughly fifty thousand years since the Protheans disappeared. More than enough time for any of the evidence to disappear to the specter of time. Hell, on Earth, you wouldn't know where we fought major battles decades ago without a memorial stone telling us a battle was fought there. Especially if they clean up after themselves as we do after any space or ground battle."
"And that is not taking into account the vastness of space. Both in the Milky Way Galaxy and beyond," John added. "After all, we have recall orders on our space probes. And considering the Prothean Empire spanned the entire galaxy, and we've only explored about two to three percent of it. It wouldn't be far out there to just say we haven't found these Reapers yet."
"Perhaps but highly unlikely," Counselor Valern stated. "The image we saw could be any number of things. It could be the final moments of the Prothean Empire, as you seem to think it to be. Alternatively, it could be a corrupted vid or game meant to entertain the masses, similar to our own doomsday vids or games. We don't have enough evidence to suggest these Reapers exist. And we should not waste our efforts chasing after something that could be a fairytale created by corrupt files downloaded into one's brain."
"What we do know is that even without these supposed 'Reapers,' Saren is still a significant threat. With an army of darkspawn that he can breed and control," Counselor Spartacus stated with a frown.
"Then we must prevent him from gaining the upper hand. Send your fleets to hunt him down," Udina demanded from the Council, who did not like anyone demanding anything from them.
"A fleet would not be able to find Saren," Counselor Valern pointed out to Udina's determent.
"Then we request a joint fleet in the Attican Traverse and other key territories to prevent further attacks. As well as box Saren in to annihilate him," Ambassador Nakmor suggested, but Counselor Spartacus disagreed.
"No, for it could very well trigger a war with the Terminus Systems. Weakening us greatly while Saren builds up his strength before he attacks us. We need to send someone to hunt him down without the aid of a fleet."
Jane and John Shepard looked at each other before the two stepped up to the plate, "We can stop him."
"The Captain and Commander are right. They do have the skills to stop Saren, and we were considering appointing Commander Jane Shepard to a joint First Battalion and SPECTRE position," Tevos added.
Much to the concern of Counselor Spartacus, "No, it's too soon. Humanity is not ready for the responsibility of being a SPECTRE. Especially when there will be doubts of her loyalty to us over the Federation," Counselor Spartacus argued, but Jane would not be deterred.
"Yes, but the benefits outweigh the cost. You have the full backing of the Federation's Navy in the Attican Traverse. You and the Ambassadors get a human SPECTRE with ties to the First Battalion and the Council together. And both the SPECTREs and the First Battalion get someone with access to Council space to hunt down criminals like Saren. Everyone wins. Especially you since you can send C-Sec Detective Garrus Vakarian and a SPECTRE of your choosing to supervise us. Along with being the Council's voice on our mission," Jane added.
Much to John's annoyance at Jane's condition that potentially put someone that can ignore UF orders. Meanwhile, Garrus looked happy to be included, especially if it annoyed his boss, Executors Pallin.
The Council turned to each to silently debate if they should agree with Jane's argument. The asari and salarian were in full agreement when Tevos turned to Spartacus to ask for his approval in silence. The turian nodded in agreement with great reluctance before the three Counselors began typing into their control panels to start recording for their records. With everything set in place, the Council turned towards the young woman before them.
"Commander Jane Shepard. Step forward," Counselor Tevos ordered, and Jane complied after a nod of approval from David Anderson.
A great crowd began to appear as the room became quiet as Counselor Tevos started to speak the vows of the SPECTRE. "It is the decision of the Council that you be granted all the powers and privileges of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance Branch of the Citadel Council."
Counselor Valern: "SPECTREs are not trained but chosen. Individuals forged in the fire of service and battle; those whose actions elevate them above the rank and file."
Counselor Tevos: "SPECTREs are an ideal, a symbol. They are the embodiment of courage, determination, and self-reliance. They are the right hand of the Council, the instruments of our will."
Counselor Spartacus: "SPECTREs bear a great burden. They are protectors of galactic peace, both our first and last line of defense. The safety of the galaxy is theirs to uphold."
"You are the first human SPECTRE, Commander, and the first one with joint membership with the new First Battalion. This is a great accomplishment for you, your entire species, and your allies," Tevos stated, finishing off her speech as Commander Jane Shepard gave a short bow.
"I am honored."
"We are sending you after Saren with a SPECTRE and C-Sec representative, as you suggested. He is a fugitive that needs to be brought to justice," Counselor Valern stated.
"Any leads you can provide us?" Captain John Shepard asked.
"We'll forward any relevant information to you, your government, and our SPECTRE representative as we get them," Counselor Spartacus told the Captain.
Just before Tevos called this meeting to a close, "This meeting of the Council was over."
End Recall
Now Commander Jane Shepard stood, a SPECTRE of the Council and a soldier in the First Battalion. She never felt as proud as she smoothed out her vested uniform. She put on the final touches when she felt a pair of hands wrap around her waist. "Leaving so soon?" Sha'ira asked.
"I have a busy day, and you have clients waiting for you, I believe," Jane replied, almost with a stutter, as the Consort nodded with acceptance as she let the young woman go.
"Then before you go, I offer one final gift," the Consort Sha'ira stated as Jane faced the woman. She felt relaxed for some reason as the Consort looked deeply into her eyes. "I see within you a soldier, a life molded by order, discipline, and tragedy. You wear your uniform as though you were born into it despite losing someone important because of it. It drives you to be better, to do the right thing. And you'll need that drive, that conviction, for the days to come."
Jane stared at the asari, unsure what to say when a small smile appeared as she bowed her head into Consort's crown. "Thank you," Jane silently whispered before straitening her body as she moved to leave the Consort to her clients, wondering what her brother was doing.
Serpent Nebula/Window/Citadel/Presidium: Blue World Embassy Bar
Human Date: February 9, 2183
Near the Union of Federations' Embassy was an expensive high-class watering hole called the Blue World Embassy Bar. The bar was a safe haven where diplomats and high-ranking officials of the Confederation mingled and relaxed when not working to push forward the Federation and their own interests. Sitting in one of the stalls was John Shepard, talking with his third in command, Lt. Commander Velanna O'Connell, about their new crew additions.
"I really wish Jane talked to me before inviting the Council to send someone for oversight of our operations," John grumbled as he looked at the pads. "Sure, Garrus proved to be a skilled officer and someone I can trust under fire, along with our new recruits from Thedas. But asking another SPECTRE to step in to supervise is going to be a pain. Especially the one they propose to watch over us."
"You think this Jondum Bau will be a problem?" Velanna asked.
"That is the biggest problem. I just don't know," John admitted as he looked over the salarian's record on a datapad. "He was in STG before he joined the SPECTREs and probably knows how to fight. However, during his tenure with the STG and SPECTREs, his primary focus has been data mining and white-collar crime. He has a few noteworthy battles with a success rate that is higher than your average soldier, but it is not something you brag about to an elite squad. I think he is basically the Council's investigator. Who uncovers dirty secrets while ensuring that information and things are taken from the Council members are returned without anyone being the wiser."
"Maybe that is why he was sent. To stand in the background to observe while investigating how Saren turned traitor," Velanna pointed out to a thoughtful John.
"Perhaps, but he could also be a spy sent to spy on us. Either way, we'll have to keep an eye on him," John commented as he put down the pad. "Now, as for our new recruits, we will need to think up a training program to get them up to snuff-" John trailed off before an older man interrupted him.
"Sorry to interrupt, but are you, Captain John Shepard?"
John, not happy someone interrupted his thought process, turned to give the man a piece of his mind when he turned to the tall Hawaiian. However, he stopped when he realized the older man was a Rear Admiral in the Federation Navy. John quickly got up and saluted the superior officer with Velanna as he gave calm, courteous answers, "Yes, sir. I am Captain John Shepard. And you are, sir?"
"Rear Admiral Akamai Kahoku, commander of 3rd Scouting Flotilla of the Fifth Fleet," the old, bearded man answered, much to Velanna's shock.
"The man that led several successful campaigns against the Batarian back slavers during and after the Skyllian Blitz."
John felt his back straighten a bit more in respect when Admiral Kahoku asked the two, "May I sit down?"
"Yes, sir," as all three moved to sit down. An awkward silence hung over the trio before John asked, "Is there something I can help you with?"
"Yes, I heard you were going into the Attican Traverse, and I have a personal request for you," the Admiral admitted. "One of my scouting parties has disappeared in the Artemis Tau Cluster on a planet called Edolus in the Sparta System. Then all of a sudden, it became a restricted area, and I was told nothing about what happened to my men. So, Captain, I am asking you to find out what happened to my men and rescue them if possible. You should be able to investigate the area as a member of the First Battalion and your sister being a SPECTRE as well."
John looked at Velanna, asking without words if they should grant his request. Then, with a nod, he turned over to the Rear Admiral, "I don't see a reason why we can't investigate if we are in the area, but we need more information. Did they report anything, or was anything out of the ordinary before they disappeared?"
"The whole mission they were on was odd," Kahoku admitted. "The survey team was on that planet because it was traced back to a derelict ship that contained the body of a scientist named Bane."
"Bane? As in Atriums Bane?" John asked in shock as the Admiral slowly nodded.
"Yes, that is his full name. How do you know that name?" Kahoku asked, and John gave a tale of an answer.
"We've heard that name last night after helping a doctor. Who was too much of a bleeding heart and was being blackmailed by this Krogan.…."
Recall Location: Serpent Nebula/Window/Citadel/Wards: Flux
Human Date: February 8, 2183
Inside Flux, a new nightclub, Jenna was preparing for her second day back on the job since she was no longer needed at Chora's Den as an informant for C-Sec. The owner had been arrested, and the strip club was damaged due to the earlier firefight. So, she was back to work at her old job and was straightening out her elegant dress uniform when her sister came up to her, "Hey sis, ready to go back to work."
"Yes, yes, I am," Jenna had replied before she looked at her less appealing sister, Rita. "You don't seem so happy I'm back, sis."
"Oh, I am happy you're out of the den and no longer in such dangerous work, but I just remember what it was like working with you," Rita admitted. "My tips have gone from decent to abysmal the moment you came back. And I don't see it getting any better."
Jenna winced, thinking it was a bit unfair that her sister was not paid for the quality of her work rather than how she looked compared to others. Therefore, she decided to try to cheer her up with some dark humor. "Well, I can always go back to C-Sec and see if they have any other jobs available for informants."
Rita just glared at her in response, "Don't you even joke about it. You don't know how worried I was about you. I feared that one day I would… I would… I would get the letter saying you died, and I feared that I would see you in one of those body bags they brought out of Cora's Den. I f-feared y-y-you w-wo-woul-wouldn't c-c-come h-h-h-home a-a-al-alive," Rita practically cried before her sister as Jenna gave her a hug.
"Hey, none of that. I am here now, safe and not going to be out of your sight for a long time since I had my fill of adventure, at least for now," Jenna smiled as Rita stopped crying as she gave a small smile of relief. "Now come on, I don't think we want to keep Doran waiting, and I wish to go to a work environment where I don't have to worry about being shot at."
Rita smiled as she moved to open the door in time to see a krogan thrown across the club floor. The whole club, including the volus owner, Doran, watched in silence as the familiar Captain John Shepard walked across the room. He grabbed the krogan to bring him up to eye level to threaten the cowering krogan while Velanna backed up her Captain.
"Now, you are going to end your little blackmail scheme against Doctor Chloe Michel, or I will make sure you won't talk anymore, capicé."
"Yes, I understand you," the krogan groaned, unable to comprehend how a human was able to throw him across a room, even if the human was a biotic.
"Good, and now since we are the best of friends. Can you tell me again who it was you told the Doctor's secret to again?"
"It was Bane, Armistan Bane," krogan growled as John smiled in response.
"Thank you. Velanna, if you would?" John asked as the young elven mage nodded before healing the krogan's wounds before she forcefully put the krogan to sleep as John let him slump to the ground.
With their task done, the two moved out of the nightclub, with Velanna waving at the two startled waitresses. At the same time, John transferred credits to the startled volus as they made their exit, telling him to "Keep the Change."
Once outside and onto the busy streets, the duo called for a cab instead of taking the elevator. As they believe it would take too long to reach their destination in their opinion. Therefore, they were instead waiting for their ride as John made the call to Dr. Chloe Michel through the comms, "This is Doctor Chloe Michel. How can I help you?"
"It's Captain John Shepard. I just wanted to report that the job is done. I was able to convince the man blackmailing you into leaving you alone," John reported, much to the woman's relief.
"Thank you, Captain, you don't know how much of a relief you bring," Dr. Michel smiled before she developed a thoughtful look on the vid comm. "I just wish I knew how they knew my secret."
"The blackmailer mentioned someone named Armistan Banes," Velanna said softly from behind John's shoulder. "Does that ring any bells?"
"Yes, it does," Dr. Michel had answered the group. "I worked with Banes a long time ago, and he knew I got fired from my last job because I provided humanitarian aid without the hospital's consent. However, I don't know why he would do this. Especially since last I heard, he was a contractor for the Federation in the Attican Traverse."
"Cortana, can you confirm this?" John asked through the comms.
"Negative Captain. No records of the Armistan Banes contracted by the Federation Navy, FID, FCIS, or any other branch in the Union of Federations," answered Cortana through the comms.
"We may need to look into him when we have the chance. So open a file for our investigation on him when we have the chance," John ordered and the AI.
"Well, regardless, thank you, Captain, for all the help. I don't know how to repay you."
"I have a way," John stated before he gave his pitch. "The Federation Navy needs good doctors, now more than ever. And seeing how you are going to be in constant danger, you might as well join. If only for the fact you have someone to back you up. You should have no problem signing up with your now clean record, that is, if you want to.
There was a brief silence before the excellent Doctor's smile could be heard through the comm, "You know, maybe I should. Or at least think about it. Thank you again, Captain. You gave me a lot to think about, and goodbye."
End Recall
"Afterwards, we did some research on Bane, and all we could discover was that he was apparently a freelance scientist. My guess is he was probably tight on money, but you seem to think otherwise. Don't you, sir?" John asked, and Admiral Kahoku replied with a nod.
"Banes was most likely trying to force the Doctor into debt so she would be forced to work for Cerberus."
"Cerberus? Who are they, and why does that sound familiar?" Velanna asked.
"You know them because Cerberus is the center of many criminal investigations," the Admiral told the young elf. "As for who they are, Cerberus was a black opts founded within the Human System Alliance before the HSA founded the Federation with the Geth Collective, Krogan Clan Alliance, and Quarian Conclave. They started off as a research and mercenary organization that became very secretive and very powerful. Powerful enough that they had actually expanded since the 2150s when they should have been disbanded when federal organizations such as the FID, FCIS, and Federation's R&D were created."
"What sort of crimes are they being investigated for?" John asked.
"Theft, racketeering, extortion, espionage, corporate and political assassination of character, murder, literal assassination, mass kidnapping, illegal experimentation on organic and synthetic sentient beings, and terrorism," the Admiral answered with a straight face indicating his sincerity.
"And no one has gone after them?"
"You try charging someone with lack of evidence," Kahoku growled. "It's hard to pin something on an organocation that is very good at eliminating evidence. To the point that you cannot prove their people were even on the same planet of the crime. Let alone prove they had committed a crime."
"So, you want me to gather evidence against Cerberus as well?" John asked.
Kahoku looked thoughtful before answering, "That would be nice, but not required as I just want to find out if my men are alright. Can you do that for me, Captain?"
"I'll do my best if we are near the cluster that you want us to investigate," Captain John Shepard answered the relieved Admiral.
"Thank you, Captain. Here are the coordinates of their last position. I also give you clearance to my private channel so you can connect with me. I'll be on the move from here to the Arcturus Station, trying to get answers through official channels. I wish you luck and thank you again," Rear Admiral Kahoku bowed before leaving the two alone.
"Well, that is something," Velanna commented in a small whisper. "All we need now is a message saying the USS Normandy is ready, and it would be like a movie or a story-driven video game."
John snorted when his omni-tool chime revealed he had a call coming in. He pulled it up to see it was Cortona. "Sorry to interrupt, Captain, but the Normandy is ready to fly. Rear Admiral Anderson wants you, Jane, and everyone there to return to the ship to give you the details of your mission."
"I'll be there," John stated, giving a look to a surprised Velanna before he called up everyone through the comms to return to the docks for the long road of their mission.
Serpent Nebula/Window/Citadel/Wards: Confederation Docking Port
Human Date: February 9, 2183
There was a large group before the USS Normandy, ready for their superior officers' debriefing. Starting with Rear Admiral David Anderson, "Good, you all have made it, we can now begin this meeting."
Anderson then turned to Garrus and a dark-skinned, brown salarian in black and yellow striped armor, "You all know, Officer Garrus, through the investigation on Saren. You will be happy to know he agreed to the offer Jane sprung on everyone during the last Council meeting." Garrus gave a firm salute before Anderson turned towards the salarian. "And joining you as well is SPECTRE Jondum Bau; he'll be the Council's spokesmen during the mission."
"I will also be providing intelligence from the Council, as gathering intelligence is more my specialty than fighting," Jondum Bau bowed.
"Do you know where Saren is at this moment?" Jane asked, and Jondum shook his head no.
"Believe me, if we did, we would hear about the late Saren due to STG's assassins. Sadly, all I have is leads I provided to your FID."
Legion's Shadow, who was followed by his new trainee, Zevran, presented its information. "We have identified several different acolyte units, commandoes units, and procreated units of Benezia-Matriarch. All of which are considered unimportant, or whereabouts are unknown. Except for one unit, Lira T'Soni-Doctor."
"Doctor Lira T'Soni is a famous Prothean Archeologist that was last reported to be at a dig site in the Artemis Tau Cluster. It's vital we find her as she may have important information or maybe as a hostage. She is listed to be the sole heir of Matriarch Benezia's estate," Ambassador Nakmor stated.
"We've also had intelligence that suggests Saren is looking for her," Jondum added quickly. "Possibly to hold hostage if Benezia is not as willing as we thought, or to use her as a source of information for her expertise on the Protheans. Either way, I think letting Saren get her is a bad idea."
"We were going to stop by the Artemis Tau Cluster anyway. It is just a priority now," John stated as Jane looked at John quizzically, wondering what she missed.
"It's your ship. You don't answer to us anymore unless we are head of the Federation Navy or the Council," Anderson stated with a small smile.
One that was not shared by Ambassador Udina, "But now you are part of this joint venture which means anything you do will harm us as well. If you make a mess, I will have to clean it up."
"Then we'll try to keep it at a minimum, if only for Ambassador Nakmor's sake," Jane chirped, much to Udina's annoyance and Nakmor's humor.
Nakmor was still laughing as he stated, "Glad to hear it, and now we bid you luck in blasting your enemies to oblivion."
The two ambassadors left with Legion's Shadow, leaving Zevran and David Anderson and the Normandy Crew. Zevran looked at Leliana and Varric as Sten and Merrill were loaded onto the ship. Alone, Zevran smiled as he stated, "So, this is where we part ways."
"Yes, it is, Zev," Varric smiled back. "You know you can come with us. It's apparently a big universe, and we should stick together. Especially after Anders found out the citizens bring big guns to any fight."
Zevran winced at the thought of another from Thedas dying out here in the greater galaxy, but he quickly hid it behind a cocky smile. After all, what is one more in a field of blood? "I thank you kindly for the generous offer. But I already received a job offer that fits my unique skills, and I feel it will be safer than where you, the human, elf, and qunari are going. So, I'll take my leave. I wish you luck and Andraste's hope," Zevran bowed before he walked out of their lives forever. Leaving one other to give his goodbye to his unofficial apprentices.
"I am going to miss both of you," David Anderson admitted.
"And we'll miss you too," Jane smiled as she saluted Anderson, followed by John. "We'll make you proud."
"I know you will. I'll keep in touch and stop by occasionally to help. Good luck," Anderson saluted before he walked away, leaving the group to disperse into the Normandy. Brother and sister were the last ones to enter through the airlock that was near the cockpit.
A place Joker was waiting, "So ends a legend while new ones are born."
"Looks like it," John admitted. "It's going to feel odd without Anderson in charge."
"You'll get us through. The Admiral trusted you, and I cannot speak for everyone, but I trust you two as well," Joker smirked before opening the com-channel. "The intercom system is active if you want to give a speech."
The brother and sister duo looked at each other before they nodded, and John began, "This is Captain John Shepard and his sister, Commander Jane Shepard. We have our orders, find Saren to make him pay for his crimes and stop him from finding this Conduit. A task I won't lie to you, that will not be easy."
"For as long as we can remember, we all have been treated as though we were the outcasts. All alone within this galaxy. But that is no longer the case. We are going to prove to the galaxy that we are a united people that fight for what is right," Jane stated right before John followed.
"A fight we will be taking to Saren and his followers across the traverse, as we need to stop him. Not only from attacking other Confederation's colonies, but also others that will be at risk from this crazy lunatic. He is a lunatic that will be ready to fight us for every milometer of space in the traverse."
"A fight we must take to him. Not only for humans, quarians, geth, and krogans but also for every species that calls this galaxy home. And I promise you that we will stop Saren, once and for all!" Jane stated with one last conviction.
"Well said Captain, Commander," Joker remarked, as he looked even more determined as John gave his first ship order.
"Take us out, Joker. We have an ex-SPECTRE to hunt for."
"Yes, sir!" Joker acknowledged before he detached the Normandy from docking control and made the escape vector from the Citadel. Then, with one hard burn, he reached the Mass Relay to make one FTL jump to Artemis Tau Cluster, starting the main quest to hunt for Saren.
Done with this chapter, this one was a bit easier to edit than previous ones, so I could get it out quicker. Let us hope it will be a growing trend, especially with one character taken out of the equation. It also helps if you review it as soon as possible as that helps motivate me to keep on writing as I know people are enjoying this story.