There's always the most action on a bridge when we're making a jump through a relay.
Everyone on this ship knows that the pilot can handle it. Hell, I've only been on the ship a couple weeks, and I can't imagine there's much of anything that this pilot can't handle. But the whole crew runs around like they're busy when we're jumping. I think most of it is the rush, the way gravity gets a little weird for a couple seconds, and it feels like your feet might actually lift from the ground before that dropping feeling sets in, like the one you'd get on a roller coaster.
Damn, when's the last time I was a roller coaster?
A little busy for that these days.
I make my way through the bridge and toward the cockpit where Jeff "Joker" Moreau is guiding us out of Faster-than-Light flight from the relay and back down toward normal speed and our destination. I recognize Nihlus by his silhouette as I approach, tall with the broad shoulders and tapered waist that all Turians have.
It's made me wonder idly if part of the animosity that so many human men feel toward Turians, even now that the war is behind us, is that humans have to work so hard for the same shape.
"Shepard," Nihlus calls as I arrive from behind him. I'll never get used to the fact that he can smell me coming. He knows that, of course, which is why he makes a show of it.
I tilt my head to flash a smirk and a wink, the Turian giving me a brief smile before putting his stern face back on. I know him too well to take it seriously.
Kaidan Alenko is sitting in the co-pilot seat, mostly just because Captain Anderson wants the crew tight on protocol because of our Spectre guest. He glances back over his shoulder to give me a small smile. A very cute smile.
"How are we doing?"
"Your pilot minimized drift to under fifteen hundred kilometers," Nihlus answers for Joker. I don't argue that he's not actually my pilot. "Good. The Captain will be pleased." With that, Nihlus turns on his heels and leaves us.
"I hate that guy," Joker grumbles almost immediately when he's gone, probably unaware that the Turian can definitely still hear him.
I can't help a smirk at the comment. I asked Nihlus after his first few nights onboard why he was so serious and distant with the crew when I know him as warm, funny, and charming. Joker would probably like him in another setting - they might even be friends. When I told Nihlus that, he said that was the point; he doesn't like forming attachments anymore because his Spectre status means that he's moving from crew to crew, ship to ship.
I would hate not knowing one crew as mine and always starting over.
Kaidan laughs at Joker. "Nihlus just gave you a compliment...so you hate him?" The Lieutenant has a point, and I feel my spine straighten at the faint smell of xenophobia in the room. There are few things I hate more.
"That was not a compliment," Joker argues. "You remember to zip up your jumpsuit on the way out of the bathroom? That's good. I just jumped us halfway across the galaxy and hit a target the size of a pinhead. So that's incredible. Besides, Spectres are trouble. I don't like having him on board. Call me paranoid."
This time I laugh, mostly with relief that it's ego and not racism on a ship that was created as a measure of goodwill between the Turian Hierarchy and the Alliance Navy. Having a Spectre on board has had most of the crew on edge, though. I have to admit that even I don't know how to feel about the elite and secretive Council force.
It was different before when he was just Nihlus. Spectre Kyrik is a little intimidating and has the service record to back that up.
It doesn't help around here that the Spectres still haven't accepted a human into their ranks despite the successes we've had in the short time since joining the greater galactic community. Yet.
I might have a little ego of my own to add to the crew.
"You're paranoid," Kaidan responds, chuckling at the pilot. "The Council helped fund the Normandy project. They have a right to send someone to keep an eye on their investment."
Joker scoffs again. I'm starting to wonder if he can begin a sentence without that sound. "Yeah, that is the official story. But only a chump believes the official story."
"Joker." Captain Anderson's voice over the comm straightens every spine in the room. "Status report." Joker gives him a quick rundown that I don't pay a lot of attention to. "Excellent. Have Shepard meet me in the comm room in twenty minutes."
"Aye, aye Captain. You may want to brace yourself, sir. Nihlus is headed your way," Joker warns him.
There's a pause before the Captain speaks again, his voice distinctly grumpier. "He's already here."
Joker at least has the grace to facepalm at his own mistake. "Great. You pissed him off, and now I get to go deal with it," I tease.
The pilot spins his chair around to face me, a smirk appearing under his very much non-regulation beard. "Just flash your service record at him, and you can get away with anything, Commander."
I laugh and throw him a wink for good measure before I turn and head back down the bridge in the direction Nihlus went a few minutes ago. I plan on heading for the crew quarters to check emails on my personal terminal, but Navigator Pressly is having a loud discussion with Engineer Adams over the comms, and the mention of Nihlus' name catches my attention.
He spots me and straightens away from his task, so I slow with the intention of greeting him. "Commander."
Most of the crews I've worked with know that I'm not much for titles or fanfare and just prefer 'Shepard.' It wouldn't fly with many of the other Commanders or Captains in the Alliance Navy, but I mostly just think they're all too stiff. Pressly and this crew might not know me well enough for that yet, but at least he shakes my hand instead of saluting me.
"You heading down to see the Captain?"
"Shortly, yes."
"With all due respect, ma'am…" I try not to cringe at that from a man twice my age. The veteran could have retired happily with honors years ago, but few can do his job better, and he knows it. "The Captain likes you. Maybe he'll tell you what we're really doing out here."
I frown at him, surprised that Joker's conspiracy theories have reached the rest of the crew. "You think Alliance brass is holding out on us?"
Pressly takes a quick glance around. "If all we're supposed to do is test out the stealth systems, why is Captain Anderson in charge? You're more than capable of that. And then there's Nihlus. Spectres are elite operatives, top covert agents. Why send a Spectre - a Turian Spectre - on a shakedown run? It doesn't add up."
"You don't trust Nihlus." I try to keep any sign of protectiveness for Nihlus out of my tone. I'm also just about praying that Pressly proves me wrong like Joker did, and this isn't about his species.
"I don't like Turians in general. Runs in my family." I have to fight the urge to roll my eyes at the suggestion xenophobia and hatred are inbred. "My grandfather fought in the First Contact War, lost a lot of friends when the Turians hit us."
"Come on, Pressly. That was nearly thirty years ago. Nihlus wasn't anywhere near that war." I manage to control myself enough not to also remind him that the humans 'hit' the Turians first in that war.
Pressly nods, but he doesn't look convinced. "I know, I know. Old habits die hard, I suppose. It'd be easier if they were a little more personable."
I hide a smirk and just shrug. He'd probably shit himself if I told him that Nihlus is one of the funniest, most charming people I've ever met of any species.
"Hey, we don't know all Turians are like that. After all...I know some humans who can be a tough nut to crack." With my eyebrows raised, Pressly gets the message and chuckles while his cheeks turn red. I pat his shoulder with a laugh of my own. "I have to meet up with our Spectre guest and Anderson. Keep up the good work, Pressly."
"Appreciate the chat, Shepard," he calls after me, making my smile stick around a little longer than it might have otherwise.
"Commander!"
The enthusiastic shout that greets me just as I step into the crew quarters startles me a little and stops me dead in my tracks. Corporal Jenkins and Dr. Chakwas - who looks just as startled as I feel - are sitting at a table that is far too close to have required such a loud greeting. I've only been briefly introduced to the young soldier, but the body language between the two of them suggests they've served together for a while.
"Jenkins, Dr. Chakwas," I greet them at a normal volume level, approaching the table but not sitting. I still have some time before meeting up with Captain Anderson, and Karin Chakwas happens to be one of my most favorite people in the galaxy. I've known her just as long as I've known Anderson, the two of them a big part of my recovery and enlistment. I'll always have time for her.
"Just got my orders to go with you when we disembark, Commander," Jenkins announces, quickly saluting me even though the smile threatening to split his face in half isn't quite regulation.
I appreciate an excited soldier, but this kid looks barely old enough to serve, and his enthusiasm seems misspent. Chakwas feels the same, I can tell with a glance.
"It's just a shakedown, Jenkins. Nothing to get excited about."
Jenkins waves that off. "There's a Spectre onboard - a Turian Spectre! Those guys don't answer to anyone, so he wouldn't be here if it wasn't for something big." He beams, looking back and forth between Dr. Chakwas and I expectantly. "We're finally going to see some real action!"
"I sincerely hope you're kidding, Corporal," Dr. Chakwas scolds him. Her gaze is stern, but she manages to make it feel more parental than soldier. It's always worked on me. "Your 'real action' almost always ends with me patching up Marines in the Med Bay."
I nod and agree. "She's right, Jenkins. We never hope for a chance to get hurt, and you should remain focused on whatever the mission is. And the mission just a shakedown." I emphasize the last part and hold his gaze.
"Whatever you say, Commander," he responds casually, clearly not affected by being reprimanded by the good doctor or myself. Dr. Chakwas gives me an exaggerated sigh, and I can read her thoughts in her expression. Boys.
I excuse myself and head into the back of the room for some privacy at my terminal, pulling up my email for a quick scan. There's nothing interesting, of course. I note the four unsent and unfinished drafts in my outbox with no small amount of disdain. The longest is a paragraph of rambling, and the shortest just says, "I don't know what to say."
All four are addressed to Garrus Vakarian. He's crossed my mind more than once since our one-night stand and not just because I met him through Nihlus. Actually, when he crossed my mind last night, it was because of my vibrator...which really isn't doing it for me now.
That jerk Turian ruined me.
I frown at the thought, wondering where I could find a good lay just to get over him since emailing Garrus clearly isn't going to work out. I really did want to keep in touch. Garrus is funny, charming, smart, and so easy to talk to...but I just feel so weird whenever I try.
How do you keep in touch with the one-night stand you can't stop daydreaming about without sounding completely lame or desperate? And why did he even ask me to keep in touch with him? He probably knew exactly what it would do to me since that was clearly not his first casual rodeo. Whatever.
I log out with a little more force than is necessary and decide to head to the Comm Room to meet Anderson, even if I'm early. It's for the best since I know what happens if I spend too much time thinking about Garrus Vakarian...good God, what a night.
I'm still scolding myself for thinking about Garrus when the doors to the Comm Room open, and I'm greeted by his instantly familiar, melted chocolate voice. I nearly trip over my own feet.
Nihlus is laughing at whatever Garrus said just before I entered, the two of them in a video chat. I feel my face flush instantly and turn, desperate to leave before I actually have to face him - even electronically. "Shepard," Nihlus calls, catching me with those damn Turian super senses. "You don't want to come say hi?"
"Nihlus," I hear Garrus mumble softly through this video chat, his voice gently scolding.
"I didn't want to interrupt," I lie, turning back around and heading down the platform and into the circular center of the room where we're surrounded by screens of various sizes and purposes. If I run now, I'll look like a coward, and that's just not going to happen.
Nihlus has his terminal up on a screen that projects Garrus from the chest up. I feel my heart skip awkwardly because I'd forgotten just how impossibly blue his eyes are.
The memory of how those eyes looked when he was inside me - so, so deep inside me - comes unbidden, and I swallow hard. "Hey, Garrus."
"Shepard," he responds, practically purring. He's swaying side to side a little like he's sitting in a chair that spins. "How are you?"
"Good, thanks. You?"
It's awkward. I'm awkward. I hate awkward, especially when the time that we actually spent together was so easy, so natural. Nihlus makes a soft, growling sound from beside me, and I laugh at him, reading his annoyance. It helps me relax, so I decide just to be honest.
"I'm sorry I haven't emailed you. I've been...really stupid, actually."
Garrus laughs and does that thing I've seen both Turians do now, jerking one shoulder in a kind of shrug. "I make allowances for intelligence from humans," he quips.
"Oh, really now? I think we might have to go combat style on the gun range date," I inform him, resting my hands on the railing in front of the screen. "You need your ass kicked by a human."
"Mmhmm, and since combat is Turian code for foreplay, I'm sure he won't mind the ass kicking," Nihlus teases, nudging me playfully with his elbow.
Garrus laughs with us, but I don't miss that he gazes at my face for just a beat too long to be casual. He's thinking about that night, too.
"We need to meet with the Captain, but she'll message you when she's done. Right, Shepard?"
"Yes, Dad."
Nihlus doesn't miss a beat, casually replying, "Actually, I prefer when they call me 'Daddy.'"
"Oh, wow. On that note, I'm gonna go throw up. Thanks, Nih." I can't help but laugh at Garrus, who is making such a disgusted face that it's easily recognized. Still, I shove Nihlus away from me as punishment for implanting the thought of some grown man naked, sweaty, and calling him Daddy.
I wince. "Oh, God, I'm getting a mental image."
"Stop!" Garrus barks, his tone pained, as Nihlus explodes in laughter and leans on the railing to hold himself up. We can't help laughing with him, and I'm transported back to shore leave and how much I enjoyed every moment of hanging out with two total strangers of a different species.
It makes me even more annoyed that I have needed to have conversations like the one with Pressly so often. Why can't it all be like this, the way that it is with the three of us?
Hell, if more human women saw Turian men naked, we'd all get along much better.
The idea brings heat to my face and tightens my core, drawing my eyes back to Garrus. His deep voice is even better when he's laughing, and I love how the light dances in his eyes even on screen...though I absolutely hate how cheesy that sounded in my head.
"We really do have to meet with the Captain," Nihlus reminds us after everyone has caught their breath. "I'll let you know how it goes."
"You better," Garrus responds. "Be safe, both of you. I'll be here...bored and useless."
"You have your uses." The words leave my mouth before I realize I'm going to say them. Garrus blinks, and his brow plates shift even as a smirk breaks across his face. "And now I'm going to pretend I never said that.
"I have a witness. And you should actually email me this time."
I wish I could even pretend to have the power to deny that damn smile of his. I promise and mean it. He says bye to both of us for now, and Nihlus closes down the terminal.
The screen that had been on prior to the video chat pops back up, and I recognize it from vids and mission briefs as Eden Prime, the planet we're approaching now. "I've heard it's beautiful," Nihlus says, also looking at the planet.
"I've heard the same, but I can't say from personal experience," I admit. "This will be my first visit."
He makes a kind of thoughtful noise, though I'm not sure why something simple and simply fact warrants additional thought. Nihlus turns his back to the railing and leans on it so that he's facing me, arms crossed over his broad chest, and a thoughtful expression on his face. Well, at least I think it's thoughtful. He's definitely harder to read than Garrus, and I don't know if it's the clan markings that distract from his face or the Spectre thing.
Still watching me, he tilts his head to the side and stares me down with light green eyes that look almost yellow in some lights. "Shepard, it really doesn't bother you at all, does it? Spending time with Turians - with aliens?"
I laugh, mostly from surprise at the turn in the conversation. "I think I've made that pretty clear," I note, making him chuckle too. "But no, it doesn't. I mean, I notice the differences. I'm not going to tell you that I don't see species. But...I kind of like the differences. Minus your super senses, I hate that."
Nihlus throws his head back to laugh at that. When he recovers, he continues, "It's different though, Shepard. Most of your kind, most humans still hold tension at best and all-out xenophobia more often than not. You're certainly not the only species guilty of that, Spirits know that we do it, but it's really unusual to find a human so...above it."
I stay silent while I consider my reply. He hasn't outright asked why, but the question is implied, and it's a valid one. I hear it pretty often, but usually from humans who want to know why I'm not more loyal to our side. That gets a lot of sarcasm and some swearing from me, but this deserves more. Still, no matter how much I like Nihlus, I'm not about to spill my life story to a new friend with a very high military rank - and not even my military.
"I've seen a lot of hatred and bloodshed - even before getting into the military," I tell him, settling for what's mostly true. "So much of it came from people not even trying to understand each other, just lashing out for their differences. I might not be able to stop it, but I'm sure as hell not about to be a part of it."
"Well, Commander Shepard," he drawls, straightening away from the railing and playfully tapping the end of my nose with a talon. "That was the right answer."
I blink at him, surprised - both by the excitement in his tone and his use of my full title - but the doors opening interrupts us. Captain Anderson marches in to join us, right on time, and Nihlus stiffens. I can feel him putting on his mask of strict professionalism; I need to master that.
"Captain," Nihlus greets him. "I think it's about time we tell Shepard what's going on."
Anderson joins us, and I look to him, appreciative that he looks at least a little sheepish. "I'm sure she's figured something out."
"When you go out of your way to pick up a Spectre for a simple mission, the whole crew thinks something else is going on. I appreciate being brought into the loop...finally." With a different Captain or with the crew present, I may not have thrown in the sass. But Anderson knows me better than just about anyone. I toe the line, I speak my mind, but I get my job done.
Nihlus moves first, starting a slow walk to the other side of the room. "The Council has charged me, as part of the Normandy team, with making a covert pick-up on Eden Prime."
I may not understand much of interstellar politics, but I know the Council doesn't make a practice of taking an interest in what Alliance ships pick up. The ship rocks a bit, signaling that we're entering Eden Prime's atmosphere.
"Scientists on Eden Prime have discovered an ancient beacon of some kind," Anderson explains. "We've been asked to move in and recover it. The Normandy's stealth systems make our crew the perfect fit for this mission."
"Eden Prime being so close to the Traverse makes it a target, sure, but is this beacon so important that we need stealth?" I clarify. "And not that I don't love you, Nih, but we need a Spectre?"
Nihlus turns to face me again and replies, "The beacon is Prothean."
The ship rocks again, and this time I think it might just be a reflection of my own surprise. Between military school and everything I've read, I know my fair share about the ancient and long-extinct race of beings that created the Citadel and Mass Relays our entire galaxy relies on still today. They've been gone for nearly fifty thousand years, and we're still using their technology.
"There hasn't been a discovery of this magnitude for humanity since we round relay technology on Mars," Anderson continues. "This is - "
"Captain." Joker's voice rings through the intercom. "We've received a transmission from a team on Eden Prime. I've patched it through to the Comm Room, and I think you're gonna wanna see this."
I'm immediately on alert when Joker sounds serious. There's no way that can be a good sign.
He fires up a vid on one of the larger screens, and we all turn toward it. I assess as I watch, multiple unknown enemies firing on Alliance squads. The enemy must be using high powered weapons or biotics given all the explosions we can hear and debris flying on screen.
A young soldier scrambles into view, first at something, and then turns back to face the screen. He's out of breath, and the transmission is bad, so we're only able to catch pieces of it. "...under attack...we're...heavy casualties taken...beacon."
I feel Nihlus shift a bit beside me in response to mention of the beacon, his concern escalating.
The soldier on screen takes a hit and falls to the side, giving us a view of the rest of his unit shooting and being shot at. The sky is clouded by storms when this morning, Joker gave us a sunny weather report on the planet. A loud mechanical groan takes over the sounds of gunfire, and the soldiers freeze, staring with wide mouths and eyes at something we can't see with awe and what I recognize as shitting-your-pants terror. An explosion sounds and causes the camera to fall, giving us just a few more quick flashes of action before going dead.
"Comms went dead after that," Joker tells us. "We can't reach anyone."
My adrenaline is pumping, knowing that now an enemy awaits us on the ground, but there's something else. "Joker, can you back the video up? Slowly." He complies, and I watch the camera fall again before calling, "Right there, hold it."
Whatever is on the screen only serves to confuse and concern me more. The thing, surrounded by biotic and kinetic shields, must be a ship since it's clearly taking off, but it looks something like a giant set of claws. It's unlike anything I've ever seen.
"What is that?" Anderson asks, his voice just as bewildered as I feel.
"Status report, Joker," I command, exploding into movement. I know the other two follow me as Joker confirms we're ten minutes from the landing zone, and the next closest Alliance vessel is thirty minutes out. We're going in blind and alone.
"Land as close to that transmission point as possible," Anderson tells me.
"We go as a group, and we'll be walking into a massacre," Nihlus notes as we reach the bridge. I know that he's right but turn to face him anyway, and the Turian laughs at the look on my face. "It's OK, Shepard. I work better on my own anyway."
"We can split into two teams," I offer, but Nihlus just cocks his head to the side, and I know he's not going to give in. And he outranks me. We haven't been friendly in front of the crew yet, but now doesn't seem like the time to care about who is watching or listening. "Damn it. Just don't do anything stupid. I can't think of a very large Turian who is going to be pissed if you get hurt on my watch."
Nihlus laughs and extends a hand toward me. "You'd miss me, and you know it."
"Damn right I would." I accept his gesture and grasp his forearm in my hand, giving him another nod before releasing my friend. I take a breath, preparing to let him go. "Joker, get Nihlus down on Landing Zone B. You can approach from there, Nih, and I'll take a small squad with me."
Nihlus and Anderson both nod, not arguing with me despite their high command - and this being Anderson's ship.
"There is one more thing, Shepard," Nihlus calls as he steps away and presses a hand to the elevator call pad. I wait while he steps inside. "If you prove yourself here...there just might be two Spectres taking the beacon back to the Council." I blink, stunned when what he's saying hits me, and Nihlus gives me a grin that's become familiar. "Show me what you've got. See ya on the other side."
The doors of the elevator close, taking him from my view.
Anderson opens his mouth to say something, but I hold up a hand to cut him off. "Not now. I need to focus on the mission." I can tell he approves of that, and he says nothing. "Jenkins, gear up - five minutes. Grab Alenko, tell him that he's with us."
I ignore the thrilled little whoop that Jenkins allows before running - actually running - up the bridge to the cockpit. I move in the other direction, slapping my hand against the pad for an elevator to the Cargo Hold. I hit the thing harder than I need to and can feel Anderson watching me still.
A few minutes ago, we were on a simple shakedown mission. Now Nihlus is going alone into enemy fire. And I might end up a Spectre?
I take a deep breath and step into the elevator for the ride down. You'd think one floor would be a short ride, but this elevator is as bad as those on the Citadel. I manage to escape and gear up, already fitting my chest plates when Kaidan and Jenkins show up. They hurry to match my pace and finish up shortly after I finish strapping no less than four guns to my back and a pistol to my hip.
I keep it on my left and pull from my right, something every single commanding officer I've served us has commented and frowned on. They all learn pretty quickly that I do what I want, dancing that line with insubordination, and I do it damn well.
"Shepard." The voice is Nihlus', inside my helmet, where he's speaking to me via a comm link. His voice is a little distant and crackly, but I can hear him say, "The situation is...kind of shitty, actually."
"Professional opinion, Spectre?"
He gives one low laugh. "You know me. Anyway, get down here, and make your way toward the dig site, get eyes on that beacon. I'll be in touch."
"Aye, aye. Be careful out there, Nihlus."
"You too, Commander. That large Turian will be even more pissed if you don't make it back." I can't hide my smile at that, even knowing Jenkins and Kaidan heard. Nihlus clicks off, gone for now.
Joker can get low and slow here, so the drop to the ground is simple, even with an assault rifle in hand. Jenkins and Kaidan land on either side of me, their breathing rhythmically plugging my ears inside my helmet. I assume it's the over-excited kid who is panting.
"Take it easy, Jenkins. This is just like any other mission."
I can't help scanning the email again, even if I know it won't do anything. It won't change anything.
He's gone. Nihlus is gone.
The email reached me over a week ago...the night before he died, hours before he was betrayed with a bullet in the back of his skull. Most of my childhood and military memories include Nihlus; memories of more carefree times when it was all so damn romantic. Now he's dead, and my ass is here, up to my fringe in red tape and bureaucratic bullshit preventing me from bringing his killer to justice.
Your human is something else. It's one thing to see her as a civilian, but as a leader, a soldier? She's like wildfire...dangerous, but you can't help being in awe as it rages past you. She'll be a Spectre in no time, killing some bad fuckers the moment we let her off the leash. No wonder you loved leashing this one, Pup.
I smirk at my best friend's brash style, familiar and comforting right now even if it's gotten me in trouble on more than one occasion.
The human he's talking about, Commander Elle Shepard, is arriving back on the Citadel today. All of C-Sec has heard she's on the warpath; she wants Saren's head for Nihlus' murder and the Geth ambush that followed. Knowing someone cares about this is the only thing giving me life right now.
A human is determined to bring down a traitor to our species, and Executor Pallin can't even be bothered to give me the resources I need to complete my investigation into Saren.
A wildfire. It feels like fire will be needed to get anything done.
On my part, I'm not quite done beating my head against this particular wall. My father's favorite complaint about his youngest son: I don't know when to quit or give up a fight. It's something that feels horrible and sick and ironic to me right now since that same tenacity was one of Saren's favorite things about me when he trained me. I just can't give up on this one.
Nihlus messaged me two weeks ago, we spoke and laughed that morning...and now, he's gone. I'll be damned if I quit at the first roadblocks I come up against in the battle to get him justice.
Pallin already looks annoyed when he sees me coming, quickly dismissing the human Citadel employee he's been talking to. Wordlessly, the grizzled Turian veteran holds out a hand similar to mine, and I give him a datapad with all the sad scraps and open leads I was able to gather.
He's from the same region of Palaven that Nihlus was born in, given away by the color of his clan markings. "Sir, I know there's more," I press him, swallowing the urge to shake the man and remind him where he came from, where my best friend came from.
What we fucking stand for, as Turians.
"Did you find anything, Vakarian?" He uses the tone of his voice to suggest that I'm not the best damn detective on C-Sec and my fists clench.
The first time in a year anything is actually happening, something huge and personal, and I'm stuck. "Sir, I have a couple leads. If I had more time and the access, I could - "
"You don't have more time. It's over," he snaps, cutting me off. He glances past me and immediately tenses, so I follow his gaze to find the source.
My body responds in a totally different way than Pallin's when I spot Commander Shepard headed toward us, easily recognized by dark red hair and an absolutely fascinating curve to her hips. She looks different in full armor, definitely more like the badass her record suggests she is, but I'd know her anywhere. Even flanked by two humans, a man and a woman, all I can see is her.
"It's over, Vakarian. Stand down."
I turn to watch the man practically run away as Shepard approaches, the smell of sweet citrus with a spicy hint of cinnamon preceding her. She watches Pallin's retreat as well, probably feeling a little slighted by the Executor's sudden departure. I feel a need to step in that I can't really explain.
"Commander Shepard." It feels weird to be so formal with her. I offer a nod and rack my brain for the way humans greet each other; she solves the problem for me, offering her hand and a gentle smile like she understands. I accept it, feeling a familiar thrum of energy.
I knew the moment I met Shepard that she was different, and now Nihlus' appraisal of her is running through my mind. That night we had together as civilians is burned firmly in my memories, but with stories that I've heard, her service record, and the fact that Nihlus thought enough of her to sponsor her for the Spectres, I'm not about to disrespect her.
Shepard eyes me as our hands part, bright green eyes trained on my face, and I'm aware that her Alliance counterparts are staring at me when the Commander's stance relaxes. There's a beat before her face falls into an expression I recognize as sympathy.
"How are you holding up, Garrus?" she asks kindly, throwing regulation out the window and definitely surprising her squad with the familiarity.
"I'm…" I've had a white lie practiced for weeks. I've told dozens of people that I'm fine since Nihlus died. But with Shepard, it's just too hard to lie. Instead, I shake my head. "I really appreciate your emails and you calling me. Honestly...it's keeping me sane, which is really saying something."
"I know." And I think she really does.
Shepard called me from the Normandy and told me what happened personally instead of forcing me to hear it through C-Sec channels with a delay. It wasn't only incredibly thoughtful, but it let me call Nihlus' family and give them the same courtesy. She's emailed me several times in the week since to check in and called last night to make sure I was OK.
Shepard didn't have to do a damn bit of it for me, and it pisses me off that I couldn't do enough for her or for Nihlus.
"My focus is on justice now," I tell her.
"I'd heard you were heading the investigation," she responds, giving me a nod like that pleases her.
"Trying." The word comes out as more of a growl than I really intended.
Shepard crosses her arms over her chest and sinks back into her left hip. It creates an insanely confident aura around her...not cocky, just assured. I like it. "I know you really want to catch the bastard, Vakarian." She motions with her head in the direction that Pallin just marched off in, clearly interpreting the situation correctly.
"Damn right. Saren is hiding something. I couldn't find enough evidence in time, and he's a Spectre, so everything he touches is classified." Her face tightens so slightly I'm not sure anyone else could catch it, but that's the benefit of being Turian. "He's dirty, Shepard, I know it."
The words don't feel right. Part of me hates talking about Saren this way. It's the image I've created in my head of Nihlus dead that fuels me.
"I think they're ready for us, Commander," the man behind her says. I give him a quick once over, his brown eyes hardening when they meet mine. I don't need more than a glance to know for certain that he wants a piece of Shepard.
Shepard sighs hard and nods briefly to him. "I should get this over with."
"Good luck. Maybe they'll listen to you." The look that she gives me suggests that she knows just as well as I do that the Council isn't going to believe a thing she has to say about what happened.
"Can I call you after and let you know how it went?"
That makes me smile. "You mean, can you call me after and check up on me?" She gives a short laugh but doesn't deny it, and I wouldn't turn her down anyway. "Of course, yeah. Please do."
Shepard smiles and tightens in preparation to walk away. I can see the wheels turning in her head, and then very suddenly she's closed the distance between us. My heart thuds almost painfully when her soft little hand rests on the center of my chest, and I swear I can feel the touch right down to my plates even through my armor.
I cover her hand with mine, mostly as a way to anchor myself when Shepard has made me feel intensely vulnerable...in public.
"We're going to get him, Garrus. I need you to trust me on that, OK?"
I know I have to behave differently with Shepard the soldier than the civilian, especially in front of her crew, but this thing for Nihlus is personal for both of us. Whether or not I respect her, it's the fact that she's so concerned for me that threatens to overwhelm me. "I trust you, Elle."
Part of me expects reproach for using her first name, and the woman behind her has to force a cough to cover up the sound of shock she makes. The man just turns red. Shepard's eyes never leave mine as her smile returns, and she nods. I drop my hand when she moves, and she pounds the side of her fist lightly against my chest before her hand falls as well.
I stay there to watch the three of them go, Shepard immediately focused again while her teammates can't help glancing back at me over their shoulders. I'm sure they're trying to figure out what the hell makes her care so much about a Turian - and whether that Turian in question is Nihlus or me, I'm wondering the same damn thing.
I know one thing for sure: Shepard is right, and we're going to get Saren.
And I'm not going to sit on my hands while it happens.
Just moments, barely a few minutes, with Garrus goddamn Vakarian, and I'm shaken.
I have no idea how someone who is virtually a stranger has had such an impact on me. Seeing Nihlus dead was horrible, but I was immediately more heartbroken for Garrus. It wasn't regulation or even really appropriate to tell him myself, but I never stopped to give that a second thought. My only concern that day, in the week since, and primarily today is how Garrus would handle the death of his best friend.
I felt relief when I heard he was running the investigation with C-Sec and was sure to give him my statement about Saren and the Geth. Not only did Garrus' leadership mean someone capable and dedicated was in charge, but it meant Garrus could keep busy. I know firsthand how important that is when you're broken.
All of my relief disappeared today when I learned he's been stonewalled at every turn. And not just because it doesn't bode well for my meeting with the Council.
The way Ambassador Udina is yelling when I approach the Council doesn't bode well for me either.
"This is an outrage," the short and balding man I have heard nothing good about shouts as I walk onto the platform to join him and Captain Anderson. "The Council would step in if the Geth attacked a Turian colony."
The Salarian Councilor, Valern, doesn't even blink before he responds cooly, "Turians don't form colonies on the borders of the Terminus Systems, Ambassador."
Councilor Tevos, an elegant-looking Asari, chimes in, "Humanity knew the risks when you went into the Traverse."
Anderson catches my eye, and I have to fight off a smile at the disdainful look he gives me.
"What about Saren?" Udina snaps, still shouting.
I cast my eyes up at the larger-than-life hologram of Saren looming over us. He doesn't look particularly interested in being here, and since he's not watching me, I take in his form while Udina continues to rant. His fringe and mandibles are much longer than Garrus,' extending way back past his face. He looks far more menacing than either Nihlus or Garrus - definitely not as handsome - though I wonder if my opinion on him as a person is coloring that.
"You can't just ignore a rogue Spectre. I demand action!" Udina presses.
I can almost hear a scoff from Councilor Sparatus, the Turian of the trio. "You don't get to make demands of the Council, Ambassador."
I mostly zone out while Udina, Saren, and the Council go back and forth about whether they should be concerned with a Geth attack and if there is anything proving Saren killed Nihlus. They keep referring to him as "the other Turian," and it takes everything for me not to tell them off. It gets worse when Saren calls Nihlus his friend.
I'm forced to listen when Saren draws me into the conversation. "Captain Anderson. And this must be your protege, Commander Shepard. The girl who let the beacon get destroyed."
I don't miss that he chose the word 'girl' instead of referring to me as a soldier or even a woman. It makes me hate him even more. "The mission to Eden Prime was Top Secret," I remind them all. "The only way you could know about the beacon is if you were there."
"With Nihlus dead, his files passed on to me," Saren replies cooly, none of the pain in his voice I'd expect if Nihlus had actually been his friend. None of the devastation I heard in Garrus' voice. "I read the Eden Prime report. I was unimpressed, but...what can we really expect from a human?"
I see red and barely contain myself from shouting, though I point up at the hologram when I snap, "Saren despises humanity. That's why he attacked Eden Prime."
Saren scoffs and glares down at me. "Your species needs to learn its place, Shepard. You're not ready to join the Council. You're not even ready to join the Spectres."
"He has no right to say that!" Udina all but screams. "That is not his decision."
"Shepard's admission into the Spectres is not the purpose of this meeting." The Asari Councilor might finally be reprimanding Saren for something, but she doesn't even have the courage to look up at him.
"This meeting has no purpose," Saren argues. "The humans are wasting your time, Councilors. And mine."
I can feel the dismissal coming, almost able to see this whole thing slipping right through my fingers. I'm standing here failing Nihlus, failing Garrus, failing all of humanity if this does, in fact, hurt my chances of getting into the Spectres.
Damn it, I do not fail.
"Saren is hiding behind his position as Spectre. You need to open your eyes."
"What we need is evidence," Valern argues. "So far, we have seen nothing."
Captain Anderson steps forward. "There is still one outstanding issue: Commander Shepard's vision. It may have been triggered by the beacon." I fight not to shudder at the memory of the vision, one I've had to repeat in my nightmares several times since then.
"Are we allowing dreams into evidence now?" Saren demands clearly faking his ire. "How can I defend my innocence against this kind of testimony?"
Councilor Sparatus nods and says, "Our judgment must be based on facts and evidence, not wild imaginings and reckless speculation. Do you have anything else to add, Commander Shepard?"
I might have more if he didn't sound done with me already. "You've made your decision. I won't waste my breath."
We wait barely seconds while the Asari and Turian Councilors exchange a glance. "The Council has found no evidence of any connection between Saren and the Geth. Ambassador, your petition to have him disbarred from the Spectres is denied."
"I'm glad to see justice was served," Saren says smugly.
"This meeting is adjourned." The words are barely out of the Asari Councilor's mouth when the hologram for Saren shuts down, and the Councilors start to turn away from us.
I follow Anderson and Udina back off the platform, Kaidan and Ashley watching us with crestfallen expressions. They can go ahead and forget being sad; I am not done.
"Every colony we have is at risk," Anderson presses as we gather at the base of the stairs, also apparently not done. I can't help scanning the area for Garrus, but he's gone, and I wish that didn't bother me so much. "Every world we control is in danger. Even Earth isn't safe."
"The Council isn't going to help us. We need to deal with Saren ourselves," I urge him. He nods firmly, and that eases me a little, knowing he's on my side.
Udina crosses his arms and shakes his head slowly. "As a Spectre, he's virtually untouchable. We need to find some way to expose him."
"Garrus." The word is out of my mouth before I even realize the thought crossed my mind, the other four all staring at me. "The C-Sec Investigator who ran the case, Garrus Vakarian. He didn't seem happy with the way his investigation was forced to end."
"That's right!" Ashley chimes in eagerly. "He was asking for more time to finish his report. It seemed like he was close to finding something on Saren."
I make a mental note to thank her later. At least with another member of my team on board, I don't look weird or desperate going to find a Turian cop.
"I have a contact in C-Sec who can help us track him down," Udina offers. I'm not about to tell them all that I have Garrus' Omni-Tool contact. That will raise questions I just do not need to deal with today. "His name is Harkin."
Anderson scoffs. "Forget it. They suspended Harkin last month for drinking on the job. I won't waste my time with that loser."
Udina turns to face the Captain. "You won't have to. I don't want the Council using your history with Saren as an excuse to ignore anything we turn up. Shepard will handle this."
It feels like a smack across the face, and I scowl at the Ambassador. Just from stories, he's always irked me, but now I could hit him. "You can't just cut Captain Anderson out of this investigation."
"No, Shepard, the Ambassador is right. I need to step aside," Anderson assures me. I can see in his eyes that he's genuine, but I still don't love the idea of kicking my mentor and Captain off the team. I've also never had command of a ship before, only on missions - even if they were big ones. I wouldn't dare argue with him though, so I drop it for now and just nod.
"I need to take care of some business," Udina announces. "Captain, meet me in my office when you're done here." Without bothering to say a word to me or my squad, he marches off.
Now I really don't like that self-important little prick.
Anderson is right back on track. "Harkin is probably getting drunk at Chora's Den, in the lower wards."
"Captain." I take his arm and pull him aside, leaving Kaidan and Ashley waiting. I catch his brown-eyed gaze, one intensely familiar to me. "Are you sure you're OK with this? It feels weird."
He smiles. "I appreciate the concern, Elle. There are other things to keep me busy, and I'm all too happy to give you a real shot. I know you've got it in you." Anderson moves to hug me, and I don't resist it, taking the opportunity to settle myself. "Be cautious with Harkin," he advises when he takes a step back. "And be careful with Saren."
"Aye, Captain." The moment he's gone, I'm itching to call Garrus - even if it's just to see him again. I pull his information up on my Omni-Tool and try to call him, dismayed when I find that his Tool has been shut off. "Damn it. Alright. I guess we're off to talk to the drunk cop."
This promises to be fun. I just have to hope I don't screw it all up.
The moment I enter Chora's Den, I hate it.
The air is pungent with stale alcohol, smoke, and something else that I don't want to think about while the music pumps so loudly I can barely think. I hear Ashley clear her throat uncomfortably and then mutter to Kaidan that he should stop staring at the strippers, which he doesn't deny, as we make our way past the bar. I inwardly curse Garrus again for not answering his Omni-Tool, so I'm forced to deal with this place and a suspended C-Sec officer.
It also makes me worried about Garrus, but I'm trying not to think about that.
Harkin is sitting at a table at the back of the club that looks inconspicuous enough, but any soldier could tell you that he's got the best view in the house. The ass of every dancer is visible from where he's sitting. I know immediately that I hate him just as much as the club, and the smirk that appears among the wrinkles on his face as we approach only solidifies that.
"Hey there, sweetheart," he calls to me, slouching further in his chair to drape one arm over the back. I imagine the pose is supposed to be sexy.
It might have more of a positive effect if he weren't slurring his words and leering at me. Who doesn't love a creepy old drunk?
"You looking for some fun?" Harkin continues boldly. "'Cause I gotta say, that soldier get-up looks real good on that body of yours." He looks me over, obviously undressing me in his head, and I have to fight the urge to shudder or gag. "Why don't you sit your sweet little ass down here next to me, and we'll have a drink? See where this goes?"
As badly as I want to punch him, I want to find Garrus more. Still, that doesn't mean I have to be nice to this prick. "I'd rather drunk a cup of acid after chewing on a razor blade," I inform him, keeping a super sweet smile on my face.
"You trying to hurt my feelings?" he asks with a casual laugh. "You're gonna have to do better than that, Princess. After twenty years with C-Sec, I've been called every name in the book."
I laugh as well, mocking his casual tone, and step a little closer, so I don't attract the attention of the Krogan bouncers nearby. "Call me 'Princess' again, and you'll be picking your teeth up off the floor. Now tell me where I can find Garrus Vakarian so that we can both move on with our lives."
"Sheesh, OK, OK!" His hands go up in a sign for surrender, and the movement nearly knocks him out of the chair before he catches himself. My eyes roll toward the ceiling, but he either doesn't notice or doesn't care. Probably both. "Garrus, huh? That bastard always has pretty girls running around after him. Don't know what you all see in the big dinosaur. He must be hung like a horse."
"He is."
The shock on Harkin's face is worth it even if Kaidan's scandalized gasp from behind me assures that finding Garrus is going to be awkward now. It doesn't change how much incentive I have.
"Just tell me where he is," I press, really uninterested in sharing another moment with this disgusting excuse for a cop and a man.
He sighs as if I'm a burden. "Garrus was sniffing around Dr. Michel's office. She's a hot little number too, runs the Med Clinic on the other side of the Wards. Last I heard, he was going back there."
If Harkin was trying to make me jealous by mentioning that the doctor is hot...it worked.
I cross my arms over my chest and, before I can help myself, I snap at him. "See? That wasn't so hard. Now, why don't you clean up and get your sorry ass back to work?"
"What work? That bastard Pallin suspended me - without pay!" He spits on the floor, and I hear Kaidan gag from behind me. "C-Sec had some kind of file on me. Every little thing - get rough with a suspect, have a couple drinks on the job...it all went into the file!"
Ashley laughs, and I nearly join her. "You got off easy, Harkin."
"What the hell do you know? Working for C-Sec is nothing like being a Marine," he whines, slurring his words and swaying in the chair. "Investigations, inquiries, rules, regulations. Every day I plow through enough red tape to choke a Krogan. So don't talk to me about right and wrong, You," he says, pointing at me. "You soldiers have it easy."
"You need to look in a mirror, Harkin," I retort, pointing a finger right back at him. I've got what I need from this scumbag, and I'm done being nice. "Sober up and take some responsibility for yourself."
"Save your sermon. This ain't no church!" Harkin waves his arm in a dismissive manner but does it too dramatically for his own good and nearly falls from the chair again. He's in no state to take good advice when he hears it, and this day has gone well beyond awful, so I spin on my heel and get the hell out of the damn bar. I'm not sure I'll ever get this smell off me.
I consider it a stroke of luck that the Medical Ward is nearby. "Dr. Chloe Michel," Ashley reads from a datapad on the little bit of information we have on her. "Human."
I narrow my eyes even though she's behind me, unsure why she felt the need to add species. Anderson asked for my opinion, and I opted to keep Gunnery Chief Ashley Williams on the Normandy after we saved her ass on Eden Prime because she proved herself in battle that day...and because I know what it feels like to be the last surviving member of your squad.
Still, there is no such thing as an indispensable asset. I don't need to make the day weirder or worse by confronting her about what sounds like xenophobia, though. I ignore it for now and pause long enough for the doors to the Medical Ward to whoosh open in front of me.
The scene inside freezes, allowing me ample time to take it all in, but I only need a split second. One, two...four thugs, armed. Human woman, a doctor judging by her outfit, crying and trying to push away from one of them. Garrus Vakarian is...wait, what? He came ready for action in blue and silver armor - and he looks pretty damn good doing it.
As the scene moves into real-time, my assault rifle comes smoothly into my hand.
"Don't move." I'm giving the command before I even mean to, my brain already moving three steps ahead and calculating how many guns are about to be pointing in each direction. The doctor is the objective; I need her safe to get the information she has on Saren, to learn whatever lead Garrus was following up on with her.
One of the thugs moves, yanking the doctor into his chest and leveling his gun at me. Before I could even begin to register taking a shot, I watch the man's eyes go wide and then blank in the instant a bullet pierces his forehead.
I sprint through the room and place my hand on the counter to vault over it, grabbing Dr. Michel as I land and pulling her with me behind a stack of medical crates. "Your six, Shepard!" Garrus calls.
Without looking first - just trusting him - I whirl and fire a few rounds into the asshole who was prepared to shoot me in the back. A couple of shotgun blasts, two quick rifle pops, and then...silence. I stand and find Kaidan and Ashley still looking shell-shocked at the door while Garrus casually pops his heat sink after having taken out all three of his targets with one headshot each.
Damn, he wasn't kidding about being a sniper.
"Perfect timing, Shepard," Garrus notes. "You gave me a clear shot at that bastard."
"You took him down clean, but that was a pretty big risk." I cross my arms over my chest and motion toward the doctor. "There was an innocent hostage right there."
I set my shoulders, prepared for Garrus to take the route that most human men would and assure me of his talents. Instead, Garrus shakes his head like he hadn't thought about the consequences since he knew he'd make the shot. "There wasn't time, I...damn. Dr. Michel, are you hurt?"
"No, no, Garrus, I'm fine. Thanks to you. Both of you." She includes me, but the pretty doctor with the even prettier accent rests a hand on Garrus' forearm, betraying a familiarity. Harkin's suggestion about girls chasing Garrus runs through my head. He doesn't even seem to notice the touch, so I wonder if it's not just that the doctor is hoping to get familiar with him.
And who can blame her?
I shake my head and focus.
Once we promise Dr. Michel that we can protect her, she tells us everything she knows about a Quarian girl who came here to be treated for a gunshot wound - a Quarian girl who has information that can connect Saren to the Geth. She gives me a lead to some local crime boss named Fist who runs Chora's Den and is rumored to be in trouble with the Shadow Broker. He's hired a Krogan mercenary Garrus knows called Wrex to take Fist out.
I need to get to the guy before the infamous information broker has him dealt with, and I lose the only lead we've had on all this.
I can see that Garrus is invigorated at the idea we might be onto evidence - real, solid evidence that I can shove right down that condescending Salarian Councilor's throat. It doesn't surprise me at all when he stops me from leaving right away, but I'm definitely surprised at how badly I want to lean up on my toes and kiss him.
It only gets worse when the Turian steps close enough that I have to tilt my head back to look up at him. Damn, I love how big he is.
"This is your show, Shepard, but I want to catch Saren as badly as you do. Let me come with you."
It's not a question, not a request. I don't think he's pushing because of the lines we've already crossed; it's just that, like me, Garrus knows exactly how to dance the line to get what he wants. Instantly, my inclination is to accept the offer and work with him. I'm not going to find many people who can shoot like that, have sexy voices, and want to come play Chase the Rogue Spectre.
Still, it's a big consideration. Garrus works for C-Sec, clearly he's a bit of a rogue himself, and...there's our history.
"I know you want justice for Nihlus," I assure him. "But make me believe you want to bring Saren down." It's a challenge, and I watch the apex predator in front of me accept it.
"Remember when I told you that I was recruited for Special Forces early? It was Saren who recruited me, and then he trained me as a sniper. I've always considered him my mentor and a friend." I'm surprised by the news, but not the heat in his tone. "He and Nihlus were even closer, they worked together a lot. They even lived together for a while. And Saren shot him in the back, Shepard."
His voice breaks with emotion on that last bit, and so does my heart. "I know."
Bright blue eyes flash. "Saren betrayed the Council, he murdered my best friend, and he is a disgrace to my people." I watch Garrus take a breath to calm himself as he started to get close to shouting. His pain makes me itch to comfort him. "I couldn't prove what's really going on. If I don't get a chance to bring him down and Saren gets away with whatever he's planning, that's on my head. That's my failure."
The kindred spirit I see in him excites and scares me all at once. I can tell that Garrus didn't mean to sound so angry and maybe didn't even want to say all that in front of our audience. I pretend to think it over even though I'm already sold in seeing what else he can do with that rifle.
Besides, Nihlus would want this...he deserves it.
Clear, sharp blue eyes never leave mine as he waits for my answer, but I never lose awareness of the way the air between us crackles with energy. It reminds me of my final concern. "You gonna be OK following my orders?"
I watch him blink at me, the visor he's wearing over one of his eyes quickly scrolling information I can't read and don't want to. I know that he understands what I'm really asking - can he respect me as his commanding officer regardless of our history?
"Hell yes," Garrus answers with confidence and a sexy as all hell smirk. "So long as you can keep up, kid."
"Ha!" The playful jab makes me feel entirely confident that Garrus will be a perfect addition to my team, especially after spending all day with the Alliance sap and stiff. "Welcome to the team, Vakarian. What do you say we nail this son of a bitch for Nihlus?"
"Yes, ma'am. I'm on your six."
Damn, I like the sound of that.
I strap my rifle to my back, now feeling reenergized myself. "Alright, Alenko, head back to the ship. I don't need to attract a bunch of attention with a big team."
Big brown eyes blink twice at me like Kaidan needs to decide if he heard me correctly. "You're...dismissing me, ma'am?" he asks.
"I am, yes, but I'm not killing your dog, so get that look off your face. Plenty of fights to be a part of later." This time, Kaidan pulls himself together and gives me a respectful salute before turning and leaving us there. "Officer Garrus Vakarian, this is Gunnery Chief Ashley Williams. Ash, meet Garrus. He's an old friend."
"I can see that," she mutters under her breath.
Garrus extends a hand to her, but Ashley just nods to him and then turns her body away, angling toward me to wait for her next orders. I feel heat bloom in my chest, and part of me wants to rip into her for being an ass, but Garrus' soft chuckle, clearly not offended, settles me. I nod to him so that the Turian knows I didn't miss what happened, but he just shrugs it off.
I wonder if anything actually gets the sniper totally riled up...other than Saren. I can't help but wonder how much fun it would be to find out what it takes.
I shake that off and give the command for them to follow me out. We have work to do, and I get right to it by having Garrus lead us to the C-Sec officers where Wrex is being held. It seems like we get there just in time; the massive, grizzled Krogan appears to be squaring off to a human C-Sec officer. "Witnesses saw you making threats in Fist's bar," the officer is saying. "Stay away from him."
"I don't take orders from you," Wrex informs him simply.
"This is your only warning, Wrex."
The Krogan leans in closer to the human; to his credit, the human doesn't back down. "You should warn Fist. I will kill him."
"I've got this, Carl," Garrus says, smoothly stepping in front of me. I'd just been wondering how I could make C-Sec give me the murderous Krogan, but it looks like my Turian is solving the problem for me.
Stop that. He is not yours.
The officer seems all too happy to leave Garrus to deal with Wrex. "You've been back on the station for like four minutes, and you're already causing problems, huh?"
"Someone needs to keep you in shape, Vakarian," the other massive alien teases him. They greet each other like old friends, grasping one another's forearms, and then the Krogan pulls Garrus in to pat his back. "I'd love to catch up, pretty boy, but I have a job."
"Yeah, but this time we have the same job, Battle Turtle." Garrus wraps an arm around Wrex's massive carapace, reminding me again just how massive he is when standing beside a three-ton Krogan doesn't make him look tiny. "Wrex, this is Commander Shepard. She's leading an investigation against Saren on behalf of the Alliance."
Wrex grunts at that but accepts my forearm when I extend my hand toward him. "We're going after Fist and heard that you might want to come along," I offer.
"Shepard," Wrex repeats, his voice low and gravely. He says it like he's recognized my name. "We're both warriors, Shepard. So out of respect, I'll give you fair warning: I'm going to kill Fist."
"Fist knows you're coming. We'll have a better chance if we all work together," Garrus tells him.
Wrex considers that for a moment, staring at Garrus before he turns back to me. "My people have a saying. Seek the enemy of your enemy, and you will find a friend."
"Then we're bound to be friends, Wrex. Glad to have you on the team."
I can almost smell the utter disdain from Ashley; if she were standing any further away, she'd be back in the elevator.
Wrex, however, seems confident. "Let's go. I hate to keep Fist waiting."
With that, he starts marching away, and we all pause for a minute to watch him go, the C-Sec officers in his path moving quickly and trying to pretend they aren't practically running from him.
"Nice work, Vakarian," I offer, grateful that he could make the C-Sec transition smooth and get the Krogan on our squad.
"No problem, Shepard. Some advice?" I nod, and the Turian smirks at me. "Always take Wrex at his word. He will kill Fist before you can question him if he gets there first."
******* Author's Note ********
You're getting two-for-one since it's the eve of N7 day and the story's debut, but after this, it'll be one chapter a week. I hope you actually like it enough to want to know that…..
