Two long elevator rides later, and the crew emptied out into another similar, long, stone corridor. At the end was glass door through which two heavily armed people were visible.

"Plan?" Garrus asked quietly.

"Just let me talk to them. Hired guns usually don't have much skin in the game," Shepard said. A look passed between the non-humans.

"Why would they have skin in a game?" Tali asked Liara quietly. She shrugged.

The door slid open and Shepard walked in.

"Freeze!" The female guard shouted, pulling a pistol. "Hanshan security. This office is sealed." A turian behind her leveled an assault rifle at the crew. He bounced back and forth, not sure where to point the gun. Finally it came to rest on Shepard.

Shepard raised her hands. "Lorik Qui'in gave me a pass in," she explained.

"Qui'in?" The guard asked. "Are you working for him? He's under investigation.

Feeling a headache start to spike, the commander cut right to the chase. "Anoleis is paying you to shake this place down. Does Captain Matsuo know you're here?"

The two shared a look. "Hey," the woman said, "I'm not the one who wants Qui'in. Anoleis has a varren up his ass about this guy. How about this? You pretend you didn't see us, we'll pretend we didn't see you?"

Several other members of the security team quickly skirted past the group and out the door. Just as she was about to make a comment about their luck turning around, as sound caught Shepard's attention.

It sounded like a a mag-lock disengaging.

A quick glance to Wrex told her he heard the same.

She pulled her assault rifle and raised a closed fist to silence the group.

"We're not out of the woods yet," she whispered.

The team responded instantly. Guns were drawn silently and they fell into formation. As a single-minded unit, they moved forward. Shepard at the point, Garrus and Kaidan to her right and left, then Ash and Tali, Liara was in the middle with Wrex bringing up the rear.

They didn't have to look long.

As they moved up to the first half wall, an ERCS guard came rushing forward, followed by more than a dozen additional guards. Asari, human, even a handful of turians were charging at them.

The group fractured, splitting into smaller groups as they took on the forces at hand. Between the three biotics, a single shot didn't get through. Tali made short work of their shields, and Garrus, despite running and dodging fire, sniped the would-be snipers on the second story. In a few minutes, the fight was over.

"That's the last," Shepard announced as she checked her radar. "Everyone intact?"

"We're good," Ash announced for herself and Liara.

Wrex grunted.

"I'm good, Shepard," Tali announced.

"I think my shield generator got hit," Kaidan observed. He pulled the small white box off its clamp on his left thigh. It was sparking and smoking like the krogan.

"That's not good," Tali observed. "May I?" He handed her the box and she started in on it at once, using both a small set of screwdrivers Shepard didn't know she had, and her omnitool to fix the problem.

"Fan out people," Shep said, "we're looking for his office terminal." She held Kaidan back. "Will you be able to use your barrier for now?"

"I should be fine, Commander," he assured her. "I'm not even sure how they tagged me."

"Well, be careful," she put a hand on her shoulder, not a move typical for a superior/subordinate relationship. Which she knew, but something about just the thought of him hurt, set her mind on edge and her heart racing.

Which was ridiculous.

She knew that too.

Pulling her hand away she tried to go for a good old fashioned shoulder pat, but it just made things more awkward. So, she turned and walked away as quickly as she could without obviously running.

"Skipper!" Ash called from the second floor. "I think we've got it."

Up the stairs, to the left, all the way down the hall, and through another glass door was an office that clearly belonged to someone important. The walls were the same cold grey stone, but the floor was covered with a thick red carpet that added comfort as well as color to the room. There was several paintings on the wall, some were very well done human remakes, others looked original. At least one was turian.

Shepard didn't know much about art, but she recognized the view of view of Palavin from its moon Menae, or at least, an artist's representation of it, since no civilians were allowed on the moon. There were no photos on the wall, even the exceptionally expensive desk was void of any personal belongings. Just his terminal.

Beyond that a large rock formation sat in a bed of sand in front of huge window that looked out into the storm.

"Nicest office in here," Ash observed. "Figured it had to belong to that guy."

"It seems his style," Garrus agreed.

Shepard pulled the ODS drive from her pocket and plugged it in. The computer started up quickly and a message flashed across the screen.

OSD DRIVE AUTO-EXECUTE PROTOCAL ENABLED

The machine beeped a few seconds later and the drive ejected itself.

"I guess that's it," Shep said putting the drive back into her pocket. "Let's get this to Qui'in and get up to the research center."

There was a few small conversations as the crew made its way back across the hallway.

"Shepard?" Tali asked coming alongside her.

"Yes?"

"I've been looking over the luitenants shield generator."

"And?" She prompted when the girl was still silent.

"I could fix it on the ship, no problem. But right now . . ."

"Nothing you can do?"

"I could rig it up by bypassing some of the dampeners and rerouting some of the safety precautions. But that would give him of fifty-fifty shot at either a shield or enough electricity to power the Mako."

Shep looked back at the LT, who was currently engaged in a conversation with Liara that had something to do with biotics.

"Hold on to it for now," she decided. "We'll get it fixed back at the ship."

"He'll be without shields."

"He's biotic, and I'll keep him close. He should be fine. Thank you Tali."

"I didn't do anything," she tried to wave the thanks off.

"No. But you offered and you tired. That's means a lot."

Through the mask Shep could tell she was smiling.

"I don't think you're supposed to be in here, Shepard," a familiar voice called from the shadows, cutting away the friendly chatter. The large blonde woman from the docks emerged from behind a pillar across the terrace. She was flanked on either side by more guards and the sound of many bootfalls could be heard echoing from the floor below.

Trying to avoid further bloodshed, Shepard said, "You have me at a disadvantage, Miss . . .?"

She scoffed. "Oh, now you want to show some respect? I'm Sargent Kaira Stirling, Elanus Risk Control Services. Anoleis would throw you off world for what you did here. I won't. You know what we did to cop killers on my world?"

Garrus moved slightly forward, "Your men are dirty, Sargent. You're here off duty, breaking the law for bribe money."

"Do you know what we do to cop killers on my world?" Wrex asked menacingly.

"I didn't want to fight them," Shep added. "They fired first."

Several things happened at once.

Kaira signaled her men to open fire.

Wrex, sensing the shift before the others, pulled his shotgun.

And Liara raised a barrier around everyone.

Then the fighting broke out in earnest.

"Alenko, on me," Shepard commanded as they moved for cover. It took a good deal of concentration, but she was able to spread her barrier from her body to his.

"Commander?" He asked as he popped up and fired off a few rounds at a guard.

"Focus," she shouted as she threw a warp field at a group of rushing guards. They were pulled off their feet and spun helplessly in the air. Kaidan threw a ball of biotic energy into her warp and it exploded out, launching them into the walls around the room.

Kaidan brought up his own barrier and was surprised to see that his and Shepard's melded together. Together they moved to the next cover, pulling, tossing, and firing on enemies as they went. In just over five minutes they had cleared both floors of enemies.

"Clear," Garrus called.

"Clear," Ash repeated.

"Clear," Shep confirmed. They came out from behind their covers and re-magged their weapons. "This place is a blood bath," she added quietly under her breath. "Let's get out of here."

Treading carefully, the team moved through the minefield of dead guards. Some were still breathing, some were not. She would have preferred to keep them all alive. But it's not always that easy. She tried.

Together they crammed into the elevator and waited as it made its incredibly slow progress back toward the main floor.

"Do we tell Qui'in we painted his office?" Wrex asked with a laughing grunt.

"Let's just leave that part out, for now," Shep sighed.

The elevator pinged as it reached the last floor and the doors slid open. They filed out and started up the short staircase toward the main floor.

"Commander," Giana Parasini called as they rounded the corner. She was leaning against the wall in her loud pink dress, waiting for them. "There've been reports of noise from the Synthetic Insights office. Would you know anything about that?"

"It's probably Anoleis' thugs ripping the place apart," Shep said dryly.

Giana smiled. "Smartass, hm? I can work with that. Meet me at the hotel for a drink, before you talk to Qui'in. I'll be waiting." She turned on her heel and sauntered down the stairs and around the corner.

"What was that about?" Ash asked.

"I'm not sure," Shepard replied, still trying to figure out Giana's angle in all this.

"What do you want to do?" Tali asked.

"She knows we were up there, she could have us thrown off world, or deny Qui'in's garage pass leaving us stranded."

"I'd like to see her try," Wrex added.

"Let's just see what she wants."

The odd crew came through the glass doors of the bar, again. Qui'in was still sitting at his table, very wrapped up in a datapad. Giana was around the other side of the large rock fountain. She met the commanders eye and motioned for her to come over.

"What do you want to do, Commander?" Kaidan asked.

"We might as well see what she wants," Garrus observed. "She's helped us so far."

"Could be a trap," Wrex offered.

"Only one way to know for sure," Shepard sighed turning right toward Giana.

"Ah, Commander," she greeted brightly. "Allow me to reintroduce myself. Parasini, Noveria Internal Affairs."

"Why is an Internal Affairs agent here?" Shepard asked, literally the first question that popped into her head.

She smiled. "The Executive Board knows about Anoleis' corruption. I've been undercover for six months. I want you to convince Qui'in to testify before the Board. With his evidence, this planet can run profitably again."

Shepard considered a moment. "You work for Anoleis. Can't you just take his records?"

She shook her head. "He's a crook, not a moron. He doesn't keep logs on his computer saying "this month I stole three million credits." Qui'in's testimony and records are everything I need to prove Anoleis' guilt in one package."

"So why not ask him directly?" Tali asked. "Why go through Shepard?"

"I'm Anoleis' secretary!" She exclaimed. "You think he'd believe me? That he'd meet me in some dark alley with his evidence?"

"Shepard," Kaidan warned in a cautious whisper behind her. She glanced at him over her shoulder. Garrus was next to him, he made a small gesture all around them.

The commander understood.

"I thought corruption was the rule of Noveria?" Shepard asked.

Parasini rolled her eyes. She was clearly losing patience with Shepard and her crew. "The rule is "don't rock the boat." Self-interest is tolerated if it doesn't interfere with business. Anoleis is driving customers away."

"We need that pass," Wrex offered loudly.

"He's right," Shepard explained. "I need Qui'in's garage pass to complete my mission."

Parasini smiled in a way that made Shepard question working further with this woman.

"If you help with my investigation, I'll provide you whatever you need," she offered in an almost sickly-sweet tone. "Favor, for favor."

"A moment, please," Shepard said as she turned back to her crew.

"Please," Parasini sighed, her tone covered in sarcasm. "Take all the time you need."

Shepard ushered her crew back a few steps, just out of ear shot and asked, "Thoughts?"

"In the long run," Liara offered, "It is better to remove the source of the problem."

"Not our problem," Wrex countered. "Let that pyjack deal with her own problems."

"Hate to say it," Ash sighed, "But I agree with the Krogan."

"If she could help us get through the garage," Tali chimed in, "she might be able to provide more information about what we're up against."

"Anoleis is dirty," Garrus said matter-of-factly. "Might be best just to help her."

Shepard's eyes came to rest on Kaidan.

"It's your call, Commander," was all he offered.

"Look, Shepard," Parasini offered coming up behind her. "I don't like this either. You Specters play fast and loose with the law. That's bad for business."

Shepard took one more moment to consider. "All right. I'll talk to Qui'in and see if I can convince him."

"Thank you," she sighed, looked immensely relieved. "You know where I work. Come talk to me once you know he'll play ball." With a nod. She took her leave.

"That's not suspicious," Ash commented as the woman walked away.

"Commander," Garrus asked. "What do we do if Qui'in refuses?"

Shepard shook her head. "Hopefully it won't come to that." She scanned her party. Too many to approach him at once. He might feel threatened and back out. Perhaps a softer approach.

"Liara, Tali, come with me. The rest of you hold back, for now."

No one argued, but it was clear no one was happy about being left behind either. With her ladies in tow, Shepard turned for Qui'in.

He was still seated at the same bar, despite all that had happened since they'd last spoken, he remained unchanged. From this distance, Shepard was sure he was still reading the same article on his datapad.

"Spectre," he greeted warmly. "Always a pleasure." He dropped his voice as she got closer. "Any news on that matter I asked you to look into?"

Taking a deep breath, she said, "I finished the job. But an internal affairs investigator contacted me. She wants you to testify against Anoleis."

That was most certainly an angry turian face, Shepard was sure of it.

"Now that you have my property," Qui'in started, he restraint not fully covering the indignation in his voice. "You want to dictate how I use it? I have no interest in a public spectacle."

She'd expected this. I person like Qui'in liked to stay under the radar, certainly away from anything having to do with the law or a trial. But he'd been hurt by Anoleis, the same as many others on the station.

"Look," she started, "everyone on this station is chaffing under Anoleis' extortion. You do this, and you might end up hero."

He opened his mouth to say something, and then closed it again. Clearly, he'd been ready to respond to whatever plea Shepard might make. But he hadn't been expecting her to make the proposal all about him. So he mulled it over for a few moments more.

"My employers rely on the goodwill of the Executive Board to work here." Shepard wasn't sure if he was making an observation, showing an obstacle, or asking a question.

"The board was already investigating Anoleis," Tali chimed in. "Their concerned about the worm in their own fruit."

He considered her words and, finally, through his hands up. "All right!" He exclaimed. "It is obvious I cannot dissuade you." His tone sounded irritated and defeated, but something about the way his eyes were twinkling made Shepard feel like he was somehow coming out the winner here.

"Very well," he said, calmer now. "I will testify. Make whatever arrangements you need to with your contact. I'll wait here."

"Thank you," Shepard said earnestly. "I'm sure she'll be contacting you soon."

With an exaggerated huff, Qui'in went back to his datapad.

The commander retuned to the rest of the party with Liara and Tali.

"How did it go?" Kaidan asked.

"He's going to testify," Tali announced brightly.

"That's great," he replied, smiling at the Commander. Ash cleared her throat loudly and he looked away.

"What now, Skipper?"

"Back to Parasini."

Ten minutes later, Anoleis was being hauled off in cuffs by Parasini. Shepard had her garage pass and a promise of a beer, should she and the investigator ever meet up again. It was certainly more drama that she'd intended to be a part of. Maybe that was part of what being a Spectre was all about. Getting pulled into other people's messes and having them all assume you had the answer.

Which was a lot like the military, if she was being honest. Maybe being the first human Spectre wasn't going to be so hard. She glanced around at her crew as they made their way toward the garage. Or maybe it was this motley crew that was holding it all together.

Either way, they were off to Peak 15.