Mass Effect 1: World Without End

by Manda091987

Commander Hayden J. Shepard of the SSV Normandy recruits an elite recon squad to cross a turmoiled galaxy in a desperate race to stop the return of an enemy who holds no mercy. To prevent this outcome, Shepard must act outside the limits of the law without remorse and hesitation. Her only imperative is to preserve the safety of civilized life in the galaxy - at any cost.

2. Finding a Loyal Turian

Title: ME1: World Without End

Author: Amanda Rau (manda091987)

Game: Mass Effect 1

Characters/Pairing: (Characters) All from Mass Effect 1 (Pairing) N/A

Disclaimer: All characters, the name 'Shepard', and story are the sole property of Bioware. Hayden is mine. Some words and items are mine and are indicated with an *. Please ask for permission for use of these things.

—

Commuting to Chora's Den was extensive due to a shuttle car collision, which caused gridlock. Thankfully, C-Sec was efficient in clearing up the crash site. Traffic resumed, but I was concerned that the hour-long delay caused us to miss Harkin. I hoped his habit would keep him lingering at the dinghy bar; I had to locate Garrus. Ashley, Kaidan, and I staggered out of the taxi, dawdling around the corner toward the establishment's entrance.

"This place looks shady," Ashley stammered.

"Harkin is here some—"

My response was disrupted by my barrier, absorbing the impact of a projectile. I glanced down to see the purple glimmer of its recharge ripple over my frame. At the entrance of Chora's Den were three turian thugs blocking access. Ashley unloaded her assault rifle on one of the turian's shields, then I activated Pull and Throw, sending the goon tumbling over the catwalk. Kaidan triggered Warp on the second turian, then riddled him with bullets. We crept toward the entryway of the bar, where the third gunman rose from cover and fired. I initiated biotic Lift, hoisting him into the air, Warp taking his shields. When he was vulnerable, I blasted him with my shotgun. Mere seconds passed from biotic surge to a holstered weapon.

I followed my team into Chora's, going past the center bar. As we came around the right side, we saw Harkin at a corner table, drinking. I approached him, but not before noticing one krogan squabbling with another krogan bodyguard in an archway.

"Back off, Wrex," the bouncer warned. "Fist told us to take you down if you showed up."

"What are you waiting for?" the one named Wrex challenged. "I'm standing right here. This is Fist's only chance. If he's smart, he'll take it."

"He's not coming out, Wrex. End of Story."

"This story's just beginning." Wrex stalked away, peering at Ashley, Kaidan, and I. "Out of my way, humans. I have no quarrel with you."

"What was that all about?" Kaidan wondered.

Ashley shook her head, putting her hand on her hip. "Who knows? Let's just try not to get caught in the middle."

We put our attention back on Harkin, padding closer to his position.

"Hey there, sweetheart. You lookin' for some fun? Cause I gotta say, that soldier get-up looks real good on that body of yours." Harkin smirked. "Why don't you sit your sweet little ass down beside ole' Harkin? Have a drink, and we'll see where this goes."

I folded my arms across my chest." I'd rather drink a cup of acid after chewing on a razor blade."

"You trying to hurt my feelings? You gotta do better than that. After twenty years in C-Sec, I've been called every name in the book, Princess," Harkin replied.

I snipped, "Call me princess one more time, and you'll be picking your teeth up off the floor. Just tell me where Garrus is, Harkin."

"Okay, okay. Just relax. Garrus, you say? Heh. You must be one of Anderson's crew. Poor bastard's still trying to bring Saren down, eh? I know where Garrus is, but you gotta tell me something first." Harkin sat forward, leaning on the table. "Did the Captain let you in on his big secret?"

My father, 'The Admiral,' legally raised me from thirteen years of age, and I had known David just as long. He and my father met 30 years ago and since then had nearly been inseparable. I spent a lot of time with Anderson, going so far as to figuratively adopt him as one of my uncles. When he requested me to join his crew on the Normandy, it was an honor I highly regarded. After what Anderson told me about Harkin, I didn't feel like playing whatever game he was about to rope us into. However, this wasn't something I could ignore. He had the information I needed, so I would indulge him whether I wanted to or not.

"Is there information I should know about the Captain?" My eyebrow raised.

"The Captain used to be a Spectre. Didn't know that, did you? It was all very hush-hush. The first human ever given the honor. And then he blew it." Harkin almost sounded happy about it. "Screwed up his mission so bad they kicked him out. Of course, he blames Saren. Says the turian set him up."

"Harkin, just tell me where Garrus is." I glared.

"All right, all right. Garrus was sniffin' around Dr. Michel's office. She runs the med clinic on the other side of the wards. Last I heard, he was going back there. But that was a while ago, maybe two hours. He's probably back at C-Sec by now."

I nodded. "Thanks. I'm out of here."

"Good, go. Let me drink in peace." Harkin huffed.

I roamed over to the asari behind the bar. "Excuse me. Get Harkin over there the next three rounds on me. Tell him Commander Shepard thanks him."

The woman acknowledged my request, then I paid at the nearby terminal before leaving. We headed to the transport, where I observed a map of the area. Ashley and Kaidan started conversing behind me.

"Why didn't Captain Anderson tell us he was once a Spectre?" Ashley asked.

"Maybe it's not true. Harkin's an ass. I bet he's just messing with our heads," Kaidan replied.

"Maybe, do you think it was wise to encourage his drinking, Skipper?" Ashley inquired.

I welcomed the question; it kept me from explaining how I knew Harkin was telling the truth. Despite his words' honesty, I didn't know the whole story behind how Anderson lost the privilege. Most, if not all, the information was classified.

"Maybe, maybe not, but the drinks were a way of keeping the peace. We may need him again, and we won't get the answers we want without stroking his ego. Think positive." I quickly peered down at my O.T, then back up to my Gunnery Chief. "Ashley, you know what mods we need. Head for the necessary stores and purchase them?"

"Aye, Aye, Commander." Ashley saluted.

I doled out orders to my lieutenant, "Kaidan, go back to Udina's. Ask if they managed to find any other leads."

"Where will you be?"

"I am going to search for Garrus. There is a chance he went back to C-Sec."

"With all due respect, Commander, Officer Vakarian seemed like a hothead. I'd rather be with you while you try to chase him down."

"Thank you, Lieutenant. I appreciate you offering to help, but I can handle Garrus. Besides, I don't feel like dealing with Ambassador Udina anymore today. Think you could coordinate our sleeping arrangements with his assistance?"

Kaidan seemed to hesitate but caved. "Yes, Commander."

After my lieutenant was in his skycar and leaving, I stared out into the Citadel's void, debating my next steps. I needed to go to the embassies first, but I wanted space between the lieutenant and me. The shuttle I summoned took me on a 20-minute ride to my destination. I landed, immediately going to the Executor's office. Pallin was outside, conversing with his asari secretary. The door closed, causing them both to notice my presence.

"Commander. How may I help you?"

"I was hoping to get a moment of your time if you aren't currently engrossed in work."

"I have a few minutes I can spare." He looked at his secretary. "Hold all my calls until my meeting with the Commander is over."

"Yes, sir."

Pallin followed me in, closing the door behind him. He went to his chair. "Please, have a seat, Commander. What can I do for you?"

I casually sat down. "I was wondering if you would give me some insight into your investigation on Saren."

The turian paused for a moment. "I do apologize, Commander. But I don't make a habit of giving out details about ongoing investigations."

I put my hand up. "I understand, Executor. Is there anything you can tell me about Garrus?"

"Garrus Vakarian?" I nodded, causing him to continue, "Good officer. Excellent, in fact. But he needs to learn some patience. You'd think an officer of the law would be a bit more mindful of rules and regulations—was there anything else?"

"No, sir. I know you are busy. I don't want to waste any of your time."

Pallin politely bowed his head then walked me out of his office. Before I got too far, his voice halted me, "Commander?"

I turned. "Yes, Executor?"

"If you want any more information on Garrus, I would try his old partner. You'll find him at C-Sec precinct 34, Lower Kithoi Ward. Chellick, Officer Decian Chellick."

"Thank you."

I made my way back over to the shuttle terminal, pressing the button. While I waited, I occupied myself by searching for a highly rated levo/dextro eatery near the C-Sec station where Officer Chellick operated from. I found one and marked it on my map. At that moment, the shuttle stopped at my location. I climbed inside to see two silent asari and three boisterous salarians. The two asari were sitting in a sophisticated manner though they were clearly stewing in quiet anger over something that had happened. The salarians, however, were more vocal about their situation. Apparently, one of them had been mugged, and the other two were doing their best to keep him calm. I had a dull throbbing in my temples that turned into a migraine going down into my neck by the time the ten-minute ride came to an end.

I followed them out of the cab, peering up toward the simulated sky, taking a deep breath. I backtracked to a corner bistro down the block, ordering Chellick and me something to eat since it was well past that time. I entered the precinct about 30 minutes later. I casually slinked toward the receptionist.

"I am here to see Officer Chellick," I inquired.

"He's down the hall, second door on the left," the receptionist spouted.

There were ten other people, in addition to the two asari and three salarian, now swarming around the receptionist and her partner. I watched the chaos ensue for a moment, then turned on my heels and padded to Officer Chellick. When I reached his office, he was already in the process of walking out the door.

"I'm stepping out for a break. Please leave a message with one of the receptionists, and I will call you when I'm back on duty."

The turian C-Sec officer had stopped three feet in front of me. I observed him for a moment, then turned my attention to the receptionist, causing him to mimic my action.

I glanced back at him. "Officer Chellick, I'm Commander Shepard—"

"Spirits, Commander, please forgive me." Chellick put his head down and shook it.

"No need to be embarrassed. People recognize me everywhere I go. It's kind of refreshing that you didn't realize who I was." I held up the items currently in my grasp. "I brought food. Do you have a place we can sit and talk?"

Chellick studied me with curiosity for a second, then led me to a place where we could enjoy our meals. The break room was vacant of occupants, which I found surprising considering the day and time. The turian officer and I pulled out our chairs, and after getting situated, I passed him his chow.

"This smells delicious. Thank you, Commander."

"You're welcome, Officer."

We sat in comfortable reticence, devouring our dinner. After a few bites, I took in Chellick's form; he was dapper. His eyes a fluorescent green, which played well against his light tan skin and plates. He was from the Tithideus clan, bright blue markings tracing over his mandibles and chin. His presence was that of a typical turian: respectful and polite.

I shifted my attention to my current surroundings. The precinct's break room had many surfaces, floor to ceiling windows on two of the four walls, a mini kitchen near the entrance, and cobalt marble tile with pale paint. Once I finished, I tossed my garbage, noticing a nearby quark board containing a lengthy list of rules. I snorted as I read them. Some of the regulations on the paper were outrageous. As I examined further, I observed the hand-written scribbles all over the parchment. A few numbers into the checklist, Garrus scrawled in his own guidelines.

I faced Chellick. "Officer Vakarian seems like a stubborn child."

Chellick scoffed. "Child is accurate, although stubborn is too good a word to use for Garrus."

"I came by to discuss your relationship with him. I heard from Executor Pallin that you two were partners before you were promoted."

"Yes, we were," he replied. "Boy constantly got me into trouble."

"Seems like it." I pointed back to the list.

"The rules? Yeah, one night we went out for a drink and got carried away. Garrus and I wrangled a keeper and took him back to my apartment for questioning. It was all very embarrassing the next day. I recorded the entire incident. I didn't realize it, but I did."

"Now that would be something to see."

Chellick scooted closer and opened up his omni-tool. With the press of a button, the video appeared.

They stumbled out of the elevator when it arrived at the docking bay. They walked through the quiet docks & they started looking for something.

"Hey, whattabout him?" Garrus said, pointing to his objective.

"A keeper? Garrussss, you can't bother-"

"They see evurathang that goes on," Garrus replied, walking over to the keeper. "There's gotta be a way to talk withem."

Chellick laughed as he followed Garrus over to the keeper. The keeper looked over at them briefly before turning back to his terminal.

"Hey," Garrus said, poking the keeper.

The keeper looked over at Garrus.

"What now?" Chellick chuckled.

"I dunno." Garrus laughed. "Uhm hi?"

The keeper turned back to his terminal.

"Hey!" Garrus said, poking the keeper again. "I was talkin' to ya."

The keeper looked over again and pushed Garrus away from him.

"Oh, thazit," Garrus slurred, pushing back.

"Garrus, we're gonna get in trouble."

"This keeper's an asshole," Garrus retorted, scuffling with the keeper.

Chellick watched in dazed disbelief as he observed his drunken friend break even more rules. Garrus tackled the keeper behind a crate and could longer be seen by the camera. Chellick rushed behind the container and can no longer be seen by the camera either.

A few minutes of nothing.

Garrus and Chellick emerge with the keeper in their arms. Garrus has a hold of its legs, doing his best to keep it from squirming while Chellick holds onto its neck. They run out of the docking area and out of the camera's view.

I chuckled as he closed out of the vid. A drunk turian was an entertaining sight to behold. "Looks like you two had a lot of fun working together."

Chellick snickered. "Yeah, well, the next day in Pallin's office, Garrus blamed the keeper. Said he started it. I tried hard not to laugh. Garrus keeps you on your feet, that's for sure." Chellick got up and pulled the list off the board, and handed it to me. "Let's see, rules 4, 5, 20, 21, 23, 24, 26, 30, 47, 49, and 50 all happened in one day."

I put my hands up. "Wait, wait, wait. You mean to tell me this list was written in a day?"

"No." Chellick shook his head. "Some of these are in our original rule book. Though, none of us read it. It's why Pallin thought that it was a good idea to put the list up where we could see it."

I looked down at the rules then back up to him. "You have more time? I think I would like to hear this story."

"Officer Chellick?" An asari woman entered the break-room. "There is someone here to see you. They say it's urgent."

Chellick stood up and escorted me out. He regarded the gentleman waiting for him as he unlocked the door to his office. "Please, take a seat, sir. I will be with you in just a few moments." The man nodded, then stepped into Chellick's office. The turian led me out of C-Sec. "Ask Garrus about the 'drug dealing monkey party,' Commander. He'll know what you're talking about the minute you say it. If he pretends not to. Remind him that he locked the damn thing in the fridge after it threw feces at him."

I shook my head, trying to hide my amusement. "Anyone get hurt?"

"We all had a few bumps and bruises; though, I would say Garrus hurt his pride more than anything else. Then again, the man doesn't get embarrassed easily," Chellick said. "Garrus watches your back, and he's very loyal. That's why we were partners, and it's also why we have remained such close friends."

I faced him. "Thank you for this, Chellick. It has helped me see a little into what I will be dealing with."

"Dealing with?" Chellick hinted.

"I would like his assistance in my own investigation against Saren. It may mean that he joins my crew and leaves the Citadel," I confessed.

"While I think it would be good for him, I doubt it will happen. Pallin may not like the things Garrus does, but he is one of our best. The only reason I was promoted and he wasn't is because he still has a bit of growing up to do." Chellick's features softened as he thought about his friend.

"I have my ways of dealing with people. Pallin will give me what I want because I can give him what he wants."

Chellick's head lightly jerked in curiosity. "Oh yeah, what is that?"

"A vacation from his energetic toddler. Less paperwork, less money, less stress." I put my hand out, shaking Chellick's talon. "Thank you again. I hope this is not the last time our paths cross. Doctor Michel's office?"

"The Wards. Take the elevator to the right of here." He pointed.

"I might take the shuttle instead," I stammered. "I get rather impatient and agitated on elevators."

Chellick accompanied me to the shuttle, where he stood with me and made small talk before it landed. I climbed in and got comfortable.

"The Commander would like to go to Dr. Michel's office in the wards, please."

Yes, Officer Chellick, the V.I responded.

Chellick's talon lifted into a stiff wave, then he turned, returning to the precinct. The short commute to the Wards was my time to process all the recent data I acquired on Garrus. My heart was palpitating, torridity pulsated throughout my body, hairs on my neck rose. Something about the turian was unique, but what? What caused this sudden surge of adrenaline? My thoughts were abruptly cut off by the shuttle V.I.

Arriving at Med Clinic in the Wards. Please have a beautiful day, Commander Shepard, and thank you for using Citadel Shuttle Services.

I climbed out of the shuttle and approached the entrance. The thugs surrounding the doctor was the first thing I observed when stepping into the clinic. I didn't directly stare at him, but Garrus was in my peripheral, crouching behind a half-wall, methodically moving closer. He remained focused, not hindered by my presence. In retaliation to my interruption, one of the gunmen clutched the doctor and held her tightly against him. In a quick motion, Garrus stood, abruptly shooting him in the head without missing a beat. I maneuvered across from where he and Michel settled, pulling out a smoke grenade. After protecting my face with a handkerchief, I tossed it. One of the thugs managed to stagger out, but before he could recover, I shot him. The others waited for the pollution to disperse, then opened fire. I glided back into my hiding spot, carefully looking for a way to gain the upper hand.

I bum-rushed the gangsters, one used his biotic Throw against me, but missed. I was unaware of its path; I hoped that Garrus and Michel were unaffected. Officer Vakarian peeked out, signaling they were unfazed. I was finished playing, so I stepped out, my entire left arm glowing in a cerulean frenzy. I activated Pull, catapulting a thug when he peeked out. He was out cold from aggressively hitting the wall. I tried to use Throw on the metal rectangle, but a bullet buzzed by, causing the force to be lighter than intended. The second to last thug recovered, slinging around his own energy. I went to the ground, launching myself toward Garrus, grabbing his pistol. I dual-wielded, eliminating the remaining two goons. I approached the man I cold-cocked, shaking him, but he didn't wake. I roughly slapped his face causing his eyes to fly open.

"Why were you here?" I asked.

"I'm not gonna tell you, stupid bitch."

"Tell me what I want to know, and I might let you go." I raised my eyebrow.

"Yeah, right. I'll never tell you anything," the man spat.

A familiar blue static covered my hand. "Not the answer I was looking for." I grabbed the thug's head, ready to snap his neck.

"Okay, wait, wait! An unknown contact sent us to make sure the doctor gave us the information she had. Then we were ordered to kill her so no one else could get that information." The man had his hands up. "Can I go?"

"If you so much as—"

"I won't!" The thug shook.

I released the witless goon, migrating toward Garrus. Before any of us could speak, I heard the lowlife pause at the door, take out his weapon, and aim. Instinctively, since Garrus was facing him, I handed the turian his pistol. I was barely an arm's length away, but my frame was unwavering as I sensed the blaze of the projectile hurtle past me. Our eyes never glanced away from the other as the C-Sec officer shot the delinquent in the head.

"Perfect timing, Shepard. Gave me a clear shot at that bastard," Garrus said, nodding to the man who had held the doctor hostage.

"What were you thinking? You could have hit the hostage!" I stated.

"There wasn't time to think! I just reacted. I didn't mean to—Dr. Michel? Are you hurt?" Garrus observed her.

Doctor Michel was charming, tall and meager, ginger hair, and gorgeous emerald eyes. Her skin was pale and flawless. Her voice was reticent and accompanied by a thick accent. Despite what just happened, she stood with confidence. The doctor peered into Garrus' blue orbs as she tumbled her hands anxiously, palming one, then rotating.

"No, I'm okay. Thanks to you, both of you."

"I know those men threatened you. But if you tell us who they work for, we can protect you," I guaranteed.

"They work for Fist. The agents wanted to shut me up, keep me from telling Garrus about the quarian."

"What quarian?" I asked.

Dr. Michel continued to anxiously tumble her hands as she paced. "A few days ago, a quarian came by my office. She was wounded, but she wouldn't tell me who did it. I could tell she was scared, probably on the run. She asked me about the Shadow Broker. She wanted to trade information in exchange for a safe place to hide."

"Where is she now?" I questioned.

"I put her in contact with Fist. The man is an agent for the Shadow Broker."

Garrus shook his head. "Not anymore. Now he works for Saren, and the Shadow Broker isn't too happy about it."

Dr. Michel's eyes grew wide. "Fist betrayed the Shadow Broker? That's stupid, even for him. Saren must have made him quite the offer."

"That quarian must have something Saren wants." Garrus pointed to me. "Something worth crossing the Shadow Broker to get."

"She must have something that proves he's a traitor." I faced the Doctor. "Did the quarian mention anything about Saren? Or the geth?"

"She did," Michel confirmed. "The information she was going to trade. She said it had something to do with the geth."

"She must be able to link Saren to the geth. There's no way the Council can ignore this!" Garrus' tone got deeper.

"Time to pay Fist a visit."

"This is your show, Commander. But I want to bring Saren down as much as you do. I am coming with you!" Garrus exclaimed.

"Welcome aboard, Garrus."

"You know, we aren't the only ones going after Fist. The Shadow Broker hired a krogan bounty hunter named Wrex to take him out."

"I might have seen him at Chora's Den earlier," I remembered. "Any idea where he's at now?"

"Barla Von just might be the person to talk to," Garrus suggested.

I nodded. "Let's go, then."

Garrus holstered his firearm. I gave him time to call in the incident and say goodbye to the practitioner. When some of Officer Vakarian's fellow patrolmen came to the scene, Garrus and I beat feet. We rounded the corner to the transport outside the clinic, where I saw a keeper. I wandered over, activating the scanner to record the insect-like creature's information.

"What are you doing?" Garrus wondered.

"I am scanning this keeper." After a pause, the machine beeped. "Huh..."

"What?" I observed my omni-tool, then pointed to it. Garrus read aloud, "'Keeper ID #12 registered name: Gizmo, scans complete. Credits transferred.'"

"These guys have names?" I questioned.

Garrus shrugged. "I guess so. So, credits, huh? Scanning for a particular reason?"

"A salarian scientist wants the information for research," I replied, climbing aboard the shuttle.

The skycar programmed our destination and gave us an estimated time of arrival. While Garrus and I were sitting in traffic, I decided the best course of action would be to update Ashley, Anderson, and Kaidan.

"Commander," Kaidan greeted.

"I found Officer Vakarian. We are following a lead, so settle in for the night. Did you manage to get sleeping arrangements taken care of?"

"Uh... yes, Commander," he said hesitantly. "Are you positive you don't want back-up?"

"I'll be all right, Lieutenant. I am in good hands." I stared at Garrus, causing his mandibles to flutter.

"Aye, Aye, Commander," Kaidan replied. "I guess I will see you tomorrow then?"

"Copy that. We'll meet at the embassy at 08:00. Get some rest, Lieutenant."

"Yes, ma'am."

I ended the call with Kaidan, closing my eyes as I leaned back with an over-exaggerated exhale.

"You know, Commander, I can call the precinct and have them pick up Wrex and hold him until tomorrow if you would like to go back to your room and get some rest," Garrus voiced.

I put my head up, shaking it. "No, Garrus. I'm fine. It's not so much sleepiness as it is exhaustion. Don't worry about it. Anything I should know about our happy krogan?"

Garrus snorted. "I hardly think 'happy' is the right word for Wrex. He's primarily a mercenary for the Shadow Broker."

"You said we should start with Barla Von? It's closing hours. Is he still going to be in his office?" I wondered, looking at my 21st-century watch.

"We should catch him. He usually takes a few minutes to gather his things and leave," Garrus responded.

I toyed with my timepiece as I patiently waited to arrive at our next destination. I loved anything and everything from the late 20th and early 21st centuries: music, clothes, movies, shows, life. I even carried around an iPod connected to my omni-tool and currently playing music in my receiver. As I listened, thoughts of Eden Prime flashed through my mind. When Garrus made a noise, I glanced at him, thinking about bumping into Ashley for the first time.

"Gunnery Chief Ashley Williams of the 212, are you in charge here, Ma'am?"

I nodded. "Are you wounded, Williams?"

"A few scrapes and burns, but nothing serious."

Ashley Williams was a great soldier. Evidence suggested Garrus would be just as great of an asset. I reveled in his peaceful presence. He was occupied with his omni-tool, but I became cognizant of his quiet humming as I watched him. I listened closer, mimicking the tune in my head, now aware it was the song currently playing in my receiver, 'Breaking the Habit' by Linkin Park. I was trying not to be visible about the realization of him hacking into and sharing the channel with me, but I couldn't help it; I was proud. Once again, I relaxed as I shut my eyes, eavesdropping on his pacifying hum.

Garrus and I arrived at the transport half a block from Barla's location. It was evening hours. I was convinced we were too late until I spotted the volus cantering out of his office's doorway. Garrus and I hurried toward the businessman, careful not to startle him.

"Barla Von?" I inquired.

"What's this?" He puffed. "One of the Earth-clan? Ah, a very famous one, yes? You are the one called Commander Shepard."

I looked at Garrus, then to the short alien. "Yes."

"Forgive me, Earth-clan. I do not mean to alarm you. My job makes it necessary for me to stay informed. I am a financial adviser to many important clients here on the Citadel. When someone as significant as yourself arrives on the station, I take notice," he responded, taking deep breaths.

"I've heard you work for the Shadow Broker? Do you have any information about Saren?"

The volus examined the area, leading Garrus and me to do the same. He motioned us over to the skycar, causing me to lean back and cautiously cross my arms.

"I mean no harm, Earth-clan. How about I take us out to drinks and tell you everything worth knowing?"

The turian and I studied each other. Despite knowing who Barla Von was, his connections to the Shadow Broker made him dangerous. Right now, gazing into Garrus' eyes, I didn't feel any cautious warnings rear their ugly head. If we got into a sticky situation, I trusted the alien would watch my six. I bobbed my head, the turian mirroring the action indicating he followed my somewhat different train of thought. I faced Barla, accepting his invitation by sliding into the skycar, followed by Garrus, then our volus host.

Garrus, Barla, and I arrived, climbing out of the skycar. A long line of varying species skirted the outside of 'The Blue Rose', waiting to get in and enjoy the offered services. Barla went to the doorman, exchanging a few words, the bouncer letting us in. The three of us went downstairs, through a hallway, entering the club's central area. Half-dressed asari shaking their butts greeted us, music booming over loudspeakers with a base so ample, your chest vibrated. Barla led us to a table in a far corner of the club, ordering drinks.

"You were very blunt, Shepard," the volus began, "but you're right. I am an agent for the Shadow Broker. And I do know something about Saren."

"Any information you have could be beneficial," I coaxed.

"This information is worth a small fortune. But this is an unusual situation. So I am going to let you have it for free," Barla stated.

The mixologist delivered our beverages. Both Barla and Garrus put tips in her cleavage. I repeated the action, but she held my hand there longer, a smile and wink accompanying her seductive expression. Six nearby tables of men elicited cheers and whistles. I did my best not to acknowledge them, though Garrus' gawking in my peripheral was incriminating.

Barla continued, "The Shadow Broker is quite upset with Saren now. They used to do a lot of business. Until Saren turned on him."

I leaned back slightly. "Saren betrayed him; imagine that."

"No matter what you think of Saren, he isn't stupid." The volus shook his head. "He knows the Shadow Broker is a valuable ally. Turning on him doesn't make sense. Nonetheless, something huge is at stake. I don't know the details, but the Shadow Broker hired a freelancer to deal with it. A krogan mercenary."

"That's why we came to you." I looked at him. "We need to find the mercenary. Do you know his current location?"

Garrus' omni-tool beeped. He excused himself, leaving the club to answer his call.

"I don't know where his exact whereabouts would be. I do know that you can find him near Chora's Den, however. He is desperate to get Fist."

I acquired all the information I needed on Saren, but I was curious about Barla's line of work. Some things he revealed, others he didn't. We also discussed my financials. Barla wanted to take me on as a client, which I found flattering. I granted him access to my information, and he notified me he would study everything first thing tomorrow. After some more minor deliberation, Barla excused himself.

Garrus came back into the club, though I didn't notice right away. I was consumed with a man stumbling toward me. He plopped down in the chair that Garrus was in before excusing himself.

"Hey there, baby," the man slurred. "You sure it's wise to sit here all by yourself?"

I flashed my dimples politely. "I can handle myself, thank you."

"I bet you could," he garbled. "You are a beautiful woman."

"Thank you," I replied.

The drunkard continued to garble his words of love and admiration, raving about my unique beauty. He was inebriated, and I was consumed with more important issues to confront than his current, intoxicated state. The man didn't become troublesome until he seized one of my boobs and pleaded for a quickie in the alleyway. I forced his arm behind his back, pushing his head to the table as I loomed over him.

I leaned down and quietly spoke in his ear, "Please keep in mind that you just sexually assaulted a Commanding officer of the Alliance. Now, I realize that you are inhibited and won't remember this tomorrow, so I'll let it slide. Now, leave me alone, or I will alert Security."

I shoved him away from me, his buddies coming over to help him up. Garrus reappeared by the table, his head going back and forth as we caught the other's gaze.

"What?"

"Nothing. I had Wrex picked up and taken to C-Sec. You want to head over, Commanding Officer?" His mandibles fluttered.

I huffed a laugh at his comment. "Yeah."

As Garrus and I wandered out of The Blue Rose, I studied his more intimate proximity to me; the turian was closer than he had been since we met mere hours ago. At the shuttle transport, Garrus requested a skycar. When it arrived moments later, we slipped in, getting comfortable. While on our way to the precinct, I regarded the time; it was almost 20:00.