Chapter 16: The Dissension
The Normandy docked with the Citadel and half of Shepard's team was already waiting at the airlock for the chance to get off the ship for five minutes in a place they wouldn't be shot at. Probably. Shepard noticed that Lia was among the group gathered, and was pleased to see that Kasumi stood next to her with her arm laced through Lia's. Lia had come a long way since Shepard picked her up on the Citadel, but with the crap she went through the last time she was here, Shepard wasn't keen on the idea of the young quarian going it alone.
The airlock opened and Shepard stepped off the ship, weaving her way through the small crowd of people milling about on the dock. Garrus and Mordin followed her as she made her way through the Zakera Wards to the seedy, cheap rooms that Garrus and she had rented before. Mordin took the choice of location in stride, even this was better than where he had been on Omega. She had encouraged him to bring something to eat and drink with him because it would take a while to watch the videos and she didn't want him leaving the room until he was finished. He seemed to take her advice to heart and carried a bag slung over his shoulder; she could see a water bottle slipped into the side netting. Shepard rented a room and accepted the pass card from the bored asari behind the desk. She didn't bother to look up at Shepard once during the transaction and that suited Shepard just fine.
Shepard averted her gaze as an asari came stumbling out of a room still sliding the sleeves of her dress into place; a turian with a smug grin followed her out. It occurred to Shepard that the pair must think that Shepard was about to engage in a threesome with Mordin and Garrus. Shepard chuckled and just shook her head when Garrus asked her what was funny. She found the room that matched the pass card and waved it in front of the locked door release. The release turned green and she hit the controls.
Once inside, Garrus scanned the room for bugs. They both knew they wouldn't find any but she was a little proud of his paranoia when it came to keeping her safe. Shepard set the laptop down on the coffee table and booted it up before handing the OSD to Mordin. He sat down on the couch and slid the OSD in to place.
"Wait, before you start. No copies of these videos, Mordin. I mean it. Not for your personal use, not to send to anyone else for any reason. You don't talk about them to anyone without my approval. Give me your word," Shepard said.
"Shepard. Am a scientist; doctor. Understand nature of confidentiality. Don't need it explained. Won't copy or share files. Promise," Mordin said.
"Or talk about them with anyone without my permission," Shepard said.
"Yes, yes, yes. Won't talk about them either," Mordin said.
"Alright. Message me when you're done and Garrus or I will come get the laptop and OSD," Shepard said.
"Not staying?" Mordin asked.
"Gods no, please don't stay," Jane said.
"No… I don't want to see them again," Shepard said.
"Ah. Intense emotional response to visual reminder of trauma. Understandable. Can provide counseling if necessary. Though likely more comfortable with Dr. Chakwas or Ms. Chambers," Mordin said.
"Counseling can't fix this," Jane said.
"Yeah, I don't need counseling. Well, I'm not going to undergo counseling. Just watch the damn videos and message me when you're done," Shepard said.
Mordin chuckled and opened the folder on the OSD. Shepard and Garrus hurried out of the room, locking it behind them. He didn't want to hear her pained screams coming through the speakers any more than she did.
"Going to see Anderson?" Garrus asked once they were back in the hall.
"Yeah. He's probably already got word that the Normandy docked and is waiting for me," Shepard said.
"Did you need me with you for this one?" Garrus asked.
"No, not if you have something else you want to do," Shepard said.
"I've got some people to talk to, then. Message me if you need me. Otherwise, I'll let you know when I'm done," Garrus said.
Garrus wrapped a hand around Shepard's waist and pressed his forehead to hers before giving her a quick kiss and going his separate way. Shepard was curious to see that he was walking further into the motel instead of toward the exit but she didn't question him. She made her way back out of the motel and to the nearest rapid transit station before taking a cab to the Councilor's office.
"Commander Shepard, welcome. Councilor Anderson is waiting for you inside," the pretty young woman sitting at the desk outside of Anderson's office said.
"Thanks," Shepard said with a nod.
She opened Anderson's door and found Anderson standing in front of the balcony looking out over the Presidium. Shepard stopped in her tracks when her eyes landed on the four other people in Anderson's office.
"What's this, what are they doing here? James?" Jane said.
"Vega?" Shepard said.
"I don't know," Shepard thought.
"Hey, Ídolo, you made it," James said.
"I hate that, he should be calling us Lola," Jane said.
"I like it," Shepard thought.
Shepard glanced from James to Kirrahe to the unknown turian and asari before turning her attention to Anderson. Anderson turned from the balcony and Shepard saluted.
"Forgive me, sir, but I wasn't expecting a welcoming party," Shepard said.
"No, you'll have to forgive me, Shepard. I wanted to talk with you about it first but the Council decided that it was preferable to handle the matter directly. The other Councilors will be here shortly," Anderson said.
"What's going on, sir?" Shepard asked.
"You'll see soon enough, Shepard. Have a seat," Anderson said.
"If he isn't telling us, it can't be good. Somethings wrong," Jane said.
"I don't like it either but its Anderson, if we can't trust him of all people then there isn't anyone that we can," Shepard thought.
She glanced around uneasily before saying, "I think I'd rather remain standing, if that's alright with you, sir."
"Suit yourself, Shepard. Try to relax though, this isn't as bad as you think," Anderson said.
The door slid open and the three other Councilors walked in. Shepard turned towards them and stood with her hands behind her back as Anderson took his place next to them.
"Commander Shepard, we are pleased to see you have arrived," Tevos said.
"Thank you, ma'am, but I'm a bit confused as to what exactly is going on here," Shepard said.
"Always straight to the point, Shepard. One of your rare redeeming qualities," Sparatus said.
"Ass," Jane said.
"Ass," Shepard thought.
"We apologize for the surprise, Shepard but we felt that it was in the Council's interest to ensure that this meeting remained as discreet as possible," Tevos said.
Shepard glanced at Anderson who hadn't spoken yet in his official capacity. He smiled and nodded at her encouragingly.
"I see. Well, what can I do for you, Councilors?" Shepard asked.
"It is not often that we urge a Spectre towards a particular course of action, but it is not often that a Spectre makes a request for us to shut down a mass relay," Valern said.
"We have considered your request, Shepard, and after much debate we have decided to honor your request," Sparatus said. "I only hope that you are aware of the massive amount of political backlash that your planned actions will cause."
"Wait, what?" Jane said.
"What Councilor Sparatus is trying to say is –," Tevos began.
"She knows what I'm damn well saying, Tevos," Sparatus snapped.
Shepard's brows rose to comical heights. She had never heard one of the Councilors speak out of turn towards one another before. Tensions must be higher than she thought.
"Tread lightly," Jane said.
"No shit," Shepard thought.
"I assure you, Councilors, that I do understand fully the repercussions of these actions and am more than prepared to accept the consequences. If there was another way, any other way to guarantee the expected outcome of my plan, I would gladly choose a different course," Shepard said.
Anderson held his head a little higher and Shepard beamed inside at the display of his pride in her. Sparatus fluttered his mandibles before speaking again.
"Yes, well, I am sure there will be consequences whether you are prepared to accept them or not. We have begun evacuating the system and have sent a team ahead of you to disable the relay. The official reason for these actions is reports of a serious terrorist threat," Sparatus said.
"A terrorist threat, sir?" Shepard asked.
"You are planning on destroying a mass relay, Shepard," Sparatus said.
"You son-of-a-bitch…," Jane said.
"You're setting me up to look like a terrorist?" Shepard asked.
"Commander, please, try and see things from our point of view," Tevos said.
"Shepard, this isn't as bad as it sounds. We discussed this to great lengths and if things go right, then you'll have the full backing of the Council when this is done," Anderson said.
"Not as bad as it sounds! How is this not as bad as it sounds? This was supposed to help us do this the right way, save lives and if we were damn lucky avoid charges of terrorism but they're orchestrating it so that is exactly what will happen. And of course they'll deny any knowledge of the incident; they won't admit it was sanctioned. You have got to be fucking kidding me, not as bad as it sounds my ass!" Jane ranted.
"We have decided to send people with you, to act as witnesses to your actions. If what you say is true, and you are acting in good faith, they will be there to testify on your behalf," Valern said.
"And if you aren't, they will be there to testify against you," Sparatus said.
"Gods it would feel so good to punch him right now," Jane said.
"The Council does not believe you are acting in bad faith, Commander," Tevos said. "We have chosen someone from each of the Councilor races to accompany you. Not only will this allow you to have support and witnesses, but it allows us to stand by the testimonies of our chosen should the time come when we are called upon to pass judgement."
"This is in your best interest, Shepard," Anderson said.
Shepard looked over her shoulder to see that the four others had lined up behind her and were standing at parade rest. She turned back to the Council and nodded her head feeling like she had a ton of bricks in the pit of her stomach.
"At least we know James and Kirrahe," Jane said.
"Because of the nature of your mission, as well as the nature of those you are currently working with, we have chosen only military trained members from our races and only as a volunteer basis. They are prepared to follow your command for the duration of this mission and are willing to adopt cover stories if it suits your needs in order for them to be accepted aboard the Normandy," Tevos said.
Shepard raked a thumbnail back and forth across her forehead before responding.
"I don't believe that will be necessary, and would likely only complicate matters when it came time for them to leave again," Shepard said.
"Very well, it is your choice how you handle their insertion into your crew, Shepard," Tevos said.
"With the Council's express permission, I would like to extend an invitation to one Cerberus Operative Miranda Lawson to join me here in Councilor Anderson's office without fear of recourse, to discuss this matter before bringing them aboard the ship," Shepard said.
"As long as Councilor Anderson believes that he has taken appropriate precautions and feels that it would not jeopardize any sensitive information, the Council consents to this request," Tevos said after receiving nods from the other Councilors.
The Council broke their formation and all but Anderson left the office. Shepard waited until they were gone before pinching the bridge of her nose. She sighed and turned to face her new temporary teammates. Vega winked at her as her eyes roamed over the group. The turian stepped forward and extended her hand to Shepard.
"Altiria Eraslius of the sixth fleet, happy to be of service, ma'am," she said.
Shepard shook her hand and said, "Thank you. Why did you volunteer for this?"
"Ma'am?" Altiria said.
"I asked why you volunteered. I don't mean to question your motives, but this doesn't seem like an ideal assignment," Shepard said.
"Ah, well, my CO said that the Councilor had requested volunteers for a mission involving a Spectre and I was one of twenty-three to volunteer. I wasn't given the details until after I was chosen. I was given the option to rescind my agreement to service but…," Altiria said.
"No turian would do that," Shepard said.
"Exactly. Not that I wanted to, anyway, ma'am. Once the mission was explained to me I was in full agreement. I am honored for the opportunity to work with you, and if I am not mistaken Garrus Vakarian still serves with you as well?" Altiria said.
"That could work in our favor," Jane said.
"You know Garrus?" Shepard asked knowing damn well Altiria could smell Garrus all over her.
"Yes ma'am, we served our mandatory time together. He left to join C-Sec but I stayed on. It will be nice to see him again," Altiria said.
"Excellent, that will make things easier," Shepard said.
"Or… it could make things awkward," Jane said.
"Why would it be awkward?" Shepard thought.
"They could have a history," Jane thought.
"That's irrelevant for me and she carries herself professionally, I don't see a problem," Shepard thought.
"They could become involved again, you told Garrus you wouldn't care," Jane said.
"And I wouldn't, so again, I don't see a problem," Shepard thought.
"Yes, ma'am," Altiria said.
"Hey, she don't like all that ma'am business," James said.
Altiria's mandibles fluttered as she glanced between James and Shepard. Anderson chuckled and put a hand on Shepard's shoulder.
"Mmm. She gets that from me. It doesn't stop her from calling me sir and saluting me every chance she gets," Anderson said.
"Shepard is fine, if you're comfortable with it," Shepard said.
Altiria looked like Shepard had just asked her to rob a bank or take candy from a baby.
"I – I I'm not sure that I…," Altiria said.
"It's alright, really. It's a preference off the field but I won't order you," Shepard said.
"Thank you, ma'am," Altiria said.
"Would you prefer to be addressed as Eraslius?" Shepard asked.
"You are my commanding officer, you can call me whatever you like, ma'am," Altiria said.
Anderson chuckled and patted Shepard on the back. The asari stepped forward and Altiria moved back. Shepard shook the asari's hand when it was offered.
"Norisne Ditora. Pleasure to meet you, Shepard. I volunteered because it was something to do. Sorry, I don't have a better excuse than that," Norisne said.
Shepard laughed and said, "Fair enough. Nice to meet you Norisne. Before I bring you aboard, though, I have to ask – will you be comfortable working with a Justicar?"
The color drained from Norisne's face as she stuttered out, "A – a – a Justicar? As in an asari Justicar?"
"That's right," Shepard said.
"I wasn't aware – no, no I'd be honored. Does the Councilor know that you are working with a Justicar?" Norisne asked.
"No, I don't think so. I only just picked her up before coming here. Is that… is that something I should report to Tevos?" Shepard asked turning her head to Anderson.
"Don't look at me, I don't even know what a Justicar is," Anderson said. "But by her reaction, I'd say Tevos would want to know."
"I never bothered to tell her. Didn't see a reason to," Jane said. "Of course, I was never as chummy with her as you've been either."
"Oh… uh, I'll let Norisne here explain it to you while I run by Tevos' office and give Miranda a call," Shepard said.
Anderson nodded his head so Shepard stepped out of the office and called Miranda on her omni-tool.
"Yes, Commander?" Miranda asked when her face appeared.
"Miranda, I just got out of an impromptu meeting with the Council. I've requested and received permission for you to meet me at Councilor Anderson's office to discuss matters of a sensitive nature pertaining to a planned mission," Shepard said.
"I'll be there in a few minutes, then. Should I bring anyone else?" Miranda asked.
"No, just you. I'll see you in a few," Shepard said and closed her omni-tool.
She made her way down the hall to Tevos' office and stepped inside the waiting room. The asari at the desk smiled at her in greeting before pressing a button and speaking into the comm.
"Spectre Shepard is here to see you, Councilor," the asari said.
"Send her in, Selene," Tevos said.
"The Councilor will see you now," Selene said as if Shepard wasn't standing right there to hear it herself.
"Right, thanks Selene," Shepard said.
Shepard stepped inside Tevos office to find the Councilor sitting at her desk. She waved her hand towards one of the chairs situated on the opposite side and Shepard sat down.
"Was there something we failed to cover in the meeting, Shepard?" Tevos asked.
"No, this isn't about the mission. It was suggested that you would wish to know that a Justicar has joined me in my fight against the collectors," Shepard said.
Tevos' mouth jaw dropped but she quickly recovered. She leaned forward and laced her fingers together before resting them on the desk.
"Never seen that look on her face before," Jane said.
"Commander, I feel I must warn you… not as a member of the Council, but as an asari, that Justicars are… I'm not even sure how to say this," Tevos said.
"Scary death machines of justice according to every asari ever?" Jane said giving Shepard the impression of rolling her eyes.
"It's OK, Councilor, I'm more familiar with Justicars and the Code they follow than you might expect. Justicar Samara has sworn an Oath of Subsumation to me and I have full faith in our ability to work in peaceful collaboration towards our goals," Shepard said.
"Goddess… and Oath of Subsumation? I – I don't know what to say. That is a tremendous honor she has given you, Shepard. Had I known, I wouldn't have needed to find an asari volunteer for your mission. You may excuse Norisne if you wish. I have no doubt that the word of a Justicar would carry all the weight needed by any asari," Tevos said.
"I kind of like Norisne," Jane said.
"I see no reason to dismiss Norisne, Samara will be staying with me beyond dealing with the Alpha Relay while the others chosen by the Council will be expected to leave my service," Shepard said.
"Very well, Shepard. I would very much like to meet Justicar Samara if she would be amendable to such an introduction," Tevos said.
"I don't think she would mind at all. Once we get things settled in Anderson's office, I'll see if Samara is willing to come to your office," Shepard said.
"Oh, perhaps it would be wisest if you accompanied Samara from the Normandy to my office. I'm afraid that the presence of a Justicar walking the Citadel might alarm the asari and if…," Tevos said.
"I'll make sure there aren't any incidents, Councilor," Shepard said.
Tevos smiled ruefully and said, "Thank you, Commander."
Shepard excused herself and made it back to Anderson's office just as Miranda was arriving. Miranda's eyes roamed the waiting area, taking in the details as Shepard led her past the receptionist and into Anderson's actual office. Miranda's eye met Kirrahe's first and she nodded to the now very familiar salarian. Kirrahe returned the nod as he stoically waited for orders. James let out a low whistle and Miranda's head turned to find him leaning against the wall. She gave James the same cold glare that she had given him the night he tried to hit on her before turning her attention to Anderson.
"Councilor Anderson," Miranda said.
"Ms. Lawson," Anderson said with a nod.
"Miranda, the Council has decided to cooperate with my request to disable the Alpha Relay in the Bahak System and has called for an evacuation of the system's colonies," Shepard said.
"Why was this request made?" Miranda asked.
"I have reason to believe that the reapers are moving en masse to access that relay, from where they will be able to access every other relay," Shepard said.
"Then shutting the relay down will not be sufficient, Commander," Miranda said.
"I know. I'm going to have to destroy the relay," Shepard said.
"The Council has agreed to this?" Miranda asked raising an eyebrow at Anderson.
"Provisionally and with conditions. The Council has selected these four to accompany Shepard to the Bahak System. They will bear witness to her actions and determine whether her actions had just cause," Anderson said.
"And if they decide her reasons weren't good enough?" Miranda asked cocking her hip and raising an eyebrow.
"Then I'll be charged and likely found guilty of terrorism," Shepard said.
"You can't be serious? They've cleared the way for you to destroy a relay but if they decide later that it wasn't worth it you get hit with trumped up charges?" Miranda asked.
"Miranda gets it, why don't they?" Jane asked.
"Who says they don't?" Shepard thought.
"That about sums it up," Shepard said.
"This is ridiculous," Miranda said.
"I don't disagree, Ms. Lawson but unfortunately I am only one part of the Council and have done everything that I could to support Shepard. Having these men and women join her for the mission will work in the other direction, too. When the batarians come hollering for blood, and they will, Shepard will have four respectable witnesses who can testify to the necessity of her actions," Anderson said.
"And of course the Council has nothing to gain by placing people aboard a Cerberus vessel," Miranda said.
"Not really, not with us already giving Anderson everything we can get on Cerberus," Jane said.
"She has a point. I'm sure Miranda suspects that I'm passing information along to Anderson, but the rest of the Council doesn't trust me as well as he does. They very well might be there to spy as well… both for the Council and for their own people," Shepard thought.
"They have all been instructed to follow Shepard's command and it is only for the duration of this mission, Ms. Lawson. Their only orders from the Council are to observe and assist under Shepard's command, they aren't going to go digging around in Cerberus' systems if that is your concern," Anderson said.
"I think it's a terrible idea, but this is your call, Shepard," Miranda said.
"It isn't ideal but the alternative would be catastrophically worse for the Bahak system. We don't know with certainty that disabling the relay will save the system but it can't hurt, and the Council has the authority to evacuate the colonies," Shepard said. "This has to be done, Miranda, and I'd rather make sure as few lives are lost in the process as possible. Return to the Normandy and make whatever preparations you feel you need to make."
"Very well, Commander," Miranda said as she turned to leave.
"You four are dismissed to make whatever preparations. I will collect your contact information from Councilor Anderson and contact you one hour before you will be expected to report to the Normandy," Shepard said.
The Council Four saluted Shepard before following Miranda's footsteps out of the office. Shepard waited for the door to close behind them before turning back to Anderson.
"You put your as on the line for this, didn't you? What happens to you if the rest of the Council decides I'm a monumental fuck up?" Shepard asked.
"Oh gods, they wouldn't dare charge him with this!" Jane said.
"Don't worry about me, kid. I've never been a fan of all the politics, but I know how the game is played. I have faith in you, Shepard. I know you wouldn't be doing this if you didn't completely believe it was for the best," Anderson said.
"Thank you, sir, but you didn't answer my question," Shepard said.
Anderson sighed and turned to walk out on the balcony. Shepard followed after him and leaned a hip against the low wall.
"No, no, no. We can't let Anderson go down with us for this," Jane said.
"It won't be good, Shepard, but this is bigger than you and me. It's bigger than all of us. If it means I spend the rest of my years in prison then so be it, I'll gladly accept that fate if it means helping you to save the galaxy from these reaper sons-of-bitches," Anderson said.
"I won't let that happen to you, sir," Shepard said.
"That so?" Anderson asked with a chuckle.
"Damn right, Anderson. I'll bust you out of the joint myself. Put you on a ship with Kahlee Sanders and send the two of you off to retire on a beach somewhere," Shepard said.
"Retire?! You sayin' I'm getting old, Shepard?" Anderson asked.
Shepard laughed and turned to lean against the railing, looking out over the Presidium. They watched as everyone milled about down below, going on about their normal lives believing that their world was safe and secure. Attending business meetings, having dates, playing with their children, shopping for birthday presents. None of them really knew that all the while the biggest threat this galaxy had seen in 50,000 years was headed their way. None of them really knew, even if they had seen Shepard's video that got leaked to the public and believed that the reapers were real. They didn't really know. They didn't really understand. And they wouldn't, not until things got ugly in their own front yards.
"How are you holding up, Shepard?" Anderson asked.
"As well as can be expected," Shepard said.
"And Jane?" Anderson asked.
"Oh, she's still making sure I know that she thinks half of what I do is stupid, but she's not fighting me when I go looking for information," Shepard said.
"Good. That's good. Did you make it to check on Talitha?" Anderson asked.
"She's dead. I wasn't fast enough, Anderson. They had her… they had her implanted and indoctrinated. Trying to study indoctrination. I tried to get her out of there and the assholes flipped a kill switch. Killed her and the others right in front of me," Shepard said.
"Damn… I'm sorry, Shepard," Anderson said.
"Not half as sorry as they are. I need to call in one of my crew, she has files for you that were recovered from the facility on Gellix. I wanted to make sure it was all delivered to you in person," Shepard said.
Anderson nodded giving her to go ahead so she called Kasumi over her omni-tool. Shepard smiled when Kasumi's face popped into view. Kasumi was busy stuffing ramen into her mouth while Lia laughed in the background.
"Kasumi, can the two of you come up to Councilor Anderson's office? I want you to give him the files from Gellix," Shepard said.
"Sure thing, Shep. I'm almost done and then we'll be right up. I got you a present, I can't wait for you to see it," Kasumi said.
Shepard cringed when she heard Lia burst into a fresh fit of giggles. Whatever it was that Kasumi got her, Shepard was entirely sure it was going to make her uncomfortable.
"Oh, but Kasumi I didn't get you anything," Shepard said.
"That's OK! See you soon!" Kasumi said, disconnecting the call.
Shepard groaned and Anderson chuckled.
"Was that Lia in the background?" Anderson asked.
"Yeah," Shepard said.
"Why am I not surprised that she's still with you? She sounds good though. Happy," Anderson said.
Shepard shrugged and said, "She wanted to stay. She's been working hard to train for the field."
"Leave it to you to take in every civilian you find and turn them into trained soldiers," Anderson said.
"Not every civilian," Shepard said.
Anderson chuckled and shook his head.
"So, I've been thinking…," Shepard said.
Anderson raised an eyebrow and said, "Why does that sound more like plotting?"
"Miranda and Jacob were both with me on Gellix. They got to see firsthand what Cerberus really does, and neither of them liked what they saw," Shepard said.
"OK," Anderson said.
"She's not ready for it yet, but I think that given a little more time… I think that I can convince Miranda to replace the Illusive Man. Take over Cerberus and use it as an asset to help us in this war instead of something we'll have to fight against," Shepard said.
"You think that will work?" Anderson asked.
"I think that there is no way in hell I'm not going to put a bullet between the Illusive Man's eyes as soon as I get the chance, and if I don't put someone in his place, someone who knows the organization and I can trust, then someone else will rise up to fill the spot anyway. I'd rather it be Miranda," Shepard said.
"If we can still trust her. She put control chips in us, you can't forget that," Jane said.
"And she also just defended us to Anderson. A lot of things changed, Jane, but I still think Miranda is good at heart and is on our side," Shepard insisted.
"Hmmm. I've only met her twice but I have to say that it doesn't seem like she's in any hurry to betray Cerberus, Shepard," Anderson said.
"I know Miranda. Better than she realizes and I know she'll end up leaving Cerberus and being on the run from them either way. Like I said, I don't think she's ready just yet but I think I can make it work, sir," Shepard said. "The question is would the Alliance be willing to work with her?"
"I think that would depend on how she ran Cerberus. The Alliance won't work with the organization so long as it's doing things like it was on Gellix," Anderson said.
"Of course. Trust me, sir, Miranda was appalled when she saw that facility," Shepard said.
"I know I've said it before, but I trust your judgement, Shepard," Anderson said. "Now, run me through on what we gained from Fehl Prime."
Shepard spent the time they were waiting for Kasumi filling Anderson in on the events of Fehl Prime including the research facility and the presence of the reaper artifact. Anderson nodded in approval at the measures Shepard took to destroy the artifact, telling her it was better to be safe than sorry. When she mentioned the collector they found alive in the tank, and that it was kept for research Anderson insisted on seeing it himself. Shepard agreed and told him she'd take him to see it as soon as they were done with the file transfer.
Kasumi and Lia arrived about twenty-minutes later. Kasumi had a small blue and white paper shopping bag in her hand, swinging it back and forth by the handles. Lia giggled when Kasumi stopped Shepard from looking in the bag, telling her she should wait until she was back on the Normandy. Shepard groaned and folded the top of the bag down before tucking it under her arm.
Kasumi sat down at Anderson's desk and got to work transferring the files to his laptop. Shepard reminded her that she was to transfer the Cerberus files and that was it. Kasumi stuck her lip out in a pout but Shepard knew that she'd do as she was told. Anderson made idle conversation with Lia as they waited for the transfer to be complete, asking her about her training and how she liked it aboard the Normandy.
Once the file transfer was complete Kasumi and Lia left Anderson's office to wander around the Citadel. Shepard had a feeling that Kasumi might be doing a little training of her own with you young quarian and she sincerely hoped that it didn't end with Shepard having to convince C-Sec to not arrest Lia. Shepard walked Anderson back to the Normandy where he got a few sidelong glances from the Cerberus crew still aboard. Anderson gestured towards the cockpit and Shepard nodded.
"Hello Councilor Anderson," EDI said as Anderson entered the cockpit.
"Hello, uh, EDI," Anderson said.
Joker turned his chair around and said, "Anderson. Here for another 'inspection'?"
Anderson chuckled and said, "Had to come see this collector you guys brought aboard."
"Hey, while you're here, maybe you can tell her to get off my ass about leaving the ship," Joker said.
"Mmm. I'm not fighting that battle, Joker. You're on your own," Anderson said.
"Shepard is right, Mr. Moreau. Moderate amounts of exercise would be beneficial for your condition, and my databases indicate that socialization is an important part of healthy human functioning," EDI said.
"Great. Now the AI think's it's my mom, too. Thanks, Shepard," Joker said.
Shepard shrugged and said, "You're the one that brought it up, Joker."
Anderson chuckled and said, "It's good seeing you, Joker. I better get on with this though; I've got a meeting in an hour."
"Alright. Take it easy, Anderson," Joker said.
Shepard could hear EDI extolling the virtues of exercise and Vrolik's Syndrome as she and Anderson made their way from the cockpit. Shepard passed the gift bag off to Kelly and asked her to take it to her cabin for her before she led Anderson to the tech labs. She had the urge to snoop around with Mordin gone but decided he'd be able to tell somehow, and would probably tranquilize her for it. Anderson followed her over to the collector floating in golden fluid. He stopped in front of the tank and put his hands behind his back.
"It's still alive?" Anderson asked.
"Yeah. All of that," Shepard said indicating the machinery, "is keeping him alive."
"And you're sure it can't get out of there?" Anderson asked.
Shepard snorted and said, "I've been asking that so many times that Mordin threatened to tranquilize me if I asked again. No, it's not getting out unless we let it out. Still… feels like it knows we're here, doesn't it?"
Anderson grunted in response before moving to the side of the tank to peer at the back of the collector.
"Your scientist, what was his name, Mordin? – He getting anything useful from it?" Anderson asked.
"He hasn't told me much, sir, but he promises he's making progress. I'm not sure why he's not talking. Mordin loves to talk. My guess is that he thinks whatever he's working on, I'm not going to like," Shepard said.
Anderson looked over at Shepard and asked, "I don't suppose we really need to like it, do we?"
"No sir. It just needs to get the job done," Shepard said.
Anderson grunted again and stepped away from the tank before saying, "Well kid, I'd better get back. Keep me updated on this thing, will ya?"
"Yes sir. I've got to speak with Samara – the Justicar – Tevos wants to meet her if she's willing. Do you mind seeing yourself out?" Shepard asked.
"I think I can manage, Shepard," Anderson said with a chuckle.
Shepard made her way down to the starboard observation. Samara was unsurprisingly sitting in the middle of the floor with her biotics flaring around her body as she meditated. When Shepard walked in the biotics faded and Samara inclined her head towards Shepard.
"Shepard, it is good to see you," Samara said.
"Hey, Samara. I was wondering how you would feel about coming with me to meet Councilor Tevos. I mentioned that you had joined the Normandy and she asked to meet you," Shepard said.
"I have not yet visited the Citadel. I will be glad to join you," Samara said unfolding her long legs and standing.
Shepard led Samara through the Citadel to the Councilor's office. Shepard couldn't help but to notice the reaction of every asari that caught sight of Samara. Dozens of blue lips whispered the word 'Justicar' but none dared to point as Samara walked by. Asari moved aside clearing the path for Samara even as confused volus, salarians, and turians looked on trying to understand what the fuss was about. Samara didn't seem to notice, her eyes looked about at the architecture with mild curiosity from time to time but otherwise she moved through the crowd of people as if they weren't there.
Shepard opened the door to Tevos' office and the asari in the waiting area glanced up. Her jaw dropped open and she scrambled to her feet. Samara walked in and glanced around her again, waiting for Shepard to lead the way.
"Selene, could you please tell Councilor Tevos that the Justicar has come to see her?" Shepard asked.
"Oh, goddess. I mean. Yes, yes, of course. Right away," Selene said before announcing them over the intercom.
Shepard was a little impressed when Tevos hurried out of her office to greet Samara in person as opposed to waiting for Samara to come to her.
"Justicar, it is an honor to meet you. Thank you for coming. Please, won't you come into my office?" Tevos said extending her hand.
Samara accepted Tevos hand before dipping her head in acceptance of the request.
"Selene, bring us some tea," Tevos said before stepping aside and motioning towards her office door.
Samara stepped inside and Shepard followed even though she hadn't actually been asked to join them. Tevos came in last and closed the door behind her before offering a chair to Samara. She started to return to the chair behind her desk and stopped in her tracks. Shepard schooled her expression before she could smirk at Tevos conundrum. She was afraid she would insult the Justicar by taking a seat of power and authority in her presence.
"We should really be recording this, it's priceless," Jane said.
"I think I'll stand, if you don't mind, Councilor. It's nice to move around a bit after being on the ship for so long," Shepard said.
Tevos flashed Shepard a grateful smile before taking the second chair next to Samara in front of the desk. Shepard paced away from the two asari to lean out over the balcony behind the desk giving them room to speak in private but remaining nearby in case either of them wished to speak to her. Selene came in a few minutes later carrying a tray with small cups and a tea pot. She sat the tray down quietly next to Tevos before backing out of the room once more.
Shepard paid only half-attention as the two asari spoke. The conversation consisted primarily of Tevos asking a question and getting the briefest of response from Samara before floundering to find another question to keep the conversation going. It was truly a rare treat to hear the asari Councilor stumble over her words. Shepard glanced at Samara to see the Justicar delicately balancing a cup of tea on her knee while smiling softly at Tevos. She couldn't see Tevos' face from her position, but the asari's posture spoke volumes about her unease. Shepard wondered if Tevos had some reason to fear the Justicar aside from reputation alone; did she fear that the Justicar would learn something about Tevos – learn that she had done something that would warrant a swift judgement from the Justicar? She was ultimately just a politician, after all, and what politician didn't have skeletons tucked neatly away in their closets? Shepard turned her attention back out over the Presidium watching the pedestrians come and go.
"I am certain that having a Justicar join the mission will ensure her success. She is quite lucky that you agreed to help," Tevos said.
"Shepard is quite formidable by her own right. I do not believe that the success of her mission to stop the collectors hinges on my presence, but it is kind of you to say so," Samara said.
"Oh yes, of course. Shepard has proven the decision of the Council to make her a Spectre to have been the right choice. She is truly a shining example of the best humanity has to offer and her role in stopping Saren's attack on the Citadel will not soon be forgotten," Tevos said.
"Sovereign's attack," Shepard said absently.
"Excuse me?" Tevos said turning in her chair to look at Shepard.
"I get that the Council feels like they need to downplay the existence of reapers to the general public, but the general public isn't here right now, Councilor. Saren wasn't the real threat. Sovereign was," Shepard said watching Tevos over her shoulder.
"Ah, yes, of course," Tevos said.
"The Council is deceiving those they are sworn to serve? How will they prepare for the war that is to come if they are blind to its arrival?" Samara asked setting the tea cup down on Tevos' desk.
"Oops," Jane said.
"The Council wishes to avoid a panic, Justicar, it is in the public's best interest. We cannot even be certain that more reapers are coming. Until we can be certain that there is a threat, alerting the public would only cause panic and riots," Tevos said pleadingly.
"I see. Thank you for the tea, Councilor," Samara said rising to her feet.
"Well that went well," Jane said.
Tevos stood up and sat her cup down before plastering a smile on her face and saying, "Yes, of course. You are always welcome to come and speak with me whenever you wish."
"I am ready to return to my meditations aboard the Normandy, if you do not have further need of me, Shepard," Samara said.
"Sure. I'll walk you back," Shepard said.
"Could have gone worse. No one died," Shepard thought.
Shepard gave Tevos a sympathetic smile as she walked past her. The Councilor looked like she was going to be sick but returned Shepard's smile. They got a few feet away from the Councilor's office and Shepard glanced at Samara to see her lips in a tight line.
"That upset you?" Shepard asked.
"It is not the way the asari once would have handled such a threat. She is still so young, and in such a position of power. I fear she has forgotten where it is that she comes from," Samara said.
"She'll come through when it really matters the most," Shepard said.
"You sound certain of this," Samara said.
"Yeah… well, I've known her for a while. Trust me, aside from Anderson, she's the best that Council has when it comes to doing what's right for everyone," Shepard said.
"You do not approve of the other Councilors?" Samara asked.
"Valern isn't horrible, I guess. He's been finding ways to help out, but it's more because he's smart enough to realize this isn't a game and is looking out for salarian interests. Sparatus is an ass," Shepard said eliciting a chuckle from Samara, "he absolutely hates me. Always has. I'm not really sure why, other than that I'm human and I proved that his beloved Spectre Saren was a traitor."
"And Anderson, what kind of Councilor is he?" Samara asked.
"I've known Anderson for a very long time. Before he was on the Council, he was the captain of the old Normandy and my CO. I have nothing but respect for Anderson. He was the best damn captain I've ever had the privilege to serve under. He hates being a Councilor, to be honest. He's never been a fan of politics, but he's doing his best, butting heads with the others trying to make them see reason and to put in every effort he can to stop the reapers before it's too late," Shepard said.
"He is not interested in the power of the position?" Samara asked.
"Only in as much as it gives him a better chance of convincing the rest of the Council to do the right thing," Shepard said.
"I see," said Samara.
Shepard left Samara at the airlock when her omni-tool flashed telling her she had a message. It was Garrus telling her to meet him in the restaurant where she took Lia the day they met. Shepard made her way to the restaurant and made her way to the table where Garrus sat with Grundan Krul.
"What's up?" Shepard asked sitting next to Garrus.
"We've found out who Ross and Cantis are," Garrus said.
"The other two names on the auction list?" Shepard asked.
"That's right. Aliases as we expected. Ross is really a man named Evan Newlin and Cantis' real name is Latius Varcus. I – Shepard, what's wrong?" Garrus asked.
"Evan Newlin?" Jane asked.
"Evan Newlin. He's Alliance. Was Alliance. Before he decided to throw it away for a payoff, letting his whole squad walk right into an ambush. What the fuck would Newlin want with me?" Shepard asked. "Hell, I was still in basic when he got his dishonorable and thrown in prison."
"I don't know, Shepard, but we know he's on Omega. I've got something better for you though," Garrus said.
"Oh yeah, what's that?" Shepard asked.
"That turian rushing to pay his bill and bolt is Varcus," Garrus said before standing up and vaulting over the table.
Varcus looked back over his shoulder and threw a credit chit at the asari behind the counter before running towards the exit. Shepard stood so fast that the chair she was sitting in clattered to the floor. People in the restaurant began to turn towards the commotion just as Garrus jumped onto another table and used it as a springboard to throw himself at Varcus. Grundan Krul stood calmly as Shepard pulled out her pistol and made her way towards the two turians rolling around on the ground with fists flying.
People began to push and shove to make their way out of the restaurant while others moved back into corners. The asari behind the counter flared with biotic energy, preparing to use them on Garrus and Varcus.
"Council Spectre, ma'am, stand down. Call C-Sec and ask for Bailey," Shepard said to her.
The asari nodded and let her biotics die down. Varcus howled with agony as Garrus slammed his head into the floor, breaking the spikes of his crest and leaving smears of blue blood behind. Shepard got to them just as Garrus was flipping Varcus over onto his stomach, pressing a knee into his back and pulling his hands behind him. Varcus growled at Garrus and Garrus grabbed the broken pieces of crest to use as a handhold and slammed the other turian's face into the ground twice.
"Garrus, enough. Alright. You're scaring the shit out of the costumers," Shepard said crouching down next to Garrus.
"This man is crazy, get him off of me," Varcus said to Shepard.
"Shut up," she said.
"Please, you have to help me!" Varcus said.
Shepard put the barrel of her pistol against Varcus' head and said, "I said shut up."
Varcus fell silent, watching Shepard with hate filled eyes. A few minutes later Bailey showed up with three other officers. He took one look at the turian pinned beneath Garrus before his eyes slid to Shepard standing over them with her pistol out. He made his way straight to Shepard and stood beside her casually looking down at the restrained turian.
"Commander Shepard," Bailey said.
"Bailey thanks for coming. Borrow your cuffs?" Shepard asked.
"Reynolds, give Shepard your cuffs," Bailey said to one of the other officers.
"Yes sir," Reynolds said before fishing out his cuffs and holding them towards Shepard.
Shepard nodded at Garrus and Reynolds moved to pass them to Garrus instead.
"Officer, please. He attacked me for no reason," Varcus said twisting to look at Reynolds.
"If I have to tell you again, Garrus will be very displeased. You've already got blood all over this nice lady's floor, I suggest you shut the hell up," Shepard growled.
"Friend of yours?" Bailey asked nodding towards Garrus.
"Garrus Vakarian, former C-Sec Detective," Shepard said.
Garrus took the cuffs from Reynolds and expertly slapped them on the turian's wrists before pulling him to his feet.
"Former? That's a shame. Looks like we could still use one like him down in C-Sec," Bailey said.
"Sorry, Captain. Shepard would be lost without me," Garrus said shoving Varcus towards the exit.
"There's no Shepard without Vakarian," Jane said.
"He's right, you know," Shepard said hoping the tint of sadness in her voice would be missed by the others.
Bailey chuckled and asked, "So… what happened here?"
"Let's get him back to C-Sec and I'll tell you all about it. No shots were fired, no one but him hurt as far as I saw. Have one of your men get a report on the property damages and send it to the Normandy," Shepard said.
"Davis," Bailey said.
"On it sir," Davis said before moving over to the asari proprietor.
"Reynolds, Marcedus read him his rights and take him from Mr. Vakarian here," Bailey said.
Garrus let go of Varcus as the two others each grabbed a hold of one of Varcus' arms. Shepard followed Bailey and the others through the Zakera Wards and back to C-Sec. Bailey had Reynolds and Marcedus put Varcus in one of the interrogation rooms and guard the door. Shepard leaned against the wall next to Bailey's desk while the captain sat on the edge. Garrus stood beside her looking smug; Grundan Krul stood next to him. Bailey's eyes flickered to Grundan Krul, a batarian wasn't a common sight on the Citadel and they generally weren't associated with good things, especially by humans. If Bailey had a problem, he kept it to himself.
"Awhile back we found a list on a prison ship – Purgatory – that had a list of names of people who were interested in an auction that the warden was planning," Shepard said.
"Purgatory, huh, yeah I've heard of it. Houses some of the worst criminals in the galaxy," Bailey said.
"Yeah, well it also sells some of the worst criminals in the galaxy to people who are willing to buy," Shepard said.
"You're kidding?" Bailey asked.
"Nope. So, I was on Purgatory handling business when the warden thought it was a good idea to capture me instead. Planned to sell me to the highest bidder. After we dealt with the warden, we got his auction list," she said.
"He was on that list?" Bailey asked nodding towards the interrogation room.
"Latius Varcus, under the alias Terlus Cantis. My sources told me I could find him here on the Citadel. Tracked him to the restaurant and called in Shepard. He recognized her, probably heard me say his name and tried to make a run for it," Garrus said.
"I'll be damned. Well, we've got him in custody now. I can bring him up on every charges I can possibly pin on him and with you word as a Spectre it won't be questioned. Just say the word," Bailey said.
"I'd like to question him first. See why the hell he was interested in trying to buy me. Who knows, maybe he'll give us a whole other list of charges you can slap him with in the process," Shepard said.
"You got it," Bailey said nodding at the door.
Shepard started towards the door, Garrus and Grundan Krul beside her. The two C-Sec officers moved out of their way. The turian, Marcedus, dipped his head to Garrus. Garrus stopped and held his hand out to the turian.
"Marcedus. I remember you, you were just coming on right before I left C-Sec," Garrus said.
"That's right, sir," Marcedus said taking Garrus' hand.
"Hey Shepard," Bailey said.
Shepard turned back to Bailey as he walked over to her.
"I've got to ask… when the call came in they said you asked for me by name," Bailey said.
"Yeah well, aside from yours being only one of two names in C-Sec I know these days, you were nice to me on my first day back on the job," Shepard said with a shrug.
"Huh, suppose I did tell you that if you needed anything to let me know," Bailey said with a smile. "Glad I could help."
Shepard pushed the controls on the door and walked inside to find Varcus sitting at a table, cuffs now keeping him chained to the table. Garrus moved to the right side of the room and leaned against the wall. Grundan Krul mimicked his posture next to the door. Shepard crossed the room and pulled out the chair opposite of Varcus. He lifted his gaze to stare at Shepard as she sat down.
"Care to tell me why you were on a list of people for an auction that was supposed to have me as the featured product?" Shepard asked.
"I don't know what you're talking about. You have no right to detain me. I want a lawyer," Varcus said.
"And if I were C-Sec I might actually care. Listen, you can either be up front with me or I can leave you alone in here with the pissed off turian and our batarian friend. Your call," Shepard said.
"He's no turian. Not smelling like that; smelling like you. Might as well be a human if he's going to be fucking one," Varcus said.
Shepard glanced at Garrus who calmly pushed away from the wall and walked behind Varcus. The turian tried to turn his head to track Garrus' movements but Garrus grabbed his crest and used his thumb to push into the raw, broken edges of Varcus' crest. Varcus screamed in anguish before biting it off with a growl and trying to pull away from Garrus. Shepard forced her face into a neutral expression.
"Ouch. That looks like it really hurts. Let me ask you again, why were you trying to buy me?" Shepard asked.
"Are you seriously going to let him do this? Dawn, tell him to stop! This isn't him, this isn't who he is," Jane said.
"It is now, and I'm not doing a damn thing to push him away. I don't care if you think it's wrong," Shepard thought.
"I've got nothing to say to you, human," Varcus said.
Garrus pressed his thumb against Varcus' crest again, eliciting another pained cry and threatening growl from the other turian.
"I don't think he liked that answer. You want to try again?" Shepard asked.
Varcus was breathing heavily, his mandibles were pulled in tight against his face and his eyes had a particularly panicked look about them when he looked back at Shepard.
"Just kill me. It's better than what they'd do," Varcus said.
"Than what who would do?" Shepard asked.
Varcus tried to shake his head but couldn't quite pull off the movement with Garrus' grip. His mandibles sagged.
"Just kill me," Varcus said.
Garrus started to move his thumb again but Shepard swiped her hand through the air above the table, signaling him to wait.
"Varcus, who are you afraid of?" Shepard asked softening her tone.
"I can't tell you," Varcus said.
Shepard glanced at Garrus who pressed his thumb against the broken crest again. Varcus howled in agony until Garrus stopped. Varcus' head dropped forward as he panted to catch his breath.
"I can't believe you're doing this. Torture? Really?" Jane said.
"Hah, this isn't torture. Tombs was torture. Talitha was torture. Look, it's not pretty but he's not exactly waterboarding the guy," Shepard thought.
"You have changed…," Jane said.
"The Dissension," Varcus said so quietly Shepard almost missed it.
"The Dissension?" Shepard asked.
"I haven't heard of it," Jane said.
Varcus bobbed his head as far as Garrus would let him. Shepard looked to Garrus, he lifted his shoulder in a shrug. She glanced behind her to Grundan Krul who shook his head.
"Who or what is The Dissension?" Shepard asked.
"Turians… who think that humans never should have been given a place in galactic politics… who think that the First Contact War should have been the beginning, not the end of the turian-human conflict," Varcus said.
"Fantastic, because we really need new fanatics to fight," Jane said.
Shepard leaned forward and clasped her hands on the table before asking, "What do they want with me?"
Vacrus snorted in derision, "You're the shining light of humanity; their savior. What would they do to save you? What lengths would they go to get you back?"
"How many are there?" Shepard asked.
"Don't know. Enough to start a Second Contact War," Varcus said.
"Son-of-a-bitch. You have to tell the Council about this," Jane said.
"Damn it," Shepard said.
She stood and opened the door looking around until she spotted Bailey at his desk.
"Bailey, get me Councilors Anderson and Sparatus down here. Now. Tell them I said this is urgent," Shepard said.
Bailey nodded before turning to his phone. Shepard closed the door again and started pacing the room.
"What are they planning?" Shepard asked.
"I don't know, that wasn't my job," Varcus said.
"Then what is your job?" Shepard asked.
"To get you, and to recruit," Varcus said.
"How many have you recruited?" asked Garrus.
"About seven-hundred in the last year or so," Varcus said.
"Spirits," Garrus said.
The room fell silent as Shepard paced the floor waiting for the Councilors to arrive. A few minutes later, the door opened and Marcedus poked his head inside.
"The Councilors are here," he said.
Shepard stepped out and closed the door behind her. Sparatus and Anderson waited by Bailey's desk. Anderson looked curious, but Sparatus just looked pissed. Probably because she had the audacity to call him away from whatever he was doing at the time.
"Bailey, I need another room to speak to the Councilors in private," Shepard said.
Bailey pointed towards another door and the Councilors followed Shepard into the room. As soon as the door was closed, Sparatus started in on her.
"Shepard, you do not have the authority to summon us at your whim. What is the meaning of this? I was in the middle of business that far exceeds your usefulness to this Council," Sparatus said.
"Bingo," Jane said.
"There's a turian in the next room who says he's a part of a group called The Dissension," Shepard said.
Sparatus' brow plating twitched and his mandibles fluttered once before he forced them still.
"You've heard of them?" Shepard asked.
"There have been… whispers," Sparatus said.
"You've got to be kidding?" Jane said.
"What is The Dissension?" Anderson asked looking between Sparatus – who now no longer met Shepard's gaze – and Shepard.
"A group of turians who want to make war with humans," Shepard said.
"Why am I just hearing about this? Do the other Councilors know?" Anderson asked turning to face Sparatus fully.
"Because it's irrelevant, they're nothing to be concerned with. I haven't addressed the matter with anyone on the Council because it's one insignificant group who hasn't taken any serious actions," Sparatus said.
"That isn't your call to make, Sparatus. You should have brought this to the Council!" Anderson said, his hands balling into fists.
Shepard stepped forward and put a hand on Anderson's arm urging him to calm down. Anderson pulled away from Shepard and walked a few feet away to pace the back wall of the room.
"I think it's bigger than you realize, Councilor. He's talked about there being enough to start a Second Contact War and they had active plans to purchase me at an auction the warden of Purgatory was planning," Shepard said.
"Auction? Purchase you? What in the name of the Spirits are you on about?" Sparatus asked.
"I was recruiting someone on a privately owned prison ship called Purgatory, when the warden attempted to capture me. He had plans to sell me at an auction. We acquired a list of the names of people who were to participate in the auction," Shepard said. "Among those names was an alias for the turian Garrus tracked down, Latius Varcus. The Dissension believes that I'm important enough to use as leverage against the humans, either to push us out of the Council and galactic politics, or to start a Second Contact War."
"Were you a part of this?" Anderson demanded. "You haven't wanted humanity to be a part of the Council from the start. You were against the idea of humans joining the ranks of the Spectres, and you have fought against Shepard every step of the way!"
"Don't be ridiculous, Anderson. I may not be fond of humans, you're loud and abrasive, demanding – Shepard maybe more than most – but the decision to allow Shepard into the Spectres was a unanimous one and so was opening the Council to humanity," Sparatus said. "I don't have to like her or you to know that you've earned your place… or to be grateful for Shepard's actions in saving not only the lives of the Council but the entire Citadel."
For one very tense moment, Shepard thought that Anderson just might take a swing at Sparatus. She knew it would be disastrous if he did, but she was not going to get in the way again. Anderson spun towards Shepard instead.
"Where is he? I want to see him," Anderson said.
"He's in the next room. Bailey's waiting to slap whatever charges I want him to on the guy. Other than mentioning the list to Bailey to explain why we brought him in, I haven't spoken to anyone about this outside of that room yet. I had him call you as soon as we convinced Varcus to talk," Shepard said.
"Who is 'we'?" Sparatus asked.
"Garrus Vakarian and Grundan Krul were present with me while I interrogated Varcus," Shepard said.
"Vakarian, good. I don't know the other," Sparatus said.
"The batarian?" Anderson asked.
"Batarian? You have a batarian working for you and you're planning on destroying a relay in batarian controlled space? Spirits," Sparatus said.
"He's deflecting, don't let him deflect," Jane said.
"Yeah… I haven't talked to him about that yet, so I would appreciate it if you don't bring that up in front of him," Shepard said.
"The situation is your concern, Shepard. I just hope you know what you're getting yourself into," Sparatus said.
"I'll take you to Varcus," Shepard said.
Shepard led them back to the interrogation room where Garrus had returned to his position against the wall. Varcus had his forehead resting on the table, fresh blood glistening on the exposed tips of his broken crest. Sparatus stopped in the doorway, sniffing the air around him, undoubtedly being accosted by the scent of turian blood. Anderson was unfazed, he walked over to the table and stopped next to the chair Shepard was sitting in earlier. He half turned to look at Shepard when she stopped next to him.
"You do this?" Anderson asked pointing at Varcus' broken crest.
"No sir, I did," Garrus said.
Anderson looked at Garrus and nodded before turning his attention back to Varcus.
"Look at me," Anderson said.
Varcus slowly lifted his head. Shepard winced inwardly at the utter defeat in the turian's eyes. Sparatus moved forward to stand on Anderson's other side.
"Commander, I think it's best that you and your entourage wait outside," Sparatus said.
Shepard hesitated until Anderson nodded his head.
"Yes sir. I'll be right outside if you need me," Shepard said.
"That's bullshit, the guy was trying to buy us on an auction, we have a right to be in there," Jane said.
"Agreed, but they sent us out so we're out," Shepard thought.
Grundan Krul opened the door and stepped aside, letting Shepard exit first before following her out next to Garrus. He closed the door behind them and they waited just outside of the door with Reynolds and Marcedus. Davis had returned and was sitting at a desk beyond Bailey's filling out reports. Bailey left his desk to stand with the small group waiting outside of the interrogation room.
"So, guess it's pretty serious huh? Don't think I've ever had to call the Councilors in here before. Heh. Don't think I've ever even seen a Councilor anywhere that wasn't the Presidium. Don't suppose you can tell me what's going on in there?" Bailey asked.
"Sorry, Bailey," Shepard said.
"Eh, don't be. If it's that serious, I'm probably happier not knowing about it," Bailey said. "Coffee while you wait?"
"That'd be fantastic," Shepard said looking at Grundan Krul hopefully
"I'll make it," Grundan Krul nodded before crossing over to where the empty coffee pot sat.
"Today's your lucky day, Bailey. He makes the best damn coffee in the galaxy," Shepard said.
"Oh yeah?" Bailey asked.
"Definitely," Shepard said.
A few minutes later and Shepard was smiling as Bailey moaned over the mug of coffee in his hands. She blew across the scalding hot surface of hers before taking a sip and making the same sound. This was even better, fresher than the grounds they had on the Normandy. Twenty minutes later the door to the interrogation room opened and everyone turned to watch Anderson and Sparatus walk out. Anderson opened his omni-tool and beckoned to Bailey.
"I've got a list of names I need you to run, you find any of them and I want you to bring them in and call us for questioning," Anderson said. "Presumed armed and dangerous."
Bailey opened his omni-tool and looked over the list Anderson forwarded to him and said, "I'll get on it right away, sir."
"And place Mr. Varcus under formal arrest for treason. He isn't to have contact with anyone outside of the Council and a Council appointed attorney until we arrange for extradition," Sparatus said. "And… it might be best to avoid having your turian officers be left alone with him."
"Yes, sir. Reynolds, Davis, get him moved to a cell and I want 24-7 guards stationed outside of his cell," Bailey said.
"Yes, sir," Davis said leaving her desk to join Reynolds.
"Shepard, thank you for bringing this matter to our immediate attention. We've got to meet with the other Councilors. We'll take things from here," Anderson said.
"Of course, sir," Shepard said.
Anderson and Sparatus walked out of C-Sec as Varcus was being led from the interrogation room. Shepard shook Bailey's hand and thanked him for his cooperation before they left C-Sec as well.
"So, how about we actually go get something to eat? I'm thinking we can go to one of the other dextro-friendly locations?" Shepard asked.
"I'll head back to the Normandy," Grundan Krul said.
"Actually, I was hoping you'd join us. I have something I need to talk to you about," Shepard said.
Grundan Krul studied her with expressionless eyes before nodding once.