Arius shuffled down the immaculate streets and past the bright neon shops of Nos Astra, enjoying a short, much-deserved break. He had been working tirelessly for months and had hardly left his temporary apartment. His body yearned for movement, but time was of the absolute essence, so he only afforded himself quick bouts of exercise between more cerebral tasks to ground his mind.
Things here had not changed much, he thought to himself as he watched the hustle and bustle of the markets. Although most here continued to live life like they always had, even with the knowledge of a coming invasion, only a few would acknowledge what changes would transpire - the healthy organic mind didn't wake up in the morning thinking it would be its last day alive. Still, it was no secret that Illium's leaders were paranoid about keeping their fortunes. They were flexing their considerable influence in both Terminus and Citadel space to acquire a large defence fleet and many fission weapons. The vanity of the planet had no equal in the galaxy, but it presented him with the perfect environment to kick start his plans and preparations for the war. It was the asari equivalent of Noveria, and nearly anything could be done here.
He had picked up some food for himself and was returning to his apartment when something in a passing canopy of a small shop gave him pause. By the look of the wares on display, it appeared that the small shop belonged to a holoartist, and one of the holos had caught his eye. He approached the frames on display and focused on one of them, astounded that what he had presumed to see had indeed been the subject of the frame.
Close to him, just a few meters away, stood an elcor: the owner of the small shop, its canopy, and its works. The elcor shopkeeper had been keeping watch when he observed a potential customer wandering in. The human, it presumed to itself, had taken a keen interest in one of the simple holoframes he had on display. The elcor needed no eyes to see that he had hooked a client. Normally deliberate and conservative, the elcor wrestled with himself internally about whether to go out and greet the guest instead of waiting at the back like he usually did, but he was in a good mood on this day and decided to engage. The shopkeeper trudged over to the patron with slow but powerful steps, interested in the human's enraptured behaviour. Curious, the elcor tilted his head down to see what holo the man was holding. It was an enhanced holo of Feros.
"Informative, this is Feros. Long ago, an extinct, ancient race known as the Protheans built a megalopolis that covered over two-thirds of its surface. Those are its ruins, retouched to show how they might have once looked long ago." The elcor's monotone voice snapped Arius out of his concentration, and he turned to the elcor startled, seeing the shopkeeper's substantial bulk for the first time.
'With some concern," the elcor asked politely. "I hope I have not startled you."
"This holo caught me off guard," Arius noted. "The restorative work on this image is…. very accurate."
"With pride, you will not find holos like these anywhere else on Illium," the elcor boasted. Although the elcor would admit he was very proud of how well the image turned out, this particular holo was certainly not his greatest or most popular work.
"I think you're right," Arius agreed, blown away. "It's rare to find photos from Feros. How did you get the base image? Have you been to Zhu's Hope?" he asked, inquisitive.
The elcor was impressed that the human knew anything about Feros at all. "Surprised and with excitement, I have. ExoGeni Corporation required additional logistical support for the colony and hired my colleagues and me to provide finished goods to the colonists. I had planned to stay permanently but ended up returning after one standard year."
"That must have been a very profitable venture. Why did you leave?"
"Thoughtfully, the credits and the prospect of living in a small colony interested me at first but slowly changed. Something is disquieting about the planet and its ruins, and I noticed some of the colonists behaving strangely at times. Besides," Informed the Elcor shopkeeper. "I have saved enough credits to pursue the life I have always wanted. With zeal, as an artist."
Arius zeroed in on the elcor's story, pressing further. "Strange behaviour? What did you mean by that?"
The elcor shifted slightly, the small gesture of his speaking volumes. "With hesitancy, do not mention this to anyone. Hushed, I have observed on multiple occasions some of the original asari and human colonists coordinate their efforts on a task without speaking or communicating explicitly with one another. Knowing that humans and asari do not possess the same breadth of scent and sub-vocalized communication as my own species, I cannot explain it."
Arius smiled ever so slightly, and if the elcor knew the man better, he might have picked up the flash of understanding behind his eyes. Arius rotated his head, looking at some of the other artwork displayed. "What made you pursue this line of work? I don't believe I've met an elcor holo-artist before."
"With passion," the elcor exalted, yet his voice never rose in pitch. "Artists like Forta have inspired me from a young age. Some of Forta's work is reputed to make viewers go mad if stared at for too long. Timidly, though probably untrue, it is my dream to make viewers stop and stare long enough to forget where they are."
"Ha! You have most certainly succeeded," Arius laughed, holding up the frame. "Are you responsible for this work?"
"With pride, I am."
"You've done a great job. How much do I owe you for this one?"
"Appreciative, thank you. Humbly, that holo is one-hundred credits."
"Here's two-hundred," Arius insisted, swiping his credit chit on the counter and depositing credits into the elcor's account. "Worth every credit."
Dumbfounded, the elcor stood speechless.
"Do you accept commissions?" Arius asked with great interest. "I would love to have other Prothean ruin holos restored, if possible."
"With glee, absolutely. You can contact me from my extranet site."
"Will do." Arius saved the shop's name to his omni-tool and placed the holo in his bag. "You know, we've been talking, and I don't even know your name."
"Affably, Xalt."
"Pleasure to meet you, Xalt. Call me Arius. Thank you for your time. We'll be in touch."
"Courteously, have a nice day."
As the elcor watched the human walk away, he reflected that his decision had indeed been a very good one.
Content with a relaxing break well spent, Arius decided to return to his work. He took a rapid transit cab to the closest transport terminal and walked through the denser areas of the city. Before long, he reached a tall residential building and took an elevator up to one of the floors near the top. Upon finally reaching his flat, he pressed a single button: all at once, reading his fingerprint, iris, and DNA. Verification complete, the military spec door opened, and he stepped through, door sealing behind him.
The dimly-lit space inside was sparsely decorated but functional. Warm neutral colours on most surfaces. Modern looking and clean. One floor, one bedroom, one bathroom, kitchen, and a long window stretching from one end of the apartment to the other, facing outwards over the city. Kinetic barriers were standard on the suites. The apartment was meant to be a temporary place to stay, so he didn't bother populating it with anything personal. Well, except for one thing, he thought, as he pulled out the holoframe he had purchased from the elcor down in the markets.
Arius looked down toward the holo once more, regarding its stunning but probably accidental accuracy. The impeccably tall, complete, slender spires of the ghost city rose vertically from the endless flat plain of cloud, scraping the sky like the fingers of a titan rising from the murky depths of the planet. The ancient metal pillars stood serene against a flashing blue and white sky, an appropriate flare from the distant star, blinding. Xalt the elcor had taken time to include the minute details of the city and had done a truly incredible job - he seriously doubted the artist had any realization of how authentic his interpretation of the city really was.
Arius sedately walked over to a bare wall prepared for its presence and placed the holo squarely in the center of it, roughly at eye level. Stepping back to heed the placement, he reflected that there was something incredibly unsettling about looking down onto the ruins of a planet, knowing that at one time, you were part of it. Feros stood complete and untouched by the ravages of time and war in the world of his mind. He reached out towards its memory, fingers passing through the frame. He sighed with wistfulness.
After hanging his jacket, Arius turned to regard the boundless window and the world that lay beyond. He stood for a minute looking out from the loft, watching the soft glow of the city increase as the sun set in the distance.
Back to work.
Placed against the window, its back to the world, stood a simple desk and chair. A pair of force feedback gloves and a plain clock lay on the desk. He turned off the clock's display, not wanting to watch the time go by, knowing he would be able to fool his body and mind by staying busy for that much longer.
After securing the gloves to his hands, he pressed his hands together to bring the VI interface online. The entire window that stretched in front of him polarized and drew opaque, becoming entirely black. Holo projectors at the foot of the windows activated, throwing their information upon the window-turned-screen. Within seconds, it was packed with information. He walked all the way to the left side of the window and slowly walked past the segmented facets of his rapidly growing empire.
The popular saying that 'the rich get richer' was very true; The more money one has, the easier one can make more of it. Combining large amounts of liquid capital with the knowledge and experience of someone who has watched every major organic financial market over several cycles equated to a staggering wealth. Further combining that wealth with accurate information from the most prominent information broker in the galaxy was a recipe for becoming one of the galaxy's foremost influencers. With enough money to sink fingers into everyone's pockets, it was possible to sway what happened and when. Arius felt the grip of greed tug heavily on him every time he saw the numbers, but the outcome of his game was ultimately not personal, and he needed to extend his guiding influence to shape and guide the galaxy's economy and market for the coming war. Much like the Shadow Broker had done, investing in ventures that would further his goals, he played on a much larger scale and with much larger stakes. His entire framework of integrated cash and investments would move the correct cogs in the giant machine that was the galaxy's economy, generating every more that he poured back in to accelerate its movement. Indeed, it was a dangerous runaway reaction, but anything less than full speed against the Reapers would end in a great crash and burn when they hit their wall. He intended to punch right through, even if they died behind the wheel.
The galactic economy was booming like never before, and he took full advantage of its powerful beat. For blurred hours after the sunset, he stood, ate and drank, paced and sat, eyes darting to and fro, reading and deciphering the market, playing his chest pieces. There was more to this war than just bodies and ammo, and neither existed in any practical amount to win. He sat on one side of a chess board, facing an opponent that had never lost. But he had watched the opponent play two times, despite their victory in both rounds. This time, he was the most prepared, sitting down with enough good pieces to play, moving the game into the most favourable position before the other player entered the contest.
He started back at the bottom. He invested in and bought temporary mining rights to eezo, light, heavy and rare earth metal mines all over the galaxy and in several asteroids that he remembered having still ample pockets of ore leftover from Prothean times. Tiranta, Uqula, Quant, Prega. One asteroid, Mahavid, had been on his list but had, unfortunately, the rights to mine sold to T-GES Mineral Works. Oh well, he couldn't win them all. These mines would 'explode' once breached, chock full of figurative money in the veins of the rock. To meet the increase in raw material, he invested in a few select refineries placed at crucial junctions between the sources and large-scale manufacturing plants. These would be heading into maximum production soon, and shipyards would need the extra resources. With the treaty of Farixen soon lifting, every shipyard scrambled to acquire enough resources to build and fuel the most enormous and devastating dreadnoughts the galaxy had ever seen. One problem: he still knew not where the main Alliance shipyard was held. It was hidden from the public for security reasons, and they were doing a superb job of keeping it under the radar.
He opened a channel to the Shadow Broker, requesting the information. Due to their present occupations and history, information was passed between them daily in both directions. The sensitive information was received within the minute, and he invested in the closest refinery to its location. Sifting through data and contacts, he discovered that the local systems manufacturing business owner, a small human company, Refix, had plans to expand their business into the area and build another manufacturing centre. He got in touch with the company and pledged an irrefutable investment offer should they choose to grow. He would hear back from them within the next two days with a decision. He knew they would accept.
He poured money into the proper farming colonies with the highest potential for growth to step up food production. He persuaded a couple of reliable food distributors and transport companies to move into the growing territories and move the valuable cargo to every corner of the galaxy. ExSolar Shipping and Ryuusei were interested in what he had to say. His reputation preceded him. Although his presence was relatively new to the galactic economic scene, numerous agencies tracked his work and knew that everything he touched prospered. Money talks, and his word was worth its weight in precious metals. A couple of contracts would be hammered out within the next couple of days, all because he had made a recommendation.
The elcor economy was not much larger than the Alliance's, but it was much more developed. Since the elcor already had all the goods they needed, he arranged for surplus supplies to be moved to where it was needed most. Cheaper and more practical than hiring Butler Supplies in the long run, several elcor businesses that dealt in lower-priced bulk supplies would be receiving a flood of orders soon. The war would need all the logistical support it could get.
Salarian tech was the most promising, and battle interfaces of all sorts were starting. He briefed a few and gave his money to the shared species interface. It was clean-looking, and the owners had a clear vision of what they wanted to be accomplished. Ultraviolet antiship lasers were also gaining popularity but nearly monopolized, so he supplemented two rival companies with generous startup grants. Prices would drop, and soon most ships in the salarian military would have the newer technology. Numerous corporations had worked on enhanced Thanix schematics released to the public, and he was delighted by their progress. Models had been built, tested, and installed in record time. The batarians, much to his surprise, had already made smaller-scale cannons that were being mounted onto larger land vehicles. Intrigued, he left a note for himself to discover more later. They could prove effective against smaller, destroyer-class Reapers.
Two asari companies that designed and implemented redundant communications and quantum networks received a healthy influx of credits, saving one from bankruptcy. Arius made a few calls, hiring small bands of reliable mercenaries to disrupt and damage some of the older and vulnerable communication systems that some systems and planets relied on. Having large shares in both asari communications companies, he advised increasing the quarterly budget for marketing and hiring more engineers. They would soon be in a booming business, and so would quantum networks. Acquaintances with the CEO of Skywire, another major communications corporation, he advised that she put forth a notion to buy Quick Space, a smaller but up-and-coming research and development group. From data he had gathered from the Shadow Broker, he discovered they had found a way to significantly lower the price of building quantum entanglement communication equipment. It would make shareholders salivate.
Politicians were next. He already had his eyes on the real ones and wanted to make significant but necessary changes, stressing the importance of inter and extra-species cooperation going forward. He supported their campaigns financially, bringing their messages to the forefront.
Media. The galaxy needed to know what was happening. He sponsored some of the newer stations with the guts to report what others did not.
Pharmaceuticals. Improvements in medi-gel were constant, but the wonders of modern medicine did not affect all species with the same potency. He invested in some R&D. The asari had the most promising outlook for breakthroughs: Sirta Foundation. Sonax Industries. They had a good track record and regular updates to their shareholders.
He made a generous donation to the Huerta Memorial Hospital on the Citadel and other healing centers, hoping the funds would be put to good use. Charities of all kinds were gifted generously, those he hoped would provide comfort for those who would be down and without help.
Turian, human, asari, and salarian military suppliers and munition companies were also in full swing. He lobbied for anti-armour, sledgehammer, and phasic rounds to be supplied as standard packs for ground troops in every military faction he could influence. They would be the most effective against the enemy. Although Aldrin Labs provided popular basic equipment for most races, he preferred the supplies manufactured by Devlon Industries. They offered the best basic armour models, and he gifted samples of their work to those who would take them. The only way to prove combat equipment was to baptize them in fire, and no soldier would refuse good, solid equipment.
Arius rubbed his tired, aching eyes and walked farther down the line. Enough galaxy moulding for the day, now onto closer ventures. Cryptox Industries had transitioned from gross fabrication to legitimate company, catering to the needs of the galaxies' premier soldiers and individuals of singular substance. He employed a team of some of the best weapons researchers and technicians in the galaxy, hand-picked from their previous roles in larger organizations by the promise of never-before-seen technology and great pay. During his short stay on Illium, he had been contacted by a turian Spectre named Aracus and an STG operative who only used a code-name. Both were known for demanding the best possible equipment for their work, and both had marvellous achievements in their career. When he had asked the turian how he had discovered his company, the Spectre mentioned that he had recently met another one of his kind on a mission: a turian with blue facial paint named Garrus Vakarian. Although not easily impressed, the blue-faced turians' tactical skill and efficacy in combat were extraordinary considering his rank. He had questioned him, Aracus said, discovering that the turian had served with a fellow Spectre for several years, though politely refusing to go into details about with whom or what they had accomplished during their time together. The blue-faced turian, Aracus explained to him, carried a uniquely beautiful blue rifle, never before seen anything as striking or powerful even though the Spectre himself owned an array of Spectre Master Gear. When he asked for contact information on its creator, the blue turian gave him a single string of numbers with no name, saying that he would get a reply if he was lucky enough. The mention of the blue-faced turian had made Arius smile, and he agreed to a meeting with the Spectre on Illium in a week.
Arius shifted his attention to a bookmarked file – one that he was almost giddy about.
Opening it, he spread his hands to disperse the data around the screen. The file's contents had started from the schematic of the previous Shadow Broker's omni-shield. Although melee-combat applications for the omni-tool are almost as old as the device itself, the feature was largely unused due to the current practices of warfare. This would be changing, and he knew that for a modern soldier to take on multiple husks in close quarters, they needed a different tool at their disposal. At its more basic design, it comprised a disposable silicon-carbide edge flash-forged by the tool's mini-fabricator. The best part, he imagined, was that a technically skilled soldier could modify their omni-tools to maximize stopping power through any design they saw fit. Electrical, kinetic, or thermal energy, the possibilities were truly endless. Back to basics in a way, but nothing was more effective. He released the module to the public, completely open-source and free to modify. It could prove to be one of the most essential weapons of the war if accepted by the masses.
Finally, he opened the folder for his last personal project. Since his introduction to the Normandy, Arius had outfitted the crew with a wide range of improvements. The task of what to make for Shepard he had left last. He made tools, and he was fortunate enough to live in a time where such initiatives could cater to form as well as function. He wanted each tool he made to match its owner perfectly - and for a long time, he simply could not decide what to craft for her. Her collected arsenal had already been impressive, and her skills with various weapons were expansive. He had noticed that she held few sentimentalities to her physical implements, preferring robustness and reliability to flashy power. He wanted to make something with high utility, and few frills and would add a personal statement to her fight. What could possibly make for an unstoppable force? Why, an unstoppable weapon, he reasoned plainly - and an idea came to him naturally. The prints had been drawn up, and the assemblies were being constructed. He hoped it would be ready for when she would need it.
Happy with the current reported results from his team, Arius closed the folders and swept his hands to the side, tossing the virtual folders and their contents back to the storage media they had been retrieved from. He collapsed into the chair in front of the desk, mentally taxed from working. He didn't know how much time had passed, and he didn't dare find out until he was completely drained. He could sometimes work for days like this.
Closing his tired eyes to rest for a while, a news channel that resided in the far corner of the display enlarged itself to full screen and began playing at full volume on its own accord; keywords in the broadcast triggered a search and display algorithm he had set up for specific persons or events.
"Tonight, on Constant Times, we revisit the sensational arrest of Commander Shepard! Constant Times, the galaxy's premier twenty-hour show for keeping up with the times!
Your host, Hannah Evans!
Political correspondent, Heyla Prassus!
Senior Analyst, Amaro Exet!
And our special guest, Dr Cyrus Pax!"
Arius' head zoomed upward, the broadcast jolting him awake and demanding his complete attention. The human woman on the screen smiled with impeccably straight, white teeth, as she always did even when discussing the grimmest or morbid news. Chestnut brown hair perfectly curled just below the chin, and with a smart and sensuous voice, she was familiar to billions across the settled galaxy. With Ms. Evan's introduction to the station five years ago, Constant Times' ratings skyrocketed, and with a news story this juicy, it would climb even higher still. The arrest of Commander Shepard had been breaking news across the entire galaxy, captured by every possible news station that existed.
"Good evening, and welcome to the evening news. First – the facts. Perhaps the most controversial and well-known human in the galaxy, Eden Shepard, had been arrested and taken into custody by Admiral Steven Hackett of the Fifth Fleet. Shepard, a former Alliance marine and the first human to be inducted into the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance branch by the Citadel Council, has been accused as the person responsible for the horrific tragedy that occurred on the planet Aratoht, in the Bahak System."
An unflattering picture of Shepard came up on the screen, taken from her Alliance service records years ago. Beside the picture was an informative galactic chart informing viewers exactly where the Bahak System is. Or, more accurately, was.
"According to a formal accusation and official confirmation lodged by the Batarian Hegemony, the mass relay in the Bahak System has been destroyed. There were over three hundred thousand colonists in that system, with over one hundred thousand colonists losing their lives in the wake of the exploding mass relay."
The host paused, looking suitably sombre in deference to such a great tragedy. Inside, she must have been practically buzzing. Such a story could stay on the air for months. The higher the death toll, the better the ratings.
"Eden Shepard has been confirmed to be the person responsible for this heinous crime. A representative of the Fifth Fleet refused to comment when contacted by CT, but Prime Minister Imran Thakrar of the IIU has released a statement."
A video of the Alliance's Prime Minister appeared on the screen. An older, balding man with impressive facial hair, PM Thakrar spoke with authority from what seemed to be a taping from a press conference a week old. It was a repeat clip, but his words would bolster the story's frenzy.
"Eden Shepard has been accused of a crime, and investigations are ongoing. May I take this opportunity to remind everyone in Citadel Space that she is presumed innocent at this point in time. If found guilty, she will be punished to the fullest extent of the law. A trial date will be announced shortly."
The video cut out, returning back to Evans at her desk. "Over to you, Dr. Pax. What are your initial thoughts on this surprising incident, given that Shepard had been accused as a direct perpetrator in this event?"
A tall turian male, looking somewhat older and more dignified than most, addressed Ms. Evans. "Well, as you know, there's a reason Shepard is the most controversial human around. It has been claimed by several reliable sources that the former marine signed up with Cerberus, the human terrorist organization, shortly after she was believed to have died during a small-scale Alliance expedition against the geth," he said, in a matter-of-fact tone.
Evans frowned, reflecting the confusion that audience polling indicated 87% of the viewers were likely to have. "But official Alliance records had her listed as killed in action. Are you sure she isn't dead? Was her death just a fabrication to disappear without repercussions?"
"Positive. For example, Shepard was spotted with some regularity on Omega. Although Omega isn't exactly...reliable, she was also seen on Tuchanka and the Citadel."
"And Cerberus," said Gwen, making a passable attempt to sound neutral. "How can it be that Shepard would even consider joining forces with such a brutal and underhanded bunch of thugs? As the hero of the Battle of the Citadel, she gave orders to save the Destiny Ascension and the council. Whom, might I remind you, had no human Councillors at the time."
The elcor analyst, Amaro Exet, rumbled to life. "Speculation: Despite Shepard's military track record, she remains a human. It is possible that she believes in human supremacy and believes that working with Cerberus will achieve her aims. Disparaging: humans and batarians have never gotten along. It is no secret that the Commander's family was murdered by batarian slavers when she was a child."
"I can't agree with that," argued Dr. Pax. "Are you forgetting that the Alliance Navy released declassified documents relating to Shepard's hunt for Cerberus bases of operation? She has caused them quite a headache."
"Rejection: People are easily swayed. If Cerberus promised the Commander resources to assist in her crusade against the 'Reapers', she would join them. It is no secret her relationship with the council is strained."
"Cerberus is, of course, an extremist organization condemned by the Humanity Systems Alliance," clarified Evans, as instructed by her PR team. "All of us here at CT will never condone the actions of any group which uses violence to further their goals."
Arius assumed she must have also been instructed to shoot down any mention of the word 'Reaper'.
"I feel that if Shepard really is working with Cerberus, she must have a good reason. Perhaps more light will be shed one day," said Pax.
"Dismissive: As far as I am concerned, working with Cerberus is unforgivable," admitted Exet. "True galactic cooperation will never be achieved when groups like Cerberus kill innocents."
Evans cut in. "I'm sorry to interrupt, gentlemen, but I believe our viewers would like to know more of the political angle in this shocking story. Ms. Prassus, could you please give us your take on how this might affect human-batarian relations?"
The asari correspondent, resplendent in a bright orange gown, nodded demurely.
"Although I remain hopeful of a peaceful solution, the Bahak System tragedy threatens to tip the already delicate political situation between the Alliance and the Hegemony into outright war. The Hegemony and the Alliance have never really been on the best of terms, culminating in the somewhat extreme decision by the batarians to sever all political and economic links with the Citadel several years ago. Khar'shan declared that the Citadel's decision not to declare the Skyllian Verge a batarian exclusive zone was an 'intolerable slight'," said Heyla. "Tensions are fast-rising between the Hegemony and the Alliance," the correspondent continued. "As I understand it, Khar'shan demands that Shepard be handed over to the batarians. Unfortunately, and rather ironically, due to having cut their ties with the Citadel, the Alliance has no formal extradition treaty with the Hegemony and is under no obligation to release Shepard to them."
The turian doctor, clearly agitated and obviously a pro-Shepard fan, interposed. "Now, hold on, I think we're not looking at the whole picture. Yes, Shepard is indeed being held responsible for the deaths of many innocent batarians, but the Hegemony did formally declare that the Commander had sent a warning broadcast to the entire Bahak System before the relay was destroyed. If she didn't, all batarian colonists would have undoubtedly perished. If batarian slaughter was her intent, she would not have warned them beforehand."
Good on you, Dr. Pax, Arius thought.
"Interjection: This information only points to a stronger picture of Cerberus's involvement."
"What do you think of this trial? Will Shepard be tried as a civilian or a member of the military? Will it be public or closed?" asked Evans, once again cutting the turian off from the discussion.
"At this point in time, it's difficult to say," replied Heyla. "All we can safely surmise at this moment is that the Alliance will be treating this case very seriously indeed."
"We've noticed that most fleets assigned to guard colony worlds have been placed on high alert…" mentioned Cyrus.
"...At the same time," the asari finished, "the Alliance's State Department has been abuzz with activity. If I may say so, typical of Alliance politics," said Heyla smoothly. "Rely on diplomacy while at the same time preparing for war."
"But will it come to war?" asked Evans again.
"I think everything depends on what happens during the trial," said the asari.
"With emphasis: Shepard should not be allowed to escape her crimes. A verdict of 'innocent' on a technicality will be most unjust," said Exet.
"Thank you, everyone; now let's take some vidcalls from our audience members. First, we have Eluam on the line; he's got something to say about the issue."
Eluam was a batarian name, and everyone at the station was waiting for an explosion of untranslated batarian swear words and wishes of damnation upon the Commander's head.
"So, Eluam, what are your thoughts on this event?" Evans asked, ready for the storm.
"Something's not right," Grumbled the batarian on the other end of the line. "I don't think Shepard would ever willingly do something as evil as destroy an entire system of my people. I'll admit that I've never been a human sympathizer or even friendly with her kind, but it seems absurd the human would stoop that low."
Evans, clearly confused about the batarians' stance, wore a look of mild surprise. "And why would you say that? Human-Batarians relations have always been rocky."
"A few months ago, on Omega," the batarian voice stated, "there was a lab-engineered virus outbreak that hit the slums. Airborne transmission across numerous species and a near-perfect mortality rate. Only humans and the wretched vorcha were unaffected, and mercenary groups went from sector to sector, looting possessions and leaving the infected to succumb. I had gotten infected, was delirious, and near-death when the human Commander stopped to save me."
The older turian perked up. "Eluam, are you saying that you directly met Commander Shepard on Omega?"
"That is correct. I almost shot her, too, thinking the human female was there to spit in my face and take what few belongings I still had. Instead of passing and leaving me to my fate, she helped me and later sent back a cure for the virus when it was found. She gave me a flicker of hope to brighten the darkness that I perceived as my final hours, and the fact that the Commander stopped to help someone who could do her no benefit showed me what kind of character she possessed. I may never fully trust humans, but I would be wrong to dismiss them entirely."
The batarians' words stunned the station's cast, not expecting the eloquent words or support... and he wasn't finished talking.
"If I had to put my money on the cause of the tragedy, I would put it on the Reapers. There is a reason everyone is running around crazy and stocking their fleets with–"
Hannah Evans severed the call hurriedly. "Thank you, Eluam, for speaking with us today..." She blabbed, nervous laughter rising to the surface. "Next we have -"
Arius waved away the news broadcast with a flick of his fingers and sat in the silent room, thinking. The galaxy needed a driven leader of action they could relate to, and that person was Commander Eden Shepard - currently held under arrest in an Alliance military base in Vancouver on planet Earth. No Cerberus or former Cerberus employees were found on board when the Normandy had docked onto Earth. The potentially incriminating crew members had been whisked off the ship just a few days earlier. Their absence on board her ship assisted her case.
His hand vibrated, alerting him to an incoming call. He took it.
"Miranda. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Arius. I just got off a call with Oriana; as I'm sure you're already aware, she's safe and very far away from our father."
"I am. I'm glad to hear she's secure."
"I'm not questioning your methods," the former Cerberus operative said on the line, "but I was surprised to hear that you sent an asari huntress to extract her."
"Ah, I apologize that I couldn't go myself; I've been holed up preparing for the war. I assure you, Miss. Kurinth is an ardent professional and has my full confidence."
"I expected nothing less. So, you've fulfilled your end of the bargain. You said you had some questions about Cerberus for me? I'll answer them to the best of my ability."
"Excellent," he answered readily, settling into the chair and flicking open his notes. "You ran Cerberus' Lazarus project," he stated. "Tell me everything about it."
Special thanks to Solomon Finn for inspiration on the news channel section.
