Saren was not a turian who enjoyed a surprise. His whole life, he tried to keep things under control the way he liked them. Living in the regimented turian culture had helped with that.

Becoming a Spectre had shaken things up a little bit. But in a good way. It expanded his authority, gave him new ways to create order. To enforce his worldview on the galaxy.

The first time that worldview was shaken was when he had met Sovereign.

It was supposed to be an impossibility. A sentient ship? If was the sort of ridiculous thing a hyperactive and unruly child might come up with.

But not only was Sovereign very real, but so were the rest of his brethren.

And now, there was another impossibility living in the galaxy.

"The search for answers continues as the alien calling himself the Martian Manhunter continues to elude authorities. While his actions have been beneficial to the Citadel and its citizens, the secrecy surrounding his origins and intentions continues to plague-"

The Martian Manhunter. A title and name with no meaning to Saren. But it seemed to matter to the alien. An alien that Sovereign either knew nothing about, or he would tell Saren nothing about. Each question concerning the green-skinned caped alien ended in silence.

That meant he would have to deal with this problem by himself.

One way or another, Saren was going to have to find answers about this new green alien.

Hours Ago, Citadel...

Wrex was used to seeing Krogan being portrayed negatively. The only good representation they had on the Citadel was the state that honored their fight in the Rachni war. Aside from that, he was used to hearing about murders, robberies, or other stupid things his people got involved in. Never mind the ones that actually had brains and stayed out of trouble. The media just loved to focus on the idiots.

But this bit of news troubled him for more than just those reasons.

Krogan Arrested Following Attack on Airship. Unknown Alien Saves Passengers

That was the headline for the news article. An article that gave very few details about the alien that took down the Krogan.

It took some days of searching, but Wrex was able to find some time to do research in between hunting for Fist. He knew where to find Chrona's Den, so he listened to and read some of the news before going down there.

The alien looked like a pyjak. That was the first thought Wrex had when he saw the cape and the rest of the outfit. Was his bare chest supposed to be out under those straps?

But the more Wrex saw and heard, the more he figured that the pyjak was a strong one.

If lifted cars off the ground like they weighed about as much as a gun. That was something that a strong Krogan would need to charge up for. He could also fly, which Wrex used to think was impossible. And those were just confirmed details.

Wrex was hearing rumors about a lot of other abilities as well. Some of them included walking through walls, setting things on fire with his mind, turning into a monster, and going into space. Wrex didn't believe most of them, but his suspension of disbelief had already been wrecked by the flight. So he supposed anything was possible.

It also made him wonder what the alien was even trying to do.

Based on reports, the alien only showed up to prevent things from going wrong. He was stopping robberies, preventing crashes, and even saving other species from getting hurt from their own stupidity. Which, to Wrex, seemed like more a waste than anything.

None of these pyjaks on the citadel were going to appreciate the things he was doing for long. So why did he bother trying to do good for a bunch of species that were going to turn on him the first chance they got? It didn't make any sense.

None of it really mattered. Since after having these thoughts, Wrex heard a voice calling him.

"You Urdnot Wrex?"

Turning around, Wrex saw a human leading a group. Not just other humans, but a Turian and a Quarian as well.

"Yeah? What's it to you?"

"My name is Commander Shepard. I hear you're going after Fist."

Wrex hummed in curiosity.

"And what if I am?"

"Then we might just be able to help each other. Mind telling me where he is?"

Hours later...

Garrus was never allowed to be all that he knew he could be. All because he had been born a Turian.

There had been times when Garrus wondered what life would be like if he had been born as another species. Being a human would mean less discipline and probably less military skills inherent, but he might have a bit more freedom. Being an Asari would have everyone calling him a "she", but the Biotics did sound like they might be interesting. Quarian didn't sound like much fun, with the weak immune system and tendency to create rouge AI. The same applied to Vorcha and Batarians.

Surprisingly, being a krogan sounded like it might actually be fun. More strength, an aggressive lifestyle, and the freedom to do what he wanted when he wanted. He could live with that.

But being a Turian meant that he had much more limited options if he wanted to be successful. The hierarchy of his people had always been strict. And unfortunately for him, following orders and shutting up were usually the best ways to advance. Two things he was never good at.

But now he had a chance to do better. To break away from the rigid system and hunt down the traitor the way he always wanted to. And to do it with a Spectre he might actually respect.

But there was something he had to do first. Someone in the old C-Sec office he had to talk to.

"Swanwick."

Looking up, the human saw the Turian friend he had made since he started working with C-Sec.

"Garrus? What is it?"

"I got a new employment opportunity. I wanted to ask if you could come with me."

Swanwick's eyes widened. "Wait, now? Garrus, I only started my job here weeks ago."

"I know. I'm asking a lot. But this is an opportunity I couldn't turn down. And one I think you'll like as well."

"What is it?"

"I'm working with a Spectre. The first human. We're going to hunt down Saren."

Swanwick's eyes widened. "Can I get a second to absorb that?"

"Later. Come on Swanwick. I want you to come with us."

"Us?"

"This new Spectre picked up a could of new recruits, me included. There's also a Krogan and Quarian being bought onto the ship."

Swanwick frowned. "I haven't heard of a ship putting that many aliens together. This is a human military ship."

"A new one. Actually, it was built with turian help I think," Garrus said. "But that's a whole different thing. Can you come with us Swanwick? I'd rather have my partner by my side."

Swanwick had to admit, he was tempted. He enjoyed Garrus's company, and he felt that working with him to find and defeat Saren sounded like a good use of time. He was also curious to see how a mixed-species ship would function. Not just that, but being able to travel in such a ship would allow Swanwick to see more of the galaxy first-hand, not relying entirely on books and stolen knowledge.

But going with Garrus would be too risky. Swanwick knew for a fact that going with Garrus would guarantee the need for his hidden abilities. And using them among human soldiers might not be the best idea.

"I'm sorry Garrus. But I don't think I'd be much help."

"Swanwick, that ridiculous."

"Garrus, we've only been working together for a week," Swanwick pointed out. "And besides, I'm an officer, not a soldier. I trained to help people whenever I can. Not to go out and shoot things across the galaxy."

Garrus frowned. "Those are two different training sets? Humans don't do both?"

"Unfortunately not," Swanwick lamented. "I would only get in your way if I joined you Garrus. I'd have to get a new set of training. And that would be a waste of time."

Garrus wanted to argue. He liked Swanwick, and he found the man to be helpful. He didn't care that the newbie was a human, he was good at the job, and he would be nice to have around when going to stop a rogue Spectre. But Swanwick had clearly made up his mind.

"I trained to work with C-Sec Garrus. It's what I want to do. You should go out there and do what you want to do."

Garrus's heightened mood soured just a bit. He had been looking forward to having his favorite C-Sec officer join him in traitor hunting. But Swanwick was making good points for his staying, and Garrus didn't have the time to spend all day convincing him. He was just going to have the spend his journey without a familiar face.

But maybe not the entire time.

Swanwick stood up and pocketed his badge.

"Although, I am curious to see this ship. You mind if we walk on the way over there?"

Garrus smiled. "Not at all. Let me show you."

The two of the left C-Sec headquarters and made their way to the docking area. Along the way, the two of them discussed plans for the future. With Garus being much more vocal about his plans.

"I'll be doing the same things you'll be doing here. The only difference is that I won't have to duck over any red tape of worry about arthritis from paperwork."

Swanwick smirked. "You're never going to like bureaucracy, are you?"

"The day that happens is the day the sun turns green," Garrus said, only partially joking. "I'm just sick of having single step I take being backtracked by a bunch of administrators and politicians who want to keep things orderly. Well, orderly doesn't always sput the perp where he belongs. it doesn't always make sure that justice is served. Personally, I just want to get things done."

Swanwick thought about responding, but he decided not to. He was about to condone Garrus's opinion, but speaking against it would be hypocritical.

And besides, they had already made it to dock 422. The gate where the Normandy was stationed.

And the ship was as beautiful as Garrus made it out to be. It was sleek and lean, and smaller than other ships Swanwick had seen associated with the military. It was clearly meant for stealth and speed above all else. But Swanwick could also see the weapons the ship had attached

"Friend of yours Garrus?"

There was a human standing near the entrance of the ship. A woman with red hair and green eyes. She also had a scar just above her left eye.

"Been waiting on you Vakarian. Who's this?"

Swanwick reached out a hand. "Calvin Swanwick. C-Sec Investigations."

The woman smirked as she shook his hand. "Commander Shepard. Friend of yours Vakarian?"

"Partner. Formerly," Garrus answered. "He's going to stay here while we hunt Saren."

Shepard raised a brow. "That so? What's the matter Swanwick? Not up to it?"

"I'm more of an officer than a soldier. And besides, I only got this job a week ago. Wouldn't look good on a resume to just quit now."

Shepard chuckled. "I suppose not. How about you Vakarian? Ready to go?"

"Exceedingly. Just give me a moment."

Nodding, Shepard walked inside the ship. Giving the two a final moment alone.

"You'll keep in touch, right Garrus?"

"Of course. Someone has to make sure the Citadel doesn't set itself on fire while I'm gone," Garrus said jokingly. "I will miss you Swanwick. It was an honor to get to work with you."

"Likewise Vakarian."

Smiling, Garrus held his hand out. "Until next time?"

"Until next time," Swanwick answered as he shook his partner's hand. And just as Garrus was about to enter the ship and leave, Swanwick realized he had one last thing to say.

"Garrus!"

The turian turned around.

"Next time we meet, you can call me Calvin."

Smiling, Garrus nodded. He opened the ship's door and walked inside. It soon closed behind him.

It wasn't long after that the ship began its departure. The magnetic poles keeping it locked into place were pulled back, and the ship's engines were powering up inside. Once it had moved a sufficient distance, it was ready to blast off into space.

Swanwick, meanwhile, had found a secret place in which to hide. And as the ship took off into space, so did he.

J'onn knew that he would have to proceed with caution from this moment forward. Floating among the vastness, he watched as the Normandy, a ship designed by human and turian cooperation, flew away from the Citadel. Among its crew was his former partner.

A partner he intended to keep an eye on. He knew that the mission that Garrus was undertaking did not have a very high success rate. He knew that there was a high probability of Garrus not returning.

It was something he would not allow. He had lost a family and people. Losing the first friend he had made in his new life was not acceptable to him. He was going to have to fight to ensure that the Turian stayed alive. That would also include making sure the ship and its passenger survived, should his help be needed.

But that was a task for another time. Right now, he still had to deal with the crime at the Citadel.

So he descended back to the surface of the station. It would be better for Swanwick to keep up appearances.

Tali was nervous when Shepard had invited her to join the mission to stop Saren. She had only started her Pilgramige around a week ago. This was a very different turn than anything she would have ever expected.

But it was also an exciting turn.

She could hardly believe the craftsmanship of the Normandy. The design was top-notch for a stealth ship.

And the core...

It was beautiful. The design, the decks, every computer... Keelah, this ship made everything she had back home seem second-rate by comparison. Ok, it was second-hand, but her people always tried to fix it up and make it better. But he doubted any materials she got would make a ship like this.

Especially anything close to this ship's IES drive.

For centuries, it was assumed that starship stealth was impossible. The heat generated by routine shipboard operations was easily detectable against the near absolute zero background temperature of space. The Normandy, however, could temporarily "store" this heat in lithium heat sinks deep within the hull. Making them almost impossible to detect from any ships they went around.

Almost.

The heat was certainly a problem. Since the core was storing all the heat inside, there was the chance of overheating. Every now and again, the heat would need to be flushed out to keep the core stable. Too much heat and it was liable to blow up and take every passenger down with the ship.

Although, if Tali were able to...

"The commander needs us."

That was the Turian. His voice gave him away. And as of yet, Tali wasn't sure how to feel about him. He was polite and courteous so far, but he wasn't exactly friendly. Although, that might just have to do with the fact that he was the only Turian on the ship, surrounded by humans, a krogan, and a quarian on her pilgrimage.

Actually, the krogan might be the most decent person she met so far. All the humans were polite, but they've kept their distance so far. At least the krogan was honest enough to let her know he wanted his own space.

And while Tali and this turian might share amino acids, that wouldn't be enough to make common ground. Not yet at least.

"Lead the way."

Tali followed the Turian (whose name she remembered to be Garrus) and sat down within the ship's meeting room. Inside, the Krogan was seated as well, along with the other two humans she had met earlier. Alenko and Willaims, if memory served her right.

Soon, the commander entered the room. And she didn't waste any time getting to the point.

"We have our first objective. Saren has an Asari assistant named Benezia. We can't find her yet, but we know she has a daughter. Someone who might be able to give us insight into how to find the Matriarch. We're going to Knossos to find Liara T'Soni."

This is where I will stop for now. The Normandy has taken off, and J'onn will be keeping a close eye on it.

I'm looking forward to writing the Normandy interactions. They were some of my favorite parts of the original game. And it might be more fun here with an extra detail to talk about.

One of the reviews in the last chapter mentioned that I hadn't spent enough time developing the Mass Effect characters. While this is a story that centers around and focuses on J'onn, I understand the point they were making. So I decided to spend this chapter getting into the headspace of my favorite characters from the first game.

And we have finally met Shepard. Specifically, Female Shepard, who is probably the better of the two. Not that I dislike M Shep, but Jennifer Hale is a better voice actor. And that helps.

Anyway, please leave reviews, tell me what you think, and I will see you all next time.

Bye!