Citadel, Spectre offices
Nihlus Kryik was starting to get frustrated - he much preferred direct action to all the admittedly necessary information gathering and skulking around that the hunt for Saren and his cronies so far entailed. In a way, he supposed he envied Shepard; the human was at least in the thick of the action. Still, his work with Tela Vasir and the 3rd Infiltration Regiment of the STG was enjoyable, especially due to the competence and attitude of Captain Kirrahe … and if he was honest with himself, he also enjoyed the company of his asari colleague.
His brooding was interrupted by Tela sashaying into the briefing room, and Nihlus took a second to appreciate how well the armor and movement accentuated the delicious waist of the asari. His mandibles opened in an amused smirk.
"So, you are going undercover with the Consort, Tela?"
"You wish, Nihlus. What's next, do we hold a turian-style counselling session?" the asari grinned, and looked over the other Spectre with frank appreciation. "You may not have the flexibility, but you might have the advantage of a longer reach."
The turian chuckled, and offered Tela a mug of coffee, which she accepted with a nod, before settling down, propping her legs up the table - a lioness seemingly at ease, yet he could see the tension in her posture, the readiness to spring into action even here.
"So, any idea what Kirrahe found?"
"Nothing yet. You know how much he loves showmanship, he definitely wants to impress us. Sometimes I think the spirits replaced parts of his brain with that of a human."
"Not a turian, Nihlus? Underneath the bravado and speeches, he is very much for rules and the military - just like some Spectres I know."
The door hissed open again, as two salarians entered. Kirrahe was expected, of course, but his companion was a surprise - neither of the Spectres thought that anything could prise their colleague away from his hunt for an elusive pair of extremely capable thieves.
"Bau, nice to see you." Tela's smile was genuine, as was the affection in her voice. Nihlus reflexively stood at attention, and nodded in greeting towards the salarian Spectre.
"I'm honored you spared time for the affair, sir."
Jondum Bau flashed a quick smile at his two colleagues, then stepped over to get himself an energy drink.
"Was on the Citadel anyway, Spectre Kryik, so not a detour." The salarian's eyes turned hard, flat. "Also, whole Saren fiasco deplorable, may even result in revision of Spectre Corps status. Not letting a single black sheep ruin the whole flock. Furthermore, if intel and speculations correct, escalation may become necessary against threat of unprecedented scale."
"With respect, Bau - do you really consider that there's merit in the theory presented by the humans, and this whole Voidsleeper mumbo-jumbo?" Tela's expression was incredulous.
"If humans are wrong, renegade Spectre still dealt with, Alliance gets seat at the table and permanent member within the Spectres, military industry and research spins up. Acceptable, and see no immediate or short-term negative consequences. If humans correct, Council stands by doing nothing, consequences potentially catastrophic. Also, Spectres would be seen as incompetent Blasto parodies. Unacceptable, especially the latter."
"Did...did you just made a joke? Nihlus, he was joking, right? Tell me you recorded it!" Tela's eyes were wide in overacted astonishment, her tone halfway between surprise and stifled laughter, then she laughed openly at seeing the turian's poleaxed expression.
"While Spectre Kryik seems to be incapacitated, I would like to inform Spectre Vasir that per standard procedure, the briefing is being recorded, thus Spectre Bau making a reference to Blasto will definitely be documented. Alas, many of my men - and surely other coworkers - will lose on the betting pool." Kirrahe was grinning openly, then schooled his expression into military formality when the other salarian turned towards him, and nodded.
"Humorous distractions aside, present your findings, Captain."
Kirrahe nodded, and handed out datapads, before checking the recordings and encryption of the room. Satisfied, he brought up his omnitool, and the viewscreen lit up. Kirrahe started pacing as he talked.
"We managed to map a considerable percentage of the network Saren Arterius and Benezia T'Soni built before going rogue. In light of Saren's long and illustrious carreer as well as the usual issues with investigating Matriarchs, I would advise all to assume that important assets have remained unfound. Still, as you can see the two of them control sizable amounts of influence in various companies."
"Captain Kirrahe, which companies would you consider as standing out from the generic patterns of acquisition?" Nihlus leaned forward, stance and manner distinctly predatory.
"Binary Helix for one. Both Saren and Benezia have invested heavily in it, in fact, they own the company via various strawmen. The company's stated profile of genetic engineering and biotech does not really fit in line with the other investments of either Saren or Benezia. Also, being located on Noveria increases the suspicion - I would theorize that at least three companies are independently trying to infiltrate the Binary Helix operations on Noveria."
"I bet at least two of those companies are asari." Tela chuckled darkly.
"Sucker bet, Tela. Captain, any idea about what exactly Binary Helix is researching on Noveria? Their security forces? External assets and sites?"
"On the datapad, Spectre Kryik. In summary, their security is mostly ERCS troops with standard corporate contract. At least two Blue Sun companies, likely as a quick reaction force, based on Noveria. Intel suggests CAT6 elements as well, also on Noveria."
"Interesting. Reason for Saren using human ex-military?"
"I theorize it's more Benezia's doing, Spectre Bau. Also, it may offer possibilities for them to gain Alliance intel and contacts, and scapegoating the Alliance for mishaps on Noveria."
The three Spectres perusing their datapads nodded, then Nihlus spoke.
"I believe we just might skip ahead to your assessment on the recent traceable activities of the renegades."
"Mercenaries with known link to Saren or people on his payroll have been identified hitting supply ships heading towards various known Prothean excavations. Our sources indicate that Saren also approached the Shadow Broker intent on purchasing information about various Prothean and earlier sites, but was soundly rebuffed." At that, Tela barked a satisfied, darkly amused laughter, that set Nihlus on edge, his instincts warning him of another apex predator nearby. Bau flashed another smile at them.
"Spectre Vasir, situation was handled satisfactorily? No loose ends?"
"Of course, Bau, you know me." Even the two salarians found the languid stretching of Vasir somewhat distracting.
"Any information on the Broker's stance?"
"The Broker considers Saren and Benezia a threat to stability, and as such, he indicated that his services will not be available for those two. Of course, that does not exclude members of the Broker's network trying to strike independent deals with the renegades, but I believe Fist's example should discourage those ideas."
"What about Benezia, Captain Kirrahe? Any information on her recent undertakings?"
"Matriarch Benezia sent numerous acolytes, commandoes, and adherents of her clan to procure intelligence sources - specifically, they are targeting researchers of Prothean studies and xenoarcheology. Interestingly, their efforts are not focused on Kahje, Talis Fia, or Mannovai, but on the University of Kathmandu, on Earth."
"Wasn't that…." Tela and Nihlus reacted in unison, then the asari yielded with a smile.
"Wasn't that the institute that financed Liara T'Soni's excavation on Therum?"
"Exactly, Spectre Kryik. Our preliminary investigations hint at high-level government involvement, meaning the Alliance uses it as cover for something. I must admit to feeling wary about that institution - we do not have hard evidence, but signs point at their staff being involved in the incidents known as Burning of Irem and Leng Excursion."
"Spirits below...you went back that far, dug that deep? Why?"
"Nothing concrete, Spectre Kryik. Just a feeling of something ominous. While us salarians were not directly involved, the events on Shanxi and especially their aftereffects have puzzled our scientists for a while. The fact that we still cannot make sense of the so-called Yutani-Yi reactors makes me nervous, and if the individuals involved in developing those things are connected to a likely government-sponsored institute, I get even more nervous. Let us be frank, Spectres. All the Council members have their little dark secrets, and likely this is one for the Alliance, possibly an internal issue for them. But I am not sure how internal it is, especially since Benezia seems to aim at infiltrating or subverting their research by every means short of a direct assault."
"Captain Kirrahe, is the Alliance aware of Benezia's maneuvers?"
"Possibly yes, Spectre Bau. If not, they soon will be, once Spectre Shepard gets back from Therum, and interrogates Doctor T'Soni."
The three Spectres seemingly communicated without words, as longtime comrades usually could before Nihlus nodded to Kirrahe.
"Thank you Captain. Continue with the information gathering, and give my compliments to your people, they are doing a superb job. Also, inform the human ambassador that Spectre Vasir and me would like to see him as soon as possible."
Kirrahe flashed a quick smile, saluted, and left.
SSV Normandy
"Lay it on me, Doctor, you know I love bad news."
"The situation is not good, Commander. Negulesco and Crosby should be ready for light duty in a day - and you should keep them off the deployment list for about four more days. Unless you plan to head back to the Citadel or an Alliance medical center, where the bone regenerators are more effective. Laflamme is ready for light duty, should be deployable from tomorrow onwards. Tanaka and Jenkins will both need serious burn treatment if you want them back on their feet. I'm still keeping Kaidan in a coma." Helen Chakwas took a measure of dark satisfaction of the pain flashing through Shepard's face as she listed the injuries of the ground team. "Kai Leng is alive, don't ask me how. I'm keeping him in stasis, but he needs a fully equipped medical facility if he's to be on duty ever again. And for the record, Commander, that man creeps me out, even while unconscious and without legs."
"Yeah, he does that. Trust me, Doctor, you haven't seen the worst effects Leng can have on people." The operative's voice was strained, his body language somehow haunted. Helen Chakwas winced inwardly, as she recalled the rumors she heard, the evidence she has seen about N7 training and operations.
"Shipside, the only serious wounded is Felawa, the rest got lucky - a collection of bruises, light concussions. We got really lucky up here. I would recommend keeping the concussed personnel off-duty for 24 hours, but that would leave us with half dozen people running the ship."
"For some reason, the Citadel seems a more and more likely destination. How is Lieutenant Williams, could you perform the checkup I requested?"
"She is well, Commander - still a bit high on adrenaline perhaps, and blaming herself for the wounded. Otherwise, the brainwave patterns, hormonal levels and cell activity are within the range you indicated as acceptable." Chakwas saw the Spectre sigh in relief, then he nodded his thanks.
"The specialists?"
"Vakarian and Wrex are fine - especially considering the stunt you pulled. Really, Commander, activating a mining laser within a dormant volcano?"
"Doctor, you know me. It was the quickest way." The woman nodded with a sad smile. "What about the others?"
"Both me and Adams tried to get Tali off-duty, or even light duty - she suffered a suit rupture, and likely infection, but after getting some tailored immunoboosters and medigel, she went back to her post. Sound like someone you know, Commander?"
"I will talk to her. If I remember correctly, quarians tend to follow the captain's orders when shipside. Our guest?"
"Doctor T'Soni is stable. Her arm would need a day more under the bone regenerators to fully heal, she needs to rehydrate and eat to replenish what she lost in that stasis trap you told me about. Currently, I put her up back there, in the lab." Shepard nodded, pleased with Chakwas' solution - the lab was layered with various protective fields and tech, all triggerable easily from multiple locations...and those defences included biotic suppressors and other, slightly more esoteric measures as well, even if the crew did not know about those.
"Is she lucid? Can we talk to her?"
"Yes, Commander - want me to check on her beforehand? And do you want to do the talk in there, or in the briefing room?"
"The lab would be better, I think - easier to clean up if things get messy." Chakwas shot an unamused look at Shepard, then raised her eyebrow as the Spectre remained serious.
"Come on, Doctor, we both know it may come to me having to put her down for security reasons. I do not think it likely, but with a biotic of her skills, I will not risk the ship. If you haven't, check the feed from Kai Leng's armorcam when the geth first attacked them. If she's fed, rested, and prepared, she just might be able to tear apart the ship with her biotics."
"I guess you want me to quietly monitor the situation in the lab, and activate the defences in case you are unable to do so." The operative nodded, then stepped towards the laboratory.
Liara was feeling much better - after being attacked by geth, watching coworkers and people of her expedition killed, becoming trapped in a Prothean security device no less, she considered the quick shower and less-than-fancy food served on the human warship as equal to any luxury she could have had in the best Thessian resorts.
It felt nice to move her arm again without too much pain - the human female, Doctor Chakwas, was very good at her job, and surprisingly knowledgeable about the needs of a recuperating asari. After feeling like an asari again, she took stock of her surroundings - obviously, a relatively well-equipped science lab, which even had storage containers and stasis fields similar to the ones she used on her various digs. A small worktable, with a powered-on terminal was drawing her in, and since she could not remember the doctor forbidding her access, she was soon immersed in her favorite pastime.
She was not surprised that without proper credentials, she could not access certain information, and she did not want to pry - not yet, at any rate. Liara was curious who came to her rescue and why - as well as find out more about what her mother and Saren were doing exactly.
Liara T'Soni was a trained, professional researcher, an academic with several scientific publications to her name. She knew how unreliable the extranet sources could be, was well aware of the need for not taking everything at face value, to properly contextualize her sources. Even so, she felt appalled and angry at the implications of her mother's involvement in the Eden Prime tragedy - already the publicly available information was enough to convince her that Detective Garrus had an acceptable reason for his suspicion regarding her. She absentmindedly answered affirmatively to the question she half-heard from the door.
She started, when she heard an amused chuckle from about a step away, and she reflexively stood up, trying to buy distance, the chance to dodge, and she stumbled over the bolted-down chair, as strong arms steadied her, and the human flashed a smile at her.
"Relax, Doctor, you are safe here. I have to say, you look better than last time I saw you."
She nodded, and leaned on the desk as the human released her, stepping away to avoid crowding her personal space, a small gesture she appreciated.
"Hello, Commander. I'm afraid we haven't been formally introduced yet, so I could not properly thank you for the rescue and offer my apology for the injuries and casualties..."
"Doctor T'Soni...Liara. It's okay, take a deep breath, relax. No need to go all formal on me - unless that's the way you prefer it. And for the record, I'm Commander Alexander Shepard, Systems Alliance Navy. Pleased to meet you, even in such circumstances." Liara felt a small shiver as the human used her name, and as she shook the human's outstretched hand in greeting, it was as if a spark passed over her skin.
"I understand you did not have much time to rest, but seeing as you are already doing some research, I think you can guess why we need to talk."
"Let me assure you, Commander, I am NOT my mother. She and I haven't met for decades, and even then, we had very different ideas. Why would she send geth after me? And that's not even considering that geth are operating outside the Veil..."
"As far as I know, you are considered a very prominent expert on Protheans, especially the collapse of the Prothean civilization." Liara looked at him surprised - a human soldier, aware of her admittedly earned but very specific area of expertise? The thought and seeming evidence that members of other races might have found her theories and results useful did warm her, and she could not suppress a small, satisfied - and perhaps a bit vindictive - smile. "Have you ever encountered something called the Conduit, perhaps in connection with the extinction of the Protheans?"
Liara's eyes half-closed, mind spinning through memories, studies, texts, before she shook her head.
"No, or at least I do not remember. Perhaps if you could provide more context, I could find out." The only answer she got was a bitter chuckle.
"If I could do that, Doctor, I would. Believe me, more context would make my job easier, too." The bitterness of the voice made Liara flinch, and yet at the same time, a small part of her wanted to reach out to the human.
"If you can give me time, and access to my usual research databases, I think I can provide you an answer, Commander. That way, we can both get what we want - I get to compensate at least a tiny amount for the suffering my mother and Saren caused on Eden Prime, and you get to keep something they want out of their hands." Shepard looked surprised for a second, then laughed, the sound pleasing Liara.
"So you are not completely naive, Doctor, that is good. Would you be willing to stay onboard as our guest, or would you prefer we drop you off somewhere secure?"
Liara considered for half a minute.
"I would prefer staying here, Commander. I am aware that I'll be considered and treated as a security risk, but if your task involves hunting for Prothean artifacts and sites, consider that I spent the past fifty years on digs and research, so I may be able to help. Also, while we are estranged, I may be able to provide you some insight into my mother's reasoning and perspective."
The Spectre did not deliberate long before nodding.
"All right Doctor, you make a good argument. But I have to ask - fifty years?" The human's eyes widened slightly. "How old are you exactly?"
"I'm ashamed to admit it, but I'm only a hundred and six, Commander. I know most asari consider me as barely more than a child, ignoring my research and theories, but I can assure you..." Her building tirade was cut short by a bitter chuckle from the human.
"Don't go all vengeful teenager on me, Doctor! I'm more angry with myself - the intel stated that Benezia had only a single daughter, and I assumed that she, eh, you would be around Matron age yourself."
Liara blushed, before hesitantly speaking up.
"I was a very late child - while unusual, it is not unheard of for asari Matriarchs to have children. And I suppose it's both flattering and frightening that a Spectre seems to have a dossier on me and my mother."
"Eh, just doing our job. Anyway, you mentioned your theories are usually dismissed. Why? I must admit I did not have time to read your publications before we got to Therum from the Citadel, all I got from skimming them is that you are deeply interested in the Prothean exctinction."
Liara smiled in pleasure - finally a chance to talk about her favorite topic, and to someone who may not discount it out of hand!
"I'm sure you are aware of at least some of the theories out there, Commander. I think you'd appreciate the difficulties in finding evidence to prove or disprove anything, especially since the Protheans, like other Precursors before them, left remarkably little behind - almost as if an external force took great pains to destroy any evidence of their existence. My research led me to the conclusion that this external factor may have been involved in galactic prehistory, long before the Prothean civilization arose. The pattern is subtle, there is precious little direct evidence - but you may consider Commander, that absence of evidence in itself does not mean something is not out there."
Liara started pacing, her hands gesturing as she spoke, her voice taking on the cadence of a lecturer in front of her students. Shepard leaned back, crossed his arms, an involuntary smile on his face - while his mind was racing down the path the asari outlined, underlined by his experience with the Beacon, and his training. Neither of them were aware of the small drop in temperature, or that the golden flecks in the human's eyes seemed to faintly light up.
"The galaxy, our civilizations, are built on a cycle of extinction - each race reaches for the stars, dominates for a short while, is violently cast down, and only ruins remain, like on Etamis, Zelene, or Carcosa." Liara did not seem to notice Shepard's flinch at that last name.
"Even the Protheans based their greatest achievement, the Citadel, on the knowledge gleaned from their predecessors, just like their mastery of the Relay Network. Can you imagine what would make such an advanced civilization vanish, practically without traces? Those are just a few issues I dedicated myself to find answers for...and perhaps out loud it does sound like a teenager's foolish fancy. "
"Well, yes, if the teenager in question has curiosity and drive in spades. For what's it worth, Doctor, I think it is a much worthier goal than the typical asari maiden's schtick of exotic dancing and violent gunplay."
Liara smiled, and shivered a little - maybe she ought to do something about the heating, before again concentrating on the human.
"And I think I may be able to help you a bit, Doctor. I have it on fairly good authority that the Protheans were indeed wiped out by an external force - and likely so were others before them."
Liara felt her eyebrows rise incredulously - a human soldier, in possession of such evidence? Her gaze sharpened, focusing on Shepard, studying him as if he were a precious artifact.
"A Beacon. You came into contact with a Prothean Beacon, and managed to extract information from it, while remaining functional."
"Were it so easy - the Beacon was damaged, and the vision it burned into my brain is not really easy to comprehend, I've been trying to sort it out since."
"Not surprising, Commander - those Beacons were designed to interact with Prothean minds, and even Matriarchs dedicated to studying them are finding it very hard to extract information in usable format. Considering you interacted with a damaged Beacon, I assume the vision was unclear, without focus, without reference point, correct?" The Spectre nodded, his stance betraying interest.
"Frankly, I'm amazed that you managed to salvage something from it at all, Commander. You must be a remarkably strong-willed individual to have survived that contact without your mind fracturing. Fascinating."
"So, when comes the part where you drag me off to your lab for dissection?"
"What? No, that's not what I meant, I wanted to say that I find you an interesting specimen for an in-depth study, and…."
Liara's blushing tirade was broken by the human's laughter.
"Relax, Doctor, I was only joking. I guess your time on digs did not lend itself to studying human humor, right?"
Liara smiled and nodded.
"Now, if you'll excuse me Doctor T'Soni, I should go. Oh, and I'll see about getting you access to those databases you mentioned."