Notes:

CGC - Center for Galactic Cooperation

LEAP - League of Earth Alliance Patriots

Nara - literally "bearer"; one who shoulders another's burden, aids others (Thessian/Source: CDN)

Siame - "one who is all", a loved one cherished above all others (Thessian/Source: CDN)

Laying the Trap

Systems Alliance Headquarters, Earth, Sol System – 20 Sep 2188

"That's exactly what I'm saying, Sir." The irritation in her voice was obvious as Shepard fixed her gaze on the recalcitrant councilor. "I understand the extra precautions are a pain in the ass, but Douglas Walker is not a sniper to ignore. He is an extremely deadly assassin… and now that we have proof of payment, it's no longer conjecture. Unless we are somehow able to locate and intercept him before he gets to his firing position, he will be there."

"If he's as good as you say, why even bother trying?" Osoba scoffed. "If he has avoided capture by everyone sent after him up until now, why would you expect a different outcome this time?"

"That's exactly my point… and why I want you to wear a vest." Shepard drew a deep breath in an unsuccessful attempt to calm herself… and to allow her irritation to be swept away by Liara's soothing presence in the back of her mind.

{You can only do what you can do, Siame. He either accepts the conditions or he does not. We will do the best we can with what we have to work with.}

Shrugging in surrender, Shepard admitted, "Honestly? I don't expect anyone will find him in advance… which is exactly why I gave Sharon Culver a heads-up that I'm heading down to Rio tomorrow; I'll speak with her in person, once I finish up the week-out check on the final ceremony preparations in Vancouver. Under the circumstances, we need security specialists, not your average Marine guards."

Her tone changed, the frustration with the entire situation coloring her tone as she continued, "Especially when there are so many with dubious connections… who are somehow keeping their assignments at the Headquarters, of all places… and who we have not yet finished vetting."

"Which is exactly why they are remaining at their jobs… because merely attending a meeting or being a party member is still not against the law, Shepard! You have not provided me with even a shred of evidence that any of the people on that list are involved with a terrorist faction of what are generally considered legitimate political parties. Earth First and Terra Firma have been around for decades… without any form of violence being associated with them." Osoba stood up from his desk while he spoke and started pacing. "The damned Reaper War changed that somehow, but you can't condemn the mainline party simply because of a few radical offshoots which may have formed during all the chaos."

"The dynamics have changed because the radical leaders of Cerberus… and LEAP… were eliminated, along with a majority of their members." She massaged her temples with thumb and fingers of one hand as she attempted to rein in the stress headache she could feel developing. Dropping her hand, she skewered Osoba with icy-green eyes and concluded, "This isn't some small radical offshoot, Sir!" Shepard growled, "It's fucking Charles Saracino!"

"Until you can produce irrefutable evidence supporting your allegation that Mr Saracino is party to that contract, Spectre, you are committing slander…" Osoba ceased his pacing; returning Shepard's frigid gaze with laser focus, he ordered, "… and you will take absolutely no action against Mr Saracino or Terra Firma until I give you approval to do so! Is that clearly understood, Spectre Shepard?"

"Yes, Sir." Shepard clamped her jaw tightly closed for several moments before adding, "Given that, I'll tell you this now, so you have time to prepare whatever disciplinary action you deem necessary; if Walker kills anyone at that dedication… during which I'm going to do my damnedest to make sure it isn't you… all bets are off."

"By all means, Shepard." After a long morning of seemingly futile discussion, Samantha was surprised when Osoba finally agreed with something she said. The man hardly took a break to breathe before he continued, "But, if he does shoot someone, you will also do your damnedest to make sure that man is apprehended… alive. Then, you make sure he tells us who hired him." The Councilor huffed and shook his head. "And, if it just so happens to be either Saracino or someone in his organization, then we can have this discussion again and I may be more willing to give you free rein… depending on the strength of his statement and exactly who he implicates in the plot."

"What do you mean, who he implicates? Why does that matter?"

"You'll need to verify his information, obviously…" Osoba finally made his way back to his desk and plopped down in his chair; mentally jousting with the Spectre made him more than simply tired; she was exhausting. "… but if he reveals someone high in Alliance Command, the burden of proof I will need before I let you begin arresting people will be much greater."

"So, an accusation against an admiral carries less credence than one against a member of an adversarial political party?" Shepard narrowed her eyes and continued, "I respectfully disagree, Sir… It most certainly does not. I am tired of our own people playing politics with our hard-won victory, so I don't give a shit who it is. If I get a name, I don't give a Pyjak's ass if it's Charles Saracino, the Prime Minister or my own mother; I will not play favorites and I will bring them in for questioning."

Osoba closed his eyes and rubbed his temples, sighing, "Do you have any idea how foolish this infighting makes us look to the Council, Shepard?"

Shepard's response was a derisive snort, followed by, "Yes, Sir, I do. It makes us appear exactly like the militant, back-stabbing, injudicious species who hasn't reached the level of maturity required for full and equal participation on the galactic stage; we are rapidly becoming who the naysayers within the Galactic Council believe us to be." She growled in disgust, continuing, "As much as I hate to admit it, we are doing an excellent job of proving their initial impressions of us to be correct!" She suddenly spun on her heel and stalked toward the door as she snarled in parting, "Now, if you'll excuse me, Councilor, I have a job to do… which you seem Hell-bent on making more impossible by the day."

Alliance Military Headquarters, Vancouver B.C. – 21 Sep 2188

The third Sunday of the month had dawned with the promise of rain to come; the sun had briefly appeared between the horizon and the leaden clouds that hung low over the city. Mottled in a myriad of shades ranging from light to dirty-grey, they promised the sort of light drizzle that seemed incapable of ever dampening anything, until one had to stand outside without benefit of shelter for longer than 15 or 20 minutes.

The rather long raised platform from where dignitaries and special guests would be speaking was sheltered by a substantial – albeit temporary – canopy supported by several tubular 'A' frames spaced evenly beneath its length; there were a number of similar structures, all placed in orderly rows in front of the platform, so the people gathered for the solemn dedication of the newly rebuilt structure could sit in relative comfort as they listened and reflected on the devastation begun just two years ago.

Zoë Lawrence and Tim Stafford had been admitted to the grounds as part of a pre-dedication tour being presented by the Alliance Defense Committee. Of course, gaining access to the building and parade grounds meant carrying no weapons and having to deposit their omnitools in individual containers, to be returned when they left the grounds. With the major portion of the tour complete, they both stood in front of the rows of portable chairs, slowly turning in place as they covertly inspected the layout of the canopies and parade ground. Zoë whispered, knowing the comms unit hidden in her left ear would pick up her words as if she was speaking normally. "Why the Hell did they place all these damned canopies here? Wouldn't a kinetic barrier have kept everyone dry just as well?"

"Come next Sunday, they'll have a barrier in place over this entire area," came Stafford's confident reply. Without looking up, he continued, "Emitters are in the upper corners and along the inner edge of the parapet. Thing is, the barrier will deflect a moderate rain shower, but it won't even begin to turn a bullet… of any kind… whereas the canopies will make it more challenging for someone to get a target lined up in their sights."

Zoë sighed heavily in reply. "Trust me, Tim; any sharpshooter worthy of the title would find a way to make an effective shot." She calmly watched as people continued to enter the compound to meander around the area before leaving, commenting, "I haven't seen Shepard or the commandos. Shouldn't they already be here?"

Tim nudged the side of her hip with the back of his hand, using his chin to subtlety direct her attention towards a rather substantial looking doorway, about a third of the way along the wall behind the platform. The subject of their brief conversation appeared in the open doorway; after appearing to study the entire area, Shepard's neutral expression hardened as her glacial green eyes locked onto the midnight browns belonging to Zoë Lawrence.

If she had been expecting Zoë to turn tail and run, her disappointment did not show; instead, she calmly walked around the platform and approached the Atlas Executive Director. Stopping a meter away, she nodded slightly in Zoë and Tim's direction as a pair of familiar looking Asari came walking up to them from either side; Liara T'Soni and Riana Iregos each stopped to stand watch at a distance similar to Shepard's.

Zoë made a show of looking at each of Shepard's comrades before returning her attention to the auburn-haired woman standing on a cocked hip in front of her. "Spectre Shepard. It is nice to see you once again." Glancing again at the two Asari on either side of her, she observed, "You must think I have a death wish, Spectre." With a smirk playing across her lips, she added, "You have nothing to fear… from either of us."

Samantha glanced at her companions before crossing her arms under her chest. "I'm sorry I cannot say I am pleased to see you again… especially today." Her tone was cool as she asked, "Not that I would expect an honest answer, but exactly how are you here? I'm pretty sure I didn't see your name…" her mouth was set firmly in a straight line, one corner tipped up ever so slightly, "… any… of your names… well, none that I am aware of, anyway… included on the guest list."

Zoë's expression was one of wounded astonishment. Remaining absolutely still, she replied, "I can guarantee Zoë Lawrence is the only name you will ever find for me, Spectre. As for how I am here, our information officer 'jacked' the database being used to keep track of people sending their regrets… before their replies were able to arrive at party central. She was able to appropriate those identities and deliver 'will attend' replies in their names. It pains me to admit it, but our electronic invitations are forgeries."

Slowly bringing up an open hand, she spread her fingers wide as she placed the hand in the center of her chest, grinning as she continued, "Despite your utter lack of respect for me – in my own city, no less – I can assure you I am merely here for the same reasons as you and your team. I vowed that Atlas would not hesitate to defend any and all, Human, or…" at this point, she looked directly at Liara, "… Alien, from extreme views such as those espoused by LEAP. It's good to remember what we lost, don't you agree?"

Shepard clasped her hands behind her back and responded in a very matter-of-fact manner. "You do realize I could have you and your friend arrested and removed from this place, Zoë… which would certainly prevent you from attending the dedication next weekend. Convince me it's in the best interest of the Alliance and Galactic Council to permit you to stay." The Spectre studied the quizzical expression on Zoë's tattooed face for a moment before turning her attention to Tim. "As for you, don't even think I've forgotten your January visit to Jessica Mikhailovich's home in New York." Shifting her gaze back to Zoë, she indicated Tim with a motion of her head as she added, "This man was one of the three that held Mikhailovich while you slowly shoved a straight blade into her heart… a dagger that looked remarkably similar to the bloody knife that was left lying on the table in front of Udina during the war."

Zoë glanced at Tim as she replied off-handedly to Shepard's accusation, "As I mentioned when we spoke on the CGC, ending Mikhailovich's life was entirely necessary, Captain; it was a task in which I took absolutely no pleasure." Returning her gaze to the auburn-haired woman studying her, she raised her empty hands, her expression hardening ever so slightly. "Unlike you, my companion and I are completely unarmed, even though we're here for the same reason as you and your friends… to find and stop any assassins targeting Osoba, Hackett, Trost or Hoffman."

Samantha quickly schooled her expression of astonishment at Zoë's statement regarding her presence. Taking two quick steps, she placed her face within half-a-meter of Zoë's… close enough to make out the individual needle marks left behind by the tattoo gun. In a harsh whisper, she asked, "What makes you think you could successfully stop a determined attacker?"

Zoë countered with, "You're just one person, Shepard. You have a team, yes, but what makes you so damned certain that my help… my assistance… is unnecessary? Everyone I'm bringing to this little soiree next week is an experienced soldier. With the exception of Tim and myself, you won't even know who they are, unless something bad happens."

Shepard's expression shifted to one of astonishment at what she had just been told. It was becoming increasingly apparent to the Spectre that Zoë Lawrence… despite her past deeds when she had worked for Cerberus as Maya Brooks, was really attempting to turn her life around… to somehow make amends for all the misery and grief she had caused. After studying the liquid midnight eyes for a number of tense moments, Shepard decided to place a bit of trust in the woman yet again. Motioning towards Liara with a look as she drew back from the leader of Atlas, she took a deep breath to center herself before breathing out softly, "I told you to never cross me, or the law again, Ms Lawrence. You seem to be rather close to doing the latter, especially since your presence here today is only possible through the use of forged invitations."

Shepard looked down at her booted feet, shaking her head slightly as if in denial of what she was about to do. "That said, I'll keep your true identity to myself, and I won't say anything that will get you or your companions barred from the dedication." The Spectre placed her hands on her hips as she concluded, "The upcoming ceremonies are a real chance for you to actually prove yourself to me, Zoë. It's the only chance I will ever grant you, so don't waste it." Lifting her head, she again moved closer to Zoë so she could speak softly. "Just to be clear, if you're being anything other than straight with me, or if anyone on your team does anything untoward, my hunt for you will know no boundaries, Zoë Lawrence… and when I catch you, I will end your life."

"Of that, I have no doubt, Spectre… but I'm promising you right now that you'll never have to worry about it." Zoë smiled as she responded in a near whisper. "Since you recognized Tim from our visit to Jessica's penthouse in January, I'll repeat what I said that night… what I told you when you walked up. Our sole purpose is to defend Humans and Aliens from extreme views such as those espoused by people such as Charles Saracino, or… Douglas Walker."

Shepard's mouth dropped for only a second before she responded, "How in Hell do you know of Walker?"

Zoë made eye contact with Liara for a moment before turning back to face the Spectre. "Do you really believe Lady T'Soni is the only accomplished info broker in the galaxy? Atlas has a very competent team of data miners. Why else would we be here today, Shepard? Saracino responded to Walker's letter, though probably not in the positive manner that bastard would have liked; I have no doubt the son of a bitch will make a long-range attempt on one of the four principals due here next Sunday." Zoë was nearly nose-to-nose with the woman, close enough to count the freckles on her cheeks. In a harsh whisper, she added, "And while Atlas truly decimated LEAP's membership last January, those sympathetic to their ideals… and to the ideals of Cerberus… still manage to elude us… avoid our notice… and many of those xenophobes are members of the Alliance military.

Shepard did a good job of concealing her surprise, especially considering Liara's comment through the link. {Goddess, Samantha! Didn't you recently remind me that Cerberus represented an ideal rather than an organization?}

"I realize that… and sincerely pray we are both wrong in that speculation, Ms Lawrence." With a sigh, Shepard concluded, "I have to get back to it. I pray to the gods that all my preparations… and yours, apparently… have been made for no good reason. To think that Humans would actually still be targeting Humans just to further some ill-advised cause to see our species raised up to rule over the other races…" She paused, leaving the thought unfinished as she slowly turned on her heel and walked back to the other side of the raised platform, to be rejoined by Liara and Riana.

As they came together, Riana hissed, "How can you even begin to trust that woman, Nara?

The Spectre sighed as she looked at the commando and replied, "Because I must, Riana. It is obvious we are destined to cross each other's paths now… and in the future. You might think I'm crazy… perhaps I am… but I just looked into her eyes and saw absolutely no indications of deceit. She is no longer Maya Brooks, or Rasa, or any of the other aliases she used in the past in order to cover her tracks. I honestly believe she is a different person, Riana." Shepard placed a closed fist in the center of her chest. "My heart is frightened by what that woman can take from me if I'm wrong… but my logical side is telling me Zoë Lawrence is the genuine article… I am coming to believe she truly cares about our relations with the rest of the galaxy's races."

Riana still wasn't ready to concede. "She tried to put a bullet in you on the Citadel… she…"

"… then turned around and saved me on the Crucible." Samantha placed a hand on her fellow vanguard's upper arm as she interrupted. "As Maya Brooks, Riana. Since then, she has purposely placed herself in a position where I could have easily taken her life… twice." Shepard looked down for a moment, then looked back into the Asari's eyes. "I am tired of having to be suspicious of everyone I meet. People can change, Riana. I've seen it… if you need a solid example, look no farther than Miranda Lawson."

Zoë sighed, a mixture of frustration and grudging admiration evident in her tone as she turned to Tim and said, "That could have gone a Hell of a lot better, but at least she didn't kick us out… or worse, arrest us… to prohibit us from attending the dedication next weekend."

Tim nodded as he moved close to Zoë's side. He noticed her shoulders stiffen at his approach, so refrained from touching her as he whispered just centimeters from her ear, "Maya Brooks was her nemesis during the war, as dangerous in her eyes as Kai Leng… or Jack Harper. No matter how many times Atlas intervened in LEAP's attempts to kill her and her Asari partner, I believe she will never be able to completely overcome her antipathy towards you… for good or ill, Harper's murder of Admiral Anderson before she vented the bastard's head may be something that will forever be a wedge between you."

Tim sighed as he backed away from her personal space. "All you can do is what you're doing right now, Zoë… persist in showing her that the only threat you or me or Atlas presents… to anyone… is aimed at the xenophobes that continue to make Humanity look like shit to the rest of the galaxy's races."

Special Operations Center, Earth, Sol – 21 Sep 2188

"Why the fuck don't we ever see one another anymore unless the galaxy is going to Hell?" Culver sat in the chair across from Shepard, beer in her hand and feet up on the table between them. Her eyes shifted to the blue-skinned being sitting beside Sam on the couch. "And you know I have absolutely nothing to do with this mess that has dragged you back early from your honeymoon… So, you didn't go off and rescind her permission to take that damned vacation with me, did you?"

Liara laughed softly, a warm smile crossing her lips even with the underlying seriousness of the conversation at hand. "No, Sharon, I most certainly did not." She paused and glanced at her bondmate, obviously conversing quickly via the link before turning back to the Alliance Colonel. "You know, we are planning an extended celebration at the Estate for this upcoming Christmas, assuming the Quarian situation is resolved by then… or, at least, doesn't explode in our faces during our holiday. Hannah and Karin are planning to be there… along with Kahlee, if they can somehow manage to drag the Dean away from Grissom Academy. We would really love for you to join us… at least for a few days?"

"Dean?" Sharon's eyes lit with approval. "So, they finally got around to confirming Kay for the full-time position?"

It was Shepard's turn to laugh. "Yes. It only took them a year to finally realize it wasn't going to look like favoritism… just because I consider her my aunt." Her expression turned sober as she continued, "Apparently, Kahlee's rather… vigorous… defense of me at that first Victory Tour speech in London got a lot of play during the confirmation discussions. People started to figure out the connection between us… and, unfortunately, Kay's private life with Uncle Dave became public knowledge."

Scowling, Sharon retorted, "It's none of their Goddamned business! If they didn't know about it while it was happening, it means she and the Admiral kept it discrete. Why should they even give a fuck, especially now? It's ancient history, as far as I'm concerned."

"That's pretty much what Kahlee told them…" Shepard snickered and continued, "… only she managed to avoid using foul language to explain it… not that it mattered any longer with Uncle Dave…" Sam's voice hitched slightly at the memories, "… Uncle Dave's death."

Slightly red in the face, both from her angry outburst and a hint of embarrassment, Sharon replied in a less belligerent tone, "Well… good. Good. I suppose all's well that ends well, right?" She shook her head and returned to the current topic. "So, anyway. Christmas. I'll put in for the leave time and, assuming it's approved, you can count me in. It will be great to have a few days without any responsibilities, for sure… some down time to simply catch up."

"Excellent!" Liara's genuine smile immediately told Sharon the Asari had no reservations about her joining them for the holiday. "Obviously, we have plenty of room, so no need to make arrangements for accommodations… and we'll have a car or shuttle available to you, should you need one."

"As a matter of fact, don't worry about travel at all," Shepard added. "We'll come grab you, either in a shuttle or with the Aletheia."

"Transportation is easy." Sharon smiled at them both. "How about I hop to the CGC on the daily courier shuttle run? Then, you can get both your mom and me with a single stop?" Her smile turned into a smirk as she raised a single eyebrow and added, "Unless, of course, you need me to run an op to 'kidnap' Kahlee. If need be, I could always make sure she comes to the party..."

"You do that, you'd better be ready to accept the consequences!" Shepard was grinning ear-to-ear as she joked, "There's a lot of determination in that slim little body… and I do believe she would never let you live it down."

"I imagine not." Sharon flashed one last smile before dropping her feet to the floor and leaning forward in her chair. "So, regarding this bullshit surrounding the dedication. What exactly do you need me to do?" Her eyes flitted between Shepard and Liara and they had no doubt she had shifted back to the main reason for their visit as she asked, "I am assuming you want me and my guys out of uniform… and outside the fence?"

Serrice Guard Headquarters, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 22 Sep 2188

Serrice Guard Captain Lydia D'Naga had spent the past week discretely vetting her personnel and selecting an elite squad from the many loyalists who still backed her. Of the 250 commandos of the Guard, there were only ten who were firmly in Niaso's camp, with another twenty or so leaning in that direction… leaving Lydia with many to choose from. In the end, she selected only three lieutenants and fifteen huntresses to form three separate teams. That way, each squad was monitoring one of the three criminals to ensure none of them could somehow manage to elude capture should they catch wind of their upcoming arrest.

D'Naga wanted to start by cleaning her own house first, to which the Spectre had no objections. To that end, when T'Dura arrived at the Serrice Guard headquarters, the first group moved immediately to the office of the Deputy Commander, Lieutenant Alestia Niaso. The Guard squad cordoned off the area while T'Dura and D'Naga marched in to promptly inform the Lieutenant that she was under arrest; the list of charges consisted of conspiracy for the attempted murder of Huntress Sikara Mendaras, denying Asari their lawful right to free assembly, and criminal negligence resulting in the deaths of three Asari citizens.

"You have no right!" Alestia sneered at D'Naga and laughed. "You were in charge, so it is your career in the Guard that will be over. All because you are a coward who is unwilling to do what needs to be done! My mother is going to bury you!"

Lydia shook her head in antipathy and glanced over at the Spectre. "Did I not tell you that even when she was faced with the charges… when she should realize they had broken laws bigger than those of their personal little playground of Serrice and their actions had caught the attention of a Spectre… that she would still deny what they did was wrong?"

T'Dura shrugged with indifference. "Honestly, the only reason I am here is because I have other matters to attend to on Thessia. Once this offense was also brought to my attention, I considered it too egregious to let it wait until the Justicars had time to get around to it. They are occupied arresting those who have been found guilty of Asari war crimes…"

Realizing this wasn't any normal shake-down, Alestia raised her omnitool and started typing as she growled, "I'm calling the Matriarch." She suddenly screeched in pain and ripped the device off her arm as it sparked and caught fire on her wrist. "What in the blazes?"

One of the Guard squad members, a Sentinel, replied ominously, "That is not going to happen, Niaso, because your mother is next… and I do not want you tipping her off before the honorable Spectre can get to the Ministry to arrest her, as well."

As Alestia stared at her former teammates in shock, Captain D'Naga smiled with gratification and stated, "Now. Turn yourself over to the Spectre without a fuss… or not, if that is truly your desire… because I would absolutely love an excuse to beat you down for everything you and the Matriarch have done to corrupt the Serrice Guard, Lieutenant. Please… give me an excuse."

The lieutenant walked over to the Spectre and stuck her arms out, wrists close enough together to be cuffed as she sneered, "Fuck you, D'Naga. Your time will come."

"As it will for all of us eventually." T'Dura placed the biotic suppression cuffs on Niaso's wrists and shoved her toward the Sentinel. "Only, some of us are more secure in our reception by the Goddess than others." Directing her attention to the squad's Lieutenant, she added, "Keep the cuffs on and place her in a holding cell while I collect the rest. I imagine it won't take very long." Her eyes shifted to the Captain. "You coming?"

Lydia's face held a satisfied smile as she responded, "Wouldn't miss this for anything, Spectre."

Ministry of Justice Chambers, Serrice, Thessia – 22 Sep 2188

Spectre T'Dura strode into the office of the Justice Minister, only to be confronted by two guards, moving quickly from the doorway to Galalina's inner sanctum to intercept the Spectre and stop her in her tracks. "I need to see Matriarch Galalina immediately."

"I am afraid she is participating in a vid meeting, at present, and cannot be disturbed." The lead guard eyed the Spectre suspiciously. "May I ask what this is about?"

"First, I have to wonder how you managed to miss the Council Spectre insignia on my armor… and then, if you actually did take note of it, what part of immediately did you not understand?" T'Dura simply sneered at the armored huntress before her as she added, "... And no, you may not ask; it is Spectre business. You can either get out of my way or be arrested along with her."

"Arrested?" The guard glanced at D'Naga, standing at the left shoulder of the Spectre with a rather smug smile on her face and immediately knew what had happened. "This is because of the attack on Mendaras, isn't it? I had wondered if she was going to get away with that…" She quickly stepped to the side and dipped her head to both the Captain and the Spectre. "Please… by all means, do not let me interfere with the application of justice."

The second guard refused to yield; instead, she attempted to block their access to the door as she shouted out a warning to Galalina and her personal guard within the office. She was instantly paid back for her loyalty… by being shot in the back as a hail of weapons-fire erupted through the closed door, those within showing no concern for who may have been standing outside of it.

Her unintentional sacrifice bought Lydia and Moises the critical seconds they needed to avoid injury by diving behind cover. The Spectre immediately shouted, "You are only making this harder on yourself, Matriarch! I am Council Spectre T'Dura… and you will either yield to me or die here today. The choice is yours!"

She was answered by yet another hail of gunfire, only to glance across the room to see a grinning Captain D'Naga waving to get her attention. Shifting to the private comm frequency they had agreed on, she queried, "What have you got?"

Lydia's voice was almost gleeful as she quietly reported what she had learned. "Only the guards are in the offices… Galalina is in the process of descending via the fire-escape on the outside of the building with her First. Lieutenant Sanni has her in her sights and wants to know if she should take the shot."

T'Dura rattled off a quick series from her Spectre Paladin before answering, "The matriarch does not deserve such a quick death, nor the martyrdom she would achieve." As another round erupted from within, Moises continued, "We will keep the guards busy here… Sanni. Shoot Galalina's First and take her out of the equation. I imagine the matriarch may be a bit more… submissive… if her defender is dead."

"Captain?" The hesitant voice of the lieutenant asked much with that single-word query.

A dozen questions flashed through D'Naga's head in that instant. First, Lydia knew the young sniper was questioning the Spectre's authority to order her to do such a thing, particularly regarding the legality of the call. Lieutenant Sanni was also looking for permission from her own captain… as well as wanting to know if Lydia agreed with what she had been asked to do.

Her voice somber with the responsibility she was accepting, D'Naga nodded at the Spectre across the room and responded, "She picked the wrong side, Sanni; it makes her a co-conspirator… and the matriarch must be brought to justice." She heaved a heavy sigh. "Preferably before an Asari court rather than at the end of your rifle, so I don't want the minister's death on your hands. And, you don't have to kill Arenia… just incapacitate her. Wait until the fall won't kill her and take the shot, Sanni; I've got your back."

Gunfire continued to be exchanged between those within and those outside of the office until the sharp bark of a sniper rifle was followed by a panicked scream and a thud, as the First fell the last few meters to the ground. Shouts of dismay quickly followed as D'Naga switched back to the Guard channel and explained to those inside the office what had just happened.

"You have a choice… surrender or die… because none of you are free to walk away from this," Lydia growled. "There will be consequences, because you had to know what she was doing was wrong… yet you stood by and allowed it to happen. Defended her, even, during the planning phases and the execution of the raid. I am backed in this action by a Council Spectre; do not compound your crimes by resisting arrest."

Only a few moments passed before they were answered by the heavy thud of weapons hitting the floor, just before the left-hand door opened slowly, a single, unarmed guard at the entry. She had one hand on the doorknob, the other in the air as she practically whispered, "We surrender. Please don't kill me." She opened the double doors fully, enough for the Spectre and Captain to see that everyone in the room was unarmed and kneeling, hands clasped behind their necks in submission. She then placed her own hands behind her head and dropped to her knees, mimicking the position the others had already assumed, as she stated, "The matriarch seemed so righteous… said she was acting on orders."

D'Naga gasped, suddenly fearing that, perhaps, T'Dura was actually correct about the Serrice Defense Minister not playing by the rules. She feared the answer to the question, yet had to ask, "Orders? From whom?"

"Defense Minister Rahula, of course." The guard looked confused by the captain's question. "Who else would have the authority to order us to do such a thing?"

Ministry of Justice Chambers, Serrice, Thessia – 22 Sep 2188

Defense Minister Rahula terminated the call and peered out her window, confirming the information she had just received. "Goddess be damned!"

Her First, Sentinel Fayna Shyria, looked over when she heard the tone of the matriarch's unusually harsh exclamation. "Minister?"

"We have been discovered after all, Fayna." Rahula walked quickly to her desk and opened a bio-coded security drawer, withdrawing a holstered Acolyte pistol from its depths. "Apparently, a Council Spectre is already on her way here, aided by the Serrice Guard, to take me into custody." She slipped the belt around her waist and pulled the pistol, checking its ammunition load and holstering the weapon again before slinging a spare belt of grenades over her neck. She then glanced up to meet Shyria's eyes. "That is not going to happen. Not today." Her focus turned to her computer system, where she immediately initiated a purge program.

"But, you were cleared by the Justicar inquisition! What grounds does this Spectre have for your arrest?" Shyria checked her own weapons as she spoke, moving to a hidden panel and opening a secure weapons locker. "Seeing as you glanced out the window, I assume we are headed for the carport on the roof?"

"Yes. A Guard team is already stationed below, so we won't be going out the front without great difficulty. Even though I disagree with turning over all of the Prothean technology to the Council, I am not prepared to kill our own Guard members to secure my escape… not unless I am forced to do so."

"Of course." The First looked confused. "Who could have possibly tipped off this Spectre?"

"Only Cyla would have been in a position to do so, but I do not believe she did. For some reason, Spectre T'Dura was present at the Governess Council… and I vaguely remember Cyla mentioning something about her appearing rather disgruntled at the Justicar findings." The matriarch watched as the program she was running finished wiping the files from her computer. "I'm done here. I simply need to initiate the cipher program to ensure none of these files can ever be recovered. It will take more time than we have here to complete… so I simply need to hope they cannot hack past my screen lock before it is finished." A few more strokes across the haptic interface and the screen went blank. Rahula sighed in resignation and looked to her First. "Time for us to leave, Shyria."