Notes:

Ai'a me: a trusted friend and unquestioned ally (Source: CDN)

Amantia - lover (Thessian)

Sim're - "sister of my sister", a dear friend's loved one (Thessian/Source: CDN)

A Foot in the Door

Atlas Headquarters, Vancouver B.C., Earth – 22 Oct 2188

Nina Delacroix had been looking into Frédéric Klein's recent history for five full days, ever since Riana Iregos had shared the data Spectre Shepard's team had compiled on the assassination plot; she had assembled what seemed to her like a pathetically negligible amount of recent data. But now, with the addition of Tim Stafford's research on Sergeant Diane Häberli's connection to Klein, she believed Atlas was finally within striking distance of having the evidence Spectre Shepard needed to prove the seriousness – and danger – of the anti-alien sentiment within the Alliance military.

She had taken Stafford's video – with the glitch in the recording of Häberli following Klein to the restroom – and dug deeper into the Alliance surveillance servers. After meticulously hacking her way deep into the video data recorded that day, she had finally found the original footage in a deleted back-up cache. Once she had filtered out the electronic interference on that portion of the recording, she discovered that it proved beyond any doubt Sergeant Häberli had handed a rather long, narrow package to someone as she sauntered slowly past the partially open door to the men's restroom.

Upon showing this to Tim and Jana, they had each asked how she could be sure it was Klein receiving it, to which she had chuckled in an impish fashion. "While it is true we can't see the whole person she's handing that package to, the bare hand and wrist we can see tell me… and will tell the Spectre… all that's required to convict our conspiratorial sergeant. Observe…"

So saying, Nina had her computer freeze the frame showing Häberli just releasing the package she was handing to the disembodied hand and arm visible outside the door frame. She placed an outline around that arm, then had the computer zoom in, until the only portion observable on the screen was the hand – gripping the long package still being held by Häberli – and the underside of the wrist. On that wrist was a prominently displayed tattoo, depicting a life-sized, blood-smeared straight-blade dagger, its point at the juncture of wrist and hand. "I do believe this tattoo belongs to Mr Klein, Jana. He had it applied before the war, when he still worked for the Illusive Man. I have faith it will still be on his forearm, proving Sergeant Häberli was complicit in the assassin's attempt on Ambassador Hoffman's life."

"And in attempting to end the life of Zoë," Jana added. "Well done. Document everything, Nina, but omit any reference to Atlas, and make sure your intrusion can not be back-traced to us. The Spectre does not need to reveal her sources to anyone, especially the commandant of that damned facility, and we must not draw any undue attention to our own organization if we wish to continue to be effective data miners working for Shepard."

After a moment of silence, she continued, "Of course, we still need to discover who planted a blade in Frédéric Klein's chest. I would almost bet that Häberli is the guilty party. Perhaps if the Spectre is asking the questions, she'll roll over on her patron… may even be able to give us the name of who paid her, and who paid Klein."

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 22 Oct 2188

The Spectre team hadn't left the estate since the party, but Livos – along with Shepard – had been busy with her regular home-station duties with the T'Soni Guard… all while Liara and Riana waded through the mountains of data being provided to them via any number of sources. Carlina still found it hard to believe that the unassuming Lady T'Soni was the Shadow Broker. Understanding that Livos needed space to do her job, Zan had kept busy during the day by embedding herself in one of the patrol squads; she wanted to see as much of the grounds of the immense estate as possible, and could think of no better way to cover the area quickly than to accompany a commando detachment.

The size of the Estate totally amazed her; she had known the T'Soni family was of high standing and rather influential, but had no idea as to the expanse of their holdings. What she found even more surprising was how the entire staff treated one another; while similar to the atmosphere of mutual respect she had experienced at the S'Vatyne Resort, the interactions here held a more personal touch… a real sense of family. This could very easily become a second home to me. She smiled softly, and a light blush crept up her neck as her mind continued down that path. Or, perhaps, my primary home at some point in the future… should things with Liv go as I hope… no! As I expect they will go.

Dayna Axessi caught the expression and grinned. "You must be thinking about what you're planning for Captain Tanni when we get back this evening, Zan… and it must be good to make you blush so."

Laughing, Carlina smiled. "Actually, I'm thinking much longer term than just this evening, Dayna. I was thinking about how easily I could find myself simply staying here… Already, you all feel like family to me; never in my life have I experienced such acceptance, except from Matriarch Marisha." She huffed in disbelief. "It is amazing to me, how you all treat one another as true sisters."

Dayna smiled wistfully and answered, "We have gone through some rather difficult times together. As commandos, the War bonded us like nothing else could. I suppose, in that respect, it had a good result… but we certainly suffered our share of losses. We lost our Matriarch, and close ai'a mes lost true sisters when all but one of Lady Benezia's personal guard were killed… Nothing about that war can truly be considered good. Even so, now that is it over, many of us have discovered new sisters during the period of recovery… such as yourself, thanks to Captain Tanni."

"Liv is dedicated." Carlina's face held an expression which could only be construed as apprehension. "And I thank the Goddess for whatever time she is willing to give to me. I cannot help but worry about the day she tells me she must focus once again on her duty to protect Lady Liara."

"You are joking, right?" Dayna laughed aloud. "Sorry… I should not laugh, but you do not yet know Livos Tanni as well as all of us." A broad smile spread across the commando's face as she wrapped an arm around the shoulders of the nature guide and squeezed Zan tight. "Our captain is totally and everlastingly besotted with you. She would cut off her own arm before she would ever consider leaving you behind… for any reason."

Zan looked at her in surprise and blurted, "But, even after knowing her for such a relatively short time, I can see her duty is her life! She is loyal to a fault!"

"Exactly! Loyal to a fault." Dayna dropped her arm and grinned. "Which is exactly why you need to stop worrying. She's declared herself to you, Zan… and unless you push her away, she'll stand by you until the day she dies."

"I don't know how to respond to that, other than I suddenly desire this patrol to be done…" Zan's face lit with a bashful smile as she continued, "With all of us back at the Estate, so I can go find her."

The Team 2 lead, Lieutenant Arlis Tasia, chuckled behind them. "You heard our guide, commandos! Let's step this up and make sure we're back in time for dinner!"

Carlina's face turned a deep purple, the white of her lightning bolts nearly glowing against her suddenly darker skin tone, as the group of six spread out and broke into a light run. Their pilot, Irlia T'Sasia, punched Zan lightly on the shoulder as she passed her by. "So, Sim're… still glad you think of us all as sisters?"

Zan grinned and started jogging easily along with them as they moved at a good pace through the forest. "Oh yes. More so now than ever!"

They arrived back at the Estate just before dinner, and with a smile for the group and a quick nod of acknowledgement toward Dayna, Carlina made a beeline toward the office of the Captain of the Estate Guard. As she burst in through the door with barely a knock, Livos' head snapped up in surprise and she rose quickly to her feet. "Zan! Is everything alright? Did something happen with the patrol?"

"Everything and everyone are fine, Liv. Don't worry yourself." Without slowing down as she spoke, the guide moved quickly to her amantia and pushed her back to the wall with a passionate kiss. Caught off-guard, Liv initially resisted, placing her hands on Zan's shoulders in an effort to hold her off… but the hunger in Zan's expression quickly dispersed any trepidation and her hands shifted to Zan's butt so she could pull her tight as she returned the kiss.

Once the heat diminished a bit, Zan pulled back just enough that she could speak, mumbling into Livos' lips. "I love you, Livos Tanni, and have come to the realization that I need you in my life… as in my life every day."

Livos eyes opened wide and her sable orbs met those of molten silver. "What, exactly, are you talking about, Zan?" Apprehension crept into her voice as she continued without pause, "I cannot imagine you leaving Sanves. You love your job and Matriarch Marisha is the mother you never truly had, so what are you thinking? You know I cannot… will not… leave my post with House T'Soni. I told you that when we met."

"I know." Zan gently stroked her fingertips across the side of Livos' crest. "But I love you, Liv, with the entirety of my soul. I realize it's crazy… that we have only had the week at Záhrada and, now, the two full days here, but my heart leaps with joy whenever I am with you and I see no reason whatsoever to deny ourselves such happiness. I simply know we are supposed to be together, so I am asking you to help me make this work."

"Obviously, I would love to be with you on a more regular basis, Zan, so what do you need from me? My vacation time is relatively limited… we get one month's time over the course of the year…"

Zan placed her fingers gently on Liv's lips to silence the captain's protest. "Do not stress over this; it's not like Sanves is so terribly far away. So, I am confident that as long as you are willing, we will figure out a way."

Livos smiled and hugged Zan tightly as she whispered, "You have no worries there, Zan. I am most definitely willing."

Atlas Headquarters Personal Residences, Vancouver B.C., Earth – 22 Oct 2188

Given the multitude of directions in which her people were being pulled because of their many avenues of investigation, Zoë invited her executive team members to dinner in order to speak with all of them in a more relaxed atmosphere, in an attempt at a collective 'brainstorming' session to figure out their next moves. Tim glanced around briefly before offering, "We've been looking at the treasure trove of information Douglas Walker provided to Sharon Culver; additionally, they gleaned a wealth of data from the servers aboard the Valiant… um, that's the light corvette on which Walker intended to make his escape from Vancouver."

Zoë cocked an eyebrow in Tim's direction. "What kind of data are you talking about?"

Stafford's bared his teeth in a predatory grin. "Locations for weapons caches, multiple safe houses in scattered Northwest locations, rally points… that ship had nearly everything Eva's Vortex had… even a small number of 12.4 kg gold bars."

After thinking about this for a few moments, Zoë observed, "I'm sure the Spectre has her analysts working on the data, but I would like for us to personally investigate a few of those safe houses." Looking at Jana, she said, "Contact Riana on the Knight Shade, early morning GST. I intend to send a couple of teams to investigate the safe houses closest to Vancouver." Glancing down the table, she caught the eyes of Émiléda and Melina. "Depending on Shepard's reply, we may discover something of great interest, or nothing at all."

Jana nodded as she replied, "I'll send the request along with my daily update… see what she says. I expect Culver will have her people investigating as well, but they're a squad of six, so cannot possibly cover everything."

"Her personal squad is only six… but do not forget she has the entirety of the Alliance Special Operations Division at her beck and call." Zoë glanced around the table. "What else do we have? Any more ideas?"

Nina set her glass down as she looked first at Tim, then Zoë, and said, "I've narrowed my search down on the trail of credits between Charles Saracino and Frédéric Klein. Everything seems to funnel into and out of the central clearing accounts maintained by Terra Firma." After taking another sip of wine, she added, "I'm hacking my way into those accounts; it's a slow process, as I have to avoid leaving any evidence of my intrusion. It would seem the majority of the daily transactions in the accounts were accomplished through extranet access."

Zoë grinned as she responded, "Good job, Nina. Upload everything you have to the secure server in time for me to include it in tomorrow's morning report to the Knight Shade." She rose from her chair long enough to pour herself a cup of coffee and bring it back to the table. Upon retaking her seat, she took a couple of sips of the very warm brew, then turned her attention to Stafford. "What more have you discovered about Hackett's killer?"

"Owen Hamilton…" He said the name as if it left a bad taste in his mouth. "Bastard was a disgrace to the uniform! Unfortunately, I have been unable to discover any malice towards the late Admiral by Hamilton's CO… a Sergeant Scholtz… he may have been totally blameless in all this. I do believe it will ultimately boil down to creds, as off-the-books transactions seem to have been driving the entire conspiracy." With a shake of his head, he asked, "What CO in the course of their daily activities would give any thought to the possibility of a person in uniform being willing to murder one of their own? Do you think it was a case of blind bad luck that Hamilton got the assignment?"

Zoë shook her head slightly as she blew air past her lips in response. "Pfft… Spectre Shepard told us she does not believe in coincidences, Tim, and I do not believe Hamilton's assignment was simply the luck of the draw." Her expression hardened slightly as she added, "Keep digging into Sergeant Scholtz's background. He's dirty… I can smell it. It's the smell of credits… a lot of credits."

With a heavy sigh, he replied, "I'll keep digging into Scholtz. I actually do find it difficult to believe he was ignorant of Hamilton's hatred of aliens and their so-called apologists… that kind of attitude is difficult to suppress."

Zoë turned her attention to the Cousineau sisters. "Both of you comfortable with your assignments? Any questions?"

Émiléda answered for both, saying, "We're all set, Ma'am."

Melina added, "Should be a simple op, Ma'am. Even worrywart Boris doesn't feel there'll be any problems."

Assuming Shepard's approval of the operation, Émiléda would be traveling with Rich Clemons to one of the Terra Firma safe houses, east of Chilliwack, near the old Trans-Canada Highway; Melina would accompany Boris Sutton to an isolated house surrounded by dense forest southeast of South Surrey. Once each team determined the houses were unoccupied, they would carefully enter both in an attempt to determine if there was anything inside that could be exploited to bring Terra Firma down around Saracino's head.

"Excellent… and he's not a worrywart; he's simply using what I consider the appropriate level of caution, given who we're dealing with." A slight smirk crossed her face as she looked around the table, standing as she said, "I've kept all of you long enough… everyone enjoy the rest of your evening." With her smirk drawing into a straight line, she added, "This is not a competition, but if we can scoop up some data Shepard's teams are unable to discover or obtain, that will go a long way towards proving Atlas is every bit as competent at data collection as T'Soni's people. Just remember…" she paused to glance at Tim, "Whatever evidence we find has to be rock solid, or it's worthless to Spectre Shepard. I will not offer her anything less than irrefutable data."

Zoë's parting words were, "Stay safe, all of you. Remember, we have to remain beneath notice by anyone, especially Alliance military personnel. Thank you all, and good luck."

Atlas Headquarters, Vancouver B.C., Earth – 23 Oct 2188

Zoë Lawrence waited for the connection to the Knight Shade to complete, guessing that the longer than normal delay might be due to her own ID, rather than Jana's, being sent with the request. When the signal was finally answered, an unhappy Riana Iregos glowered at her. "I had not expected to be conversing with you, Ms Lawrence. You must be calling to speak with my Captain… I have requested her presence here and expect her to arrive momentarily."

Zoë nodded her head; before Riana could place the call on standby, she spoke up. "I know you have a problem with my continued existence, Ms Iregos… and I want you to know I understand, but… I would also like for you to be aware that all the lives I have ended weigh heavily on my conscience. Each and every one. I cannot bring them back and, truthfully, the galaxy would most likely not wish for most of them to return."

Zoë looked down for a moment, allowing Riana an opening. "Why are you telling me this? You have adopted a new persona, have permanently camouflaged your face, yet deep down inside, you are still Maya Brooks, and will always remain so to me. If those deaths truly weighed upon your conscience, you would have turned yourself in to the proper authorities." Riana looked to her side briefly, then returned her gaze to Zoë. "Know that I do not believe you; neither will I ever forget nor forgive any of your many crimes, Ms Brooks. Good bye."

Riana stepped out of camera range, to be replaced by Spectre Shepard. "My apologies for my delay in arriving, Zoë. It sounds as if speaking to Riana did not go well?"

Zoë shook her head slightly, saying, "I told her I understand her antipathy towards me, Spectre. I am increasingly regretting the events of my previous life yet am unable to do a damned thing to negate them… and 'turning myself into the authorities' as Riana suggests would eliminate any hope I have of eventual redemption." Taking a deep breath to calm the emotions brought up by her exchange with the huntress, she got down to business. "Anyway, we have the proof you require to detain and question Sergeant Häberli, Shepard." Queuing the files, she pressed SEND as she added, "She's a disgrace to the uniform, Spectre, and there should be more than enough data on that file to detain and interrogate her. Based on Tim's experience with her, I believe Häberli will cave in to minimal pressure and give up her handler on that base. Once you have that name, we should be able to find the exchange identifier and follow the trail of credits, as Häberli received a generous payday for her part in all this. It would be a gross injustice if she has the freedom to enjoy it."

Shepard had taken a quick look at the data Atlas had transmitted. With a small grin, she commented, "Looks like I have the right people working for me on Earth, Zoë. I'll pass this off to Colonel Culver in Special Operations for the arrest and interrogation. Keep on digging… and thank you for what you've turned up so far."

Zoë smiled at that, and ended with, "By the way? Congratulations on your successful bid for Asari citizenship, Shepard. You have my sincere best wishes for a long and happy future on Thessia."

Special Operations Center, Earth, Sol – 23 Oct 2188

Sharon was smiling as she picked up the call. "Shepard. Long time no chat. Everything good? How's Liara?"

"Everything is good and Liara is great, Sharon." Samantha grinned at the Special Ops commander. "And, unless you've been comm out, I'm sure you've heard my petition was accepted… seeing as it's been all over the news."

"I hope you're not actually listening to that drivel, Shep." Sharon frowned. "Those damned reporters are doing nothing but trying to stir up enough shit to make a story out of what should be your personal business. I wish I could arrest them all for sedition and call it a wrap."

Laughing, Shepard responded, "Not worth your time, Sharon… but I do have something for you that I believe will be."

"Oh, yeah?" Sharon sat up and leaned forward. "What's that?"

The colonel's eyes narrowed as Shepard explained what she had in her possession. "Riana is sending the data file and security footage as we speak. Walker's capture turned up a lot of info on Cerberus tech and data caches, but this one? This involves a Marine Sergeant named Diane Häberli, stationed at the headquarters in Vancouver; she may very well be the key to the leadership of our little group of anarchists."

"If you're positive, I'm on it, Shep. As soon as we disconnect, I'll get a team on their way to arrest her, based on your word. Then, I'll download the info pack and, once I have her in detention, question her based on what I find in the text and vid files. If she's the key, I'll find the door it belongs to, of that you can be certain."

"We wouldn't be speaking unless Liara had vetted the data… or if we had any doubt in your abilities to get the job done." Shepard had a gleam in her eye and a growl in her voice as she added, "And Sharon? Don't try to save the door. Kick it in and burn the damned house down, Colonel. Spectre authority."

"You sure about that?" Culver knew the answer, but felt the need to have it verbally confirmed, which Shepard did without hesitation.

"Abso-fucking-lutely."

Special Operations Center, Earth, Sol – 23 Oct 2188

Tim Stafford thanked his escort as he was shown into a small, austere office and introduced to a woman that had obviously spent her entire adult life wearing a military uniform. Colonel Sharon Culver looked up from the data pad at which she was frowning; a slight smile lifted the corners of her mouth as she stood and reached across her desk to grasp the hand Tim offered. "Mr Stafford, I presume. Pleased to meet you."

Releasing his hand after pumping it only once, she immediately got to the business at hand, indicating the data pad in her left hand. "Spectre Shepard vouched for you… said you were less than impressed with the attitude you encountered while a guest of the Alliance." Waving her hand at the chair beside her desk, she retook her own chair and looked at Tim expectantly as he sat down with a sigh.

With a tight smile, Tim explained, "As I told the Spectre, it was obvious to me when I met Sergeant Häberli that she was unquestionably disappointed with the outcome of the assassination plot; it seemed she wished to blame me for the failure of the conspiracy to eliminate all four targets. It was also quite obvious she was dissatisfied with my total silence when she tried to grill me for answers concerning my reasons for attending the ceremony with forged credentials."

"How were you treated once you were taken into custody?"

Tim chuckled as he replied, "Almost as if I was one of the assassins. Nothing physical, which surprised me. I actually expected her to personally conduct a complete strip search before placing me in a cell." After pausing briefly to gather his thoughts, he looked straight into Culver's eyes as he continued, "I don't believe she's near as tough as she presents herself to be, Colonel. She gave up way too easily during my interrogation; she simply doesn't have it in her. She's a desk jockey. I seriously doubt she's ever seen combat, and I honestly believe that if you apply the right sort of mental pressure, she'll roll over and sing an aria."

Culver showed her teeth in a humorless grin. "I'll settle for names, actually… and just what sort of mental pressure are you suggesting, Mr Stafford?" Upon hearing his answer, she sat back in her chair as she thought about his idea. After several minutes of contemplative silence, she returned her gaze to the Atlas agent, saying, "Okay. Here's what you're going to do for me…"

Sharon was smiling menacingly as she strolled into the interrogation room. "Diane Häberli. Are you aware of just how deep the pile of Pyjak shit you chose to wade through happens to be?"

When she was met by silence, Culver shrugged and opened the data pad she held in her hand. "Harassment. Conspiracy. Harboring a fugitive." She watched the prisoner out of the corner of her eye, enjoying the subtle changes in her expression as she read through the list of charges. "Sedition. Accessory to attempted murder and accessory to murder in the first. Treason." Here, Culver paused and whistled. "Oooh, boy! That last one is punishable by death… ouch! Nice collection you've got going there, traitor."

She tossed the pad onto the table; the clattering sound surprised Häberli, causing her to jerk in her seat. Sullen eyes looked up at her angrily as Sharon observed, "That bright orange jumpsuit flatters you, Häberli; I'm glad someone thought to strip you of your uniform before I arrived, because you certainly don't deserve to wear it." Culver leaned forward until she was within a few centimeters of the woman's face, softly adding, "You should have used Klein's blade like Hamilton used his pistol… to end your own life… because there is nothing but suffering ahead for you now, you disloyal bitch."

With her hands securely cuffed behind her back, Häberli thrust her head forward in an attempt to head-butt this insufferable colonel, but Culver was ready for it, pulling her own head back as she brought an open hand around to slam Häberli on the side of her head. As the woman howled in pain, Sharon reached out, grabbed her by the collar, and yanked her roughly back upright in her chair. "Shut the fuck up. I have Spectre Shepard covering my six on this one, you sniveling little piece of shit. I can do anything I damn well please to you… I can even kill you, if I wish. Believe me when I say ending your life would be much too generous for the likes of you."

Shoving the traitor roughly against the back of her chair, Culver stepped back and opened the door. "Mr Stafford? The prisoner is ready to be searched, Sir."

The expression on Häberli's face shifted rapidly from pained anger to fearful dread as she recognized the man sauntering into the room. Tim grinned as he crouched in front of and to one side of the chair in which the woman was sitting. "I see you remember me from our little meeting on the 29th of September, Diane. I must say, I never expected to be seeing you again so soon." Her only response was to turn her head away, as if he wasn't in the room.

Standing again, Tim produced a pair of medical examination gloves from a pocket; he casually pulled them on, then smirked at the woman as he ordered, "Stand up, Marine." When it became obvious she wasn't going to comply, Culver showed her teeth in a malevolent grin and motioned to Cliff and Letisha, members of Spec Ops 1, to assist. The pair stepped up behind Häberli on either side; as it was abundantly clear the woman was going to make them do this the hard way, they each grabbed her under an upper arm and roughly stood her up from the chair.

Once the sergeant was on her feet, she looked at Tim and began protesting – loudly. "You cannot do this, Colonel! No matter what crimes I've been charged with, I haven't been declared guilty by a court martial! This man isn't even an Alliance soldier; if I'm to be searched again, I demand to be searched by a woman!"

Culver smirked as she said, "Do you, now? Do you not understand what Spectre authority means? You and your cohorts have been classified as terrorists, Häberli; there will be no courts-martial, I'm afraid… not for you, or any of the many other Alliance personnel obviously involved in this assassination plot. Besides, I happen to know that Mr Stafford here is simply returning the favor; you should be thanking me… because if you insist that I perform the search, I'll strip you down in front of him first."

"He was scanned with an omnitool!" Häberli's eyes widened in what could only be described as fearful apprehension. "I never touched him, and I certainly didn't strip him!"

"And that's a good thing, else we could add assault to the list of charges." With a huff of disgust, she nodded at Tim. "You may proceed, Sir."

Stafford shrugged his shoulders, smiled and moved to stand behind her; placing his hands on her shoulders, he used a foot to kick her feet further apart as he'd been instructed by Culver, then slid both hands down each of her arms in turn before patting down her back, then each side of her torso, making sure to cover every centimeter. Although she remained quiet, he could feel her body stiffen in response to his fingertips sliding past the sides of her breasts. After gliding his hands firmly across both sides of her butt, including the space in the middle and the creases at the tops of her thighs, he ran both hands down the outside of each leg from her butt to her ankles. He then came back up, hands on the insides of her legs, and whispered, "Can't wait to repeat this from the front side."

As he shoved a hand between the crux of her legs at her crotch, Häberli reached her breaking point, hollering, "Stop! Enough!"

Tim paused, giving Häberli little reprieve as he stood, positioned his hands to the sides of her hips, and awaited Culver's decision, who simply asked, "You have something to tell us, traitor?" Tim could feel the woman trembling under his palms but had no way to tell if it was in anger or humiliation… or a combination of the two.

Diane's voice was choked with resentment as she struggled to answer. "This isn't right, Colonel… it's just not right," she sobbed, angry tears running down her cheeks. "Ask your questions… I'll tell you what I know. I'd rather go to prison for life than have this bastard's hands on my chest or… in my crotch."

Tim, still standing behind the sergeant, smiled grimly as he removed his hands from her hips and took a step back; Culver nodded to Cliff and Letisha to return her to the chair, which they did promptly, with no thoughts toward comfort. "You should be glad I'm feeling charitable today, Häberli… Given what you've done, I should have let him strip search you."

Tim stepped around the chair and paused to look scathingly at Häberli. "I wish I could say it's been a pleasure, Diane, but I guess today isn't my day for justice. Though… I think I'll hang around a bit… That way, if you change your mind about cooperating, I'll get another chance at you… another chance to level the scales a bit more for Admiral Hackett and Prime Minister Trost." The look of utter loathing he received as he sauntered out of the interrogation room made the trip here from Atlas headquarters totally worth it.

Normandy SR2, Phoenix Massing, At Large – 24 Oct 2188

Commander Williams had been walking the ship, visiting with and talking to the crew, more in an attempt to keep herself occupied during an extremely boring assignment than for socializing. She was on the bridge, chatting with Edi and Joker when he held up a hand. After a few moments, he began caressing haptic controls as he said, "The relay just began pivoting, Commander. Give me a few moments…"

The flight lieutenant's fingers played among several interfaces; after studying the results of his queries, he half-turned his chair, so he could look at Ashley as he reported, "Relay is realigning to receive a vessel from Omega, Ma'am. All the sensor data being received is being recorded, and we're in perfect position to obtain good quality vids of whatever ship emerges from FTL." Before she could ask, Joker added, "We're well clear of any exit vector a ship might need to use for travel… if it's the Nalotir and it's headed where we think, they'll have to make a turn to starboard after clearing the relay, which should put them on a course directly away from us."

"Thanks, Joker. That's exactly what I needed to hear. How much time?"

"Approximate alignment time will be twenty-five to thirty minutes."

Ashley set a countdown timer on her omnitool as she turned and walked back to the CIC to talk to Rensch.