Twin Fates

by Tobias5

Fate played as much a role in Shepard's defeat of the Reapers as did his skill. What if fate had different plans? Did you know that the Shepard on Mindoir was born as a twin? What if both had survived the raid? How would the Reapers have dealt with TWO great heroes instead of one? It's time to find out just how much better and worse things get with TWO Shepards fighting a war.

2. Chapter 1

Twin Fates

By Belle & Tobias

Automatic Disclaimer: We do not own the rights to the Mass Effect or any other referenced copy righted material. This is a work that asks the question what if?

Chapter 1: Spectres

Earth Date: May 30th, 2183 CE

Location: SSV Normandy, Between Relay Jumps

John moved from the back the ship to the front with a purpose. He heard Joker informing the crew of their approach to the Arcturus Prime relay. During normal jumps a pilot wouldn't necessarily tell the entire crew about every single step. This wasn't a normal run however. This was the Normandy SR-1 's shakedown run. Ever since Shepard had been assigned to Captain Anderson every waking moment had been in prep for this moment. Getting to know the crew, catching up with Anderson, everything for this moment. A quick jaunt through the relays and back home for final inspection. Then they would be assigned to a flotilla. Then, if Anderson was true to his word, within a few short years he'd get his own ship. Then he'd be Captain Shepard.

John couldn't help smirking. When he could finally send Jane a letter telling her of his new post, she'd go spastic. Last time they seen each other, she'd boldy said she'd beat him to getting her own ship. Last he'd heard Admiral Hackett had sent her off on some sort of training mission, filling in stationed units on the latest tactics mercs and slavers were using on raids, then running them through drills. If John beat her to Captain he'd request she'd be transfer to his command as executive officer.

John came up next to the Turian Spectre, Nihlus if he remember right, who was over seeing if the council's investment in this project paid off. John watched Joker and Alenko as they connected the ship to the relay.

"The board is green, approach run has begun." Joker announced. "Hitting the relay in 3...2...1..."

John grunted as the ship accelerated into FTL speed. He watched Joker and Kaidan run the numbers for a moment.

"Give me a status report gentlemen." John ordered. Joker nodded before typing away.

"Thrusters...check. Navigation...check. Internal emissions sink engaged. All systems online. Drift...just under 1500 k." Joker reported. John nodded. Everything was right down the line. In fact the drift was better than expected.

"1500 is good. Your captain will be pleased." Nihlus said before turning to head for the back of the ship. John glanced at him but said nothing.

"I hate that guy." Joker said and John smirked.

"Nihlus gave you a compliment...so you hate him?" Alenko queried.

"You remember to zip up your jumpsuit on the way out of the bathroom? That's good. I just jumped us halfway across the galaxy and hit a target the size of a pinhead. So that's incredible. Besides Spectres are trouble. I don't like having him onboard. Call me paranoid." Joker snarked.

"You're paranoid." Alenko chimed in, not missing a beat. "The Council helped fund this project. They have a right to send someone to keep an eye on their investment."

"Yeah that is the official story. But only an idiot believes the official story."

"They don't send Spectres on shakedown runs." John agreed.

"So there's more going on here than the captain's letting on." Joker said just before the comm came to life.

"Joker! Status report." Anderson ordered.

"Just cleared the mass relay, Captain. Stealth systems engaged. Everything looks solid."

"Good. Find a comm buoy and link us into the network. I want mission reports relayed back to Alliance brass before we reach Eden Prime."

"Aye, aye, Captain." Joker responded, already working away at his console. "Better brace yourself, sir. I think Nihlus is headed your way."

"He's already here, Lieutenant." John couldn't help but snicker at the look Alenko shot Joker. "Tell Commander Shepard to meet me in the comm room for a debriefing." The comm line cut out.

"You get that Commander?" Joker asked and John sighed.

"He sounded angry. Something must have gone wrong with the mission." John said, turning to head for the back of the ship. Joker snarked something but John missed it as he got moving. He headed by the others, nodding to Pressley and passing by Jenkins talking to Doctor Chakwas. When he got to the comm room he was surprised to find that Captain Anderson wasn't there and Nihlus was waiting for him instead. The Turian looked around and did the Turian equivalent of a smile when John moved inside.

"Commander Shepard. I was hoping you'd get here first. It will give us a chance to talk." Nihlus said.

"What about?" John asked. He'd never interacted with a Spectre before. This would be interesting.

"I'm interested in this world we're going to - Eden Prime. I've heard it's quite beautiful."

"They said it's a paradise." John replied. "I've never been there but if its anything like the colony I grew up on, it might be pretty close."

"Yes...a paradise. Serene. Tranquil. Safe. Eden Prime has become something of a symbol for your people, hasn't it? Proof that humanity can not only establish colonies across the galaxy, but also protect them. But how safe is it really?" Nihlus wondered and John frowned.

"Do you know something?" John demanded.

"Your people are still newcomers, Shepard. The galaxy can be a very dangerous place. Is the Alliance truly ready for this?"

"Were yours?" John snarked at the Turian as the doors to comm room opened. Nihlus's mandibles twitched before he grinned at Shepard.

"I think it's about time we told the commander what's really going on." Captain Anderson said as he came into the room.

"This mission is far more than a simple shakedown run." Nihlus began.

"I figured there was something you weren't telling us." John replied as turned to look at the captain.

"We're making a covert pick-up on Eden Prime. That's why we needed the stealth systems operational." Anderson explained.

"Why not tell me about this earlier, sir?" John asked.

"This comes down from the top, Commander. Information is strictly on a need-to-know basis. A research team on Eden Prime unearthed some kind of beacon during an excavation. It was Prothean." John gave a low whistle.

"Prothean, I'll be damned."

"This is big, Shepard." Anderson said. "The last time humanity made a discovery like this it jumped our technology forward two hundred years. But Eden Prime doesn't have the facilities to handle something like this. We need to bring the beacon back to the Citadel for proper study."

"Obviously, this goes beyond mere human interests, Commander. This discovery could affect every species in Council space." Nihlus said.

"It never hurts to have a few extra hands on board." John agreed.

"The beacon's not the only reason I'm here, Shepard."

"Nihlus wants to see you in action, Commander. He's here to evaluate you." Anderson explained.

"Guess that explains why I bump into you every time I turn around." John quipped.

"The Alliance has been pushing for this a long time. Humanity wants a large role in shaping interstellar policy. We want more say with the Citadel Council. The Spectres represent the Council's power and authority. If they accept a human into their ranks, it shows how far the Alliance has come."

"You held off an enemy assault during the Blitz single-handed." Nihlus complimented. "You showed not only courage but also incredible skill. That's why I put your name forward as a candidate for the Spectres." John rocked back on his heels. Being a Spectre was something he had never even considered before now. He glanced from Nihlus to Anderson.

"I assume this is good for the Alliance, sir?" John asked.

"Earth needs this, Shepard. We're counting on you."

"I need to see your skills for myself, Commander." Nihlus explained. "Eden Prime will be the first of several missions together."

"You'll be in charge of the ground team. Secure the beacon and get it onto the ship ASAP. Nihlus will accompany you to observe the mission."

"Just give the word, Captain." Shepard replied.

"We should be getting close to Eden-"

"Captain! We've got a problem!"

---

Jane looked over the movement of the 212 and nodded. Eden Prime was getting a good anti-raid ground force movement.

"What do you think, Commander?" Ash asked and Jane nodded at the woman. She had found the Gunnery Chief incredibly helpful in whipping the boys into shape.

"Slavers are never going to see this group coming." she said crossing her arms under her breasts.

"You would be the one to know. Your manuals are the most useful, I hear the Alliance command is going to vote on making them a mandatory training for new colonies." Ash said and Jane smiled. The Mindoir Review was the name of her manual, John had helped to build it, but it was Jane's baby. Admiral Hackett had become her best ally after Akuze, keeping her on active rotation and not shoved off to some corner of the Alliance to be kept under psych eval. With the help of Hackett, she had even gotten the current Command of the special tactics training force. While it meant moving from colony to colony, it meant she was still top of her field on safety procedure.

"This is starting to look like a slaver's nightmare." Jane grinned. Already two of her training colonies had been tried by fire and both had one hundred percent pass rates. Not a colonist taken, not a marine downed.

Cool dread ran down Jane's spine as the sound of ships began to roar in the air. She looked up and saw dark hulls with shapes reminiscent of insects. Blue energy blasts hit the nearest tower.

"What the hell?" Ash cried.

"Incoming!" Jane roared, hitting her comm. "This is not a drill. I repeat, this is Commander Jane Shepard, this is not a drill. Eden Prime is under attack!" She heard the sound of defense towers powering up and Jane prayed her training was enough. These were not Batarians, nor any Mercs she knew of. These didn't look like any ship currently on the watch list as a raider. This wasn't a raid. If it wasn't a raid, what the hell was it? Jane dropped to the ground, Ash on her tail as they headed toward their men.

---

"What's wrong, Joker?" Anderson demanded.

"Transmission from Eden Prime, sir. You better see this!"

"Bring it up on screen."

The camera was jerking, a feed from a helmet no doubt. Marines firing at something. Their stances ready but their faces reading shock. A blue blast illuminated the form of a woman running toward the camera. Her Phoenix armor easy to see in front of the tan and green background of Eden Prime.

"Get down!" she ordered, shoving the cameraman down into the ground, standing over them to fire fearlessly at her opponents. These people were being blitzed but she didn't hesitate to protect. A series of explosions rocked the camera. Blue blasts unlike the regular fair of mercs rocked the camera. Men firing filled the screen and for a moment a figure wrapped in biotic blue held up her hands, blocking fire.

"Retreat!" Jane Shepard ordered firing a pistol with one hand and creating a massive barrier with the other. The camera moved away from the group and a man ran into the camera's view.

"We are under attack! Taking heavy casualties. I repeat: heavy casualties! We can't..." he cried out as a blast hit close to him. His words were lost for a moment "...need evac! They came out of nowhere. We need-" He cried out as he was hit, dropping to the ground. Alien ships filled the sky and the sound of an unknown engine droned along with the sound of gunfire.

"Come on, Marine!" Jane cried, her face appearing above the camera, more likely than not grabbing the soldier under the arm to drag him or her to safety. The camera shot back up to the sky before vanishing to static.

"Everything cuts out after that. No comm traffic at all. Just goes dead. There's nothing." Joker explained.

"Reverse and hold at 38.5." Anderson ordered. John watched as the image rewound and felt his heart leap into his throat as Jane's face flashed by the screen again. The image paused and showed the image of ship like nothing John had ever seen before. He stared at the screen with the others. 'What the hell was it?'

"Status report, Joker!" Anderson ordered.

"Seventeen minutes out, Captain. No other Alliance ships in the area."

"Take us in, Joker. Fast and quiet." Anderson ordered. "This mission just got a lot more complicated."

"Reverse to 23.7." John said. Anderson blinked and turned to the Commander.

"Did you see something, Shepard?" He asked. John nodded as the image rewound and Jane's image came up again, from when she was shielding the group from enemy fire.

"Someone actually. That's my sister, Jane Shepard. Last I heard from her she had been on a colony briefing tour. Eden Prime must have been her latest stop." John said, scowling.

"I've heard about your sister, a powerful biotic. She was the sole survivor after Thresher Maws wiped out her squad on Akuze, wasn't she?" Nihlus asked.

"Yes and she hasn't been able to let that go." John said, frowning at the screen.

"You need to focus on the mission, Commander." Anderson prodded gently.

"Sir, I'm focused." John said and nodded to his sister's image on the screen. "If anyone knows what is happening on Eden Prime my sister will make it her business to be that person."

"Then finding her and the beacon will be our top priorities." Nihlus said, leaving the room. "I for one want to find out what in the Spirit's names is going on down there."

---

Jane held up her hand and looked at her remaining men. The anger she felt was not like Akuze. Akuze was nature, a damn nest of wild animals that had resulted in tragedy, this, this was war and her men were giving back better than she could hope. Still, the enemy's weapons were powerful; it made her work to keep her barriers up.

"Commander, what are those things?" Duncan asked and Jane looked at the man.

"They are synthetics and the only synthetics I know about...are the geth." she stated and the group got quiet.

"Is that...is that even possible?" Ash whispered and Jane chuckled.

"We're fighting synthetics aren't we?" she said and Ash's face hardened with a nod. "We need to keep them from the heart of the colony. The good thing is the defense towers are doing some good work and for whatever reason, they are attacking out here. I managed to get the colony ready so hopefully the civilian casualties will be limited to the support staff out here."

"Commander, how long till we can expect back up?" Mancuso asked and Jane shook her head.

"Don't think about back up, think only about destroying the enemy to see and then moving on to the next target. Those with sniper training, get to high ground. Assault teams, you need to wait till you hear the snipers give the ready signals. Remember, scatter, synthetics go by logic, do what they won't expect and they can't hit you." Jane ordered as she saw a downed hover bike. "I'm going to hit the ridge. Duncan take that comm tower to the east. Morgan take the cliff to the west. That should give us eyes on the field. Take out the bastards that are in small groups until you hear us give eyes."

"Yes, ma'am!" the reply came.

Jane raced to the ridge, her shield blocking more than one pop shot from the geth before she set the bike down, there were a few downed branches and she quickly hid the bike.

"Commander, I got the comm tower functioning, small range only, no deep space calls." Duncan stated and Jane grinned. Comms were up.

"Good man, give me eyes." she ordered as she used her biotics to help her scale a tree.

"They're massacring civilians." Morgan growled.

"Do not start engaging yet, I know it is hard. But if we don't prepare the others we lose everyone." Jane ordered. Her jaw grit as she lay down on a branch and looked through the scope. The damn geth were everywhere. "I've got an eye over the port, it's a deathtrap, it is crawling with the metal bastards."

"I see a clear shot to the beacon." Morgan stated.

"Only a handful on the path to the camp." Duncan added.

"Let's clean house marines, shoot those glowing bastards in the face, those look like optics, let's aim for those." Jane ordered, taking aim on a geth racing after a woman. A small group was moving for one of the storage containers. The head of the geth jerked as Jane's shot went through it. The unit staggered, whipping its head back and forth in confusion, the next shot blasted through its chest, dropping it.

---

"I don't like this." Shepard said. His eyes were focusing on the small path on the side of the hill. Ever since Jenkins had been gunned down by those drones, he'd been feeling on edge.

"How so, sir?" Alenko asked.

"That appears to be the dig site just down that hill so where-?" John was cut off as someone came barrelling towards them. She was wearing a ridiculously colored armor set in white and pink. She was bering pursued by a set of drones. She dove down and went skidding, opening fire at them with her pistol. The drone went down.

"Someone like that is just asking to be shot at or she's so good that she doesn't care about blending in." John muttered, unstrapping his own rifle.

"Commander look!" Kaidan exclaimed. They turned, seeing two synthetics forcing a man to lay on his back on a small platform. As he did a spike shot up, impaling the man and lifting him several feet into the air.

"Open fire!" John shouted as the woman scrambled behind some rocks for cover. As Kaidan began to shoot from the distance John charged.

During N-school it became widely known that Jane Shepard was one of the best shots ever. When you put a sniper rifle in her hands, she could make it work wonders. To this day she was the only one to ricochet a round and hit two targets with that one bullet. Her brother John, while not as good a shot as her, was damn fine in his own right. He could probably out shoot her if he put his mind to it except for one fact.

John Shepard was brawler.

John charged the synthetics, his shields crackling around him stormed down at them. He switch his assault rifle for his shotgun and slammed shoulder first into one. As it went skidding, he turned and blasted the second in its head. The machine went down in a burst of white fluid and sparks. As the other struggled to pull itself up from where it had landed, John blasted it in the back. It went down again and stayed down this time.

As he glanced around to check for more enemies, and findings none, he turned back to see Alenko approaching the woman. John went over as well. He needed to know what was going on around here...

John glanced around at the ruins and open courtyard. This certainly looked old enough, they had to be getting close.

---

"How much farther Williams?" He asked.

"Sir, this is the dig site." Ashley said in frustration. "The beacon was right here. It must have been moved."

"By who?" Kaidan mused. "Our side? Or the geth?"

"Hard to say." Williams responded. "Maybe we'll know more after we check out the research camp."

"You think anyone got out of here alive?" John asked.

"If they were lucky and the Commander was watching. She'd have done everything she could to get them to safety. That woman has more drive than anyone I've ever met." Williams mused and John couldn't help but smile. That sure sounded like Jane. "There's a camp just on top of this ridge. Up the ramps. Maybe they're hiding there."

"Move out. Let's check out this camp." John ordered. They quickly moved up the hill in standard three man squad formation. Then John's comm system chirped as some patched in.

"Change of plans, Shepard. There's a small spaceport up ahead. I want to check it out. I'll wait for you there." Nihlus informed them.

"Copy that, Nihlus. We'll meet you there after we check out a research camp just above the dig site. Also, the beacon has been moved. Haven't found out if it was by the geth or local Alliance personnel yet." John said.

"I'll keep an eye out for it. Nihlus out." Nihlus said and the comm snapped off.

---

As they came up the hill John felt his heart beat spike as he saw more people onto of those spikes.

"Looks like they hit the camp hard." Williams muttered.

"It's a good place for an ambush, keep your guard up." Kaidan advised her. John was looking around as Kaidan spoke and jerked when he saw one of the spikes retract, lowering the victim. Then the person began to get up.

"Oh, god. They're still alive!" Kaidan exclaimed. John frowned at that. Yes they were moving but something about them was...off.

"What did the geth do to them?" Williams said, horrified. John pulled out his rifle but didn't take aim yet.

"Sir, please stay where you are. We'll get you medical attention but please remain still." John ordered as even more spikes began to lower. The man moaned and began to move towards them. His skin was black, like polished armor. His veins were glowing blue as were his eyes. He moved towards them rapidly, arms stretched out at them.

"Sir, remain where you are or we will open fire!" John tried again but raised his rifle, the others on his squad also arming themselves. John sighed in relief when the man did stop moving not far from them. Then, just as John began to lower his gone the man seemed to shimmy and then gave off a burst of energy. John blinked in shock as his shields shimmered into view just before dropping.

"Open fire!" John ordered. He quickly dropped the one who had brought down their shields as the Kaidan and Williams quickly dealt with the other two.

"Why would the geth turn these people into those husk things, Commander?" Kaidan said, breathing hard.

"I have no idea, LT." John said. "But I'm going to stop them from doing it to anyone else on Eden Prime."

John jerked his head when he heard a gunshot go off in the distance.

"Move it people! Double time it!"

---

Jane gripped the tree, aiming at geth. She had heard her men cry out and ordered them to medigel and play dead. It was too much, the synthetics were too good, it was going to get them killed. This part of the colony was ruined and the smells were like those in Meer except there was a distinct lack of burning flesh. This wasn't a raid, they didn't want survivors, this was a massacre and no witnesses were desired. Jane had watched what happened to the civilians taken alive. Impaled and left for dead, except, they weren't dying, they were being mechanized.

Duncan and Morgan had both had to retreat, she had ordered comm silence when everything had gone FUBAR. She had seen Ash's hideous Phoenix armor retreating to the training grounds. This was a kind of hell and she was furious, she wanted a piece of whoever did this to Eden Prime. The branch below her was marked, a slice for each geth she took down, but there were so damn many and they just kept coming, but many were drawn to her kill zone, investigating the downed units no doubt, but she made sure to graze them as they fell, twisting them so the bodies didn't have a pattern as they fell, no triangulation for the machines...she hoped.

A flash of red and black glided across the field heading to the port. Jane quickly focused on the red and black object. It had been quiet but the geth were moving back and forth, searching. She blinked in surprise, that was no geth, it was a Turian. She had had little involvement with them, they didn't care for biotics and Jane kept away from where she wasn't wanted. The fringe dictated he was a male, was he a merc stupid enough to be working with the geth? He was moving cautiously. No. He was not here with the geth. The white markings on his dark skin stood out, he was a warrior. Something moved on the port and she focused, a second Turian. This one in darker armor, no colony marking and...cybernetic implants. This was a Turian who had been through hell. She watched.

The red and black armored one moved forward, inching toward the other. He lowered his weapon. The two knew each other, the red and black one was shocked to see the second. His mouth moved and Jane mentally swore. Damn Turian lips were practically impossible to read. He was shocked though, the body language spoke of confusion while the other Turian's body spoke of confidence. They knew each other, she zoomed in as far as she could, watching the red and black lower his weapon. Trust, this one trusted the other. The second placed a hand on the others shoulder, a friendly gesture, Turians weren't for a lot of touching. They were well acquainted if a hand on the shoulder was a greeting. The second moved behind the first and the red and black was talking. They stood back to back for a moment, the red and black looking shocked but somewhat relaxed, he trusted the other one. Jane wanted to shout out a warning as the second turian pulled his pistol casually and aimed it at the red and black's head. Smooth, calm, deliberate. Jane watched blue blood fly and the red and black drop. Her finger was on the trigger ready to fire, but then she watched in shock as geth began to approach the betraying Turian.

Jane shook with rage as she looked at the Turian, he was clearly ordering the geth. Turians were the major supporters of no AI, viciously monitoring other races for the slightest toeing of the AI line, this Turian was a betrayer and he had brought the geth here. Jane focused on his face, cybernetics marred his form but Jane would remember him and she would be more than happy to put a bullet through his head, but surrounded by geth, she wasn't going to get a clean shot. They headed to the tram and Jane knew she needed to get down.

Jane was moving around the port, looking for a way to get down there, that Turian was up to something and she didn't want to let him get too far ahead. Geth were crawling over the port and a few bodies were slowly turning into those husk things. She would never make it to the port and she swore.

"Damn it." she hissed, there was the sound of chatter and she quickly looked to the hill, three forms appeared, one wearing a familiar Phoenix armor and the gate of the middle was unmistaken. The geth on the port released the husks and Jane watched as they advanced. The three were firing quickly but they were overheating their weapons. Jane smirked as she aimed. Two geth were approaching fast and the trio on the hill were busy with the husks. Four shots and the two geth were down.

"Nice save, baby sister." John called and Jane jumped from the cliff above them, rolling to her feet and smirking at him.

"Only by fourteen minutes." she reminded him. "When did you get here?"

"We've been on the ground for about thirty minutes. We saw the emergency transmission on the way here for a pick up." he said and Jane nodded."This is my LT, Kaidan Alenko. Alenko, this is my younger sister, Commander Jane Shepard."

"I wish it were under better conditions, LT. So, you were coming for the beacon." she said. Alenko nodded.

"Commander, you're alright!" Ash blurted out and Jane smiled at her.

"You did good, Gunnery Chief. We need to get moving." Jane said before moving toward the camper. "There are civilians in there."

"Everybody stay calm out there. We're coming out. We're not armed." a voice called as Jane approached.

"Is it safe? Are they gone?" the woman Jane saved asked and she smiled.

"You're okay now. Nobody's going to hurt you." Jane said.

"Those things were crawling all around the shed. They would have found us for sure. We owe you our lives." the man leading the group said and Jane nodded.

"I know, I helped you get to safety to begin with." she said, patting her rifle and the woman's eyes widened.

"I-I still can't believe it. When we saw that ship I thought it was all over!" the woman said and Jane nodded she knew that feeling all too well herself.

"It showed up right before the attack. Knew it was trouble the second I saw it. So we made a break for the sheds." the man said.

"You covered them." John said and Jane nodded.

"Get the civilians safe before confronting the enemy." she stated.

"Tell me everything you remember about the attack." John said.

"The three of us were working the crops when that ship showed up. We just saw it and ran. I don't know what happened to the rest of the crew." the man confessed.

"They were by the garage. Over near the spaceport. Right where that ship came down. No way they survived." the other man said.

"You don't know that! We survived. If they made it to the garage, they could've had a fighting chance!" the woman cried. John shot Jane a look, she looked away. She had seen too many bodies to hope for that.

"What else can you tell me about the ship you saw?" John asked. Jane kept quiet, she and Ash had seen it in action, John, he was a newcomer and he needed to collect data, he would ask them later.

"I was too busy running to get a clear look at it. I think it landed over near the spaceport." the first man said, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Tell them about the noise, Cole. That awful noise." the woman cried and Jane nodded. That noise had been awful, like a synthetic war cry.

"It was emitting some kind of signal as it descended. Sounded like the shriek of the damned. Only it was coming from inside your own head." Cole said and Jane caught Ash nodding in agreement.

"It was probably trying to block communications." John said.

"Whatever it was, felt like it was tearing right through my skull. Almost made it impossible to think." Cole said. Jane thought about it, she had drowned out the sound with the adrenaline rush of combat, it had faded in her head making the whole thing a nightmare.

"We have to go." John said about to turn when the other man spoke.

"Hey, Cole. We're just a bunch of farmers. These guys are soldiers. Maybe we should give them the stuff." he said and Jane gritted her teeth. They were hording supplies?

"Geez, Blake. You gotta learn when to shut up!" Cole snapped.

"You have something to tell me, Cole?" John asked and Jane kept her body still, best to let John do his thing as rescue party leader.

"Some guys at the spaceport were running a small smuggling ring. Nothing major. In exchange for a cut of the profits, we let them store packages in our sheds." Cole said and Jane shook her head. Sometimes colonists were so shortsighted; hopefully it wasn't anything that would have saved any of the lives, just something useful.

"You're breaking the law, Cole." John stated and Cole had the decency to look unsettled.

"We're not hurting anybody! Hell, most of the time, I don't even know what's in the packages. I just thought there might be something we could use. I found a pistol. Figured it would come in handy if those things came back. But you'll probably get more use out of it than we will." he rambled and Jane felt better knowing that Cole was probably thinking about the lives that could have been saved if capable soldiers had had the equipment in his shed as he handed the pistol over.

"We're risking our lives to save this colony. You sure there's nothing else in here that could help us out?" John asked and Jane fought the urge to smirk. John's charm, who could resist...besides his twin.

"Yeah, there's one more thing. I was going to sell it after this was over. But you probably deserve it more than I do." Cole sighed handing over a satchel.

"Who's your contact at the spaceport, Cole? What's his name?" Ash demanded and John looked at Jane, there was a clear look to reign in her subordinate.

"He's not a bad guy. I don't want to get him in trouble. Besides, I'm not a snitch!" Cole quickly covered, they were going to lose him if Ash was too aggressive. Jane held out her hand to Ash and gave her a look. Ash wasn't happy, but Jane knew how to play John's game.

"He might have something to do with this whole attack, Cole. We need his name. It's important." Jane said, giving Cole an honest look. He met her eyes and then looked down.

"Yeah, okay. You're right. His name's Powell. Works the docks at the spaceport. If he's still alive." Cole sighed and Jane nodded.

"We have to go." John said and they moved out.

"Jane, have you seen a Turian Spectre running around?" John asked once they were out of earshot of the farmers.

"Huh, he was a Spectre..." Jane said, holding her hand out. "You need to hear my report, John." He looked at her. "I was covering the port, you can see my work around here. It was a lull in geth activity. I saw a Turian in red and black armor approaching."

"That's Nihlus." John said.

"He reached the spaceport, John, but someone was waiting for him. There was a second Turian, I didn't see him sneak onto the port platform. He was good. Nihlus trusted him, seemed surprised to see him. They greeted each other in a friendly manner, then when Nihlus' back was turned the second Turian shot him in the back of the head. Your Spectre friend never saw it coming." Jane said and John stared at her.

"Could you hear them?" he asked and Jane shook her head. "Take me to him." They quickly reached Nihlus' body.

"That's Nihlus." Kaidan afirmed and Jane nodded.

"Damned traitor didn't even flinch, it was an execution, he didn't want anyone who could identify him to left alive. He took a train to the next platform." Jane sighed and there was movement, all four lifted their weapons.

"Something's moving! Over behind those crates!" Ash cried and a man popped out.

"Wait! Don't-don't shoot! I'm one of you! I'm human." he cried, holding up his hands.

"Sneaking up on us like that nearly got you killed!" Jane chided, shaking her head at him.

"I...I'm sorry. I was hiding. From those creatures." the man said. "My name's Powell. I saw what happened to that turian. The other one shot him." Jane gave a look to John and he nodded.

"I need to know how Nihlus died." John said. Jane hoped Powell had been close enough to hear something useful.

"The other one got here first. He was waiting when your friend showed up. He called him Saren. I think they knew each other." Powell said. Saren, Jane's eyes narrowed, she had a name to the face and he was a dead Turian. "Your friend seemed to relax. He let his guard down...and Saren killed him. Shot him right in the back. I'm just lucky he didn't see me behind the crates."

"Where'd Saren go after he killed Nihlus?" John asked.

"He jumped on the cargo train and headed over to the other platform. Probably going after the beacon." Powell said. "I knew that beacon was trouble. Everything's gone to hell since we found it. First that damn mother ship showed up. Then the attack. They killed everyone. Everyone! If I hadn't been behind the crates I'd be dead, too." Jane recognized Powell's posture, he was about to lose it.

"How come you're the only one who survived? Why didn't anyone else try to hide behind the crates?" John asked, suspicious.

"They never had a chance. I...I was already behind the crates when the attack started." Powell hissed and Jane could hear the guilt in his voice.

"Wait a minute. You were hiding behind the crates before the attack?" Kaidan asked.

"I...sometimes I need a nap to get through my shift. I sneak off behind the crates to grab forty winks where the supervisor can't find me." Cole confessed.

"You survived because you're lazy?" Ash hissed.

"Stand down, Gunnery Chief." Jane stated and Ash gave her a look.

"If you hadn't snuck off for that nap you'd probably be dead just like all the others." John said and Jane nodded as she looked at Powell.

"Yeah. Yeah, I guess. I don't really want to think about it." Cole said.

"You're Cole's contact here on the docks. For the smuggling ring." Jane pointed out and Powell looked nervous.

"What? No! I mean...what does it matter now? So I'm a smuggler? Who cares?" he cried, moving into defensive behavior. "My supervisor's dead. The entire crew's dead. It doesn't matter now, does it?"

"Anything hidden nearby that we could use against the geth?" John asked casually.

"A shipment of grenades came through last week. Nobody notices if a few small pieces go missing from the military orders." Powell stated and Jane reached out, stopping Ash as she moved forward threateningly.

"You greedy son of a bitch! We're out here trying to protect your sorry ass and all you can think about is how you can rip us off?!" Ash snapped.

"I never thought you'd actually need those grenades! Who'd want to attack Eden Prime? We're just a bunch of farmers! How was I supposed to know?" Powell cried holding up his hands.

"Just give me the grenades." John sighed and Jane gave Ash a look. Ash was furious and Jane could relate, who would be alive if there had been a few more grenades?

"They're yours. Take them. My smuggling days are over. I swear." Powell stated, handing over the grenades.

"We need to find that beacon before it's too late." John said.

"Take the cargo train. That's where the other turian went." Powell said. "I...I can't stay here. I need to get away from all this."

---

As the train stopped Jane quickly saw geth units. She pulled up a barrier.

"Get to the bombs!" she hissed as she took cover on the train and began sniping the easiest targets. She took three of the geth out quickly while the others ran for cover.

"Kaidan, you have the most experience with tech, disarm them!" John ordered. Kiadan rushed for the first bomb as the geth began to swarm them. John snarled and jammed the barrel of his shotgun in a geth's face. He pulled the trigger and the geth's head exploded. As the geth fell toward him, John grabbed the body. With a grunt he shoved it off. It was heavier than he expected it to be. He quickly dispatched another two that were just a few feet away.

"Ash, suppressing fire on the walkways!" Jane snapped. Williams opened fire, forcing the geth to take cover.

"Got it Commander!" Kaidan said. "It was data linked to the others so they all ran on the same timer. I know where the other bombs are!"

"Outstanding, Alenko." John said. "You lead the way. Stay behind me. "Williams, cover Alenko at all times while we clear out the way." John said, turning to his baby sister. "Jane, charge and barge."

"Oh fuck, I hate it when you do this." Jane said, but she was smiling. John smiled at her and cracked his neck. He primed a couple of grenades his left hand.

"I'm dropping them on the left." John informed her as they stormed up the ramp. The walkways were open but the geth were swiftly moving down them to get to the Alliance team.

"Ready?" John asked and Jane took a deep breath.

"Go!" She shouted and John bolted down the left walkway. The geth seemed to pause as a Alliance soldier came charging at them. John skirted past them, dropping grenades on the left side as he shot any geth in his path with the shotgun in his right hand. He reached the end of the walkway, diving behind a crate just as the grenades went off.

Then Jane opened fire from her end, having covered her brother till he was safe. John switched out for his rifle and opened fire from his end. Suddenly caught between two ends of gun fire, the geth were swiftly put down as Kaidan defused the bombs with Williams covering him.

Though Williams did give a low whistle as the two siblings stood, grinning at each other.

"We still got it." Jane said, gleefully.

---

Jane looked at the downed geth and husks. How many of the people she had gotten to know had died here.

"He intended to decimate the colony." Jane stated to John and he nodded.

"We stopped him." John said giving Jane a smile.

"Not fast enough." she sighed as they approached the beacon. It was glowing with activity, it hadn't been doing that before.

"Normandy, the beacon is secure. Request immediate evac." John called into his comm. Jane stared at the beacon.

"This is amazing. Actual working Prothean technology. Unbelievable!" Kaidan stated as the three moved away from John relaying the status of the mission.

"It wasn't doing anything like that when they dug it up." Ash stated before turning to Jane. "Commander. We didn't get a chance to talk when we rendezvoused. The rest of the team…" Ash began as John approached.

"It happens, Williams. Sadly, I know how it goes more than most." Jane said before movement caught the corner of her eye. Kaidan was being pulled toward the beacon, some force was dragging him toward it. Jane reacted, she ran at him as he was being pulled and wrapped around him from behind, pulling his feet back to the ground. The force was lifting him up and she ripped him around, throwing him away from the beacon and putting herself right in its grip.

"Shepard!" Kaidan cried.

Jane tried to pull back but the force lifted her up into the air, pulling her arms to her sides. Light flashed in her brain, it was like a biotic migraine being drilled into her brain.

"No! Don't touch her! It's too dangerous!" Ash cried.

"Jane!" John cried. Her body flinched as the pictures formed in her brain. Circuitry. Death. The pleading of alien life forms. She grimaced as her eyes opened but she saw nothing but was being forced into her brain. Tissue being mechanized, organic to synthetic. Her body convulsed but was trapped in the beacon's hold. Organic life begging as synthetics wreaked havoc. Jane's last thought was the realization that she was falling before she was unconscious.

---

"Jane! JANE! WAKE UP GOD DAMN IT!" John screamed, trying to get Jane on her feet. He'd already tried smelling salts but she wouldn't move.

"Sir, she needs medical attention." Kaidan tried. John nodded, picking up his sister in his arms, cradling her to his chest.

"Get the Normandy to the port, now! And tell Dr. Chakwas we have wounded incoming!" John ordered, storming for the port. Williams let out a deep breath as the Commander stormed away with his sister. When Alenko finished contacting the Normandy, he broke into a trot to follow, Williams moving along with him.

"Is the Commander always like that?" she asked.

"Not really." Alenko said. "From what I've heard, the sister if all the Commander has left of his family. I know how I'd feel if some alien device mind melded with my last living relative and knocked her down."

Williams nodded. She'd be going sparse too if that was one of her sisters.

"Come on, let's catch up to the Commander. I still have to get Jenkins..."

---

On the alien mother ship as it moved through space. Benezia approached Saren, the turian was not pleased.

"We identified the ship that touched down on Eden Prime. The Normandy. A human Alliance vessel." she stated. "It was under the command of Captain Anderson. They managed to save the colony."

"And the beacon?" Saren asked.

"One of the humans may have used it." she reported aware that this would not please him. Her prediction was correct as he began to growl; his head whipping back and forth before he began to throw things around the room. She gracefully dodged a few thrown items. He caught her face and she looked deep into his raging eyes.

"This human must be eliminated." he whispered.

---

When the ship's lights had dimmed for night watch, Dr. Chakwas had finally thrown him out. John had finally made it to the armory, and was in the middle of stripping his armor off when Captain Anderson showed up.

"Sir." John said snapping off a salute that was quickly returned. "I'm sorry I didn't report for debriefing right away."

"I understand Shepard, sometimes family problems take priority. How is she doing?" Anderson asked, not unkindly. John sighed and relaxed, rubbing at his face with his hand.

"Dr. Chakwas assures me she'll be fine. No brain damage. It was most likely the beacon exploding and the throwing her away that knocked her out. She hit the ground pretty hard." John said and Anderson sighed.

"And we still have no idea why the beacon acted this way?"

"No sir. According to Williams, it initially reacted to Lieutenant Alenko while I was radioing in. When Jane saw what was happening she pulled him away but got caught in the beacon's hold." John explained.

Anderson grunted and was silent for a moment.

"I've spoken with Alliance Command. As of 1800 hours today, Williams and your sister will be under my command as part of the Normandy's crew. Admiral Hackett even contacted me personally to enquire about her health. Apparently, a large number of her missions over the past few months have been assigned by him personally."

"Huh imagine that." John grunted. Anderson reached out and patted John on the shoulder.

"Get yourself cleaned up and get some rack time in a sleeper pod, Shepard. That's an order. We'll be at the Citadel tomorrow morning. You'll need yourself rested for when we have to deal with the politicians."

---

Earth Date: June 1st, 2183 CE, 0632 hours

Location: SSV Normandy, Approaching the Citadel

"Doctor, Doctor Chakwas? I think she's waking up." a voice said as Jane slowly felt herself returning to consciousness. She sat up, the distant pulse of a mass effect core told her she was on a ship.

"You had us worried there, Shepard. How are you feeling?" a woman in a science uniform asked and Jane looked at her before turning to see John and Kaidan. She was in a medical bay, a new one from the look of it.

"This is our chief medical officer, Dr. Chakwas." John said.

"Minor throbbing. Nothing serious. How long was I out?" Jane asked, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"About fifteen hours. Something happened down there with the beacon, I think." Chakwas said.

"It's my fault. I must have triggered some kind of security field when I approached it. You had to push me out of the way." Kaidan stated and Jane shook her head. She had acted on her protective instincts and saved a man.

"You had no way to know what would happen." Jane said before looking at the doctor.

"Actually, we don't even know if that's what set it off. Unfortunately, we'll never get the chance to find out." Dr. Chakwas said.

"The beacon exploded. Apparently, your head won and a system overloaded. The blast knocked you cold. We brought you back to the ship." John said and Jane shook her head.

"So it never occurred to you that there were perfectly suitable hospitals back on the colony?" she asked.

"It was better for you to come to the ship. We have the best medical equipment available." Dr. Chakwas stated and Jane began to respect the woman. The doctor knew her abilities and probably saved Jane some brain damage. "Physically, you're fine. But I detected some unusual brain activity, abnormal beta waves."

"So does that mean she has brain damage?" John teased.

"Still smarter than you." Jane shot back out of habit, a smile finding its way onto her lips.

"No damage. I noticed an increase in your rapid eye movement, signs typically associated with intense dreaming." Dr. Chakwas said and Jane looked down, remembering the flashes she had seen in her head. They didn't make sense.

"I saw...I'm not sure what I saw. Death. Destruction. Nothing's really clear." she said.

"Hmmm. I better add this to my report. It may...Oh Captain Anderson." Chakwas said as the door to the medical bay opened. Jane moved to her feet as Kaidan and John got into the attention stance.

"How's our XO's esteemed sister holding up, Doctor?" Anderson asked and Jane looked at the man. She had met him before at John's last promotion, he had apparently helped to rescue them from Midoir, but Jane had been under sedation at that time. Apparently John kept in touch with the man since.

"All the readings look normal. I'd say the Commander's going to be fine." Chakwas said.

"Glad to hear it. Shepard, Shepard, I need to speak with the both of you...in private." Anderson said and Jane raised an eyebrow.

"Aye, aye, Captain, I'll be in the mess if you need me." Kaidan stated, saluting before he left followed by the doctor.

"Sounds like that beacon hit you pretty hard, Commander. You sure you're okay?" Anderson asked, looking Jane over.

"I don't like soldiers dying under my command." Jane stated and John's hand landed on her shoulder.

"It wasn't your fault, Jane." he said.

"You did a good job, Shepard." Anderson added.

"What happened to Gunnery Chief Williams?" Jane asked and John smiled.

"We've acquired her. She proved to be a useful asset, so we're adding her to the Normandy's crew. Admiral Hackett contacted me when I reported we'd taken you aboard for medical treatment. You're with us till your next assignment since Eden Prime was your last scheduled deployment on the safety tour." he said and Jane smiled.

"Good for Ash." she said. "You said you needed to speak to the both of us, Captain?"

"I won't lie to you both. Things look bad. Nihlus is dead. The beacon was destroyed and geth are invading. The Council's going to want answers."

"I didn't do anything wrong, Captain. Hopefully, the Council can see that." John said.

"I should have taken the shot, I could have killed Saren, I had him scoped but...he knew Nihlus." Jane sighed, fisting her hands.

"You couldn't have known about the mission and I will stand behind both of you and your reports. You're a pair of damned heroes in my books. That's not why I'm here. It's Saren." Anderson said. "Saren's a Spectre, one of the best. A living legend. But if he's working with the geth, it means he's gone rogue. A rogue Spectre's trouble. Saren's dangerous. And he hates humans."

"I saw him giving them orders with my own two eyes." Jane said and Anderson nodded.

"He didn't come to Eden Prime because he hates humans." John added.

"You're right. Saren has allied himself with the geth. I don't know how. I don't know why. But it had something to do with that beacon." Anderson said before looking at Jane. "You were there just before the beacon self-destructed. Did you see anything? Any clue that might tell us what Saren was after?" Jane leaned back against the medical table and looked down. Troubled by what she was about to say.

"Just before I lost consciousness, I had some kind of vision." she confessed.

"A vision?" John asked, concerned.

"A vision of what?" Anderson asked and Jane blushed as she told the unbelievable truth.

"I saw synthetics. Geth, maybe. Slaughtering people. Butchering them." Jane said, shrugging.

"We need to report this to the Council, Shepard." Anderson said and Jane looked up at him.

"What are we going to tell them? I had a bad dream?" she asked and John looked at her with concern.

"We don't know what information was stored in that beacon. Lost Prothean technology? Blueprints for some ancient weapon of mass destruction? Whatever it was, Saren took it." Anderson said and Jane clenched her fist. She wanted to take Saren down for Eden Prime, but to talk about a vision, the Council would laugh the markings right off their own faces. "But I know Saren. I know his reputation, his politics. He believes humans are a blight on the galaxy. This attack was an act of war!" Jane looked up at that. "He has the secrets from the beacon. He has an army of geth at his command. And he won't stop until he's wiped humanity from the face of the galaxy!" Jane clenched her fists. She knew the Council was going to laugh, but she at least had to let them know the truth.

"I'll find some way to take him down." John said and Jane looked at him.

"You're not doing it alone. I won't hesitate the next time I see his cowardly face." she said.

"It's not that easy. He's a Spectre. He can go anywhere, do almost anything. That's why we need the Council on our side." Anderson said and the twins looked at each other.

"We prove Saren's gone rogue and the Council will revoke his Spectre status." John said.

"Then we let him get right in our kill zone." Jane added.

"I'll contact the ambassador and see if he can get us an audience with the Council. He'll want to see us as soon as we reach the Citadel." Anderson said. "We should be getting close. Head up to the bridge and tell Joker to bring us in to dock." With that Anderson walked out of the room. Jane closed her eyes as John gave her a hug.

"Next time you get your brains fried by a piece of 50,000 year old technology, I'm leaving you there." he said, ruffling her hair and she gave him a look.

"No you won't." she said. "What kind of a name is Joker?"

"I actually don't know the story behind that. I only just met the crew a little over a month ago. Captain Anderson hand picked most of us." John said as they exited the medical bay. Jane smiled as she saw Ash by the mess hall tables.

"Commander, how are you doing?" she asked and Jane smiled.

"I've been better, but my brain is intact, so I'm not going to complain. You might want to come up to the bridge, we're going to be pulling into the Citadel and I don't know about you, but I've never been there before." Jane said before turning around and nearly running into Kaidan.

"I'm glad you're okay, Commander. The Commander, your brother, could use some good news after what happened to Jenkins." Kaidan said and Jane looked down.

"So I wasn't the only one who lost men." she sighed and looked at John as he gave her a look. What did he think just because she was talking to a man she was preparing to mount him? "It is always a hard day when men are lost. Your barriers are pretty good."

"Thanks, you were pretty impressive with your biotics too." Kaidan said and Jane smiled.

"Well, I want a good view pulling into the Citadel, this is my first visit." she said as she headed toward her brother. "Say anything and I'll punch you in the testicles."

"I didn't say a thing." John stated holding his hands up.

"You were thinking something inappropriate. Really, John, I just met the man." Jane huffed as she caught up with Ash.

"By the way, I have your gear stored in a locker downstairs." John said and Jane smiled.

"Did you get my duffle too?" she asked and John ruffled her hair again.

"Of course I did."

"Thanks John." Jane said as they passed the Destiny Ascension and Ash began to go exclaim over the ship's size.

The view as they were pulling into the Citadel was amazing, Jane was glad she came up to see it from here.

---

Earth Date: June 1st, 2183 CE, 0900 hours

Location: Office of Earth Ambassador

"This is an outrage! The Council would step in if the geth attacked a turian colony!" Udina snarled and Jane was not impressed with the little man barking at the Council. This was going to make her 'vision' so much easier for them to dismiss.

"The turians don't found colonies on the boarders of the Terminus Systems, Ambassador." Councilor Valern stated.

"Humanity was well aware of the risks when you went into the Traverse." Councilor Tevos added.

"What about Saren? You can't just ignore a rogue Spectre. I demand action!" Udina cried and Jane gave John a look. He stood at attention but rolled his eyes.

"You don't get to make demands of the Council, Ambassador." Councilor Sparatus snapped.

"Citadel Security is investigating your charges against Saren. We will discuss the C-Sec findings at the hearing. Not before." Councilor Tevos said and the holograms phased out. Udina looked pissed and Jane felt a migraine about to happen. Maybe she could fling the man off the balcony and claim random biotic flare up.

"Captain Anderson, I see you brought half your crew with you." Udina sneered. Even better, the ambassador didn't care for the Captain.

"Just the ground team from Eden Prime. In case you had any questions." Anderson said, a far better diplomat than Udina.

"I have the mission reports. I assume they're accurate?" Udina stated in a clipped tone.

"They are. Sounds like you convinced the Council to give us an audience." Anderson stated.

"They were not happy about it. Saren's their top agent. They don't like him being accused of treason." Udina said.

"Saren's a threat to every human colony out there. He needs to be stopped. The Council has to listen to us!" John stated.

"Settle down, Commander. You've already done more than enough to jeopardize your candidacy for the Spectres." Udina sneered and Jane gave John a glare from the corner of her eye. Spectre? When the hell was he going to tell her about that? "The mission on Eden Prime was a chance to prove you could get the job done. Instead, Nihlus ended up dead and the beacon was destroyed!"

"That was my fault, not John's." Jane stated. "There are two Commander Shepards but only one of us was being looked at as a Spectre. I caused the beacon's destruction, not John."

"Then we better hope the C-Sec investigation turns up evidence to support our accusations. Otherwise the Council might use this as an excuse to keep John Shepard out of the Spectres." Udina stated and Jane wondered how far she could throw the bastard. "Come with me, Captain. I want to go over a few things before the hearing. Shepards, you and the others can meet us at the Citadel Tower. Top level. I'll make sure you have clearance to get in." As the Captain and the Ambassador walked out and the doors closed Ash turned around.

"And that's why I hate politicians." she hissed and Jane nodded.

"I keep wondering how far I could throw him." Jane stated.

"Further than I can." John chuckled.

"That's the benefit of biotics." she replied before punching him hard in the kidney and he dropped to his knee.

"What was that for?" he hissed.

"A Spectre, John? When the hell were you going to tell me that I mess up your chances to be a Spectre?" Jane snapped and he looked up at her.

"I found out right before we got your distress call." John snapped back and Jane sighed as she helped him up.

"Oh, God...just great…we have to bring Saren down now." Jane sighed. "I have to make up for doing this to you."

"You didn't do this...Saren did." John said.

"Let's go see the human loving Council...I can't wait to tell them I had a bad dream." Jane groaned.

"Vision, it's not a dream, baby sister." John chuckled.

"By fourteen minutes." Jane muttered.

---

"Saren's hiding something! Give me more time. Stall them." The C-Sec officer cried in the pavilion as they exited the elevator.

"That doesn't sound good." Jane muttered.

"He has to be the lead investigator." Kaidan added.

"Stall the Council? Don't be ridiculous! Your investigation is over, Garrus." the other turian stated and Jane shook her head.

"Great, more bad news." Ash huffed as Garrus looked over at them. He nodded at both Shepards.

"Commander Shepard and Commander Shepard? Garrus Vakarian. I was the officer in charge of the C-Sec investigation into Saren." Garrus introduced himself.

"Sounds like you really want to bring him down." Jane said and Garrus crossed his arms across his chest.

"I don't trust him. Something about him rubs me the wrong way." Garrus stated. "But he's a Spectre; everything he touches is classified. I can't find any hard evidence."

"I think the Council's ready for us, Commanders." Kaidan said and Jane sighed as they began to move around Garrus.

"Thank you for trying, Officer Vakarian, we appreciate the attempt." she said and he nodded at her. They moved quickly across the massive garden before they saw Anderson.

"The hearing's already started. Come on." he said and they quickly followed him up the steps to the tiny podium in the center. The three Councilors stood across from them, clearly not in the mood to listen and a gigantic hologram of Saren looked down on them all. Jane's eyes narrowed on him, he looked more disturbing that big.

"The geth attack is a matter of some concern. But there is nothing to indicate Saren was involved in any way." Councilor Tevos said.

"The investigation by Citadel Security turned up no evidence to support your charge of treason." Councilor Sparatus snapped and Jane wondered if the turians would ever get over the First Contact War.

"Two eyewitnesses saw him kill Nihlus in cold blood!" Udina snarled and Jane looked at the Councilor in the eyes. What term would he use to insult her as a witness?

"We've read the Eden Prime reports, Ambassador. The testimony of one traumatized dockworker and a soldier of questionable stability who suffered the effects of a Prothean beacon are hardly compelling proof." Councilor Valern stated and Jane kept her cool. It was like Prothean beacons were like alcohol, too much of their effects and you weren't a reliable witness. Jane's eyes flickered up at the Saren hologram, was it her or was he staring at her.

"I resent these accusations. Nihlus was a fellow Spectre. And a friend." Saren stated with a tone that made Jane bite her tongue and remember the way he pulled his pistol and shot Nihlus in the back.

"That just let you catch him off guard!" Anderson snapped.

"Captain Anderson. You always seem to be involved when humanity makes false charges against me." Saren sneered and Jane got the feeling that there was a story there. "And this must be your protégé, Commander Shepard. The one who let the beacon get destroyed."

"You're the one who destroyed the beacon. Then you tried to cover it up." John stated and Jane stood still, the appearance of a perfect soldier.

"Shift the blame to cover your own failures, just like Captain Anderson. He's taught you well." Saren taunted. "But what can you expect from a human?"

"Saren despises humanity. That's why he attacked Eden Prime!" John shot back.

"Your species needs to learn its place, Shepard. You're not ready to join the Council. You're not even ready to join the Spectres!" Saren cried.

"He has no right to say that! That's not his decision!" Udina roared.

"Shepard's admission into the Spectres is not the purpose of this meeting." Councilor Tevos stated.

"Besides, if you want to blame anyone for the destruction of the beacon, it should be me." Jane stated.

"What?" Councilor Valern asked and Jane looked at each of the Councilors in the eye.

"The beacon was active; it attempted to attract a biotic teammate. I pulled him away and was pulled into its field instead. I suspect a biotic mind was what drew it and might have proven too much for it to handle and that is what overloaded the systems. It could have happened with any biotic, but we won't know now." Jane said. "Do not blame Commander John Shepard for the destruction of the beacon and do not consider it in his Spectre eligibility since he was completely uninvolved in the final detonation of the beacon."

"As I said, Shepard's admission into the Spectres is not the purpose of this meeting." Councilor Tevos repeated.

"This meeting has no purpose. The humans are wasting your time, Councilor. And mine." Saren sneered and Jane kept her attention on the Councilors.

"Saren's hiding behind his position as a Spectre. You need to open your eyes!" John cried.

"What we need is evidence. So far, we have seen nothing." Councilor Valern said.

"There is still one outstanding issue: Commander Jane Shepard's vision. It may have been triggered by the beacon." Anderson declared and Jane kept her face blank.

"Are we allowing dreams into evidence now? How can I defend my innocence against this kind of testimony?" Saren said and Jane kept her face calm and composed. She felt the despair, she knew it was going to fail, what was Anderson thinking?

"I agree. Our judgment must be based on facts and evidence, not wild imaginings and reckless speculation." Councilor Sparatus stated and Jane knew it was over.

"Do you have anything else to add, Commander Shepard?" Councilor Valern said, looking at Jane.

"You've made your decision. I won't waste my breath." she said before looking up at Saren. He was definitely looking at her this time.

"The Council has found no evidence of any connection between Saren and the geth. Ambassador, your petition to have him disbarred from the Spectres is denied." Councilor Tevos declared.

"I'm glad to see justice was served." Saren purred and Jane kept her eyes on him. Her sniper gaze, the kill stare, she didn't look away until his hologram was gone and she let her eyes return to her professional officer at attention when she looked back at the Council.

"This meeting is adjourned." Councilor Tevos announced and Jane turned on her heel, not looking back.

"It was a mistake bringing you into the hearing, Captain. You and Saren have too much history. It made the Council question our motives." Udina snapped and Jane looked at Anderson. What was the connection? Saren clearly knew the Captain and vice versa.

"I know Saren. He's working with the geth for one reason: to exterminate the entire human race. Every colony we have is at risk. Every world we control is in danger. Even Earth isn't safe." Anderson said. The conviction in his voice made Jane believe him.

"We need to deal with Saren ourselves." Jane stated.

"As a Spectre, he's virtually untouchable. We need to find some way to expose him." Udina stated and Jane wondered what connections the ambassador could provide.

"What about Garrus, that C-Sec investigator? We saw him arguing with the executor." Kaidan suggested and John nodded.

"That's right! He was asking for more time to finish his report. Seems like he was close to finding something on Saren." Ash added.

"Any idea where we could find him?" Jane asked.

"I have a contact in C-Sec who can help us track Garrus down. His name is Harkin." Udina said.

"Forget it. They suspended Harkin last month. Drinking on the job. I won't waste my time with that loser." Anderson replied and Jane wasn't surprised by the ambassador's choice of contact.

"You won't have to. I don't want the Council using your past history with Saren as an excuse to ignore anything we turn up. The Commanders will handle this." Udina ordered and John gave him a look of indignation.

"You can't just cut Captain Anderson out of this investigation." John said.

"No the Ambassador is right. I need to step aside." Anderson said and Jane understood why her brother respected this man so much.

"I need to take care of some business. Captain, meet me in my office later." Udina stated and Jane watched him go, not sorry to see him leave.

"Harkin's probably getting drunk at Chora's Den. It's a dingy little club in the lower section of the wards." Anderson sighed.

"Maybe there's another way to find evidence against Saren." John suggested.

"You should talk to Barla Von. Over in the financial district. Rumor has it he's an agent for the Shadow Broker." Anderson said.

"The Shadow Broker?" Ash asked.

"An information dealer. Buys and sells secrets to the highest bidder. I've heard Barla Von's one of the top representatives. He might know something about Saren. But his information won't come cheap." Anderson said and Jane wondered what it took to cut it in the information business.

"I'll find something to pin Saren down." John said and Anderson nodded at him.

"Good luck, Shepard...Shepards. I'll be over in the ambassador's office if you need anything else." Anderson said before walking away.

"So where do we go?" Ash asked and Jane looked at John.

"I'll take the Garrus lead." Jane said and John smiled.

"You should take Ash with you, you two have worked together more." John said and Jane nodded.

"Meet up in C-Sec at 1600." Jane said and John waved as the two groups split.

---

"Ah, what's this? One of the Earth-clan? Ah, a very famous one, yes? One of the Shepards." The Volus greeted as Kaidan and John entered the office. "It is a great honor to welcome the hero of the Blitz."

"You have me at a disadvantage, Mr-?"

"Forgive me, Earth-clan. my name is Barla Von. My job makes it necessary for me to keep informed. I am a financial advisor to many important clients here of the Citadel. When someone as important as yourself arrives on the station, I take notice."

"I heard you work for the Shadow Broker. Do you have information about Saren?" John asked. Barla Von took a deep breath of air before answering.

"You're very blunt Shepard. I am an agent for the Shadow Broker. And I do know something about Saren."

"So how much is the information I need?" John asked. Barla Von chuckled.

"Normally this information would cost a small fortune. But these are exceptional circumstances. So I'm going to give it to you for free."

"What's the catch?" Kaiden asked from behind the Commander.

"There is no catch." Barla Von replied. "The Shadow Broker is quite upset with Saren right now. They used to do a lot of business. Until Saren turned on him. I don't know the detail, but the Shadow Broker hired a freelancer to deal with it. A krogan Mercenary. Last I heard he way paying a visit to Citadel Security. If you hurry, you might catch him before he leaves the Academy."

"Isn't it strange that a krogan would want to speak with C-Sec?" John asked.

"Very. However, I doubt the visit was entirely his choice. You'll need to speak with him if you want to know more."

"Thanks you for your help." John said as he turned to go.

"Come back any time Commander. I'm sure the Shadow Broker would love to exchange information with you." Barla Von called after them. John shook his head as they left.

"C-Sec then?" Kaidan asked.

"Looks like." John said as headed for the elevator across the Presidium. "To be honest, they only time I've met a krogan is when they've been trying to kill me."

"Hopefully this one won't try to do that." Kaidan said, grinning. John laughed as they reached the elevator.

The ride down was quiet, some news report about biotic extremists seizing a ship made Kaidan sigh and shake his head. As the elevator reach bottom John saw him.

Covered with heavy red armor this krogan looked even bigger and meaner than any of the others John had seen. As they got nearer they heard the krogan arguing with the C-Sec officer. John waited, talking in the scene before him. The officer definitely had a set on him, arguing with the krogan like that. The krogan seemed amused by that and saw John watching them. As he stomped over to John, Kaidan muttered a quick prayer.

"Do I know you human?" the krogan growled.

"My name is Shepard. I'm going after Fist with my squad. Thought you might like to tag along."

"Ah...Shepard? Commander Shepard? I've heard a lot about you. Half the time they said you were a female. My name is Wrex." Wrex said, issuing a rumbling chuckle. John was glad he had the right krogan, not that there were any others here but still...

"That would be my sister you've heard about." John replied. Wrex issued that rumbling chuckle of his again.

"Well then Shepard with the quads, since we're both warriors I'll give you a fair warning. I'm going to kill Fist." Wrex growled.

"Fist knows you're coming." Kaidan explained. "We'll have a better chance if we all work together."

"My people have a saying." Wrex said after a moment. "Seek the enemy of your enemy, and you will find a friend."

"My squad will be here in a few minutes." John said, shaking Wrex's hand. "We'll all move out together. Glad to have you on the team Wrex."

---

Jane and Ash exited the Citadel transport and looked around.

"I'm thinking the financial district would have been more enjoyable." Jane sighed.

"It could be worse, Commander." Ash said as they moved to the walkway. The sound of gunfire brought Jane's barrier up. "I take that back...this is worse." They ducked down.

"Assassins or idiots?" Jane sighed.

"They seem to not like us whoever they are." Ash grumbled as she took a shot. Jane stood up and pulled one of the turians. He slipped over the railing and she let him go with her biotics.

"One down." Jane muttered, the turian screaming as he fell to his death.

"Two." Ash grinned and they finished off the idiots. "Too bad they couldn't tell us who they worked for."

"I'm going to assume Saren." Jane stated.

"More than likely." Ash added. They entered Chora's Den."A seedy strip joint...charming."

"At least we know that the boys are going to be working." Jane replied as she looked around. She saw C-Sec blue and walked over to the table. The man was almost old enough to be Jane's father.

"Hey there, sweetheart. You looking for some fun? 'Cause I gotta say that soldier getup looks real good on that bod of yours." Harkin purred as he looked over Jane's body. "Why don't you sit your sweet little ass down beside old Harkin? Have a drink and we'll see where this goes."

"I'll pass." Jane stated coolly.

"Suit yourself, princess. You know, if more marines looked like you, I might've joined the Alliance instead of C-Sec." Harkin stated and Jane wondered how much trouble she would get for flinging him across the room with biotics. Maybe one of the asari strippers would like to game of catch with the pervert.

"I'm looking for a C-Sec officer. A turian named Garrus." Jane said.

"Garrus? Ha! You must be one of Captain Anderson's crew. Poor bastard's still trying to bring Saren down, eh?" Harkin laughed and Jane felt the urge to punch him. She was starting to like the Captain. "I know where Garrus is. But you gotta tell me something first. Did the captain let you in on his big secret?"

"I just need to know where Garrus is." Jane stated but Harkin clearly wanted to play a game.

"But it's all related. Don't you see?" Harkin chuckled. "The captain used to be a Spectre. Didn't know that, did you? It was all very hush-hush. The first human ever given that honor. And then he blew it. Screwed up his mission so bad they kicked him out. Of course, he blames Saren. Says the turian set him up."

"Just tell me where Garrus went." Jane stated as she glared at the disgusting man.

"Garrus was sniffing around Dr. Michel's clinic." Harkin stated.

"Thank you." Jane said before she grabbed Harkin by the throat and shoved him into the wall, her biotics flickering around her. "I didn't need to hear your lies about Captain Anderson. I'm not part of his crew. I'm part of the surviving unit located on Eden Prime when the geth attacked. The next time you open your mouth to insult someone, make certain you know who you are speaking to. Keep your opinions to yourself, because it doesn't matter how many you have, if I kick them hard enough, they won't matter." Jane let him go and turned on her heel.

"Commander, have I told you how much I enjoy watching you work?" Ash asked and Jane grinned.

"I am so sorry, Gunnery Chief, I completely hogged that opportunity. Did you want a shot?" Jane asked and Ash shook her head.

"Nope, let's hit this clinic." Ash said as they approached.

Jane opened the clinic door and saw a group of thugs surrounding a woman and Garrus creeping along the floor rather stealthily.

"I didn't tell anyone. I swear!" the woman said, probably Dr. Michel.

"That was smart, Doc." one of the thugs growled and Jane put her hand on her pistol. "Now, if Garrus comes around, you stay smart. Keep your mouth shut or we'll..." His eyes landed on Jane, he quickly wrapped an arm around Dr. Michel's neck. "Who are you?" Jane looked at the thugs, keeping Garrus in the corner of her eye.

"Let her go!" Jane ordered. Garrus whipped around the corner, shooting the thug holding the doctor in the head. Jane fired with one hand and threw a barrier up around the doctor with the other. Jane and Ash shot through the open area of the wall while Garrus went around the corner. It was over quickly.

"Two-bit thugs." Jane muttered as she walked up to Garrus.

"Perfect timing, Shepard. Gave me a clear shot at that bastard." Garrus grinned and Jane gave him a glare.

"What were you thinking? You could've hit the hostage!" Jane scolded and Garrus looked genuinely surprised.

"There wasn't time to think! I just reacted. I didn't mean to...Dr. Michel? Are you hurt?" Garrus asked and Jane felt pleased to see the turian treating the human doctor so sweetly. She smiled.

"No. I'm okay. Thanks to you. All of you." Dr. Michel said and Jane approached the doctor.

"I know those men threatened you. But if you tell us who they work for, we can protect you." Jane said.

"They work for Fist. They wanted to shut me up, keep me from telling Garrus about the quarian." Dr. Michel said.

"Does this have anything to do with the investigation into Saren?" Jane asked, what would Garrus need with a quarian...unless the quarian had something on Saren?

"I think it might. Dr. Michel, tell us what happened?" Garrus asked.

"A few days ago, a quarian came by my office. She'd been shot, but she wouldn't tell me who did it. I could tell she was scared, probably on the run. She asked me about the Shadow Broker. She wanted to trade information in exchange for a safe place to hide." Dr. Michel explained.

"Where is she now?" Jane asked, quarians weren't a popular race since the geth. Many races didn't treat them kindly and if Saren knew this quarian had information on him, she could be in danger.

"I put her in contact with Fist. He's an agent for the Shadow Broker." Dr. Michel said.

"Not any more. Now he works for Saren, and the Shadow Broker isn't too happy about it." Garrus stated and Jane narrowed her eyes, this proved it, the quarian had something worth finding.

"Fist betrayed the Shadow Broker? That's stupid, even for him. Saren must have made him quite the offer." Dr. Michel commented. It said a lot about Fist that the doctor wasn't surprised.

"That quarian must have something Saren wants. Something worth crossing the Shadow Broker to get." Garrus grinned and Jane nodded.

"She must have something that proves he's a traitor. Did the quarian mention anything about Saren? Or the geth?" Jane asked.

"She did! The information she was going to trade. She said it had something to do with the geth." Dr. Michel added.

"She must be able to link Saren to the geth. There's no way the Council can ignore this!" Garrus cried and Jane nodded.

"Time to pay Fist a visit, let me call in the cavelry." Jane grinned as she began calling her brother.

---

"So four humans, a turian, and krogan walk into a bar..." Jane began.

"...and they all went inside and killed everyone." Wrex rumbled and John laughed and Jane pouted.

"Ruin all my fun." Jane said, but pulled out her gun with a sigh.

"Everyone ready?" John asked. They were on the walkways outside of Chora's Den. It was quiet, too quiet. It was better to go in with their guns out and get evil stares from possible patrons than get their heads shot off by an ambush. After everyone signaled their readiness John turned to Ashley by the door.

"Open it and have a look inside." He ordered. Ash nodded and quickly opened the door before stepping to the side as the others gathered around the corner. Ash didn't even have time to look in before the door way filled with bullets.

"Well they appear to be happy to see us." Garrus grumbled. John sighed and nodded at Jane.

"Pop it and drop it." Jane agreed. Both Shepards pull out a grenade.

"Count of three." John said.

"One...two...three!" Jane said. They both tossed in their grenades. Men shouted in alarm and tried to back away but then the grenades went off.

"Go, go, go!" John said. The squad swarmed in. There were merc and guards everywhere. The team quickly opened fire putting down most of the mercs but a krogan bouncer crashed into John, The two went skidding across the floor, up ending tables and chairs as they grappled.

"John!" Jane cried out. "Move away we can't get a shot!"

John had no intention of moving away. He let go of his shotgun and pulled his knife from his belt. He stabbed it up under the krogan's chin, jamming the six inch blade into the krogan's brain. The krogan dropped like a stone and John grunted as he rolled him off.

"When did you start carrying that?" Jane asked, amused. John groaned as his sister helped him to feet.

"Since that mission at Hoilant when we had to clear out that varen infestation as part of N-school field training." John muttered. Jane smiled.

"You still think that varen wouldn't have bitten you if you could have stabbed it." Jane asked as John grabbed his knife and gun. They headed for the door to the back room.

"Wouldn't have hurt." John said as they opened the door.

"Stop right there! Don't come any closer!" a man stammered. John rolled his eyes.

"Warehouse workers. All the real guards must be dead." Garrus muttered.

"This would be a good time to find somewhere else to work." John told them. The two works took in the sight of the squad, with John in front, the chest of his armor covered in drying krogan blood.

"Yeah. Yeah, right. That's a good idea."

"I never liked Fist anyway." The two workers ran off.

"Would have been easier to just kill them." Wrex rumbled as they moved inside. As they moved in Fist upturned his desk, diving behind it as two turrets rose from the ground to open fire. Everyone moved back.

"For Chrissake." Jane muttered rolling her eyes.

"I got this Commanders." Kaidan said. He moved to the edge of the hall. He peeked in, took a quick look around. He darted back as the turrets fire on him. Taking a deep breath his barrier flared to life. He peeked out again but this time sent two biotic pulls at the turrets. They turrets made large, grinding sounds before shearing completely off. They sputtered as they smashed against the wall.

"Nice work Kaidan." Jane praised as they entered the room.

"Thank you ma'am."

"Wait! Don't kill me! I surrender!" Fist said, crawling out from behind his desk. John shook his head as Garrus frowned. He picked up some optical discs that caught his eye and pocketed them for later review.

"Where's the quarian?" John demanded.

"She's not here! I don't know where she is, that's the trurth!" Fist replied.

"He's no use to you now. Let me kill him." Wrex rumbled, aiming his shotgun at Fist.

"Wait! Wait! I don't know where the quarian is, but I know where you can find her. She said she'd only deal with the Shadow Broker himself." Fist blurted out.

"Face to face? Impossible. Even I was hired through an agent." Wrex said. Fist slowly got to his feet.

"Nobody meets the Shadow Broker. Even I don't know his true identity. But she didn't know that. I told her I'd set up a meeting, but when she shows up, it'll be Saren's men waiting for her."

"Give me the location, now!" John demanded, yanking his Fist towards him.

"Here on the wards. The back alley by the markets." Fist said and John let the man go. "She supposed to meet them right now. You can make it if you hurry."

Wrex quickly raised his shotgun and shot Fist in the head. The man went down with a meaty thud.

"Drop the gun, krogan!" Ashley snapped turning her rifle on Wrex.

"The Shadow Broker paid me to kill him. I don't leave jobs half done." Wrex rumbled, giving Ashley a glare.

"Easy Ash, put the gun down." Jane told the Marine, while Garrus shook his head.

"Next time wait till I'm farther away, okay?" John retorted. "And when a prisoner surrenders next time, wait to talk to me before you kill them, okay? I know you have to fulfill a contract but I may want to ask about something else besides what we need to know. Now let's go!"

---

Jane stared at the remains of Fist's head and looked at the Krogan and then at Ashley.

"You brought a krogan bounty hunter to a shakedown of his target and you didn't think he was going to kill him?" Jane asked.

"We don't have time for this, the quarian is in danger!" John shouted.

"His brains made a pretty splatter." Jane said to Wrex and the krogan laughed as they began to run. Jane and John were neck and neck as they raced toward the back alley. They were at the top of the stairs when they saw the quarian being approached by the turian.

"Did you bring it?" the turian purred.

"Where's the Shadow Broker? Where's Fist?" the quarian asked.

"They'll be here. Where's the evidence?" the turian asked and Jane glared. The quarian was alone in a place where she was riffraff and the turian was going to kill her. Jane was going to kill him.

"No way. The deal's off." the quarian spat as Jane and John got into position. Jane liked the way the quarian slapped away the turian's grabby claws. She knew this was dirty, good for her. The quarian saw the others closing in on her. She ducked away, tossing something and a blast went off. Jane and John stood up at the base of the stairs, aware of the group behind them and up the stairs. They quickly took care of the turian and the two salarians. Jane rushed over to the quarian.

"Fist set me up! I knew I couldn't trust him!" she hissed.

"Were you hurt in the fight?" Jane asked.

"I know how to look after myself. Not that I don't appreciate the help. Who are you?" she asked and John approached.

"My name's Shepard, this is my sister. We're looking for evidence to prove Saren's a traitor." John said and Jane realized the quarian was rather young.

"Then I have a chance to repay you for saving my life. But not here. We need to go somewhere safe." the quarian said.

"The ambassador's office. It's safe there. He'll want to see this anyway." Ash said.

"Let's get you someplace safe, kid." Jane said as she gave John a victorious grin.

---

"You two are not making my life easy. Firefights in the wards? An all-out assault on Chora's Den? Do you know how many...who's this? A quarian? What are you up to, Shepard?" Udina growled and Jane tried to look innocent.

"Making your day, Ambassador. She has information linking Saren to the geth." John grinned and Jane nodded.

"Really? Maybe you better start at the beginning, Miss...?" Udina seemed to be extra sweet for the quarian now, Jane noticed with a smirk.

"My name is Tali. Tali'Zorah nar Rayya." Tali introduced herself.

"We don't see many quarians here. Why did you leave the flotilla?" Udina asked.

"I was on my Pilgrimage, my rite of passage into adulthood." Tali said and Jane nodded, Tali was fairly young then.

"Tell us what you found." Jane asked.

"During my travels I began hearing reports of geth. Since they drove my people into exile, the geth have never ventured beyond the Veil. I was curious." Tali explained. "I tracked a patrol of geth to an uncharted world. I waited for one to become separated from its unit. Then I disabled it and removed its memory core."

"I thought the geth fried their memory cores when they died. Some kind of defense mechanism." Anderson stated.

"How did you manage to preserve the memory core?" John asked.

"My people created the geth. If you're quick, careful, and lucky small caches of data can sometimes be saved." Tali said. "Most of the core was wiped clean. But I salvaged something from its audio banks." Tali played it and Jane smiled at her brother. They shared a look of complete victory.

"I don't recognize that other voice. The one talking about Reapers." Udina muttered.

"I feel like I've heard that name before." Jane muttered, rubbing her neck.

"According to the memory core, the Reapers were a hyper-advanced machine race that existed 50,000 years ago." Tali explained. "The Reapers hunted the Protheans to total extinction, and then they vanished. At least, that's what the geth believe."

"Sounds a little far-fetched." Udina said snidely.

"The vision on Eden Prime...I understand it now. I saw the Protheans being wiped out by the Reapers." Jane stated.

"The geth revere the Reapers as gods, the pinnacle of non-organic life. And they believe Saren knows how to bring the Reapers back." Tali said.

"The Council is just going to love this!" Udina scoffed and Jane rolled her eyes.

"The Reapers are a threat to every species in Citadel space. We have to tell them." Jane said.

"No matter what they think about the rest of this, those audio files prove Saren's a traitor." Anderson declared.

"The captain's right. We need to present this to the Council right away." Udina muttered.

"What about her? The quarian?" Wrex asked and Jane found herself liking the giant hulk of krogan.

"My name is Tali!" Tali barked. "You saw me in the ally, Commander. You know what I can do. Let me come with you."

"We'll take all the help we can get." John grinned and Jane nodded.

"Thanks. You won't regret this." Tali said.

"Anderson and I will go ahead to get things ready with the Council. Take a few minutes to collect yourself, then meet us in the Tower." Udina ordered before marching out.

---

"Eden Prime was a major victory! The beacon has brought us one step closer to finding the Conduit."

"And one step closer to the return of the Reapers."

"You wanted proof, there it is. This confirms everything Jane Shepard saw on Eden Prime, despite her so called mental state." Undina declared. John snarled and took a step at the back of the Human Ambassador but Jane grabbed his arm. When John glanced at her, she shook her head. Getting her message, John sighed but stepped back.

"This evidence is irrefutable, Ambassador." Councilor Sparatus said, shaking his head. "Saren will be stripped of his Spectre status and all efforts will be made to bring him in to answer for his crimes."

"And Commander Jane Shepard, we owe you an apology." Councilor Tevos added. "You have proven yourself to be of sound mind and character. I am sorry we doubted you before. Back to the matter at hand, I believe I know the identity of the other person speaking with Saren. That is Matriarch Benezia."

"Who's she?" Jane asked.

"Matriarchs are powerful asari who have entered the final stage of their lives. Revered for their wisdom and experience, they serve as guides and mentors to my people. Matriarch Benzia is a powerful biotic, and she has many followers. She will make a formidable ally for Saren." Councilor Tevos explained.

"I'm more interested in these Reapers." Councilor Valern mused. "What do you know about them?"

"Only what was extracted from the geth's memory core." Captain Anderson explained. "The Reapers were an ancient race of machine that wiped out the Proteans. Then they vanished."

"The geth believe the Reapers are gods. And that Saren is the prophet for their return." John chimed in.

"We think the Conduit is the key to bringing them back, Saren's searching for it. That's why he attacked Eden Prime." Anderson finished.

"Do we even know what this Conduit is?" Councilor Valern inquired.

"No sir, not yet." Jane said. "However Saren thinks it can bring back the Reapers. That's bad enough."

"Listen to what you're saying!" Councilor Sparatus snapped. "Saren wants to bring back the machines that wiped out all life in the galaxy? Impossible. It has to be. Where did the Reapers go? Why did they vanish? How come we've found no trace of their existence? If they were real, we'd have found something!"

"We tried to warn you about Saren, and you refused to face the truth. Don't make the same mistake again." John snapped back.

"This is different. You proved Saren betrayed the Council. We all agree he's using the geth to search for the Conduit, but we don't really know why." Councilor Tevos said.

"The Reapers are obviously just a myth, Commander. A convenient lie to cover Saren's true purpose. A legend he is using to bend the geth to his will." Councilor Valern reasoned.

"Fifty thousand years ago, the Reapers wiped out all galactic civilization. If Saren finds the Conduit, it will happen again!" Jane jumped in.

"Saren is a rogue agent on the run for his life. He no longer has the rights or resources of a Sectre. The Council has stripped him of his position." Councilor Sparatus said.

"That is not good enough!" Undina shouted. "You know he's hiding somewhere in the Traverse. Send your fleet in!"

"A fleet cannot track down one man." Councilor Valern retorted.

"A Citadel fleet could secure the entire region. Keep the geth from attacking any more of our colonies." Undina explained.

"Or it could trigger a war with the Terminus Systems!" Councilor Sparatus countered. "We won't be dragged into a galactic confrontation over a few dozen human colonies!"

"I can take Saren down." John said, punching his right fist into the palm of his left hand.

"The Commander's right. There is a way to stop Saren that doesn't require fleets or armies." Tevos said.

"No!" Councilor Sparatus burst out. "Humanity is not ready for the responsibilities that come with joining the Spectres."

"You don't have to send a fleet into the Traverse, and the Ambassador gets his human Spectre. Everybody's happy." John countered.

The Council shared looks amongst themselves. The Councilor Tevos shoot the group of humans a long look.

"One moment." she said and stepped back from her podium, drawing the other two Councilors with her. They began talking in hushed tones away from the microphones.

"What's that all about?" Anderson muttered to Undina. Udina scowled.

"Whatever the reason meeting like that during an open Council meeting is highly irregular." Udina muttered just as the Citadel Council stepped back to their former positions.

"Commander John Shepard - step forward." Councilor Tevos said. After exchanging a nod with Anderson, John straightened and swiftly moved forward, adopting an at attention stance. Even so he almost buckled at what came next.

"Commander Jane Shepard - step forward." Councilor Valern said. Jane blinked in shock as she stepped forward, matching her brother's stance as she stood before the Council.

"We are fully aware that Nihlus was given a Spectre candidate drawn from a pool of Humanities' best. From your service records and what we have heard of both of your actions today, both of you are equally qualified to become Spectres." Councilor Tevos explained. "It is the decision of the Council that both John and Jane Shepard be granted all the powers and privileges of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance branch of the Citdael."

"Spectres are not trained, but chosen. Individuals forged in the fire of service and battle; those whose actions elevate them above the rank and file. Just as you two have proven today." Councilor Valern said.

"Spectres are an ideal, a symbol. The embodiment of courage, determination, and self-reliance. They are the right hand of the Council, instruments of our will." Councilor Tevos said.

"Spectres bear a great burden. They are protectors of galactic peace, both our first and last line of defense. The Safety of the galaxy is theirs to uphold." Councilor Sparatus said.

"You two are the first human Spectres. This is a great accomplishment for you and your entire species." Councilor Tevos acknowledged.

"I'm honored, Councilors." John and Jane spoke in unison, both bowing slightly.

"We're sending both of you into the Traverse after Saren. He's a fugitive from justice, so you are authorized to use any means necessary to apprehend or eliminate him." Councilor Valern ordered.

"While both of you have been sworn in together, this does not mean your fates are directly tied to the other. You may choose to work alone or together. But know this, we have had sibling teams of Spectres before. We find the pairing to be most advantageous. We hope you two decide to continue this pairing after your finish your mission. With that, this meeting of the Council is adjourned." Councilor Tevos finished.

"Two? Unbelievable." Undina muttered. John and Jane shared a look and began to grin.

"Not bad, baby sister." John congratulated.

"Not too shabby, big brother by fourteen minutes." Jane said. The two Shepards grinned at each other.

"Congratulations Commanders." Anderson said, shaking their hands.

"We've got a lot of work to do." Undina mused. "You two will need a ship, a crew, supplies...Anderson, come with me. I'll need your help to set this all up. We'll also need to contact the Alliance. Getting two Spectres goes beyond their wildest dreams."

"Well what do we do now?" Ashley asked. John thought for a moment before turning to Garrus.

"Garrus, can you get us time in a conference room at C-Sec and maybe some time on the Citadel target range for the next few hours?" John asked.

"I can swing that but it'll take about a hour or so." Garrus said. "What's the plan, John?"

"I know Kaidan and Ashley will be coming with us. Tali you've said the same and I know Wrex is in." John said.

"Damn right, Shepard." Wrex rumbled.

"You're not leaving me behind, Shepard." Garrus stated.

"So we need some place to go over some things." John explained. "Squad formations, hand signals, and some basic plans that Jane and I use so when we're in a fire fight, we cut down on the confusion. That way no one gets their head blown off because they misunderstand something."

"Plus I want to upgrade some things at the C-Sec requisition office. See if they have some equipment only Spectres can access." Jane said, smiling. John blinked and grinned evilly.

"Damn fine idea, I'm going to join you. Everyone else, meet at C-Sec in one hour. Gather supplies and anything else you might need for an extended mission on ship."

---

Several hours later the ragtag group exited the elevator with their supplies in tow and looked at the Normandy.

"I've got big news for you, Shepard. Captain Anderson is stepping down as commanding officer of the Normandy. The ship is yours now." Udina spoke to John and Jane blinked.

"She's quick and quiet and you know the crew. Perfect ship for a pair of Spectres. Teat her well, Commanders." Anderson said and Jane stepped back to let John have a moment with his mentor.

"I'll take good care of her, sir." John said.

"I know you will, Commander." Anderson replied.

"What kind of leads do we have?" Jane asked.

"Saren's gone. Don't even try to find him. But we know what he's after: the Conduit. He's got his geth scouring the Traverse looking for clues." Anderson stated.

"We have reports of geth in the Feros system shortly before our colony there dropped out of contact. And there have been sightings around Noveria." Udina added.

"Find out what Saren was after on Feros and Noveria. Maybe you can figure out where the Conduit is before he does." Anders said.

"The Reapers are the real threat." Jane stated.

"I'm with the Council on this one, Shepard. I'm not sure they even exist." Udina said and Jane thought about the beacon's vision. They were real.

"But if they do exist, the Conduit's the key to bringing them back. Stop Saren from getting the Conduit and we stop the Reapers from returning." Anderson said and Jane nodded.

"I'll stop him." she growled.

"We have one more lead. Matriarch Benezia, the other voice on that recording? She has a daughter, a scientist who specializes in the Protheans." Udina said. "We don't know if she's involved but it might be a good idea to try and find her. See what she knows. Her name's Liara. Dr. Liara T'Soni. We have reports she was exploring an archeological dig on one of the uncharted world in the Artemis Tau cluster."

"Sounds like we should head for the Artemis Tau cluster." John stated and Jane nodded.

"It's your decision, Commanders. You're Spectres now. You don't answer to us." Anderson said, looking like a proud father.

"But your actions still reflect on humanity as a whole. You make a mess and I get stuck cleaning it up." Udina snarled.

"We'll try not to make things any harder on you, Ambassador." Jane said.

"Glad to hear it, Commander. Remember: you were a human long before you were a Spectre." Udina stated and Jane fought not to roll her eyes. "I have a meeting to get to. Captain Anderson can answer any questions you might have." John, Jane, Ash, and Kaidan saluted the Captain before they entered the ship.

---

"I heard what happened to Captain Anderson and-who's this?" Joker asked as the twins stepped onto the bridge.

"I'm Commander Jane Shepard. Spectre and twin sister to the Commander you know so well." Jane said as she looked at Joker and he looked at her. It was clear there was something waiting to be said, but instead he turned to John.

"I mean, he survives a hundred battles, and then gets taken down by backroom politics." Joker continued and Jane smirked. "Just watch your back, Commander..., uh Commanders. Things go bad on this mission, you two are next on their chopping block."

"Saren's out there somewhere. And we're going to find him." Jane said.

"Everyone on this ship is behind you, Commander. One hundred percent." Joker said, looking up at John. "Give 'em time, and you'll be at one hundred percent too." He shot Jane a look. "Intercom's open. If you've got anything you want to say to the crew, now's the time."

"Up for a big speech?" John asked.

"Together for this one." Jane replied.

"This is Commander John Shepard..."

"...and Commander Jane Shepard speaking."

"We have our orders:"

"Find Saren before he finds the Conduit." Jane stated.

"I won't lie to you, crew. This mission isn't going to be easy." John confessed. "For too long our species has stood apart from the others. Now it's time for us to step up and do our part for the rest of the galaxy!"

"Time to show them what humans are made of!" Jane added. "Our enemy knows we're coming. When we go into the Traverse, Saren's followers will be waiting for us. But we'll be ready for them, too."

"Humanity needs to do this." John said. "Not just for our own sake, but for the sake of every other species in Citadel Space."

"Saren must be stopped, and I promise you all..." Jane stared, looking at John.

"We will stop him." the twins said in unison.

"Well said, Commanders. The Captain would be proud." Joke said.

"The captain gave up everything so we could have this chance. We can't fail." John said and the two turned away from the bridge.

"Yes, sir and ma'am." Joker stated.

End Chapter 1

Toby's End A/N: Well that's it for chapter 1. Sorry to say but from now on our publishing schedule will be, when we get the chapter done. Depending on our schedules it could be as little as week to God only knows how long. It also depends on how much we fight about what we want to get done. You wouldn't believe the back and forth discussions we've had about simple military ranks for Chapter 1. The things we do for accurate details. *grins at them all*

Belle's End A/N: I was right about the military ranks in Mass Effect.