"You wanted proof? There it is," Udina arrogantly remarked to the Council.
After hearing the evidence, the Council couldn't do anything except find Saren guilty of treason. I really wanted to them to find an apology for not originally believing in us too but alas, it wasn't to be. And as they all drawled on, I began to nod off again. Until the Asari Councilor mentioned Benezia's name that is.
"Told ya," I quickly whispered to Shepard. Luckily, that didn't draw her ire as she purposefully ignored me.
And everything has gone swimmingly. I recruited Garrus without trouble, Shepard found Wrex, and we rescued Tali before she was killed by Saren's men. And with all that, we found the evidence we needed to nail Saren. Not bad for a day's work Shield. Not bad.
Shepard suddenly raised her voice, and I cringed thinking it was directed at me.
"I tried to warn you about Saren, and you refused to face the truth. Don't make the same mistake again!"
"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." The Asari Councilor always seemed to be the one to break it to us nice and gentle.
"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."
But you on the other hand...what an ass. Talking to us like we're idiots. You have no idea what's coming Palaven's way in just the next few years...everyone's way...
I felt a fire well inside me. I felt my face flush with anger. Any desire I might have had to just sit back and keep my mouth shut while the trial ran its course washed away.
"That makes absolutely no sense," I said raising my voice. "You're telling me out of all the people that have gone into Geth space, Saren was the only one who wasn't killed on sight? Not only is he not killed but he convinces the Geth to follow him instead? And he does all of this by claiming to be able to resurrect the gods they worship? Gods he should know nothing about?!"
The flaw in their logic gave them a shorter pause than I had hoped.
"Saren could have found a tool to physically subvert the Geth to his cause as well. This Conduit could be related to whatever helped him achieve this. The claim of fifty thousand year old machines eradicating all organic life is simply preposterous."
You ass...well, I tried.
I opted to take Shepard's stance of glaring at the Turian Councilor after his response. She then took the wheel from there.
"Fifty thousand years ago, the Reapers DID wipe out all galactic civilization. If Saren finds the Conduit, it WILL happen again!"
I wished Shepard's persuasiveness was directly proportional with her rage. Because the Council just ended up writing her off again.
"Saren is a rogue agent on the run for his life. He no longer has the rights or resources of a Spectre. The Council has stripped him of his position."
"That is not good enough! You know he's hiding somewhere in the Traverse. Send YOUR FLEET IN!"
I had to admit, Udina was a really good representative for Humanity.
Dude has passion for his work.
"A fleet cannot track down one man," the Salarian Councilor replied, again being the voice of reason.
But a fleet would save us a lot of heartache...Virmire would never happen if they did. Hell, the Salarian STG calls you guys for exactly that!
"A Citadel fleet could secure the entire region. Keep the Geth from attacking any more of our colonies."
A Good counterpoint.
I had to say, I loved a good debate.
"Or it could trigger a war with the Terminus Systems! We won't be dragged into a galactic confrontation over a few dozen Human colonies," the Turian councilor replied callously.
War?
They were literally just gangsters and pirates. I'm pretty sure none of the gangs of Omega had anything a professional military had to worry about it. Let alone anything that could even remotely take on a dreadnought. And it's not like the slavers of Terminus space don't attack your colonies already on the reg...
I guess wars in general are bad though. Especially when they should be saving their strength for the real enemy.
"Every time Humanity asks for help you ignore us!"
The back and forth was getting heated now.
"Shepard's right! I'm sick of this Council and its anti-Human BULL-"
I wondered if this was the moment when Udina first entertained the idea of betraying the entire Council to Cerberus. I had almost forgotten why I had hated the character so much with how he'd been arguing our case.
"Ambassador!" the Asari councilor cut him off. "There is another solution. A way to stop Saren that does not require fleets or armies."
Oh boy. Here it comes.
"No it's too soon," the Turian councilor pouted. "Humanity is not ready for the responsibilities that come with joining the Spectres!"
Udina seemed to do a face heel at the mention of the word. He was practically bouncing up and down now with giddiness.
"It was a TURIAN Spectre who betrayed this Council. And it was a Human who exposed him. I've earned this!"
Shepard sounded a little entitled there. But that's none of my business.
The Asari and Salarian councilors looked at the Turian and nodded toward us. He looked down shaking his head.
And dats. right. bitch.
They all clicked something on their terminals.
"Commander Shepard, step forward."
Anderson gave Shepard a small smile before she walked toward the end of the walkway. Udina stepped out of her way as she did. And I noticed a crowd starting to gather along the sides of the Council Chamber.
...Wait. Are matters of galactic importance just open to the public? If everything is public, wouldn't the identity of every Spectre ever inducted be common knowledge?
"It is the decision of the Council that you be granted all the powers and privileges of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance branch of the Citadel."
Whatever.
"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."
"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."
I wished I could listen to ME's bg while this was going on. Although the ceremony is impressive, it didn't quite have the same hype without it...
"Spectres bear a great burden-"
Yeah, dealing with you.
"-they are protectors of galactic peace, both our first and last line of defense. The safety of the galaxy is theirs to uphold."
"You are the first Human Spectre, Commander. This is a great accomplishment for you and your species."
"I've been ready for this since Eden Prime," Shepard countered.
I guess the least thing you could say about Shepard was that she wasn't lacking for self-confidence.
"We're sending 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."
"I'll find him," Shepard said with a fire in her eyes.
"This meeting of the Council is adjourned."
Thank god because the novelty of it has already worn off.
The Council members disbanded, leaving their podiums. Our little group did the opposite.
"Congratulations Commander."
Anderson outstretched his hand to Shepard. She shook it. Udina then tried to get her attention.
"We got a lot of work to do, Shepard. You're going to need a ship, a crew, supplies..." he said tapering off in thought.
Anderson decided to give us something useful. "You'll get access to special equipment and training now. You should go down to the C-Sec Academy and speak to the Spectre requisitions officer."
Yeah, where we'll get to BUY your special Spectre equipment and supplies! Yaaaay!
"Anderson, come with me," Udina snapped. "I'll need your help to set all this up."
The duo walked away, already talking about their plans.
"I thought the Ambassador would be a little more grateful," Nar Rayya meekly said. "He didn't even thank you."
"What do you expect from a politician," Shepard deadpanned. "Come on."
When did Shepard get jokes.
"Right behind you Shepard," Vakarian replied.
She turned to the C-Sec agent. She looked like she was sizing him up for the first time.
"You're a Turian. Why did you help us bring Saren down?"
Ohhhhhkay. Not this again.
His mandibles flared before he stated his case.
"I couldn't find the proof I needed in my investigation. But I knew what was really going on. And my instincts were right! Saren's a traitor to the Council, and a disgrace to my people. I want to help you take him down Commander."
"You want to join our crew?" she asked incredulously.
"Without a doubt."
"You'd have to leave your job here at C-Sec."
"Having to leave C-Sec to help a Spectre chase down a rogue agent? I'd take that any day," Garrus replied.
She stared at him for a long time.
"...You can come along...but I will be watching you."
As Shepard and Vakarian were making nice, I breathed a sigh of relief.
Got everyone aboard...I hope.
Wrex was still missing after he had split up from us.
"So where we headed?" asked Williams.
"We're heading to that requisitions office the Captain mentioned. We're going to need the best gear available to hunt Saren down."
I doubt Shepard had enough credits to even purchase a license but I decided to follow her back to the elevators anyway. And as Shepard walked ahead with Alenko and Williams hot on her tail, I found myself stopping as I heard a guy to my left.
"I hope he's okay," he was muttering to himself. Then he noticed me standing in front of him. "I'm on a break. Talk to someone else if you need anything. I've got a lot on my mind."
Side mission?
"What's up? If you have a problem, I might be able to help." I told him.
"What? You...hmmm...maybe you can. You're Alliance, right? You ever head out to the Traverse?"
"Yeah, I think we'll be headed that way," I replied casually. Although I was still trying to figure out why he thought I was a Alliance soldier.
"Really? My brother's the captain of a ship called the Majesty-"
Haha, what kind of pansy ass ship name is that?
"-and it was crossing the Traverse a few days ago when it disappeared. Just dropped right off the grid."
Oh.
My face darkened.
I remembered this mission now. I already knew what happened to him. And I don't think Shepard would take time out of our busy schedule to follow up on one missing freighter.
"That usually means one of two things: they had massive mechanical failure, or they were attacked," the man guessed.
"Neither of those leaves a lot of hope," Garrus said grimly behind me, apparently having stayed behind too.
"I won't give up on my brother. Not yet. I've got the coordinates from the last transmission from his vessel. I'll forward them to your ship right away. Can you let me know as soon as you find him?"
I felt a tear well in my eye as he talked.
'I won't give up on my brother'...dammit...I have to tell him don't I?
...fuck.
"I'm sorry sir...but the MSV Majesty was found by a...Turian scout ship a short while ago. Upon investigating, they deduced that it had been attacked by pirates."
"...What? Are you sure?! Were there any survivors?!" he asked in alarm.
"They went to investigate the planet that the ship was orbiting and found their base of operations. They identified several bodies among the dead. The captain and crew of the ship were among them."
"...no...that can't...you...how do you know this?!"
"I'm sorry sir. If you wish to know more, talk to Barla Von. I'm sure he can provide proof that your brother was among the deceased...I...I'm sorry..."
"No..." he mumbled. "...excuse me..." He rushed off before I could say anything else.
I tried not to think about how many circumstances like this we would come across.
Losing a loved one is never easy.
Looking ahead now, it seemed Shepard and her group had already taken a lift down.
"That was...unfortunate," Vakarian said quietly, still beside me. "How did you know what happened to them?"
And what do I say to that.
I just decided to keep it cryptic. "I know a lot of things. Information just happens to be my strong suit," I simply replied solemnly. Then I walked ahead without another word. Nar Rayya and Vakarian quickly followed me into the elevator, and I pressed the button to start our descent. We had gone halfway down in silence before Tali broke the ice.
"Are you sure you won't regret leaving Citadel Security to pursue Saren, Garrus?"
Looking over my shoulder, I could see him looking at her like she was insane.
"Fighting a rogue Spectre with countless lives at stake and no regulations to get in the way? I'd say that beats C-Sec."
It was hard to read Tali's expression with her wearing that mask.
"I'm pleased that the imminent destruction of all organic life has improved your career opportunities."
I had to laugh at that one. Vakarian didn't look as thrilled with her sass. So he decided to turn the conversation to me.
"Hmph. So...what's your story? How do you know the Commander? Did you serve in her unit?"
"Oh, you know, I don't think I ever introduced myself back in the Wards. The name's Shield. Nice to meet you both," I said turning around to face them.
Garrus' question though had me wondering why everyone kept thinking I was an Alliance soldier. I then realized my uniform probably didn't help.
I guess I can put getting new armor on my list of things to do.
"I actually know Shepard as well as you two do," I said, which was relatively true. "I helped her back on Eden Prime with Williams and ended up hitching a ride on their ship. I knew Saren was involved with the attack so they ended up bringing me along as a witness to his trial too."
"Really?! I would have killed to have known there was a first hand witness of Saren going rogue. I'm sorry my investigation didn't produce any results," Garrus also added apologetically.
"Hey don't worry about it. I don't think they would have listened the first time even if you had."
"Maybe...but I have to say. You're lucky. In all my time at C-Sec, I've never witnessed a Council meeting in person before now."
"Eh, it wasn't all that," I said nonchalantly. "And despite the setback, it seemed to work out for the best in the end," I continued. "We exposed Saren for the traitor he is, got some allies in the process, and are one step closer now to kicking his ass."
"True. Have to say I'm looking forward to it," Garrus said grinning. Or the Turian equivalent at least.
Tali hung her head a little.
"I just wish the Council had listened to us back when the Geth forced us off our home planet. When we petitioned them to wipe out the Geth three hundred years ago, they did nothing."
"Maybe if they had, we wouldn't be in this mess," I quietly replied.
"...maybe."
Then she tilted her head, looking like she had just remembered something.
"Hey. Shield? Do you remember when we first met in the alley? How did you know my name?"
Oh. I had totally forgotten about that. And in fear, I decided to drown her with my omniscience.
"Tali'Zorah Nar Rayya. A Quarian with close relationships to three members of the Admiralty Board. Currently on her pilgrimage. Ran into trouble when Saren sent a Turian mercenary after her. Presumed to have information vital to the Spectre."
I imagined her draw was dropping inside her helmet.
"How-"
"I work for the Shadow Broker. I know a lot of things I probably shouldn't."
"You work for the Broker?!" she exclaimed.
I realized she probably didn't have the best experience with him after all she'd been through.
"Oh yeah...by the way, sorry about all that. Fist betrayed the Broker for Saren. I sincerely apologize for the fact that he put you in harm's way. Doesn't really help our reputation or business."
I'm also going to leave out the fact that the Broker actually might have been responsible for the hit too.
I never had been sure if he did or not. I remember from reading his dossiers that the Broker told Fist to kill Tali after he had her information. And Fist was going to too, but I guess he just decided to do it for Saren instead? I mean why else would Wrex have been hired if Fist was following instructions?
Writing mistake? Who knows.
I returned to the company at hand when Garrus spoke next.
"You recognized her as soon as we entered the alley. Did you recall all that information off the top of your head?" he asked surprised.
"Yeah, I guess you could say that," I said tapping my noggin. "Photographic memory."
It left my mouth before I had time to think.
Oh fuck me.
"Impressive," Garrus remarked. "That'd sure be useful to have as an agent for C-Sec. Or any career I suppose."
"I find it's a little selective though," I covered up. "Memorize a lot of information I get. But small things I encounter day-to-day? Not so much."
"Still, must be useful."
After saying that, the elevator reached our destination. As we exited the elevator and walked out onto the Presidium, I could see Shepard and her group farther ahead...talking to a Turian and a large Hanar. And in our approach, it sounded like the alien was getting its ass handed to it by Shepard.
"-you BIG, STUPID, JELLY FISH."
The giant glowing man of war backed off. And the way its tentacles moved backwards was hypnotic. All of them seemed perfectly synchronized.
"This one apologizes. It will depart now, and will not intrude on the Presidium again."
Poor thing. Must've been bashed pretty hard. With how polite they are, god knows how the words coming from Shepard's mouth affected its poor sensibilities-
"I see the Hanar has left. Thank you," the C-Sec agent replied after she had finished.
"Happy to help," she said with sarcasm.
"...for your assistance in the manner."
He handed Shepard some capsuled omni-gel and credits.
"Took you long enough," she replied finally noticing our approach.
From there, it was just a relatively short walk to C-Sec HQ. And Garrus led us on since he knew the way.
Upon exiting the elevator, the first thing we saw was Wrex.
And really looking at him for the first time, it dawned on me how fucking monstrous the Krogan were.
Like holy shit.
He had to be at least eight feet tall. And that's being conservative. From what I could tell, the hump protruding from his back itself was literally half my size and the mahogany carapace on his head matched its height too. His skin looked like leather and his blood red eyes only added to his intimidation factor. They weren't as frightening as Shepard's but still-
And the scars on his face just makes him look like an all around bad ass.
I was quite jealous to be honest.
"Hey Shepard, I turned in Fist for my bounty. And after that fight we had, I've decided I want to join your group," he growled in a deep gravelly tone.
"...what?"
Apparently Shepard hadn't actually recruited him yet either.
Damn.
"There's a storm coming Commander. With you and Saren right in the middle of it. And I want to be there for when it arrives."
She took a second to think it over.
"You know what. Whatever. We already have the Quarian and Turian coming along with us. One more alien couldn't hurt."
"Uh...are you sure we should bring him along Commander?" Williams said eyeing the Krogan.
"What? Afraid you're going to fall for my good looks?" Wrex mocked.
Shepard defended him...or rather what she had said. "Williams, are you questioning my decision?"
"What? No Commander! I'm just-"
"Then it's decided. Garrus, can you show us where that Requisitions Office is?"
Garrus responded with a "This way" and led us all downstairs to the armory.
It was a relatively small room. The first thing you saw was the requisitions officer behind his desk. Then the weapon displays and armor lining its walls came into view. I saw the door behind to his right last. And I hadn't recalled that being there in the game.
"One sec, looking you up," the officer replied, continuing to tap away at his computer.
Shepard shifted impatiently. Kaidan and Williams were behind her taking stock of the place. Wrex and Tali were already admiring the shotguns on display. And Garrus apparently had his eyes on a sniper rifle. I decided out of all of them, he'd be the easiest to approach.
He noticed said approach.
"The Armax Arsenal's Punisher series. I always wanted one of these," Garrus told me, putting his hand against the case's glass. "Maximum stopping power with minimum recoil." To be honest, the guy was practically drooling.
"Why don't you get one?" I said asking the obvious.
Garrus seemed to entertain the idea.
"Could never justify purchasing it. Would take a several month's pay...with installments."
Now I know what to get someone for their birthdayyyy~
"Well...it's not like you'll need credits to pay for rent or food on the Normandy."
"True."
He continued to stare at it.
"-Just let me set you up."
I turned back around in Shepard's direction. The Turian servicing her had a look of confusion on his face.
I had to say I was getting better at reading their facial expressions. Or at least I thought I was.
"This...this must be a mistake. System's telling me to offer you our select stock. Spectre." He looked up again and it seemed that the realization had finally hit him. "Well...I'd heard about that, but I didn't realize it was you. Sorry, Commander."
"Just show me what you have."
"I'll open the rare stocks for you Commander. You'll enjoy this." He walked away from his console and unlocked the door behind him. He motioned for Shepard to follow him. Williams tried to weasel her way in after them but he made a motion for her to stop. "Sorry, authorized access only."
Williams raised her hands up, backing off in response.
By the time Shepard exited the back room, Wrex was already starting to get rowdy, trying to bait Garrus into a debate about the Genophage. And pretty close to getting him to too. What was really shocking at the moment however was that she walked out of the room with the entire assortment of HMW spec weapons on her back. And my jaw dropped.
"How...how the hell did you afford all that?" I blurted.
She looked at me like I was stupid.
"They came with becoming a Spectre," she replied in a cold tone.
The officer walked out after her, locking the door behind him. "You are from now on authorized to buy and distribute the Spectre class weapons to any you deem to choose...but the surplus weapons come at a hefty price."
"Noted," she said.
I couldn't contain my shock.
Why...Why the hell did she get that shit for free?
I always had wished you had gotten them for that in the game.
It made sense for Spectres to get the guns made specifically for Spectres but-
A thought hit my mind.
I had always Wished...
The after thought became a fully-fleshed out theory wrapped in tinfoil. I clenched my fist and opened it.
This is crazy...but, then again...I guess what the hell is all this?
I shut my eyes and took a deep breath.
I flexed every muscle in my body.
I brought my right hand up and curled my fingers, focusing all my thoughts on my fist.
Channel it, think it, want it. Dark energy, defy gravity, feel it flow through you...lift an object with your mind...let the force guide you...
I opened my eyes and made a dramatic pushing motion at the officer with my hand.
He continued to stand where he was, talking with the Commander.
Luckily Tali was the only one who had seen it.
"Uh-"
"Just stretching," I lied as I quickly pulled my right hand over my head.
She didn't know Human custom well enough to dispute what she had seen.
"Oh...okay."
...well. So much for that theory.
In addition to Shepard's 'purchase', Wrex settled for getting some weapon mods and Alenko bought kinetic buffers for his suit. Whatever the hell those were. The rest of us though decided we didn't want anything. That and we probably didn't have enough money to get what we did.
As we followed her out of the room, Shepard contacted Anderson next. "Captain, we got what we needed. Are we ready to depart?"
"Not yet Commander. We need a couple more hours to sort the details out. Take some time off. Explore some of the facilities the Citadel has to offer. We'll call you when we figure everything out."
Shepard noticeably frowned as she took her hand off her earpiece.
"Do they really expect us to sit around for a couple of hours?"
"Actually," Garrus piped up. "Think I could take leave Commander? I was going to just send a message but if we have time, I'd like to put my resignation in personally with my boss."
"Go ahead. Just be here when it's time to leave or you'll find yourself left behind."
"Noted Commander."
Speaking of things to do.
"Hey Commander...you wouldn't have happened to come across any data files or an OSD when you dealt with Fist did you?"
"Actually," she said unclipping one from her belt and holding it up. "Why do you ask?" She stared at me like I had something to hide.
"Uh, Barla Von wanted that as payment for telling us about the Krogan."
"Are you sure Barla Von wants this information?" She turned to Kaidan. "Is this true?"
"Yes Commander," Kaidan affirmed.
"Then I'll take it to him myself," she said. "Go find something to do until we get back."
"Alright, will do," I replied with attitude.
Well, while we're getting stuff out of the way...
I turned to the Chief. "Also, Williams. I think someone was looking for you at the Embassies. He said he knew someone from the 212."
"What? Who?" she barked.
"Does a Nirali Bhatia sound familiar to you?"
She looked at the Commander.
"We'll take a look at it." Shepard looked back to me. "Stay out of trouble."
Then she seemed to have second thoughts. "Actually, Alenko, I want you to keep an eye on him again. Make sure he doesn't do anything he might regret."
"...Of course Commander!"
Sigh. Really? Do I need a babysitter?
She then left with the rest of the crew in tow. And so I turned to stare at Kaidan as we were left alone together. Again.
"...So...want to go shopping?"
Author's Notes:
In the Next Chapter: A Nice stroll through the Citadel; But suddenly: Blackmailers! Murder! Back-room politics!
Tune in next time on Mass Effective: A Hero Made.