Chapter 15: One More Time
The specter waited his turn to talk quietly. For now, Mordin was in charge and he was making a good case for him. The turian tasked with the prosecution seemed to be at a loss. Every argument, every piece of evidence had been debunked, turned around, twisted and made to work in favor of the defense. It had seemed like such an open and shut case, the hearing would proceed to a trial, as soon as the council had removed Shepard of his specter status and the conviction was assumed to be 25 years to life. As it was, C-Sec could have found Shepard with a bloodied knife in his hands, the diplomat, found with Shepard's name carved on his chest, could be pointing at him and calling him a murderer and he'd still lose as long as that damn salarian was in charge of the defense. He had never before, in all his years, felt this defeated. He seriously contemplated quitting.
The Normandy seemed much more quiet than usual. Garrus' head fringe bobbed up and down as he paced about waiting for Thane or Kasumi to report in and even Grunt seemed to have settled down in the mess hall. Miranda reasoned that he probably stuffed himself with Jack and Wrex argued that she had hardly enough meat on her to fill a krogan. This, in turn, reminded Zaeed of this one time he had been hired to escort a krogan warlord to a high security prison and all was going well till the warlord grew hungry. He lamented that they had lost way too many men that day.
The elevator's door opened and Jack walked out, apparently intact, while Grunt nibbled on a large piece of meat. Come on, pup, she beckoned him and slowly merged with the group. Maybe Jack is wrong, she mocked, making the most childish impression of Miranda she could muster. The former Cerberus operative tried lunging at her, but Kaidan and Jacob held her back. Tali wrung her fingers, sick with worry, both over the two crew members sent out to find Billy and Garrus. She felt an incredible urge to hold him and tell him everything was going to be fine, but she just couldn't find the courage to do so in front of everyone. Legion simply expressed a form of concern over creator Zorah's elevated readings.
I told you to wait for me here, whelp, Wrex scolded Grunt as he got out of the elevator.
It was lunch time and Gardner just restocked, Grunt excused himself.
I don't care if there's a pack of cattle near ... Wrex drifted off, sniffing something. Is that fish?
Swordfish, the krogan explained with a smile.
Swordfish? the king of Tuchanka exclaimed with a hearty laugh. Are there more?
The inked woman promised to guide us to their source, he informed him.
I'm starting to like you, whelp, a wry smile forming on Wrex' lips.
Incoming transmission from Kasumi, EDI's voice chimed in.
Garrus raised his head. Patch her through, he requested.
Hey gang, it's me, Kasumi, the thief exclaimed.
Yes, we get that, Tali intruded. What have you got for us?
Well, it seems that Billy moved to Tayseri ward. I met one of the drivers here and one of his passengers seems to match his description, she announced, proudly.
Tayseri? The turian wondered. Well, at least that makes our job easier. Is Thane with you?
Oh, I think he died on the way, she mentioned casually.
Wh-what? the veteran marksman nearly had a heart-attack.
No, wait, I think I ... yeah, there he is. Late as always, she joked.
Do you hate me? Thane could be heard talking, over the comm.
You stole my Thessian tea, she objected as Jack coughed.
Thessian tea would only make my condition worse, he explained. Why would I steal it?
Then who would, she paused, thinking it over. Jack? I helped you get to Shepard, Kasumi protested.
You said it'd give me biotic spikes, Zero complained in return.
Ladies, Garrus interjected, snapping his fingers, this is not the time. We need to get to Tayseri. EDI, can you hack into any of the camera streams from Tayseri's shuttle bay and find Billy? Maybe we can trace his steps from there.
I'll require a mobile interface platform I can access remotely, the AI responded.
We will fulfill that role, the geth collective contributed. Creator Zorah?
The quarian simply nodded. We will-I will go along with you, Legion, she corrected herself. Will you join us, Garrus?
Uh, s-sure, he stammered.
What the hell, bird? I thought we were a team, Jack objected, as she stood in front of Samara, pointing between the three of them.
Yes, of course, he tried to sound confident, but failed. I guess that'll have to take a rain check, Tali.
The quarian engineer peeked over the turian's shoulder, her eyes squinting as she focused on Jack, then walked towards her. She pointed two of her fingers at her eyes, then back at Subject Zero, before walking away. A shocked look formed on Jack's face, as she really didn't see this reaction coming from the usually timid Tali. And I don't have chicken legs, she protested.
Then I guess I'll take Kaidan and Jacob with, Miranda started.
No! I'm taking Taylor and Alenko with me, Zaeed asserted. These kids hardly know how to fight, let alone hunt. I can teach them a thing or two. Hopefully, they'll both make it out alive. The mercenary went for the Normandy's airlock, ready to leave for Tayseri.
That sounded rather ominous, Kaidan stated.
Yeah! And it didn't sound too good either, Jacob added. Kaidan just looked at the former Cerberus agent and squinted, trying to figure out if he was being serious or not.
Then I guess I will go with Grunt and, Miranda tried one more time.
I've got other plans for this whelp, Wrex interrupted her again, shaking his head at her.
That just leaves me with Tali and Legion, she resigned with a deep sigh.
The so called psychotic biotic couldn't help screaming in frustration as she sat on a bench on one of the busier streets of the still rebuilding Tayseri ward. If I hear that Sanctuary commercial one more time, I swear I'm going to kill someone.
Yeah, I noticed that too. What the hell is sanctuary anyway? Garrus wondered.
It's supposed to be something like the safest place in the fucking galaxy, Jack explained.
No place will be safe enough when the Reapers arrive, Samara contemplated.
Sounds more like a prison to me, Zero monologued.
EDI, any news from Tali and Legion? The turian asked.
Nothing yet. It seems Billy is well aware of the cameras positioned over Tayseri and knows how to avoid them, the AI informed him.
This is a lost cause, he lamented, shaking his head. Shepard's hearing should be over by now. Let's head back to the ship. EDI, tell everyone to regroup at the Normandy. Once we know what's happened to the commander, we will start working on a new strategy.
The turian started off first, Samara following suit behind him. Shit, Jack muttered under her breath and jumped off the bench. She hadn't even made a step, before she felt a jolt go through her, sending an unfamiliar shiver down her spine. G-Garrus, she cried.
What's wrong now? he asked in a resigned manner as he turned to face her. Upon seeing her expression, he realized it immediately. Where? his eyes bolted left and right. There, just a few feet behind her, a quarian gambled a look over his shoulder, only to have his eyes lock with the turian, then darted off as fast as he could. Samara, he's here, he shouted, running off behind Billy. Zero needed no prompting, as she matched her speed with the turian's. Above them, the justicar could be seen hovering past the crowd, getting ahead of Billy, before landing in front of a set of stairs, effectively blocking his path. She prepared a biotic blast, only to see him avoid it, by jumping at a far wall, nearly gluing on it, then propelling himself against Samara. With a deft move, he stabbed her side with a concealed knife and sped on past her. The asari seemed to lose her balance and looked about to collapse as her blood streamed down her side. She tried to clutch the wound shut with her hand, but she only managed to smear it. As she brought her hand up to her face, she almost fainted.
Samara, the human biotic cried, her voice resonating a tone of concern.
I've got her, the marksman reassured her, as he deviated towards the justicar. You go after Billy. It's all up to you now, Jack.
Thanks for reminding me, she thought to herself and followed on the quarian's tracks.
Samara's legs wobbled for a moment longer, before she fell forward, head first onto Garrus. The turian, already expecting her to fall, gripped her easily and applied medigel directly to her wound. Hey, hey, hey, come on now, you're OK, he whispered as he tried hoisting her up. The asari's eyelids suddenly opened wide, the former white of her eyes gone charcoal black along with the pupils. Fuck, the veteran marksman started, nearly dropping her as he jumped, out of sheer horror.
Jack was running short behind Billy. He was fast, nearly tireless and more than once, she almost lost him in the crowd. As they reached a set of stairs that led to one of the lower levels of the ward, Zero was certain he would dart off to the right and lose him completely. It was almost indistinguishable to her how a change in her field of vision came about. Time itself seemed to slow down and everything turned a duller grey color. Except for him. Her footing came faster, effortless, more balanced, slowly catching up to him. She jumped on the railing on the center of the stairs and slid down between the ongoing crowd. It felt so natural, so focused and at the same time, as if a steady hand was showing her the way. Get out of my head, Samara, she barked.
Garrus was trying to get a better grip on Samara. His one arm was wrapped around her back, his two fingers uncomfortably squeezing down on her chest, his other arm grabbing her leg. Spirits, you're heavy, he heaved as he tried straightening her up, only for his arm to reach higher up her thigh. Samara's head rolled around as her eyes closed and opened up again, returning to their normal colour. She placed a hand on her head.
Goddess, she exclaimed coming to. She looked up at the turian next to her, his eyes frozen, his mouth wide open, an expression of fear on his face. Slowly, as the numbness on her body subsided, she felt his arms around her and stared at the hands gripping her. I never imagined one so young could touch me, she told him softly, gazing into his eyes.
The former C-Sec officer finally took a breath, his expression easing into one of relief. I'm sure you say that to all the guys, he replied. The turian's attention was distracted by a familiar face running past him. Hey, is it just me or was that, he trailed off.
I think it was, the asari confirmed.
Subject Zero found herself in front of a triple set of doors. The trail led to here, but she had no idea which one Billy had chosen. She took a step forward, approaching the middle one, leaving the other two behind her. There was a chime and a ringing sound heard coming from behind her. Turning around, the doors were shut. Her attention focused to the source of the sounds. Come on, Jack. You're an investigator now, so investigate, she prompted herself. She brought up her omni-tool. The door that had chimed previously, seemed to be operated remotely via a terminal. Issuing the order, it opened up. Not too far away from the door was a metallic can. This caused the ringing sound, she theorized. But where did it come from? she started to go inside but stopped. Billy wouldn't be so careless. Not after all the hoops he had us running through yesterday, she reasoned. A gear clicked in her head. Garrus shot Billy. He said that he wouldn't be able to strain himself after that, but he's been running around like a geth hopper on steroids. If he's hurt, then he should be bleeding and if he's bleeding, she searched around frantically, then there should be a blood trail, she surmised. A trail of red splotches went through one of the doors. Hesitantly, she opened it. The room was dark, if not for a small window at the far side of it. Shattered crates littered the floor. In front of the window stood a dark figure. From the whimpers she heard and the second shape that seemed to be in front of Billy, she assumed that there was a young asari held as hostage. She took a decisive step inside.
That is close enough, the quarian beckoned.
Really? A hostage? You think that's going to stop me? the human biotic's skin started flashing blue.
Oh, I would never dream of stopping your delicate work, Subject Zero, he mocked.
At least shove her out of the way or slit her throat. That way you can rob me of the pleasure of killing you both in one hit, she bluffed.
I don't think your boyfriend would approve of that, he snided.
Jack squinted her eyes as she looked at him. The fuck did you just say?
The cat's out of the bag, he sneered. Isn't that what you humans say? Did you really think it was some heavily guarded secret? People wouldn't know? How the most violent biotic alive has a crush on the first human specter, he spat.
Who told you? Jack's breathing came heavy as she felt her blood boil.
Come now, Zero. You expect me to reveal my sources? his blade dug into the woman's throat, the asari cried in terror as a few drops of blood started flowing down her neck. Now, I suggest you walk away.
Not gonna happen, came a voice behind her.
Jack turned around and saw the fully armed man stand under the doorway. Shepard? she asked surprised.
If it isn't the savior of the Citadel. I would take my bow, but I'm a little preoccupied, you see, Wil made light of the situation.
You understand that if you harm her, there's nothing stopping me, or Jack, from tearing you apart, don't you? Shepard's threat sounded legitimate.
Or you can try something bold and we see the inside of her throat, the quarian taunted them. The asari woman whimpered again, but said nothing.
I've done a lot of stupid things in my life, Billy. None as the one you're doing now, though. Hiding in the shadows? It's the perfect cover, the specter explained.
Don't expect me to fall for your empty threats, commander, he barked back.
Too bad. Because my threats are never empty, he smirked wryly.
The two glowing orbs that shone from behind Billy's visor seemed to grow bigger, as if his eyes opened wide. A hand seemed to materialize as it smacked against his mask, his head bobbing up and down as the thief pulled the asari out of his reach. The assassin simply placed a finger on the bleeding open wound on the quarian's side. He tried to push the drell back, but his waning strength failed him.
Is something wrong? the specter taunted him. Is it the bullet wound? The loss of blood? Or is it the high fever? All of the above maybe? Billy still tried to struggle, but Thane held him off. Those geth parts helped you put on quite a display, but it all amounts to nothing if you can't keep it up indefinitely.
I would have got you, Shepard, the quarian spat. I would fillet you, then sever sinew from bone. I would chop you into tiny pieces, then serve you to your crew, just before I do the same to them.
You're in no condition to do anything, Bill. But you can tell me who hired you to kill those people and discredit me, Shepard instructed him.
Billy laughed for a minute. They'll do things way worse than you can, if I tell you.
Is that enough? the human asked over his shoulder.
That'll do, Bailey's voice came from behind him. The C-Sec captain walked in, a determined look on his face. Take him away, he shouted as a group of C-Sec agents run in, apprehending the quarian.
Kasumi, get this woman to a hospital. Hell, get her to Chakwas, if need be, he motioned her and the shocked asari she still held in her arms.
Right away, commander, she beckoned and led the woman away.
Thane, you're dismissed for the day, he relieved the assassin.
Thank you, commander, he acknowledged.
I'd go visit a fellow convict, if I were you, he urged. The drell smiled in return and left hurriedly. Jack, he added lastly. The woman had been standing there, literally stunned to see him before her and out of prison. Even as he walked closer to her, she didn't utter a single word. Instead, he took the initiative, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her close to him. Zero just stared at him, still disbelieving.
You're out, she finally said.
I told you, I wasn't being light when I charged Mordin with my defense, he reminded her.
So what about all this? Hunting Billy? she wondered.
We'd have to get him, either way, he explained. He was my mess, after all. But I wouldn't have done it without you, Jack. So, thank you for doing this. All of this.
I didn't, she started.
Didn't what? Find Billy amongst a crowd of millions? Hunt him down? Corner him? Stall him till Thane and Kasumi got in undetected? Shepard scolded her for doubting herself. Come on, Jack. Let's go home. C-Sec can handle the rest, he prompted her.