Chapter 10: State of the galaxy

AN/ While this chapter isn't required reading... you should read it anyway. Features two OC's from chapter two. Enjoy.

The Presidium

Mass Relay monument:

Councilor Tevos seldom got the chance to break from work. Often spending an entire day with her colleagues, either settling a dispute or arguing amongst them selves. But when she could get a break she could often be found admiring the conduit. Her species, the asari were the first race to discover the Citadel. She admired the conduits aesthetic value for years, but after learning of its true purpose she appreciated it as a marvel of engineering that she hopes her kind will one day match. But even now work was all she could think of. "I'm glad you decided to take my call."

"Well when a councilor calls a spectre has no choice but to come running right?" An asari said in a sarcastic tone. "Why did you call me Tev?"

The councilor glared at the asari. "It's councilor to you Raina." The councilor leaned against the railing, separating her and the conduit. "I want to ask you something."

The spectre stood next to the councilor. "Ask away."

"What do you think of Shepard's plan?"

The asari spectre raised an eyebrow. "Do you want me to lie or are you silly enough to want an honest opinion?" She asked.

"Let me have it Raina."

The spectre took an exaggerated exhale. "It won't work. You've seen what these machines can do. The vids of burned out colonies and destroyed patrols. We got lucky at Arcturus, but things are no doubt going to get real ugly real fast." Raina answered, her voice sounded angry. The councilor looked at her hands, they were wrapped tightly around the railing. "And Shepard... try as he might... is going to fail."

"My colleagues share that very sentiment."

"The whole galaxy is falling apart. Shepard is trying his damn best to keep it together." Raina continued. "But when these Reapers do come he'll become the most determined man on the cinder."

"So there's nothing we can do?" The councilor asked, sounding desperate for an answer.

Raina smiled at the councilor. "Normally I'd have a smart remark for you Tev... but not about this." Her voice grew quiet to almost a whisper, her eyes filled with a pronounced sadness. "Truth is... the galaxy is running out of time."

Turian Frigate

(Ship registry undisclosed)

Being a spectre has its advantages. You can go anywhere in the galaxy unrestricted and for the most part you're above the law. For turian spectre Velentrian Tenais it was as simple as calling the Special Tasks Group for information regarding Cerberus facilities in the traverse. All from the comfort of his private quarters. "Thank you Captain Rentola, the STG's help in this investigation will help save lives."

"No problem at all. The more we all know about this technology Cerberus has acquired the better." The salarian answered in an official tone. "But I thought Shepard was in charge of Cerberus affairs with the council?"

"I believe Shepard may have been corrupted. Finding proof to refute or support this claim is my secondary objective." The turian exhaled. "I hope I'm wrong, but the council wont look into it."

The salarian operative rubbed his chin, staring curiously at the spectre. "I hope you're wrong as well. But it's better to be ready if the worst comes to pass."

"My thoughts exactly Captain." He cut communication. He leaned back in his chair, looking up at the ceiling. "What are you planning Shepard?" He growled. "You die for two years and come back working for terrorists. And the Council just nods, gives you a botched trial and now you have them using mysterious technology supplied by terrorists."

"I'll find out what you and the humans are up to Shepard!" He shouted aloud. "I'll start with this base in the Horse Head Nebula."

AN/ So Velentrian has a bit of a beef with the first human spectre eh? Well Next chapter will similarly be Shepard less. It does feature Ashley Williams in her own special chapter!

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