4. The Ties That Bind
The Kodiak touches down on the floor of the Normandy's hanger. Lieutenant Steve Cortez shuts its systems down as Garrus, Liara, Tali and EDI exit.
"Cortez, can you get the second shuttle ready to go? This one's not at 100% and we can't risk taking it out again," Garrus says to the pilot.
"I'm on it", he replies racing over to the hanger controls to prep the second shuttle.
"How much longer until we reach the Citadel?" Garrus asks as they make their way to the elevator.
"ETA is 20 minutes," Joker states over the comm.
"Good. EDI, we'll also need to coordinate with Admiral Hackett. He may have information on Anderson and Shepard's location. See if you or Traynor can get him on vid or link."
"Understood," EDI confirms. The advanced AI is now reconnected with the Normandy's systems and begins monitoring the various feeds and processes. "Tali, I've received notice that you are needed on the Engineering Deck. Chief Engineer Adams would like you to review the drive core's output projections."
"I'll make my way there now," the quarian replies, pulling up the latest status reports for the various engineering systems of the Normandy on her omni-tool.
The team steps into the elevator and Garrus presses the button for the CIC, followed by Tali also hitting the controls for the Crew Deck and Engineering levels.
"You and Liara are going to the Med-Bay first even if I need to drag you both there myself," Tali declares in a harsh tone.
Garrus is about to protest, but Liara places a hand on his shoulder.
"Tali is right, Garrus," she tells him. "We don't know what the situation will be when we reach the Citadel. We're in no condition for full-on combat right now."
"I will let you know as soon as we get Admiral Hackett on the comm. I will also continue attempts to locate the Commander," EDI says to him.
"Fine." Garrus sighs. He knows they're right. He knows they want to get Shepard back almost as much as he does. There will be no margin for error with this. They need to be ready for anything.
Tali exits the elevator at the Engineering Deck, turning back to Garrus and Liara. "Don't worry. We will find her," she says to them before the metal doors close.
The two of them exit on the third level, leaving EDI to continue on to the CIC. They enter the Med-Bay to find Dr. Karin Chakwas waiting for them.
"Ok, lets take a look," the Alliance doctor says as Garrus removes the armor from his upper body. Dr. Chakwas examines the fracture and wound on his chest. "This doesn't look serious. It's no longer bleeding, but the cracked plate will need to be set with a bonding agent for now. I also took the liberty of having replacement suits brought up for you both," she says, motioning to the two sets of armor placed on a table at the far end of the room.
She disinfects and treats the turian's wounds, then moves on to Liara's leg injury. Dr. Chakwas begins to disinfect the much improved laceration and apply another dose of medi-gel.
"This injury is already healing, but I want to set it with some gel sutures just as an added precaution," she explains to the asari.
Garrus begins changing suits. They have to be ready to go as soon as possible. He's grateful for the meticulous and resourceful Dr. Chakwas. If Shepard is injured, he knows the Alliance medial expert will be ready and able to heal her. He silently thanks the spirits that she's here.
Dr. Chakwas can plainly see the anxiety and agitation that Liara and Garrus both carry with them. The normally cool crisp air of the Med-Bay feels overwhelmingly heavy and disquieted.
"The Commander was always a strong solider even before the Cerberus cybernetic enhancements," Dr. Chakwas declares in her usual calm and confident voice, applying the sutures to Liara's leg. "She's survived impossible odds before. I just know she will make it through this. And if the Admiral is with her, then I have no doubt they will find away to activate the Catalyst."
Garrus nods and he lets the doctor's words echo in his mind as he thoughtfully sets the chestplate and arm portions of his heavy armor. He pulls the blood-stained visor off of his head and cleans it with a small piece of gauze moistened with disinfectant.
He lets a talon linger over the carved names and the one scratched out. He remembers the day when he etched those names into the metal frame of the visor and the two years before. Those were his darkest days. Shepard was dead. Though their relationship had been platonic before her death, secretly he had been completely infatuated with her even then.
He thinks back to their recent Citadel date. She looked into his eyes and confessed her love for him. It's one of the happiest moments of his life. I love you too, Shepard. More than you know. And after everything we've been through, I know I couldn't live in a galaxy without you in it.
Garrus puts the visor on, making a silent vow to the spirits. He would come back with her or not at all.
"Advisor Vakarian." Traynor interrupts his thoughts, her voice coming though the Med-Bay intercom. "I have Admiral Hackett available on vid comm for you."
"Thanks, Traynor," Garrus replies. "I'm on my way now." He gives a hasty nod to Dr. Chakwas and Liara then hurries out.
Liara finishes replacing her armor also. "Thank you, Dr. Chakwas. I need to make additional preparations before we reach the Citadel as well."
"I'll prepare an emergency medical kit for you to take with you in the shuttle," she replies, gathering several medial supplies. "Be careful and good luck."
Once she's back in her office, Liara immediately checks her information terminals, running through the list of messages and updates.
"Welcome back, Dr. T'Soni," Glyph, the VI assistant, greets her. "How can I assist you?"
"I'm uploading a list of names to you now, Glyph," Liara quickly tells the VI. "I need you to monitor their status and communications and forward all updates to me or EDI as they come in. Miranda Lawson is of top priority."
Since becoming the Shadow Broker and even more so after watching Thessia fall to the reapers, Liara feels the need to be prepared for all worst-case scenarios. Miranda was able to bring Shepard back before. If the Commander's injuries are extensive, the cybernetics and even Dr. Chakwas expertise may not be enough. Miranda would be a valuable resource for helping Shepard.
"Right away, Dr. T'Soni. You also have a high-priority message from Operative Feron waiting at your terminal."
She scans through the long list of messages and finds the one from Feron. She opens it with a sigh of relief that he's safe.
From: Operative Feron
I'm with a fleet of Citadel survivors. We've just landed on Sur'Kesh after receiving clearance from the Dalatrass and the salarian councilor. The Citadel's defense forces were strong when the reapers attacked, but once they were overwhelmed C-Sec and the militia shifted to evac mode. All of the preparations saved thousands of lives.
One of the quarian liveships and a small group of geth starships even provided support once the evac fleet passed through the Widow Nebula relay. It's incredible. They've been providing supplies and helping with repairs since we've landed.
It's strange the way fate works sometimes, isn't it? The geth and quarians have always faced such hostility from most Citadel races, and now those same people owe them a great debt.
Don't worry about me. Just let me know what's next on the agenda. I'm trying to get in touch with other operatives, but it's getting harder and harder to push communications through the FTL comm buoys. I'll keep trying though.
P.S. I know you're in the eye of the storm now. I'm worried about you. Stay safe.
Liara's eyes linger for a second over that last line, small smile on her face. Her fingers hesitate on the keyboard for a moment, before typing a short reply.
I'm ok for now, but this isn't over yet. I'll be in touch.
I'm happy to know that you're safe.
She hits the send command, then quickly pulls some files from the terminal.
"Liara, Garrus is speaking with Admiral Hackett now and would like everyone to meet in the War Room in five minutes," EDI announces over the intercom.
"Thanks, EDI. I'm on my way," she responds. Entering the final commands on the terminal, she uploads a set of holographic blueprints of the Citadel to her omni-tool then hurries to the second level of the Normandy.
Garrus enters the communications room and immediately informs Comm Specialist Traynor to put the Admiral through. Within seconds the vid connection is active.
"Admiral Hackett, do you have any news on Admiral Anderson or Commander Shepard?" Garrus begins.
"Advisor Vakarian, we have just confirmed that Anderson made it to the Citadel, though our communications with him are intermittent at best, virtually unreliable at worst," Admiral Hackett announces.
Garrus's eyes narrow at this news. This is hopeful. If Anderson made it, then maybe-
"We were able to pick up on a second marker on the Citadel as well," Hackett continues. "We believe it's the Commander, but we haven't been able to hold the connection for longer than a few seconds."
Garrus's heart pounds in this chest and a sharp exhale escapes his mouth as his mandibles click. Spirits! It's Shepard. I know it's her. He steadies his nerves as he continues the meeting with Hackett.
"We have EDI trying to locate her as well," Garrus tells the Admiral. "The beam caused an overwhelming amount of interference, but once we're in range we may be able to lock on to her location."
"Assuming that Anderson and Shepard have both made it, we still need them to open the Citadel arms so we can move the Crucible into place. And to further complicate matters, we've received reports that Harbinger is en route to the Citadel as well. Be on guard."
"We will, Admiral," Garrus replies. "The Normandy's barriers and defense systems are up and ready. Joker's been monitoring Harbinger's position and with the SR-2's speed, we'll be at the Citadel before the reaper."
"Good. The Normandy's a formidable starship even where the reapers are concerned, but you won't be alone. A portion of Sword is breaking off to proceed with Operation: Dagger. Their objective will be to assist Shield and the Normandy once Harbinger arrives and engage the enemy if necessary. This entire war hinges on getting the Citadel arms opened as quickly as possible."
The Admiral pauses for a moment before continuing. "I know you don't want to hear this Vakarian, but if Shepard and Anderson are unable to activate the Catalyst, your team will need to do so."
Garrus's stance shifts with agitation. "Understood, but at this point, confirming Shepard's location is our primary objective. Activating the Catalyst if the Commander is unable to do so is the second." He can't think of anything else until he finds her, but ultimately he knows Hackett is right. Still, it's Shepard first. The Catalyst second.
The Admiral nods at his response, understanding the scenario. The job will get done. He knows enough about Garrus Vakarian to be sure that the mission would be accomplished, but he also can't argue against going after Shepard first. This is her team. They would never leave their Commander.
"Good luck, Advisor. If there's a way, I know Shepard and the Normandy crew will find it. Keep me posted. We'll provide all the support we can. Hackett out."
The connection cuts off and before Garrus can give orders to her over the comm link, EDI says, "I've already analyzed the communications data from Hackett's team. I believe I have located the Commander. Garrus, she's appears to be somewhere on the Presidium. I'm trying to pinpoint her location now and reestablish the comm link."
"Is there any data on her condition?" he asks.
"None right now. The suit monitors may have malfunctioned or there is still too much interference to get a reading."
The hope he held on to before leaving Earth was surging anew. She is on the Citadel. We just have to reach her. And we will. Hold on, Shepard.
After fine-tuning the engine systems for the mission, Tali returns to the Med-Bay to check in with Dr. Chakwas. She finds the doctor prepping the room with various medical supplies and devices.
"Doctor, how are Garrus and Liara?" Tali is concerned about more than just their present physical well-being. She could sense their guilt on the shuttle ride even though they both tried to remain focused and calm on the outside. Tali knew them too well. She could see they blamed themselves for losing the Commander. It reminded her of their expressions when she spoke with them after the first Normandy was destroyed and Shepard had been killed. She quickly pushes that memory from her mind. No. This isn't like that time. Shepard isn't dead. I know she's still alive and we're going to find her.
"Liara and Garrus's injuries are not serous," Dr. Chakwas replies, still busy with her preparations. "They'll be fine. Garrus may need an additional bonding treatment to repair the fractured plate, but that's the worst of it."
"I'm glad you came by, Tali." The doctor walks over to her desk, picking up a package of several antibiotic units and hands them to Tali..
"Thanks. I almost forgot to pick these up." She takes the vials. They are emergency units in case of any suit ruptures. She was lucky on Earth, but who know what the Citadel will be like.
"Also, would you mind running into Shepard's room and grabbing her spare helmet? It'll be helpful to have on hand once you find her. It may be the most efficient way to make sure she has a steady supply of oxygen if she's severely injured or unconscious."
"Of course." Tali nods. She can hear the worry in Dr. Chakwas voice.
"Thank you, Tali." The doctor gives her best impression of a smile before returning to the medical tasks.
Tali takes the elevator up to the Commander's cabin to get the N7 helmet.
"EDI, I need you to unlock Shepard's cabin doors. I need to pick up her spare helmet," she requests while still in the elevator.
"The door is now unlocked," EDI replies.
Tali steps out of the elevator and the cabin doors immediately open. She walks into the room and heads for Shepard's armor locker. She pulls the spare helmet from the case and sighs as she traces the N7 emblem with her gloved fingers. Turning to walk out of the room, she spots a familiar piece of fabric on the desk. Tali walks towards it. There on the desk, near the Commander's medals and a small jewelry box, is a quarian wrap folded neatly. Tali gently touches the heavy fabric as a soft sob escapes her lips.
The dark teal material is decorated with intricately woven designs in golden threads, outlines of hexagons interlocking at the points, somewhat resembling a honeycomb pattern. In the time since the quarian people fled Rannoch and had to live in sealed enviro-suits, these fabrics became an important part of quarian culture on the flotilla. They became a way of expressing personality, status, or ideals. Each pattern has its own meaning.
She remembers when she gave this to Shepard. It was the day the Normandy dropped her off at the flotilla, after the Alpha Relay incident and before Shepard turned herself in to the Alliance. They said their goodbyes and she explained the meaning of the pattern. Shepard hugged her tightly and said thank you and Tali could see her tears even through the N7 helmet's visor. This particular pattern means "sister".
She gives herself a few more seconds to regain her composure before heading out of the cabin and to the pre-mission briefing in the CIC.
In the war room, the team circles around the display. Garrus, Liara, Tali, EDI, and Cortez are present. Joker is linked in from the cockpit.
"I have picked up the Commander's approximate location on the Presidium, though the communication link is unreliable," EDI confirms to the group. "As we get closer to the Citadel, I should be able to pinpoint her exact location and repair the comm link connection."
"We still don't know her condition yet," Garrus adds. "But we at least know that Anderson and Shepard have made it to the Citadel, and that's a start."
"Traynor and I will continue to contact Shepard and handle any incoming reports from Earth and the fleets."
Garrus nods and he pulls up a holographic map showing the Crucible, Citadel and fleet positions.
"Shield is on standby until the arms open," he explains to the crew. "And we've got Harbinger heading towards the Citadel too." They look at the image of the reaper as it inches closer to the Citadel on the map.
"Hackett is launching Dagger as we speak. They're a small group of precision fighter ships that will break from Sword to assist the Normandy once we reach the Citadel. Sword will continue the main space assault on the reapers keeping them busy, but the Normandy and Dagger will have to engage Harbinger."
"The Normandy's locked and loaded. She's ready for a full-on fight," Joker declares over the intercom.
Tali nods. "We've made some modifications to the drive core for this mission," she says as the Normandy's systems diagrams appear on the display. "The stealth systems can be used for a prolonged period if we only use the FTL drive in short bursts. The CBT shielding and weapons systems will not be affected."
"Good work," Garrus responds with a slight smile. With Joker, Tali, and EDI, he knows the Normandy will be at her best. One less thing to worry about. "Now we just need to figure out how to get on to the Citadel."
Liara pulls up the 3-D map of the Citadel. "That will require some creativity from Joker and Lieutenant Cortez," she says, enlarging the exterior diagram.
"When the Citadel arms are closed there is virtually no where for the Normandy to dock," Liara explains. "Joker, you'll have to get as close as possible to the inner Presidium ring, before Cortez can launch the shuttle."
"Not a problem, Liara," the pilot replies confidently from the cockpit.
Liara calls up the blueprints of the Presidium portion of the Citadel on the display. "Cortez, we will need you to keep circling the inner Presidium in the shuttle, avoiding the battle with Harbinger and remaining on standby to pick up the landing party. There are 10 possible entry points on the Presidium. We just need to reach one of them, preferably the one closet to the Commander's location. The good news is that the Citadel's gravity and atmosphere should still be in place."
Cortez takes a look at the hologram, his mind already running possible routes to and around the entry points. "This might be tough but entirely possible. I've made crazier drops before."
There's quiet as Garrus looks around the room. The other crew members working at the stations on the far end of the room have stopped to listen in. Joker smiles to himself as he sets the communication controls of the War Room to shipwide, feeling the "big speech" coming on. This is what the entire crew needs to hear.
"This war has cost us greatly, but we're still in this," Garrus says to the crew. "We can still win this thing and we owe that to Shepard. A lot of good people have been lost in this fight and everyone here has had to make sacrifices. Use them as reminders of what we're fighting for. We fight for the lost. We fight for those we love. We fight for our homeworlds. And we fight for our future. Now the entire galaxy is counting on us to finish this mission. But more importantly Shepard is counting on us. And we will not let her down."
A chorus of cheers and hooyah's erupt throughout the Normandy.
"Hooyah!" Cortez joins in.
"We've got a galaxy to save." He can hear the smile in Tali's voice.
"Just like old times," Liara says to him with a nod.
"Stations, people! Let's go get the Commander back and kick Harbinger's ass!" Joker says over the intercom.
Garrus, Tali, Liara and Cortez head down to the shuttle and board. Cortez has it prepped and ready to go.
"EDI. Joker. What's our status?" Garrus asks.
"We've reached Citadel space," EDI confirms. "But I have not yet pinpointed the Commander's exact location. I am detecting Shepard's comm link is partially functional. I'm repairing the connection now."
"And Harbinger?" Liara asks.
"Harbinger's ETA is five minutes."
"It's closing in faster than we thought," Tali says to Garrus. "We can't wait."
"Joker, get us as close to the Presidium as you can," Garrus orders, readying his assault rifle. "Cortez, we've got to make the drop at the closest access point. We'll go on foot from there. Hopefully EDI can pinpoint Shepard's position by then."
"Ok, drop-off point's set. Get ready to go?" Joker asks.
"We're ready to run, Joker." Cortez already has the shuttle primed to launch out of the hanger.
Garrus turns back to his squadmates. "Alright, this is it. I'll take point. Tali, you're secondary. And Liara, you're on security. We'll need you to keep the return path to shuttle clear."
"I'm ready. Let's go," Liara answers, her biotics slightly flaring, the glow casting a blue aura around her.
Joker hits the controls to open the hanger doors. "Good luck. Bring her home."
Author's Notes:
Thank you as always for reading. :)
With this chapter we see the squad preparing for the rescue mission, both practically and emotionally. They each still hold on to the memory of Shepard's death, fearing that it could happen again. Garrus, a strong proven leader, is stepping up to the table as the head of this mission and even gives an inspirational pre-mission speech of his own. All of Shep's speeches must've rubbed off on him.
Next stop: The Citadel.