Chapter 20: Consideration
Sitting quietly in a chair as he had done for the last several hours, Garrus worried about what decision the Primarchs would make.
He wanted to pound his fist into something, upset that politics was playing such a large role when people's lives were at stake. After spending the better part of an hour listening to gossip about Human or Batarian intentions, the debate lost sight of the real issue: the Reapers. Vakarian thought how it was almost like they were some fairy tale.
He wished he could feel the same. He wished they weren't real, they weren't coming, and life could go on usual. But that was not reality, and reality as people knew it was going to change soon. While he had support from General Balisarian, whose voice carried great weight, it seemed the larger question was how the Turian people could benefit from the moment.
No one wanted the galaxy to end or anything as hideous as the destruction of a species, but if the Reapers could be defeated and the Turians emerge even stronger, the Primarchs reasoned it was a good thing. The hints of an alliance between the Humans and Krogans made it even more compelling for certain officials to think this way.
As Augelio made clear, if the last two races that fought the Turians got their noses bloodied by the Batarians or the Reapers, it would help the galaxy to remember which race kept things in order. The Salarians did the science, the Asari paid the bills, but the Turians would be the muscle because they could be trusted.
Hearing a stirring besides the bed where he sat, Garrus released his thoughts and looked at his friend who had been asleep in the medical bay. Samara, the Asari justicar, still looked a little pale, but her eyes opened and she spoke for the first time since the vicious attack she suffered.
Turning her head, she saw her shipmate crack a small smile and said, "Garrus, what happened?"
Not knowing how much she could recall, he asked, "How much do you remember?"
Speaking slowly as she was still under heavy anesthesia, Samara said, "I remember getting sick after the wine, but then it becomes a blur. Two men took me, and I tried to use my biotic abilities, but they weren't working."
Having spoken with the doctors, Garrus knew they found her systems had traces not only of sedatives, but also Omega-Enkaphalin, a volatile biotic suppression drug. In large doses, it could cause permanent damage to biotic abilities, but the extent of the effect would only reveal itself over time.
Looking back at Samara, he said, "You were kidnapped by Blue Suns Agents. They used you to get to me, and when I came to help you escape, they captured us both."
"Yet you seem fine," she remarked.
"I was lucky." He thought about how close he came to dying that day. "We had assistance from special operations forces with the military here. Even still, we were lucky."
Vakarian said, "The sick bastards planned on torturing us so they kept us alive. We were gassed with sleeping gas so we could be transported, but some quick thinking by Nehria got us out of there."
Smiling serenely, Samara said, "It is strange not to have my powers available now. Maybe I should rest."
Garrus nodded. Respecting her wishes, he arose to leave but he felt her hand brush his wrist.
The Asari said, "Thank you for coming for me." Slowly, her eyes fell, and he left her to inform the doctors she had awakened.
The hospital itself was a military facility, but there were doctors there from several different species including many Asari. The woman who was supervising the recovery of his friend was named Doctor T'Sarb and Garrus went directly to her office to let him know she had awakened.
Knocking on the door, he was invited to enter, and said, "I just wanted to let you know Samara is awake."
With the natural empathy of their species, the woman said, "Excellent news. She is recovering more quickly than I might have expected for a woman of her age. Did she seem okay?"
"She had some gaps in her memory and seemed tired."
The doctor nodded and said, "Between the drugs she was given and the trauma, it's likely she'll never remember everything that happened, but from the report I read, that might be a good thing."
"You might be right," said the marksman. "How long do you think it will be before she's back to full strength?"
"The physical injuries were straightforward enough. It will take months for some of the tendon damage to fully heal, but she should be able to walk in about a week." The doctor paused for a moment before continuing. "As for the mental aspects, since we don't know all the drugs that were used, we'd like to take this slowly to make sure she can recover fully."
Garrus nodded. He still felt responsible for the problems Samara was facing, as she had become caught up in his problems, and he wasn't going to let that happen once more.
He made up his mind in that moment to travel to Thessia alone, allowing Samara to catch up when her condition allowed. He didn't know how he would be received by the Asari, but he would make a point to speak with the ambassador before leaving Palaven.
"Thank you, doctor," he said, and he left. While he had planned on heading back to the apartment to get ready for another departure, he was stopped by a Turian waiting outside Samara's room.
"Vakarian?" he asked, as he was dressed in a low-rank military uniform
"Yes?"
"General Balisarian asked me to bring you to his office. Will you come with me, sir?" Asked as a question, Garrus knew an order when he heard one and followed.
Arriving at the office, the Primarch was pacing behind his desk.
"How's the Asari?" he asked. "Samara, right?"
"Yes," responded Vakarian. "She's tough. She needs some time to heal, but she's already on the mend."
"Glad to hear it," said the General. "I can't believe they attacked citizens here on this world. I can assure you that will not happen again."
Cutting through the pleasantries, Garrus jumped to what he presumed was the point of this meeting, "What about the larger threat we face? Will we be doing anything about that?"
Balisarian shook his head mournfully and suggested his guest take a seat.
"I've seen the footage and what these Reapers can do in a fight. We are already practicing tactical exercises for when the invasion comes, and have begun calling up the frontline reserve units."
Given the mandatory requirement of service for all Turians, Garrus knew this could represent a substantial number of troops to be deployed.
"I know you'll have the men ready, General. But where will we fight them?"
"The Primarchs voted on the question of what to do about the current situation. A majority feel it would be best to simply let this situation between the Humans and Batarians come to a natural conclusion, and we should not get involved unless the Batarians actually declare war."
"So nothing," said Garrus. "You know as well as I that the Batarians are not going to declare war, but that whole sector will go up in flames."
Balisarian leveled with his counterpart, "I expect you're right. The opinion of the Primarchs is we shouldn't get involved in the conflicts of other species, and we can use the opportunity to prepare a stronger defense, perhaps in consultation with our traditional allies."
"And you accept this?" said the marksman. "When the Citadel was burning, it was the Alliance who came to save our people at the station. Now we let them burn?"
"Not my call, Vakarian," said the general with frustration evident in his voice. "The Krogans getting involved complicated matters, and the Humans have been very aggressive."
"What do you mean?" asked Garrus.
"The latest reports indicate the Alliance fleets are massing near the jump points to the Terminus Sector for some sort of operation. You don't use your dreadnoughts for defense, and several have been spotted by our operatives."
Garrus considered the question and realized he didn't know much about how the Alliance would behave. His experience of humanity was based upon his time aboard the Normandy and upon the Citadel, but it wasn't overtly political. Compared to Turians, Humans would take risks and be more aggressive.
"What do you think it means, General?" asked Vakarian seeking the professional opinion.
"If those were our forces, it would mean an invasion is coming," was his assessment. "I don't think we need to guess either. Look at this."
Balisarian activated a screen on the side of the wall and it showed a scene from the Alliance Headquarters. If he recalled correctly, Garrus thought it was Arcturus Station, but he didn't recognize the man speaking.
"His name is Saracino. He's the Foreign Minister now, but is expected to be named the next Prime Minister."
Not knowing much of Alliance politics, Garrus chose to listen without comment.
"Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Batarian Hegemony has publicly broadcast their demand that Captain Jared Shepard of the Alliance Military be turned over to their custody for alleged genocidal crimes.
Shepard, with an established record of heroism from Akuze, to the rescue of the Citadel, to other missions, exemplifies both the best humanity and the galaxy has to offer. His decisive action has saved billions of human and other lives on countless occasions, including most recently in the Viper Nebula.
The facts of the situation are Alliance citizens were being held prisoner without trial and without due process by the criminal government of the Batarians. Oppressing their own people as well as our own, their flagrant violations of intergalactic law have been long known and are documented in the materials we have provided herein.
In the process of a daring rescue of imprisoned citizens, then Commander Shepard ran into the threat from an entire flotilla of ships just like Sovereign. With the full consent of this Alliance, he undertook immediate action for the preservation of the galaxy by ensuring the destruction of the relay whereby worlds such as Thessia, Palaven, Sur'Kesh, and even Earth might have soon come under attack.
Jared Shepard is no criminal. He is a hero of the Alliance and of all free races. He will not be given over to a government that regularly oppresses its own people. While the Alliance deeply regrets the loss of life stemming from the actions to forestall the Reaper invasion, this government makes no apologies in doing what it must to protect our people from all threats.
In response to these threats, the Systems Alliance will be mobilizing elements of the Second, Third, and Fourth fleets into the Terminus Regions for peace-keeping duties against threats to Human colonies as well as to monitor the progression of the Reaper threat. We will work with all our galactic partners including the Citadel to ensure the safety of all species.
This government rejects the tyrannical demands of the Batarian Hegemony and requires the ultimatum issued to be withdrawn immediately. Should the Batarians take any offensive actions against our forces, it shall be considered a unilateral declaration of war on their part. The Citadel has already informed the Batarians such a declaration would be considered a declaration against all races, and we have the support of the Krogans as well as the Salarians, Turians, and Asari.
The galaxy stands united against this threat, and as humanity is at the forefront, this government will act now to protect our people."
The screen faded away and Garrus asked Balisarian, "Did we agree to any of that?"
"I don't know what is happening there," he said. "The Citadel is required by treaty to mutual defense, but they are basically trying to get the Batarians to attack with those terms."
Hesitating for a moment, Garrus thought about telling him the details he knew of what Shepard wanted to do. "The Commander wanted the Council to begin evacuating worlds that were along the transit lines coming in from the Alpha Relay. He thought a defense could be mounted along those lines."
His attention drawn, General Balisarian indicated for Garrus to continue.
"We can't match their firepower, but we can direct their route if we control the gates in that sector. We can destroy gates to buy time. Taken a step further, the Reaper force could be divided if the destruction was timed just right."
"It's a good idea," said the general. "But politically impossible. The Council would never go for it, nor would the Primarchs." He stroked his chin for a moment before asking, "Would the Alliance?"
Garrus said, "I don't know. What do you know about this Saracino?"
"He heads Terra Firma. You'll know them from your time with C-Sec."
Remembering his encounters with the humans first party, they left a bad taste in his mouth as they had with many aliens.
"His uncle used to head their party, but when he was indicted for criminal charges, Joseph took over the party and reformed it. They dropped the anti-alien propaganda, and now focus on human development. The funding improved drastically, and they made huge gains in the last election."
Vakarian said, "And there's an election this week?"
"Yes, and they just picked up a huge endorsement from your friend Shepard."
Fighting back an initial feeling of disappointment, Garrus found himself wondering why Shepard would choose to work with a party with such a background. That said, Cerberus was considered equally bad, and he thought he knew his captain well enough to think there must be some reason.
"I'm sure Shepard must have a reason," said Garrus. "It's good to see someone takes this threat seriously." The comment was pointed, and the General responded.
"Vakarian, I know what we face. We'll be there when the time comes."
Garrus simply nodded before asking, "I need to travel to Thessia to complete our mission. Can you arrange for transport?"
The Primarch said, "I'm afraid we can't. Rest assured, the Asari are aware of the situation, and are adopting a similar tactical position to our own."
Getting angry, the sharpshooter said, "So everyone is going to sit on their hands now? I will just have to take a private transport if you don't have one available."
"We won't detain you, Vakarian, but I would like to ask you to consider an alternative." The general stopped before saying, "Go back to Shepard. We need someone who knows what is happening out there and who can keep us informed. I know you aren't military, but you're still Turian, and you can save billions of lives by being where you belong, on the front line."
Garrus brushed past the obvious flattery, but the idea appealed to him. He wanted to be back with the crew instead of playing diplomat, and if a fight happened, he knew where he belonged. Besides, if a deal had already been struck, Vakarian doubted he could change the views of the Asari.
"And Samara?"
"She will receive the best care we can offer, and will be free to transport to the Citadel, to Thessia, or to the Alliance as she wishes when it is safe. She is an honored guest."
Anxious to be departing, Garrus said, "When do I leave?"
"We will have a ship ready within the hour. We're also going to be sending someone with you."
"General, with all due respect," began Garrus, "I'll go back home as you want, and I'll write some reports, but I'm not taking any minders with me. I do things my way."
Cracking a small smile, he said, "I think you'll be okay with your companion." Motioning to the door, Nehria stepped into the room, saluting to the general.
"Garrus, I'm sending Nehria with you to report only to me. I need good intelligence if I'm going to fight any war, and you two already work well together."
Not looking at her, because he thought his resolve might break, Garrus said, "She hasn't even completed her field training yet."
Balisarian said, "Since when did you go by the book, Mr. Archangel. You owe us one for cleaning up this mess, and you're going to do this. I'd rather you be happy about it, but your happiness isn't my business. Saving this galaxy is, or did you forget about that?"
Garrus didn't have a response, so he listened as the officer continued, "We don't always get to make the choices we want, Vakarian. Vendarius saved your life, so I think she has proven plenty enough she can look out for herself if trouble arises."
Nehria was disciplined enough not to say anything, but her feelings were hurt by Garrus' response. She looked forward to working with him again, but apparently he didn't feel the same way.
As he looked at the stiffness of her expression, Garrus imagined what she must be thinking, and wished she knew he didn't want to see her getting hurt. He'd seen too much of that, and didn't want anyone else being drawn into these missions. Life with Shepard was dangerous on a good day, and Nehria deserved better than this.
"Yes, sir," said Garrus. "With your permission, I will leave."
Balisarian gripped his arm and said, "Garrus, we need you. Go get them."
Nodding stiffly, Vakarian left and found Nehria walking beside him.
"I won't trouble you, if that is what you're worrying," said Nehria.
"Fine by me," sulked Garrus as he began walking.
Her footsteps followed his own. Each was clearly upset, but they said nothing to one another as they walked along in agitated silence. There was a long ride ahead and Garrus had a premonition it would be many things, but quiet was not one of them.
Author's Note: I always hated the passivity with which humanity seemed to accept what was coming. I'm going to change this, though the ending will match up with the beginning to Mass Effect 3. As always, reviews are welcome. The next few chapters are going to be moving pieces into place for a bigger scene, but it will be worth it.