Chapter 32: Judgment

As Lieutenant Williams sat patiently awaiting judgment, the Council began their deliberations.

Anderson asked the others, "What did you think?"

The Turian spoke first, saying, "She's a big improvement over Shepard in my opinion. At least she understands duty, and I trust she will serve the right interests." As a culture that valued discipline and hierarchy, the Turians sometimes looked askance at the level of individual expression their newest partners exhibited.

The Salarian said, "I wonder if she is ready to make the tough decisions. Under other circumstances, I would have liked to have taken more time with this, but we don't have that luxury."

His colleague said, "We do not. The Turians say yes."

"The Salarians also consent."

"Then, is it settled?" said Anderson as he looked at the Asari.

Everyone looked over at the blue-skinned Matriarch and waited for her response. "I do not know. I believe she is a good person, but she doesn't understand her reasons. Her last answer troubled me greatly."

Looking at her fellow representatives, she said, "Are we already fighting a war at any costs where we can afford to sacrifice systems just to preserve others? Don't we want someone looking to find another way?"

Her Turian colleague said, "This is the nature of war. I don't expect any mercy should we fail."

The Asari sighed deeply and said, "No, we should not. But I would like to see how she performs in action before making a final judgment. It has long been our practice to give provisional support pending completion of a mission with an experienced Specter."

Pointing out an inescapable logistical issue, the Salarian reminded her, "There are no Specters available for such an assignment right now, and we can hardly afford a delay."

"No, there are not. But I know we have all wondered what Shepard has been doing, and I think it would be appropriate to assign Williams to help bring together the races as he seems to be doing, and to have her follow up on his path."

"A prudent suggestion," opined the Turian. "What do you have in mind?"

As she explained what she wanted to have Williams do, everyone agreed it would be a good test of her diplomatic skills, her discretion, and would answer some vital questions while potentially resolving a dicey situation. In accordance, they summoned her back to their presence.

Ashley stepped confidently to the platform. She didn't feel any certainty about the decision that would be made, but she had built a career on projecting confidence, and her experience was the more important the situation, the stronger her resolve must become.

Speaking for the Council, the Asari said, "Lieutenant Williams, after consultation, we have decided you embody the virtues, determination, and courage required of a Specter. Only one obstacle remains between you and full recognition as a Specter. Through the history of this Council, candidates to become Specters have been assigned a mission to demonstrate their worth, and we have such a mission for you."

Williams couldn't help it as a smile rushed across her face and pride was beaming. She was going to be accepted, and whatever it took, she would accomplish this mission. "Yes, ma'am. I look forward to the opportunity."

The Turian spoke next saying, "An uninvited guest has recently arrived here at the Citadel. A Geth scout entered this system not more than an hour ago requesting our assistance. Apparently, they were hosting some Quarian embassy who has taken ill, and the person was brought here for treatment."

The lieutenant nodded as she processed this information, "My mission, sir?"

"Find out what is happening between the Quarians and the Geth. This Council was unaware of any major diplomatic efforts between them, but looks favorably upon such an agreement. The last thing we need is a conflict flaring up between those two when there is already so much violence happening."

"Where do I start?" she asked.

The Salarian said, "Go to this Geth, see what it knows, and use your best judgment. You will have to be your own guide."

The Asari added, "A mission like this does not end, Ashley Williams, but keeping the peace is why we created the office of Specters as much as handling threats. See what you can do to help them succeed."

It was strange for her to be playing the role of diplomat as she had usually been the one firing the weapons, but she was determined to show her abilities. Asking for logistical support, she said, "What resources will be available to complete this mission?"

The Asari offered, "You will have full access to the Specter resources. Additionally, for this mission, you will be given access to an Asari cruiser who has been instructed to help you complete your mission."

Surprised for such generous support, Ashley said, "Thank you, ma'am. It is very generous."

"We want to see you succeed. But time is of the essence. The vessel will be docking near the C-Sec headquarters, so you better go quickly."

Nodding to the Asari, her last look was at Anderson who had a big smile on his face. After the destruction of the first Normandy they had worked together often and he had begun to see her as a second protégé. Proud of her for who she was and what she had accomplished, he was confident she would prove a worthy addition to this elite team.

Wasting no time, Ashley took a shuttle down to the dock in question and arrived at the area within minutes. The area had been secured by multiple security officers, and had been cordoned off. Not knowing much about the Geth and their intentions, every precaution was being employed.

As she arrived, she spotted the familiar face of Commander Bailey who commanded the Citadel Security Service, commonly abbreviated to C-Sec. He came up to her saying, "It's been too long of a morning already, but I'm always glad to see a pretty face."

Ashley smiled and said, "But I'm the one who is going to be talking you into going places where we shouldn't go, Armando."

Laughing at that, he said, "I knew you were trouble. Good to see you, Ash. I hear you're working on special assignment for the Council on this one. They told me to give you whatever you want."

"I only want everything," she said. Letting the humor drop, she took on a more serious tone and said, "So tell me what we know."

"Not much, frankly," began the C-Sec officer. "This ship shows up unannounced about an hour and a half ago and says it came here because of a medical emergency. Scans confirm the presence of a Quarian aboard. I don't know the back story because it wasn't my decision."

"Okay," she said. "How do I get aboard this thing?"

"I'd recommend putting on a biosuit and some weapons if you're going out there, Williams. You could face anything."

Dressed in her formal blue uniform, Ash would have preferred a jumpsuit as Bailey suggested, but she also recognized time was limited. If there truly was a medical emergency, too much time had already been wasted.

"No time for that," she told Bailey. "But watch my six, and if anything happens to me…I'll haunt you."

"Yes, ma'am," he replied. "Cover the lieutenant," he barked out to the men in uniform and they took positions with their weapons armed to handle any threat that might emerge.

While they did that, Ashley stepped forward to the dock holding the Geth vessel. She looked in and saw a single Geth inside looking at her with a red eye. Using hand signals, she indicated she was going to open the door and it should do likewise.

Within seconds, the door was open, and Ashley said, "My name is Lieutenant Ashley Williams and I'm here on behalf of the Council."

The Geth cocked his head awkwardly for a moment, and then said, "Williams. Formerly of the Normandy. I am Legion."

She was somewhat unsettled this Geth knew something of her history already, but said, "We were told there was an emergency."

"Yes," he spoke in an even voice. "Tali'Zorah vas Normandy has gone into a comatose state. Geth efforts to stabilize her condition failed. Immediate medical assistance is required."

In shock, she said, "Tali is the ambassador!"

Legion responded, "The Geth chose her to serve as emissary as a trusted party between both sides. She has yet to be recognized by the Quarians."

Pushing by the Geth, she went into the vessel and saw the platform where Tali was laying had been closed off. Sure enough, she recognized the figure and features of the Quarian, but was stunned to see she was completely disrobed. No Quarian would voluntarily surrender their suit.

"Let me in there," she demanded to Legion.

"Not recommended," he replied. "She is suffering from an attack on her immune system. The sealed compartment is a clean room environment free of contaminants. Your presence would pollute her system further."

Although she wanted to shout, she said to Legion, "You're right. We need to bring the doctor here."

Calling back to Bailey, Ashley said, "Call for Dr. Michel to come here immediately. We have one unconscious Quarian who appears to be in severe allergic shock."

She stared at Legion, wondering how much of the story she didn't know, while she waited for a response. "How did you know who I was?"

In reply, Legion shared, "The Geth sent this platform to locate Commander Shepard and to seek an alliance against the old machines. You call them the Reapers. This platform has been serving aboard the Normandy with Captain Shepard."

"You mean you're part of the crew," she exclaimed.

"Yes."

"I thought the Geth were working with the old machines. During the attack on the Citadel, there were thousands of your ships involved," she recalled.

"Those were the heretics," Legion said. "There was a disagreement amongst the Geth."

It was more than Ashley could process at once, that the Geth were looking for an alliance, that they had factions, and she was talking with one now.

"So which faction are you with?" she asked.

"I have no faction. I am no longer Geth. I am only Legion."

Looking at the Geth sniper, she found this statement the most bizarre of all, but before she could ask anything else about it, she received notice from Bailey, "She'll be here in three minutes."

The Geth made the suggestion, "We should clear this area. It will need to be sterilized before re-entry." He walked over to the ship and began communicating directly with the machine. As Legion walked out, Ashley followed him and the door shut.

"Get a biosuit ready for the doctor," Williams said.

The two walked into the hallway where all the men still had their weapons focused on Legion. Bailey looked over at Williams, who said to him, "Stand down." Guns dropping, the security detail moved to more natural positions. "We're going to need this space shortly, so your men can go back to normal duties."

"As you were, ma'am," Bailey said. "I'd still like to leave someone here with you in case the need arises for any assistance."

"Fair enough," she replied. "Lang can stay, but the rest should clear out before the doctor gets here."

Waving his hand, Bailey called for the team to move out, and Ashley refocused her attention on Legion.

"What happened to Tali?" she asked. "I've never seen a Quarian take off their bodysuit before."

"A surprising occurrence," agreed Legion. "We were both on Rannoch, and she had asked for a few hours to explore. When she failed to return on schedule, her body suit had been removed and she was sleeping out in the open."

"Did it appear someone had attacked her?" Williams checked.

"Unlikely. The suit was removed voluntarily."

"Why would Tali do that? Quarians know their immune systems can't handle being around other life."

Not having a sure answer, Legion said, "Perhaps Tali thought the homeworld would be different."

"Wait," said Ashley. While she didn't recognize the name of the world mentioned at first glance, she was stunned to hear what Legion was saying. "You brought her back to the Quarian homeworld?"

"Yes."

At that moment, the conversation was interrupted once more as Dr. Michel arrived. "What is happening here?"

Receiving a quick briefing from Williams and Legion as she suited up into the biosuit, Michel brought several tools with her. She warned them, "I know basic Quarian biology, but this isn't my specialty."

"Do your best," said Ashley.

The doctor put on her suit and went into the ship. Once she had entered, Legion remotely opened the section separating the pilot cabin from the back compartment where Tali was waiting. Slowly but surely, she had grown warmed and more flushed and looked to have troubled breathing.

A quick scan from Michel revealed an infection of her lungs from breathing some unknown contaminant. It appeared to have not spread beyond that area, which was the only thing keeping her alive. The biology didn't register with any known substance, but the doctor did the only thing she could. She administered treatment to control the fever and antibiotics to prevent the further spread of the sickness.

Stepping out of the room, she came back to Williams with this report. "I've given her what I can, but I'd like to run a full series of tests in the medical bay. It appears she has some bronchial infection. Her body has shut down to conserve energy, but I fear the worst if something isn't done relatively soon."

Williams said, "What will you need to transport her?"

"I'll need a sealed chamber in which she can travel. I'll have one of the droids bring one up here and then she can be transported. When she gets down, I'll scan her and see if I can tell you anything else."

"Thank you, Doctor," Williams said.

"I'll be at the medical bay. I have another patient waiting there." Michel said this as she took off the biosuit and returned to her more familiar uniform.

"We'll see you there," said Ashley.

With the exception of Officer Lang who had remained quiet in the corner, Ashley and Legion were now alone so she asked him a few more questions.

"What were you two doing?"

Legion responded, "Commander Shepard sent members of the crew to their worlds to try to build alliances to defeat the machines. Tali'Zorah was sent with this platform to work with the Geth and the Quarians."

"Did your mission succeed?" she asked.

"Unknown. The Geth are willing to negotiate with the Creators and believe an end to our war would be in our mutual self-interest. The Creators have not yet been contacted."

"How did Tali become Ambassador then?"

"She spoke before the Geth and was accepted as such. A replacement may be selected by their Admiralty if desired."

Thinking through the consequences of this, Williams said, "Do they know an emissary has been accepted?"

"No."

"What happens if this mission fails?"

Legion said, "The Geth will not initiate any attacks unless attacked first. This platform does not know what the Creators intend."

Realizing she would only get so much from the Geth, she was prepared to travel to the medical bay now. She also recognized seeing a Geth on the station might cause some panic, so she arranged for secure transportation. Before they left, she asked Legion, "Do you intend to harm or do any damage to anyone or anything on this station."

"Negative," was his reply.

"Very well," she said. With his assurance given, Ashley didn't think the Geth were capable of lying. She had only very limited experiences with developed virtual intelligences, but it seemed to her logic was the key to their function. Lying was illogical.

They got into the vehicle and were transported to the back gate of the medical bay. The priority of their request actually allowed them to arrive more quickly than Dr. Michel who was walking between the locations. As they arrived, Legion and Ashley spotted a few nurses and a patient waiting to be treated.

Sitting at the table waiting for the doctor was an older Asari woman who looked slightly disoriented but otherwise calm. She remained unmoving, looking at no one in particular, but was interrupted from her meditation by Legion.

"Samara?" asked the Geth.

Regaining her focus, the Asari looked over and said, "Legion, what are you doing here?"

Interjecting herself into the conversation, Ashley said, "You know this woman?"

Legion replied, "This is the Asari justicar, Samara. She is also a crew member of the Normandy."

Smiling at his description, Samara said, "Legion has a way of getting right to the point of things. I'm Samara," she said with a warm and comforting smile.

"Ashley Williams," she replied. "The Council sent me to investigate what was happening between the Quarians and the Geth. Do you know anything about that?"

"I'm afraid not," she replied.

"If you don't mind my asking," the prospective Specter continued, "What brings you here?"

"I'm trying to get back to the Normandy. Garrus and I were sent to Palaven and Thessia to try to convince the Turians and Asari to prepare for the invasion, but it has gone badly. We were attacked on Palaven, and I just recently was released from the hospital there."

"What happened?" she asked, seeking more information.

"The headaches keep coming back. I was drugged." She stopped before deciding what to reveal. Samara's nature was to be honest, so she said, "I'm a biotic, but my abilities have been affected."

Ashley said, "I'm sorry to hear that."

At that point, Dr. Michel returned and told Williams and Legion, "Specter or not, this is still my medical lab, and you'll have to wait in the proper area."

Reluctantly, they turned to leave but not before Ashley told Samara, "I hope you feel better."

"So do I," she whispered, and closed her eyes once more. Beneath the smile and serenity, Samara felt like she had been amputated, but she had learned from a long lonely life how to find her own answers. For now, however, she would settle for something to counteract the pain she could not escape.

As bad as she felt though, it did not compare to the dismay that she felt when the next patient was rolled into the room next to her. Encased in a chamber was the unconscious form of Tali'Zorah, her crewmate and her friend.

Author's Note: 100,000 words and going strong. Thanks for your support!