A/N: I've been sitting on this one for over four months, eager to finally post this chapter. It's probably one of my favorite ones. As such, I would like to dedicate it to all the fans of the certain pairing that so many of us here on FFN have come to love. :)
Also, I hope that you will enjoy the reworked contest between Shepard and Garrus. Since they both are snipers, I figured it should last a bit longer than just three shots. ;)
Chapter 98 - King and Queen of the Bottle Shooters
The navpoint that Miranda Lawson has sent her, leads Shepard to an abandoned apartment in one of the residential buildings of the Presidium Commons, likely once used by someone who had perished during the Cerberus Coup. On her way, she observes that the Keepers together with the inhabitants of the grand space station have erased the last signs of the treacherous attack, the Citadel once again in a spotless shape, though the huge crowds observed before the attack have not recovered their numbers.
Miranda is pacing back and forth in the small apartment when Shepard enters, both smiling as they shake hands. "Good to see you, Shepard. I hear you have brought us the quarian and the geth fleets... you continue to impress, Commander," her former XO looks proud speaking those words.
"Thank you, Miranda," Shepard replies politely, then giving her an inquisitive stare. "Though I doubt you invited me to this meeting just to congratulate me on a job well done."
Miranda chuckles quietly. "I have something, yes. It's not much, I still lack crucial intel to track down either Ori, or my father... though I believe these clues will lead to them both. I have... suspicions about what my father might be doing for the Illusive Man."
"Let's hear it, Miri," Shepard urges her, Lawson raising a curious eyebrow at Morgan's slightly uncharacteristic use of her pet name.
"I'm sure that the Alliance have also analyzed the implants that Cerberus outfits their troops with these days. I had the dubious pleasure of working on a few samples from the Mars facility. Those were crude pieces of Reaper tech, early prototypes. I remember using them as a base for several of your own implants, Shepard."
"What? But everyone kept telling me that they can't use those implants to control me!" Shepard exclaims, worried that Chakwas and Tim might have lied to her, feeling close to panic.
"You don't have any Reaper tech as such, Shepard. Parts of your implants are based on Reaper tech, but there is nothing in them that could give anyone an opportunity to somehow control you. I can safely promise you that," Miranda says.
"Right... okay," Morgan takes a deep breath. "Sorry, I'm just a bit nervous where those implants are concerned. Anyway, you were saying?"
"Well, I came upon more samples from your operation on the Grissom Academy. Then, I studied the corpses of those killed here on the Citadel. What I discovered is that Cerberus keep rapidly upgrading and advancing their implants... not surprisingly, perhaps, but these upgrades are not intended to provide more combat benefits, they seem to only vary in the way of how much control they allow the recipient to exert over their own bodies."
"Meaning... he's getting more effective at controlling their brain-washed troops?" Morgan wonders.
"Essentially, yes," Miranda nods. "But I think that is only the part of a larger plan. He's planning something... I used my last few remaining contacts to pull what data I could about the research several Cerberus cells have been conducting, before the scientists were either disposed of or they made a run for it. It's how the Illusive Man usually operates, have several cells work independently on different components, so that they never see the whole picture. I... think I have been able to catch a glimpse of that big picture of his."
"He keeps talking about being able to control the Reapers, whenever we happen to run into each other..." Morgan attempts to guess.
"I believe that is his plan, yes. And from the intel I have, I can conclude that they have moved to a phase of practical experimentation. All the smaller cells of the project have been shut down and it has advanced to its final phase, and I am also quite sure that my father is in charge of this final phase. But... I have not yet managed to locate the facility they are using as the base for this final phase. It is likely some new station, extremely well hidden. I was going to ask for help, Commander..."
"Granted, whatever you need, Miranda," Shepard says quickly.
"It would be helpful if I could tap into the Alliance sources and cross-examine some of my intel..."
"I can't let you in just like that, but upload everything you have to my omni-tool and I'll ask EDI to get the data for you," Morgan replies. "I really don't want any surprises from Cerberus at this stage. The Reapers are more than enough for us to handle."
"Thank you, Shepard... I realize how important it is for the fate of the galaxy, but it is also very important for me personally, you know how much I appreciate it," Miranda says, sounding thankful, but then becoming almost hesitant, lowering her eyes to the floor. "There... was more I wanted to tell you."
"I'm all ears, Miranda. Shoot," Shepard urges her, a little surprised at the sudden change of mood.
"I guess it's more of a confession, really," Miranda admits, surprising Shepard even more. "Something has been eating away at me. When I headed the Lazarus Project to rebuild you, I wanted to implant a control chip in you as a safeguard."
"Yeah, yeah, and Timmy stopped you," Morgan blinks, wondering why Lawson is bringing that up now. "I bet he sorely regrets it now, but that's ancient knowledge, Miri, what the hell? It's not some kind of lingering issue between us, in fact, I had completely forgotten about it until you reminded me of it just now."
"I guess having chased after my father for weeks now has made me think about my own actions back then. I fought against him and his need to run every aspect of my life. He wanted total control over me, right down to my bloody DNA. Now he is trying to control the life of my sister in the same way, and I will not allow him to do that. Yet I didn't give a second thought to destroying your free will when I had the power..."
Oh. I get it now. It doesn't matter that I have forgiven her, it's her own actions back then that continue to bother her. It's not about me, it's about her. "Well, Miranda... truth be told, you were kind of a bitch back then," Shepard says, grinning. "I mean, I did have to slap you around for a bit until you started to tell the right from the wrong. But you've come a long way since then... and I trust that if you were placed in the same situation now, you would decide differently. And for me, that's all that matters."
Miranda looks at her, mouth slightly parted in shock at Shepard's brutal honesty. "That was a... very candid assessment, Commander..."
"Look, there's just no way I can really hold something against a person that has brought me back from the dead and given me a second chance," Morgan says honestly. "In truth, I owe you a debt I could never repay, Miranda. If you hadn't brought me back... if you hadn't given me the chance to stop Liara from spiraling down into self-destruction... you saved us both, Miranda. And for that I will be ever thankful."
"That is... that feels more like I deserve," Miranda says quietly, bowing her head. "I appreciate your words, Commander. And I just wanted you to know that I always regretted wanting that chip."
Shepard smiles at her. "Truly, Miranda, promise me that you won't dwell on it anymore?"
"I'll try, Shepard. My fancy genetics don't seem to protect me from that, though."
"Well, if you're still feeling guilty, maybe we can settle things once and for all if you do me a small favor..."
Miranda's eyebrows rise with curiosity. "Sure, Shepard, if I can help, I will."
"I lost my chief engineer on Rannoch, and I need a replacement," Shepard explains. "I am thinking of two young engineers we had with us during our mission against the Collectors. I believe they also came as a pair... do you think it would be possible for me to get them for the Normandy?"
"Daniels and Donnelly?" Miranda asks, then nodding. "Yes, I believe they will be quite willing to join you. Ever since someone leaked intel about their Cerberus ties, they have been having tough time holding onto a job. They are still on the Citadel, I think. There..." she fiddles with her omni-tool for a bit. "The message has been sent..." only a few moments pass and Miranda hasn't even managed to lower her hand, when the omni beeps with a reply. "Well... that was... quick. Donnelly's reply is a rather... vehement 'yes'. When should they report to the Normandy?"
"At their earliest convenience," Morgan smiles. "Thank you, Miranda."
"I should be thanking you, Commander," Miranda says, shaking her hand before they part. "Goodbye, and good luck, Shepard."
"Good luck to you as well, Miranda," Shepard replies, watching her friend departing.
"I will not leave until I have seen the Councilor," Liara repeats for what feels like the tenth time, stubbornly facing down the young secretary at the desk before her.
"But Councilor Tevos left strict instructions not to disturb her under any circumstances!" the young asari maiden protests, a little fearful at the blazing fire of impatience and anger in Liara's eyes.
"What is your name, girl?" Liara asks sternly, aware that the cringing secretary before her probably has a hundred years on her, if not more.
"Ventricia..." the other asari manages weakly. "Please, Dr. T'Soni... I must ask you to leave, or I will be forced to call the security..."
"Look, Ventricia. What I must discuss with Councilor Tevos could be critical to the survival of our homeworld," Liara tries again, fighting the urge to simply trap the other asari in a stasis field and fight her way to the intercom to reach Tevos. "I am bondmate to Commander Shepard. You know of Shepard, don't you?"
"Of… of course, everyone knows Shepard! And I know of you, too, Dr. T'Soni," Ventricia stumbles to reply. "But… even if I believed that you have something important to share… the Councilor will flay me alive if I let you interrupt her. She… tends to react poorly to that… sort of thing."
"I will make sure that you face no repercussions, Ventricia," Liara promises. "I will claim that I used my biotics to overpower you, Tevos would not blame you then."
"I… uh, I guess that would work…" the other asari reluctantly agrees. "Could you… I don't know… trap me in stasis or something just to make it convincing?"
"Right, of course," Liara nods. "Where's the intercom?" she asks, her hands starting to glow with biotics as Ventricia points at a small console behind her desk. Moments later, the assistant is immobilized in a stasis field, as Liara impatiently waits for Tevos to answer the call on intercom.
"…Ventricia, I thought I told you not to-" the reply comes after good twenty to thirty seconds of waiting, Liara at first not recognizing the councilor's voice, she sounds hoarse and particularly irate.
"Councilor Tevos, I'm afraid that your assistant is currently indisposed," Liara interrupts her swiftly. "This is Dr. Liara T'Soni. I must speak with you immediately. The fate of our homeworld might be at stake."
"Dr. T'Soni?" Tevos sounds very surprised. "This is… really not a good time. Could we schedule a meeting for tomorrow morning?"
"Did you not hear what I just said, Councilor?" Liara asks, pressing on determinedly. "We must talk, and we must talk now. Shepard insists on it, too."
"Is Shepard with you?"
"No, I am alone."
"…very well. Could you come up in say twenty minutes? Ventricia will give you access to the elevator, my suite is on the top floor."
"I'm coming up right now, Councilor," Liara insists. "This will not wait."
Tevos angrily mutters something unintelligible on the comms, while Liara waits a few more moments for the asari assistant to break free from the stasis field and then punch in the encrypted commands to give her elevator access. Not even a minute later, she is at the doors of the asari councilor's suite and after more waiting, Tevos eventually lets her in, leading her into a beautifully furnished and adorned drawing room, even if Liara pays very little attention to her surroundings, focusing only on what she has to say.
She cannot help to notice, however, that Tevos appears strangely distracted, wearing a casual, loose robe, her eyes are darkened and slightly glazed, the councilor's brow appearing a little damp. Maybe she's been working out, Liara decides. I guess even councilors need to stay in shape.
"Yes, Liara… what can I do for you?" Tevos finally speaks, taking a deep breath.
"Councilor, I know that Admiral Hackett is keeping you appraised of the Crucible progress," Liara says. "The construction is nearing its completion, but I am sure that you are aware that without the Catalyst, the whole venture is pointless."
"I am aware of that, yes," Tevos replies, tensing a little.
"Councilor, do you know of anything on the homeworld that could hold a hint as to the nature of the Catalyst?" Liara presses onward.
"No… why would I…" Tevos starts to speak, but is suddenly interrupted by someone.
"Just stop stalling and tell her already," Liara jumps at the familiar voice coming from the nearby doorway and she turns her head, gasping from surprise as she sees Aria T'Loak leaning against the doors, naked save from a tiny white towel stretching from the tops her breasts to just barely cover her hips.
"Aria! You… you promised you wouldn't!" Tevos looks embarrassed and angry beyond description.
Oh goddess… Aria and Tevos? And I… I stormed in on them when they were having sex? Argh! Me and my timing! Liara finds herself blushing furiously as the implications quickly sink in, hearing Aria laughing at both her and Tevos' discomfort. "Yes, it's exactly the way it looks, T'Soni," the Pirate Queen chuckles. "And you…" she turns to look at her secret lover. "Should really trust Shepard and T'Soni. Even I've learned to do that."
"…yes, I've made that mistake too many times over the years," Tevos says quietly. "Still, I don't see what it has to do with revealing the nature of our relationship."
"I don't think you would have been completely honest with T'Soni unless I had revealed myself," Aria smirks. "Now get on with it, so we can return to catching up with… ancient history."
Tevos merely sighs deeply, as Liara overcomes her embarrassment and decides to continue pressing. "There's something on Thessia, isn't there? Some Prothean relic… something we have kept hidden from all the other races," she says, trying to appear accusing.
"Please… Liara," Tevos raises her hand. "All of the Council races have several embarrassing secrets like this. Yes… yes, there is a Prothean artifact, but we have no idea whether it contains information about the Catalyst or not. Trust me, I have… placed inquiries. The Elders are vehement in their denial that the artifact holds anything related to the Catalyst."
"How can they be so certain? They would never know what to look for!" Liara protests.
"That was my reply as well," Councilor Tevos nods. "They have extended an offer for me to come and see for myself."
"But it is possible you won't be able to understand it either," Liara shakes her head. "Only Shepard might make sense of it, with the Prothean Cipher embedded in her consciousness. Or Javik, the last living Prothean who travels with us!"
"This is a possibility. But if I can discover at least something, it might persuade the Elders to give you and Shepard access to the site," Tevos says. "If necessary, I am prepared to bluff to provide you with the opportunity. But for that, I must first return to Thessia…"
"Why haven't you gone there already?" Liara asks, shaking her head, feeling puzzled.
"…I…" Tevos hesitates, the look on her face filled with shame.
"You're scared," Liara realizes.
"Of course I'm scared!" Tevos exclaims, wringing her hands. "I read casualty reports and watch the vids every hour. To go to Thessia now is… I am no commando, Liara, and my skill set is woefully inadequate when facing the Reapers. I can neither seduce nor persuade them, I'm afraid."
"I will go with you," Aria states suddenly, having kept quiet until then.
"What? No, Aria… I can't ask you to risk your life for… what are essentially my mistakes," Tevos shakes her head, but Aria looks determined.
"Start getting ready, Councilor, we're departing within an hour," the Pirate Queen says. "I will hear no more of this, I'm going with you and that is final."
"But… but..." for a councilor of the most advanced species in the galaxy, Tevos can only offer a completely dumbstruck comment.
"I know you wanted to get rid of T'Soni quickly and then get back to our fun and games, but that will have to wait," Aria speaks, grinning broadly, as Tevos once again colors with embarrassment, and Liara also feels an interesting surge of heat slowly spreading throughout her body from the mental images that Aria's words conjure. "We have a job to do, Councilor. I have a vested interest in keeping the galaxy intact."
"Well, in that case…" Liara manages, feeling very confused and pleasantly distracted regarding the whole encounter. This wasn't really what I expected coming in! Goddess, they were practically glowing from… uh, oh my…
"Yes, in that case you should depart and wait for further news from us," Aria says, walking up to her and guiding her back to the doors, towards the elevator. "We will get back to you and Shepard as soon as we return. I'm sure you can find some ways to occupy your time while you are waiting…"
Having finished all her dealings on the Citadel, Shepard returns to the Docking Bay D24 feeling rather tired and with fond thoughts involving the comfy bed in her quarters on the Normandy. Walking with her eyes downcast, she doesn't even notice when someone roughly seizes her by the arm and pulls her inside an empty skycar, parked at the side of the shuttle bay.
"Garrus, what the hell?" she blinks at the turian in the driver's seat, after the skycar has already taken off towards unknown destination.
"Figured you might need a distraction, Shepard," Garrus replies briskly. "We should do something that doesn't involve fighting the Reapers."
"How about sleep?" Shepard asks, yawning to emphasize her point.
"Well, I just think Tali and Liara might object to that," Garrus chuckles full heartedly.
"What? I didn't mean to sleep with you. Geez, I should bonk y-... argh, no, that's a bad choice of words as well. Damn, I'm walking on double entendres as if they were a minefield," Shepard sighs. "Just where are you taking me, Garrus?"
"Someplace I've always wanted to go, a place where we're not supposed to visit," Garrus replies mysteriously. "The whole time I worked at C-Sec, I'd stare up at the top of the Presidium and say to myself: I want to go up there. But I never did, hell, there were 137 regulations telling me I couldn't. But now, with galaxy around us crumbling... who cares about some stupid regulations, right?"
"Damn right," Shepard nods. "I agree, that does sound like a fun thing to do," she says, feeling her tiredness swiftly evaporating. "By the way, Garrus..." she adds then, as the skycar slowly rises upwards, the magnificent ponds and parks of the Presidium below growing frighteningly tiny. "I managed to secure a replacement for Karin. You'll like her. Remember Dr. Michel?"
"Oh... err... yes?" Garrus gulps. "Uh... did she ask about me?"
"That she did," Morgan chuckles, taking perverse enjoyment from Garrus' embarrassment. "But don't worry, I explained things to her and asked whether it would make her uncomfortable. She insisted that it won't be an issue and assured me that everything will be handled professionally."
"Umm, thanks Shepard," Garrus looks grateful as he gently settles the skycar atop the highest peak of the Presidium. "Dr. Michel, well... I did make a habit of stopping often by her clinic in the Wards. Perhaps often enough to give her the impression that I was interested... and well, maybe I was... damn, I'll have a talk with her later, I don't want this to become awkward."
"She didn't seem terribly heartbroken, to be honest. It probably won't be a problem," Morgan says, then giving Garrus a pointed stare. "As long as you don't do anything to make Tali set the good doctor on fire in a fit of jealousy."
But Garrus merely chuckles at that, as they finally get out of the skycar. While Shepard is admiring the busy skycar traffic and the spectacular views below them, the turian reaches in to gather something from the backseat of the skycar. As Morgan turns around, she is surprised to see Garrus handing over her sniper rifle, himself carrying his own heavily modded Widow. There are also a couple of cases of brightly colored bottles of fizzy drinks that Garrus places on the ground at their feet.
"I didn't just bring you here for the viewing pleasure, Shepard," he says then, his posture oozing challenge. "There's this one matter that we should finally settle once and for all, before this war is over."
"What, you want to duel me, and the survivor gets to drink all this?" Morgan laughs, pointing at the bottles.
"Not... quite what I had in mind," Garrus shrugs. "Now, I've heard a few people saying that you know how to handle a gun, Shepard... but can you really make it dance, the way I can? I don't think so."
"All I'm hearing is a lot of talk and very little action, Vakarian," Shepard finally responds to the challenge laid down at her feet. "You, sir..." she points a warning finger at the smug looking turian, "are going down..."
"Let's start you off with an easy one then," Garrus says, picking up one of the bottles, as Shepard readies her rifle, with the corner of her eye watching the turian casually tossing the bottle. She patiently watches it fly through the air, waiting until it appears in her scope and then quickly unleashes a shot, cheering as the bottle shatters over the fishless ponds below.
Garrus gives an irritating little mock-applause before throwing a bottle over to her. "No need to warm me up with an easy one, Shepard," he says confidently. "Give me a tough one."
Shepard does a little run-up towards the edge of the platform, careful to stop in time before the momentum carries her over to a deadly fall, releasing the bottle and watching it sail in a wide arc. It shatters immediately after reaching the highest point of its travel, Garrus clicking his mandibles in a satisfied way. "I said, give me a tough one," he chuckles at Shepard, picking up another bottle and waiting until Morgan gets ready.
Morgan makes her shot, and Garrus replies with the same afterwards, the two contestants matching each other shot for shot, until the second case of bottles is down to the last two. Shepard picks up one of them, getting ready to launch it in the air, her shoulder already starting to ache a little from all that throwing, when suddenly a skycar makes a break from the normal traffic flow to quickly climb its way up towards them.
She withholds throwing the bottle, watching as the skycar lands next to the one they arrived with, someone familiar climbing out, carrying a box full with beer bottles. "Commander Bailey!" Shepard exclaims, recognizing their old friend. "What are you doing here?"
"And you too, Ridgefield?" Garrus greets the other C-Sec officer, a short and wiry blonde with freckled face also carrying beer supply. "What's going on here?"
"Well, we got a report of some miscreants stirring trouble at the top of the Presidium," Bailey chuckles. "We investigated immediately, and decided to take action," he says, taking out a bottle of beer and offering it to Shepard, before opening one for himself. "Drink first, shoot once its empty."
"We have more surprises for you troublemakers," Ridgefield adds, the woman grinning broadly as she approaches. "Bailey decided to get in touch with your bondmate, Shepard," at this, the backseat doors of the skycar open and Liara climbs out, Tali following her. "And she decided to invite your girlfriend, Vakarian."
"So I see..." Garrus grins, accepting a can of dextro-friendly beer from Tali. "An excellent idea, but Shepard and I have some unfinished business..."
"We are aware of what you have been doing here, Garrus," Liara sighs, shaking her head in mild exasperation. "I must side with Commander Bailey and his assertion that neither of you are likely to make a mistake while sober. And though I dislike the idea of having to spend the rest of my day with a slobbering drunk, this appears to be the only way for you to settle this argument."
"I quite agree," Tali nods, poking Garrus in the chest. "Bottoms up... that's what they say, isn't it?"
Bailey and Ridgefield happily empty several cans of beer themselves, supplying Morgan and Garrus with more and more targets to aim at. After her third beer, Morgan is starting to experience increasing difficulties holding her rifle steady, and looking through the scope the view appears muddled and misty. Bailey swiftly finishes another bottle and throws it for her to aim at. She doesn't even see it enter her sights, merely a dark blotchy shadow of something passing close by. "Are you going to throw it or not?" Shepard angrily demands a great deal later, stirring laughter amongst the others.
"I think that's a miss," Tali concludes. "That makes Garrus the winner!"
"Ha! I'm Garrus Vakarian, and this is now my favorite spot on the Citadel!" Garrus cheers.
"Hey, hey, hold your horses, I went first. You still have to make your shot count, Vakarian," Shepard protests, feeling a little aggrieved.
"That would only be fair," Liara agrees, looking at Ridgefield, about to finish her beer. "Officer, if you would, please."
"Right, Vakarian... get ready, here goes!" Ridgefield says, throwing the bottle in a wide arc, and Garrus staggers as he tries to take aim, the several beers he has consumed starting to take effect. Unable to see much through his scope, the turian takes a wild shot in the dark, and it misses completely, cursing as the bullet sails wide off the mark.
"Shell we... go on?" he continues to challenge Morgan, despite having trouble remaining upright.
"I'm not sure that's advisable," Ridgefield laughs. "You're more likely to shoot yourself or one of us than hit a bottle."
"Your more responsible other halves should take you back to the Normandy," Bailey suggests. "Or else you might decide to fall over the edge and into the pool below. Not sure about you Shepard, but Vakarian is capable of drowning in anything over ankle depth."
As Liara is helping Morgan back to the skycar, she manages to slurp to Garrus. "Tie then, Vakarian?"
"...fine, fine. Tie it is," Garrus replies as Tali unceremoniously stuffs him into the backseat. "Just remember, Shepard... you got off lightly..."