Paths to Vengeance
Chapter 22 decisions and horizons part 1
Authors notes I don't own Mass Effect Bioware does and this fic is a slight crossover with the film War, just so you all know.
Also I recommend that all my readers check out the fics written by Angels Anthem, Appa Appa Away, LongLiveThe Clones, XxheavendragonxX, Aurora Lunar 0Love This0, Icehockeychic4 and Canadiancloneluver as they are seven of the best writers on this site in my opinion. And please if you read this fic let me know what you think of it good or bad comments let me know as I want your opinions on it.
And lastly I recommend that all of readers have a look at the work written by Guardian Kitch as the work that author has written is very, very good.
Well that's enough of an authors note on with chapter 22.
The Citadel Presidium level Council tower
As Crawford and Danny exited the elevator they saw the head of C-Sec executor Pallin was near the bottom of the stairs that led to the to the Council's audience chamber, and as they saw the Volus ambassador walk down the stairs, Crawford, Danny and Pallin started to walk up the stairs.
As they began walking Pallin said "The Council are not happy at all about what happened at the Bazazu bar, they seem to think your taskforce isn't doing enough to deal with the gangs. Be prepared for a grilling as you humans say Crawford".
Crawford nodded and said "Thanks for the warning". and with that not another word as they arrived at the top of the stairs and saw the Citadel Council standing at their usual place as Crawford walked towards them.
The Asari councillor Tevos then said "This meeting of the Council is called to order. Spectre John Crawford we have asked you here to tell us what is the current progress of the efforts of your taskforce in eradicating these gangs from Citadel Space?".
Crawford answered "Councillors, you knew when you first put this taskforce together that we wouldn't be able to get rid of these gangs in an instant, it takes time. Now in the 4 months since we've been active the taskforce has smashed at least 5 weapon smuggling rings that were previously unknown to the authorities and, gang attacks have decreased throughout all of Citadel space by at least 30 percent in the past 2 months alone. That is a sign of progress wouldn't you say Councillor's?".
The Turian Councillor Valern suddenly said "Explain then Crawford how the shootout at the Bazazu Bar happened, we have been getting complaints from many people on the Presidium about what happened. Now is that an example of progress, I shutter to think of what could happen next. I knew this was a waste of resources".
Pallin interrupted as he stepped forward and said "Councillor Valern I have to say that I disagree with that, this taskforce has not been a waste of resources, in the last 4 months since it was put together the Terminus Organised Crime Unit has arrested or killed more members of organised gangs then the entire C-Sec department with all the resources the Council can give us in the past year and a half. And they have current and former C-Sec agents in their ranks. I vouch for all of them, they are and were good officers and the best of all of the last 2 generations of C-Sec officers. I stand by Crawford and his team, I admit I'm not a fan of Spectres but like Commander Shepard, Crawford has earned my respect and my full support".
Valern scoffed at this and said "It doesn't surprise me that you defend him Pallin, after all you believe him about this assassin, Rogue. He is a myth and doesn't exist, just a story the Alliance made up to make themselves look tough".
Crawford then said "Rogue is real, ask Councillor Anderson, he'll confirm it himself, if you don't believe me?". Everyone looked at the human Councillor who answered "He was an operative of the Alliance from at least 25 years ago until he turned on us and joined Cerberus as their assassin for a decade as well as being a gun for hire on the side. We know he is at least responsible for over 600 deaths and that's just in Citadel Space alone in the last 13 years and they are only the killings that we know about".
At that point a holographic map of Citadel Space and all the killings done by Rogue were displayed as Crawford said "This man truly is the best at what he does, he is a ghost and all we have in 3 years of hunting him down is 1 OSD of photos and the only witness who could talk is dead. Are you beginning to get the picture Councillors?".
As the Councillors looked over this information they talked amongst themselves and when they were done the Salarian councillor Azet said "You have proven this assassin does exist Spectre Crawford. So we will task a Spectre to go after him and bring him to justice. As for your taskforce, we'll keep them around but if you don't get this gang war under control in 4 months, we'll disband the taskforce and have C-Sec go after these criminals and also Crawford don't go after Rogue anymore let the Spectre we assign do that and make sure whoever it is gets all the files and information you have on this man".
With that the meeting was over and as Crawford and Danny walked down Danny whispered "What do we do now John?". Suddenly Pallin said in a low tone of voice "You and the rest of the taskforce will go after these gangs and go after Rogue as well. I'll cover for you as best I can, even if it costs me my job. Kalo was a good officer and I want to see this man dead as much as you guys do. Now go get them".
Pallin then walked off and Danny and Crawford headed back to headquarters.
The Normandy
As Commander Shepard exited the debriefing room he saw Rogue in the lab with Mordin talking about music of all things and as Rogue saw the look on Shepard's face he knew something serious was going on and asked "What is it?".
Shepard answered "I just learned the Collectors are about to attack the human colony of Horizon in the Terminus Systems and a friend of mine who helped me stop Saren is there and I'll be damned if I let them abduct anyone else. Get ready for a trip and Mordin, do you have a countermeasure for their seeker swarms?".
Mordin answered with a nod and uploaded a file to Shepard's Omni-Tool as the commander told all members of the ground team to get ready, they were about to meet the reclusive Collectors. And hopefully stop their plans right in their tracks.
Authors notes well that's chapter 22 completed please let me know what you think of it read and review no flames though ok.