A collective sigh of relief was expelled as the three were finally able to step out of the elevator and into a small corridor. Shepard looked back at the vessel as she reached the doors to the council chambers, in disbelief over the length of time it took to ascend to the top of the tower. Yeah, it's high up but that was like, ten minutes. Now I know where the elevator in the Normandy came from, at least…
The lower courtyard of the chambers was extravagant. As they walked down a long path toward a tall staircase she could see trees lining the path overhead. Look kinda like cherry trees, but a really bright orange…weird, but really nice. In the distance, the erupting streams of fountains were visible as well as more of the trees, and the dim lighting made the whole area seem more intimate despite all the steel. Must have taken a lot of effort to make this place look as fancy as it is.
"The council isn't going to ask me any questions are they?" Williams asked, sounding a little nervous, as they walked down the long pathway. Understandable fear, I have no idea what's going to happen up there…
Kaidan gave a light laugh, drawing the others' attention to him. "We've made our reports. Now we just have to trust Ambassador Udina." He stated confidently. Shepard stifled her instinct to burst out laughing, amused at the notion that politicians could be trusted.
"No we don't, sir." Williams said frankly, sounding a little more nervous than before. The thought of trusting Udina to help them out wasn't one that either Shepard or Williams found comforting. "You know, I bet these staircases aren't just for show. They'd make for good defensive positions if this place was ever attacked."
"Yeah, I think they serve a dual purpose, Chief. You have to climb a lot of stairs to reach the council…I think that's symbolic of their importance, but also that it serves to detract any easy attack routes. Everything runs through here, and this long corridor's a good bottleneck. Good eye, Williams." Kaidan responded, for once putting a smile on Shepard's face. Looks like Elvis has some brains up there.
As they ascended the staircase, they came upon a set of turians in an animated disagreement, blocking the path ahead. One looked similar to other turian C-sec officers, while the other appeared to be more decorated. The three laid back, waiting and listening as the duo's voices raised.
"Saren's hiding something! Give me more time, stall them!" One of the turians demanded, drawing Shepard's complete attention. Saren? This could be interesting…
"Stall the council? Don't be ridiculous!" the older, decorated turian stated, waving his arm dismissively as he turned away. "I recommend that you not push this agenda of yours. Your investigation is over, Garrus!"
As the older turian marched off, the younger one stood in the middle of the path, shaking his head in disbelief. Shepard took a few steps toward the turian, alerting him of her presence. He wore a strange visor on his right eye, and his clan markings were a dark navy blue across his cheeks and nose.
"Commander Shepard? Garrus Vakarian. I was the officer in charge of the C-sec investigation into Saren." The turian stated, approaching her. She bowed her head slightly at the officer.
"Didn't sound like you found enough that sticks." Shepard said apologetically. From the short amount of time he's had to investigate, I don't doubt that he probably couldn't even get his feet wet in any details.
"Saren's a Spectre, most of his activities are classified. Makes it hard to do any real investigation with all that red tape. Couldn't find anything solid." Garrus said, his voice rife with frustration. "Still, I know there's something out there on him! As you humans say, I can feel it in my gut."
"Commander, I think the council's ready for us." Kaidan piped in, a thankful reminder of their real purpose in coming to the tower. Not that I'm not up for a good ol' Saren bashing, but the hearing's a bit more important right now.
"Maybe they'll listen to you, if you're lucky." Garrus muttered, shaking his head in annoyance.
Shepard patted the turian on what she figured was his shoulder. "Look, Vakarian. No matter how this goes, we should meet up and cover our bases. I overheard your…boss…tell you not to pursue this, but that doesn't mean I can't."
"Well, I'll be down in C-sec HQ finishing my paperwork, most likely. Good luck, Shepard." Garrus said as the trio walked past him and through the lower courtyard. After another staircase and a large green area, they found themselves at the steps to the council, Anderson waiting anxiously for them mid-way up.
"The hearing's already started, come on." He grumbled, leading them up the final set of stairs to the auditorium. Shepard marveled at its design; the three councilors stood opposite a large divide, where Udina stood on an elongated platform with a single terminal. Both sides stood over a large garden beneath them. Even more defensible, and restricting access to a single person at a time…like those old stories of villagers approaching their Kings and Queens and whatever…I hope their egos aren't as huge… she thought, before glancing to the left of the council where Saren's holo projection was nearly two stories high. At least, hopefully not as large as his…
As Shepard took her final steps toward the wings where Anderson stopped, the Asari councilor's voice rang out, smooth and calm.
"The geth attack is a matter of some concern, but there is nothing to indicate Saren was involved in any way." The asari proclaimed, as her turian counterpart pitched in. Shepard's left eyebrow quirked up at the assertion. Two eyewitness accounts are nothing? Hrm…
"The investigation by Citadel security turned up no evidence to support your charge of treason." The councilor stated firmly.
Udina took a half step forward and rested his hands on the terminal. "Two eyewitnesses saw him kill Nihlus in cold blood. I would hardly classify that as nothing, councilors." The politician stated with surprising calm. Glad he's taking this seriously.
"We've read the Eden Prime reports, Ambassador. The testimony of two Alliance soldiers in the midst of a firefight is hardly compelling proof." The salarian councilor stated, his previously quick dialogue seeming more sluggish out of boredom. "We rely on facts when passing sentences, not soft evidence, which was the only form found during the investigation."
"I resent these accusations. Nihlus was a fellow Spectre, and a friend." Saren announced confidently. Shepard noticed Anderson turn his full attention to the hologram, the older captain's arm pointing out at the hologram.
"That just let you catch him off guard!" Anderson shouted, both Udina and Shepard's gazes turning to his in disbelief. Shepard bit her lip nervously, knowing they couldn't afford to give the council ammunition against them if they wanted to fare well. Come on Anderson, we went over this. It was Udina I was supposed to worry about, not you!
"Captain Anderson." Saren stated, his tone dripping with condescension. "You always seem to be involved when humanity makes false charges against me."
Shepard couldn't help but tense up, realizing that Anderson's passion about Saren earlier in the med-bay might be due to history. He shouldn't be here, he's ruining this…fuck! I really hope he doesn't mess this up for us anymore than…
"And this must be your protégé, Commander Shepard. The one who let the beacon get destroyed." Saren said smugly, though a flicker of confusion slipped across his face when Shepard's hand cupped her mouth in a nearly successful attempt to restrain her laughter. Protégé? Me? Is he on crazy pills or something?
Once she'd worked herself to a calmer state and tried to play her amusement off as a cough, she realized that the council was staring curiously at her.
"If I may speak…" she began, nodding in thanks as the council signaled her to continue. "This was my first official mission with Captain Anderson, and it only happened due to political pressure, not due to a familiarity between us. To call me a protégé wouldn't be accurate, and as for the beacon, I didn't let it get destroyed. My crew and I made efforts to prevent its destruction by disarming powerful explosives that would have eliminated the entire colony. That it exploded on its own was no fault of mine, seeing as how it was active when we first saw it. There's a chance it would have shorted out without any actual interaction."
"Shift the blame to cover your own failures, just like Captain Anderson. He's taught you well…but what can you expect from a human?" Saren's condescending tone filled the room, and Shepard was certain at least Williams was rolling her eyes at his remark. "Your species needs to learn its place, Shepard. You're not ready to join the council. You're not even ready to join the Spectres!"
Udina interjected before Shepard could reply; she crossed her fingers in hopes that he wouldn't be too inflammatory. "He has no right to say that! That's not his decision!" The politician yelled out at the council. Wow, he's making sense…maybe I don't give him enough credit…
Shepard stepped forward and motioned to the three councilors across from her. "I'm going to have to agree with Ambassador Udina, councilors. I'd like to request that Saren refrain from using personal attacks. It's hard to have a neutral discussion when this kind of dialogue is allowed."
The asari councilor nodded and turned to the turian Spectre. "Shepard's admission into the Spectres is not the purpose of this meeting." The councilor stated calmly, but firm.
"This meeting has no purpose. The humans are wasting your time, councilor. And mine." Saren muttered, shaking his head.
"The purpose of this meeting was to discuss potential evidence against Saren Arterius." Shepard stated, not taking the Spectre's bait. "Myself and Lieutenant Alenko witnessed Saren kill Nihlus groundside on Eden Prime. I can understand your position on this evidence, councilors, but I'm wondering how Saren was aware of my Spectre candidacy."
"After Nihlus met an unfortunate end during your failed extraction, his files passed onto me. I read the Eden Prime reports. I was unimpressed." Saren noted, his smugness seeming to know no bounds. Why would he be allowed access? What?
"Council, if I may ask, why would someone under investigation be allowed to access confidential materials and evidence? That doesn't seem very balanced." Shepard asked, confused at how such access was provided. The salarian councilor nodded and looked toward his turian peer.
"That was an oversight, though it changes nothing. Saren has been provided an alibi by a very reputable source. There is no reason for us to believe he was on Eden Prime at the time of the assault." The councilor said, turning his gaze back to the commander.
"So it's basically myself and Lieutenant Alenko's word against this other individual's." Shepard said blankly, her mind racing, trying to think up something that could help her case.
"We investigate facts and hard evidence, and do not place weight on speculation and imagination." The turian councilor said, his cold gaze burrowing through Shepard. I'm pretty sure he's not real happy about this hearing…
"Is there anything you would like to add before we finish, Commander?" the asari councilor asked politely, though it was clear that it was simply a formality. Saren's getting off…like I figured he would. But maybe…
"Councilors, I thank you for your time, and I would ask of you one thing. Saren was given access to confidential information during the investigation, which may have resulted in a shortened overall investigation." She said calmly, standing tall and as professional as she could muster. "I would ask that there be an extension to the investigation, and that I be allowed involvement alongside C-sec officials. Given that Saren was offered an advantage in defending himself, it would only be fair that I have the chance to find evidence to bolster my testimony, if it's available."
"We will not grant your request, Commander." The turian councilor spat, the venom in his voice audible.
"A single oversight on our behalf should not grant you special privileges that would remove objectivity from the investigation." The salarian councilor stated quickly. "I am sorry, Commander."
"I'm glad to see justice was served." Saren chuckled, his holo fading out soon afterward. Shepard's jaw dropped a bit at the Spectre's arrogance. Not even staying around for the official decision? Wow, someone needs to be hit off his high horse…
The turian and salarian councilors looked to their asari counterpart who seemed to be hesitating after the Spectre's display. "The council has found no evidence of any connection between Saren and the geth. Ambassador, your petition to have him disbarred from the Spectres is denied." The councilor said, her eyes finding Shepard's. "This meeting is adjourned."
Shepard bowed and calmly walked out of the auditorium and down the stairs, feeling disappointed by the result. Glancing over at a dejected looking Udina, slowly departing from his terminal, was proof that she wasn't the only one feeling a little bad about it. Maybe I shouldn't have asked for that much…for all my attempts at being neutral, I guess I kinda screwed up by asking to be involved in another look at the evidence. Still, I think I did alright, all things considered, and Anderson didn't bring up my visions...
She found Anderson stopped where they'd initially met up with him, looking more than slightly annoyed. Shepard stopped in front of him, and heard Williams and Alenko fall in beside her, but she couldn't find the words to express her disappointment at him. Their awkward silence was hastily eliminated as Udina broke into their circle.
"It was a mistake bringing you into that hearing, Anderson. You and Saren have too much history." He said, prodding Anderson in the chest. "It made the council question our motives!"
"Gotta say, Captain. If you knew you'd be bringing baggage in there, baggage that they could use against us, you should have stayed away. If your interruption was the turning point…we might have gotten some help otherwise. Just saying, Anderson." She said, looking back toward the auditorium.
"I know Saren, he's working with the geth for one reason… to exterminate the entire human race! Every colony we have is at risk. Every world we control is in danger. Even Earth isn't safe!" Anderson exclaimed, but Shepard was having none of it, and pointed back at where the council was.
"Anderson, you're so wrapped up in your past that you might have lost us our only chance at getting justice!" Her frustration bubbled over as she forced out each word through grit teeth. "You need to fill me in on him later, but right now…I have evidence to find."
"Shepard, the council denied your request. There's nothing we can do. As a Spectre, he's virtually untouchable. We would need to find a way to expose him, but we can't with C-sec in the way." Udina said, looking at her in disbelief.
"Look, Udina, you did a great job in there, and I apologize for maybe talking too much…and I'll apologize for the fact that I'm not about to give up on this. I have nothing to lose, and if there's something out there to find, then I'm going to find it. I'll try not to blow anything up." Shepard apologized, yawning as the lack of decent sleep was quickly catching up with her.
"Hey, what about Garrus? That C-sec investigator? We saw him arguing with another turian earlier." Kaidan asked, drawing a nod from Williams. Shepard's gaze remained on him for a few seconds longer than normal, noticing the Lieutenant was wincing and in pain.
"That's right! He was asking for more time to finish the report. Seems like he was close to finding something on Saren." Williams added enthusiastically.
"That sounds like a good start. He'd probably be good for some information." Shepard stated, figuring it would be a lot easier to work with a body of evidence than from scratch.
Udina nodded in agreement. "If you're looking for a specific c-sec officer, I have a contact in their ranks who can help us track this Garrus down. Harkin knows where everyone is on the Citadel." The politician piped in, drawing a grimace from Anderson.
"Forget it. They suspended him last month for drinking on the job. I won't waste my time with that corrupt scumbag." Anderson muttered.
"You won't have to. I don't want the council using your past history with Saren as an excuse to ignore anything we turn up. Shepard will handle this." Udina stated firmly, glaring at the captain. For a moment, Shepard felt bad for him. It's hard being separated from something you're passionate about, that you want to help with…but Udina's got a point.
"Yeah, it's probably for the best, Anderson. Sorry." Shepard said apologetically, checking around for a rapid transit terminal. Anything to avoid another trip on that elevator…
"I need to take care of some business. Captain, meet me in my office later." Udina said quickly before storming off.
Anderson turned his gaze from Udina to Shepard's crew. "If you're really going to look for Harkin, he's probably getting drunk at Chora's Den. It's a dingy little club in the lower section of the wards. Or…"
"Or what, sir?" Alenko asked as Anderson's voice trailed off.
"Or you could talk to the volus Barla Von, over in the financial district. Rumour has it he's an agent for the Shadow Broker." Anderson finished, drawing confused looks from the trio.
"The Shadow Broker?" Williams asked, the title not ringing any bells.
Sounds kinda lame, if you ask me. Shepard thought, wondering why anyone would use such a title. Still, people with a love for stupid titles can be powerful, I guess. Maybe. Who knows? There are probably spies who call themselves 'Ghost', or vigilantes who call themselves things like 'Archangel'
"An information dealer. Buys and sells secrets to the highest bigger. I've heard Barla Von's one of the top representatives." Anderson explained. "He might know something about Saren, but his information won't come cheap."
"Well, I should go. Lots of looking around to do, I guess." Shepard said, looking at each of her squadmates in turn.
"Good luck, Shepard. I'll be over in the Ambassador's office if you need anything else." Anderson said before taking off toward the elevator. Well, fuck. Now I NEED to find rapid transit, or else I'll be waiting for the elevator for…what, probably a half hour at least! Seriously, how do the elevators suck so bad here?
"Uh, Commander?" Williams said, interrupting Shepard's train of thought. "There's a skycar terminal over there if you want to head out." The soldier pointed off to a small, barely noticeable terminal near one of the small green creatures they'd seen around the Citadel.
Yes. Good. Anything but the elevator. Hell, anywhere but here…
"Great work, Chief. Let's get going!" Shepard said exuberantly, though her eyes hung on the lieutenant as they waited for the skycar. What's up with him? I know the council weren't really great, but it's a bit much to get a headache from that...Maybe I'll check in on him when we reach the presidium again...
The wards were almost comforting with how busy and cramped they were. On any other day, the young Quarian would be enjoying the sights and sounds of life on the Citadel, but it just hadn't been a good day. Or a good week, for that matter. Keelah, where are the embassies? This place is harder to navigate through than the Rayya! She thought, as she limped through the crowds toward a marketplace. Maybe someone can help me there…
Her pilgrimage hadn't been going well as of late, and she'd experienced a number of unfavorable milestones in the past week. First time being shot at, first time traveling alone…first time watching a friend get killed…Oh, Keenah'Breizh. This geth data core's only brought us the worst of fortunes, and I'm not sure my luck will get any better… If only you… she mused, before a large body knocked into her, catching her off-guard and sending her crashing to the floor. She nursed her previously injured leg and looked up at the enormous red krogan scowling down at her.
"Watch where you're going, pyjak." The huge brute muttered grumpily. The young quarian gulped, suddenly unsure of what to do. He…he's huge! And really angry looking, and…and…Keelah…she thought as she shakily scooted backward, away from the towering krogan.
"I…uh…I'm…hrm." She stuttered out, kneading her hands together nervously. The krogan simply grunted at her and barged his way through the crowd, knocking over a few other patrons as he went. She took a few moments to test her leg before hobbling back onto her feet. That…could have gone a lot worse…I guess…
She limped toward a nearby kiosk detailing used ships and studied all the available models, in awe of how new many of them were. Keelah, our newest ships are decades older than some of these! Who would sell off a perfectly good ship? She thought, scrolling through the listings until she settled on a large volus transport vessel, not thirty years old. I can't imagine how many quarians could live in one of these…just a few modifications, a little bit of quarian engineering, and it could fit more than the Tonbay…maybe an extra forty percent! Oh, if only I had credits…maybe this geth data could get me some…
"Hey!" a loud voice called out ahead of her, a menacing looking human male storming toward her. "We don't serve your thieving filth around here! Get out before I call C-sec!"
Or…maybe it would be better to spend it on protection…I had no idea it would be so hostile here… she slinked away from the kiosk dejectedly, and wandered aimlessly through the crowds, looking for some sign of passage to the embassies.
The quarian wandered through the wards for what seemed to be hours, consistently unaware of where she was in relation to where she needed to be. The artificial lighting outside was slightly dimming, meaning it had been nearly a full day since she'd gotten onto the Citadel. Even with the crowds, and people not really liking me, maybe…maybe if we hadn't gone to Illium first, you'd be with me now, Keenah.
She'd begun her pilgrimage with the help of the older quarian, who had insisted they investigate a reported geth presence on route to Illium. Ever since they'd tracked the geth to a tremendously chilly planet and extracted one of the data cores, they'd been on the run from mercenaries. The geth haven't been outside the veil in centuries, why would they be all the way out near Illium?! And why would they send mercenaries after us? Why did they kill Keenah? It makes no sense…
She halted midway down one of the large halls in the wards, spotting a C-Sec marker off in the distance. Maybe they wouldn't mind if I asked them to help? I…hrm. Well, it's better than wandering aimlessly. As she limped toward the sign, she heard a scuffle break out to the side of her, and instinctively ducked further into the bustling crowd as one of the turian mercs that had assaulted her on Illium burst into the pack, knocking aside civilians as he prowled after her. Bosh'tets!
Her hopes of using the crowd as safety were quickly dashed as the turian and two batarians fired a few rounds into the crowd, quickly dispersing the masses in each direction, leaving the quarian limping and vulnerable. She heard their taunts and yelling behind her as she opened up her omni-tool in a panic. Come on, come on, I know you're not ready yet Chiktikka, but I need you now! She thought to herself as she willed herself to run faster, weaving around an elcor. She was mere metres from the C-sec sign when she activated her combat drone and set it to guard her flank and seek out any armed hostiles.
"Good girl, Chiktikka!" she called out, wheeling around the corner into the entrance, only for her heart to sink. The entrance led to a large empty hallway leading to an elevator. She burst toward it, her leg screaming at her as she sprinted down the corridor, gunfire and expletives sounding out behind her and impacting her barriers. As she reached the elevator, she felt a searing pain dash across her right arm, sending her stumbling into the small transport vessel. Ignoring the pain for the moment, she crawled over to the control panel and activated the elevator; she could hear the pounding on the doors as soon as they closed, and gave a sigh of relief as the elevator made its way upward, away from the trio of mercenaries.
Keelah, that was too close… she thought, staring at the gaping wound across her bicep, startling as she noticed the bubbling liquid and the overwhelming burning sensation in her arm. Oh no!
She quickly worked through her suit's system, which had been flashing a warning for nearly a minute, sealing that area of the arm off from the rest of her body as she opened her emergency care kit. Chemicals…they used chemicals on a quarian…that…that's just low! The bosh'tets! She thought, as she worked on cleaning the residue from her arm, frowning as she noticed it had burnt its way through her suit. This is going to be the worst fever ever…Keelah…
By the time the elevator had made its way up to its destination, she'd patched herself up as well as possible with emergency suit patches and some cleaning salves, but she knew she needed anti-biotics if she wanted to live through the day. This should help keep me stable for a bit longer but…oh, why is this happening to me? I just…I didn't think my pilgrimage would be this difficult…
The doors opened and she stumbled out, her gait considerably labored as her body's fatigue began to set in; the pain settling in as a deep ache that the painkillers coursing through her body couldn't mask. After a slow ascent up a stairwell, she found herself in the main lobby of the citadel's security headquarters. She glanced around lazily, feeling a little nauseous and dizzy. I wish this could wait, but…those mercenaries could come back. I need help…
"Can I help you?" a flanged voice called out beside her. She turned her head and saw a turian sitting behind a desk, glaring at her.
"I…uh…my name is Tali'Zorah nar Rayya. I was wondering if…if you could help me. I…" Tali stammered nervously, cowering under the officer's harsh gaze.
"Get to the point." He muttered, his mandibles flaring in a way she was unfortunately familiar with.
"I…I was hoping I could get protection. I, uh…I have this geth data core and…and…" the words stumbled out of her, getting softer as the turian stood at his post, his tall form bearing over her.
"It's impossible to get geth data, everyone knows about that. Honestly, you suit rats just get stupider as the years go by. No wonder you lost your planet and your seat here." He said condescendingly, his tone darkening. "Now, if you don't get out of here, I'll personally kick you off the Citadel."
The turian's demand echoed through the lobby, a multitude of eyes fixating on her as she froze momentarily, feeling the last semblance of motivation drain out of her. What…what can I do now?
Tali stumbled toward one of the nearby transit kiosks, noticing it was free of charge. Feeling a tiny bit of relief wash over her, she opened the menu of destinations. I'm not sure I could walk much of anywhere right now…the fever's really coming on now…hrm…yes, I…I hope this will work. She mused hazily, selecting a medical clinic in the upper wards, and sliding into the transport. I just hope this day doesn't get any worse…
Shepard sluggishly made her way toward C-Sec HQ, Williams following close behind. The station's artificial day-night cycle was shifting into early evening, and people were filling the presidium on their way home; the loud bustling of people nearby kept Shepard as alert as she could manage to be. The two noticed a number of C-sec officers run ahead of them as they neared the entrance, toward what looked to be a conflict between a few officers and a large, blood red armored krogan.
"Come on Wrex, let's be reasonable here! Just stick here overnight and we won't have to do anything drastic." A human officer said, sounding and looking frustrated as the krogan stood, arms crossed and appearing unfazed by the growing amount of armed C-sec employees surrounding him.
"Drastic? Heh. You puny races talk too much." The krogan muttered, his wide-set eyes scanning the area around him calmly.
Shepard and Williams kept their distance from the group; the commander figured some entertainment before they were able to check in on Garrus was in order. Hell, this intensity's got me wide awake again! Don't know why they need that many people, though. Krogan are strong, but…not THAT strong…
"Wrex, I can't exactly let you walk free, you know that." The officer stated firmly. "I can't afford to have you on a killing spree in the wards! Not after last time."
The krogan took a step forward, getting face to face with the officer. "The Shadow Broker wants Fist dead. I'm going to kill him." Wrex's voice was dead serious, even with all the weapons aimed at him. "And I'm gonna go find him now."
"Wrex, we have you surrounded. You're going to stay overnight by your own will, or we'll have to use force." The officer said, his voice a little more unsure than before, his hand reaching for his light pistol in his holster.
The krogan, to Shepard's surprise, began to glow a vibrant blue, his eye tracing over the surrounding pack of officers as a menacing grin formed on his face. "I'd like to see you try."
Williams went to step forward but Shepard put her arm out and blocked the marine, giving her an apologetic look. "Not the time, Williams. You're not armed, and I'd prefer to keep you alive."
"Would you let Kaidan in there if he was with us?" Williams snapped. Shepard took a moment to think about it and shook her head.
"Nah, he's a biotic, but he didn't really seem up for anything after the council meeting. Had some sort of headache." Shepard noted calmly, watching C-sec officers disperse one by one. "Besides, even if he wasn't getting checked out by the doc, and even if he didn't have the headache or whatever, this guy seems worth the hype. You ever fight a krogan, Williams?"
The younger marine cast her gaze to the floor sheepishly. "Uh, no ma'am. First time really seeing one up close."
"No shame in that, but don't go looking for a fight against something you don't know. You can read all about how krogan work, but when you riddle one with bullets and a minute or two later he's fully healthy and unwounded, it's a different game." Shepard stated, amused that the mob of officers had reduced to a small handful. "They've got bodies filled with organs in case one of them is destroyed. Tear out its heart, and it has another in there working double time while he rips your face off. They get in this blood rage thing…"
"I get it. They're made for war. No wonder the salarians uplifted them way back." Williams said, sounding a little flustered.
"They're the one species I've never seen do anything but fight or threaten, so…" Shepard said, chuckling. "I'd give them a bit of a wide berth, Williams. Especially a biotic like Wrex, there."
The krogan's bellowing laughter filled the lobby as he casually walked away from the remaining officers and toward the exit, eyes scanning over the two soldiers as he passed them.
"Williams, I need you to go check in on Garrus, and search up what you can on this 'Fist' person." Shepard said, her focus still on the departing krogan.
"Uh, alright Commander. But…what are you going to do?" Williams asked, confused about why she was being handed the whole of the plans they made in transit.
"I'm going to go see about this Shadow Broker. First that Barla Von guy, and now this krogan? Chances are if this guy deals information, and he can afford a guy like that, he might have something on Saren." She said, checking her omni-tool's chrono. "Message me if you get a hold of anything solid, alright?"
"On that Fist guy, too?" the marine asked, drawing a nod from Shepard.
"That krogan said he was going to find Fist, meaning he doesn't know where he is. We get that, we help him out, we have a bargaining chip with the Shadow Broker. Might not end up being anything useful, but we're not exactly overflowing with leads." She noted, feeling a little more dazed as her lack of rest began to catch up with her. She took one last glance at a worried looking Williams. "Look, I'm not going to fight the brute. Just see what he's up to and maybe stop by Barla Von's."
"Alright, Commander, but be careful. You're still pretty beat up." Williams said, and for a second Shepard swore that the marine was doing her best Chakwas impersonation by her stance.
"No worries, Chief. Good luck." She finished, nodding to the marine before making her way out of the headquarters, following the path the krogan had taken across to the financial district.
In her tired state, she knew she wouldn't be a great tail, even with the lowered visibility and the crowd. There was a subtle approach to being a proper tail, and her body and mind were feeling a little too clumsy for that at the time. Still, doesn't look like he's noticed me yet…and if he's a merc, he's not likely to cause trouble around the kind of people who'd hire him…
She hung back within earshot of the krogan's deep growl, but staying seemingly far enough away to keep his attention from finding her. Considering Wrex was making a beeline toward a hanar merchant, she figured she was in the clear.
"Welcome to Delan's Emporium. This one is proud to showcase the finest and most luxurious items that credits can buy." The hanar spoke, its body lighting up slightly around its front.
The krogan leaned forward aggressively, pointing at the merchant. "Show me your shotguns."
"This one is certain you will be satisfied with the…" the hanar started before Wrex shot him a vicious glare.
"Shut up and let me look, whelp." He growled, scanning through the inventory. Shepard listened to the duo's back and forth, the krogan demanding better prices for a variety of shotguns while the hanar relented, offering discounts if more than one item was purchased. She could have almost sworn Wrex's left eye kept trailing over to her occasionally, but she couldn't be sure.
Just as Shepard was about to give in and head over to Barla Von's out of frustration, she felt a light tapping on her shoulder. She turned her head to find a young human woman beside her, dressed elaborately in clothing that she'd seen a few asari wearing around the presidium.
"Can I help you?" Shepard asked, curious about why this stranger had interrupted her. The woman nodded and smiled, gesturing toward another area of the presidium that she'd passed while tailing Wrex.
"The consort requests your company, Commander Shepard." The woman stated politely. Shepard realized the banter between Wrex and the hanar had stopped, and a quick glance proved Wrex's eye was fixed on her. Well, I guess I've been made, for sure…not that big of a surprise, I guess. Eh, Barla Von will be there when I get back…if I'm even awake enough to function…
"Oh. Uh, thanks, I guess? I don't really know who that is, but it's better than standing around here all night." Shepard remarked, confused over who would request her specifically. I've been here what, three hours, maybe? If that? Who would even know me around here?
"The consort is among the most respected figures on the entire Citadel. People of all races come to her for advice, guidance." The woman said, leading Shepard down the walkway. "Most have to wait months to have an audience with Sha'ira, and her guidance is not something many can afford on an annual salary. You should feel privileged, Commander."
"You're making her sound like she's some kind of oracle." Shepard quipped, skeptical about the individual she was being taken to. What's so special about this Sha'ira, and how the hell does she know me?
"She is many things to many people, and something different for each…it is difficult to explain. She is merely an asari with remarkable compassion and a generous spirit. I am proud to be one of her acolytes." The woman stated with surprising fondness. Asari? Hrm. Should be fun. Outside of the councilor, I haven't really talked to one before.
The two stepped into a small lobby, the woman leading Shepard, weaving her through the crowd of enthusiastic patrons, most of which seemed too caught up in discussing the consort to notice them. She wasn't kidding that everyone comes to her…I don't see any species in citadel space that's not here…and they all talk like they worship the ground she walks on…
"Are people normally this excited, here?" Shepard asked, warily. She was finding it hard to believe that people would be so excited about advice. Though, I guess with all the politics here, it might be a bit more valuable than it would be in a military barracks…but still…
"People wait for a great length of time to see the consort, and for good reason. I have heard many clients state that seeing her has brightened their lives substantially, improved their lives beyond their dreams. She has a…knack for knowing what it is you truly require, and providing it." The woman stated, pausing at a large circular door.
"And I would imagine she has a range of skills to accommodate her clientele?" Shepard asked, insinuating that perhaps the consort provides more than advice. The acolyte merely blushed and gestured to the door.
"Sha'ira awaits you. I shall take my leave." The woman said, before calmly making her way back toward the lobby. Shepard shrugged and tapped the control panel, requesting access. An orange hologram spun in the middle of it for a moment before turning green, just as the door began to spin and open, revealing a dimly lit chamber. Reminds me of the council chambers…people here must like turning the lights down low…
As she stepped through the doorway, the room came fully into view. It was very spacious, with an L-shaped couch in the middle of the room, a silver circular table nestled in front of it, and plant life scattered along the walls and nearby the furniture. The only thing that struck Shepard as odd was the spherically domed bed resting by the left wall. Weird…outside of the bed, this place comes across as comfortable and elegant, like I'm in some diplomat's living room…but there's a pleasure-dome there, and the lighting's real low…don't really know what to think about that.
It took her a moment to realize the consort was in the room, due to the lighting, as the asari stood perfectly still a few feet beside the couch, her back to Shepard. The commander took a few steps toward her, stopping by the table as the consort turned gracefully to face her.
"Commander Shepard, I have been waiting for you." The asari's silky voice gently ebbed through the room; her arm slightly extended, gesturing Shepard to be seated. The commander was in too much of a haze, sleepily taking in Sha'ira's slender form, to fully acknowledge the invitation. Her eyes trailed down to the cerulean skin that the pink and red dress exposed; though her body was almost fully covered up, the small blue areas hinted mischievously at what more laid underneath. Mother of Christ, her figure is…so perfect…and with her arm out like…like…wait…oh shit. Her haze lifted as she became fully aware of what she'd been doing, blood rushing to her cheeks in embarrassment. She took a seat on the very opposite end of the couch and cast her gaze nervously on the exit, desperately wishing she hadn't come there. I'm such an idiot! Augh! She might have something really important to tell me and here I am just eyeing her up…seriously…what the hell is… her thoughts were interrupted by the asari sitting uncomfortably close to her; despite Sha'ira's regal posture, Shepard sensed a shred of sensuality in her movements as she adjusted herself to better face the commander.
She decided to try and get her mind off of more physical matters and back to business. "So, how did you even know about me, that I was here?" she said, her words tumbling out with more than a tinge of embarrassment still audible.
"I have heard a great many things about you since you've arrived on the Citadel, Commander Shepard. Though I feel I must extend my sympathies…your audience with the council was not very successful, was it?" the consort remarked, her smooth voice keeping Shepard's blush intact, even as the commander turned to face her.
"You…what? That was just over a half an hour ago. How could you possibly know about that?" Shepard asked, shocked. Outside of the council and us, there wasn't really anyone else around to hear…how the hell…
"Was it truly that long ago?" Sha'ira asked, coyly raising her lips into a smirk. "Are you comfortable, Commander? You must still be exhausted after Eden Prime."
Shepard decided to mentally wave off the consort's taunts about her wealth of knowledge. She knows more than she should, and she knows a hell of a lot more about me than I do her. Just…play this safe. She had a reason to bring me here that wasn't to brag about what she knows…
Shepard shifted over to the very edge of the couch and nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just confused at why I'm here."
She heard the consort's melodic laugh echo through the chamber and felt Sha'ira slide over beside her, resting her hand gently on the Commander's thigh. "Do all humans turn so red when they're shy? Honestly, you humans are absurdly modest in the oddest situations. Even powerful ones such as you." The consort's voice was rife with amusement as she began stroking Shepard's leg. "As for why you are here, you came when I requested your presence. Most do."
Shepard was confused at the asari's reaction, and tried her best not to focus on the consort's hand and what thoughts were stirring up in her mind from it. "And you requested my presence…why?"
"Many powerful and respectable people come to the citadel…most of which become my clients. Is it so far-fetched that I merely wanted to know you?" the asari spoke, her breathy words washing suggestively against Shepard's ear.
"I…have a hard time believing that." Shepard mumbled nervously, turning her head back to the exit, uncomfortable at the attention Sha'ira was giving her.
"Well it is true. You are an interesting woman, Commander Shepard. One that seems very skilled." Sha'ira said softly, leaning slightly against Shepard. "However, you are astute. My inclinations are not the only reason why you are here. A…certain authority was pleased with your performance in the council chambers. They wish to offer assistance."
Shepard slowly turned her head and found the consort's face mere inches from hers, the asari's deep blue eyes staring into hers expectantly. She took a moment to push aside the unwanted thoughts, knowing this offered help could be important to the mission.
"Uh…alright. So, what are the conditions?" Shepard asked, trying her best to speak clearly.
"If Saren is found to be guilty, then you will provide aid to this individual. If he remains innocent, then you shall owe nothing. Consider it a gift in the name of neutrality." The consort said, her eyes not leaving Shepard's. "Will you accept?"
She thought it over for a moment, unsure how best to answer. Can I really promise my services if I'm bound to the Alliance? I mean, I'm not always a by the book kind of person, but I'm not sure I can just accept without knowing what's at stake…but…right now, what's at stake is another potential Eden Prime attack, and…and whatever that vision means. If…If I have to promise something in the future in order to shut this Saren guy down, I think I have to. I don't think I have much of a choice.
"I will. I don't have the most pleasant feeling about this, but I will." Shepard stated, turning her eyes ahead to the table, hoping the consequences of her decision won't be tremendously bad.
"It has come to the attention of this certain authority that there were many confidential matters held from Citadel security in their investigation, through a certain powerful individual's veto. Of those confidential matters, it was deemed suspicious that certain traced mercenaries were arrested on Illium for the murder of a quarian, and the attempted murder of another quarian, who managed to escape on a vessel bound for the citadel. A vessel that docked earlier this afternoon." The consort said, her voice silky smooth, but lacking the previous playfulness. "It has also come to attention that a certain confidential bank account was depleted by an enormous sum earlier today, and many mercenaries traced within these confidential records have since obtained passage to the Citadel. And, by my own network of information, there was a quarian involved in a firefight in the lower wards just under an hour ago. One could say it is a coincidence, but…I assume you can piece together the details, Commander."
Shepard quickly stood up, sensing the urgency of the information. If that quarian can help us expose Saren, and he's already made attempts to kill her…fuck! We're running out of time! And holy crap, whoever this is took a huge risk...bypassing a veto? Probably a councilor's veto? That's serious!
"I…thank you, Sha'ira. Is there anything I can do for you in return?" Shepard asked, almost regretting her statement but she knew that the consort had gone out of her way to obtain some of the information herself.
"The pleasure of your company would suffice, as you look like you could use some relaxation. I would happily oblige you, if you only asked." The consort said, gracefully moving to her feet and in front of Shepard. "Yet, I truly understand that you are a busy woman with important matters to attend to. If you would allow me to communicate with you in case I think of something…"
"I would be happy to." Shepard said bashfully, still blushing fiercely. "Thank you for your help, and thank your 'authority' for me as well."
Sha'ira brought her hand up and gently brushed the back of it against Shepard's cheek, smiling brightly at the commander. "It has been my pleasure." She offered, all of the prior sexual undertones replaced with simple kindness. Shepard wondered whether the consort was able to control and manipulate emotions and body language at will, as she watched Sha'ira turning to move back to the couch.
Shepard moved a few steps toward the exit, swiftly typing out a message to Williams, before stopping in her tracks and looking over her shoulder.
"Hey, uh…just wondering…why'd you act that way with me?" she asked, confused about the encounter and the asari consort. She watched Sha'ira look up from her drink knowingly.
"Why do you ask?" the consort asked, simply.
Shepard responded with a shrug. "Well, I was pretty inappropriate at the start there, and you kind of baited me on…you know, on the couch. I just…don't get it."
The consort took a moment, sipping at her drink before responding. "Many people betray their needs when they're physically and mentally exhausted, Commander. I am merely here to guide others toward satisfying those needs. From my vantage, your behavior was hardly inappropriate." She stated, taking another sip of her drink. "One's mind wanders when they're lonely, Shepard. Sometimes they need to be reminded that they're desirable as well."
She turned and nodded blankly, heading back toward the exit, hoping to catch up with Williams so she could get to bed quickly. Not that I'll be able to sleep tonight…not anymore…Christ…I should have kept my mouth shut.
She left in a haze, winding her way through the consort's clients and acolytes, quickly finding herself out on the presidium. Her omni-tool pinged with a new message, Williams telling her to meet up at C-sec HQ. She shut her omni-tool down and traversed across the walkway, too caught up in her thoughts to notice the intricate motions of the fountain beneath. Am I really that lonely? I…well, I haven't dated anyone since a bit before Torfan, and that was…around five years ago. Before that was…well, that small bit with Faridah when I was sixteen. And that really doesn't count…Maybe…maybe I am a little lonely. That's alright, right? It comes with the job and the reputation. But…even though it might have been an act, and was kinda really awkward…Sha'ira was pretty nice. No one's looked at me that way in years…maybe I do need that…though it can wait for another day. Mission first.
Shepard stepped around a group of turians and started down the ramp toward the HQ, hoping Williams had found something substantial, or something that could tie into the quarian.
When she entered, she easily spotted the marine's gaudy white and pink armor alongside what looked to be Garrus, both hovering over a terminal.
"Hey you two, find anything we can work with?" she asked, yawning as sleep began to overwhelm her. Williams turned around first, while the turian scanned over the screen.
"Gotta say, Commander, you look like hell. Maybe you should get some sleep?" the marine asked, which brought a smile to Shepard's face.
"Hah, yeah. I don't think I'll be able to keep my eyes open much longer, not with this…uh, headache. And everything." She said, stammering out the last few words, cursing her inability to lie effectively when tired. Williams gave her a strange look, prompting her to talk more. "Uh, anyway, Williams…find anything on Fist or Saren?"
"That Fist guy's slippery. Ran a lot of shops in the past few months, and deals red sand. Every time C-Sec's caught his tail, he vanishes and pops up doing something else on another ward." She said, before pointing back to Garrus. "This Garrus guy has been helping, but like he said earlier, he doesn't really have anything hard to work with."
"Well I just got some juicy information from an anonymous tip. Seems Saren's been chasing a duo of quarians around the galaxy. Killed one on Illium, and has a lot of expensive contracts out on the remaining one, who just so happened to dock on the Citadel today." Shepard said, moving closer to the terminal. "The consort said the quarian was involved in a firefight with the mercs in the lower wards today. Chances are they got hurt."
"Good info, Commander. I'll check local security data and admission information in the Citadel's clinics. Hopefully something comes up." Garrus noted, his focus fully on the terminal.
"The…consort?" Williams asked, confused.
"Sha'ira. Has a wide information network on the Citadel. Some say she's very…skillful. Though I don't think she's dangerous." Garrus piped in, still focused on the details on the screen.
"Yeah, well, I suppose I'll probably end up finding out someday or another. Either way, I figure that's a decent lead. If Saren wants this quarian dead, there's got to be a pretty serious reason for it." Shepard stated, blinking away her sleep.
"Yeah, well, you get some sleep, Commander. We can handle things down here. I'll let you know immediately if we find something." Williams said, playfully pushing Shepard toward the elevator. Were she not so haunted by her body's insistent reminders for rest, she would be more frustrated about not being able to see their plans through the whole way. If only I could disregard sleep, acquire evidence...meh, Williams and Garrus can do this, I think. Though maybe I'll get only a few hours sleep and catch up with them quickly. That might work...
"Ugh, that elevator ride is long, Williams, I'll fall asleep before I reach the top." Shepard groaned, sluggishly plodding toward the large elevator in the middle of the lounge.
"Not my problem, ma'am." The marine said, stifling a laugh. Shepard slumped against the wall of the elevator as the doors closed, praying that she'd be able to stay awake until she reached her sleeping pod. And I hope I can actually sleep when I get there. So much is riding on this…we need to find that quarian…
She sighed and tuned out the news broadcast and the silly elevator music, deciding to send a message to an old friend. I wonder how Faridah's doing?
A/N: Wow, sorry for the long wait! Between two hellish weeks of school, and me being sick for most of the time, I've spent most of my free time recuperating or working on projects. Hope this chapter made up for it. :\ So yeah, sorry! I hope I can update more regular than every two or so weeks. I'm going to do my best, just been hectic lately, and looks to be hectic going forward.
Anywho, thanks go out to everyone who's read up to this point, who's favourites/alerted the fic, who's reviewed and/or left feedback…you're all really awesome, and I hope the wait hasn't been too disappointing. At least, hopefully not as disappointing as the elevators in Mass Effect. :P
So yeah, thank you all for the amazing support! I hope your week goes great!