Chapter 12 – The Cat's Out of the Bag
There was mayhem within the quarian Admirals chamber. Kaidan was utterly speechless as he faced the five Primes, one of whom was Diniel. He hadn't considered the possibility that the virus might not have been successful.
"It hasn't worked!" Han'Gerrel's horrified voice rang out behind Kaidan.
"Gerrel! You've doomed us all!" accused Koris.
"We're not doomed," Xen shouted over them, garnering their attention with her confident tone. She folded her arms in a relaxed posture, but her eyes shone with triumph. "They're simply waiting for orders."
Gerrel, like the others, was staring at Xen, motionless. "No… Daro, we talked about this. We agreed-"
"No, Han, we didn't." Xen threw him an irritated look. "You discarded the very idea of returning the geth to our heels, without pause. I decided you were wrong. The altered Crucible virus was deployed, as we planned, in order to render the servers non-functional. I simply added my own to reactivate them with minimal intelligence. The hive mind is no longer an issue."
"You've reduced them to servants," Koris bit out.
"I've returned them to what we designed them for," parried Xen. "No-one here can deny the geth have their uses. Why throw them away as nothing more than scrap metal?"
"So you indoctrinate them instead," protested Kaidan, uncertain whether this outcome was worse than a race annihilated with one press of a button. It was everything he and Terra were fighting against with the Leviathans: being controlled.
"Really, General, they're machines, nothing more," dismissed Xen.
"They were much more."
Diniel stepped forward, and Xen frowned. "Alenko-General. We have come to inform you that the geth remain as we were – functional and fully autonomous."
"What!?" exclaimed Xen, grabbing up her gun.
Raan looked ready to faint, Koris clutched his head at what that now meant, and Clay was trying to keep up with the new turn of events.
Kaidan understood it perfectly as he looked at Diniel. The geth had unravelled both plots. Hearing Gerrel's gun arming behind him, Kaidan registered one key thing and swung to face the aggressors, raising his hands in an attempt to halt them. "Wait! They're not armed! Stand down!"
"Move aside or I will shoot through you!" warned Gerrel.
Kaidan knew from past experience just how far Gerrel would go. He, Terra and the ground-team had been on the geth ship that Gerrel had fired on, almost killing them all in his bid to destroy it. Calling on his biotics, Kaidan brought up a barrier, hoping he'd got this right now that he had his back squarely to the geth. The defensive move was meant to give him time to try to get through to Gerrel. The last thing Kaidan wanted was to take an offensive against a quarian admiral, no matter how much he wanted to give the warmonger another punch to the gut. As the gunfire hit his barrier, Kaidan shouted over the noise. "It's not too late to save this situation! Hold fire!"
"You're dreaming, Alenko!" yelled Gerrel. "I live in the real world!"
Xen executed a program that pulled Kaidan's energy away from him, his barrier dissipating under the energy drain, taking with it his shields. Before Kaidan could do anything else to defend himself, he was hauled backwards and surrounded by the Primes. They were protecting him from the imminent onslaught that would have hit his vulnerable body, unarmoured as he was during what he'd thought would be nothing more than a meeting with an ally race. How very different things had turned out.
The shots were hitting against the Primes, and then there was silence. Kaidan pushed his way past the synthetics to see Raan pinning Xen against a wall, and Koris struggling with Gerrel. Gerrel punched Koris aside and raised his rifle back towards Kaidan and the geth, only for Clay to stand in front of it with the pistol Raan had knocked from Xen's hand, aimed at him. Stunned, Gerrel froze.
Making the most of the opportunity, Kaidan took Gerrel's rifle and relieved the two admirals of any others. "Damn it, Gerrel! No more! You attacked them without provocation and they haven't responded!"
Gerrel was still staring at his son.
"Look at them, father," insisted Clay.
Gerrel did, slowly, his chest heaving from adrenaline. He frowned at the still forms of the geth Primes who had failed to arm themselves, the dents from his gunfire spattered over their synthetic bodies having slipped past their shields.
Then Diniel took another single step forward. "We thank those who have assisted us."
"Why didn't it work?" muttered Xen, like she couldn't fathom that she could have failed.
"The virus you created was fully capable of the result you desired," imparted Diniel. "However, on ascertaining the threat, we were able to produce a countermeasure. Without our servers down, your attempt to control us could not initiate."
"You knew?" Raan exclaimed.
"Yes. We did not wish to be duplicitous, but it was deemed wise to monitor Creators Gerrel and Xen."
"You hacked into our networks?" spat Gerrel, with far more indignation than he was due.
"Our decision proved sound when plans for the virus were discovered," reasoned Diniel.
"Yet you did nothing in retaliation?" wondered Raan.
"It was decided that our countermeasure was enough to protect us if the virus was deployed. We were unable to reach a consensus over which direction we should take following such action against us."
"And now?" Kaidan asked. This was the pivotal moment.
"With the young Creator's broadcast, we have consensus. The geth entrust our future to all other Creators now aware of the path taken by their leaders."
Koris approached Diniel. "You would do that after this?"
"The geth have learnt much during our time among you, and in return we have offered assistance and co-operation. It would be beneficial to us all to continue in that manner. We believe many Creators recognise our wish for peace and harmony, and we do not consider it fair to condemn all Creators for the actions of a few. It was an error we made in our infancy, and one we have regretted. The geth do not wish to return to conflict."
Kaidan sighed with a mixture of relief and exasperation that this had to happen in the first place. The geth had placed the future of both themselves and the quarians in the admirals hands, and he addressed the Gerrel. "Do you still think you were right? Can we end this now?"
Gerrel looked at his son before searching the ground. When he lifted his head to face Kaidan, he exuded the aura of a defeated man. "I will face whatever tribunal the Council sees fit, General."
"Han! We were protecting our people!" rallied Xen.
"From what, Daro?" He sighed heavily. "We have made a grave misjudgement; one that has probably cost us our peoples respect. I know it's cost me my son's."
Clay didn't dispute that statement. He just handed the gun in his hand to Kaidan and walked from the room, the geth Primes parting for him.
"What now, General?" Raan asked, at a loss.
"Now I make a report for the Council."
"Then I shall return to the Citadel, soon. They'll have questions."
"I want all data pertaining to the virus, as well as anything to do with the Crucible."
"Xen," prompted Koris.
"Fine," she said, shortly. Going back to her terminal, she extracted a disc and handed it to Kaidan. "We had the best of intentions."
"You had an obsession," retorted Kaidan, securing the data in his pocket. He left Koris and Raan to settle things with the geth, heading out in search of a disillusioned boy who was hurting. As he exited into the warmth of Rannoch's sun, Kaidan spotted Clay ahead, leaning at a balcony cut into the red-hued rock, overlooking the flourishing city. Kaidan truly couldn't understand how Gerrel could have just ignored the sight. It spoke volumes.
"It's a great view," he said, joining Clay.
"I wish my mother could have seen it. Tali, too." Clay took a deep breath, then faced Kaidan. "I nearly plunged us back into war."
"Not you. Your father and Xen. They would have acted sooner or later. All you did was expose them, to be held accountable by every single person down there, and in doing so, showed the geth there were those standing up for them. I think what you did probably secured the geths and your own peoples future, and it was incredibly brave. Are you okay?"
"A bit numb to be honest. Going up against my father like that… But he was never going to change his mind. Not again. No matter what anyone said, he was going to release that virus. I hated doing it, but they were wrong."
Kaidan noted the flat tone to Clay's voice. "Yes, they were."
"If the geth hadn't chosen…" Clay shook his head at the chaos that could have ensued.
"It would be a very different picture now," agreed Kaidan. "Thankfully, the geth are trying to find a new path forward. Much like you. You're an amazing young man."
Clay was overcome by the praise. He'd spent his life feeling inconsequential. For the first time, he felt like he'd done something truly important. "Would you allow me to return with you to the Citadel? I don't want to stay here. I need some time away from all this. … From my father."
"You know, he's seen you in a whole new light today. Maybe this is the time to stay; work things out."
Clay shook his head. "I can't. I can't forgive him. Not yet, anyway. I won't be a bother to you, Kaidan. I'll find work, a place to stay. I can take care of myself. I just need a ride."
Kaidan knew that Clay would leave regardless. "I'd need his permission, Clay."
"Then I guess I'll have to go get it then." Clay walked back into the building.
Gerrel would give the okay. He would be clawing his way back to his son, tiny step after tiny step, because he cared. Clay might not see it, and Gerrel certainly had a problem showing it, but Kaidan knew it was there.
Surveying Rannoch, Kaidan blew out his relief, weariness catching up with him again. Just a short while ago all of this was close to being lost. If not for the geths magnanimous attitude, this day would have been the start of another war. The geth had proved to be the more enlightened race.
It seemed the galaxy was perpetually on a knife's edge.
Right now, though, all Kaidan wanted to do was go home and appreciate his family, and he called for the shuttle.
oOo
Hackett was pleased to have the chance to take time out to spend with his granddaughter. He'd spent all morning with his head buried in his work as he re-structured his fleets to satisfy both Earth's and the Citadel's demands. It was hard work; his fleets only replenished to half of what they were before the Reapers, and it was that fact that drove him on to use what he had to its greatest efficiency. Because sooner or later he had to be ready for whatever the Leviathans would throw at them, too.
Rorie sat beside him at Apollo's counter, perusing the dessert menu like she didn't already know exactly what she wanted. When he'd called to say he'd like to see them before he had to head back to Arcturus, they were at a swimming pool, yet Rorie was still as vibrant as ever. Even now she was still in motion, her legs swinging like she needed to run. He had no idea how she could have so much energy, and it reminded him fondly of Terra as a child.
He surveyed their surroundings while he patiently waited. Terra sat at a table with Jack and James, a mug of tea clasped between two hands. Despite the usual calm activity around the Presidium, Hackett could tell she was tense, alert with vigilance, her eyes locking on everyone around them, assessing for a fraction of a second before moving on. Part of it was the soldier in her, but primarily it was her awareness of Rorie's added vulnerability in the open space and the recent attack that had her on edge. He'd noticed that she now carried her pistol whenever they left the apartment – something she hadn't done before the Leviathans strike. As soon as Rorie had her ice-cream, he'd suggest they head back to their home so Terra could relax.
"Chocolate ice-cream, please!" announced Rorie.
Hackett couldn't help the grin as he looked down at the little girl who had given him a chance to regain the time he'd missed with Terra. He replaced the grin with a deliberately unconvinced look. "Are you sure, now?" he teased.
"Um…"
He chuckled to himself as she did indeed double-check the menu, making a show of tapping her finger against her mouth in apparent contemplation.
"Yes." She smiled sweetly up at him. "Thank you, Ganpa."
He returned that smile, then placed the order. He was truly blessed.
oOo
Liara walked through her ship in a trance. A numbness ran through her. By the time she made it to her cabin, she all but fell onto the bed.
She'd gone prepared with so many questions, posing as though she was merely researching the topic. How was the condition detected? What did it feel like? Could it be controlled? So many questions, all patiently answered. Falere had recognised her from before, asking after Kaidan out of politeness – the man who had stopped her mother committing suicide in front of her.
Samara… The name now filled her with fear. She couldn't know. No one could know. But Liara would share it – with Shepard. Would she lose her? Would Shepard recoil from her in disgust? Expect her to give up everything to spend a life locked away as a recluse? The thought horrified her, yet she could not deceive Shepard.
She was… Liara couldn't even think the name. Her tears trickled down her cheeks and onto the uniform she wore. Alliance blue. A way to feel a part of something Shepard loved. Now Liara had never felt so far away, or so alone. Inside, she was a monster.
oOo
Having to outsmart his own people was not something Kirrahe had expected to be doing in his lifetime. To an outsider he'd look like a fugitive, where in fact he was simply trying to do the right thing. The Dalatrass had her own agenda and Kirrahe was certain she was going to drag the salarian people down if she continued in her pursuits. He didn't know what she was up to, but with the timing of the Sur'Kesh incident so close to the attack on the Citadel, he was sure it was linked.
The Leviathans… He'd pieced together enough information to know that Shepard and those she worked with were keeping an eye on them. She needed to know. With his omnitool blocked, Kirrahe was forced to elude his watchers and had made his way off-planet to the Citadel. Then he'd recognised two STG agents looking for him, at the same time as they got eyes on him. All he had to do was get to Shepard's apartment, but they were closing in...
Luck seemed to be with him as he raced along the Presidium, only to look down and catch the sight of Shepard sitting at a café table with two others.
"Sh-!" Kirrahe was suddenly hoisted back, an agent on each arm, and he found himself backed into the advertisement wall, now out of sight of Shepard.
"Major Kirrahe. We've been ordered to bring you in."
"Knapp, Masell, please! The Dalatrass is covering something up! This is potentially hugely important!" tried Kirrahe.
"That's for the Dalatrass to decide."
Kirrahe knew he was headed for a Sur'Kesh detainment cell for defying Linron. Before he could fight back, Masell withdrew a syringe. Kirrahe didn't need to ask what it was. It would relax his muscles just enough to make him too weak to resist while maintaining his conscious state so as not to attract attention. They braced him as he tried to struggle, but against two equally well-trained agents, it was futile. The jab of the needle brought with it a cool flood that spread throughout his body, and he felt slightly removed from his limbs. Then he was being directed towards the elevator. Nothing worked, his speech little more than a whisper. This excessive treatment to ensure he didn't tell, proved that whatever Linron was hiding was big.
The desperation filled Kirrahe as he could only watch the elevator doors closing-
A foot jammed into the narrowing gap of the doors, and they automatically re-opened to reveal Shepard, her pistol pointed. If Kirrahe could have inhaled enough to give a sigh of relief, he would have.
"Stop right there. Identify yourselves."
The duo holding Kirrahe exchanged glances before one salarian answered her.
"Frohm Knapp. This is Powe Masell. STG. We've been tasked to detain Major Kirrahe, Admiral."
Detain? They'd clearly drugged him, and unfortunately for the STG agents, that made Shepard curious. "On what grounds?" She lowered her gun, but kept it in hand.
"We're not at liberty to say."
Expected response, but they weren't taking Kirrahe anywhere until she was satisfied. Shepard addressed the salarian she'd first met on Virmire. "Kirrahe? You wanted to speak to me?"
"Yes, I-" started his breathless reply.
"I'm afraid, Major Kirrahe is to be returned to Sur'Kesh immediately," interrupted Masell.
Shepard was getting irritated. "On whose orders?"
"The Dalatrass herself. She won't be happy that you're delaying this."
Linron. Shepard had to admit a dislike for the Dalatrass after the genophage cure ultimatum. But Kirrahe she had a lot of respect for. Kirrahe she trusted. That Linron had sent two agents to stop Kirrahe getting to her, raised one hell of a question.
"Unfortunately, STG have no jurisdiction on the Citadel," she reminded them, her instinct telling her not to let them go.
"Admiral, with respect, we're just following orders," reasoned Knapp.
Masell was nodding. "We'll just go to C-Sec and have them arrest him, and then he'll be handed over to us anyway."
Not really a problem as far as Shepard was concerned, but to go to all this trouble... The less people involved the better. "With equal respect, you'll be wasting your time. Spectre authority over-rules C-Sec. Now release him."
Glancing at each other again, they reluctantly did as directed, Kirrahe wavering on his feet.
"You'll be hearing from the Council," warned Knapp.
"I'm sure. Until then…" She indicated for them to exit the elevator, her gaze leaving them no room to protest at having to find another way off the Presidium. She had a reason for sending them off: they would want to find privacy to call Linron, and that gave her time.
When they'd left, Shepard holstered her pistol, bolstered Kirrahe before he toppled, and made a call. "Garrus. Time to return a favour. There are two STG agents leaving my vicinity – Knapp and Masell. I need them intercepted a-sap - get them called in for an emergency omnitool upgrade."
"Sure. But why?"
"If they haven't got their tools they can't make any external calls. I'll explain back at my place."
"I'll be there."
"Thank you, Shepard," wheezed Kirrahe as she lifted his arm over her head to place it across her shoulders before assisting him out of the elevator. "The Dalatrass chose them well. Those two are as by-the-book as they come."
"Tell me this is worth the crap I'm going to take over this."
"I think so."
"Then let's get to it before I'm called in front of the Council."
They watched the agents on the tier below them, heading for a quieter place to make that call to Linron. Within a minute a C-Sec officer was rushing over, gesturing wildly at their omnitools. Terra had to smile at the two agents' worried faces who then nodded and followed the officer at a fast pace with omnitools held out from them like they were infectious.
"Hm… I'd love to know what they were told," commented Kirrahe.
"Me too," she grinned. Their need to depart was well-timed. Hackett was then standing, Rorie leaping off her own seat. Shepard caught his eye and his countenance turned serious at the sight of her propping up Kirrahe. James was already jogging towards her, and Hackett took Rorie's hand, Jack bringing up the rear. Watching Rorie bounding up the stairs towards her, a bright smile on her face no matter that it probably looked like her mother was cuddling a salarian she'd never seen before, Terra felt more than a little guilty that her work was encroaching on her personal time once again.
oOo
Oriana logged off from Antella. He was on his way to the Citadel with Massani, and her heart beat rapidly in her chest at the thought of what she was setting in motion. It wasn't excitement - purely the opposite.
The bounty hunter's refusal to touch Alenko was an unwelcome surprise, but Antella had said he had it under control, that he had someone willing and capable of doing it. Oriana had hesitated at that. She wanted to know every player, but finding anyone else to take on a Spectre would take time, and this whole thing was eating away at her. Could she do this? She had to, didn't she? She was just bringing justice to those who hurt her family. Yet the uncomfortable feeling over the forthcoming events crawled into her soul.
oOo
Shepard, Hackett and Garrus sat in the rear lounge of Shepard's apartment facing Victus, who was speaking from his private office on Palaven via vid-screen. After hearing what Kirrahe had to say, Shepard had agreed with her father that, given the Dalatrass' possible deception, they'd bypass the Council but get the turian Primarch involved. Kirrahe was propped on a stool at the lounge's bar, now fully recovered.
"Why would Linron keep this a secret?" worried Victus.
"Given what we know of past research done there, I'd say the Dalatrass has something to hide," said Shepard.
"First, the quarians, now the salarians… What is going on?"
Reading Kaidan's report had been shocking. No one had predicted that was simmering under the surface of quarian/geth relations, and what was far more revelatory was the geths response.
"With the quarians it was an old grudge and a power-play. Linron…?" Shepard sighed wearily, a bad feeling crawling into her gut. "I suspect it's something just as sinister."
James came over from the office. "That was Dr Solus. He requested an update on the spore research, just like you asked, and was supposedly put through to a scientist at the lab who gave him some nonsense about needing to re-work the samples he was given before he could offer the doc any results."
"Which I know isn't possible," Kirrahe stated.
"I hate to say it, but we need to take a good look at that facility," Shepard murmured.
"The Dalatrass certainly isn't going to authorise that," warned Victus.
She took a breath before answering, her voice firmer. "I don't intend to ask. The Normandy can get us in undetected."
"You understand what you're suggesting?" Hackett voiced. "If you're discovered this could cause irreparable damage to our relations with the salarians."
"Is ignoring this an option?"
"No," he admitted. "I'm just urging caution. We can't be caught."
"That said, should the worst happen, I'll defend the decision to investigate, right alongside you," assured Victus. "I want to know exactly what Linron had invested in that place. I need to go, but I want you to know you have my full support on this."
"I'll keep you informed of progress," confirmed Hackett.
With a nod, Victus was gone.
Terra chewed her bottom lip, an inner conflict now waging within her. Rorie… She'd slipped into her role as soldier automatically, but with the new reality that she would have to depart, motherhood became a raging force no soldier could survive.
"Terra?"
Her father's soft vocal nudge, and his warm hand on hers, had her blinking out of the unintended moment of brooding.
"Sorry. I… It's just that… leaving Rorie after everything that's happened…"
"Sweetheart, I know what you're going through, believe me, but we need you on this. There's too much at stake."
"It's okay, Mommy," came a little voice behind the couch. Rorie rose up, beautiful big eyes fixed on her mother. "I can be brave."
Jack rushed in. "Sorry, Shepard. I had to go pee-"
"Don't worry, Jack." Terra had left the couch, and crouched in front of her baby, gently pulling her into an embrace. "You are beyond brave, sweetie. You're amazing. And I want to look after you."
"You do! You stop all the bad people, mommy. You keep me safe. Ganpa Hackett will look after me."
"I can delay my return to Arcturus," nodded Hackett.
"Dad, you'll still have meetings."
"I'll be sticking around," announced Jack. "There's no way I'm leaving 'til you have these fu- things strung up."
"But your students…"
"Can have a substitute teacher for a while," Jack shrugged one shoulder. "This is important, Shepard. I need to be here."
"I second that," agreed James. "Wouldn't hurt to have an extra pair of eyes watching over Nugget at all times, anyhow. Right?"
"James, your shore-leave's over soon."
"Not a problem," announced Hackett. "Assuming it's agreeable with General Coats, your next assignment, Commander Vega, is protecting Aurora Alenko. That is, if you think you can handle the challenge," he added with a small smile.
"I'm up for it," approved James with a grin.
"Unless you think you might need Vega on the ground, Terra," checked Hackett.
"Not for this mission. We just need to get in and out, nice and quiet. Are you in, Kirrahe?"
"Absolutely. I'm keen to see what more you can uncover there than I was able to glean during my brief foray."
"I've also got Knox and I'm pretty sure Javik will be happy to join me for this one."
"Happy?" queried James. "You forgotten what the ancient dude's like, Lola?"
Garrus made a sound of discontent. "I wish I could go with you. But for what it's worth, I'll also be keeping tabs on Rorie. I'll make myself available if ever I'm needed."
"I know it's not the same when it's not you with her, but you won't have to worry about her being alone," finished Hackett.
Terra looked at the four people who had rallied around her – around Rorie. Her daughter was surrounded by people who loved her. It didn't make the notion of leaving any easier, though.
The main door to the apartment thudded as something pounded on the other side. Immediately, Terra knew exactly who it was – the only person she knew who would take any opportunity to use his fists when there was a perfectly good button to push.
She opened the door with a "Grunt."
He ambled in with a sound worthy of his name. "Shepard. Got anything to eat?"
"Nice to see you, too. What's it been? Three months?"
"I dunno. What's it matter? I'm here now."
Then his large head was buried inside her cupboards and she re-joined the others. "Looks like I'll also have Grunt in my ground team," she added to the last conversation, Rorie running past her to greet their new guest. "Or maybe I'll leave him outside… Whatever, there's no way I'm leaving him in my apartment. The place has enough bad language and attitude from the overgrown teenagers already here," she jibed, digging deep to cover the feeling of guilt that refused to dissipate over Rorie.
James laughed at Jack until she thumped him in the arm.
"She means you, too, ass-wipe."
Rorie was giggling over in the kitchen as she hung from Grunt's crest, who carried on like she wasn't there.
"Then I guess it's sorted," Terra murmured.
"When do you plan on leaving?" asked Garrus.
"My crew will need their omnitools upgraded first, and having Edi on the ground as well would be an added bonus, so I'm going to say this evening. I just hope Brynn can get Edi mobile by then. Gives me a chance to have a little more time with Rorie, too; put her to bed. I'll be ready to leave at 2100."
"Gives you the benefit of darkness when you approach the facility, too," noted Hackett.
"There's just one problem. The STG agents," spoke Kirrahe. "You can't withhold their omnitools forever. One call to the Dalatrass with the news that I got to you will have her on high alert. She'll be expecting us."
"Already dealt with," brushed off Garrus. "That explosive virus their omnitools were supposedly infected with…? Turns out it spreads to organics. They're in quarantine," he added with feigned seriousness.
Shepard laughed at that. "That's ridiculous! They bought that!?"
"Hey, I'll have you know that my guys are very convincing."
"That's just what we need," Kirrahe said, appreciatively. "48 hours will be more than enough time to investigate the facility. The Dalatrass will have people searching for them though."
"Don't you worry about that," Garrus said happily. "Linron likes to have her people misdirect and lie to the rest of us. Now she's about to get a taste of her own methods."
"I have to say, I really do enjoy working with you, Shepard," commented Kirrahe, surprising them with a rare grin.
"We haven't begun yet," Shepard frowned.
"And I'm already entertained."
James slapped the salarian on the back in camaraderie, guffawing. "Welcome to the family."
oOo