Chapter 17 – A House Divided
The past hours had been a blur. Kaidan had wasted no time in launching into the files Kasumi and Terra had retrieved, skimming through for everything he needed to get his wife out from Linron's clutches. He'd ordered the ship to remain on the edges of salarian space, determined to be as close as possible when the call came that Terra was free to go. And it would be coming, because what he'd discovered was sure to be the nail in the coffin that Linron had built around herself. The Council wouldn't be able to ignore this, and he had forwarded them his report summarising it all, attaching the files so they could check the evidence for themselves, with copies to Hackett and Victus. Kaidan had done all he could, knowing Hackett was already contacting the Salarian Union directly, to demand Terra's immediate release.
Now Kaidan was going through those same files again, this time with a more unrushed eye, wanting to be sure he hadn't missed anything, and needing to keep busy as he waited to bring Terra home.
oOo
It seemed the Salarian Union had been given a heads-up by someone on Sur'Kesh as to what was happening to Terra, and their action was swift. Hackett stood on the balcony of Osoba's office, the Councillor still at his desk bringing their conference with the Union to an end, while Hackett made another call. It was answered quickly, the way it can only be if someone is waiting at the other end.
"Kaidan. You're good to go."
"Thank God."
"She's going to be taken to the local hospital."
"She sustained injuries?"
Hackett heard the seething undertone from his son-in-law. "Nothing overly serious. The Union have assured me that Linron will answer for it. Bring Terra home."
"Absolutely."
Having no need to waste words or time, they disconnected. Hackett shared Kaidan's anger that Terra had been poorly treated, and he'd made his thoughts on the issue very clear to the Union, producing a flurry of apologies from the salarians that Hackett couldn't care less about.
"You'll have your daughter back, Admiral."
Hackett turned, and considered Osoba. The man had impressed him, handling the Union members with more patience and diplomacy than Hackett could manage with the image of his daughter in a cell suffering what amounted to torture. Yet Osoba had shown equal determination and passion - almost like the Councillor was fighting for his own child instead of Hackett's.
"I should be used to the situations she gets herself into by now," Hackett murmured.
"No, you shouldn't," Osoba said amiably. "Because you never stop caring for them."
An incredible sadness fell over the Councillor, and Hackett remembered the fate of Osoba's son, Bilal. A good soldier, who'd sacrificed himself to ensure his team could escape when they became overwhelmed by Cerberus on Benning, during the Reaper wars. Bilal Osoba had received a posthumous medal for his actions. Of little comfort to his father, Hackett knew from experience. Medals didn't fill the hollow emptiness left behind.
Breaking out of his macabre thoughts, Hackett drew himself up, and nodded at Osoba, who simply returned it – two men who understood each other. The only difference was that Hackett had been granted the miracle of getting his daughter back.
With a heavy sigh, Osoba returned his attention back to his terminal. "Now to gather the races representatives again."
oOo
Mercifully detached from the pain in her shoulders, thanks to the soothing meds, Shepard held her breath as the salarian doctor manipulated her left arm back into its socket. Shepard was glad Kaidan wasn't here for this. She'd called him the second she'd stepped out of the scrambled zone, hearing the concern along with the terseness in his voice, relieved he was already on his way back for her. She winced at the horrible sound of her shoulder returning to its proper position. The two nurses who had braced her, relinquished their grips, loitering for round two while the doctor checked her shoulder movement after his repair.
In the interim, she returned her attention to the two STG agents who'd personally escorted her here. Balum Gardew and Ren Cael. The same two who had walked out of her cell in protest. She liked them already, and had the distinct impression the duo worked together often.
"Any idea what's happening now?"
"The Dalatrass-" started Gardew
"The previous Dalatrass," corrected Cael, with a small smile at Shepard's look of surprise.
"Indeed," acknowledged Gardew with a slight bow of his head. "Why don't you see for yourself?" he said to Shepard, the whisper of a self-satisfied look on his face.
Cael took a single step forward, offering her a datapad. "We liberated this recording before we brought you here. We thought you might like it. It's sure to brighten your day."
When she took it, he retreated in line with his partner, the two of them watching her expectantly, obviously keen for her to play it straight away.
The scene captured by the security camera, Shepard knew well. Linron's reception area.
Shepard watched as the Dalatrass emerged from her quarters to face the agents who waited in the foyer, alongside a female salarian dressed in a robe adorned with an emblem she recognised as that of the Salarian Union.
"Dalatrass Narra. What is the meaning of this?" demanded Linron, crossing her arms.
"Dalatrass Linron," the second Dalatrass stepped forward, and Shepard saw that Narra was quite young compared to Linron. "It is following unanimous agreement, that I hereby rescind all authority bestowed upon you by the Union." The younger Dalatrass handed Linron a datapad that Shepard assumed was an official 'you're fired' signed by all the whole Union. Linron snatched it from Narra's hand.
"This is an outrage! On what grounds?"
"Gross misconduct in office."
"Misconduct?"
"You mistreated a Council Spectre. And from what we're hearing, that's just the start of your misdeeds."
"Shepard broke into our systems!"
"To expose you. Did you know that the krogan have been leaked information about your plans to wipe them out?"
Shepard paused the recording in dismay, staring up at the STG agents. "My God. They know?"
"We can only imagine it is a recent development," shrugged Cael.
"Seeing as the krogan are not currently crushing us into the ground," agreed Gardew. "Keep going," he gestured to the pad.
"Yes. It gets better," Cael grinned.
Blinking at their enthusiasm, and in shock with the thought that the krogan were probably massing as they spoke, she tried to place it at the back of her mind, reminding herself that Wrex and Bakara would be fighting for order. With the doctor finishing his assessment, he moved to Shepard's right arm, so she swapped the datapad to her other hand to resume watching, glad for the distraction when she was once more placed in the nurses firm grasps.
"Our missing scientists are clearly involved with that," Narra was saying, "given that data could only have come from our prime facility. A facility you issue directives to. We are already plunged into perilous times with the Leviathans threatening our way of life, and now you have not only renewed the krogans thirst for vengeance, but have placed us at odds with our allies."
Narra then nodded at the agents, two of whom Shepard recognised as Gardew and Cael, looking rather smug as they stepped forward – Cael getting the honour of cuffing Linron. Glancing up at the duo, Shepard saw the same overly-pleased looks on their faces now, and she couldn't help smiling. That smile turned to a grimace as her other shoulder was popped back in place. The nurses left this time.
"We are now left to deal with the consequences of your deception," added Narra. "I only hope that it is not too late to rectify at least some small part of the damage you've done."
"You're just using this as your chance to take my position," accused Linron. "One you've coveted for years."
"I won't deny that I believe this is a position that was always meant to be mine. However, that does not negate from the disregard you have displayed over our treaty with the Citadel Council."
"The krogan are savages."
"After your scheming, I'm sure some would say there's a fine line between you and them. Take her away."
Linron watched Narra flounce past her, heading towards the office, then looked at the two agents either side of her.
"I expect this gives you great pleasure."
"Oh yes," grinned Gardew.
"The greatest," Cael agreed. "We knew Admiral Shepard would not be here for nefarious reasons."
"As far as we were concerned, she didn't need to save the galaxy twice to prove she has all of our best interests at heart." Then Gardew gave Linron a little shove to get her moving, and the recording ended.
"Our former Dalatrass had already recruited more scientists, and issued re-assignment orders to some of our colleagues," Gardew informed Shepard.
Cael was nodding. "Anyone investigating your claims of missing scientists would have found a fully-staffed facility in full working order."
"She was also in the process of doctoring the files, no doubt with the aim to imply that you had falsified the previous data."
"Desperate measures," Cael shook his head.
"From someone who had gone too far," agreed Gardew, gravely. "Please be assured, Linron's extreme and paranoid views are not shared by all salarians. In fact, many believe we've been given a great reprieve from our past transgressions. One we had hoped to retain."
"Do you think this is beyond recovery, Admiral?" Cael frowned with uncertainty.
"You know the krogan better than most," added Gardew.
Finally given a chance to reply, Shepard was hindered by the doctor then tending to her lip. When he'd finished, she met their worried countenances. "I think that there's always hope. Clan Urdnot are the strongest and largest clan, and its leader is forward-thinking, as is the krogan Ambassador. And I'll do whatever I can to convince the rest that this isn't the whole of your race speaking."
"We shall just have to wait and see then," accepted Gardew.
Cael sighed. "I hate waiting."
"This is the krogan we're talking about," pointed out Gardew, to his comrade. "They're not known for their patience, either. One way or another, the decision to attack or not will be made soon."
"Hm… Maybe I'd rather wait after all."
Having to fight the extreme urge to burst into laughter, which Shepard could only put down to the medication flooding her system and lack of sleep, she looked at them appreciatively for the care they'd given her, as well as the faith they'd had in her. "Well, I'm glad you didn't actually quit back in that cell."
"That was for effect. I hoped," admitted Gardew. "Cael and I would like to take this opportunity to apologise for what happened. The Dalatrass' actions were shameful."
"That's nothing you need to apologise for. I'm guessing you're the reason help came as soon as it did," Shepard said, knowingly.
"We weren't idle once we 'resigned'," grinned Gardew.
"We left via the security office, and grabbed the footage of what was said and done in that cell." Cael looked positively gleeful, recalling their actions.
"Took it straight to the Salarian Union. That said, the call from your people came shortly after. Efficient."
Shepard smiled to herself. "And motivated," she murmured, with thoughts of Kaidan and her father working for her release. "Thank you for everything you did. I truly appreciate it." She held out the datapad. "And thank you for this. You were right. Totally made my day."
"Keep it," waved off Gardew.
"We both have copies," explained a smiling Cael.
This time Shepard did laugh. Then it faltered as the doctor opened his omnitool, clearly not finished with her.
oOo
Joker hated physiotherapy. For him it was a necessary evil – just not one he did without bitching. Chakwas was immune to it all, ignoring his continual curses and snarky comments with a patience that deserved a medal.
He was standing in the middle of the medbay after having walked a few stiff steps with a bearable amount of pain.
"Excellent."
"Yeah. Great. I can do what a year-old baby can. Medical advances my ass."
"It's barely been three days since you broke major bones and yet you're only wearing heavy support bandages," Chakwas stated, impressing upon him his absurd expectations.
"Yeah, yeah. I know," he drawled. "Compared to the last century it would have taken weeks, blah, blah, blah." His eyes rolled. "Should have gone for that skeletal replacement Cerberus offered."
"Oh, you are in severe cockpit withdrawal, aren't you?" she quipped at his tetchiness. "I'm glad you didn't. I was made privy to the medical files retrieved from the Illusive Man's headquarters. That procedure involved extensive Reaper tech. You'd have been something close to Saren at the end of his life, and the Crucible would have rendered it all non-functional. You'd be totally paralyzed right now, at best."
"Shit…"
"Yes. So be thankful that your bones were only reinforced, and that because of it the damage was far less."
Joker just huffed to cover his discomfort at the thought. "I'll be grateful when I have full use of my arms and can get back to where I belong. Which is not as your medbay buddy."
"Thank the heavens," muttered Chakwas.
The doors opened, and Altair froze in the entrance at the sight of a scowling Joker, arms strapped against his chest.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I'll come back later."
"No. Please. Save me from physio," implored Joker. "The doc says it's good for me, but I know the truth: it's how she gets her kicks – torturing me under the illusion of 'therapy'."
"Considering your paranoia, physio's not the only therapy you need," ribbed Chakwas. "Fine. I'll let you off early this once, but later we'll be working on those arms. I'm going to get a coffee."
Watching Chakwas leave, Joker frowned at Altair. "Did she just call me insane?"
"Yep," Altair smiled back, then laughed as she looked at him. "With your arms strapped like that, you actually look like you're in a strait-jacket, too." She moved forward, hovering as he made a laboured return to his bed and sat gingerly on the edge. "It's great that you're up and about already."
"Whatever. Hope you're not too comfy up there in my seat," he grumbled.
"To be honest, I'd feel a whole lot better if you were up there. I'm just keeping it warm for you, Joker."
"Hm… Well, that I don't mind." Her words had reminded him he hadn't been completely useless while he was stuck in here, and his mood lifted slightly. "Feeling okay about what happened over Sur'Kesh?"
"Actually, that's what I came to talk to you about. I want you to know how much I appreciate what you did – talking me through it. That's the first time I've ever been able to get past it."
"Good job too, considering it wasn't a simulation."
She laughed a little uneasily at the thought of what could have happened. Tears filled her eyes as her own private accomplishment truly hit home. "Thank you." Then she leaned over and kissed his cheek.
"Whoa!" Joker reared back in surprise, suddenly feeling very restricted with his arms bound. "Steady on, Altair! No need to thank me. Apparently, it's my job now – you know to help you, so… I was just being your superior officer. Besides, it was in my interests. I like my ship and my life in one piece."
"Sorry." She swiped at her eyes. "I got carried away. It's just that you have no idea what a milestone that was for me."
"I'm getting an idea."
"I knew you were the best pilot, but you're also a fantastic commander."
"Uh… thanks?" He half-stood, half-leaned against the bed, with no idea what to say next, squirming under Altair's star-struck gaze. When Chakwas re-entered, coffee mug in hand, he couldn't have cherished her more. "Doc! What the heck took you so long? Come on, I'm raring to go!" He stood upright to prove the point. "May as well finish what we started, and then we can get onto my arms. So I can fend off my adoring fans," he added with a strained laugh, like he was making a joke.
Chakwas stared back at him over her mug, a brief glance at Altair, understanding dawning as to what was going on. "You want to resume physio?"
"Yes. Yes, I do. Can't get out of here until I'm working properly, right? So, let's get to it. Sorry to cut your visit short, Altair."
"Nonsense," Chakwas said deliberately. "I'm drinking my coffee first. Finish your chat." She made the mistake of immediately taking a sip and nearly lost her mouthful at the sight of Joker's venomous glare.
"I'm sure you can drink as I walk, doc," he gritted out.
Heaving a sigh, Chakwas casually took her seat, placed her mug on the desk like she had all the time in the world, and opened her omnitool. "Fine. If you insist," she finally acquiesced.
"I should get back to the bridge anyway," said Altair. "Alenko will be back with Shepard soon. Thanks again, Joker. For everything."
He cleared his throat, putting on an overly authoritative voice. "You've still got a way to go, Serviceman, but we'll get you there."
"I know you will. It truly is an honour to serve under you."
"Serve with me, not…" he left it unrepeated. "Now shoo," Joker jerked his chin towards the doors. With one last smile, she left, and Joker sagged, followed quickly by another evil look at Chakwas. "Torturer."
Her retort was swift and very amused. "Coward."
oOo
By the time Kaidan walked into her hospital room, Terra was leaning against the bed, wincing as she reached to put her boot on.
"Can I help with that?" He absorbed the smile she sent his way, then frowned at the faint thin line of the healing cut that had split her bottom lip.
"About time. I needed rescuing over an hour ago," Terra teased. "Salarians really like their tests."
"I'm sorry," he laughed, kneeling to place her boots on her feet, then straightening to embrace her. "You've single-handedly added years to me," he said softly into her neck.
In answer, she gave him a lingering kiss, fingers gripping the sides of the uniform that hugged his sides like he might vanish. "Don't worry about it. They say that men are like wine; the best improve with age."
"Huh! Silver lining to go with the greying hair." He studied her closely, one hand caressing her cheek. "You okay?"
"Everything's back in place. Just aches like a bitch now that the meds are wearing off, and movement's a bit stiff." She rolled her shoulders as she spoke. "It'll ease."
"Well, you did it. You exposed everything. Linron will have to answer for what she's done. All of it."
"Actually, Linron's already answering for it."
Kaidan threw her a questioning glance and she handed him the datapad from the bedside table. Wanting to get out of the hospital, Terra nudged him, then draped her arm around his waist, his own imitating hers, keeping her close as they walked out.
He watched it while they walked, Terra explaining who Gardew and Cael were. "I like their style," grinned Kaidan, as they emerged outside. "Even without us there to help you, someone was looking out for you."
"Yeah," she said thoughtfully. "Guess I'm doing something right."
Kaidan shook his head at her humility. It was one of the things he loved about her.
Shepard was enjoying the fresh air, a gentle breeze cooling the climate to a cocooning warmth, and they started for the dock a short distance away, the Normandy visible from here, having been allowed to use the bay reserved for the most elite salarian officials. Over the railings that lined one edge of the walkway, was an unhindered view of the busy city which hadn't forgotten to include the vegetation that was so abundant across their world. The trees and plants that burst through the spaces between the tall buildings, lent a burst of vibrant colour. Life - uncomplicated. But beyond this picture of serenity, there was mayhem brewing. For all their sentience and intelligence, the beings in this galaxy created a lot of problems for themselves, even without the Leviathans.
"How bad is it?" she murmured, needing to know what had been uncovered, but wishing it didn't exist at all.
Kaidan inhaled deeply through his nose, brushing a kiss over her temple. "Trust me. You'll need to be sitting down for this one."
oOo
While Bakara had left for the Citadel to represent the krogan at the Council meeting, Wrex had decided his presence was vital on Tuchanka, especially in light of the new information. Not only was he trying to subdue the other clans' bloodlust, but there had also been ructions within his own camp. He'd even had to put down a challenger to his rule; a cousin who shared a grandfather with him. The fight hadn't lasted more than minutes, his cousin relying on the fact that he was younger and faster. When Wrex had yanked his blade from his cousin's chest, he'd shook his head at the waste. When were they going to learn that it took more than brawn to survive? Still, it had served a purpose – reaffirming his right to head the clan – the other trouble-makers quieting with Wrex's promise of the same fate if they stepped out of line again.
Yet Wrex had still been fighting his own rage.
He'd been very grateful when Shepard called, and he'd set up a visual link within the Hollows so that Shepard could address the numerous chiefs.
And they listened.
There was silence for the first time as she reinforced Wrex's previous arguments; insisting they not let the Leviathans manipulate them into a fight that would ultimately pit the Council races against the krogan, duty-bound as they were to aid a fellow Council race. She insisted that this was the action of one salarian who had a lot of power, not the whole race, and she ended with one assurance: as long as the krogan didn't make what was tantamount to a pre-emptive strike, she would stand beside them. She would fight for them.
Anyone else would have been jeered at for such a statement to the mighty krogan, but not Shepard. She'd killed Reapers. She'd earned their respect.
That was where Wrex was now - standing within their sacred ground, the holo-image of Shepard next to him – waiting for them to make their choice.
He saw the moment the clan chiefs looked between each other, recognising the fact that the only other option was to have Shepard against them. Only a fool, or the Leviathans, would make that choice. One by one, they all vowed a stay of execution upon the salarians, and Wrex inwardly thanked Shepard for saving his people once again. His friend. His sister.
"Stay ready," Shepard added. "We're facing a clever and strong enemy – maybe two - and the galaxy still needs your unwavering strength."
Wrex chuckled quietly at the pride that had them all puffing out their chests. That soft human knew how to sweet-talk a krogan.
But they couldn't become complacent. 'Maybe two' she'd said. The files had identified the race the Dalatrass had hoped to use against them. A strong race. One that would be a challenge even for the krogan.
The yahg.
oOo
Kryek hated the Citadel. Too many people who thought they were above the rest. Too many laws. Too many enforcement officers. The whole place was uptight. Unfortunately, he'd arrived just after the latest attack. He'd have liked to have seen the chaos raining down on their precious station.
He was crouched in a maintenance corridor where no-one would see him; his size and aura of menace meant that people tended to notice him. He knew some of these tunnels well; using them to not only get to his targets, but also to smuggle goods, weapons, drugs, and people. He was primarily a bounty hunter, but with versatility. There were some who'd tried to deal with him over the years, but they'd all ended up as rubbish for the Keepers to dispose of. The Alliance had taught him to kill, and he'd had plenty of practice since then. Torfan had been his defining moment. He still remembered it with fondness – the day he was unleashed. You didn't go back to being dictated to by regulations after that.
His omnitool signalled a call and he answered it with irritation. "Antella. Is that old 'has-been', Massani, ready to move yet? Or does he need another nap before getting it done?"
"I've let him know it has to be done soon, so be ready."
"You should have come straight to me. I could have dealt with the turian, too, no problem."
"Not my call, sadly. Someone else is paying the bill. It was only because Massani freaked out at touching the Spectre that it gave me an excuse to bring you in. Spread the wealth to someone who'll enjoy sticking a finger up to the righteous Alliance."
Kryek huffed at that. "Who'd have thought the great Massani is such a pussy? By rights, he should have died when Santiago shot him. He's just a lucky bastard." Zaeed Massani's quest for vengeance was legendary in merc circles. "This will be a walk in the park."
"Just remember to keep her in one piece. She's for trade."
"I know what to do." Cutting off the call, Kryek looked out and down to the level below to a playground full of brats and their noise. His target was balancing on a low beam, a toy in one hand. Her minders hovered nearby, watchful but not seeing him up here in the shadows, one Alliance, the other a feisty-looking woman he'd be quite happy to slam against a wall for a good time, whether she wanted it or not. Their presence didn't bother him.
Re-focusing on the kid, he smiled to himself. "Hello, Aurora Alenko. We'll be meeting real soon."
oOo