Staring at the memorial wall that held the names of those lost, Garrus stood there in disbelief. The names were filling up fast: Kaidan Alenko, Mordin Solus, Thane Krios and now Legion. How many more names would the board capture before this war was over? Would he be up there next? "Keelah, I'm not sure what to feel right now. You think I would be happy," Tali spoke up as she approached him with her hands clasped together. "We finally get our homeworld, Rannoch, back, but to what cost? Hundreds of Quarians dead and Legion. I'm acting silly. Getting emotional over a Geth." She sniffed.
"He was different. Not like the ones I have encountered that followed Saren," Vakarian sighed hard.
"You are right. Legion was different. He sacrificed himself to end the war with my people." Tali reached out and gently brushed her fingertips across the name plate.
"Glad to see that you are still with us. Figured you would stay there to help your people settle on Rannoch." The Turian looked her way.
Tali shook her head. "I promised Shepard that I would stay till the end. I'm just hoping I'm able to return."
"Don't see why not," Garrus gave her a soft smile. He knew what she meant. Each day with the Reapers was an unknown. Any moment could be their end, but he tried to remain positive. This was a war that he knew that they could win especially with the Crucible and with Shepard's help. It seemed like now everyone was coming together. The Protheans didn't have that luxury.
"Do you ever miss the old days, Garrus?"
"You mean back at C-Sec?" He shook his head. "I don't think I would ever miss that place. I do miss the Citadel too. I need to get back….," His voice trailed off.
Tali cocked her head at him, puzzled. "Something the matter?"
"No, I, uh, better go see where we are heading next. I may need to repack some ammo," He stammered as he realized his troubled emotions about Andromeda's wellbeing on the Citadel came out.
"I think he said that we were requested back to the Citadel for required maintenance," She answered. "Maybe, we can get some shore leave. I need to get with some vendors about what supplies I can get transported to Rannoch. My people are going to need whatever they can get."
**************************************************************
John was waiting for him outside the elevator as he stepped off. "Took you long enough," The Commander teased.
"The Citadel was never known for its fast elevators," The Turian countered. "You have to meet someone?"
"Yeah one of Aria's flunkies. She said she wanted to discuss an update about Omega. Thought you may want to hear." He noticed his comrade tensing up. "Relax. This isn't Omega. I don't think any mercs are going to come after you anymore."
"You'd be surprised…" Garrus darted his eyes around to make sure no one was listening. Some of the merc groups got a foot hold on the Citadel and Aria still had contact with them. She was all about business and if it meant getting Omega back, he was pretty sure she wouldn't care turning Archangel in.
A Batarian vanguard was casually leaning up against a wall nearby but straightened up when he saw them approach. He huffed as if he wasn't impressed as he looked them over. "The 'great Commander Shepard' and me without my autograph book." There was nothing charming about Batarian hospitality.
"You must be Bray, Aria's contact," John stood straighter. "She said she wanted to see me…something about Omega?"
Bray gave a shifty glance over to Garrus. "This was a private conversation."
Vakarian bit his tongue to respond and allowed his friend to answer for him, "He's with me. I may need him on the mission."
Not caring, Bray gave a shrug. "Suit yourself. I'll let Aria decide." He tapped into his comm and moments later a sky cab came into view and landed nearby. The door opened and in sat, Aria T'Loak.
The purple skinned Asari gave a look at Garrus then to Bray for an explanation. "I thought I made it clear that this was going to be a private conversation."
"I told him that," Her flunky spoke up in defense.
She then gave a sharp look at Shepard. "Shepard, we do things on my terms if you want Omega's help. I can give you vast resources and ships. Your friend stays here." Just like her to be quick and to the point. There was no use in negotiating with her.
John looked back at Garrus and then back at Aria. "Garrus, I'll feel you in on the details when I get back."
"Be careful," Garrus eyed the sky cab with uneasiness.
"He's with me. I'll bring him back," Aria retaliated. She then looked at John as he got into the sky cab beside her in the back passenger seat. Another Batarian sat at the controls. Garrus always found it odd how much trust she put into that race. "I apologize, but I have concerns about the company you keep." Before the human male could answer, the door closed and the sky cab dropped down to the route out, leaving Garrus standing there alone with Bray.
There was awkward silence between the two till finally Bray took out a cigarette and lit it up. "So…." Garrus tried to engage in conversation till Shepard returned.
"Don't talk to me," Bray shot back quickly as he took a puff of his cig.
"Charming."