Chapter Two
Citadel, Council Space, July 21st, 2583.
I stood on the bridge of the ship as we were pulling into the Citadel, like any normal day citadel airspace was clogged with hundreds of ships coming and going from the station. The Citadel has always been described as a beautiful place with its amazing garden centers in the Presidium. I've been to this station several times on missions, if you go deep enough into the station, you'll find crime ridden slums that'll make Omega look like a summer vacation.
"Colonel." I turned to the source of the voice calling me, it was an Asari specialist. She flinched a little bit when I turned, I forget sometimes people get freaked out a little bit when I'm in my gear. "What is it, Specialist?" I asked her.
"The captain would like to see you in the debriefing room before you depart onto the station." she said.
"Thank you, Specialist." I said, I walked past her and made my way to the debriefing room. Entering the captain was sitting at the end of the table.
"You needed to see me, captain?" I asked him.
"Yes, I received transmission from Alliance command when we exited the relay, there's been a situation." the captain said.
"What do you mean by situation?" I asked.
The captain began, "Well, the covert pick up the SSV Normandy did on Eden Prime went south. The colony was attacked."
"By whom?" I asked.
"It was the geth."
"Fuck sakes." I said.
"Yeah, the colony was destroyed. One of the ground team members is dead, and the spectre that was on the ship is in a coma with a bullet in the back of his head. There's more too, eyewitness accounts said the attack was carried out by a council spectre, Saren Arterius." the captain finished.
"That fucking son of a bitch!" I exclaimed.
"I take it you two have met?" the captain asked.
"Yeah, me and Saren have had some less than pleasant run ins on a few of my mission, fuckwit is about dirty as a fifty-cent crack whore." I said. The ship shuttered a little bit as we came into dock.
"That's a way to put it, I guess. But you are to report to Ambassador Undina's office, you've already been given emergency clearance, so it shouldn't be any trouble." the captain said as he stood up from the table. Me and him exchanged salutes before I left the room.
"Freya, contact my squad and tell them to haul ass to the Citadel." I said over our private channel.
"Done. What for Rick?" she asked.
"A human colony attacked by an army of geth and a rogue spectre, things are probably going to get nasty. I feel the tides of war coming in." I said.
I exited the airlock onto the Citadel docks, I made my way to the citadel security checkpoint. The turian c-sec officer tried to stop me, but I just stared him down and he let me pass. I made my way to the elevator and hit the button for the presidium embassy commons. The elevator started making its way up, but like always they were slow as hell.
After waiting a fucking eternity, the elevator reached my destination. Stepping out of the elevator I immediately got stared at by all the people in the area. Ignoring the stares, I marched straight to the human embassy suite.
POV Lt. Commander Joanne Shepard.
Me, Captain Anderson, and the four Marines from the ground team were waiting in Ambassador Udina's office. Udina was currently talking with the Council via holo-communications.
"This is an Outrage; the council would act if the geth attacked a Turian colony!" Udina said angerly.
"The Turians don't found colonies on the edge of the Terminus Systems, Ambassador." the Salarian Councilor Valern said.
"Humanity was well aware of the risks when you went into the Traverse." Asari Councilor Tevos said.
"What about Saren? You can't just ignore a rogue spectre. I demand action!" Udina demanded.
You don't get to make demands of the council, Ambassador." Turian councilor Sparatus said.
"Citadel security is investigating your charges against Saren. We will discuss the C-Sec findings at the hearing. Not before." said Tevos. After that the transmission cuts out.
Udina turns around to face us. "Captain Anderson, I see you brought half your crew with you."
"Just the Commander and the ground team from Eden Prime. Lieutenant Alenko, Chief Williams, PFC Scott and Sarah Ryder. In case you had any questions." Captain Anderson said.
"I saw the mission reports. I assume they're accurate." Udina said.
We all turned our heads as the door opened and someone walked in. A tall individual, I would assume to be 6'10". He was dressed strangely. A black weathered hooded trench coat, tactical assault vest. Under the hood you couldn't see his face, the front of his helmet was designed like a human skull.
"Who are you?" Captain Anderson asked. Before he could answer, Udina spoke. "Colonel Warren, your late."
"Ehh, fuck off." the Colonel said. "Names Colonel Rick Warren, what's the situation Ambassador?"
"The council has agreed to a hearing, but they were pretty clear on not believing Saren was involed in the attack." Udina said.
"That's not surprising." the Colonel said.
"Saren's their best agent, they don't like him being accused." Udina said.
"Saren is a threat to every Alliance colony; he's got to be stopped!" I said with anger.
"Calm down Commander; you've already done enough to jeopardize your candidacy for the spectres. The beacon was destroyed and the doctors at Huerta Memorial aren't sure if Nihlus is going to survive." Udina said.
"Excuse me Ambassador. Are there any guards watching over Nihlus or even Huerta Memorial?" asked Colonel Warren.
"No, there is not. Why you ask Colonel?" asked Udina
"Well Ambassador, since Nihlus is technically still breathing, whoever did carry out the attack on Eden Prime might want to tie up loose ends, in the chance Nihlus does pull through." said the Colonel.
I stepped forward, "He makes a valid point Ambassador, Saren could have thugs waiting to attack Huerta Memorial at any moment." I said. "The last thing we need is for our only honorable witness to be killed."
"Ok, you both make valid points. I'll have C-Sec increase security around the hospital. Now if you'll excuse us, Captain Anderson and I need to prepare for the hearing. Commander, you and your squad can meet us there, you'll have full clearance to get in. Colonel you're welcome to join as well." said Udina before he turned to leave with the captain.
Once Anderson and Udina were out of the room Ashley spoke up, "I swear I hate politicians." Colonel Warren gave a slight chuckle, "Tell me about, they're all crooked as an Elcor with scoliosis."
We all laughed at the Colonel's joke. "That was a good one Colonel." said Sarah Ryder. Colonel Warren turned to look at her, he then pulled back his hood to reveal his helmet. His helmet was black and was formed closely to his head. The front of the helmet that was shaped like a skull was attached to two circular hinges where his temples were. He reached under his chin and pushed a button; we could all hear a release. He pulled his mask upward util it was on top of his head.
Looking at his face you could tell he was a veteran soldier. A scar ran from his hairline, across his left eye splitting his eyebrow, the scar ended at his jaw line. There was a small gap in his beard where the scar was. His eyes were hazel, but his left eye was a prosthetic one, you could see the blue jagged lines of cybernetics. He also had a few smaller faded scars.
"Thank you private, please my name is Rick." he said to us.
"Names Sarah Ryder, this is my brother Scott." said Sarah. Scott gave a salute, "It's a real pleasure to meet you sir, I've read a lot about your missions. The ones that aren't classified that is."
"Well, I'm flattered, I think. But we'd best be off to the council chambers." said Colonel Warren.
"Right, would be awful if we were late." said Kaiden.
POV Colonel Rick Warren
I resealed my mask and put my hood back up. The five of us left Ambassador Udina's office and made our way to the elevator to the council chambers. The ride up was extremely slow.
"I swear I think these elevators get slower each time." said Chief Williams.
"Heh, I know. I would hate to be the bloke who gets a case of the screaming shits in one of these things." I said, we all laughed at that. Scott placed a hand on his stomach, "That reminds me, that curry they served in the galley ain't sitting too well."
I turned to Scott, "Private, I swear to fuck all, I will strangle you in your sleep if you hot box this elevator." Sarah and Ashley were doubled over laughing now.
After what felt like an eternity and a half the elevator reached our destination. "Christ, finally." I said. We exited the elevator and made our way to the chambers, going up the steps we could see two Turians arguing. `
"I know Saren's hiding something, Executor. Give me more time. Stall them." the turian in C-Sec armor said.
"Stall the council don't be ridiculous. Your investigation is over, Garrus." said the other Turian, he then turned and walked away. We walked up to the turian as he turned to face us, he gestured to the commander.
"Commander Shepard? I'm Garrus Vakarian. I was the detective in charge of the investigation into Saren." said Garrus.
"Considering the interaction that just happened I'd say the investigation gone tits up?" I asked. Garrus turned to me, "You must be Colonel Warren, but yes as you saw, Executor Pallin closed my investigation."
"I take it you don't like Saren?" asked Shepard.
"I don't trust him. Something about him rubs me the wrong way. But he's a spectre; everything he touches is classified. I can't find any hard evidence." said Garrus.
"That's ridiculous, be easier to thread a needle in hurricane." I said.
"Exactly, I think." said Garrus.
"Commander, I think the council is ready for us." said Kaiden.
"Good luck, Commander. Maybe they'll listen to you." said Garrus. We parted ways as the five of us made our way around the fountain in the chamber gardens. We walked up a second set of stairs, captain Anderson was waiting for us at the bottom of the stairs leading up to the stand.
"Come on, the council is already starting." said Anderson. We all followed him up the stairs. At the end on the stand was Ambassador Udina, up above the garden were the councilors at their podiums and shown in an enlarged holographic display was a live transmission of Saren.
That man, if you would consider him that, has always been the most vile, crooked bastard to ever grace the spectre ranks. He'd kill a whole city of civilians if it meant getting to job done. I consider myself to be brutal and ruthless sometimes, but I never harm civilians.
Councilor Tevos was currently speaking, "The geth attack is a matter of some concern. But there is nothing to indicate Saren was involved in anyway."
"The investigation by Citadel Security turned up no evidence support your charge of treason." said Council Sparatus. I couldn't help but scoff at that statement, all three of the council members looked at me. "They probably would've found something if you dickheads didn't tie up spectre records in enough red tape to hang a bloody thresher maw."
"Petty profanity won't get you anywhere, Colonel." said Sparatus. Ambassador Udina turned to face me, "Enough, Colonel." he said before turning back to the council. "But he's right. Anyway, we have an eyewitness say he saw Saren shoot Nihlus down in cold blood."
"We've read the Eden Prime reports, Ambassador. The testimony of one traumatized dockworker is hardly compelling evidence. Even so, as of a few hours ago, Huerta Memorial staff were still doubtful Nihlus will ever wake up." said councilor Valern.
Saren finally decided to speak, "I resent these accusations. Nihlus is a fellow spectre, and a friend. It would deeply sadden me if he passed."
Captain Anderson pointed his finger at Saren's hologram, "That so called friendship just made him let his guard down."
"Captain Anderson. You always seem to be involved when humanity makes false charges against me." Saren looked over at Commander Shepard. "Ah, this must be your protégé, Commander Shepard. The one who let the beacon get destroyed."
"The circumstances of the mission on Eden Prime were top secret. The only way you would know about the beacon was if you were there." snapped back Commander Shepard.
"With Nihlus in critical condition, his mission files passed to me. I read the Eden Prime report, I was unimpressed." said Saren.
"Likely cover story, dickhead." I snapped at Saren. He looked over at me and narrowed his eyes. "Ah, Colonel Warren, the grim reaper of the Terminus Systems. Surprising you haven't turned the Citadel into a bloodbath yet."
"The only blood split will be yours." I growled out.
"Colonel Warren! We will not stand for threats against spectres." said Councilor Tevos. Ambassador Udina turned to me, "Colonel, that is enough."
"What more could you expect from a human, councilors." said Saren looking down at the council.
"Saren clearly despises humanity, that's why he attacked Eden Prime." snapped Sheppard.
"Your species needs to learn its place, your species made have carved out a cheap copy of council space in the corners of the traverse but you're still newcomers. You're not ready to join the council. You're not even ready to join the spectres commander, and clearly neither are you, Colonel." said Saren through a cold voice.
"He has no right to say that! That's not his decision!" Udina spat out with anger. Councilor Tevos looked up at Saren, "Colonel Warren or Commander Shepard's admission into the spectres is not part of this meeting."
"This meeting has no purpose. The humans are wasting your time, Councilor, and mine." said Saren.
"Saren is hiding behind his position as a spectre. You need to open your eyes." said the Commander.
"What we need is evidence. So far, we have nothing." said Councilor Valern. Captain Anderson stepped forward, "There is still one more pressing matter: Commander Shepard's vision. It might have been triggered by the beacon."
"Are we allowing dreams into evidence now? How am I to defend my innocence against this kid of testimony?" said Saren as he waved us off.
"I agree. Our judgement must be based on facts and evidence. Not wild imaginations and speculations." said Sparatus.
"Is there anything else you wish to add?" asked Valern.
"You've made your decision; I won't waste my breath." said the commander in a spiteful tone. Joanne might have finished talking but I wasn't, "I don't care if I must hunt the galaxy, I'll find evidence against you Saren. When I do, I'm taking you down."
Saren just stared at me with cold eyes, then cult the transmission. Sparatus and Tevos looked at each other, Sparatus shook his head. Tevos turned back to us, "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. This meeting is adjourned." With the hearing over, the councilors left their podiums. All of us left as well and met up back at the fountain.
"Captain, it was a mistake bringing you into that hearing. You and Saren have too much history. It made the council question our motives." Then Udina turned to me, "And your ill temper didn't help, Colonel."
"Don't blame the Colonel for telling it how it is, Ambassador. I know Saren. He's allied himself with the geth for one reason: the exterminate humanity. Every colony in Alliance space is at risk, even the United Colonies of Sagittarius are in danger." said Anderson pounding his fist into his hand.
"What's this history between you and Saren, Captain?" asked Shepard. Anderson sighed before answering, "About twenty years ago I was on a mission with Saren in the skillian verge. We were trying to eliminate a known terrorist. Saren eliminated the target, but a lot of people died along the way. Innocent people, civilians. That's how he operates, no remorse, no hesitation. He'd kill a thousand civilians if it meant ending a war."
"And they call me a monster. I might have a reputation for being brutal and ruthless, but I don't target civilians. It's part of the code, if you can't get your target without harming civilians, back down and wait." I said.
"Well, what do we do now?" asked the commander.
"Saren is a spectre, so he's basically untouchable. We'll have to scrounge up some hard evidence against him." said Ambassador Udina.
"What about that turian, Garrus. He was trying to get some dirt on Saren." said Kaiden.
"He could be useful, I'll talk to him, just need to find him first." said Shepard.
"I believe I could help with that; I have an informant in C-Sec that could help us track down Garrus. His name is Harkin. I'll talk to him, see what he knows." Said Anderson.
"No good, they laid Harkin off for drinking on the job, but either way I don't want you involved with this, the council gets wind it could ruin the entire investigation. Colonel Warren and Commander Shepard will handle this." said Udina.
"The captain deserves to be a part of this, Ambassador." said Shepard.
"It's alright Commander. One more clue, Barla Von, he's a volus down in the financial district. Known for moving large sums of credits, they also say he works for the shadow broker. Talk to him and see what he might have on Saren." said Anderson.
I turned to Shepard, "Jo, do you think you might remember the name of that dockworker that witnessed Saren shoot Nihlus?" Shepard turned to look at Kaiden, "Lieutenant, do you remember his name?" Kaiden thought for a moment scratching his chin, "Uh, Powell... His name was Luke Powell."
Hmm, if I could find this Powell, maybe he might have some more information. I opened my omni-tool and accessed Feya, "Hey Feya, what happened to the surviving colonist from Eden Prime?" I asked her. There were a couple seconds pause before Feya spoke, "According to the Alliance database, most of the survivors were sent here to the Citadel."
"Could you run through the registry of survivors and see if a Luke Powell was one of the colonists that came here?" I asked her. There was another few seconds pause as Feya searched the registry. "Yes, his name is on the registry, Luke Powell, he came here this morning. He's at docking bay E28, it's been set up as a temporary refuge."
I turned back to Shepard, "Ok Commander, you take Williams and Alenko with you can see this Barla Von and see what he has to say about Saren. Then go talk to Harkin about finding Garrus. I'll take Scott and Sarah with me down to the docks to see this, Luke Powell. Then I'm stopping by Huerta Memorial and see for myself the status on Nihlus. When you're ready to ready to talk to Garrus, message me the location and I'll meet you there."
"Sounds like a plan, we should hurry." said Shepard. The commander along with Kaiden and Ashley left for the financial district. Me, Scott and Sarah went over to the cab transit center to take an automated taxi to the docks.
Me and Sarah were in the front seats of the taxi while Scott was in the back. "Hey Colonel?" I turned back to look at Scott, "Yeah, what is it?" I asked him.
"Back there during the hearing, it sounded like you and Saren have history, do you?" asked Scott. I stared at Scott for a few seconds contemplating what I should say. I turned back around into my seat. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked." said Scott as he sat back in his seat.
"Good going, Scott." said Sarah.
"About 25 years ago, my team and I were after a known child slave runner, we tracked him to Illium and got permission from the government to go in after him." I said, Scott and Sarah both looked at me, listening intently. "We tracked him to a night club; I didn't want to go in after him because of too many civilians. So, I sent one of my mates into the club to watch him and maybe flush him out. Little did we know, Saren was after this slave runner too. Instead of waiting, Saren bombed the club, he killed the slaver, but also over 50 people including my partner. After that I went lone wolf for a while, over the next ten years I killed so many scums that I got the name, grim reaper of the Terminus Systems." The taxi fell silent for a while after that until we reached our destination. We exited the taxi and made our way to the refugee dock.
Upon arriving we could see several C-Sec officers standing outside the entrance to the dock. I walked up to one of the turian guards, "I need to get in, there's a colonist I need to speak to, name's Luke Powell. It's official Alliance business." All the C-Sec officers looked at each other for a few seconds before the turian one looked back at me.
"Sir, you need to come with me." he said before turning to enter the dock.
"I don't like the sound of that." said Sarah.
No, me either." I said. I followed the C-Sec officer to an alley way between some containers that were being used as temporary shelters. C-Sec homicide and forensics were all over the place, the officer led me into the alleyway. There lying in a pool of blood with his throat slit was a colonist.
"I assume this is Luke Powell?" I asked the guard. He nodded his head, "Yes, we found him about an hour ago." I slapped my thigh and put my hands on my hips, "Shit!" I said angerly. "Thank you anyway, officer." I said. We shook hands and I walked back out of the docks to where Scott and Sarah were waiting.
"He's dead, throat was slit about an hour ago." I said. Scott put his hands on his head and took a few steps away, clearly flustered.
"Well, there went our only eyewitness." said Sarah. Scott cooled himself and walked back over, "What do we do now?" he asked.
"Well, with Powell dead it doesn't help Saren's case of innocence, but it's not enough to pin him on anything. Let's just hope and pray Nihlus is out of the woods." I said. The three of us went back to the rapid transit and took another taxi up to Huerta Memorial. Exiting the taxi, we walked up to the entrance to Huerta Memorial to see four C-Sec guards sitting on the benches outside. Ok, now I was pissed.
"This is the protection the Executor sends to watch over a wounded spectre!" I yelled, next I took my boot and shoved one of the guards off his bench, hitting the floor. He quickly got up off the floor and turned ready to swing on me, but when he saw me, he froze and took a few steps back in fear.
"W... Well, this is the Presidium, someone would have to be stupid to attack this place, let alone try and kill a spectre." he said. I just shook my head at the shear arrogance of the situation and turned to Scott and Sarah. "You two stay here while I go in and see about Nihlus." They both nodded their heads. I turned to walk into the hospital, I lifted my mask first just so I wouldn't frighten anyone, I still got a few stares as I walked up to the front desk. The Asari behind the desk looked up at me, she was a little shocked and surprised at first.
"Uh, can I help you sir?" she asked me.
"Yes, I need to speak with the doctor that's over the care of Nihlus Kryik?" I asked.
"Ok, I'll just need you to swipe your omni-tool so I can verify your credentials before the doctor can see you." she said. I swiped my omni-tool across the kiosk and waited for a few seconds while she verified everything. "Ok, everything looks good, if you'll just wait here Dr. Domansky will come see you." she said. I politely nodded my head and thanked her, I stood there for a few minutes before a human doctor walked up to me.
"Hello Colonel, I'm Dr. Domansky, I was told you came to check on Nihlus?" he asked rhetorically.
"Yes, how is he doing?" I asked.
"Well, he was in surgery pretty much all last night, and we almost lost him a few times. But he came through the surgery ok. He did code once this morning, but we were able to get him back. He's stable now, and on a low sedation for pain. Now we're just waiting for him to wake up." the doctor finished saying. I was glad and relieved that Nihlus was on the mend.
"Would be alright for me to see him, doc?" I asked.
"I don't see why not, just follow me." he said. I followed the doctor to a room in the back of the hospital, two C-Sec officers were standing outside. The doctor showed id and they stepped aside. The door opened and both of us entered, the doctor stood by the door while I walked to the bed. Nihlus was lying there, a cover coming up to his chest, monitor pads were stuck to his chest with wires running to monitors. An oxygen line was plugged into his nose. There was a thick pad of bandages over the back of his head, and a trauma pad over the side of his face where the bullet had passed through his jaw.
I knelt beside Nihlus's bed so I could be eye level with him. I placed my hand over his and gave it a slight squeeze. "I wish they had told me you were on this mission; I would have been there. But you hang in there Nihlus, and don't worry we'll get Saren for doing this." I said. "Rick." I heard a faint voice say. I turned to Nihlus and held my face close, "What was that Nihlus?" I asked.
"Rick, S... Saren." he said faintly.
"What about Saren?" I asked.
"Saren... He... He sho..." that's all Nihlus got out before he fell back asleep. I stood up and gave his hand another squeeze. Before leaving the room, I stopped by the doctor. "Take good care of him doc." I said.
"You care deeply about him, don't you?" the doctor asked.
"I do, I made a promise to someone a long time ago to look after that kid. He was one of the youngest spectres ever and a damned good one, just a little naive." I said before leaving the room, resealing my helmet as I did.
Walking back out of the hospital, Scott and Sarah were still there. "Scott... Sarah, I want you two to stay here and help these lardasses watch over Nihlus." I said. One of the guards looked at me and was about to say something, but he never got the chance.
His face exploded from a sniper shot. I whipped my head around to see over 20 mercs come pouring out of corners. "Get to cover!" I yelled. Grabbing Scott and Sarah by the shoulders and pulling them over the bench with me into cover. Two of the three remaining C-Sec officers were gunned down before they could get to cover. Now it was just me, Scott, Sarah and one C-Sec officer against nearly a platoon of mercenaries.
They were all shooting wildly at us, behind us the glass walls of the hospital foyer were being shattered by a hail of gunfire. Inside people were screaming and running for cover. "They're here to kill Nihlus!" yelled Scott.
"I know, but all these civilians are going to get killed!" I said, I looked over at the surviving C-Sec officer. "You gotta call in the rest of the force before these people get killed!"
"They're already on their way! Be four minutes!" he yelled across at me.
"We'll it's just us till they get here! When the fire dies down for them to reload, pop out of cover and shoot these fuckers!" I ordered. I grabbed my harrier rifle and popped out of cover and started shooting off rounds single shot. I was able to get a Salarian in the head, a spray of green blood coating the wall behind him. A turian near him, I put two in his chest and one through his neck. A few rounds bounced off my shields, so I got back into cover.
I rose back up to see two batarians rushing our position. I switched my gun to full auto and fired. Bullets riddled their body as they hit the ground a few meters from our position. I knelt back down to change my thermal clip and got back up, only for a salarian assassin to decloak and point an SMG at my face. Before it could pull the trigger, I heard a loud bark and a blur hit the salarian like a freight train.
Next thing I heard was a loud voice yelling, "I! Am! Krogan!" I turned my head to see a Krogan in yellow and red armor, tusks around his collar and holding a Ruzad heavy shotgun come running in. Firing his shotgun and blowing the head off a salarian, taking the curved bayonet and stabbing a batarian in the gut. Lifting it up in the air and pulling the trigger, blowing his body in half.
I turned my head to the right and saw a female turian come running in, firing and Phaeston rifle. "I think your squad just showed up." said Feya.
Yep. Alright, let's finish these bastards!" I yelled. Me, Scott and Sarah got out of cover and started shooting. Along with our three new companions we were able to do short work of the rest of the mercs.
After the fighting was over, the Krogan walked up to me. "Ha! Rick! Looks like I came just in time to save your ass again!" he said, giving me a slap on the shoulder.
"Drack, it's damn good to see you!" I said, returning with a slap to his shoulder.
"Hey, what about me?" I looked over to see the female turian walk up.
"Vetra, it's really good to see you again." I said, me and Vetra gave each other a hug. "How's squirt, I mean Sid." I said, with a laugh at the end. Vetra returned the laugh, "She's good, still rotten though, I left her over with that new ship of yours." I heard a bark and turned my head, there was Turkish Kangal shepherd. Everywhere on his body except his tail, ears, and snout were covered in specially designed Armax Arsenal Predator armor in digital camo.
And you ain't going to let me forget about you are you, Moses. Come here, boy." I padded my thigh and Moses came and jumped up, putting his front paws on my shoulders. I scratched his ears and gave him a pat on his side. "Thanks for taking care of him for me, Vetra."
Suddenly nearly 30 C-Sec officers started swarming the area. Moses got down and started growling at all of them, I held out my hand to signal him to heel, and he did. The commanding C-Sec officer, a turian, walked up to me, "It's about damn time you all showed up." I said, folding my arms across my chest.
"Eh, they would have just spoiled the fun." said Drack.
"Thank you for repelling the attack and securing the area, Colonel." the turian C-Sec officer said.
"Well, it's what we get paid for." I said half-jokingly.
"Wait, you're getting paid?" asked Drack.
"Yes, you're getting paid, eventually." I said, me and Drack shared a laugh at that. From the crowd of C-Sec officers, Commander Shepard came running in along with Alenko and Williams. "We heard about the attack on Huerta Memorial and came as quickly as we could. Is everyone ok?" she asked.
"Well, except for three dead C-Sec officers, a bunch of broken glass, and a fuckload of dead mercs... yeah, we're good." I said. Shepard looked at Vetra and Drack, "Who's this?" Then she looked at Moses. "And that?" Moses tilted his head at that.
This is Nakmor Drack and Vetra Nyx, they've been my friends and squad mates throughout a lot of shit." I then gestured to Moses, "This is my boy, Moses. He's a Turkish Kangal Shepherd dog, I've had him for a long time."
It's a pleasure to meet all of you. So, Rick, what did you uncover?" asked Shepard.
"Well, Nihlus is out of the woods, he's starting to wake up. As for Powell, he's dead, got his throat slit." I said. Shepards eyes widened at that, "Well, shit."
"I know, and now this, it ain't looking good for Saren. What did you all find out?"
"Well, we talked to Barla Von, turns out Saren betrayed the shadow broker." said Shepard.
"No, Shit. Never thought he be that stupid." I said.
"Yeah, that's not all we spoke to Harkin, he says that Garrus was lurking around a clinic in the Wards, run by Dr. Chole Michel."
"I know where that is, I can show you." said Vetra.
"Well, what are we waiting for, let's go." I said, before we left, I turned to Scott and Sarah. "Scott... Sarah, stay by Nihlus's bed side." With that we all took off towards the Wards and Dr. Michel Clinic.
Reaching the clinic in the Wards, I held up my hand for everyone to hold. "Me and Shepard will go in, everyone else stack up on the wall, and be ready for my signal in case something goes wrong." Everyone did as they were told. Me and Shepard drew our pistols and readied to enter the clinic, Moses was right next to door ready to jump into action.
Me and Shepard entered the clinic, first we saw Garrus was crotched behind a half-wall divider. He made the hand motion for us to get down. I turned my head to see Dr. Michel and three thugs.
"I didn't tell anyone, I swear!" Dr. Michel said in a distraught voice.
"That's good doc, and if Garrus comes around, you keep your mouth shut." the thug said. He looked over and saw us, he took Dr. Michel hostage and used her as a human shield. "Who are you?!"
Garrus popped up out of cover and shot the thug holding Dr. Michel in the head, now free she dove for cover. While this was happening, I yelled for Moses in a Turkish command, "Moses, Saldiri!" In a blur Moses ran past my leg, over the half-wall and tackled one of the thugs to the ground, sinking his teeth into his throat. While that happened, I raised my pistol and shot the last guard in the head. With all the thugs dead I called everyone else into the room.
Garrus walked up to me, Thanks for the hand, Colonel. Dr. Michel would've been dead if you hadn't showed up." Dr. Michel rose out of cover, "Yes, thank you so much, I was for sure they were going to kill me." Dr. Michel said with a shaky voice.
"What was that all about, Dr. Michel?" I asked her.
"Those men work for Fist. They wanted to shut me up, keep me from telling Garrus about the quarian." she answered.
"That's strange seeing a quarian outside of the UCS." said Kaiden from the back.
"Most quarians live on the colonies now, but there is still a faction that still lives on the fleet. They don't want to give up the traditions and idea of taking their home world back one day." I said to him.
"Excuse me, but do you think this might have something to do with the investigation into Saren?" Shepard asked Garrus.
"I think it might, Dr. Michel tell us what happened?"
"A few days ago, a quarian came into my office. She'd been shot, but she wouldn't tell me who did it. I could tell she was scared, probably on the run. She asked me about the shadow broker. She wanted to trade information in exchange for a safe place to hide." she said.
"Where is she now, Doctor?" I asked her.
"I put her in contact with fist, he's an agent for the shadow broker."
"Not anymore. He works for Saren, and the shadow broker isn't too happy about it." said Garrus.
"Fist betrayed the shadow broker? That's stupid, even for him. Saren must have made him quite the offer." Dr. Michel said.
"Hmm, that probably explains why I saw Wrex on the station this morning." said Drack. I turned to look at Drack, "What do you mean, Drack?"
"Urdnot Wrex, he's a freelance mercenary that the shadow broker hires to take out targets sometimes, must be here for Fist." he answered.
"That quarian must have something that Saren wants. Something worth crossing the shadow broker for?" said Garrus.
"Dr. Michel is there anything else you can remember?" I asked her.
"I'm not sure. Like I said, she wanted to trade information for a place to hide. She didn't... Wait a minute!"
'Thank you, Jesus!' I yelled in my head.
"The geth! Her information had something to do with the geth." I swear I'm going to hug this girl when I find her.
"This quarian must be able to link the geth to Saren. The council can't ignore this!" said Garrus.
"Guess it's time I pay Fist a little visit." I said. Oh, I'm going to fuck him up.
"This is your show, Colonel. But I'm coming with you." said Garrus in a demanding tone.
"That's fine, but we better haul ass to Chora's Den before Wrex sprays Fist's brains all over the wall. Let's move people!" I ordered at the end. All of us exited the room and took off down the alleyways towards the lower wards. We sprinted the entire way there, hoping we could beat Wrex there.
We all turned a corner and saw a large krogan in red armor heading towards the entrance to the club. That must be him. I took off as fast as I could and caught up to him, "Wait!" I yelled coming up to him. The Krogan turned around and pointed his shotgun at me. "What do you want?!" he growled out at me.
"Listen, I know you're here to kill Fist, but I need you to wait?" The krogan tightened the grip on his shotgun, "The shadow broker hired me to kill Fist, that's what I'm going to do." he said.
"That's fine with me, I just need some information out of him, after that you can use his intestines for jump rope for all I care." The krogan looked at me confused for a moment, but then went back to serious, "Alright, you talk to Fist, I'm not dumb enough to get in the way of the Grim Reaper anyway."
"Alright then." I said. We all ran up to the entrance to the club and stacked up against the wall. I turned to Vetra and Drack. "What do you say go in with some style?" Vetra gave the equivalent of a turian smile and Drack just chuckled. I hit a few buttons on my omni-tool and the skull eye sockets of my mask started glowing a ghostly blue. The two of them readied their weapons and walked up to the entrance of the club and walked in. There were very few people in the bar, I'd say most of them were Fist's me.
"There be some souls that are damned, and the reaper has come to collect them." I said in a deep voice.
"Oh, we're going to fuck this place up." said Vetra.
The batarian bartender grabbed an M-8 Avenger behind the bar and attempted to aim at us, but before he could I raised my arm and shot a blade into his forehead. His eyes rolled in the back of his head as he dropped his gun and fell over dead. The few patrons that were in the club took for cover as all of Fist's mean grabbed their guns. I counted at least a dozen, not that fair of a fight.
One of the turian thugs attempted to shoot at Drack, but he fired first, tearing a huge hole in his abdomen. I took out my Kukri and ran over to a salarian that was still drawing his SMG. I swung my kukri down, slicing his hand off at the wrist. He stood there in shock for a second, long enough for me to flip my blade around and drive it into his stomach. I took my tomahawk out and spun around the salarian, tearing my kukri out of him along with his intestines. I swung my Tomahawk at a human that was behind the salarian that was staring to aim at me. The blade of the tomahawk sliced across his throat, he dropped his gun and wrapped his hands around his neck as blood sprayed out. It was futile as he fell to the ground dead.
A turian was aiming at me and about to fire, but I acted quickly and threw my tomahawk at him overhand. The tomahawk flew and embedded itself in his chest. He dropped his rifle and wrapped his hands around the handle of the tomahawk as he collapsed backwards to the ground. By this point everyone had entered the club and dispatched the rest of Fist's thugs.
I walked up to the dead turian and ripped the tomahawk out of his chest and put it back in the sheath along with my kukri. I unholstered my colt single action, cocking it. "Time to go have a chat with Fist." I walked over to the entrance to Fist's office. The door was locked, but I just gave a hard kick to the panel, and it unlocked. I entered the office.
Fist was behind his desk, when he saw me, he went to aim his pistol at me. I was faster and put a bullet into the shoulder of the arm holding his gun. He dropped the gun and grabbed his shoulder crying out in pain. I cocked my pistol and put another in his hip, he fell to the ground screaming in pain. I walked around his desk to look at him. "What do you want?!" he asked, writhing in pain.
"Where's the quarian?" I asked in a low voice.
"I'm not telling you anything about that suit rat!" he yelled out. I cocked my pistol again and put another bullet in his knee. He grabbed his knee and started screaming louder in pain, writhing around on the floor.
"I'll ask again, where is the quarian?"
"Fuck You!" he yelled out at me. I put another bullet in his other kneecap, by now he was wailing in agony. I cocked my pistol again.
"Ok! Ok! I'll tell you. I don't know where the quarian is, but I know where you can find her. She isn't here, she said she'd only deal with the shadow broker himself." he said.
"Face to Face? Impossible! Even I was hired through an agent." said Wrex.
"Nobody ever meets the shadow broker. Even I don't know who he is. But she didn't know that. I sat up a meeting for her, but when she gets their it will be Saren's men waiting for her." Fist said.
"Where?" I growled out.
"In the back alley by the markets, she's meeting them now. You can get there in time if you hurry. Now that's all I know! Now please for the love of God, show some mercy and call me a doctor!" Fist cried out.
"Death has no mercy." I said cocking my pistol. Fist widened his eyes at me and held out his arm. "Wait! Please no!" I pulled the trigger and put a bullet between his eyes. Fist fell back dead.
I turned to face Wrex, "I'm sorry I stole your kill, I'll make sure you get paid. That son of bitch needed to die." I said looking down at Fist's corpse.
"It's alright, it was nice watching him writhe in pain." Wrex said
"Now, let's go save that quarian!" I yelled as we bolted out of the club.
POV Tali 'Zorah
I stood there in that back alleyway waiting for the shadow broker and Fist to show up. I just really hope this works out; I just want somewhere to hide until this blows over. Keelah, I wish I had never left the fleet. Moreover, I wish I grew up in the colonies, then I wouldn't have to be doing this. I just don't want to die; I want to go home.
I paced up and down the alley, wringing my fingers. I wish these boshtets would hurry up. Just then, a turian and two salarian mercs came down the stairs to my left.
"Did you bring it?" the turian asked.
"Where's the shadow broker? Where's Fist?" I asked. I really don't have a good feeling about this.
"Don't worry, they'll be here. Where's the evidence?" asked while rubbing his hand down my arm. I felt a wave of disgust wash over me. Screw this! I slapped his hand away.
"No way. The deals off." I said. The turian reached up and grabbed my shoulder. "Oh, come on. Maybe I can be a little more persuasive." I grabbed my boot knife and jammed it into his thigh. He let go and backed up gripping his leg in pain. I took this time to take cover behind some crates.
"Why you little bitch!" he snarled. He went to pull his pistol as did his two salarian companions. Before they could I heard a noise like a bark, and this four-legged animal covered in armor came flying over the stairs, hitting one of the salarians taking him down. Behind him came this person wearing a hooded trench coat with a skull mask. It had some kind of curved sword and an axe. It bolted down the stairs swinging his sword low, it sliced off the leg of the turian just above the knee. Blood spraying out, he bent down grabbing his stump screaming. The figure spun around and drove its axe into the back of the head of the turian, then ripping it out. It spun again, swinging its sword, it sliced the throat of the other salarian, sending blood spraying everywhere.
In an instant it was over, they were all dead. This figure turned to face me; I saw its face and those glowing blue eyes. It was almost like staring death in the face. I instantly felt a shiver run down my back. I half expected it to attack me, but it didn't. It put its weapons away, then slid back its hood, then reached under its chin and hit a release sliding its mask back.
It revealed the face of a man, he had tanned skin and thin lips. Dark black hair and short full beard. He had several scars on his face, that of a veteran soldier. But his eyes were surprisingly soft and caring, he had a small smile on his face. "Are you ok, miss?" he asked, his voice was deep but soft, he had a strange accent. I've heard it before, something called Australian. I didn't answer at first and just went back to staring at his eyes.
POV Rick Warren
"Miss, are you ok?" I asked her again. She sat there crouched behind a crate, must still be in shock. She shook her head and slowly got up and walked over to me. She was dressed in a black and purple quarian suit, except this one didn't have pressure seals and filter tubes. Most quarians still wore their suits from when they were on the fleet. But thanks to years of immune system and gene modifications quarians no longer had to worry about a suit breach.
When she stood in front of me the glass of her mask was clear, instead of shaded like it used to be, so I saw her face. I must admit quarians have always had the most beautiful eyes, Her's were big, the Sclera were a white silver with emerald-green iris and purple pupil. They were truly beautiful; her face was pale with a hint of lavender color to it. Her lips were violet in color, and she had a small nose and thin black eyebrows.
When she spoke, it broke me from a trance I didn't know I was in. "Yes, I'm fine. I know how to handle myself, but anyway thank you so much. You handled those thugs like they were nothing, who are you?" she asked.
"My name is Colonel Rick Warren." I answered her. Her eyes kind of widened a little bit when I said who I was, "Oh! I should have known, even among the fleet factions you're pretty famous. But thank you again, I should have known that boshtet Fist was setting me up."
"Well, he's been taken care of." I said. Moses walked over to me and made a low hum, the quarian backed up a little bit, "Oh, don't worry about him, he's a sweet boy. I forgot to ask, what's your name, miss?"
"Oh, my name is Tali 'Zorah nar Rayya." she answered. Just then the rest of the squad came over the stairs, Drack was clearly panting. "Goddamn kid, you can move." he said. "It's about bloody time you all showed up." I said sarcastically. I turned back to look at Tali, and she was clearly uneasy. "Oh, don't worry about them, they're all with me."
Commander Shepard walked up beside me, "I'm Commander Joanne Shepard with the Alliance Navy. We heard you might have evidence to prove Saren is a traitor."
Tali looked back at me, "Well then, I guess I have a chance to repay you for saving my life, Colonel. But not here. We need to go somewhere safe."
Garrus stepped forward, "We could take her to the human embassy, the ambassador will want to see this."
"Alright, I'm just not sure Udina will like that I've been starting firefights all over the Citadel." I said.
Human Embassy, Citadel Presidium.
We entered the human embassy suite, Undina was standing by the balcony, he hand on his face, clearly displeased. "You're not making my life easy Colonel, firefights all over the Citadel, an all-out assault on Chora's Den. Do you realize..." Udina paused when he turned to face us and saw Tali. "What's this, a quarian. What are getting at, Colonel."
I swear this fuckwit is getting on my nerves, "Well dickhead, this lady has evidence against Saren, so how about you pull your head out your ass and listen to her." I said.
Udina made a scowl on his face at my insults, but ignored it and looked at Tali, "You best start from the beginning miss...?"
"My name is Tali 'Zorah nar Rayya." she answered.
"We don't see any of your kind on the Citadel, why did you leave the colonies?" asked Udina.
"I'm a member of the fleet faction, a group of quarians who still live on the fleet but are still part of the colonies. I was on my pilgrimage, it's a rite of passage some of the more esteemed families of the fleet still observe. On our thirty-fifth birthday we leave the fleet on a mission to prove ourselves that we a fit to be leaders on the fleet." she answered.
I looked over at Tali, "Excuse me Tali, your father wouldn't happen to be Admiral Rael 'Zorah, would he?" I asked her. Tali looked at me surprised, "Yes, my father is the vice commanding admiral of the fleet, how did you know that?"
"I've met him a handful of times, on a few of my missions in the Terminus Systems, he signed off on authorizations for quarian ships to take me in. Actually, I think I've met you before, about fifteen-sixteen years ago, you were the girl that tried to sneak on the ship that was taking me on one of my missions. Your father was pissed" I said, chuckling at the end.
Tali's eyes widened even more, then her cheeks turned a deep purple as she bowed her head.
Udina cleared his throat, "Colonel, could we please focus and get to the evidence that Miss Zorah has to show us." I threw Udina the bird but gestured to Tali to continue.
"During my ventures, I heard about geth venturing beyond the veil. I was curious, so I tracked a geth patrol to an uncharted planet. I waited for one to become separated from its unit. Then I disabled it and removed its memory core." said Tali.
"I thought geth always fried their memory cores when they died, as a defense mechanism. How did you manage to preserve it?" I asked.
Tali chuckled slightly, "Colonel, my people created the geth." Open mouth and insert foot. "If you are quick and know what you're doing you can save bits and pieces. Most of the core was wiped clean, but I managed to recover something from its audio banks." Tali then opened her omni-tool and opened the audio files, playing a recording.
Saren's voice came out, "Eden Prime was a major victory. The beacon has brought us one step closer to finding the conduit." Oh, I got you now bitch.
"That's Saren's voice. That proves that he was involved in the attack on Eden Prime." said Captain Anderson.
"He said Eden Prime brought him one step closer to finding the conduit. Any idea what that is?" asked Shepard.
"It must be linked to the beacon, some kind of prothean technology, like a weapon." said Anderson.
"Wait! There's more to the audio file." said Tali hitting another button on her omni-tool. A female voice came through, "And one step closer to the return of the Reapers." I do not like the sound of that.
"I don't recognize that other voice, the one talking about reapers." said Udina
"Are they some kind of new alien species?" asked Shepard. I looked at Tali, "Tali would you be able to shine some light on this?"
"Well, according to memory core, the Reapers were a hyper-advanced machine race that existed fifty-thousand years ago. The Reapers hunted the Protheans to total extinction, and then they vanished. At least, that's what the geth believe." she said. Ok, now I definitely don't like the sound of this. If these reapers are true and they come back again, it won't end well for the milky way. Trillions of innocent lives gone, I won't let that bastard Saren cause that.
Udina crossed his arms, "Sounds a little far-fetched."
Shepards eyes widened, "The vision on Eden Prime... I understand it now. I saw the Protheans being wiped out by the Reapers." Oh, for fucks sake.
"The geth revere the Reapers as gods, the pinnacle of non-organic life. And they believe Saren knows how to bring them back." said Tali.
"Oh, the council is just going to love this." said Udina.
"The Reapers are a threat to every life in the galaxy, they must know. Moreover, the Colonies need to know." I turned to Tali, "Tali, could I have a copy of those files so I can send them back to Colonial Fleet Command?"
"Of course, it's the least I can do for saving my life." she answered. I smiled under my mask.
"Well, no matter what they think of this, those audio files prove Saren is a traitor." said Anderson.
"The captain is right; we need to move on this now." said Udina pounding his fist into his palm.
"What about the quarian?" asked Wrex, gesturing to Tali. I turned my head to him, "She has a name, dickhead." Wrex just growled at me. I turned back to face Tali, she was wringing her hands, "Colonel, I know how to handle myself, and I'm an expert when it comes to the geth, please, let me come with you."
I held up my hand, "You don't have to ask, Tali. You're more than welcome to come aboard. But I do have one condition, it's dangerous where we're going, so I'll be ordering you some better armor and I'll be giving you some combat training."
"Oh, thank you... thank you." said Tali, bouncing on her feet. I couldn't help but chuckle, she's cute.
"I'll set up the meeting, Commander bring miss Zorah with you, and Colonel please wear something more civilized." said Udina before he left. Fuckwit.
Council Chambers.
I was walking towards the council chambers to meet Tali and Joanne for the meeting. I had changed into my civilian clothes. A pair of vintage Wrangler's bootcut jeans, ramblers cowboy boots. A grey button up shirt with a vintage McKinley Cappuccino Spanish Merino Shearling Sheepskin Coat, and Akubra Cattleman hat.
I walked up to the fountain at the bottom of the chamber steps, Anderson, Shepard, Tali, and Udina were waiting. When Udina saw me, he lowered his head and put his hand over his face.
"When I said dress more civilized, this is not what I meant, Colonel." Udina said as I walked up to them. "Well, it's the best you're going to get, are we ready?" I asked.
"Yes, the meeting is getting ready to start, let's go." said Udina. We all proceeded up the stairs, Tali walking beside me. "I think you look very nice, Colonel." she said. I looked at her and smile, "Thank you, to be honest I did it mostly just to piss Udina off." I said. Up ahead I heard Udina say, "I heard that."
"You were meant to." I looked back at Tali who was giggling, "And please, call me Rick."
"You're funny... Rick." she said. We reached the top of the stairs; the council was waiting, and Saren's hologram was showing too. "The face only a thresher maw could love." I said quietly, Tali giggled beside me.
"Ambassador, I do hope that there is good reason to call this urgent meeting." said Sparatus.
"We do councilor, we have evidence against Saren." said Udina, he motioned Tali to step forward. She did, opening her omni-tool and playing the file. Saren's voice came first, "Eden Prime was a major victory. The beacon has brought us one step closer to finding the conduit." Then the female voice came through, "And one step closer to the return of the Reapers."
Saren was quick to wave it off, "This is preposterous Councilors, this could have been easily fabricated."
I was quick to step forward, "Then explain why Huerta Memorial was attacked this afternoon, and also explain why the only eyewitness from the colony attack was found with his throat slit." I said. Saren was starting to fidget.
"And also explain why he shot his fellow spectre in the back of the head!" We turned to the sound of the voice. There was Nihlus in a wheelchair being pushed up to the podium by Scott with Sarah beside him.
"You were a fellow spectre, Saren. You betrayed our oath; you destroyed a colony and slaughtered hundreds of innocent lives and left me for dead with a bullet in my head." said Nihlus angerly.
Saren just growled and waved us off with his hand, "You all are just a bunch of damn fools. You understand nothing about what's at stake." He then cut the transmission.
"This evidence is irrefutable, Ambassador. Saren will be stripped of his Spectre status and all efforts will be made to bring him in to answer for his crimes." said Sparatus.
"I recognize the other voice, the one speaking with Saren. Matriarch Benezia." said Tevos.
"Who's she?" asked Shepard.
"Matriarchs are powerful asari who have entered the who have entered the final stages of their lives. Revered for their wisdom and experience, they serve as guides and mentors to my people. Matriarch Benezia is a powerful biotic, and she had many followers. She will make a powerful ally for Saren." answered Tevos.
"I'm more interested in the Reapers. What do you know about them?' asked Valern.
"Only what we extracted from the geth's memory core. The Reapers were an ancient race of machines that wiped out the protheans. Then they vanished." answered Anderson.
"Tali said the geth revere the Reapers as gods, and they believe Saren knows how to bring them back." I said.
"We think the conduit is the key to bringing them back. Saren is searching for it. That's why he attacked Eden Prime." said Anderson.
"This all sounds far-fetched. A ploy by Saren to throw us off his trail. A race of machines that wiped out all life in the galaxy. Impossible, it has to be. Where did they go and why did we not find any evidence of them." said Sparatus.
"The Reapers are real, I've seen them. In my vision from the beacon, I saw the protheans being wiped out by the Reapers. I tried to warn you about Saren, and you wouldn't listen, don't make the same mistake. If he finds the conduit the Reapers will return." said Shepard.
"We just can't take a vision as hard evidence. You proved Saren attacked Eden Prime, he's looking for the conduit, but we don't know why." said Tevos.
"And besides, Saren is a rogue agent on the run for his life. He has no rights or resources. The council has stripped him of his position." said Sparatus.
"That's not good enough! You know he's hiding somewhere, send your fleet in!" demanded Udina.
"A fleet cannot hunt down one man." said Valern.
"But it can secure the region, keep Saren from attacking anymore colonies." said Udina.
"Or it could trigger a war with the Terminus Systems, we won't risk open war." said Sparatus.
"So, you're just going to do nothing, I am sick of this council and its anti-human bull..." Udina was cut off by Councilor Tevos.
"Ambassador there is another option that doesn't require ships or armies."
"No, it's too soon, humanity is not ready for the spectres." said Sparatus. Nihlus rolled his wheelchair closer, "Councilors, I saw Shepard in action on Eden Prime, he's ready. And before you decide, consider Colonel Warren. He has jurisdiction in both the Traverse and the Terminus Systems, you induct him into the spectres he can hunt Saren to the ends of the galaxy."
The councilors exchanged looks before hitting a few buttons on their kiosks. "Commander Shepard... Colonel Warren- step forward." said Tevos. We both did.
"It is the decision of the council that you both be granted all the powers and privileges of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance branch of the Citadel." said Tevos.
"Spectres are not trained but chosen. Individuals forged in the fires of service and battle; those whose actions elevate them above the rank and file." said Valern.
"Spectres are an idea, a symbol. The embodiment of courage, determination, and self-reliance. They are the right hand of the Council, instruments of our will." said Tevos.
"Spectres bear a great burden. They are protectors of galactic peace, both our first and last line of defense. The safety of the galaxy is theirs to uphold." said Sparatus.
"You are the first human spectres, this a great accomplishment for your species. An even greater one for you Colonel. You are the first person in known galactic history to have unlimited jurisdiction in the spectres." said Tevos.
"We are sending you after Saren. He is a fugitive from justice, so you are authorized to use any means necessary to apprehend him or eliminate him." said Valern.
"We will forward any relevant leads to Ambassador Udina. This meeting of the council is now adjourned." said Tevos. All the Councilor left for their chambers.
"Udina turned to face us, "Well there's a lot of work to do. You'll need a ship and crew." Anderson shook both our hands, "Congratulations to the both of you."
"Anderson, come with me, I'll need your help setting all this up." said Udina, both him and Anderson left. I turned to face Nihlus and he got up out of his wheelchair and gave me a hug, one I returned, he then sat back down.
"Thank you, Nihlus. This is a huge honor you got me." I said.
"You deserve it, Rick. You've been a good friend to me." He paused for a second. "Rick, I know I'm going to be a while before I'm combat ready, but I want to come with you."
"I don't know Nihlus." I said, he reached out and grabbed my hand and looked me in my eyes. "Please Rick, you owe it... to him" I bowed my head, I know I shouldn't but he's right.
"Ok Nihlus, you can come. But you're staying off duty until the doctor clears you. Report to the ship." He smiled, and Scott and Sarah wheeled him away. We all followed him as we left.
Docking Bay D24, SSV Normandy.
We were all walking up to the Normandy as we were preparing to move out. Up ahead, I could see Sid standing. When she spotted me, she took off running towards. "Rick!" she yelled as she threw her arms around me. I let out a loud laugh as I returned the hug. "How are you doing you little squirt?!" She let go of me, "I'm doing great!" she said.
Vetra and Drack walked up to us, "Hey sis, Hey Uncle Drack." she said waving her hand. "Hey pumpkin." said Drack.
"Hey Sid, why don't you take Moses on board with Vetra and Drack, I gotta talk to the captain" I said.
"Ok, come on, Moses!" Sid said calling for Moses, her and him running onto the ship together. I walked over to where Shepard, Anderson and Udina were. "What's going on here?" I asked.
"I was just telling the Commander, that we've decided to give the Normandy to you, she's fast and quiet so you'll be able to hunt Saren anywhere he goes." said Anderson.
"Well, I'm deeply grateful Anderson, I'll treat her well." I said.
"Me and Anderson will forward any leads we find to your personal terminal." said Udina, they both walked off.
We best be off then." said Shepard.
"Rick Warren, if it's not been an age." I immediately recognized that voice, I turned around and saw an older asari, clearly in her Matriarch stage, but still beautiful as ever walking up to me in a long dark blue satin dress.
"Josestha B'Sayle, how long has it been." I said, was caught off guard and surprised.
"Do you know her, Colonel?" asked Shepard.
"Yeah, she's a really old friend, why don't you go ahead on the ship." I said to her, which she did, but with a confused face.
Josestha walked up to me and placed her hands on my chest, "Old friend?" I took her hands into mine. "It's been ninety-one years since we last seen each other, how did you know I was here?" I asked her.
"I saw your spectre induction ceremony, congratulations." she said with a smile.
"Thank you, but why are you here after so long?" I asked.
"Well, can't I just see my old boyfriend." she said with a seductive smile, but then she dropped it, "No actually I want you to me someone." she turned, "Pelessaria." she called.
From around the corner walked out a young asari. She had on black leather pants, a purple leather jacket and a sidewinder pistol on her hip with a large duffle bag in her hand. The most unique thing was she had a black mark across both her eyes. She walked up to us.
"Who's this?" I asked confused.
"Hey Dad." she said. I almost passed out right there. Me a father.
"Peless... Pel." I tried to get out. "Just call me Peebee, Dad." I almost fainted when she said it again.
"Wait here, Peebee. I need to talk to your mother." I said. I dragged Josestha over into a far corner of the room.
"How old is that girl?!" I said quietly under my breath, trying to control my anger.
"She's ninety." she answered. I had to restrain myself from losing right then and there.
"You had me go ninety years, not knowing I had a daughter. How could you do that!" I said, trying my best not to scream.
"Rick please understand. You were so young, and you were the greatest lover I ever had. You were the only person who ever made me truly feel love. When you told me you were shipping out, I thought you'd never come back. I couldn't let that last night go without keeping a piece of you with me." she said.
"So, that last night we melded, you just got me to impregnate you with me knowing. You could have told me! I would have made the effort to come see her." I said.
"Rick, I am deeply sorry. I should have told you; I was weak, and scared, and stupid. When I finally told Pelessaria that you were her father, she demanded to come see." she said, tears starting to form in the corners of her eyes.
"You know who I am, what I do, and what I am about to go do. And you wait till now to bring her." I said.
"I know that you are a good man, those things people say about you aren't true. You might seem like a heartless killer on the battlefield, but I know deep down there is a good heart and you will always do what is right. Pelessaria is just like you, she always tries to help people and do what's right. But she also has your rebellious and sassy nature. Please Rick, I am over nine hundred years old, for these last few decades of life I want to know that my daughter knows who her father is and have a good family." she said, tears streaming down her face.
I had to try and not cry; I looked her in the eyes. I then leaned forward and gave her a kiss on the lips. "Ok, Let's go talk to our daughter." I said. We both turned and walked back over to Peebee.
"Hello Peebee, I'm your father. Colonel Rick Warren." I said. Peebee did something that kind of surprised me. She put down her duffle bag and walked towards me. She stood up on her toes and wrapped her arms around me. I returned the hug.
"I'm glad I finally got to meet you dad." she said, letting good and looking up at me with a bright lopsided goofy smile. I smiled back.
"So, when are we leaving?" she asked me, picking up her bag.
"Where are we going", I asked confused.
"I'm coming with you, dad." she said. I quickly looked to Josestha.
"Pelessaria has a notion that she's going to go with you on your mission. Which I have told her repeatedly is not happening, because it is very dangerous."
"Mom, I'm not a little girl. I know how to handle myself. And besides I've gone this long not knowing who my dad is, I deserve to spend some time with him." Peebee spat back.
"What do you mean by knowing how to handle yourself?" I asked.
"Over the last several years she has been dabbling in amateur bounty hunter work, and she has been quite successful. She's also freed a few slaves and has made a knack of digging around in ancient ruins." Josesetha said. I couldn't help but be slightly impressed. I looked at Peebee.
"Peebee, I just want to make sure that you know what you're asking. Where going is extremely dangerous. And if, and this is a very big damn if, I let you go on a mission, it's not until I am one hundred million percent sure you can handle it." I said.
"Yes, dad. I know it's going to be dangerous, and I know I probably won't go on a mission. But I just want to spend time with you." she said, cocking her hip.
I turned to Josesetha, "I'm willing to let her go with me, but if she messes up once, I'm dropping her off at my parents' ranch." I said looking at Peebee.
Josestha threw her arms up, "Okay." Peebee jumped up and down in excitement. "But you better be careful, and mind your father, and message me ever few days so I won't worry myself sick." she said.
Peebee ran up and hugged her mother tightly. "I will mom, thank you so much, I love you." Peebee said before grabbing her bag and running to the ship. I turned and gave Josesetha a hug, holding her tight, "Don't worry I'll take care of her, and I'll make sure she messages you."
She wiped away a few tears from her eyes, "Thank you, now you best be going, I love you." she said. I gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I love you too." I then walked off too the ship.
Authors Note: Happy New Years! There's a lot to unpack in this chapter. I hope you all enjoy it. Have a happy new year. Feel free to like and comment. See you all next time.