Chapter 5: Preparations and Consecrations

The Citadel, The Next Day

Nathaniel, even in the long elevator ride up to the Council room, couldn't help but keep a hand on his pistol and had worn his armor. Daniel had done the same, and Tali had the Katana shotgun that she'd wielded so skillfully close at hand as well.

The doors opened, and the trio stepped into the Council chambers. The silence within was almost smothering, even as their footsteps echoed through the vast, empty room. The only person waiting for them at the base of the stairs that led up to the platform was Captain Anderson.

"Good. You're on time." Anderson said. "We'll start now."

They went up the stairs, coming to a stop beside Ambassador Udina, facing the Council once again. And, as before, Saren stood in a holographic display, regarding them with a cold, calculated stare.

"This closed meeting of the Council is now in session." the turian Councilor, Sparatus if Nate recalled correctly, said. "There has been new evidence presented that has a significant impact on the current case presented against Saren."

"If I may?" Saren said, drawing the attention of all fully to him. "I must express my skepticism that new evidence of any sound veracity could be found this soon."

"Nevertheless, the evidence is damning." the salarian Councilor, Valern said sternly. "The video evidence shown previously has been fully decrypted. And it shows you attacking and attempting to kill fellow Spectre Nihlus."

As Valern finished speaking, the video footage flashed onto a massive screen, skipped to the relevant part, as Saren drew his pistol and leveled it at the back of Nihlus' head. Now, there was no glitching that covered the short, brutal brawl between the two extremely skilled fighters.

As Saren walked away from what he must have presumed was Nihlus' body, the video shut off, the whole room's eyes turning, once again, to Saren, standing silent.

It was a long, tense moment of silence before the hologram flickered out.

"If that is not a statement of guilt to you, Councilors," Udina said pointedly, "I don't know what could be."

"Yes," Tevos replied. "It is clear now that he will likely not comply with our recall order, and is on the run. He will be stripped of his status, and he will answer for his crimes. However, there is one more piece of evidence that you wished to present us, is there not?"

Udina nodded. "This quarian woman, Tali'Zorah nar'Rayya, has a recording from the aftermath of the attack on Eden Prime. Ms. nar'Rayya, if you will?"

Tali nodded as she stepped forward. "The recording that I'm about to play is a conversation between Saren and a second party using voice modulation taken from a geth data matrix on a moon near Illium. I've done some work returning the second voice to a point closer to its genuine state, but I cannot guarantee complete accuracy."

Nate wasn't sure he liked how skeptical the Councilors looked as they glanced at each other, waiting for Tali to pull up the recording. It wasn't long before the voices echoed in the chamber.

"Eden Prime, though not without its setbacks, was an unabashed success. The beacon has brought us that much closer to finding the Conduit."

"Yes," a far more recognizably real voice, likely feminine, replied. "And it will bring us closer to the return of the Cleansing Shadows."

The recording was paused, and Nate looked at the Councilors intently as they processed what they just heard. "Wait a minute," Tevos said as they cupped their chin. "I know who that is. The only person I've heard use that term in recent memory is… Matriarch Benezia."

"Matriarch?" Nate asked, his brow furling. "They have a prominent role in asari society?"

"She was a prominent voice in asari politics, as well as a respected member of the Archaeological Society on Thessia that preferred to use one of the ancient mythological terms for what we now refer to as Reapers," Tevos replied. "Her department's focuses were on our ancient religion and the prothean civilization. At least, until she… disappeared. If she's allied with Saren, then she and her followers, of all kinds, will be a formidable boon for Saren."

"What of these Cleansing Shadows, the Reapers?" Valern asked.

Captain Anderson stepped forward. "We know only what has been recovered from the geth memory core that Tali extracted; that they were an ancient race of machines that wiped out the protheans and subsequently vanished. And, apparently, that there is some link between the Reapers and these Cleansing Shadows."

"As far as we can ascertain," Nate said, "the geth believe the Reapers are gods. Or close to it, anyway. And that Saren is acting as a prophet for them."

"A link between the geth and asari?" Sparatus said incredulously. "Impossible. The asari are an ancient race, while the geth were constructed by the quarians only a few centuries ago. The more possible angle is that, with Matriarch Benezia likely on Saren's side, she's fed him a story to lure the geth into his service. One that is little more than a comforting myth to the synths."

"Even still," Anderson said somewhat pointedly, "we think the Conduit is the key to bringing the Reapers back from wherever they vanished to, and that Saren needs it. That's why he attacked Eden Prime and tried to secure the beacon there."

"Do we even know what this Conduit really is?" Valern asked. "It could be something else entirely. An ancient geth superweapon, perhaps."

Nate stifled a quiet sigh. "Saren thinks it can bring back the Reapers. If that's what he was able to ascertain from the prothean beacon, then it can't be any good."

"We don't know what he was able to take from the beacon if anything at all." Sparatus retorted. "In fact, based on what we've read from your medical reports, you're not entirely clear on what you saw from the beacon. We can't afford to jump to myths and legends as the only explanation. After all, if the Reapers destroyed the protheans, then where did they go? Why did they vanish? We've only found stories and rough, likely idealized depictions of them from the asari. Where is all the other evidence?"

Nate began to speak but found himself cut off by someone who'd stayed mostly silent until now.

"Councilors, if I may?" Daniel said, stepping forward slightly. "Is there any way to pull up an image of these Reapers from asari records?"

It was silent for a moment as the Councilors regarded him with some slight confusion. "I don't see where this might be going, Lieutenant Theisman," Tevos replied, a moment's hesitation as they recalled his name and rank, "but as you and yours have provided vital information concerning Saren's treason, we will humor you this much."

As Tevos typed at a console in front of them, Daniel touched Nate's arm. "Commander," he said quietly, "do you still have your helmet footage from Eden Prime?"

Nate nodded slightly. "Should be in the Normandy's databanks now. What are you looking for?"

"One particular moment," Daniel replied as he pulled up his omni-tool.

After a moment, the same screen that had shown the geth footage reappeared, instead showing a digital picture of a strange creature, a deep blued gray that looked oceanic in nature, looming over three figures that had beams of glittering gold radiating from their heads. "This is a digital recreation of The Gods' Duel with The Scouring Shadow. What has you so interested in such depictions?"

Daniel typed on his omni-tool, swiping the results up to the screen. The screen allowed the footage that Nate instantly knew to play. He and his squad charging up the hill to the spaceport, and pausing as they saw the massive ship lifting off, red lightning crackling around it as it silently lifted into the sky.

Daniel rewinded and paused the footage, the ship and the Scouring Shadow making a striking pair. Nate watched the Council as they regarded the sight before them.

Finally, Sparatus sighed quietly. "As remarkably similar as they are, I still feel as though you're trying to find connections between two points that might not exist. What's that saying that humanity has on hearing footsteps?"

"Even still," Valern said, cupping his chin as he considered the ship intently, "with the geth seemingly having a connection to these Reapers, perhaps they have built it as a display of respect for them, or perhaps as a scare tactic for biological races."

"If it's a scare tactic," Tevos finally said, their eyes wide, "then it's remarkably effective."

Nate looked over at Daniel as a look of exasperation faded from the man's face before continuing. "If there truly is any more need of proof, Councilors," he said, "I am aware of the asari ability to create a link with the minds of other beings. If such is needed to convince you, I cannot speak on behalf of my commander, but I am willing to undergo it."

Tevos looked back at the group. "Though I commend your knowledge," they finally said, "getting such conclusive proof would require at least a passing knowledge of what we might be looking for."

They paused for a moment. "However, there might be someone you should look for. Matriarch Benezia's child, Liara T'Soni, is an archaeologist who followed in her mother's footsteps. However, we do know where she is; a dig concerning a prothean structure in the Knossos system. She may well be able to help you."

"Verification aside," Sparatus said pointedly, "we must return to the most pressing task at hand; apprehending Saren. Without the rights or resources of a Spectre, he's little more than a man on the run. Even still, we should not dismiss his skills or his current allies."

"Then send a squad of ships after him. A fleet, even!" Ambassador Udina spoke up. "I'm sure his last known position is known to you. Even if it can't track down one man, a fleet can secure the borders to ensure that any attempts at another attack by the geth are dealt with!"

"We could risk sending a fleet to the edges of the Traverse." Sparatus retorted. "We could even spark a war with one or more polities or pirate kingdoms in the Terminus Systems! We won't be dragged into a galactic confrontation over a few human colonies!"

"Then let me go after him," Nate said. "If a fleet is too much, then a task force in a single ship might be enough to track him down."

Tevos nodded. "The Commander's right. There is a way to stop Saren that does not require an army."

"So soon after this incident?" Sparatus said incredulously. "If, when our governments catch wind of this, there could be hell to pay for seeming to give humanity a favor by inducting a Spectre."

"Spectre or not," Nate said pointedly, "the Alliance will likely be sending someone anyway. Why not make it someone who you already know can work with other races, bring us together to stop whatever threat Saren has in store for us?"

The Council regarded each other silently, and Nate waited with bated breath for the answer.

Finally, sharing nods, the Councilors regarded Nate intently. "Commander Shepard, step forward.

Nate did so, Udina, Daniel, and Anderson, silent thus far, stepped back. After a somewhat dramatic pause, the Councilors began to speak in turn.

Tevos began. "It is the decision of the Council that you be granted the powers and privileges of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance branch of the Citadel Council."

Valern continued. "Spectres are not trained for the role, they are chosen. Pulled from the countless ranks of individuals from every species, forged in the fires of service and battle."

"Spectres are an ideal, a symbol," Tevos said. "The embodiment of courage, determination, and self-reliance. They are the right hand of the Council, and the instruments of our will."

"Spectres bear a great burden." Sparatus rejoined. "They are protectors of galactic peace, both first and last of the lines of defense for our galactic community. The safety of almost innumerable lives is theirs to uphold."

"Congratulations, Commander Shepard," Tevos said after a moment. "You are the first human Spectre. For you, and your entire species, this is a great accomplishment."

"Thank you, Councilors," Nate said. "I'm honored."

"Your mission is to pursue Saren into the Traverse, and beyond into the Terminus Systems, if need be," Valern said. "Being a fugitive of the law, and a traitor, you are authorized to use any and all means to capture or, if necessary, kill him."

"I'm ready," Nate said firmly. "And I will find him."

"It is our hope that you do," Tevos said. "This meeting of the Council is adjourned."

. . .

About an hour later, Nate, having seen Tali and Daniel off for the moment, sat in Udina's office with Captain Anderson.

"Congratulations, Commander," Udina said. "This is a big step for all of humanity in gaining legitimacy in the eyes of the Council."

"Well, we'll see how things go when we stop Saren," Nate replied.

"Now," Anderson said, "there's some things we need to make sure that you remember going into this. You may have the rights and responsibilities of a Spectre, but you are still a Commander of the Alliance. We may have our goals aligned for the moment, but if there's something in your area that Command wants done quickly, you'll be called on to try and do something about it. But at the end of the day, your main mission is stopping Saren."

"Yes, sir," Nate replied. "Is there anyone that's being assigned to me from the Alliance Navy?"

"You'll have the Marine elements of the 232nd and 212th reassigned to your ship under Lieutenant Alenko," Anderson replied, pausing for a moment. "Otherwise, you managed to put together a hell of a team to get this evidence to implicate Saren. Being as you're a representative of all species now, if you can manage it, I'd say try and keep that team together."

Udina spared a narrowed glance at Anderson. "I don't think I need to remind you that there are classified technologies from two nations contained within the Normandy," he said archly.

"And how much that will matter if Saren accomplishes what he's trying to do?" Anderson asked.

Udina sighed quietly. "I suppose you're right. Being a Spectre, I wonder how much we could do about it anyways if Shepard chose as he wished."

Nate nodded. "Well, I have to admit, Anderson's probably right. It'll be easier to work with what I already have. Anything else?"

It was silent for a moment. "Right now," Udina said, "if there's anything you'll need to know, we'll contact you in the middle of your travels. Go and get ready."

Nate nodded, standing, Anderson standing with him. "I'll be on my way as soon as possible."

"Good luck, Commander Shepard," Udina said. "Whatever comes next… we're counting on you."

With that, the two exited the office, making their way out of the ambassadorial section. "Y'know, I'm proud of you, son." Anderson said. "Truly. The first human to actually make it into the Spectres."

"Thank you," Nate replied, but then his brow furled slightly. "Was there someone considered before me?"

Anderson sighed quietly, nodding. "Yes. I was, actually."

Nate's brows rose. "Really?"

"Yeah. It's… a little strange to think about myself. That I was considered at all." Anderson paused as his expression darkened. "But unlike you where your observer was Nihlus… mine was Saren."

"You and Saren have a history," Nate said, his own voice tinged with some slight distaste.

"Twenty years of it, now," Anderson said as they paused in front of the apartment building most of the Normandy's crew had been staying at. There were a few benches in front of it, all of them empty. "Sit down. I think there's at least a little time to tell you my story."

As they took a seat, Anderson began his story. "Ambassador Goyle was our representative here then. Like Udina, she wanted to get a human inducted into the Spectres. She chose me. After finally relenting, the Council sent Saren to watch over me."

He paused, sighing quietly. "I'm not proud of it, really. I had a chance to be the first human Spectre and failed. Saren made sure of that."

"How?"

"The Alliance had intel that it shared with the Council about a rogue scientist, backed by the batarians, trying to set up a facility and continue illegal research into AI tech out in the Verge," Anderson said. "Alliance Intel might have done the work, but the Council wanted a Spectre involved. They took it as a prime chance, even as a compromise, to see what I was made of when they asked to have me help Saren in his investigation."

"We managed to track him to a refining facility on Camala." Anderson continued. "Hidden away, an army of batarian mercenaries between us and him. The plan was simple: sneak in, capture the scientist, sneak back out. Quick, quiet, little bloodshed that might make the batarians unduly angry."

"I'm guessing that's not what happened," Nate said grimly.

Anderson shook his head. "We split up to cover more ground. Then, about an hour into our infiltration, there was a massive explosion in the refinery core. Officially, everyone was happy enough to call it an accident or malfunction. But I think Saren detonated it to try and draw off the mercs."

A part of Nate dreaded what he was sure he'd hear next. "How many casualties were there?" he asked quietly.

"The refinery itself was blown to pieces. The whole place was on fire. Once I managed to get out and get some distance, I'm sure you could have seen the smoke pillar from the fire for kilometers around." Anderson sighed quietly. "No one inside survived. There was a camp for workers and their families nearby, too. All told, the death count was over five hundred. Mostly civilians."

"Damn…" Nate said quietly.

"Saren didn't care. The target was eliminated. Mission accomplished." Anderson's jaw clenched. "I tried to raise my voice, but it only ended with me taking the blame, and Goyle going home in disgrace. Hell of an end to talk about me joining the Spectres."

"How did Saren manage to pin the explosion on you?" Nate asked incredulously.

"He accused me of blowing his cover. Said it was my fault that the guards were 'on alert'. That was his claim for why it turned into a massacre. And the word of a Spectre, regardless of my testimony or the Alliance's backing, was all that the Council needed."

It was silent between them for a moment. "Damn. The Council really had it out for you, didn't they?"

"Hardly," Anderson replied. "If the blame rests on anyone, it's on Saren. He was looking for an excuse to blow the refinery, and he found it. Maybe he wanted a spectacle. Maybe he wanted a reason to keep humans out of the Spectres. If so, he managed it."

Again, it was silent before Anderson sighed. "But enough of that. You can get justice not only for Eden Prime and every colony attacked by the geth but for those refinery workers and their families on Camala all those years ago."

A smile twitched on Anderson's face now, a frankly welcome sight. "Which is why we're turning over command of the Normandy to you."

Nate, unsurprisingly, was rather taken aback. "What? Captain… the Normandy's your ship!"

"Maybe so," Anderson said. "But now that Saren's gone rogue, the Council has requested that I remain here, advise the Alliance from here. I've got too much of a personal stake in this. They're right, of course."

He chuckled softly. "Hell of an end to my career, pushing papers here in the Citadel with Udina. But you need a way to find Saren, quickly and quietly. The Normandy's the ship for that. And if there's anyone that I trust the ship with, it's you."

Nate took a deep breath. "Well… I'll try not to make too much of a mess in the captain's quarters. Just in case."

Anderson and Nate both shared a quiet laugh before Anderson stood. "Well, I'll leave you to gather your team. And I look forward to hearing your progress. Good luck, Shepard."

. . .

The Next Day

Nate began to complete his search at C-Sec headquarters, looking for one Garrus Vakarian. He'd sent messages to both Tali and Wrex, telling them to meet them at the Normandy's docking bay if they wanted to follow him further in pursuit of Saren. He'd heard back from Tali, at least. She seemed excited to go. Wrex was more of a toss-up. Now, there was one last person he needed to find.

He wondered how easy it would be to just… pull rank, as it were. He'd done some brief research in Spectres as he made his way towards C-Sec. It seemed like Spectres were able to do just about anything, as long as they could justify it benefitting the galactic peace.

"Excuse me, Commander Shepard!"

He blinked, pausing as he looked around, finding a human woman approaching him. "Can I help you?"

"Emily Wong, Earth News Network. I'm an investigative journalist specializing in corruption and organized crime. I think you and I can help each other."

"And… how is that, Ms. Wong?" Nate asked slowly.

"Well, I've already got the news that you're the first human Spectre, and I'm preparing to break that for the folks back home. But, I have some contacts who tell me you and a team went in and busted Fist. That's sending shockwaves through the Citadel most people can't see." Emily replied with a somewhat cheeky grin.

"And are you expecting an interview?" Nate asked with a slightly arched brow.

"Maybe at some point." Emily shrugged. "But after C-Sec went through and cleaned up and cordoned off Chora's Den, they apparently left behind several files Fist had on other contacts throughout the Citadel," Emily explained. "If I can access those files, me and my contacts can get to work rooting them out. Because Fist's contacts…" she paused meaningfully.

"Are Saren's contacts." Nate nodded, smiling slightly. There weren't many reporters he really liked. But she wasn't like many reporters, it seemed. "I'll see what I can do."

"Thanks!" Emily said. "I'll be waiting near the aircar terminal when you've got it."

"I'll see you soon, hopefully," Nate replied as he walked into the station where Garrus was supposed to be.

It was a decently sized station, and the salarian sitting behind it seemed somewhat busy. They'd left Chora's Den a real mess when they'd gone through, after all. The salarian was a mottled dark gray and green and regarded him levelly as he came to stop in front of the desk.

"Can I help you?" the salarian asked, glancing up at him.

"I'm Commander Shepard," Nate replied. "I'm here to talk to Officer Vakarian."

The salarian officer paused, slowly looking back up at him from his terminal. "You're the new Spectre. I see. I'll see what I can do."

He stood, hurrying away and towards a back room. Nate waited for a few moments before Garrus walked out towards him, clearly somewhat relieved. "Well, hello again, Shepard. I heard the good news. Congratulations. And I've got to admit, you've got a good sense of timing. What can I help you with?"

"I've got two things that I've got to talk to you about," Nate said. "The first is probably the easier part. I want you to come with me to stop Saren. I don't know how easy it's going to be to pull you away from this…"

"You're a Spectre," Garrus said frankly, scoffing slightly. "You can do whatever needs to be done, basically. Besides, I'd want in any way."

Nate nodded. "Alright. Good to know."

"Alright. When do we start?" Garrus said as they made their way to the exit.

"Well, there's one more thing that we need to do," Nate replied. "Something that a C-Sec officer is uniquely qualified for."

"And what's that?" Garrus asked.

. . .

About an hour later, Nate and Garrus, having made a quick trip to Chora's Den and used both Garrus' C-Sec authorization along with Nate's Spectre authority to access Fist's terminal, returned to where they needed to be. Now, approaching Emily, Nate answered her expectant smile with a slight smile of his own.

"Your files," Nate said as he activated his omni-tool.

"Thank you so much!" Emily said as she accepted the files. "I'll make sure that this gets to the right people quickly. In the meantime, I've got some buddies in the Alliance Navy out near the Terminus Systems. If they see anything, I'll be the first to know, and you'll be the second."

"Thanks," Nate said, his smile growing. A reporter actually trying to be helpful for more than just the sake of viewership? He really had found a diamond in the rough. "Maybe after all this is done, you'll get an exclusive interview."

"That would be amazing," Emily said. "Good luck, Commander."

With that, Nate and Garrus walked away. "So," Nate said, "ready to go?"

"I know that we need to get going now," Garrus said, somewhat tentatively, "but is there any way to make a quick stop at Huerta Memorial? I'd like to say some words to Nihlus."

Nate was silent for a moment. "Alright. We can make a quick stop."

. . .

Huerta Memorial Hospital was a beautiful place, being as close as it was to the administrative ring section known as the Presidium. It was a bustling place, people of all species, which Nate assumed were a part of the upper class, going in and out. But there was one person, a camera drone hovering by her shoulder, who seemed to be waiting for him and Garrus a little ways from the door. And she seemed somewhat less enthused than Miss Wong. More... hungry.

"Commander Shepard?" she asked. "Khalisah Bint Sinan Al-Jilani, Westerlund News. Could I speak to you for a moment?"

Garrus glanced over at Nate skeptically. "You sure you have time for this?" he asked.

Nate sighed quietly. "Go on ahead of me. I'll meet you inside." This was not his first rodeo with nosy reporters. He could handle this.

Garrus shrugged, walking into the hospital as Nate, with weary acceptance, once again stepped up to the camera that had become so familiar. This one was a Halifax model floating camera drone. He'd learned the different types through osmosis more than anything else. "Can I help you?" he asked.

"I'd like to ask you a few questions about recent events surrounding you for our viewers," Khalisah said.

"What do you want to know?" he replied.

"You've been given a unique position to represent humanity. People should have a sense of how you'll do that." Khalisah replied. "So, first question, and forgive me if I'm treading on familiar ground."

Nate always dreaded those words and knew exactly what would come next as the drone lowered and shined a light on him, the camera likely rolling. "Do you believe that your remarkable heroism on Elysium had any impact on your appointment as a Spectre?"

Nate's jaw clenched slightly. "I did what any soldier who knew the duty they had to do would in that situation. As remarkable as it may seem to those not involved in the military, I'd contend that there are far more deserving people to have the title of 'Hero of Elysium'. And, as I'm sure you can tell, I've done so before. After all, the past is the past. You asked about the present."

Khalisah nodded almost absentmindedly as she looked down at an omni-tool that likely had a list of questions to ask him. "You're right. Let's move on, shall we? Humanity has been trying to gain the respect of the wider galactic community for decades. With that in mind, what are your thoughts on being the first human Spectre?"

"I'm honored to be considered. The Spectres represent the best of every species."

"Some have said that your appointment is the Citadel throwing humanity a bone to keep them calm. Have you encountered a situation where you've been asked to put the Citadel's needs above humanity's?" she looked at him intently. She was hunting for something. He just didn't know what yet.

Nate once again suppressed a sigh. "Not as of yet, ma'am. As I'm sure you're likely aware, my appointment is still a fresh thing."

"Do you think you'll encounter a situation like I've described?"

"It's hardly as simple as that," Nate replied. "The Council is concerned with the needs of the whole galactic community. If we want to be taken seriously as you've suggested, then we need to be concerned as well. Our needs are on their agenda, but with so many species needs to consider, getting to everyone takes time."

"You really do believe that, don't you?" she said, her voice just stopping on the edge of incredulity. She paused for a moment. "Sources say you've recently been given command of an advanced human warship for your uses. Anything you'd like to say about that?"

The question immediately sent alarm bells ringing. Either she'd been spying on his and Anderson's conversation yesterday, or there was someone feeding her some very classified info. But she wouldn't get a rise out of him here. "Actually," he said, "it's not simply a human vessel. Turian shipwrights and engineers were a part of the Normandy's design and development from the very beginning, incorporating many innovations I'm not of a high enough clearance to talk about."

"So the Hierarchy has knowledge of your vessel that's being kept secret from the Alliance public?" Khalisah asked, her tone beginning to gnaw at Nate's nerves. "Do you think it was appropriate to hand Earth's most advanced warship over to the Citadel?"

"The crew is still largely from the Alliance. I'm still in command, and last I checked, I was still human." Nate replied. "And even still, I'd hardly say it's been 'handed over' to anyone here. In fact, I'd like to think that it's somewhat appropriate, to use a vessel that signifies the unity of two powers' ingenuity and craftsmanship to help keep the galaxy safe."

"Human, yes, but you do work for the Citadel as well," Khalisah said. "Speaking of, do you think that humanity will ever get the respect it deserves from the galactic community?"

There was a part of Nate that, quite frankly, was itching to punch her for this ridiculous 'interview'. But he thought he could see the end on the horizon. "Respect's a funny thing, I find. We only get respect by earning it, not demanding it. That means actively improving the galactic community, which is something I think we're quite capable of doing."

Khalisah finally sighed quietly as she nodded. "You're an idealist, Commander, but I can't call you insincere. I can only hope that you're right. One last question. Rumors are saying that you're out to track down a rogue Spectre named Saren. Any comment on that?"

"Seeing as I'm a brand new Spectre, there's admittedly much I don't know yet about the confidentiality of such missions. Right now, I'll play it safe and say that I can't comment either way." Nate said.

Finally, finally, the drone's light blinked off. "Don't worry," Khalisah said. "We'll find out. The eyes of Earth are on you, Commander Shepard. All we can ask is that you don't let us down."

Ominous words, Nate mused. "Thank you for your time," Khalisah said as she walked away, her drone faithfully in tow.

Nate took a deep breath as he turned and walked away. Every interview was one too many, these days. This one, at least, was done.

. . .

After a few questions, Nate was directed to a secure area of the hospital, a room with two C-Sec guards in front of it containing Garrus standing over Nihlus' gurney. It didn't have quite so many machines anymore, but there were more than a few medi-gel bandages wrapped across his body.

"How's he doing?" Nate asked as he entered.

"The nurse that was attending to him says he'll pull through. He's resting at the moment, but he wakes up every once in a while." Garrus said quietly.

Nate nodded, standing with Garrus in contemplative silence. 'I'll make sure Saren is brought to justice for you, Nihlus. I just wish you could give me a few pointers.'

"Say what you need to?" Nate said quietly.

Garrus nodded. "Yeah," he said simply. "You have anything you need to say?"

"Questions to ask, guidance to receive," Nate replied. "But I guess that'll have to wait."

"For you and me both," Garrus said.

The door opened, and Nate and Garrus looked back to see a human nurse walking in, pausing as she looked at them in surprise. "Oh, I'm sorry. Am I interrupting anything?" she asked plaintively.

"No, not at all," Garrus replied. "Are we?"

"Well, I need to take his readings and change his bandages. You may want to step out for this."

Nate almost complied, but then he took a closer look at her eyes. 'Strange. I've never seen gray eyes like that. Blue, green, and gold mixed in there?'

"Excuse me, miss?" he asked, causing the nurse to pause. "I have to ask, are your eyes natural? I've never seen any that are quite like yours."

The nurse paused, her eyes darting between him, Garrus and Nihlus. Why? "Yes, actually," she replied, her eyes finally settling on Nihlus, "they are."

Then, she raised her arm, Nate's eyes going wide as it… unfurled. Then began to glow from within dark gray metal. 'What the hell?'

As time seemed to slow, the adrenaline crashing into his brain, Nate's biotic field pulsed like a heartbeat as gravity itself pooled into his hand. What would he do with it? A weapon to take out this… geth? Thing? A shield to stop whatever was going to be shot at Nihlus?

Whatever he might have done, someone else managed to get ahead of him.

Nihlus' eyes snapped open as he reached for the pistol at Garrus' hip, the weapon unfurling and sending one, two, three rounds into the infiltrator. One into the 'barrel' of its firearm, one dead center of its chest, and one right between its eyes.

The arm exploded, leaving a smoldering stump as the infiltrator stumbled into the glass wall. In an instant, the C-Sec guards were inside, leveling rifles at the infiltrator as it stood back up fully, seemingly unfazed.

"Damn," she said, looking around the room before slumping lifelessly to the floor.

"Nihlus!" Garrus said as the Spectre in question went into a coughing fit, letting the pistol drop to his side on the gurney. "Are you alright?"

"Garrus," Nihlus said. "How are you?"

"Decent enough," Garrus said as he took his pistol back, alarms blaring from the gunshots. "Are you okay?"

"Everything aches and my lungs are burning, kid, but otherwise I'll make it out," Nihlus replied. "Is anyone else hurt?"

"We're fine, Nihlus," Nate replied.

Nihlus' eyes narrowed slightly. "Commander Shepard. How do you know Garrus?"

"Well, he's a Spectre now," Garrus replied. "I'm helping him go after Saren."

"The Council made you a Spectre," Nihlus said quietly, going silent for a moment. "I trust their decision, then. Go and find the bastard and make sure he doesn't do anything worse."

"I'll do my best, sir," Nate replied firmly.

"Good." Nihlus sank back into the gurney with a heavy sigh. "I'll be here if you need me. I should be out of here soon enough, hopefully."

He took a few more measured, deep breaths, then closed his eyes.

Nate and Garrus nodded, then looked over at the limp body that the C-Sec officers were calling in. "What is that?" Garrus said. "It doesn't look geth to me."

"I don't know either," Nate said grimly. "I think a third party's gotten involved."

"Great," Garrus muttered. "Just what we need to start things off."

. . .

Nate and Garrus stepped onto the Normandy, several crew members looking expectantly at them. "Anywhere you need me to go?" Garrus asked.

"Crew bunks are past the command center and down the stairs," Nate replied. "I've made sure to get some dextro-based food onboard for you and Tali."

"No need to really worry about it, for me at least," Garrus said. "I've got an LC implant. But I always appreciate good dextro cuisine, and I'm sure the quarian will be fine not needing to scrounge around either. See you around."

With that, he turned and walked past Daniel, who waited expectantly by a Navigator Pressley who shot a suspicious glance at Garrus. "Tali's down in the engineering bay, sir. Wanted to take a look at our reactor core and others besides." he began. "And Wrex is in the cargo bay setting up. Said the bunks were too cramped for him."

"Good to know, Lieutenant. Let's get underway." Nate said.

"Aye, sir." With that, Daniel made his way back towards engineering, Nate walking up towards the pilot's station.

"Hey, Commander," Joker said as he glanced back. "I heard about Captain Anderson. Survive a hundred battles just to get taken down by backroom politics." he sighed quietly. "Hell of a way to go. Just watch your back, Commander. Things go bad, and you're next on the chopping block. And I'd hate to get stuck in a loop of commanding officers."

"As much as I feel like this should still be the Captain's ship, we'll do what we're supposed to," Nate replied. "Go out there and find Saren."

"Well, everyone on this ship is behind you all the way, Commander," Joker replied. He paused for a moment as he tapped a few buttons. "Intercom's open, if you've got some rousing speech for the crew."

It seemed kind of silly to him, but after Eden Prime, and sitting around in the Citadel… the crew probably needed it. He leaned over the console.

"This is Commander Shepard speaking." he began. "Our mission may be classified, but as you're along for the ride, you deserve to know our orders. Our mission is to go after the rogue Spectre Saren and detain him if we can, eliminate him if we can't, before he finds a device known as the Conduit. This won't be easy. But you wouldn't be here if you weren't willing to face the challenge. I believe in all of you to help make this mission a success."

"By now, I'm sure everyone aboard's had a chance to see what happened on Eden Prime. What's happening across the galaxy. But Saren and his forces won't stop there. Not unless we make them. And Saren knows that."

Nate paused for a moment. "Wherever he goes to search for the Conduit, we'll be there. And we'll go wherever is needed. The safety of the galaxy expects nothing less. This is humanity's chance to step up and truly show the galaxy we can make it a better place. For Eden Prime, for Earth, for everyone, let's show them what we can do. Shepard out."

With that, Joker switched off the intercom. "Not bad. I've certainly heard worse speeches. I think the Captain would be proud."

"He gave up everything for this. We can't afford to fail him now." Nate replied. He paused for a moment to remember. "Once we're out of dock, set a course for the Knossos system. We've got one more person we need to make sure is along for the ride."

. . .

Somewhere in Deep Space

Two living souls, united purpose now, drifted between stars as they considered their next moves.

"You let your former comrade live." The woman, Benezia, said archly. "Was that some form of weakness?"

"No." the man, Saren, replied, his voice strained. "And now, he may be the least of our problems."

"Yes," Benezia said. "The geth have managed to identify the ship that intruded on our work. The Normandy. Under the command of Captain Anderson."

"And the beacon?"

"One of the humans may have used it."

Saren stood, growling, feeling the modifications his new master had bestowed on him make the action even more effortless than it had already been. Rage at the very name beat through him like pulsing lightning. He only barely managed to contain it as he stalked over to Benezia, coming nose to nose. "Then this human must be eliminated." he bit out.

"That can be arranged."

The voice was alien to them both, and they turned to see… something that looked humanoid stalking on long, almost skeletal limbs towards them.

"And who are you?" Saren said, stalking towards the being, and pausing before it as he realized it towered over him head and shoulders, its flesh seemingly halfway between meat and metal and its face nearly featureless save for a grinning mouth.

"I am one who has eyes and ears in many places," they said, looming over Saren and staring at him with strange, almost alien eyes. "The being you are looking for is one Commander Shepard. The one who pursues you now."

"Shepard…" Saren murmured. "The human soldier. He will be dealt with."

"And how, exactly, did you find your way on here?" Benezia asked.

"We are old compatriots, this one's kind and I." the being said, circling Saren and shrinking slowly as they did. "I am familiar with the siren songs you listen to."

Finally, they stopped shrinking at just a little above Saren's height. "But there are others who would throw down your plans as they seek to stop me. Perhaps we can make an accord."

It was silent for long moments, and even the atmosphere of the room seemed… confused. "And what would we gain should we accept your offer?" Benezia asked.

"The ability to be anywhere…" the being said, beginning to morph again and becoming a nondescript human woman. But the eyes, intent and almost amused, remained. "And anyone."

Saren looked at Benezia for a moment, then back at the being. "And who are you?" he asked.

The woman bowed. "I am Ka'rava, bio-machinist, and controller of this vessel. And I am ready to serve."