Disclaimer: I do not own the Mass Effect games. This story is written with no profit in mind. I make no money from it. It isn't for sale or rent.
Chapter 3
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Part 1
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23.04.2183GS
C-SEC Academy
The Citadel
Wrex turned out to be right – while they didn't spent the whole day at the quartermaster, three hours after arriving, the whole group was still there. It wasn't as if they had a more pressing appointment at least until the brass came through with confirmation they could use the Normandy or denied it. Just in case, once she got into her armour and geared up, Vasir went in a corner and began arranging alternative transport and checking on the clearing up house efforts in the Spectre Office. Apparently, all Spectres currently on the Citadel barring the two of them were to undergo mental screening for brainwashing among other things. Vasir at least would be in for the fun once they were back with their VIP and the jury was still out about Shepard, though John was certain that with his luck he'll end up in the interrogation room right next to Vasir.
On the bright side, the time spent with Captain Marius most certainly wasn't wasted. The Turian officer even offered everyone omni-tool blade upgrade when Shepard mentioned the Husks encountered on Eden Prime – that was something the Commander eagerly accepted. Further, now he was properly measured for a few sets of armour and Marius knew exactly how the combat engineer wanted it. The first one should be ready by the time they came back to the Citadel. He even had time to begin going over the standard mission load-outs when his omni-tool beeped a tone from an old military march announcing that he just got a high priority call.
"Lieutenant Commander Shepard speaking." He announced after accepting the connection.
"Commander, Admiral Hackett. I understand that you wish to use the Normandy for a VIP extraction from Therum?" A small window opened above John's active omni-tool displaying the grizzled image of the scarred Admiral.
"That is correct, sir." Reflexively, Shepard stood at attention as much as keeping the window level with his face allowed.
"I'm authorizing it. We apparently lost contact with Therum five hours ago but someone dropped the ball and it didn't raise an alert until just checked the status of the place." The Admiral looked and sounded anything but pleased. "It might have been either equipment malfunction, human error or just a bunch of pirates, however..." Hackett stared at John.
"Given the identity of the VIP, my money is on the Geth, sir. What support can we expect?"
"I'll have a cruiser and a frigate pack active in eight and twelve hours respectively, at the yards in Sol. They're the only unit I can send that will reach the place in less than three days – everything else we have either covers our core colonies and Sol or is busy racing to secure the border. We've got confirmed Geth incursion in three separate clusters and we need to contain and hunt them down you leave the Citadel in the next five hours, the cruiser should reach Therum two to three hours after you. I'll recommend you use the Normandy to scout and if there are Geth naval elements in system wait for reinforcements."
"I understand, sir. Hopefully, if we're able to extract the VIP, the Geth would lose interest in the system."
"I'll see what strings I can pull. We can at least use some more backup on the ground. You still don't have your full compliment of marines on the Normandy, is that correct?" Vasir appeared to look over Shepard's shoulder.
"And you are?" Hackett raised an eyebrow.
"Spectre Tela Vasir, Shepard's mentor.
"The last time I checked we had five effectives for deployment ground-side, me included."
"Captain Marius, get Wrex a case of Turian rations. Even if I can't scrounge a ship or two for backup on short notice, I should be able to arrange for at least a few squads of Turian marines to join us for the extraction." Vasir announced.
Something flashed over Admiral Hackett's face, though he schooled his features in a mask of polite neutrality. Shepard was sure the old warhorse wasn't pleased that he would need Council assistance to investigate and potentially save one of the SA's colonies, even if technically that was one of the benefits of being a Council Associate – in that case you did have the Turian navy on your side.
"I'll appreciate any help you and the Council can offer, Spectre Vasir." The Admiral said diplomatically. "I'm sending you the latest intelligence we have on Therum and I can promise you, you'll have reinforcements as soon as we can spare them."
"We're on it, Admiral."
"Gods speed, Shepard. Hackett out." The connection cut off.
"Shepard, get to the Normandy and make sure she's ready to launch as soon as we're all on board. I'm going to call Councillor Sparatus."
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Council Chamber
Citadel Tower
The Citadel
While the other two Councillors did have other things to do, both of them kept an ear on Tevos' fascinating conversation with one Matriarch Aethyta.
"Let me mace sure I get it right." An acid dripping voice hissed from the Councillor's omni-tool. "My former mate, has either gone insane or is brainwashed, working with or for one of your Spectres who is himself either crazier than usual or brainwashed himself. Then those two idiots decided to go raid a Human colony with the Geth in tow sparking a galactic war. Am I missing something or not?"
"When you put it that way..." For the first time since either Valern or Sparatus had seen her, Tevos appeared genuinely uncomfortable, if not exactly lost for words. "Yes, Benezia fucked up the azure in a spectacular fashion. Yes, I need you help in unfucking the mess she made..."
Sparatus' snooping got interrupted by an incoming call. He accepted it absent-mindedly and returned his attention to his omni-tool.
"Spectre Vasir. A new development I take it?" The Councillor asked after he saw who called.
"Correct, sir. Shepard just got a call from an Admiral Hackett. The SA lost contact with Therum a few hours ago. Our educated guess is that the Geth are there to take Liara T'soni. The Alliance won't be able to respond in time with notable fleet elements. I'm requesting reinforcements from the CDF or at least a Turian ground element to facilitate the extraction of the VIP."
Sparatus took a moment to think about it. The few ships the SA had above Eden Prime were gone, complete with their black-box recorders. Then again, that super-dreadnought was present there. Any and all data they had on Geth capabilities, especially in space were centuries out of date.
"I'll get you a squadron. Get in, get the VIP out. If practical, use the Normandy's stealth to gather data on the Geth and if practical assist in the naval engagement if there are enemy fleet elements in system. We need to know their capabilities."
Only then Sparatus figured out that the room had became deadly silent and both Valern and Tevos stared at him. The Salarian – with approval, while the Asari with a pinched face.
"Do you mean to tell me that the Geth are going after my little girl?!" That question came from Tevos' omni-tool and was delivered in a quiet, calm and deadly voice.
"We're sending one of our best Spectres to retrieve her." This time Tevos' attempt to soother her listener fell flat.
"Just like Saren was among your best before he went either crazier than varen on red sand or compromised? Forgive me if I'll hold my breath. I'm going to get Liara myself." The line cut off.
"Should I expect complications of the Matriarch variety on Therum, Councillors? And might I, most respectfully, remind you about privacy fields being a thing?"
"Matriarch Aethyta was on Irune. Depending on available assets at a short notice, she can be eight to twelve hours behind you. Perhaps less."
"I can have a squadron leaving within the hour." Sparatus said after checking readiness reports on his omni-tool.
"I'll still request that we embark a platoon on the Normandy. She is a stealth ship – ideal for a quiet insertion. Am I right to believe that the retrieval of the VIP is still the primary objective, Councillors?"
"Get the girl back intact. Secondary – evaluate Geth capabilities both on the ground and in space if practical. Thertially – secure the Human colony if possible depending on correlation of forces." Sparatus ordered. "Do you have anything to add?" He asked his colleagues.
"Not at this time." Tevos shook her head.
"I'll check with STG if they can have assets in place by the time the Normandy arrives." Valern said.
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Part 2
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23.04.2183 GS
SSV Normandy
Docks
The Citadel
A brief exchange between Shepard, the former XO and now acting Captain Presley and Vasir led to an assault shuttle loaded with Turian marines and their gear along with rations for a short deployment arriving in Normandy's hangar before John and company could make it as loaded as they were with gear. While the frigate could temporarily carry more ground personnel, with limited options for insertion and retrieval, especially under fire, it was decided that there was no point of bringing more people than they could evacuate in a hurry. Once they reached the Normandy, a bottleneck formed at the entrance, though at least the pair of marines on guard weren't the issue – they merely saluted Shepard and once they got his orders, prepared to help carry the various containers Vasir requisitioned, bought and begged from the quartermaster.
The slow down came into the form of the mandatory decontamination sequence – the space between the inner and outer hull where the airlock was located was limited after all. John went with the first group along with Vasir, Garrus and one of the marines after stacking a third of the gear at their feet. Decontamination mist followed by a laser scanner filled the compartment before a VI announced: "Decontamination complete, welcome back Commander Shepard." The inner door of the airlock opened to reveal a scowling Commander Presley.
"Shepard, a word." He bit off before taking a good look at who else was inside and then raised an inquiring eyebrow.
"Gear for the ground team." John answered. "In private or?"
"Private. Corporal Esif, show them the way to the armoury. You'll have to speak with the Quartermaster to figure out where to stash this." He waved at the containers. "He already has his hands full in finding place for the Turians."
"Go, I'll make sure that there are no incidents." Vasir waved him off and used her biotics to help haul the crates faster so the next group could board.
Presley turned around and led Shepard towards the Captain's small office. Vasir
"An explanation would be nice, Shepard. All I got was orders to make place for our new… guests and that you have operational command over the Normandy while I'm technically in charge of the ship. Turians, an Asari? What in God's name is happening? Why did the brass strip Captain Anderson of command?!" Presley let it out once they were alone.
Shepard sighed and leaned against the nearest bulkhead.
"In short – its a bloody mess. I don't know who back home decided to go public with what little evidence we had against Saren but that blew up in our faces. Did you watch that circus with the Council? I can tell you no one was amused at the antics Udina was made to do." Shepard shook his head in dismay – this was the first time it was relatively safe to show how he really felt about everything and a chance to vent, though not at Presley.
"I did." Presley grimaced. "That was a disgrace."
"I hear you. The good news is that despite what some claim, the Council actually knows what they're doing or do a great impression of it. They began investigating Saren the moment they got news of him possibly going rouge. While there hasn't been anything conclusively connecting him with Eden Prime until recently, their people discovered just enough dirt to have him recalled. If he shows – he's in for interrogation and if he fails to appear, then that's for his Spectre status and its open season on his ass."
"What about the tall tale Lieutenant Alenko and Sergeant Williams came back with? Someone put a bounty on you?" Presley inquired.
"Possibly Saren. C-SEC has the man supposed to facilitate it into custody and unless someone silences him he'll talk and pull it off." Shepard grimaced. "You know with the tech we all have, its too easy to fake evidence, possible to brainwash people too..." Shepard went on to explain as much about the situation as he thought prudent. Spectre or not, he needed both Presley and the rest of the Normandy's crew supporting him. In fact, his newfound status actually made their willing participation in whatever mission he led them on that much more vital.
"We're going after this Liara girl on Therum then." Presley nodded. "Admiral Hackett said that he'll be sending orders shortly sending the Normandy there and back, however I'm yet to hear from him." He looked Shepard in the eye.
"I spoke with Vasir. We won't be pulling Spectre authority on this mission unless we absolutely have to – it has been made clear enough to both of us that there are political implications at least back home if not international we aren't necessary seeing."
"Joy. You know then that I can't just get us underway haring off to Artemis Tau without authorization?" Presley asked.
"I'm well aware of that little fact. We'll be likely squared off and ready before we get the go. With the Turian contingent on board, the crew Vasir picked up should have cleared the decon and moving the rest of the gear to the hangar. A note – we have a Quarian girl with us, Tali'Zorah – she's a VIP Saren wants dead. If things pan out we might be playing taxi for her and a group of other VIPs once we're done at Therum and back to the Citadel. She's to be allowed all courtesy."
"I'll see to it. Diplomat?"
"Her father is a Quarian Admiral so the next closest thing. She got us evidence about Saren being on Eden Prime, however the jury is still out if its genuine or a plant for her to find."
"I'll make sure no one bothers her personally if I have to." Presley gave Shepard a firm nod at that explanation.
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An hour later, everyone was settled in as well as space on board the Normandy allowed, the gear was secured and had people going over it and making sure it would be ready for their expected deployment and finally, Shepard along with Vasir got their people into the frigate's briefing room behind the bridge.
On one side sat the Tela flanked by the people she conscripted or hired for the job – Wrex, Vakarian and two more Turians, a Lieutenant Fabius and Sergeant Varkas, who came to command the two squads the LT's platoon donated to the Normandy for the mission. Across them sat Shepard flanked by Alenko and Williams, a clear division between Humans and aliens that might prove unhealthy in the long term – an oversight he only noticed after taking up his seat.
Last to join them was Presley, who entered looking at his active omni-tool.
"Good, you're all here. I just got orders from Admiral Hackett. The Normandy will go to Therum to establish why we lost contact with the system and recover a VIP. We will be followed by a CDF task force made of a cruiser and frigate pack – they will be half an hour behind us giving us just enough time to reach the Knossos system and find out if there are Geth or pirate naval elements that we need to content with. He also sent us everything we've got about both the system and the planet – various maps, including archaeological sites where Ms T'soni is expected to be. No matter if there is a hostile presence in system or not, our best bet on locating her might be either calling the capital city or landing an advance party there. What Hackett's people got us in the time available indicates that Ms T'soni drifts between five distinct sites."
"If the Geth are there in force, we might just look for the largest concentration of the tin-cans." Alenko suggested.
"That might just have us fight through them unnecessary – there's no guarantee that they would have located her." The Turian Lieutenant countered. "Our primary objective is the extraction and only once the VIP is secure then we are to deal with the incursion, am I right?" He asked in a voice that was even more flanging than usual for a Turian.
"By the time we get there, whoever hit the system, unless we're lucky and it's a simple equipment malfunction preventing contact, would have had more than a day of free reign. They would have located T'soni if they're there for her. After all we might just be lucky enough to deal with pirates." Vasir pointed out.
Meanwhile, Presley sent the data to everyone's omni-tools. "Check the maps first. We'll figure out good insertion points, especially if we have to do it under fire and then plan various deployment strategies." The Acting Captain grabbed everyone's attention.