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 6
=DC=
Part 4
=DC=
28.04.2183 GS
SSV Normandy
Pax system
Horse Head Nebula
Having Vasir and Hunter in the Shadows on board, turned out to be Godsend when the Normandy approached Noveria. The two Spectres and the Hanar gathered in the cockpit behind Joker's seat just in time to receive a hail for Port Hanshan's control center.
"Alliance ship, this is Port Hanshan orbital control. Please state your intention and destination." A cool female voice sounded over the comm.
"Who wants to tackle this one?" The pilot asked.
"This one will speak with them." A few seconds later, Joker had the Hanar patched through. "This is Hunter in the Shadows. This one is Liaison to the Citadel Diplomatic Corps. This one sends his credentials. Be advised, this ship carries two Spectre operatives. Sending appropriate identification codes…" The Hanar spoke in the monotone voice typical for the translators preferred by his kind.
"SSV Normandy, your codes check-up. We'll have a security detail ready to escort you when you land. Please proceed to VIP Dock 3. Sending telemetry now. Have a nice day, Normandy."
"Well, that went easier than I feared," Shepard said.
"That's why this one is with you." Hunter boasted proudly.
Apparently, when he wanted, he could let his translator express emotions.
"Me too. No offense, Shepard, however, the locals might not have officially recognized your induction into the ranks without receiving a confirmation from the Citadel. Through the proper channel, that could have taken hours, if not a day or longer. A good start to begin hiding things." Vasir added.
"There's that. Do we need to dock at the port instead of going straight for the Binary Helix's facilities?" Shepard inquired.
"Doing so without more data might cause further political complications we can easily avoid. There is time to go to guns' blazing. This isn't it." Tela continued. "As far as we know anyway. Besides, we might be able to gather some intelligence at the Starport."
"This one will elaborate. While we have records of former Spectre Arterus and Matriarch Benezia investing in Binary Helix, it is not certain that is their only interest in Noviera. Binary Helix might be just what it seems – a prudent investment used to finance their other activities, potentially on Noviera itself."
"We might be able to figure out what facilities either of them visits if they ever come to Noviera in person." Shepard nodded.
"There should be records and even if those are purged, or altered, the Administrator should know and have copies of the originals just in case. He's supposed to be a former STG after all." Vasir confirmed. "Now let us gear up."
=DC=
The Spectres disembarked leading a squad of marines each, followed by a widely grinning Krogan.
"I can smell trouble, Shepard!" Wrex declared when they met him waiting at the airlock, and he happily tagged along.
The VIP dock was stark – gray concrete and dull metal were everywhere. A mass effect field kept the snow outside, however did little for the cold. Several glowing heaters made the area tangibly more comfortable, even when wearing sealed armor. Besides those, the place was empty, free of a proper cover, which made the ground party uneasy.
"Biotic specialists to the front," Vasir whispered. "Just in case." She led the party, followed by Shepard and Alenko. Wrex's large gait easily carried him past the marines and the Hanar stalked after him, using his bulk for cover. The marines walked in a loose formation behind them.
A squad of security met them near the entrance leading deeper into Port Hanshan. They all wore the same type of black body fitting armor and most of them wielded assault rifles.
"Spectre? I'm Sergeant Kaira Stirling. Administrator Anoleis wishes to speak with you." A blond middle-aged human woman inquired, looking at Vasir.
"I'm Spectre Tela Vasir. This is Spectre Shepard and our diplomatic liaison, Hunter in the Shadows."
"This one greets you kindly." The Hanar floated from behind Wrex's bulk to introduce himself.
No one missed the brief look of unease Stirling gave Shepard and the group of Alliance marines. She further refused to acknowledge his presence and continued to address only Vasir and Hunter.
"Spectre, Liaison." She nodded at them. "You're free to follow us. I feel compelled to implore you, please keep your attack dogs on a short leash." She pointedly glanced at the Alliance personnel. "We want no incidents here."
With those parting words, the Sergeant turned around and led them to pass a checkpoint manned by another squad. No one missed the four turrets pointed at the entrance.
"Such a charming greeting. You can feel the love…" Shepard muttered sarcastically.
"Did you do something to piss off the good Sergeant?" Vasir inquired.
"I don't believe I've seen her before." Shepard shook his head. "She might be from the outer colonies. They don't like the Alliance much."
Inside, Port Hanshan didn't look much better. Even though there were some plants for color, the place was still gray and sterile. While functional, the place remained unwelcoming. The few people they saw while marching through paused what they were doing to stare at the heavily armed procession and began whispering worriedly at each other.
Eventually, they reached the Administrator's office, where another human woman met them. This one wore a long purple dress and greeted them with a smile.
"Spectres, Liaison Hunter in the Shadows, I'm Joanna Parsinni, Administrator Anoleis' secretary. Please follow me. The Administrator is ready for you." She quickly ushered them inside.
Parsinni led them through an outer office complete with a few waiting chairs in one corner and straight to the Administrator. The Salarian sat behind his desk, looking at them with huge calculating eyes. He wore a dark gray and blue suit with yellow stripes, which matched his ash-colored skin.
Another round of greetings followed, and this time Hunter took a central stage. The Hanar and Salarian stared silently at each other for a few long seconds.
"Liaison Hunter in the Shadows, how can I help you?" The Administrator inquired.
"Binary Helix. Two of the company's principal investors are wanted in Citadel space on a long list of charges, including treason and terrorism. They're responsible for the Geth attack on the Human Colony of Eden Prime, among other crimes."
"I see. You're, of course, aware that Noveria is outside Citadel jurisdiction? While we have a number of treaties covering less than prudent actions by our investors. Any action we take must be either cleared through the proper channels first or already covered by relevant treaties. You're well aware of our position. Do you have a decision by the Corporate Court about Binary Helix, Lady Benezia, or Saren Arterus?"
"This one's colleagues on the Citadel are pushing through a request to the Corporate Court. We desire for the two of them to be sanctioned and stripped of their status in the Corporate Court." The Hanar stated.
"I see. Then you do not have a decision from the Corporate Court on hand. In that case, while we will, of course, assist in your investigation as the treaties between the Court and the Citadel require us to do, anything more would need a clear decision from the Court. If Binary Helix's CEO agrees, then you would be free to examine their facilities planetside. Otherwise, I must request you contain your investigation to Port Hanshan."
"Doing so would be useless. We came here to figure out what Saren and Benezia are cooking up at Binary Helix." Shepard's patience finally ran thin.
"And you will be free to do so as soon as the Corporate Court rule in your favor. I'll speak plainly, Human, so there are no misunderstandings. Saren isn't the first Spectre to go rogue. He won't be the last. He isn't the first one to burn a colony, either working for the Council or because he let power get to his head. Noveria is outside Council jurisdiction for a reason. All relevant governments, including your own, use this place to conduct research that would be illegal in Council Space. Thus assisting you against one of our investors, CEOs or Directors, without an official sanction from the Corporate Court as a whole is simply out of the question." Anoleis explained calmly. "That said," he continued, "I'm aware of the political realities we all have to deal with." The Administrator nodded at the Spectres. "Lady Benezia is currently at Peak 15, the largest Binary Helix facility planetside. I can't help you go after her. I can't authorize you to go to Peak 15 without either a Court decision or invitation from Binary Helix's CEO. If you attempt to engage Lady Benezia while she remains under my jurisdiction, I would be compelled to order my security to stop you. However, if you attempt to apprehend her after she leaves Noveria's atmosphere…"
The Salarian shrugged. It would be no longer his responsibility then.
Shepard glanced at Vasir, who simply nodded at Hunter. Then it was in the Hanar's hand, well, tentacles. The Asari Spectre didn't believe a heavy-handed approach would be prudent at this time.
=DC=
Part 5
=DC=
28.04.2183 GS
Port Hanshan
Noviera
Pax system
Horse Head Nebula
After half an hour of pointless negotiations, they found themselves outside of the Administrator's office. Hunter floated beside us thanks to his implanted mass effect generators, lit up like a Christmas tree.
"This one now regrets that the real world doesn't work like a Blasto movie. Otherwise, we could get away with shooting the Administrator!" Hunter waved his tentacles in agitation. Two of the largest twisted as if trying to squeeze the life of something.
"Our reputation was bad enough before Saren went rouge. The last thing we need right now is more such stunts." Vasir reasonably pointed out.
"Do you suggest that we wait for the courts or for the Council to cut a deal with the Noveria Development Corporation?" Shepard asked in exasperation.
Vasir opened her mouth to answer but instead raised her left arm. The Asari's omni-tool came to life, surrounding her hand in its orange interface.
"Not at all," The veteran Spectre smirked and sashayed away from the Administrator's office. "I suggest we go to the Mezzanine and get a drink while considering our options." With a flick of her fingers, she forwarded a message to Shepard and Hunter's omni-tools.
It was plain text, just a few sentences long.
Spectre Vasir,
Anoleis is under investigation for corruption. Loriq Qui'in set up. He has evidence. Gather it and convince him to testify, and I'll guarantee you permission to investigate Peak 15. You'll find him drinking at one of the hotel bars.
NDC Internal Affairs
An attachment contained a picture of a middle-aged Turian in a dark blue business suit.
"I can use a drink and some time to relax after our last mission," Shepard said aloud. "Are the bars here any good?"
"What's with you people and drinking?" Hunter asked in exasperation.
"Unless I'm, mistaken, the Hanar can and do drink alcohol." Shepard pointed out.
"During special occasions, not as a matter of course."
"Tell that to Blasto."
"He makes us all look bad!" Hunter grumbled, and his translator stuttered, failing to get through whatever the Hanar was trying to say. Probably curses it wasn't programmed to read.
"Are you ready to return to your ship, Spectres?" Sergeant Stirling and her security detail accosted the three of them shortly after they headed towards the Mezzanine.
"We're going to get a few drinks while waiting for the Citadel Diplomatic Corps and legal teams to reach an agreement with the Corporate Court." Vasir smoothly answered.
"I see. Just make sure to keep your Alliance personnel on a short leash." The Sergeant glared at Shepard before gesturing to her team to follow and they headed back towards the spaceport.
"Shepard, are you sure the good Sergeant isn't a scorned lover or something?" Vasir asked after the latest hostile exchange.
"Never seen her in my life before!" Shepard shrugged. "I know we aren't particularly popular with the outer colonies, but this is a bit much…"
"This one finds the exchange disturbing. Council Diplomatic Corps is concerned about the relationship between the System's Alliance and its outlying colonies. This one has heard of a disturbing amount of hostility and incidents over the past couple of years." Hunter commented.
"As long as the Sergeant behaves, it shouldn't be an issue. Local authorities aren't our greatest fans even at the best of times anyway. This wouldn't be the last time they're mouthing off or being obstructionist. It's just that, it's usually because we're Spectres upsetting their little kingdoms." Vasir dismissed the incident for the time being.
=DC=
It took them an hour or so walking through the Mezzanine and consulting the extranet about the available watering holes as a thin cover before they found Qui'in. He was in the open bar of a small hotel, drinking something purple, and absently tapping on his omni-tool. The place was an odd mix of chiseled stone, small artificial waterfalls, steel, and neon. Compared to many bars Shepard had found himself in the past, this one offered a quiet relaxing atmosphere.
Vasir pointed Shepard and Hunter at the bar, while she grinned widely and headed for the Turian.
"Loriq, my friend, I haven't seen you in ages!" Tela exclaimed aloud, and before the Turian could react, she was sitting on a chair beside him, pulling him into a hug.
"That's one way to greet an old friend I guess…" Shepard spoke aloud and plastered a disarming smile on his face.
The few patrons who paid attention to the commotion snorted and went back to whatever they were doing.
"Now, this one could use a drink!" Hunter declared and floated to the bar, where an amused Asari maiden acted as a bartender.
"I haven't seen you around. What's your poison?"
"What whiskey do you have?" Shepard asked without bothering to examine the bottles behind the bar. "Various colonial blends. If you want a genuine Earth drink, sir, we've got North American Brandy and various Vodka brands. I can also offer you a selection of Asari drinks…"
"Vodka it is. That one is hard to fuck up, as long as someone vaguely competent brews it."
"Alik Tea for me!" Vasir announced aloud. She came to the bar, dragging Qui'in with her. "Shepard, Hunter, this is my old friend Loriq Qui'in! I haven't seen him in years!"
The Turian appeared shifty as if he wanted to be anywhere but there.
"Do you want to get me killed?!" His voice warbled full of worry.
"As I was telling you, buddy, you'll be perfectly safe on Shepard's ship. All you have to do is testify." Vasir cheerfully whispered. "Otherwise, we'll make a real spectacle, then leave." She added happily.
"Spirits damned Spectres."
"As I told, you Shepard, no one appreciates us anymore." Vasir pouted.
"You can at least pay for your boy-toy's drinks, before dragging him to your quarters to have your wicked way with him."
"Wasn't it supposed to be the other way around?" Hunter asked in confusion. "Your mating habits make no sense whatsoever!"
"I still want my tea!" Vasir pouted loudly. "You two are going to the Synthetic Insights offices nearby to retrieve evidence, while I bring him back safely to the ship. I'll be back ASAP with backup just in case. It's high time we give our Turian marines shore leave, don't you think?" Vasir finished in a normal tone.
Qui'in cursed the spirits quietly and pulled out a stack of credit chips along with an access card from one of his pockets.
"You're going to be the death of me!" The Turian bemoaned.
"At least you're going to die a happy man!" Shepard patted him on the back, then swiped the access card from the bar.
Vasir laughed aloud at that and brought Loriq to a nearby chair, where she shoved him roughly to sit down and jumped in his lap.
All Shepard could think was that no one bothered to cover this during his training, not even at the "villa" during N school.
=DC=
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