Author's Note: Thank you to those who followed the story, or added it to their favorites. Not much to say on this one, it is a bit longer than the first five. I hope you all enjoy. I would really love to hear what you're thinking so far, so, please leave me a review and let me know. Enjoy. - TLC
Chapter Six
Early the next morning, Kaidan found Ashley in the mess staring down at her plate of food. He hadn't spoken to her since they'd returned to the ship with Shepard's unconscious form. He made himself a quick breakfast before joining her at the table. "Morning, LT," She offered, sitting up straighter in her seat and resuming her meal.
"Morning, Chief," He answered simply and watched her out of his periphery as they ate in a comfortable silence. She was an attractive woman. She was tall and slim with broad shoulders and well-rounded hips. She had a model's figure, but a soldier's strength. Her dark brown eyes, much darker than Kaidan's own, hid an intelligent wit, an easy humor. Her full lips seemed to smile effortlessly and Kaidan had to wonder just what she could hide behind it. She'd been slightly reserved and quiet since joining the crew. He had no idea what it was like to lose an entire unit, and even less an idea what he could say to her to ease the pain. "How are you liking the Normandy?" He asked simply trying to start a -conversation, get a sense of the Chief.
"I have to admit, I was a little nervous about the assignment; especially considering the circumstances. Everyone has been very welcoming though, which is nice," She admitted as she pushed her food around her plate. "I'm glad the Commander pulled through. I bet the crew could use some good news after … Jenkins," Her voice was soft, withdrawn. He opened his mouth to respond but she sighed and dropped her fork before he could. "Truthfully, I feel guilty being here and I hate feeling that way. I mean, if Jenkins were still alive, I wouldn't be here." He was surprised at her candor, but only momentarily. He had the impression she didn't have a problem speaking her mind.
"Listen, Williams, Jenkins was a valuable part of this crew, but there is not one person assigned to this ship who isn't valuable. Of course, Jenkins will be missed but don't let that take away from the fact that you earned your spot here. The Commander and I wouldn't have made it back to the Normandy without your help. If anyone in the Alliance knows the kind of strength and will it takes to survive what you did, it's Commander Shepard." He finished as he resumed his meal. She was staring at him, and then she sighed.
"Thanks, LT," She offered with a smile as she took a bite of her military grade eggs and sausage. It was quiet for a moment as they tried to enjoy their rations. She commented on the amount of food his rations provided him. He explained simply that a biotic's metabolism was faster than average and they tended to eat more. "So, have you known the Commander long?" She asked casually as she finished up her breakfast.
"No, this is our first assignment together," Kaidan answered and Ashley nodded. They spoke a little more of their histories, past assignments and experience. Kaidan had taken the time this morning to review her file. It was clean; a few commendations and relatively high test scores, with postings that may have been considered beneath her. "You know, with your record, I'm surprised you haven't advanced further, if you don't mind my saying so."
"I appreciate that," Ashley answered, averting her eyes without elaborating. Kaidan took the hint. It seemed everyone on this ship was valuable, and everyone had their own demons. They finished their meal in amicable silence that was only interrupted when Joker's voice rang out over the comm that they were just a few minutes out from the Citadel. "You going to come check out the view?" Ashley asked as they cleared the table. With a nod, Kaidan and Ashley fell into step together and made their way to the Bridge.
Kaidan was not surprised to see Commander Shepard already in the cockpit standing over Joker's shoulder as they approached the station. They made eye contact briefly before Joker spoke, "You're just in time." Kaidan moved to the co-pilot's chair and Shepard kept her spot behind Joker while Ashley moved to look out the port side.
The Citadel was as large as it was beautiful. It gleamed silver against the sky. The station is shaped almost like a five-petaled flower, consisting of a central ring with five protruding arms. For protection, the arms can close on itself transforming the station into a long, invulnerable cylinder. This only happens in times of emergency; typically, the station stays open. The central ring is home to the Presidium, and the Wards can be found on each of the five arms. The Citadel is the capital of the Council space, the center of galactic government and is constantly protected by the Citadel fleet.
"That ship is enormous!" Ashley exclaimed as they circled the station, allowing the crew to get a good view.
"That's the Ascension. It's the head of the fleet," Kaidan stated, awe tinting his voice at the sight of the Asari dreadnaught. The Citadel Fleet was charged with protecting the Council itself in the case of an emergency. Kaidan hazarded a glance towards Shepard. The lights of the holographic, artificial sky danced across her features and the blue of her eyes sparkled as she watched in wonder. He was reminded of the first time he left Earth. The hope he had for what he would see, and how quickly that hope was crushed once he got there.
"Well, size isn't everything," Joker commented under his breath as he pulled the ship around and made his way towards the center ring and the docking bay.
"Why so touchy Joker?" Ashley teased, twisting her body to look at the pilot who was grinning. Kaidan smirked as he glanced up at Shepard again. She had chuckled softly but didn't take her eyes off the station.
"I'm not touchy, I'm just saying, you need fire power, too," Joker answered matter-of-factly, letting the innuendo roll off his back.
"I'm sorry, have you seen its main gun? It could rip through the barriers of any ship in the Alliance fleet," Ashley defended her enthusiasm as she moved to stand next to Shepard behind Joker. Kaidan had to agree with her.
"Not my ship, I mean, not the Normandy," Joker answered defensively, "It would have to catch her first." Ashely conceded that point to Joker before he reached out over the comm, "Citadel control, this is SSV Normandy. Requesting permission to land."
"Alright, Williams, Alenko, get down and get your gear. The Captain wants us to go with him to see the Ambassador. Meet me at the airlock in 10," She ordered and Ashley and Kaidan were quick to salute and head down towards their lockers.
It hadn't taken them long to find the office of the human ambassador, Donnel Udina. Captain Anderson was already there and Shepard took her spot behind him and to his right as Kaidan and Ashley moved to take in the view of the Presidium while eavesdropping on the Ambassador's call to the Council.
"This is an outrage!" Ambassador Udina roared at the Council, and Kaidan couldn't help but think he was handling this the wrong way. You catch more flies with honey. "The Council would step in if the geth attached a Turian colony!"
"The Turians don't found colonies on the borders of the Terminus Systems, Ambassador," The Salarian Councilor, Valern, replied. His tone betraying his annoyance with the Ambassador. Even though the conversation was happening over the comm, and Udina was only speaking to holograms of the Council, the Salarian's eyes still reminded him of the old sci-fi vids he'd enjoyed as a kid. Before getting out here, when humans thought of aliens, they pictured something more like a Salarian than an Asari.
The Asari's are almost human-looking; female human as the Asari are mono-gendered. Their skin tone runs from blue to purple, and sometimes, though rarely, teal. Instead of hair crowning their heads they have semi-flexible, cartilage based, scalp crests that grow back off their heads. Asari are considered attractive by most species in the galaxy and, though Kaidan didn't understand how, they can mate and reproduce with any species. Though the offspring will always be Asari.
The Salarians are amphibians and bipedal. Their frames are tall and their elongated bodies are well-suited for their high metabolism. Salarian heads are long and thin with a pair of horns at the top of their skulls. Their skin varies in color but they are commonly blue or grey. Their eyes are large and oval with thin membranes in lieu of eyelids. The pupils are a wide horizontal slit, and they blink upwards, rather than downwards as humans do. They have no nose, and no lips; their mouths are a long horizontal slit, and every Salarian Kaidan has ever seen, always looks like they are frowning.
The Asari and the Salarians were the first two species to find the Citadel, and they joined with the Turians to form the Council. The Asari have extensive life spans, most will live over one thousand human years. The Turian's life span is about the same as a human, while the Salarians mature much faster due to their metabolisms and to find a Salarian older than forty human years is rare.
"That's right. Humanity was well aware of the risks when you went into the Traverse," The Asari Councilor, Tevos, added in, her tone soft, like a mother gently scolding a child who had burned their hand on a hot stove. It was as if she was sorry you were hurt but, damn it, she told you so. Kaidan could feel the tension rolling off of Shepard and he looked over his shoulder at her. Her hands were balled at her sides, and her biotics were reacting to her anger. He was surprised that she was so affected, but impressed that she could contain it. The power he felt from her was substantial. Anderson placed a hand on her shoulder, and she seemed to calm down. The gesture intrigued him. It seemed more intimate than it should have been, and Kaidan found himself wondering about their history.
"What about Saren?" Udina asked, his tone resigned. "You can't just ignore a rogue Spectre," as if a light bulb went on over his head, his voice raised again, "I demand action!" Kaidan clenched his jaw, he could see why the Council had such a poor opinion of humans. Politicians had never been the most positive example of humanity.
The Turian Councilor, Sparatus, answered him, his two toned voice condescending at best, "You don't get to make demands of the Council, Ambassador."
Tevos broke in to avoid an escalated argument, "Citadel Security is investigating your charges against Saren. We will discuss the C-Sec findings at the hearing, not before." Her tone was matter of fact and dismissive. She ended the call immediately. Their holographic images fading away, and Ambassador Udina turned to address Anderson and his crew for the first time since they entered the room. Ashley and Kaidan turned to join in the conversation now that the call had ended.
Ambassador Udina had the unfortunate luck of resembling a rodent. His facial features were pinched close, nose long and almost hooked. He had deep set, dark eyes full of determination and entitlement. His hair was graying, and receding. His lips were thin and pressed together as if relaxing would cause his face to fall apart. He was just about as tall as Kaidan but had a smaller frame. It was clear this man had never worn armor or held a weapon in his delicate, small hand. He reached out and shook the Captain's large, calloused hand as he greeted him, "Captain Anderson, I see you brought half your crew with you."
"Just the ground team from Eden Prime, in case you had any questions," Anderson responded gesturing to the trio as they took a step forward together.
"I have the mission reports," Udina responded, his voice was nasally and grated on Kaidan's nerves. "I assume they're accurate."
"They are," Anderson nodded, "Sounds like you convinced the Council to give us an audience."
"They were not happy about it," Udina snapped turning away from them for a moment, and pinching the bridge of his nose. He turned back and his brow was creased and he looked almost as if he had a bad taste in his mouth. Kaidan had to be honest, this whole conversation was leaving a bitter taste in his own mouth. "Saren's their top agent. They don't like him being accused of treason."
Kaidan jumped a little when Shepard spoke, her voice was harder than he'd ever heard it, and pure anger laced every word. "This is just like Mindoir."
"Excuse me, Commander?" Udina snapped and Anderson turned to her. He held his hand up, telling her to hold her tongue, but it was as if she couldn't keep the words in.
"I said, this is just like Mindoir. A human colony is attacked and the Council blames the victims instead of working to protect us. Saren is a threat to every human colony and he needs to be stopped," She stated firmly. He knew, in that instant, that it was intentional when she let her biotics flare and ripple over her form. He bit back a smile at the fear that flashed in Udina's eyes before he spoke.
"Settle down, Commander. You've already done more than enough to jeopardize your candidacy for the Spectres. The mission on Eden Prime was a chance to prove you could get the job done. Instead, Nihlus ended up dead-"
"I know what happened on Eden Prime," She interrupted him, her tone deep and menacing. Kaidan saw, now, where her reputation came from and he was glad he was on this side of her. In the span of a few seconds, she had somehow grown taller and larger, filling the room with her presence.
"- and the beacon was destroyed!" Udina finished, his own anger bubbling near the surface.
"That's Saren's fault! Not hers!" Anderson shouted moving to stand between the two. "We're on the same side here. We need to work together to ensure the Council believes us about Saren and guarantee Shepard is made a Spectre."
"Screw being a Spectre! I don't want to be the right hand to those assholes! This is fuckin ridiculous! If they won't stand behind humanity when we are being attacked outright why should we want to work with them?" Shepard shouted and Kaidan took an involuntary step back. The energy from her was igniting his own biotics, and he could feel the energy running through him. If it wasn't for the extreme control he had over his abilities, he might have flared in response to her.
"How do you think we're going to get that respect?" It was Anderson's turn to shout at both of them. "We're not going to get anywhere butting heads with each other or making asinine demands of the council. We wouldn't denounce one of our own agents based on someone's word without proof. How can we expect them to?" Kaidan was suddenly very glad for Anderson's presence and cool, even temper in the room. He was surprised at how quickly Shepard stepped back and bit her tongue. He exchanged an unamused glance with Ashley.
As Udina spoke, Shepard turned her back to him and brought a hand to her brow, "Then we better hope the C-Sec investigation turns up some evidence to support our accusations. Otherwise, the Council might use this as an excuse to keep you out of the Spectres." She dropped her hand and her anger flared, but before she could turn around, her heated gaze locked on Kaidan's. He wasn't sure what she saw there, but she kept his gaze and took a deep breath and slowly let it out. He watched her calm down, her anger ebbed away and she slowly turned around to face the Ambassador, staying brilliantly silent. Udina asked Anderson to stay behind to speak with him privately, and Kaidan could tell they were being dismissed. They were directed to meet them at the Citadel Tower.
"That's why I hate politicians," Ashley muttered as they left his office, just loud enough for Udina to overhear but quiet enough that she could deny having said anything. As they left the office, Shepard looked over at Ashley and smiled. Shepard rolled her shoulders, and stretched her neck from side to side. They were walking for a minute before Ashley spoke again, "You alright, Ma'am? It got a little… tense in there."
She didn't answer right away, just kept her eyes forward as they made their way around to the Citadel Tower. "Yeah, I'm fine," She answered shortly. "I get a little sensitive when colonies are involved. Anderson's right. I've got to keep my head clear." She was speaking to them, in answer to Ashley's question, but it was clear she was reprimanding herself. She let out a deep breath as they reached the elevator at the base of the tower. Kaidan noticed a slight tremble in her hand as she pushed the call button. Immediately, her hands balled and she dropped them to her sides. He looked up to her face, and saw the tension in her features.
"You weren't wrong, Ma'am," Ashley offered as they waited. Shepard closed her eyes and bit her lip without turning to look at them.
"Maybe not, but I handled it wrong," She sighed. "I just want to get this over with and get back to work. Saren is out there getting a larger head start the longer we sit here and pander to the politicians," The elevator arrived and they stepped on and rode it to the top level. The elevator was quiet, and Kaidan could feel the anxiety level rise as they did. They stepped off the elevator and found the top floor of the Tower to be the most luxurious space they'd seen yet. It was a large open area, dimly lit, with flowing fountains and cherry trees. The scent of the cherry blossoms filled the area as they made their way around. They came upon two Turians in a heated discussion and at the mention of Saren's name, Shepard gave the signal to stop and Ashley and Kaidan did, with no question.
When the conversation they had eavesdropped on ended, one Turian turned towards them, "Commander Shepard. I'm Garrus Vakarian with C-Sec," He introduced himself and Shepard nodded at him. They spoke briefly about Garrus's investigation into Saren and how he had not had enough time to get the evidence needed. Garrus wished them luck after Kaidan reminded her the Council hearing would be starting. She nodded at Kaidan, and then at Garrus before making her way towards the Council. Ashley commented on the number of stairs that had to climb to reach the council, then noted it was probably to make it more defensible than anything else. They met Anderson near the top.
"The hearing has already started, come on," He nodded over his shoulder and turned to lead them up the stairs. A look passed between Anderson and Shepard that Kaidan couldn't help but notice and his curiosity piqued again. As they reached the top of the stairs, the Council members came into view, in corporeal form this time. Kaidan noticed the hatred flash in Shepard's eyes when her gaze moved to the holographic form of Saren who was smiling arrogantly down at them. Her jaw clenched and her eyes narrowed as she bit her tongue and watched the hearing unfold.
"The geth attack is a matter of some concern, but there is nothing to indicate Saren was involved in anyway," Tevos spoke softly, attempting to maintain the false calm over the occupants of the room. Sparatus confirmed what Garrus had already told them, that the C-Sec investigation turned up no evidence.
"An eyewitness saw him kill Nihlus in cold blood!" Udina shouted back at them, and Kaidan winced. Apparently, they were going to bang their heads against the Council's walls until they bled. They'd failed; they hadn't obtained the necessary evidence.
Valern responded simply, his tone cool and words quick as he turned his large, black eyes towards the Ambassador, "We've read the Eden Prime reports, Ambassador. The testimony of one traumatized dockworker is hardly compelling proof."
"I resent these accusations. Nihlus was a fellow Spectre, and a friend," Saren's voice was deep, and saccharine. Kaidan cringed when he spoke.
"That just let you catch him off guard!" Anderson shouted back, surprising Kaidan and Ashley made a flinching noise under her breath.
"Ah, Captain Anderson," His voice was smug, and Kaidan's jaw clenched in response. "It's been awhile. Suddenly, it's all makes sense. Of course you're here. You're always involved when humanity makes false charges against me. This must be your protégé, Commander Shepard," Her name was a sneer, and Kaidan involuntarily balled his fists at his sides with the effort to remain quiet. "The one who let the beacon get destroyed."
Shepard's voice was low and threatening, "You destroyed the beacon, and then tried to cover it up." He could feel the restraint she used to keep from shouting as she glared at him.
Saren chuckled, "I see Captain Anderson taught you well. Shifting the blame to cover your own failures. Typical. I would expect nothing else from a human. Your species needs to learn its place, Shepard. You're not ready to join the Council. You're not even ready to join the Spectres!"
The condescension in tone was more than Udina could handle. He turned his attention back to the Council, "He has no right to say that! That is not his decision!" Kaidan shook his head gently, and looked to Ashley who rolled her eyes.
Tevos broke in, ever the mediator, "Shepard's admission into the Spectres is not the purpose of this meeting," She reminded them and Shepard's shoulders rose and fell with a sigh.
"This meeting has no purpose," Saren muttered, his mandibles flaring, "The humans are wasting your time, Councilors, and mine."
Shepard turned her icy gaze to the Spectre, "You can't hide behind the council forever." There was no doubt it was a threat, or a promise. Kaidan felt his confidence rise with her tone. She wouldn't stop, no matter what the Council decided. She turned her attention back to the Councilors, as Saren huffed. "You need to open your eyes."
"What we need," Valern snapped, "is evidence. So far, we have seen nothing."
Anderson spoke up and Shepard groaned quietly, Kaidan had a feeling he knew what was coming, and he could understand Shepard's hesitation at mentioning this. Anderson shot her a look before continuing, "There is still one outstanding issue: Commander Shepard's vision. It may have been triggered by the beacon."
Saren scoffed, "Are we allowing dreams into evidence now? How can I defend my innocence against this kind of testimony?"
Sparatus spoke up, "I agree. Our judgment must be based on facts and evidence, not wild imaginings and reckless speculation."
Valern turned his attention to Shepard, and asked if she had anything to add. She scowled at Saren, knowing this had been a colossal waste, "You've made your decision. I wouldn't want to waste any more of your time, or my breath." She snapped, disgust tainting every word.
Tevos looked to both Valern and Sparatus before speaking, "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." Her word was final.
"I'm glad to see justice was served," Saren stated, and for the first time turned his attention to Ashley, his mandibles flared again before his hologram winked out. It almost sounded like Ashley growled, and Kaidan reached out and took her wrist to bring her attention back where it needed to be. She looked to him, her eyes blazing. If Saren had read the Eden Prime reports, he would have known they'd picked up a survivor. He was a Spectre, he had to have known Ashley was it. Thankfully, Tevos spoke adjourning the meeting. The humans left behind turned towards each other after walking down a flight of stairs.
"It was a mistake bringing you into that hearing, Captain. You and Saren have too much history. It made the Council question our motives," Udina sighed scrubbing a hand over his face. Shepard started to speak on behalf of her mentor, when Anderson held up a hand.
"I know Saren. He's working with the geth for one reason: to exterminate the entire human race. Every colony we have is at risk. Every world we control is in danger. Earth isn't safe!" Anderson argued. Ashley asked about his history with Saren, and Shepard's cold gaze moved to her before telling her now was not the time.
"We need to deal with Saren ourselves," Shepard declared shifting her weight from one foot to the other. She was clearly anxious to stop standing around. They took a few minutes to discuss their options, which were limited due to his Spectre status. It was decided they would search out Garrus, to see what he knew. Though, they wouldn't be able to go through standard channels. Anderson directed Shepard to meet with a disgraced C-Sec contact who would be found drowning his sorrows at Chora's Den, a seedy bar in the lower wards.
It was also decided that Shepard would handle the investigation. Udina wanted Anderson's hands and history off any evidence they found. Captain Anderson looked to Shepard who had concern written on her features, "Go get the evidence we need. You don't need me to get this done. You've got this. Bring whatever you can find to the Ambassador's office. That's where I'll be." She nodded, snapped to attention and saluted him. He let a proud smile pull at the corners of his mouth and returned the salute. He turned on his heel then, and walked away.
Shepard turned to her crew. "You heard the Captain. Move out."
"I can't believe they sidelined him," Ashley commented to Kaidan as they followed Shepard through the Wards towards Chora's Den. They had certainly entered the poorer section of the Citadel, and Kaidan realized it was more than just a space station. It had an economy and a social structure of its own. Kaidan glanced to Shepard's back as she led them, but he didn't respond to the Chief's comment. "I mean, there must have been a reason. He didn't even put up a fight."
"He has a history with Saren," Shepard said around a sigh as she slowed her step, allowing Kaidan and Ashley to flank her as they continued walking. She paused in her words without breaking her stride. "That's all I'm going to say about it. It's a private matter and if the Captain wants to share it with you, he will. It's his story," Shepard dictated and Ashley's questions fell silent. Kaidan was more curious than ever as to the Commander's relationship with their Captain. Like she said, however, it was private and not his place to ask.
They reached Chora's Den and, as they turned the corner, a shot rang out. The three marines dropped into cover. They waited for a break in the gunfire, eyes on Shepard. An eerie silence filled the area seconds before Shepard stood from behind the low concrete wall and hit one of the assassins with a biotic throw tossing them against the opposite wall. Kaidan activated his omni-tool and, remaining in cover, sabotaged the other's rifle allowing Ashley to take him out with a clean shot to the center of his chest. Shepard was glowing blue as Kaidan checked his 'tool for other hostiles in the area. "All clear," He announced as he stood, without looking up from his 'tool.
Shepard continued to glow as she calmed down from the surprise attack. She opened her omni'tool as she directed her team, "Williams, notify C-Sec. Alenko, check the bodies. I need to know if this was random or…" Her voice trailed off as her attention turned to the call she had placed, and she turned her back to them. Kaidan moved over to their fallen attackers. It didn't take him long to hack the simple security on the thugs omni'tools, and even less time to find the information he was looking for. He moved over to Shepard, and Ashley met him at her side. He noticed Anderson was on the other end of her 'tool's comm. "What did you find?" She asked him as the first C-Sec agents arrived on the scene.
"Mercenaries, someone put out a hit on you," Kaidan answered, his voice grim as her eyes darkened angrily.
She turned her attention back to Anderson when he spoke from her wrist, "My guess would be Saren. Watch yourself, Shepard," He ordered before promising her he would handle the paperwork with C-Sec and told her to keep looking. She acknowledged his order and ended the call.
"Well, Dad always said, if no one's shooting at you, you're not doing it right," Ashley commented. Shepard turned her eyes towards the entrance to the club and motioned for them to follow. If she found Ashley's aside humorous, she didn't show it. They stowed their weapons and made their way inside the club.
Kaidan was instantly assaulted by the fluorescent lighting and pounding beat of the music. If they spent too much time here, he was sure to end up with a migraine. It was the reason he avoided places like these. He looked around, there was a bar in the center of the club and tables scattered around the perimeter. At each table, there were a few chairs and an asari dancer, scantily clad and moving slowly and seductively to the music. He cleared his throat as his eyes drifted over the dancers. "I can see why this place is so popular, it's got quite the uh, view," Kaidan commented absently as they made their way around the bar, checking for Harkin.
Shepard's brow creased and she looked at him out of the corner of her eye for a brief second before Ashley spoke, "Hey, LT, pick your tongue up off the floor before you trip over it," She paused for a second, "Figures, we're a million light years away from Earth and we can still walk into a night club where men ogle over women shaking their asses on stage. I can't tell if that's funny or sad."
"What? You don't think they're here for the food?" Kaidan asked, his tone teasing.
"Enough," Shepard snapped, and Kaidan's gaze shot to her. She was still in front of them, and her head was turned slightly so he was looking at her profile. She seemed annoyed at their conversation, and Ashley and Kaidan both offered apologies before falling in line behind her. She gave the signal to stop, and turned towards them making it appear they were in a group and having a discussion as she listened to two Krogan arguing near the back offices. Apparently, the owner of the club had gotten himself into trouble with some mercenaries. It wasn't until after the Krogan conversation was over that they continued their search for Harkin.
They found him sitting at a back table surrounded by half a dozen empty bottles and another in his hand. Kaidan watched as Harkin's dark, drunken gaze traveled from Shepard's toes, and ended on her face. He licked his lips, and his grin was predatory when he spoke, "Hey, sweetheart, why don't you pull up a chair and sit that perfect little ass next to old Harkin here, and we'll see what kind of fun we can have tonight," His voice was slurred and sleazy. She placed her hand on her hip and shifted so her hip was cocked to her right. She looked confident and in control, and never sexier.
"Not a chance, Harkin. I'm here for information not fun, and I hear you might have the information I need," She stated, her voice firm, but not cold. Kaidan felt the disgust curdle in his core at the way Harkin was staring at her, his eyes trailing openly over her form and lingering at her curves.
"I think we can work out an… arrangement," He said leaning forward, resting his elbows on his knees and looking up at her. He reached his hand out towards her hip and without thinking Kaidan flared his biotics, his entire frame sheathed in blue at the same instant Ashley pulled out and cocked her pistol. Harkin raised his hands and sat back in his seat.
"Me too, you give me the information and you get to leave with your balls attached," She threatened and Harkin scrubbed a hand over his face and passed his receding hairline to scratch his head.
"What do you want?" He asked, lifting his drink to his lips.
"Where can I find Garrus Vakarian?" Shepard asked and Kaidan discharged the energy while Ashley stowed her pistol.
"Vakarian, huh? You must be part of Anderson's crew. Crazy bastard's still trying to bring Saren down. Alright, Princess, I know where Garrus is but first you have to tell me. Did the Captain let you in on his little secret?" Harkin sneered. Kaidan and Ashley exchanged a glance.
"Call me Princess again, and you'll be picking your teeth up off the floor. Stop jerkin me around, Harkin," Shepard demanded again, her eyes narrowing.
"Fine, fine. You crazy bitch, I'll tell you where Garrus is, but before I do you should know, they were going to make Anderson a Spectre about twenty years ago. He says Saren fucked it up for him and has had a personal vendetta…"
Shepard interrupted him with her pistol against his forehead, "Vakarian?" Harkin glared at her, clearly not appreciating the threat. He swallowed hard.
"He was sniffing around Dr. Michel's office. She runs the med clinic on the other side of the wards. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to finish my drink in peace," He snarled and Shepard stowed her weapon and turned on her heel to head back out the exit with Kaidan and Ashley following. Shepard hadn't seemed as surprised by Harkin's claim as he had been. Anderson was to be a Spectre? He could understand now why the Council would find it hard to believe them about Saren with Anderson involved, if Harkin was telling the truth.