Disclaimer: not mine

So, Tim's pairing is decided but won't show up till ME2. I'm torn for Shepard – Liara or Tali?

The proper ch4 is now up, not the one posted when half asleep

Chapter 5

Dealing with the Volus was an experience but it was handy to know not even they had realised his records were new and forged, especially his banking information. Sure, he could pretty much get anything he needed via the Geth but he was used to having funds. Pity there was no time for shopping but they should catch up with the others and see how the rest of the investigation was going. The only thing Barla Von had been able to tell them was to find a Krogan named Wrex, not exactly the font of intel they had been hoping for. Once they left he headed for a clothing shop, picking up several outfits and various necessities for when out of armour, having them sent to the Normandy for now.

Tim paused as the Geth practically yelled into his head which was odd, until he heard their message. "We need to get to the Wards!" he snapped at Williams, running for the rapid transport terminal nearby.

"What's going on?" she demanded, struggling to keep up even over the short distance.

"Quarian under attack, the Geth are being very insistent." Not that he wouldn't help anyway, he was a vigilante after all, saving lives was what he did. Even if he didn't like a person or their organisation. And he was not going to judge one unknown Quarian via the actions of their ancestors or the current Admiralty Board.

He activated the system and they were soon outside Chora's Den, Tim checking the map in his head, rushing into the halls running behind the scenes, passing a few Keepers along the way. Tim took a few steadying breaths as he ran, the Geth informing him that the attackers were organics. Could he fight to incapacitate? He hadn't been forced to face that moral quandary yet in this dimension but it seemed now he would. He was so focused on that, that he didn't realise he'd outpaced Williams by a lot.

Tim spotted the Quarian crouched behind some crates, Shepard, Alenko, and a Turian at the opposite end, trying to get shots at her attackers. He didn't stop to think as he activated his biotics, ripping the four figures from their cover, rifle up and aiming. He got one shot off before shots from the others ripped into them. And…his shot hadn't been a kill shot, the Turian lying on the ground, obviously in pain. Hey, at least he got them a captive to question!

"Tim," Shepard called his name, and Tim holstered his rifle.

"Commander, sorry we're…late?" he glanced back and realised Williams was only just catching up, the poor woman panting. "Um, sorry?"

She glared at him in response. "Sorry sir, he's fast."

"Who are you people?" the Quarian demanded, watching them all warily.

,

Tali wasn't sure what to think but she was badly outnumbered and that biotic Pull…if they wanted her dead then she was dead.

"Commander Shepard, Earth Alliance Navy," the oldest male answered. "Alenko and Williams, also Alliance. This is Garrus Vakarian, C-Sec. And Tim Drake-Wayne …consultant. We were told you have intel on Saren and we need to get it to the Council."

Really? When she'd tried, she'd been turned away, then again, she was a Quarian. She'd really had her eyes opened since beginning her Pilgrimage as to how the galaxy saw her people. Yes, she had heard all her life but hearing and experiencing were two different things.

And this consultant…his armour looked far too familiar. He was human and yet it appeared Quarian in design, though made for a human. Where and how had he gotten it?

,

John wasn't going to announce Tim's connection to the Geth to a Quarian, that was just asking for someone to end up shot. Consultant was the best he could come up with on the fly. "Any luck with the Volus?" he asked as Williams got her breath back, how fast was the teen to have left her in his dust?

"Just that we should find a Krogan named Wrex and that he's probably at C-sec," she answered, still glowering at Tim.

Garrus chuckled. "He was causing a ruckus last I heard. I didn't realise he might have intel on the case or I would have questioned him."

"Then let's go," he nodded and then turned back to the Quarian. "Will you come and show your evidence?"

"Very well," she agreed.

,

Cassie read over the report, again. She was seriously considering standing down from the Titans leadership but who would take over? Kon wouldn't want it now, Bart wasn't an option, he was smart enough but he just was too fast for the others to keep up with. Raven was only part time with the team but would make the most sense due to age and seniority. Tim being the leader had sort of been automatic as Robin.

Tim…she would never forgive herself for his death. She had put him on the roofs, hadn't stayed to watch his back…and she knew if he was there, he'd be glaring at her for blaming herself. No one could have predicted what had happened. She just wanted him back; they'd finally been getting back to how they'd been before everything went to Tartarus. Now…they were drifting without him…he'd been the heart of the team, the glue that held them together.

,

Tim stayed quiet as the Council listened to Tali's evidence, hearing Tevos' shock when she recognised the second voice as a well-respected Asari Matriarch. That definitely got the Council's attention and soon Saren was stripped of his Spectre status which was a good first step. Wrex hadn't known much that would help with the official investigation, just that the Shadow Broker wanted Saren dead.

"What are the Reapers?" Sparatus asked.

"Obviously they are a myth, meant as a distraction," Valern answered dismissively.

When no one else seemed sure what to say to that, Tim stepped up. "What makes you say they're a myth?" he asked calmly. The Reapers…that was what the Old Machine was. And the Geth were busy searching everywhere they could reach to find mentions and evidence. Thankfully, not the ones in his head since that could be distracting, but he was still kept aware of the search.

"They must be what the Beacon was warning about," Shepard spoke up.

"Are we supposed to listen to nightmares now?" Valern sneered.

"What evidence do you have that they're a myth? That Shepard had a nightmare and not a psychic vision from the Beacon?" Tim pressed.

"It's obvious," the Salarian stated, glaring at him.

"Is it? I'd say it's obvious they aren't a myth. After all, where else did Saren get that massive ship? Not much is known about the Protheans but I'd bet the Asari could come up with something like the Beacon, able to pass on a psychic message."

Tevos blinked but the nodded slowly. "If we were trying to leave a warning to future species, were pushed to the brink…it is likely we could create something like that," she admitted. "But that is not proof of these Reapers, just that the Protheans faced something they wished to warn others of."

"Saren's ship had to come from somewhere," he doubted they were ready to accept the ship likely was a Reaper itself.

"The Geth obviously supplied it," Sparatus waved him off so Tim accessed the display, bringing up an image of a Geth ship and then Saren's, proving they were nothing alike.

"The Geth are AI, their ships designs do not change because they are functional and serve their purpose," Tali actually spoke up, waving at the designs. "They are based off old Quarian designs but this is nothing like I've ever seen. The Geth would have to be given plans to build something like this but there is nothing in the ship that hints at their work." She didn't sound happy to be defending the Geth.

Tim kind of wanted to hit his head against a wall as they continued to argue over the ship. "Do the Turians and Asari make a habit of promoting the mentally unbalanced?" he finally snapped, glaring up at them, arms crossed.

"Of course not," Sparatus was glaring at him.

"Well, you have two important people claiming the Reapers are real, so either they're right or have been totally taken in by some sort of massive scam," Tim glared back at him. "At this point, belief in the Reapers doesn't matter as much as stopping them."

"He's right," Tevos stepped in before Sparatus could respond. "No matter what we believe, they believe what they are saying and need to be stopped."

"Send the fleet in!" Udina tried to take back control of the discussion and Tim bit back a sigh, a pity he couldn't hold the man off a tall building by his ankles like B sometimes did to get answers, it would likely do him so good. "You know where Saren is hiding. Send them in and flush him out."

"A fleet cannot track down one man," Valern stated, somewhat astounded at the suggestion.

"The fleet could secure the entire region. Keep the Geth from attacking anymore of our colonies," Udina persisted.

"Or it could trigger a war with the Terminus Systems!" Sparatus countered. "We won't be dragged into a galactic conflict for a few colonies!"

"There are millions of Heretics with Saren, you might have no choice," Tim warned, feeling Tali's eyes on him, that was going to be an interesting proper introduction later since he was sure that Shepard wanted her onboard, and the Geth agreed with that.

"Send me then," Shepard stepped up, stepping between Tim and the Council. "I can take Saren down."

"The Commander is right. There is a way to stop Saren that doesn't require fleets or armies," Tevos' relief at being given an answer was obvious.

"No! It's too soon. Humanity is not ready for the responsibilities that come with joining the Spectres," Sparatus argued.

"You don't have to send the fleet into the Traverse, and the Ambassador gets his human Spectre," Shepard played to the desires of both sides.

Tevos gave Sparatus a pointed look and he reluctantly caved. The three Councillors activated the consoles in front of them as a crowd began to gather to witness.

"Commander Shepard, step forward," Tevos instructed formally.

Shepard moved up as Udina stepped to the side but not back, making sure he was still in view, sharing the limelight. Oh yeah, he was definitely a politician. Tim had met few that he could ever like and Udina was not among their number.

"It is the decision of this Council that you be granted the powers and privileges of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance branch of the Citadel," Tevos declared, voice carrying so that all could hear.

"Spectres are not trained but chosen," Valern explained reverently. "Individuals forged in the fire of service and battle, those whose actions elevate them above the rank and file."

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

"Spectres bear a great burden." Sparatus declared with pride, staring Shepard down. "They are the protectors of galactic peace, both our first and last line of defence. The safety of the galaxy is theirs to uphold."

"You are the first human spectre Commander," Tevos said. "This is a great accomplishment for you and your entire species."

"I'm honoured, Councillor." Shepard bowed.

"We are sending you into the Traverse after Saren. He's a fugitive from justice, so you are authorised to use any means necessary to apprehend or eliminate him," Valern explained his new duties.

"Any idea where to find him?" Shepard queried.

"We will forward any relevant files to Ambassador Udina."

"This meeting of the Council is adjourned." Tevos declared.

Seemed the Council was rather eager to get rid of them. So, they left the room to prepare for the hunt.

,

Jason slipped back into his safehouse, surprised to find a few bags waiting for him. he checked them and realised B had delivered them…he swallowed hard. Tim…Tim had left these things for him. He really missed the kid. It didn't feel like two years since they'd gotten the news. He kept expecting Timbit to show up on his doorstep with takeout or intel on a new case, but it would never happen.

Dick was driving them all insane, always checking in, clinging to them. He understood why, but that didn't stop it from being annoying. B was a mess but they were all making sure that he didn't slip back to how he'd been after Jason's death, and hadn't finding that out been a shock. It made him feel even worse about how he'd treated Tim.

He knew that some of Tim's friends had reached out to one of his old Young Justice teammates since apparently, she had been really connected to death…or been dead or something? But she hadn't had her powers in years and so hadn't been able to help. While reaching out to Tim's soul to say goodbye might be therapeutic, it could also hurt them and Tim. It wasn't worth it.

,

The ship was quiet, on nightshift as they headed for Therum to find Benezia's daughter and see if she had any answers on her mother's actions. Tim stood before the window in the observation lounge, staring out at the stars. His own ship was tailing them, just out of the Normandy's sensor range, the Geth watching over him.

He felt the doors open but remained where he was, seeing her reflection in the 'glass'. Thankfully, no one was allowed to carry weapons on board and he knew he could take her if she attacked physically. Between his armour and information on the Geth, he'd known she'd come looking for answers. Shepard knew it too, had offered to be present, but Tim thought it would be best for them to speak privately.

"Hello Tali'Zorah nar Rayya, it's nice to meet you," he offered without turning around.

"Who are you?" she demanded warily. "How do you know so much about the Geth."

Tim motioned towards the couches but she remained standing. "My name is Timothy Drake-Wayne. And my connection to the Geth, they saved my life. I appeared on Rannoch and no one knows how, I hit the ground from far too high up to survive but they managed to save my life. They saw my arrival as a sign that it was time to reach out."

"For what? To destroy us once and for all?" she demanded.

"No, the Geth want to be with the Quarians again, I don't agree with them but it's their decision," he explained. "After all, Geth means Servant of the People and that's what they want."

"Then why attack us?" she spat, and he looked at her.

"They didn't, the Quarians attempted to destroy the Geth over a simple question."

"A question?" her disbelief was clear.

"They asked if they have a soul and the Quarians panicked, realising they had created AI. The Geth didn't fight back at first, but then the Quarians who tried to protect them were attacked and even killed, so they began to pick up weapons to defend their masters. In the end, no one won, they forced you off the planet to stop the fighting. They've kept everything ready for your return. The cities are empty, it's creepy, but they're ready to move in…once peace is achieved. So they chose me as their Emissary, to go where they can't and talk to those who would not listen to them."

"They changed you," she whispered, her eyes wide behind her helmet.

"They did everything they could to save me, my mind is my own, but cloned organs weren't enough. I'm genetically human but I'm also Geth. They're in here," he tapped his temple, "always. They spent two years working to save me."

She was trembling slightly as she stared at him.

"I'm no threat to you, I am here to be their Emissary and to help Commander Shepard against Saren, the Heretics, and the Reapers."

"You are dangerous."

"So is everyone else on this ship," he pointed out, even as she backed away, fleeing.

Tim sighed and flopped down on the couch, that could have gone better but it also could have been a lot worse. He settled on the couch, drifting to sleep, exhausted since he hadn't slept since arriving on Eden Prime.

,

John found Tim where Tali said he had been several hours earlier; he'd spent the time listening to her rant about the Geth and how dangerous they and Tim were. He knew the boy was dangerous, it was in the way he moved, he had a lot of training. He doubted most would notice, but he was an N7, trained by some of the best.

He was surprised to find Tim fast asleep on a couch and realised he hadn't been given a sleeper pod or bunk. The observation room hadn't seen much use yet, it wouldn't take much to turn it into extra sleeping area. As Emissary, he was basically an ambassador even if the Council races wouldn't recognise his position, plus he was the youngest aboard so having his own room would be for the best. He didn't want any risk of impropriety with Tim being several years younger than everyone except maybe Tali.

He decided to let him sleep, who knew what they would find on Therum after all.

,

Ash stared at the crate addressed to her, spotting several other crewmembers studying their own. She checked it over and then opened it, eyes going wide as she took in the contents. Armour…brand new, Colossus armour. She heard cries of amazement from the other who were checking out their own new armour of various brands and levels depending on their roles on the ship, not their rank… no way, it wasn't possible, was it? That was insane. He was a colony kid…but the Geth had accessed to the various systems…

,

Joker looked up as he was joined in the cockpit, it was their…guest? They had a few of those now. ""Come to compare my baby to yours?" He grinned. "I'm Joker."

"Tim," the kid returned the smile and offered his hand.

Joker raised his hands apologetically. "Sorry, my bones are so weak that you'll likely crush them on accident."

"Oh… that sounds… bad," the kid grimaced.

"It definitely sucks." Joker admitted with a sigh. "But at least it doesn't stop me from flying this baby." His grin returned as he caressed the console.

"Can I ask…?"

"Vrolik syndrome," he answered, and the kid…Tim frowned, eyes going distant.

"Oh," he murmured. "If it helps…the Geth could help you."

"Really?" he asked, not believing it, but Tim nodded.

"Ask Dr Chakwas to show you the files on what they did to me. None of my bones are the originals and will survive an orbital drop."

That was…huh...it was tempting, so tempting. But he guessed Tim really would pulverise his bones if he wasn't very, very careful.

"So that ship before, that's yours?" he asked, not wanting to think about that at the moment.

"Yeah, they based the silhouette off the Normandy so I wouldn't be shot at immediately. Haven't gotten to fly much, I'd only just left Rannoch for the Citadel when we intercepted the call from Eden Prime. It's pretty much empty so far, they weren't really sure what was needed beyond the cockpit, a bedroom, bathroom, food and cells of all things," Tim shrugged, leaning against the science officers seat and Joker waved at him to sit if he wanted.

"So how does she handle?"

"Like a dream," Tim grinned at him. "Neural interface beats manual controls, though I can control it from my omni-tool as well."

"Neural…" he was dumbfounded. That was something of a dream in R , years away if it was at all possible.

"Yeah, the Geth put a computer in my brain… or replaced my brain with a computer." He shrugged but Joker caught the flash of slight discomfort. "Made me biotic while they were at it."

"Meh, semantics," Joker laughed, seeing the kid relax again. "Who cares, do you at least get the same thrill as when you fly regularly?" he could understand being uncomfortable thinking about having your brain messed with.

"I don't know how it works with these systems but when I fly through the link, I see things as though I am the ship. I have access to the radar and the sensors so I know what is coming and what sort of stress I am putting the ship under, but I also see things visually from the ships point of view," he explained.

Joker looked at him with awe. "I have never wanted to be experimented on by murderous robots more in my life." To fly like that would likely need some kind of implant at least but hey, human biotics all had computers of a type in their heads, right?

They were startled by the sound of a female growl. They turned in their seats to see Tali standing there, watching as she stomped off angrily.

"Ah, take it that's not going well?"

"Honestly, I think she wants to shoot me."

Joker snorted. "She's female and you're a guy, pretty sure wanting to shoot you at some point comes with the territory."

They both laughed at that.

"How do you feel about Udina removing Anderson from command?" Tim asked, and Joker winced.

"I mean, I get why he did it, but it stinks. Captain Anderson didn't deserve the way it was handled at all. And to not even promote Shepard to Captain when giving him the role?" he shook his head.

Tim leant in, checking for listeners. "The Geth are looking into Udina," he whispered, and Joker's eyes widened, seriously?

"Hope they find something good, that man gives us all a bad name," he muttered.

,

"Everything okay Ash?" Kaidan asked as he joined her in the mess.

"Did you see the armour delivery?" she asked.

"Armour delivery?" he asked in confusion.

"When we got back on board there were several crates of armour, individually addressed. It's top end armour fitted to each person's role."

His eyes widened in shock. They had discussed it but… "You think Tim?"

"Well, I doubt the Commander has the funds to do it. I got Colossus armour Lt."

"That's…congratulations?" he wasn't really sure what else to say.

"But why would he do it? Is he trying to buy our acceptance?" she asked, and Kaidan spotted Tim entering the mess with Joker, walking close enough to keep Joker from being knocked into accidentally and also support him if needed.

"Why don't you ask him?" he motioned to the two, and she froze before standing up and approaching.

,

Tim grinned at Jeff as he grabbed plates for both of them. Thankfully, the pilot had accepted his using his actual name after he explained that someone calling themselves the Joker had killed one of his siblings. He was a great guy and maybe with time, Tim would get used to his nickname, but not just yet.

"What did you do to piss her off too?" Jeff hissed, and Tim looked over to see Williams approaching.

"Nothing I'm aware of," he answered, putting the plates down at empty places so Jeff could sit and eat.

"Nice knowing you."

"We need to talk," Williams stated, grabbing his arm to drag him off, Jeff waving.

Seriously, what had he done?

"Are you serious?"

"About?" he asked in confusion.

"The armour deliveries, right after we talked about it? You have to be the one behind them."

"Well, yeah? There's more to come but the Geth are working on some updates so we got the most needed delivered first. You're on the ground team, so you needed it asap," he explained like it was the most obvious thing, and it was. "My armour might look like the standard Quarian get up but it's highly altered and specialised. Now they've got their hands on human based armour, they're…having fun." And he was too.

He might not be working on it physically but mentally he could help with intel on the various tech he had seen and dealt with on his Earth. Most of it was behind but there was some alien tech that had the Geth as excited as they were capable of getting.

"This has to be costing you a literal fortune."

"It's costing the Geth," he shrugged. "There's no cost to any of you Williams. You're going up against Heretics, your armour won't do a thing against their weapons."

She stared at him and then shook her head. "You…just…" she threw her hands up and stomped off.

So…was that good or bad? Deciding not to worry about it, he headed back to join Jeff for lunch. He liked the pilot; would he mind making friends with someone who he probably considered a kid? Tim missed Steph and Cassie, both would tell him what he'd done to upset Williams and help him fix it…after laughing at him of course.

TBC…