AN: What do you think, do you want to see Die for the cause as its own story? Thoughts, comments, suggestions and constructive criticism would be appreciated!
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.
Die for the Cause
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Prologue: Case Black
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Part 4
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21.04.2183 GS /Galactic Standard/
Fist's office
Chora's den
Zakera Ward
The Citadel
Vasir glared at the drooling and grinning like a fool human crumpled at her feet. She took what useful bits of information Fist had about Saren – which were barely enough to warrant investigation and left him with the impression of a session of the most amazing sex he had ever experienced. She pocked him with a toe. Perhaps it had been too impressive for his brain to handle. The Spectre grumbled in disgust, shed what was left of her dress and lifted Fish with her biotics long enough to grab his arm and activate his omni-tool. Now that she had his codes, it was a child's play to syphon all data he had available in the office. Some bored analyst backed by expert VI's would be going over the information. At worst, C-SEC would be happy and it usually paid to give them such morsels – more often than not, that whole institution was uncomfortable with the freedom of action and ability to disregard the laws Spectres enjoyed so it was a good policy to keep them happy when practical. That was doubly true when you were an Asari and could expect to be a Spectre for centuries yet.
A few minutes later, Vasir had syphoned all data from both the omni-tool and personal computer at Fist's desk, retrieved a few hidden data-disks containing all kinds of interesting information, primary blackmail and now it was time to decide what to do about the still drooling human. The most straightforward course of action was to call C-SEC, help them subdue the guards and hand them Fisk bow-tied.
Plan B was to erase any recordings of her being here and leave him a message that he would be even happier once a certain Quarian girl was dealt with – give him more rope to hang himself while monitoring his activities. Once said girl was in custody and it was clear why Saren wanted her silenced, it would be possible to arrange for Fist's goons to "kill" her in order to give both him and Saren the impression they got off clean.
Decision, decisions… Vasir accessed Fist's security system deleting her presence and inserting a few nasty worms made by the STG then went back to his desk where the Human had an old fashioned paper notepad. She scratched a short message, dragged Fist up to his couch and put it on his chest. Now to secure a bit of clothing and make herself scarce. She had a kid to track down before she could get herself killed…
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21.04.2183 GS /Galactic Standard/
Docks
The Citadel
Two hours later, Vasir arrived at the meeting place between the Quarian girl and Fist's men. To her utmost displeasure, she was too late and even C-SEC beat her there.
"Tela Vasir, Special Tactics and Reconnaissance." She flashed her ID to the pair of armoured Turians keeping a group of curious bystanders away.
"Ma'am." One of them nodded and sent a signal from his omni-tool that allowed her to pass through the laser barrier cordoning the crime scene without triggering an annoying alarm.
A Turian detective oversaw a pair of crime scene investigators who had drones hovering over three bodies busy scanning them.
"How long ago?" Vasir didn't waste time with pleasantries. Getting herself some proper gear, ensuring the data she salvaged – both physical or otherwise wasn't lost if something happened to her took her too long. It didn't help that for the time being the investigation had to be low key. On the other hand, even with the tip she gave C-SEC the moment she was safely clear from Chora's Den, hadn't been enough for a ERS team to get to the Quarian in time. On the bright side, the kid apparently had claws and wasn't afraid to use them.
"Three rather well equipped thugs. At a first glance they jumped the wrong 'victim'." The Turian's voice warbled in grim amusement. "One took a micro-grenade to the throat."
He jabbed a talon at a Turian corpse whose head was almost separated from the torso. It looked like only the armour kept it more or less in place. At a closer look, it was certainly less – the explosion had vaporized the throat and most of the lower jaw and mandibles were simply missing along with a solid chunk of the spine. Nicely done, Tela nodded in silent approval.
"This one," The Detective pointed at the next corpse, a Batarian this time, "got hit with a very powerful Overload that fried his shields and stunned him for a few moments. If I'm to guess, military grade tech. While he was incapacitated, the 'victim' used an automatic shotgun to turn this one's chest to jelly." Another finger jab, this time at the third corpse. It used to be a human and he used to have a torso that hadn't been a paste before his run in with the Quarian. "With him done, our Batarian client managed to recover and sent couple of bursts at our 'victim'." Yet another jab, this time towards a row of weapon within clearly labelled plastic bags that stood to the side awaiting pickup. "Polonium rounds, nasty stuff." The next jab was far to the right. "He managed to hit our 'victim' and go past their shields and armour. I'm still waiting for the camera records to be certain because of the radiological contamination, however we're rather sure the 'victim' is a she. Dextro, either Turian or Quarian. For her sake I hope Turian. Once the lab techs go over the blood sample we can give you more, ma'am. As you can see, the 'victim' wasn't happy at being shot and shotgunned our Batarian friend in the head."
The shattered helmet and missing face told Vasir that much.
"Get those recording yesterday, Detective. Your victim is a Quarian who is a person of interest. She has data we need. If you find her, approach her carefully and take her into protective custody. Don't let another Spectre approach her or arrange her release unless Palin has received direct orders from the Council – face to face."
The Detective's eyes widened at those orders. There were very specific circumstances when one Spectre could and should deny access to another.
"Case Black?" The Detective whispered just loud enough for Vasir to hear.
"That's what we're trying to figure out."
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Part 5
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21.04.2183 GS /Galactic Standard/
C-SEC HQ
The Citadel
At a glance, C-SEC was engulfed by controlled chaos – so situation normal, all fucked up as usual. Garrus Vakarian's mandibles twitched in amusement at the thought. It was too bad that he knew better. First, the Executor pulled him aside and gave him a new assignment – to look into the activities of not only a Spectre but Saren of all people! Council orders so no way to even protest the orders for even a rather bad Turian like him. If that wasn't bad enough, not only everything that Saren touched went classified way about Garrus' pay-grade, now C-SEC was busy looking for a missing Quarian girl – on a Spectre's orders and thus the Councils. The Detective didn't have to be a genius to figure out that the so far unnamed Quarian was very likely related to his own case and thus his time would be better spent helping the quiet search for the girl. Instead, he was stuck at his desk trying and failing to go over files that were so classified it was a small wonder his workstation hasn't melted due to Spectre level defence software. The fact he was trying to access said files with authorization from Palin and from the heart of C-SEC probably had something to do with the continued well being of his computer. Unfortunately, despite all he could do, the files remained locked and behind solid firewalls. The little Garrus could see without waiting for clearance from the Spectre office was routine, boring and totally legit. Even if it wasn't, the Detective lacked context to connect the dots.
"Progress?" An exhausted looking Chellick appeared at the door of Vakarian's small office bearing gifts – an energy drink with metallic content that would be pure poison for most species not native to Palaven.
"Spirits, there's enough red tape here to entangle the whole Citadel fleet and have spare for at least half of Home Fleet!" Garrus shook his head in disgust.
"We have nothing to show so Palin will be screaming at us all tomorrow." Chellick threw one of the drinks to Garrus who managed to snatch it before it could hit him in the jaw.
"Thanks for nothing, bastard." Garrus grumbled good naturedly to his partner.
"You're welcome. Cheers!" Chellick popped open his can and took a long swing. "Good, this might keep me awake until tomorrow."
"That isn't something I'm looking up to." Garrus glared at yet another access denied message and took a sip of his drink. The tangy metallic taste and weak legal stimulants certainly provided a kick in the pants. "You know, she'll be looking for a doctor if she's still alive."
"We have people at all major hospitals and called the smaller ones. No joy." Chellick pointed out. It wasn't like it was mass effect science or something!
"I mean there are smaller clinics that kinda rely on not calling us in order to continue to operate unmolested from local lowlifes, not to mention those patching up people without having an active license. She's a Quarian who someone jumped just as she arrived. Somehow I don't think she'll be running to Huerta Memorial."
"I certainly hope someone else had the same idea and hit our informants. Otherwise, you'll make us look like idiots..." Chellick trailed off and smirked.
"Yeah, rub it in. I'm still on shit duty after making Palin look bad." Garrus flipped his partner a one finger salute.
Chellick chortled and went to check if someone thought to check and perhaps put under surveillance the less reputable clinics and "doctors".
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22.04.2183 GS /Galactic Standard/
Human Embassy
Presidium
The Citadel
Ambassador Udina's office was white, pristine and looked almost sterile. It gave the impression of a hospital room, perhaps an operating theatre raring to go – not what movies and common sense made Lieutenant-Commander Shepard to expect. At least the captain in his parade uniform didn't look too much out of place, however John himself and his squad – the survivors from Eden Prime in their fatigues felt distinctly underdressed. Unfortunately none of them had their dress uniforms on board – an understandable oversight considering that as far as anyone knew they were merely on the Normandy's short shake-down cruise. Needless to say, Gunny Williams came on board only with her weapons and armour. With the barracks on Eden Prime being struck from orbit, it was unlikely that anything personal she had ground-side had survived anyway.
"Understood, Councillor Tevos. We'll be there on time." Udina finished his chat with the Council and turned to glare at Shepard's team. John was tempted to glare back, however the short course in dealing with diplomats and other VIP civilians during his OCS had drummed into his head that pissing such off unless he had excellent reasons, wasn't a good idea. Of course, experience taught him that even if he had said reasons, stepping on political toes wasn't of the good. Not at all.
"Did you have to bring up your whole crew?" Udina asked Anderson and gave the three of them a dirty look.
"Merely the ground team from Eden Prime in case either you or the Council have any questions, Ambassador." The Captain smoothly attempted to defuse the situation.
"If your AARs are done right, there won't be such a need." Udina paused and his scowl deepened. "They have their I's dotted and T's crossed, right?"
"Of course, Ambassador." Anderson responded without missing a beat.
Udina glared at the stack of data pads and drives on his desk. "Not that it would matter."
Williams let out a sound of distress and disagreement – a proof she wasn't accustomed of dealing with politicians or high placed civilians. Udina's gaze snapped up and focused on the Sergeant.
"Do you find something funny, soldier?" The Ambassador snapped. "What about you, Shepard? You were supposed to be our first Spectre, you should have some skills in politics. At least enough to avoid most landmines."
"We did everything we could in order to complete the mission, Ambassador. Considering the unexpected opposition on the ground and the presence of an unknown super-dreadnought that could land, I don't see how we could have done better with the available assets. While Spectre Kryik's death is regrettable, he wasn't under my authority. I couldn't give him orders. When he decided to go ahead alone, I had no acceptable recourse but to let him go. I couldn't very well detain him."
"That won't be good enough for the Council. And this 'evidence' about Saren." Udina snorted.
"The bastard has had it in for us ever since the First Contact war!" Anderson snapped.
That certainly surprised John. This was the second time he saw the Captain's composure crack and it was when Saren was mentioned. Did the two of them have a history or something? That was the only plausible explanation he could think of.
"Perhaps. That's not how the Council would see it. We're going to accuse one of their golden boys of consorting with Geth and committing an act of war. The evidence? Testimony from a criminal who slept through the initial attack and lets not forget, he has been keeping busy stealing and selling military hardware meant for the garrison!" Udina's sneer was as impressive as the amount of venomous sarcasm he could put into his words without raising his voice. "Not to mention that said dock worker went missing when the relief force showed up!" This time the sneer was pointed at Shepard.
"We didn't have enough people to leave someone to babysit him and given the circumstances on the ground, locking him up in place would have been a death sentence." Shepard coolly explained. He thought about it but didn't add that disarming those nuclear charges at the star-port had been close enough even when he brought his whole unit there but held his tongue. As it is, only three people of the Normandy's original marine contingent were both alive and able to walk right now and one of them was the quartermaster who didn't leave the ship for the deployment on Eden Prime. That was clearly pointed out in the AARs.
"It doesn't really matter! A brain dead underpaid public defender would demolish that testimony!" Udina snapped. "And I'm expected to demand the Council strip Saren of his status and arrest him based on said 'evidence'!"
"There has to be more evidence we can find!" Williams made the mistake of opening her mouth and thus Udina turned to vent upon her.
"Really? Do you think anyone would let us come close enough to anything the Spectres have been in the general vicinity of to touch with a ten foot pole?! Of course, Parliament in their infinite wisdom doesn't care! It would be miracle if I can salvage your candidacy much less get the Council act against Saren on what we have yet they expect me to make a fool of myself!"
"Do we have any contacts that might help? There are couple of hours before the hearing, I know it isn't much, however..." Shepard trailed off. He wanted to ask why Parliament would force Udina to publicly act on such flimsy evidence, however he felt that this wasn't the time nor the place. Perhaps if he had a chance to speak with the Ambassador when he wasn't ready to bite off someone's head at the tiniest of provocations…
"In couple of hours? There's Harkin I guess – he's a C-SEC agent who knows all kinds of things. He might at least be able to point you at the C-SEC agents who are supposed to investigate Saren's activity. I hope for all our sakes that they were able to dig up something because once the Council sees our 'evidence' I would be surprised if they don't put a stop to any and all investigations of Saren! Solid proof my ass..." The last was muttered low enough that Shepard wondered if he really heard it.