In the tiny clinic in the lower wards, Garrus' shot hit its intended target.
"Ah!" Dr. Michel cried out.
As the thug leader fell to the ground, Dr. Michel ran toward the far corner of the room near the door while the other thugs fought Commander Shepard, the other human officer, Wrex, and Garrus. Garrus holstered his rifle and drew his pistol, firing at the four remaining thugs. Luckily, with the five of them, they made short work of Dr. Michel's would-be attackers.
That went faster than I thought, Garrus thought.
Once the fighting was done, he holstered his weapon and shifted his focus to Commander Shepard.
"Perfect timing, Shepard. Gave me a clear shot at that bastard," he said, as elation filled him.
However, Shepard didn't seem to share his feelings.
"What were you thinking? You could've hit the hostage," Commander Shepard replied.
Spirits, thought Garrus.
"There was no time to think I was just-," he began, searching for the right words. He then looked at Dr. Michel, who had left her corner. "Doctor Michel, are you hurt?"
"No, I'm okay, thanks to you. All of you," Dr. Michel answered, rubbing the back of her head.
"I know those men threatened you but if you tell us who they work for, we can protect you," said Shepard, as she too turned to the doctor.
"They work for Fist. They wanted to shut me up, keep me from telling Garrus about the quarian," Dr. Michel replied.
"Does this have anything to do with the investigation into Saren?" Commander Shepard asked, turning her focus back to Garrus.
"I think it might," Garrus answered. "Dr. Michel, tell us what happened."
"A few days ago, a quarian came to my office. She'd been shot, but wouldn't tell me who did it. I could tell she was scared, probably on the run," Dr. Michel replied as she wrung her hands. "She asked me about the Shadow Broker. She wanted to trade information in exchange for a safe place to hide."
That's odd, we don't see many quarians on the Citadel, Garrus thought.
"Then what?" Commander Shepard asked.
"I put her in contact with Fist, he's an agent of the Shadow Broker," said Dr. Michel.
"Not anymore. Now he works for Saren, and the Shadow Broker isn't too happy about it," Garrus interjected.
"Fist betrayed the Shadow Broker?" Dr. Michel asked incredulously. "That's stupid, even for him. Saren must have made him quite the offer." She mused on this with her brows furrowed as she rubbed her chin in thought.
"That quarian must have something Saren wants. Something worth crossing the Shadow Broker to get," said Garrus.
"She must have something that proves he's a traitor. Did the quarian mention anything about Saren? Or the geth?" Commander Shepard inquired.
"She did! The information she was going to trade. She said it had something to do with the geth," Dr. Michel replied.
Spirits, of course, Garrus thought.
"She must be able to link Saren to the geth. There's no way the Council can ignore this," he said.
"Sounds like it's time we paid Fist a visit," said Shepard.
If Shepard is going after Fist and Saren, it looks like our goals are aligned, thought Garrus. This is my chance to see how things are done outside of C-Sec without all the red tape and regulations.
"This is your show, Shepard. But I want to bring Saren down as much as you do," he said. "I'm coming with you!"
"You're a turian. Why do you hate Saren so much?" Shepard asked with a raised brow.
Garrus sighed. "I couldn't find the proof I needed in my investigation but I knew what was really going on. Saren is a traitor to the Council and a disgrace to my people."
Commander Shepard seemed to consider this a moment, before nodding. "In that case, welcome aboard, Garrus."
She extended her hand toward him, and he took and shook it.
Finally, someone who's not afraid to get things done, Garrus thought.
After talking with Dr. Michel and sending Lieutenant Alenko back to the Normandy, Jean took Wrex and Garrus with her to Chora's Den. As they reached the walkways leading to the bar, the silence deafened Jean.
"Looks like it's shut down," Wrex observed.
"Agreed," she said. "I don't like it."
As the trio reached the doorway to the dive bar, the door opened and Jean, Wrex, and Garrus were immediately pelted with gunfire. All three moved to either side of the doorway for cover and readied their weapons.
"Looks like they were expecting us," said Garrus.
"Fist isn't as much of an idiot as I thought," Wrex replied. "Either way, we wait until their weapons are almost overloaded."
"And then we go in shooting," Jean finished and Wrex nodded.
As soon as there was a break in the gunfire, Jean, Wrex, and Garrus rushed through the door. Jean raised her left hand and sent a biotic shockwave to the assailants on the left side of the room.
"C-Sec always turned a blind eye to what was going on here, I think Fist paid someone off," Garrus remarked, as he shot at an attacker on a circular platform above the bar.
Wrex too used his biotics to send some human attackers flying, slamming them against a nearby wall. Before they could recover, he followed up by shooting them with his shotgun.
I didn't realize krogan could be biotic, thought Jean as she took down two additional human attackers. I wonder how common that is?
However, she didn't have time to contemplate this as a dark-armored krogan charged right at her. Jean raised her shotgun to fire at the approaching krogan, yet before she pulled the trigger, Garrus shot the mercenary and Wrex followed up by sending the enemy krogan flying.
"Bye-bye," Wrex said with a predatory smirk.
"Let's keep moving," Jean said.
Garrus and Wrex followed her into a short hallway, where two warehouse workers aimed their guns at the trio.
"Stop right there, don't come any closer," said the first warehouse worker.
"Warehouse workers? All the real guards must be dead," Garrus mused.
"Stay back or we'll shoot," the second worker, threatened.
"This would be a good time to find somewhere else to work," Jean advised.
The two workers seemed to take this to heart, as they shared an uncertain look with one another.
"Yeah, you're right. That's a good idea," said the warehouse worker as both slowly lowered their guns.
"Yeah, I never liked Fist anyway," added the first.
Both holstered their weapons and walked out of the bar. Before they were even out of earshot, Wrex spoke.
"It would've been quicker to just kill them."
"Regardless, shooting people isn't always the answer," Garrus quickly piped up. "But, I never would've thought to talk them down.
"Just as you said, shooting people isn't always the answer," Jean agreed. "Come on, let's not keep Fist waiting."
She led them through the door and into Fist's lair. The interior room was larger than the hallway, with three stairs leading to a seating area and an elongated desk. On the walls on either side of the desk were turrets and behind the desk stood a man with dark hair and armor, who carried an assault rifle.
"Why do I have to do everything myself?" Fist asked in exasperation. "Time to die, assholes."
Jean, Wrex, and Garrus remained behind cover as they initially focused their weapons on the turrets, even as Fist repeatedly fired at them. Once the turrets had exploded, Jean looked at Wrex.
"We'll both use shockwave," she said. "Garrus, you focus your fire on Fist to catch him off guard."
A predatory grin spread across the krogan's face. "I like the way you think, Shepard."
"Ready whenever you are, Shepard," said Garrus.
Jean slowly peered over the edge of the wall to catch a glimpse of Fist aiming his gun directly at her. Before he could get off a shot, she snuck back behind the wall and looked at Wrex and Garrus.
"Now!" Jean said.
The three of them stepped out from behind the wall and Garrus fired a warning shot at Fist, while Jean and Wrex lifted their hands and sent biotic shockwaves at Fist, who let out a grunt as he landed on the ground, with his weapon landing beside him, out of reach.
Finally, Jean thought.
She lowered her weapon and Wrex and Garrus followed her upstairs. The trio surrounded Fist, who lay on the ground as he held up his hands in surrender.
"Wait, don't kill me, I surrender," he said, shaking.
Jean pulled out a gun and aimed it at Fist.
"Where's the quarian?" she asked.
"She's not here, I don't know where she is. That's the truth," Fist replied, his words tumbling out all at once.
"He's no use to you now. Let me kill him," Wrex said, edging closer to Fist with his weapon raised.
Jean watched Fist's eyes widen. "Wait, wait! I don't know where the quarian is, but I know where you can find her. The quarian isn't here, said she'd only deal with the Shadow Broker himself."
Jean partially looked at Wrex, who raised a brow.
"Face to face? Impossible! Even I was hired through an agent," said the krogan.
Jean lowered her gun and Fist slowly stood up. He kept his hands raised in surrender.
"Nobody meets the Shadow Broker, even I don't know his true identity. But she didn't know that. I told her I would set a meeting up. But when she shows up, it'll be Saren's men waiting for her," Fist replied.
"Give the location, now," Jean ordered, feeling her impatience rise to the surface.
"Here in the wards. The back alley by the markets," Fist answered. "She's supposed to meet them right now, you can make it if you hurry."
In her peripheral vision and before she could stop it, Jean saw Wrex shoot Fist. He grunted as he fell to the ground, unmoving. Jean then took a step back and partly turned to look at Wrex.
"What are you doing?" Garrus asked.
"The Shadow Broker paid me to kill him. I don't leave jobs half done," Wrex replied matter-of-factly.
"We don't shoot unarmed prisoners," Jean admonished.
"How many people died because of him? He brought this on himself. Besides, we have more pressing concerns," Wrex said as if that settled the matter.
"As much as I hate to say it, he's right, that quarian's dead if we don't go now," Garrus added.
Jean searched the room and found an OSD on the desk. While she wasn't sure what it had been used for, she grabbed it and slid it into her armor for safe keeping. She turned and walked back toward the door.
"Let's go," she commanded.
Garrus kept his sniper rifle at the ready as he followed Commander Shepard out of Fist's office. Before reaching the bar, he noticed additional forces in Chora's Den, where they had cleaned up as they had first made their way to meet with Fist.
"Is that more of Fist's forces?" he asked.
"Looks like it," Wrex answered with a lupine smirk.
"Let's take 'em down," said Commander Shepard.
When they reached the doorway that led to Chora's Den, Shepard stopped and raised her left hand. She sent a biotic shockwave while Garrus aimed his sniper rifle at a human attacker on the circular cover over the bar. Looking through his scope, he fired at the human's head and they and their weapon fell onto the ground. In his peripheral vision, Garrus saw Wrex send two salarians flying against a nearby wall with a powerful biotic charge of his own.
Spirits, there are a lot of men here, Garrus thought as the final human fell. It's still odd that there are so many.
"Looks like they're all dead," Shepard said. "We should keep moving."
"Right behind you," Garrus replied.
The trio hurried around all the dead bodies and out of Chora's Den, eventually arriving in a back alley. Garrus immediately spotted the quarian in her purple body suit along with two armed salarians and one turian, all wearing black and white armor as they surrounded the quarian.
Saren's men, Garrus thought. And the quarian has no idea.
"Where's the Shadow Broker? Where's Fist?" the quarian asked her tone on edge.
The white-faced turian assassin brushed his hand against and down the quarian's arm.
"They'll be here," the white-faced turian replied. "Where's the evidence?"
The quarian shook her head. "Not until I see the Shadow Broker."
The turian laughed. "Not gonna happen."
The quarian slapped his hand away. "No way, the deal's off."
The salarians began to raise their weapons, as though preparing to fire. Before they could shoot, the quarian threw a grenade she had concealed in her hand, which reached the salarians and exploded.
"Take them down," Jean instructed.
She lifted her left hand and sent a biotic shockwave at the two salarians, while Garrus raised his sniper rifle and took aim at the white-faced turian. He quickly pulled the trigger and hit the turian in the face before he could react, sending his opponent and weapon to the ground. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Wrex fire his shotgun at one of the salarians while Shepard fired at the other finishing them both off.
These are all quick fights, thought Garrus as he holstered his sniper rifle. I wonder if that's a commentary on our opponents or us?
Shepard holstered her shotgun and walked downstairs toward the quarian.
"Fist set me up, I knew I couldn't trust him," the quarian exclaimed.
"Were you hurt in the fight?" Shepard asked, her voice full of concern.
"I know how to look after myself. Not that I don't appreciate the help," the quarian replied. "Who are you?"
"My name's Commander Shepard, I'm looking for evidence that proves Saren's a traitor," Shepard said.
"Then I have a chance to repay you for saving my life. But not here. We need to go somewhere safe," said the quarian.
"We could take her to the human embassy," Garrus offered. "Your ambassador will want to see this anyway."
"We'll take a skycar," Shepard said.
While the fit was tight, the four of them managed to fit into a skycar and drive to the Human Embassy. During the ride, more out of habit than anything else, from his years of C-Sec training, Garrus thought over all the laws they'd broken in the short time since he had met the Commander and joined her crew.
Spirits, it doesn't matter, he thought. Because after today, I won't have to deal with C-Sec's bullshit.
When they reached the Human Embassy, Shepard walked quickly toward a woman sitting at an elongated desk.
"Come on, it's this way," said Shepard.
She led them to the right of the desk and up a set of stairs. They walked through a door with more stairs where a gray-haired human and a dark-haired human, both males, were talking to one another. They both turned to face Shepard with the gray-haired male frowning in Shepard's direction.
The older human is Ambassador Udina, thought Garrus. But who's the younger human man?
Beyond the humans was a promenade with a view of the rest of the Pesidium.
I don't think I've ever been up here, Garrus thought. This is nice.
"You're not making my life easy, Shepard. Firefights in the wards? An all-out assault on Chora's Den," Ambassador Udina began by way of greeting. "Do you know how many—"
Ambassador Udina's gaze moved beyond Shepard to Wrex, Garrus, and the quarian.
"Who's this? A quarian?" the ambassador asked, his eyes growing wide. "What are you up to, Shepard?"
"Making your day, ambassador. She has information linking Saren to the geth," Shepard replied.
She handled that more diplomatically than I would have, Garrus thought.
"Really? Maybe you better start at the beginning, Miss…" the ambassador said, searching for a name.
"My name is Tali. Tali'Zorah nar Rayya," the purple-suited quarian replied.
"We don't see many quarians here. Why did you leave the flotilla?" Ambassador Udina said.
"I was on my Pilgrimage, my rite of passage into adulthood," Tali replied.
"What's that?" Shepard asked.
"It is a tradition among my people. When we reach maturity, we leave the ships of our parents and people behind. Alone, we search the stars, only returning to the flotilla once we have discovered something of value," said Tali. "In this way, we prove ourselves worthy of adulthood. Throughout Pilgrimage, we prove that we will contribute to the community, rather than being a burden on our limited resources."
"Tell us what you found that links Saren to the geth," Shepard prompted.
"During my travels, I began hearing reports of geth. Since they drove my people into exile, the geth have never ventured beyond the veil. I was curious," Tali responded. "I tracked a patrol of geth to an uncharted world. I waited for one to become separated from its unit. Then, I disabled and removed its memory core."
Hmmm, interesting, thought Garrus. She would be a useful member of the crew.
"I thought the geth fried their memory cores when they died. Some kind of defense mechanism?" Anderson ventured.
"My people created the geth. If you're quick, careful, and lucky, small caches of data can sometimes be saved. Most of the core was wiped clean. But I salvaged something from its audio banks," Tali continued.
She brought up her omni-tool and began to type. When she was finished, an audio log began playing.
"Eden Prime was a major victory. The beacon has brought us one step closer to finding the Conduit."
"That's Saren's voice. This proves he was involved in the attack," Anderson exclaimed.
"Wait, there's more. Saren wasn't working alone," said Tali.
She brought up and typed on her omni-tool again and the audio resumed playing.
"And one step closer to the return of the Reapers."
"I don't recognize that voice. The one talking about the Reapers," said Ambassador Udina.
"Are Reapers some kind of new alien species?" Shepard inquired.
"According to the memory core, the Reapers were a hyper-advanced machine race that existed 50,000 years ago," Tali replied matter-of-factly. "The Reapers hunted the Protheans to total extinction, and then they vanished. At least, that's what the geth believe."
She added the last part quickly as if to reassure her audience that it probably wasn't true.
"Sounds a little far-fetched," said Ambassador Udina.
"The vision on Eden Prime – I understand it now," Shepard said. "I saw the Protheans being wiped out by the reapers."
"The geth revere the Reapers as gods, the pinnacle of non-organic life. And they believe Saren knows how to bring the reapers back," Tali answered.
Spirits, this is terrible, Garrus thought.
"The Council is just going to love this," Ambassador Udina remarked.
As much as it pains me, for once, I agree with the politician, thought Garrus.
"The Reapers are a threat to every species in Citadel space. We have to tell them," Shepard insisted.
"No matter what they think about the rest of this, those audio files prove that Saren's a traitor," Anderson interjected.
"The captain's right," said Udina. "We need to present this to the Council right away."
"What about the quarian?" Wrex asked, jabbing a meaty thumb at Tali.
"My name is Tali," said Tali indignantly. She turned to Shepard. "You saw me in the alley, Commander, you know what I can do. Let me come with you."
While neither Garrus, nor anyone else, could see her expression the pleading in her voice was clear.
She's not wrong, Garrus thought.
"What about your Pilgrimage?" Shepard asked with a raised brow.
"The Pilgrimage proves we are willing to risk ourselves for the greater good," Tali replied. "What does it say about me if I turn my back on this? Saren is a danger to the entire galaxy, my Pilgrimage can wait."
"I'll take all the help I can get," said Shepard.
Tali then moved to stand closer to the Commander. "Thanks, you won't regret this."
"Captain Anderson and I will go ahead and get things ready with the Council. Take a few minutes to collect yourself, then meet us in the Tower," said Ambassador Udina.
After Jean met with Ambassador Udina, she sent their newest r5ecruit, Tali, back to the Normandy while Wrex and Garrus followed her out of the Human Embassy and into a skycar as they headed to meet the Council once more. While the fit wasn't as tight as before, Jean still had to squish herself against the door as they rode to the Citadel Tower.
The last time I was here, I argued with the Council that Saren was a traitor, she thought. It seems weird to return so soon.
Once the skycar reached the Citadel Tower, the three of them stepped out and Jean led Garrus and Wrex through the immaculate corridor, past the fountain, and toward the stairs. By the time they arrived, Anderson was already waiting for them.'
Damn, that was quick, thought Jean.
"Come on, Udina's presenting the quarian's evidence to the Council," said Anderson.
Jean, Wrex, and Garrus followed Anderson to the same raised platform as before. And just like last time, Wrex and Garrus hung back while Anderson and Jean walked forward to stand behind Udina. When Ambassador Udina had finished presenting his evidence, he pointed at the holographic image of the three councilors.
"You wanted proof, there it is," said Ambassador Udina.
"This evidence is irrefutable, Ambassador. Saren will be stripped of his Spectre status and all efforts will be made to bring him in to answer for his crimes," Councilor Sparatus said.
Councilor Tevos' brows furrowed. "I recognize the other voice speaking with Saren. Matriarch Benezia."
"Who's she?" Jean asked.
"Matriarch Benezia is a powerful biotic, and she had many followers. She will make a formidable ally for Saren," Tevos replied.
"I'm more interested in the Reapers. What do you know about them?" Councilor Valern asked.
"Only what was extracted from the geth's memory core," Anderson replied. "The Reapers were an ancient race of machines that wiped out the Protheans and then they vanished."
"The geth believe the Reapers are gods. And Saren is the prophet for their return," Jean added.
Now that they understand that Saren is a traitor, we have to make them realize the Reapers are a threat, too, she thought.
"We think the Conduit is the key to bringing them back. Saren's searching for it and that's why he attacked Eden Prime," Anderson added.
"Do we even know what this Conduit is?" Councilor Valern inquired.
"Saren thinks it can bring back the Reapers, that's bad enough," Jean responded.
"Listen to what you're saying," Councilor Sparatus interjected. "Saren wants to bring back machines that wiped out all life in the galaxy? That's impossible. Where did the Reapers go? Why did they vanish? How come we've never found traces of their existence? If they were real, we'd have found something."
This information scares him, thought Jean, as she watched the councilor's eyes.
"I tried to warn you about Saren, and you refused to see the truth," she said, feeling exasperation rise to the surface. "Don't make the same mistake again."
"This is different. You proved Saren betrayed the Council. We all agree he's using the geth to search for the Conduit, but we don't really know why," Councilor Tevos responded coolly.
"The Reapers are obviously just a myth, Commander," Councilor Valern added. "A convenient lie to cover Saren's true purpose. A legend he is using to bend the geth to his will."
"Fifty thousand years ago, the Reapers wiped out all galactic civilization. If Saren finds the Conduit, it will happen again," said Jean.
"Saren is a rogue agent on the run for his life. He no longer has the rights or resources of a Spectre. The Council has stripped him of his position," Councilor Sparatus responded.
"That isn't good enough! You know he's hiding somewhere in the Traverse, send your fleet in," Ambassador Udina exclaimed.
"A fleet cannot track down one man," Councilor Valern pointed out
"A Citadel fleet could secure the entire region. Keep the geth from attacking anymore of our colonies," said Ambassador Udina.
"Or it could trigger a war with the Terminus Systems! We won't be dragged into another intergalactic confrontation over a few dozen human colonies," Councilor Sparatus shot back.
This is ridiculous, Jean thought. If they know Saren's traitor yet they don't want to take more substantive action to stop him, what's the point?
"Every time humanity asks for help, you ignore us," she said.
"Shepard's right. I'm sick of this Council and its-" Ambassador Udina added.
"There is another solution. A way to stop Saren that doesn't require fleets or armies," Councilor Tevos said.
"No, it's too soon! Humanity isn't ready for the responsibilities that come with joining the Spectres," Councilor Sparatus replied.
"You don't have to send a fleet into the Traverse, and the Ambassador gets his human Spectre. Everybody's happy," Jean said.
Councilor Sparatus and Tevos turned to one another and shared a look. Reluctantly, Sparatus nodded and brought up his omni-tool, which in turn caused three pedestals to rise out of the ground in front of each councilor. All three voted, and when they were done, the pedestals disappeared, and Councilor Tevos looked at Jean.
"Commander Shepard, please step forward," Councilor Tevos instructed.
Jean looked at Captain Anderson, who nodded. She stepped forward while Ambassador Udina moved back to stand beside Anderson. At that moment, Jean noticed the numerous spectators who had materialized out of thin air.
Where the hell did they come from, she thought as her heart threatened to burst from her chest.
"It is the decision of the Council that you be granted all the powers and privileges of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance branch of the Citadel," Councilor Tevos began.
"Spectres aren't trained, but chosen. Individuals forged in the fire of service and battle; those whose actions elevate them above the rank and file," Councilor Valern continued.
"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," said Councilor Tevos.
"Spectres bear a great burden. They are the protectors of galactic peace, both our first and last line of defense. The safety of the galaxy is theirs to uphold," Councilor Sparatus added.
"You are the first human Spectre, Commander. This is a great accomplishment for you and your entire species," Councilor Tevos finished.
"I'm honored, Councilors," Jean said with a nod and bow.
"We're sending you into the Traverse after Saren," Councilor Valern continued. "He's a fugitive from justice, so you're authorized to use any means necessary to apprehend or eliminate him."
"I'll find him," Jean reassured them as if they really needed it.
"We know you will," Councilor Tevos said with a nod. "This meeting of the Council is adjourned."
Spirits, I've never seen a Spectre appointed before, let alone worked with one, Garrus thought.
He watched the entire ceremony in silence beside Wrex, who appeared nonplussed.
"The first human Spectre," Garrus breathed as he watched the Council's holographic display flicker out. "There's something special about seeing that."
"Huh, maybe," Wrex answered with a shrug as Anderson shook the Commander's hand. "But when this is all said and done, that ambassador will have no problem throwing Shepard out the airlock when it suits himself."
Garrus shifted his gaze back to the humans as Ambassador Udina was in the middle of going on about how Commander Shepard needed her own ship, crew, and supplies.
I hate to admit it, but he's right, thought Garrus.
"You'll also get access to special equipment and training now. If you go down to C-Sec Academy and speak with the Spectre requisitions officer, they should be able to give you whatever you need. Provided you have the credits," Captain Anderson added.
"Captain Anderson, come with me," Ambassador Udina said as he looked at the Captain. "I'll need your help to set all of this up."
Captain Anderson nodded. "I understand." He turned to the Commander. "We'll talk later, Commander."
"Of course, sir," Shepard replied.
Garrus and Wrex stepped to one side as Ambassdor Udina, who paid them no attention whatsoever, and Captain Anderson walked downstairs and out of sight. As Commander Shepard approached them, Garrus and Wrex turned to her.
"Hmph, bastard didn't even thank you," said Wrex.
Shepard took it in stride and merely shrugged. "Until I find Saren, I haven't done anything yet. Come on."
"Right behind you, Shepard," Garrus replied.
The trio walked down the corridor and to the elevator. The three stepped in, with Shepard standing in front of Garrus and Wrex as the doors closed.
"So, tell me, who'd win in a fight between you and Shepard, turian?" Wrex asked, as the elevator began to descend.
Garrus raised a brow and looked at the krogan. "The question smacks of impertinence. Commander Shepard is a Spectre with a distinguished service record."
"So was Saren. Think about it," Wrex coaxed.
Why is he asking this question, thought Garrus.
Fortunately, the elevator reached its destination and the doors opened.
Thank the Spirits, Garrus thought as the trio walked toward the nearest set of stairs.
While Wrex didn't directly speak to him, Garrus felt the krogan's gaze focus on him. Garrus ignored the feeling as they crossed a bridge and just as they reached the entrance to the Lower Wards Wrex spoke again.
"Well, I suppose that answers that question," Wrex murmured.
Garrus cast a sideways glance at the krogan. "Why do you say that?"
"Well, you won't even answer my question for one," Wrex replied. "And for another, if Shepard can take down a shit load of pie-slinging batarians, then she's more than a match for you."
Garrus sighed and rolled his eyes. "Is this really all because I wouldn't answer your question?"
At the moment, a predatory grin spread across the krogan's face but before Garrus had the chance to respond, Commander Shepard interrupted their conversation.
"Does anyone know who that is?" she murmured, half turning to them as she nodded in the direction of a dark-haired human woman who was waving at her.
"No," Garrus replied at the same time Wrex said, "No idea."
"Right," Shepard said, stretching out the word. "You two stay here, I'll go talk to her."
Garrus nodded and watched as Shepard walked up to the woman. Apparently, her name was Emily Wong and she was a reporter looking for information on Fist. As it turned out, the OSD Shepard had collected from Fist's office was exactly what Emily had been looking for. Emily paid Shepard for the OSD, and Shepard returned to Garrus and Wrex.
"All right, let's get going," said Commander Shepard. "We've no time to lose."
"Right behind you, Commander," Garrus answered.
Commander Shepard, Garrus, and Wrex turned and walked down a nearby set of stairs leading to C-Sec Academy. Through the elevator inside C-Sec Academy, the trio could return to the Normandy.
"Commander, humor me, who do you think would win in a fight between you and Garrus?" Wrex asked with a smirk.
Garrus folded his arms over his chest and rolled his eyes. Despite this, he listened to the Commander's response.
"Depends. Does he get a sniper rifle?"
"Opponents are allowed any and all weapons and abilities they use in life," Wrex answered. "Including biotics."
Garrus watched as Commander Shepard's brows knitted together and a thoughtful frown formed on her face. "I'll need to consider this. Can I get back to you?"
"Of course," Wrex replied. "At least you're considering the question, unlike someone we know."
"Whine all you want, Wrex, I won't change my mind on that answer," said Garrus.
"Maybe not today, but someday you will," Wrex said.
Just then, the elevator doors opened and the trio found Ambassador Udina talking with Captain Anderson near the Normandy. As Commander Shepard, Garrus, and Wrex approached, both stopped and turned to face newly-appointed Spectre.
"I've got big news for you, Shepard. Captain Anderson is stepping down as commanding officer of the Normandy. The ship is yours," said the ambassador.
"She's quick, quiet, and you know the crew. Perfect ship for a Spectre. Treat her well, commander," Captain Anderson added.
"I'll take good care of her, sir," Commander Shepard replied.
"I know you will, Commander," said Anderson.
"I have a question for you, Captain," Commander Shepard said. "What really happened all those years ago with Saren? Come clean with me, Captain. You owe me that much."
"I was in your shoes twenty years ago, Shepard. They were considering me for the Spectres," Anderson replied.
"What happened?" Commander Shepard asked.
"I failed. I couldn't make the cut. It's not something I'm proud of. Ask me later and I'll tell you the whole story. For now, all you need to know is I was sent on a mission with Saren, and he made sure the Council rejected me," Anderson answered with a heavy sigh. "I had my shot. It came and went. Now, you have a chance to make up for my mistakes."
"I won't let you down, sir," said Commander Shepard. "Do we have any leads on Saren?"
"Saren's gone, don't even try to find him. But we know he's after the Conduit. He's got his geth scouring the Traverse looking for clues," Anderson responded.
"We had reports of geth in the Feros system shortly before our colony dropped out of contact. And there have been sightings around Noveria," Ambassador Udina added.
And here I was thinking they didn't have any information about Saren's whereabouts, thought Garrus. I don't know if that's good or bad.
"If you can find out what Saren was after on Feros and Noveria, maybe you can find out where the Conduit is before he does," said Anderson.
"I don't know, I think the Reapers are the real threat," Commander Shepard said.
"I'm with the Council on this one, Shepard. I'm not sure they even exist," Ambassador Udina interjected.
Of course, he does, Garrus thought. So long as he looks good in the eyes of the Council.
"But if they do exist, the Conduit's the key to bringing them back. Stop Saren from getting the Conduit and we stop the reapers from returning," Anderson said.
"I'll stop him," Shepard reassured them. As if they needed it.
"I almost forgot to mention, we have one more lead. Matriarch Benezia, the other voice on the recording? She has a daughter, a scientist who specializes in the Protheans. We don't know if she's involved, but it might be a good idea to try and find her and see what she knows," Ambassador Udina added. "Her name is Doctor Liara T'Soni. We have reports that she was exploring an archeological dig on one of the uncharted worlds in the Artemis Tau Cluster."
That was fast, thought Garrus. How was the ambassador able to gather this much information in the time it took for us to get here?
"Sounds like we should head for the Artemis Tau cluster, then," said Commander Shepard.
"It's your decision, Commander. You're a Spectre now. You don't answer to us," Anderson reminded her.
"But your actions still reflect on humanity as a whole," Ambassador Udina said. "If you make a mess, I get stuck cleaning it up."
"I'll try not to make things any harder on you, Ambassador," said Commander Shepard, much to Garrus' surprise.
It is the ambassdor's job to clean up messes, anyway, he thought. But then again, maybe she's just trying to appease him?
"Glad to hear it, Commander. Remember: you were a human long before you were a Spectre," Ambassador Udina replied. "I have a meeting to get to. Captain Anderson can answer any additional questions you might have."
Ambassador Udina turned and walked toward the elevator and Garrus and Wrex stepped out of his way. While Garrus was feeling eager to reach the ship, Commander Shepard remained to speak with Anderson.
"How are you holding up, Captain?" she asked.
"Honestly? This isn't how I pictured my career coming to an end," Anderson responded, shaking his head. "Pushing papers really isn't my thing. But you're the one who can stop Saren. I believe in you, Shepard. If that means I have to step aside, so be it."
"Tell me everything about what happened between you and Saren twenty years ago," Shepard requested, cutting to the heart of the matter.
I'll give her this, she knows how to cut through the bullshit when she needs to, thought Garrus. I admire that about her.
"I worked with him on a mission close to twenty years ago now. Ambassador Goyle was our representative here at the Citadel. Like Udina, she wanted to get a human into the Spectres and she chose me. The Council sent Saren to keep an eye on me and evaluate my performance. Just like they sent Nihlus to keep tabs on you," Anderson answered. "We had intel on a rogue scientist being funded by batarian interests. He was trying to set up a facility to develop illegal AI technology out in the Verge. Alliance Intel had done all the work, but the Council wanted a Spectre involved. We compromised: I was assigned to help Saren in his investigation. We tracked the scientist to a refining facility on Camala. He was hidden away somewhere inside, protected by an army of batarian mercenaries. The plan was simple: sneak into the plant, capture the scientist, and sneak back out. Quick, quiet, and a minimum of bloodshed."
"I'm guessing things didn't do as planned?" Shepard asked.
"Saren and I split up to cover more ground. Then, about halfway through the mission, there was a massive explosion at the refinery core. Officially, it was ruled as an accident. But I think Saren detonated it on purpose to draw off the enemy guards," said Anderson.
"How many casualties?" Shepard inquired.
"The explosion tore the refinery to shreds. The whole place was on fire. Black chemical clouds poured out into the atmosphere. Nobody inside survived," Anderson answered and Garrus felt a wave of nausea inside his stomach.
Spirits, he thought. If the Turian Hierarchy found out…
Garrus listened with rapt attention as Anderson continued his story.
"There was a camp for the workers and their families nearby. Between the fire and toxic fumes, the final death count was over 500. Mostly civilians. Saren didn't care. The target was eliminated, mission accomplished. And I ended up taking the blame. That ended all talk of me joining the Spectre."
"Saren caused the explosion. How did he pin it on you?" Shepard asked.
"In his report, Saren accused me of blowing his cover. He said it was my fault the guards were ready for us. He claimed that's why it turned into a massacre. Saren's report was all the Council needed to kill my chances of becoming a Spectre," said Anderson.
"Don't blame yourself, Captain," Shepard said.
"I don't, I blame Saren. I think he wanted things to go badly," Anderson replied. "He was looking for an excuse to blow that refinery. Maybe he just likes the violence. Maybe he was just trying to make me look bad to keep humans out of Spectres. If so, he pulled it off."
He sounds resigned, thought Garrus. But then again, this was a number of years ago.
"Why'd you let him get away with it?" Shepard asked.
"Who do you think the Council was going to listen to? Me or their best agent? I had a bad feeling about him from the start. I should've been more careful. Maybe I could have stopped things before they got out of hand," Anderson responded.
"It does us no good to live in the past. Right now, the only thing I care about is stopping Saren," said Shepard as one of her hands made a fist, which pounded into the palm of her other hand.
"You're right, Commander," Anderson agreed. "It's no good living in the past."
"Thank you again, Captain but I should go," Commander Shepard said.
"Of course, Shepard," Anderson said as he took a step back. "But if you ever need anything, I'll be in touch."
"Thank you, sir, I appreciate that," Shepard replied.
Jean gave Anderson one final salute, and he returned the gesture.
I promise, Anderson, I'll make you proud, she thought.
When she was done, she turned toward the docking door of the Normandy.
"Come on, guys, let's go," she said to Garrus and Wrex. "Time to introduce you to the Normandy."
She led Garrus and Wrex through the doors and into a decontamination chamber.
"We have to stay here first before we can proceed into the ship," Jean said, before quickly adding. "Sorry, I guess you both already knew that."
God, I feel like such an idiot, she thought.
Decontamination in progress, please do not move, said the ship's VI.
A white light appeared and began scanning the trio.
"Wow, fancy," Wrex remarked. "Most ships I've been on don't have this."
"She's a prototype, state-of-the-art stealth ship," Jean replied. "She has all kinds of cool toys."
"Decontamination is finished. Welcome back Commander Shepard and welcome krogan and turian."
"Ah, it does this with all new guests," Jean said as the doors leading to the Normandy's bridge finally opened. "We'll input your data later. For now, go ahead and get comfortable and we'll meet in a bit."
"Understood, Commander," Garrus replied at the same time Wrex said, "Sounds good."
Jean entered the ship and stood to one side as Garrus and Wrex filed past. She noticed the odd looks the crew shared at the two new, alien crewmembers, but otherwise, they didn't make any remarks.
Well, that's something I guess, thought Jean.
She walked up to the cockpit and toward Joker, who looked up at her as she grew closer.
"I heard what happened to Captain Anderson. Survives a hundred battles, and then gets taken down by backroom politics," said Joker by way of greeting. "Just watch your back, Commander. Things go bad on this mission, you're next on the chopping block."
He's not wrong, Jean thought. If I step out of line in any way, this position can be taken from me just as easily as it was given.
"Captain Anderson should be the one in charge. It's like I'm stealing the ship from him," she said, and it was true.
"Yeah, the Captain got screwed. But, it's not like you could've stopped it. No one's blaming you. Everyone on this ship's behind you, Commander. One hundred percent. Intercom's open if you've got something to say to the crew," said Joker.
Jean moved close enough to Joker to stand beside him and pressed the intercom button.
I need to keep them informed but I don't want to lie to them, she thought.
"This is Commander Shepard speaking. We have our orders: find Saren before he finds the Conduit. I won't lie to you, crew," Jean began, speaking as loud and clear as she could. "This mission isn't going to be easy. For too long, our species has stood apart from the others. Now, it's time for us to step up and do our part for the rest of the galaxy! It's time to show everyone what humans are made of! Our enemy knows we're coming. When we go into the Traverse, Saren's followers will be waiting for us. But we'll be ready for them, too. Humanity needs to do this. Not just for our own sake, but for the sake of every other species in Citadel Space. Saren must be stopped, and I promise you all that we will stop him!"
Jean removed her hand from the intercom button and Joker shifted in his seat to look up at her.
"Well said, Commander. Captain Anderson would be proud," he said.
"The Captain gave up everything so I could have this chance. We can't fail," Jean said as she turned and walked toward the Combat Information Center. "Joker, take us to the Artemis Tau cluster."
"Aye, aye, Commander," Joker replied.
