A day after MacGrath helped C-Sec capture Nills, the Council sent word that they bumped the review of the evidence against Saren up to that day. Udina is sweating his grimacing face off, terrified that we are going to somehow screw it up. I really hate that man.
Captain Anderson, like always, is keeping his cool. He knows we have Saren by the balls, and we will crush him the minute we can be let loose on the bastard. It pisses me off that he has almost a week worth of a head-start, but all that means is we'll have to double time to catch him.
And we will catch him.
Since Investigator Garrus Vakarian is the lead on Saren's case, he's accompanying us to the hearing. As is Urdnot Wrex, who claims that he's invested in finding out what's happening with the Turian's pride and joy. Of course, Tali'Zorah is coming with the evidence she's procured against Saren, and Kaiden and Ashley are attending for the hell of it.
What strikes me as odd, is that MacGrath's presence was requested by the council. This had Udina asking questions Anderson and I didn't want to answer. It also concerns me that it means he's been made, and that they want to contain him themselves. Maybe even experiment on him. I may not like the guy, but I'm not letting that happen. Even if I have to become a criminal to prevent it.
What am I saying? My life is dedicated to the service of my people. MacGrath is just one guy. A man out of his time. I can't keep my promise if I end up on the run. Better to become a Spectre than a criminal. I'll have free reign to do what I need to complete a mission. I can even get MacGrath off the hook if I request he join the Normandy.
"Why do you think they want to see me?" That gravelly tone of his scrapes against my thoughts, bringing me back to reality.
"Not sure." Garrus replies. "I didn't rat you out to them."
"Are you sure you were the first to get that footage from Chora's Den?" The Turian C-Sec Investigator nods, and MacGrath hums to himself.
"What footage?" Udina demands.
"It's nothing. If they didn't get it, forget about it." MacGrath growls out. Udina clearly isn't having any of it, but Captain Anderson interrupts his attempt to retort.
"MacGrath. You've been making waves on the Citadel since you got here. It's not unlikely that somebody, somewhere, saw your vigilantism, and reported it. Let alone recorded it."
"God damn it." MacGrath sighs. "I mean, I can't be surprised. It's my fault for not doing what I said I would. Laying low and staying out of trouble."
"You will fill me in later, Captain." Udina's order is met with the elevator doors of the Citadel Tower opening to reveal the Council chambers.
Surprisingly, the chamber seems pretty empty in terms of personnel. Not even maintenance staff are around, save for whatever the Keepers get up to. There is a skeleton crew of C-Sec present, what look to be only a handful of dignitaries on the upper balconies. As we ascend the staircase, heading for the platform that suspends over a glass floor that peers down into the atrium below, I see a Rear Admiral standing by a terminal. He wasn't paying any mind to us.
Once we reach the top floor, the Council wastes little time in addressing the pressing issue over Saren's treachery, having Tali present the evidence. While the audio recording plays, I can see the faces on the councillors fall to frustration, disbelief, and shame. Bastards. Should have listened to us sooner.
"Eden Prime was a major victory! The beacon has brought us one step closer to finding the conduit." Saren's voice crows.
"And one step closer, to the return of the Reapers." The other speaker declaring the return of the Reapers causes the Asari Councillor, Tevos, to flinch. For the most part, all three are trying to maintain stoic expressions, but I can see they are all very uncomfortable with this revelation.
"You wanted proof. There it is." Udina trying to act all macho is laughable.
"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." About damn time.
"I recognize the other voice. The one speaking with Saren. Matriarch Benezia." Tevos claims
"Who's she?" I ask.
"Matriarchs are powerful Asari who have entered the final stage of their lives. Revered for their wisdom and experience, they serve as guides and mentors to my people."
"Awesome." MacGrath's sarcastic muttering doesn't go unnoticed by myself or most of our squad.
"Matriarch Benezia is a powerful biotic, and had many followers. She will make a formidable ally for Saren."
"Nothing can ever be easy." MacGrath places his face in his hands and rubs his eyes with his fingers and thumb. Kaiden pats him on the back for reassurance.
"We'll get him."
"Yeah, yeah. I know."
"I'm more interested in the Reapers. What do you know about them?" The Salarian Councillor, Valern, shifts the focus of the conversation to the possibly more pressing threat, should Saren succeed in whatever the hell it is he's doing.
"Only what we extracted from the Geth's memory core. The Reapers were an ancient race of machines that wiped out the Protheans. Then they vanished." Captain Anderson explains the gist of it, and MacGrath, for whatever reason, decides to speak up.
"The Geth worship them as machine gods. Imagine if Skynet were to discover the machines that took over the world in the Matrix. Gives me the chills. Even if that isn't really that good of a comparison." I can only gawk at the audacity of this man. Anderson's face twitches slightly as he turns to MacGrath, who seems to realize what he just did.
"Seriously?" Kaiden whispers.
"Right, you guys might not get that reference. Never mind." Oh my God.
"What he means is, the Geth believe they are gods, and Saren is a prophet for their return." I try to salvage MacGrath's blunder quickly. Hoping the council overlooks his 21st century reference, or more importantly, writes it off as a human reference they just wouldn't understand.
"We believe the Conduit is the key to bringing them back. Saren's searching for it. That's why he attacked Eden Prime." Anderson continues.
"Hey." I turn my head to look behind me and address Wrex.
"What is it?"
"Isn't MacGrath a Conduit?"
"Pretty sure it's a different kind of Conduit. The Reapers have come and gone well before MacGrath and his ilk were around on Earth. It's probably a device or something." Wrex seems to shrug as he steps back.
"Either way, I'll keep my eye on him. Make sure Saren doesn't get his hands on his key." I simply nod in response. We deliberated about the possibility that MacGrath was the Conduit when we first heard the recording, but squashed the idea immediately. It made no real sense.
"Do we even know what this Conduit is?" Valern asks.
"Saren thinks it can bring back the Reapers. That's all I need to know that it's trouble." I reply promptly. I'd like to get on with this meeting and go after Saren. This is taking too long. Of course, I can see the look on the Turian Councillor's face. Sparatus isn't convinced. The way his mandibles are angled, tells me he's scrutinizing us.
"Listen to what you're saying. Saren wants to bring back the machines that wiped out all life in the galaxy? It's impossible. It has to be. Where did the Reapers go? Why did they vanish? How come we've found no trace of their existence? If they were real, we would have found something!" Denial is such a pain in the ass to get around. People wanting their little lives to remain quiet and unchanged. The kind of people that think a raiding party would never land on their front door and take everything from them.
"You doubted me before, don't make the same mistake." I want to strangle these people.
"That is different, Commander. 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." Tevos' response leaves me dumbfounded. I can't believe they are doing this again.
"The Reapers are obviously just a myth, Commander. A convenient lie to cover Saren's true purpose. A legend he uses to bend the Geth to his will." Valern's dismissal of the Reapers have me reeling. They can not be serious.
"Fifty thousand years ago the Reapers wiped out all galactic civilization. If Saren gets his hands on the Conduit, it will happen again!" I almost shout, and lose my cool. I'm thinking about my colony, how it was the Alliance that saved us, and not the Council. They'll let everything burn before admitting they're wrong.
"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." MacGrath audibly groans now, drawing attention to him.
"Right, and when alcohol was illegal in America, it totally prevented people from drinking ever again. Certain weapons prohibited from being sold to civilians? Doesn't matter, we got it in the back, smuggled in. Need some drugs that don't even grow in your region? No problem. Treating people as slaves and selling them on the galactic black market like objects? Big no no when it comes to the law, but we'll keep doing it anyway. As if the law has ever stopped anybody from doing anything outside of it. Shitty people will be shitty no matter what limitations you try to put on them."
"Preach, MacGrath. Preach." Garrus encouraging our resident relic's sarcastic remarks towards the Council isn't necessarily helpful, but I can't argue with his logic.
"MacGrath has a point. Stripping Saren of his status is not good enough. You know he's hiding somewhere in the Traverse. Send your fleet in!" Udina cutting in and demanding military action from the council is over kill. A whole fleet for one guy? Seriously.
"A fleet can not track down one man." Valern's reply draws a heavy, agitated sigh from Udina.
"A Citadel fleet could secure the entire region. Keep the Geth from attacking any more of our colonies." Does this man have no faith in the Systems Alliance? Although, I hate to admit, he does have a point. A Citadel Fleet would make it a walk in the park. Udina is clearly not thinking about what that action could cause though.
"Or it could trigger a war with the Terminus Systems!" Bingo. "We won't be dragged into a galactic confrontation over a few dozen human colonies." Now is probably the best time for me to suggest that I shou-
"I'll do it." Did... did he really just...
"MacGrath. What are you doing?" I nearly grind my teeth to nubs as I turn to him. The 21st century Conduit seems oblivious to what he's suggesting.
"You?" Tevos replies. "You are the one known as Cole MacGrath, correct?"
"That's my name. Don't wear it out." Tevos raises her arm, activates her omni-tool, and projects holovids to the middle of the room, allowing the whole room to witness MacGrath's vigilantism. Or at least, what was caught on camera. Running into a burning building. Running across rooftops providing covering fire for C-Sec officers trying to evacuate civilians near a fire fight with a gang in the wards. Pulling a family from a crashed vehicle, ripping the door off with his bare hands. How strong is he?
The last video is of him being riddled with multiple rounds from an Avenger II, while his back was turned. Turned out he was covering a teenager that was caught in the crossfire. When the heat mag pops out of the Avenger, MacGrath moves so fast the camera is incapable of fully tracking him, and he's suddenly on the Turian, knocking him on his ass and restraining him. Before returning to the kid that had been injured, and healing their wounds. Then he drains electricity from a street light and walks off. The video is then set back a few seconds to before the light is removed, revealing his face. The only clear shot of him there is in any of this footage.
"Oh-"
"-shit." MacGrath, Ashley, Kaiden, and myself all say it at once. The cats out of the bag.
"We are very curious as to what you are, Mr. MacGrath. Are you a genetically modified human? Cybernetically enhanced?" Valern questions
"I don't see any blatant implants that would suggest the capability to fire energy from his hands. Nor do I know of any implants that allow half of what he does in these recordings. It's more likely gene-therapy." Sparatus adds.
"Please don't tell me those videos are on the Extranet?"
"You have been made by the Council, and your main concern is being viral?" Ashley's questions align with my thinking. What is his priority here?
"Uh, yeah? They know now. No changing that. I just don't want everybody on the street trying to take my picture or attack me."
"Did that happen to you? Like, a lot?" Kaiden asks.
"Depended on when and where I was, but yeah. They called me the Demon of Empire City after all."
"We would like an answer to our question." Tevos interjects, bringing MacGrath's attention back to the three elevated Council members.
"I really don't intend on answering." The looks on their faces are priceless. No matter how much I don't trust him, I can't deny that I'm not enjoying his blatant dismantling of the Council with simple retorts and his 'I don't give a shit attitude.'
"Excuse me? You have been committing unsanctioned acts of vigilantism on the Citadel. We are owed an explanation." Valern demands.
"Right, and I've killed less people then Saren would have if he was the one dealing with- Oh wait! He was a bloodthirsty psychopath before he started replacing his flesh with metal. He would never have bothered in the first place and he's your agent." This seems to strike a chord with Sparatus, but Tevos seems to be intrigued.
"How is this prevalent to capturing Saren?!" Udina's impatience draws a scowl from the Asari, before she returns to gazing at MacGrath.
"We are getting to that, Ambassador." Tevos responds.
"We have received several reports, and plenty of footage of your exploits, MacGrath. Though we could not keep all of it from reaching the public via the Extranet, we have resources assigned to keeping your involvement as anonymous as possible. Unfortunately, we can't do much to stop from the rumours that a 'superhero' has graced the Citadel." Valern explains.
"We would be willing to cooperate with you, and whoever you represent, should you cooperate with us, and fill us in on how you-"
"Rather not." MacGrath interrupts Tevos again. Sparatus looks about ready to arrest MacGrath, but the Conduit doesn't let them continue.
"Look, I don't represent anybody. I'm flying solo here. Nobody is paying me to do these things or ordering me to go attack criminal organizations. I'm just helping people that are asking for it. People who can't defend themselves from heavily armed scumbags. That's all it is. As far as how I came to be this way? The side effects of the method caused a plague that threatened to wipe out all life on Earth. It cost a lot of lives to save the world from the damage caused by the experiment and I am not interested in finding out the hard way that you aliens aren't immune. As far as your question goes about cybernetics, you're right, I have none. This power is as natural to me as manipulating dark energy is for any biotic. The difference however, is that I'm the only guy alive that can do what I do. On top of that, if I told you the whole story, you probably wouldn't believe me. Not unlike how you are dismissing the existence of the Reapers."
"Very well. Can we at least consider you human?" MacGrath's eyes become downcast, and he falls into a dark mood. Idiot is going to make this more complicated for us if he doesn't answer.
"Yes." I do it for him. I didn't mean to. It just slipped out. But... perhaps it's better if they hear it from another human.
"You vouch for his humanity?" I look to Tevos and nod my head in response to her question.
"You've seen the footage. Where I'm from, he'd be hailed as a... hero." Not entirely untrue, but it pains me to say it out loud... In front of him. He smiles. Not a smug smile, but it still annoys me.
"Thanks, Shepard." Gross.
"Shut up and stop causing us problems." My harsh tone seems to bring him down again, and I feel an uneasiness. Probably due to the position he's put us in. Asshole.
"Indeed. The wards have been murmuring about a guardian that has come to clean up their more dangerous districts. Most don't seem to know who you are, but they know you exist. Crime rates have dropped considerably since he's been active." Valern states.
"It's only been a week." Kaiden gawks.
"I like to work fast." MacGrath mumbles.
"Mr. MacGrath, do you have any military training?" Tevos asks.
"No. Well, actually, sorta. Shepard has been drilling me for the past four days. If that counts." Sparatus snorts as he shakes his head.
"Negligible." The Turian replies.
"Would it be easier to ask what kind of training you do have?" Valern's query is responded to with a sigh.
"None. I took up urban exploration and free running at a young age, so I can pretty much get anywhere in a city. I could climb this whole tower in probably ten to fifteen minutes. Maybe even faster, depending on the circumstances. If you're wondering why I know how to take on trained mercenaries and thugs, it's because I have a lot of experience doing that. Ever since I got these powers actually, is when I started fighting... and I haven't stopped since."
"How long ago was that?" When Tevos asks the question, MacGrath stiffens up and looks to me, then Anderson, as if we are going to provide an answer for him.
"Uh... years. Three years." Given the time frame he gave us before, that isn't really a lie when asking how long he's been actively using his powers for. Probably best not to mention that he's the oldest living human in existence. If you actually can still consider him human. But the Councillor's have this air about them. The looks they are giving him and each other... They know he's lying. Almost like they were expecting him to. What is going on?
"Very well. The Spectres have access to training and tutors of all kinds, should the need arise." Wait. What?
"No! It's too soon, Tevos! Humanity is not ready for the responsibilities that come with joining the Spectres. Not to mention he is a wild card. His abilities have never been witnessed before, and he isn't even trained. No military service. He's never seen a battlefield." W-...what?
"That's the point I was making earlier, Sparatus. Most Spectres are from a form of background that involves military service, or special operations. Some are C-Sec officers, but most of them were military before joining the force."
"I still think this is a mistake." Sparatus replies.
"I know you're feelings on it, but it's time we try something new. Instead of relying on the brute force of soldiers, we are going to trust in the heart and will of the indomitable spirit. The heart of someone willing to look out for those that can't fight for themselves. His abilities will be invaluable in the position of a Spectre, and I'd wager that Cole MacGrath has seen plenty of battlefields." The Asari Councillor looks MacGrath dead in the eye with a knowing look, and he returns her gaze with confusion. I can't really process what I'm witnessing right now.
"Is this actually happening?" Kaiden questions. Just as stupefied as I am.
"It appears so." Anderson replies. He somehow is managing to hide his shock better than I expected. Even for him. The three Councillor's nod to each other, and then face their terminals in front of them.
"They're casting a vote." Udina mutters. "I hope you know what you're doing, Anderson." What? Did they plan this?
"Cole MacGrath. Step forward." The room begins to fill with more personnel now, and witnesses on the upper decks. Plenty of them are leaning on the banisters in anticipation for what's about to transpire. The holovids have since been removed, and cameras have been turned on to record the decision the Council is about to make.
"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." What the fuck. I'm... what the fuck!
"Wait? Why me? Surely, you don't believe I'm better equipped or more experienced for this role than someone like Shepard?" A good question. One that I want to know, but he has the gall to ask it in the middle of the announcement.
"You have shown a great passion towards protecting those in need. Lending a hand to any that has cried out for help. Your ability to face odds that are stacked against you and come out on top have added to the consideration for this position. Though you may not have gone through military training or served along side a platoon of soldiers, you have faced many battles. I can tell just by looking at you, you are experienced." The Asari Councillor offers her explanation and I can only flounder in despair at my lost opportunity.
"Spectres are not trained, but chosen. Individuals forged in the fire of service and battle; those whose actions elevate them above the rank and file." Valern begins some initiation speech, but I'm so overwhelmed by what's happening that I can barely keep myself from screaming.
"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 continues.
"Spectres bear a great burden. They are protectors of galactic peace, both our first and last line of defence. The safety of the galaxy is theirs to uphold." Sparatus adds.
"You are the first Human Spectre, MacGrath. This is a great accomplishment for you and your entire species." MacGrath, judging from how he keeps looking back at us, is just as confused as we are. The Council seems to pause to give him time to respond, but he can't seem to formulate a thought.
"Say something, you imbecile." Udina mutters.
"I... thanks..? I guess?" The Council seems unfazed by his stammering, and continue on with their orders.
"We're sending you into the Traverse after Saren. He's a fugitive from justice, so you are authorized to use any means necessary to apprehend or eliminate him." MacGrath scratches his head, completely out of his depth.
"I'll find him... but uh, I'll need a ship."
xxx
I can't believe they made me a Spectre. I mean, the way they described what a Spectre was, how they were chosen, not trained, self-reliant, carry a great burden... Yeah I fit the bill I suppose, but the lack of training, not to mention lack of knowledge on the galaxy is... what were they thinking?
"This meeting, is adjourned." The Asari declares the end of this insanity, and the Council wanders off.
I'm just stuck here, staring at the three of them as they walk away. Hell I can't even think straight. So floored by their decision that I can't even formulate a rejection. I just agreed to it. Why? I don't intend on being a lapdog to yet another puppet master. Above all else I can't see the logic in their choice. Why didn't they give the position to Shepard?
"How the hell does this shit always happen to me?" I turn around, facing the group I arrived with, and I feel the immediate animosity from Shepard and Williams. Alenko seems a bit confused, but still annoyed for his Commander, and the aliens are a mixture of amused or astonished. It's Anderson and Udina that get me to realize what's happening here. They look relieved.
"What? Thrust into positions of power?" Garrus sarcastically asks.
"Made into a fucking errand boy. I was a bike courier before I got my powers. Then I was running around for a DARPA agent lying to me about her job and goals in Empire. Toyed with by Kessler. I feel like ever since I got my powers, I've never stopped being told what to do and where to go... but in truth, it was always my decision. I guess."
"Don't fuck this up, MacGrath, or I'll kill you." Shepard's irate outburst takes me a bit by surprise, though I imagine this is a hard blow for her career. She storms off, and I immediately think about giving up my position to her. Alenko and Williams take off after her, while Wrex follows suit. Tali and Garrus are the only ones that stay behind.
"Don't mind her." Anderson starts. "She's understandably upset, but this was the only outcome where humanity ended up with a Spectre." This mother fucker.
"You and Udina planned this, didn't you."
"It was a good thing too. Shepard wasn't going to get the position due to the fiasco on Eden Prime ending with a dead Spectre. Not to mention the recent disillusionment with Spectres. Saren isn't the only one known to be ruthless and bloodthirsty. After what Shepard did on Torfan, it was likely they were going to overlook her anyway. We needed to ensure somebody would be able to get in their ranks." Udina's annoying face makes me want to strangle him to death. Not to mention his pompous attitude and smug response to my question. So proud of himself that he pulled the wool over our eyes, and shafted Shepard for no reason.
"You realize she acquired that evidence about Saren and has the necessary training and crew to go after him right? You guys fucked her over for what reason exactly?"
"Don't try to act like we revoked our recommendation. Shepard was still our top pick, but we offered the council an alternative when I realized what you were capable of. In case they weren't willing to let her in. And you played your part in getting that evidence." The gears begin to turn in my head, the epiphany finally hitting me.
"They were never going to postpone the meeting by three months." I growl.
"Of course. Udina and Anderson wanted time to gather evidence that Cole was capable of carrying out the duties of a Spectre. Lack of history serving in a military be damned." Garrus takes on a disapproving tone as he pieces it together, but doesn't seem to be too upset about the decision.
"You need to get this reversed and give the position to Shepard. She deserves it. God I can't believe I'm the one saying that, but she's worked for this and she makes more sense for the position." Despite my urgent demand for a re-election to Spectre-hood, Anderson and Udina seem unmoved to do such a thing.
"Sorry MacGrath, the decision is final. With this, we're one step closer to getting a seat on the council. You may resign if you wish, but it will be a blow to us, and they won't simply replace you for another human soldier. Shepard will get another chance. Especially, if you recommend her in the future." Anderson's neutral tone about the whole situation appalls me. From what I've seen, it looked like he and Shepard had a somewhat close relationship that wasn't reliant on their military service.
"We have much work to do, MacGrath. You'll need a ship, a crew, supplies. I hope you're up for this." Udina's scrutinizing tone tells me he has no confidence in my abilities. Yeah, this was all just a play for him to get humanity closer to a Council seat. One that he likely covets for himself. Prick.
"You'll get access to special training and equipment now that you're a Spectre. So you don't need to worry about being out gunned or at a disadvantage in that regard. You should go down to the C-Sec Academy and speak with the Spectre Requisitions Officer. They'll be able to set you up for this mission." Anderson explains.
"Yeah? They going to give me a ship to?"
"If they have one available for you yes. Otherwise, Spectres are capable of commandeering vessels for missions such as this."
"Great."
"Anderson, come with me. I'll need you're help to set all of this up." Udina orders.
"You people make me sick." I shove past Anderson and Udina and storm down the ramp and stairs of the Council chamber.
I can hear Garrus and Tali behind me, but I'm trying to catch up to Shepard. I can see her talking to some guy smoking what looks to be a cigarette. Or at least the equivalent of one in this era. Good, she hasn't gone too far yet. The woman deserves an apology, and if they aren't going to give her one, I have to.
"Excuse me, Mr. MacGrath." Or I can be addressed by name by a total stranger who is probably going to ask for help with something now that I'm a Spectre. Irritating, and not just because I really hate being referred to as mister. Turning my head to the right, I see a military officer in formal dress standing a bit off from the staircase on a landing. He's waving me down, and I can only imagine he wants help with something.
"If you call me 'mister' again, I'm not going to help you with whatever you need." He seems to be slightly taken aback by this abrasive response to his respectful approach.
"Oh. Uh-"
"Relax. I'm mostly joking. Just call me Cole. Now, what do you want?" The man clears his throat as he nods his head, and straightens out.
"Right. Well, first and foremost, congratulations on becoming the first Human Spectre... Cole. I hope you'll be up to the challenge." Despite his clear questioning of my abilities, he extends his hand to me. I almost decide not to take it, but he hasn't been a rude asshole so far, and quite frankly, everybody should question why I'm a Spectre and not Shepard.
"I'm ready. I promise." He nods his head in response.
"My name is Admiral Kahoku. It's about time we have a Spectre representing our species. We need somebody with your status to help deal with our... problems." Yeah, I guessed right. This guy wants me to do something for him.
It never ends.
"What's the matter? I'm kind of a week behind some maniac that attacked a colony and is looking for some doomsday device."
"Right. You're going after Saren. I don't intend on taking too much of your time. I'm just... getting stonewalled by bureaucratic assholes. Nothing new." I look back up to where the Council was, and where Udina and Anderson are now descending the stairs.
"Yeah, politics are a bitch." I snort in agreement as I turn back to him.
"One of my recon teams was investigating some strange activity out in the Traverse. We lost contact yesterday. Now I can't get clearance to go check it out. Suddenly, it's a restricted area. But that doesn't apply to a Spectre like you, Mac- ahem. Cole. Spectres can-" I turn my head as he speaks and notice that Shepard is no longer within line of sight. Having already wasted enough time and getting the gist of what he was after I cut him off.
"Sure. No problem. Send me coordinates and I'll check it out for you, if I have time." The Rear Admiral seems to be taken aback somewhat by my impatient agreement to help, but nods his head in appreciation as we exchange contact info.
"Thank you, Cole. I appreciate this greatly. I was running out of options. I'll stay here and see if I can find anything out through official channels in the mean time."
"Don't hold your breath." With that, I spin on my heel and head off towards the elevator, hustling my ass so I don't get stuck in it with Udina and Anderson.
Cause right now, I'd rather jump out a window and free fall all the way down.