Chapter 2

"Witnesses saw you making threats in Fist's bar," the C-Sec agent started, as he looked anywhere but the krogan before him. "Stay away from him."

The large krogan crossed his arms, scowling down at the human. He wanted nothing more than to head-butt the smaller being before him. "I don't take orders from you," he jabbed him in the chest.

"This is your only warning, Wrex."

"You should warn Fist. I will kill him."

"Want me to arrest you?"

He gave a half chuckle, "I want you to try." Looking over the man's shoulder, he eyed the human female watching him from a few feet away. She looked familiar, and she had a smile on her face. The group behind her was interesting enough, an Alliance human male, a C-Sec human male, and a C-Sec turian. Pushing past the puny male before him, he made his way over to the female.

"Go on! Get out of here!"

Wrex stepped up to the woman. To give her credit, she didn't take a step back or even flinch; though the other Alliance member did reach for his pistol. "Do I know you, human?"

"My name's Shepard. I am going after Fist. Thought you might want to come along."

Now it came back to him, even though she was human, her name had been spread between the species. "Shepard. Commander Shepard. I've heard a lot about you." He took another step towards her, challenging her, "We're both warriors, Shepard. Out of respect, I'll give you a fair warning," he leaned in, closing the space between them, "I'm going to kill Fist."

"Fist knows you're coming, we'll have a better chance if we all work together," the C-Sec human spoke up.

That one did have a point. Returning his gaze to the commander, Wrex spoke again, "My people have a saying: seek the enemy of your enemy, and you will find a friend."

"Glad to have you on the team, Wrex." She extended her hand out to him.

Thankfully, he was familiar with this human custom. He grasped her hand and shook it, squeezing a little harder than necessary but she never acknowledged it; he was going to like this human. "Let's go, I'd hate to keep Fist waiting."

"Kaidan," she turned to the Alliance man, "head back to the ship. We'll all rendezvous later."

"Commander, with all due respect, I really think someone from the Alliance should be with you," he gazed at her and took a few steps forward.

Garrus noticed John roll his eyes while crossing his arms. Giving him a questioning look, John smirked and shook his head. Leaning a little closer, John whispered, "I'll fill you in later."

"I believe that I know what you are thinking, Lieutenant, and I also think that you should stop before you get yourself in more trouble. I can't run around the Citadel with too many armored teammates, it would be a little rude and asking for attention. I trust them, so stand down."

Kaidan bowed his head but gave a small nod and a salute, "Aye, aye, Ma'am."

"Move out," Shepard said and strode toward the elevator.

As they walked towards Chora's Den, Wrex stomped next to Jane asking her questions about her battle-style and what missions she had been on. Garrus was interested as well but also wanted to ask John what he had found so funny before. Since Jane was willing to take him and John along, there would be more time to talk to her about her experiences. He tapped John with his gloved hand and fell back a few steps. "Can you tell me now?"

John eyed the krogan ahead of them who let out a bark of laughter. Figuring Jane was distracted enough he whispered, keeping his head facing forward, "Did you notice the little interaction between that lieutenant and Jane?"

"He seemed a little insubordinate."

"Oh, come on!" he hissed out, trying not to let his voice rise too much. "He has the hots for my sister!"

"'Hots'?"

"Yeah, he has a crush on her. My guess is that she doesn't realize it yet. She'll figure it out soon enough."

"What are your thoughts on it?"

John gave a small shrug, "I mean, of course I want her to make smart decisions, but if it is what she really wants I won't stand in her way. I do think that he is a little too soft for her. The short time you have been around us I am sure you have seen the sibling abuse. Well, trust me, that is nothing compared to what it will be later. We used to train our combat skills with each other, and what better way to train than when someone knows your weaknesses."

"I'll have to witness that then; see how human hand-to-hand combat ranks to turian."

"You never sparred with a human before?"

"Never bothered. Figured I would have to worry about being too careful since you are softer."

"Please, turian, we are stronger than you think."

"Alright guys," Jane started and turned around to face her team, "more than likely, we have a little welcome party for us waiting inside. Garrus, I'll go ahead and assume you are pretty good with that sniper rifle, cover John. You two cover the left side, Wrex and I will take the right. Don't worry Wrex, I'll have your back. Let's go." In one fluid motion she turned and grabbed her assault rifle bringing it to the ready position as it unfolded.

Just as the doors slid open to the nightclub, the shooting began. Jane charged forward, surprising even Wrex with her ferocity in battle, and throwing the occasional biotic lift or warp at enemies while unloading her assault rifle at them. The team moved with a lethal force: Wrex and Jane closing in and killing enemies quickly, John flushing the thugs out so Garrus could pick them off. They made short work of the first room and quickly shooed off the warehouse workers "guarding" Fist.

After dispatching his turrets, Jane charged forward on the human, pulling out her pistol.

"Where is the quarian!"

"She's not here! I don't know where she is, that's the truth!"

"He's no use to you now," Wrex said stepping forward. "Let me kill him."

Garrus watched with interest as Jane ignored the massive krogan behind her, keeping her attention on Fist.

"Wait! Wait! I know where you can find her! She said she'd only deal with the Shadow Broker himself. When she shows up to the meeting, it will be Saren's men waiting for her."

"Give me the location," Jane demanded, stepping forward and staring the man down. She wasn't quite his height, but Fist still shrunk back from her.

"Here on the wards. The back alley by the markets. She's supposed to meet them right now. You can make it if you hurry."

Jane had barely backed away when Wrex pulled his gun out and shot the cowering human before them. Garrus snapped his head to the side just as Jane jumped back in shock.

"What are you doing?!" John yelled at Wrex. He reached out and grabbed Jane's arm, trying to pull her to the side.

"The Shadow Broker paid me to kill him. I don't leave jobs half done," the massive alien stated matter-of-factly while holstering his weapon.

Garrus looked over at the movement next to him to see Shepard shrug John's hand off as she closed the distance between her and the krogan. She grabbed the collar of Wrex's armor and brought her face so close to his, it looked like she was going to head-butt him.

"We don't shoot unarmed prisoners!" she yelled in his face. "And if you want to stick around and do some more killing with us, I expect you'll take a little more care next time and wait for my word."

A low growl emanated from Wrex and he snarled at the human before him, "Fine, Shepard, but I don't regret doing it."

She had to put all of her strength into it, but she shoved him away from her, causing him to sway as she regained her composure. "Just give me a heads up the next time you want to kill someone in cold blood. Then I can at least distance myself from the muzzle of your gun… and maybe toss them one so I don't have to scold you." Her last statement earned a smile from the krogan, a rare feat in itself. "Alright, let's go get this quarian."

Garrus had to give it to the woman, she was fearless. Joining a human Spectre, at least this Shepard, was definitely going to prove interesting.

They made their way back through the club; only encountering a few more thugs that proved to be a few easy kills. It took no time for them to reach the alley that Fist had mentioned, and as soon as the doors opened, they could hear the conversation over the sounds of machinery.

"Did you bring it?" an unknown turian voice said.

"Where's the Shadow Broker? Where's Fist?" a soft voice with a slight electronic noise sounded.

Jane assumed the second voice was the quarian. At least we made it in time. Shepard pulled her gun and rounded the corner to see the turian standing right in front of the woman, reaching his hand up to stroke her hood.

"They'll be here. Where's the evidence?"

She pushed his hand away, her voice turning icy, "No way. The deal's off." The droids to the side of them started to turn and aim at her and she threw a small grenade at them, dashing over to hide behind a crate.

Jane flared her biotics and charged forward, with Wrex close behind.

Garrus and John followed behind Jane as they made it up the Presidium steps. They had successfully saved Tali'Zorah nar Rayya who actually had information against Saren. There was visible satisfaction on the faces of the human female and the turian. After accepting the quarian as another member for their squad, Shepard had sent Tali and Wrex back to the Normandy, keeping Garrus and John with her.

Garrus wasn't sure if she kept him around because she liked his skills or if it was because he was a friend of her brother's. Either way, it was interesting to be along for the journey. As the approached the back of the room, Garrus saw another human Alliance member that he recognized as Captain Anderson.

After giving a quick nod to Shepard's companions, he turned to her, "Come on, Udina is presenting the quarian's evidence to the council."

Jane nodded back to him and fell in step without saying a word. John and Garrus fell a few steps behind, hanging back as they heard the evidence play for the council.

Garrus watched in silence as the council discussed stripping Saren of his status and him reporting for his crimes. Finally, after all this time, they had given up support of their 'beloved' turian Spectre. Things were starting to look up until they started talking like he would come in on his own accord. Garrus clenched his fists and held his mandibles tightly to his face, trying not to interrupt. If this Shepard is anything like I think she is, she will get them to see reason, or at least will take matters into her own hands.

"Commander Shepard, step forward," the asari councilwoman said.

I can't believe it, they are actually going to make her a Spectre, Garrus thought. He scanned his eyes over their surroundings, people of all species were gathering on the ledges, eager to watch the initiation of the first human Spectre. He chanced a quick look at John who lifted his head a little higher, smiling at his sister; he was obviously proud of her.

It was a great moment for everyone there to witness her initiation, both for the privilege of seeing the human Spectre, as well as seeing a Spectre initiation. Once the proceedings had finished, the council adjourned but Udina, Anderson, and Shepard stayed put on the platform, discussing the next steps. The two former C-Sec agents stood respectfully to the side, awaiting their next command.

Eventually, Udina and Anderson left and Jane leaned against the railing looking over at John and Garrus.

"Way to go, sis," John said smiling, "You just make history every day, don't you?"

She smiled back at him, "Yeah but we need to focus on getting Saren. Come on, we should go."

"Right behind you, Shepard," Garrus nodded to her.

"Damn, you two are impossible. All work and no play. Guess that means that catching up over dinner is off then?"

"We aren't set to ship out until 0800. So, we have some time."

"Garrus, would you like to join us?" John offered, clapping his friend on the shoulder.

"Thank you, but I think I'll let you two catch up. I understand that it has been a while since you last saw each other. I wouldn't want to intrude."

"So, how have you been, Jane? It's been a while," John reclined back in his seat, taking a few sips of his drink. "Have you talked to Mom recently?"

"The Normandy is amazing. Really, a true testament to when races cooperate. Serving under Anderson has been great. The crew is excellent. And no, I haven't spoken to Mom not for a while. Got a message from her about two weeks ago. What about you?"

"Same for Mom. About two weeks ago was when I last heard from her, too. She mentioned something about a new ship under construction, SSV Orizaba. C-Sec is the same as it has always been. Thankfully I am, rather was, working more than just security around the Citadel. So glad that I got moved up to the Investigation Division. That was when I met Garrus."

"I'm curious about how he puts up with you. That is a skill few possess," she smirked at him.

"Please, people love me! He can be a smartass too, you know. Once he warms up to you, I'm sure you'll hear it."

"What's with him leaving C-Sec? There has to be more to that than wanting to get Saren. It doesn't seem like a very 'turian' thing to do."

"He jokes that he isn't a good turian, actually. He doesn't share much about his family, but I think there might be some issues there."

"How long have you two known each other?"

"Couple of months. He's a good guy, so you know. A beast with a sniper rifle. You won't regret having him along."

"Oh, I'm sure," Jane agreed. "You on the other hand though… I might have to drop you off at the first colony when you start to annoy the crew too much."

"Thanks, sis. Love you too." They got a little quieter when their food finally arrived but John wasn't going to let her off that easy. "So, you and the lieutenant, huh?"

"Excuse me?" Jane practically choked on her food.

"The way he looks at you. And he is so protective. To risk insubordination, something must be going on. Quite a familiarity with you two." John waggled his eyebrows for emphasis.

Jane rolled her eyes at John adamantly shaking her head. "No," she said flatly. "There is nothing there. And what are you talking about the way he looks at me? He is just my lieutenant."

"Damn, Jane. Sometimes you can be so dense. Now that you aren't technically Alliance, I guess he doesn't have to worry about the fraternization rule," he watched her scowl at him and he had to turn back to his food so he wouldn't burst into laughter. He certainly loved to tease his little sister.

"Though I might not be Alliance 'technically', I am sure that some still consider me a part of the Alliance. They are still calling me 'Commander'."

"Just sayin'."

She glared at him and stared out the windows of the café; her mind becoming lost in her thoughts.

"What's going on in there?" John asked solemnly.

She gave him a weak smile that never reached her eyes. He was a pain in the ass most of the time but he knew when to turn it off. "I lost two people."

"On Eden Prime?" With her nod he continued, "What happened? And who?"

"You remember I told you about Jenkins, right? Good soldier, he had gone on a few smaller missions with me, but he was still pretty green. God, he was so eager for this mission too. I talked with him just before we got there. Jenkins really wanted to make something of himself in the Alliance...

"We hadn't been on the ground long before we heard something approaching. He rounded a corner a little too quickly and got gunned down by some drones. Tore right through his shields, didn't even have a chance. Jenkins was from Eden Prime, too. Makes it a little sadder, I think.

"The other was the Spectre evaluating me, Nihlus Kryik, a turian. Had a few conversations with him, he was a good guy. He had faith in humanity, even said that he was looking forward to a human Spectre. He was shot in the back by Saren," Jane paused in her explanation. Everything was still so fresh. Even in the short time they had spent together, Nihlus and Jane had become friends. Weaving her fingers together, she rested her chin in her hands. She took a deep breath and continued, "Saren was Nihlus' mentor, and I would have been trained by Nihlus." Her voice drifted off with her thoughts, wondering how Saren, Nihlus' mentor, could kill his own protégé, his friend. Coming back to reality, she thumbed the edge of her glass, wiping away the moisture, "I plan on honoring them."

"You want some company?" he offered, understanding what she meant.

She gave a small shrug but smiled at him, "Only if you want to join. I plan on going right after this."

"Of course, I'll come with you."

"I still can't believe they made Anderson step down," Joker said leaning back in his chair, their path already plotted for the Artemis Tau cluster to search for Matriach Benezia's daughter, Liara T'Soni. "I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm sure you are going to do an amazing job, just don't expect me to risk injury to my baby," he lightly rubbed the console before swiveling to his right to see Jane begin to sit down.

She smiled back at him, plopping down in the chair but gingerly adjusting her weight to her left side and cradling her mug of tea in her hand. "Thanks for the confidence, Joker. It was all a bunch of backhanded politic dealings. I think Udina is getting a little power hungry."

"So, how does it feel to be a Spectre?"

"Right now? Doesn't feel any different."

"Well, it's gonna be nice! Get to plan your own missions, barely have to report to anyone."

"I thought you didn't trust Spectres."

"Eh, call me converted. It is hard to stay judgmental when your best friend becomes one."

"Yeah, yeah, alright." She shifted uncomfortably in the seat, "How long until we reach the system?"

"Not for another 25 hours. Should give you enough time to rest that shoulder. I thought you said I would get to sit in on your next one."

"When I first offered that, I didn't realize I would be adding another one, well two, so soon," Jane said in a whisper. She stared at her reflection in her mug while rubbing her thumb along the rim. Losing people was part of the job. It was a dangerous universe out there, but it didn't make it any easier.

"Hey," Joker waved his fingers near her mug, pulling her attention back to him. "None of it was your fault."

"I know… I just… I can't help thinking about Nihlus and how Saren could do that to him. They were apparently friends."

"Yeah… I guess betrayal isn't just a human thing. So you did include him, then?"

"Of course."

"I wonder how a turian would take being portrayed as a flower. Seems too soft for them," he joked with her. "So… when are you going to show me the garden?" he waggled his eyebrows causing his hat to accentuate the movement.

"Ugh you pig!" Jane reached out and snatched his hat away from him.

"Hey! No stealing from the cripple!"

"Why not? Makes it a hell of a lot easier to get away with things," she smirked at him as she twirled it around her finger.

"Come on… you know what I meant. I'm sorry, ok? Just give me my hat back."

She lightly tossed it back to him, "Fine, you big baby. And I'll show you at some point. Preferably not when I am on duty and there are people all around. Otherwise they might question why it looks like I am flashing you."

"I wouldn't be complaining, Commander."

She chuckled as she stood and rotated her shoulder getting a satisfying pop, "Alright, Joker, I need to get started on my rounds. See how our new crew is settling in."

"Yeah, um about that. Can you make sure that the turian and the krogan don't have it out while on the ship?"

"Don't worry, they have already agreed to be on their best behavior."

"Oh, and Shepard," Joker swiveled in his chair as Jane stood in the doorway. "Why didn't you ever tell me that you had a brother? He seems like a pretty interesting guy, despite the fact that he was C-Sec."

"Just never came up, I guess. I'll send him up to keep you company sometime."

"Hey, hey… I said he seemed interesting. That doesn't mean that I want him pestering me up here."

"Joker, I think you two will get along quite well. You two are very similar."

"I'll believe it when I see it." He swiveled back around to face the console as Jane walked down the bridge to make her way to the mess hall to find some of her crew. But not even five steps away she heard Joker call out, "I'm still waiting to see that garden, Shepard!"

She winced at the sound of it and a few people turned to stare at her before quickly returning to their work. Upon making it down to the lower level, she caught sight of Kaidan standing outside her room which was across from the med-bay. She took a few steps back and called the elevator, opting to avoid him for now.

Stepping out into the cargo hold, she looked around to see Ashley in the far corner working on the weapons, Wrex on the same side but a good distance away with his arms crossed and leaning against the wall. A loud bought of laughter caught her attention and she saw Garrus working at a console and her brother messing with some of the tools around the Mako.

"Please don't screw that thing up before we even take it out, John," Jane called to him and he leaned against the counter flipping the wrench.

"From what I have heard, you don't really need any help in that area. You may regret working on the Mako, Garrus," he nudged the turian next to him and tilted his head in the direction of Jane. "Is the stereotype the same for turians that women are terrible drivers?"

Garrus glanced over at John then moved his attention to Jane who had propped one fist on her hip and narrowed her eyes at the man. "Why do I get the feeling that I should stay out of this?"

"Probably a wise choice, my scaly friend." John placed the tool back and smiled over at Jane, "Oh, come on. Don't get your panties in a twist, you know I am just teasing. Ooh! Did you bring me coffee?" He reached for the mug but she pulled it out of his reach.

"No. This is my tea. You can go get your own coffee."

"Nah, I'm good. I think I'll go visit with Ashley… or maybe that Tali chick…"

"John..." she said in warning tone.

"What?" he asked in feigned ignorance as he backed up to the engineering level. "How many times do you get to meet a quarian?"

Jane watched him leave as Garrus snuck glances at her. He still wasn't sure what to make of this human female. One thing that he still couldn't get over was how different she seemed from her brother.

"Honestly, Vakarian, how did you put up with him?" she asked and turned to face him.

"Please, just Garrus," he stepped away from the console so he wouldn't be tempted to continue work while she was speaking to him. "And even I am not sure how I can. Guess I am not the typical turian."

"Hmm, I assume there is a story behind that but we'll leave it alone for now. So, you're a pretty good sniper?" She took a sip from her drink and sighed at the warmth of it.

From her exhale he could pick up a faint, familiar scent. What the hell is in that tea? Garrus thought. He tried to peek at its contents but the way she held the mug blocked it from his view. "I like to think so," he said, trying not to think of the scent conundrum, "But I think your brother can attest to that. I am – was – top ranked at C-Sec."

"Well I have seen you in action on the Citadel, but I guess we'll have to see in the field. We are going to extract Matriarch Benezia's daughter, Liara T'soni. I would like for you to be part of the ground team."

"It would be my pleasure, Shepard."

"I'll catch up with you later, then."

He watched her head towards Engineering, Probably chasing down John. Garrus couldn't deny that he was interested in seeing how she handled herself in combat outside the Citadel as well. If she was able to chase down Saren through waves of geth, there had to be something substantial to her. Tearing his gaze from her, he moved back to the console and started his calibrations again. Feeling eyes on him, he lifted his head to see the krogan staring at him from across the room. Wrex smirked at Garrus then shook his head and became still again like nothing had ever happened.