W.i.t.G
We're on a roll!
This one's going to be a shorter chapter than the previous two (only 5,000 words - sorry). The chapter that follows this one, should be a bit bigger. And then the chapter after that... Now that, will be a hell of a chapter!
Anybody ever notice how many side quests there are on the Citadel during the course of ME1? One of the main reasons, I think, why ME1 holds a special place in my heart. I always love going round and methodically completing them.
So, this chapter is going to introduce the concept of: what if the whole ground team was split up and set about helping the various denizens of the Citadel with their mundane issues?
Should be fun!
"I wondered how long it would take for you to get here!"
A large grin plastered the human titan's lips, as he quickly moved towards the sound of the voice. Chris practically ran to his waiting sister - the younger Shepard was very much like her older sibling; she ran to the edge of the Normandy's docking bay and with her arms outstretched, she warmly embraced the oncoming mass of heavy armour and muscle.
Neither sibling said anything as they continued to hold one another - everyone, and everything else, had been forgotten in that small, brief moment.
It was only the slight, tinny, warbled cough coming from behind the commander that drew his attention back to the present. Drawing away from Abby, he appraised his younger sibling.
Joy radiated from her features; small tears formed in the corners of her eyes as she beamed up at him.
"Hello, again."
Chris could only softly chuckle as he felt a surge of welcome happiness rampage through his veins: "It's good to see you, Abigail."
With a dramatic swatting of her hand against his armoured shoulder, Abby exclaimed in mock annoyance, "Mom used to call me 'Abigail' all the time, and that usually meant I was in trouble. Please, just call me Abby."
Nodding his head in acquiescence, the older Shepard relented: "Fine. Abby it is."
"Good." The younger Shepard continued to grin at her brother, before she realised that more, and more, people were exiting the Normandy. Gesturing with her head, Abby spoke gently, "There's other people that need your attention, Commander."
Humanities first Spectre spun around at this, the smile on his face faltering slightly as the weight of the tasks ahead came crashing into the forefront of his mind. Standing next to his sister, he noticed his ground team, bar Kaidan and Wrex, were waiting close-by.
Without any hesitation, he took Abby's hand in his own armoured one and approached the only other beings in the galaxy he could call his friends and family.
"Everyone, I'm sure you can remember meeting Lieutenant Shepard back on Binthu. She'll be joining the crew for the rest of our time hunting Saren. I'm sure you'll be as kind and welcoming to her, as you have been to me."
With a snort of mirth and a crisp salute, Ashley was the first to speak: "It's good to have you aboard, ma'am. Saren's definitely screwed now there's two Shepard's after him."
Abby smiled warmly at the Chief's kind remark, reciprocating the respectful gesture with a salute of her own, "Thank you, Gunnery Chief... Williams, isn't it?"
"Yes, ma'am. Gunnery Chief Ashley Williams, formerly of the 212th back on Eden Prime. Now serving under the Commander, and his combat XO, Staff Lieutenant Alenko."
Nodding her head, Abby perused the rest of the ground team; looking for the officer in question. When she couldn't see him, her face took on an inquisitive look as she regarded her brother, "Speaking of the Lieutenant, where is he?"
"He's organising the rest of the marines. They should be out shortly."
Tali was the next member of the ground team to address the Normandy's new addition, her tone bubbly and joyful. "Tali'Zorah nar Rayya - It's a pleasure to meet you again, Lieutenant Shepard. The Captain has told us all about you."
Abby's face failed to hide her confusion as she once again regarded her brother, "Captain? I thought you were a Lieutenant-Commander? Did you get promoted recently and I'm the last one to find out?"
Chris shook his head as he looked first to Tali, and then to his sister, "It's a long story, but I'm not a Captain. Tali, and quarians in general, apparently believe-"
"Oh! No, I get it. I read about this: in quarian culture, you're the Captain of the Normandy - its commanding officer, so your word is practically law, right?" The younger Shepard said, as she directed her question towards the Normandy's resident quarian engineer.
Tali stood shocked, the words she wanted to utter having been apparently lost to the void as she looked towards the siblings. It was Garrus that spoke in the silence, his sub-harmonics trilling with humour: "It's rare for that to happen - Tali, at a loss for words. Now, I think I've seen it all!"
Everyone laughed at this comment; Tali roused herself from her stupor before weakly hitting him in the side: "Bosh'tet!"
Apparently the impact wasn't as weak as many would have thought; Garrus physically recoiled from the apparently furious, young quarian woman - drawing closer to Abby.
Laughing as he did so, and with a hand outstretched, Garrus took the opportunity left by his dextro teammate; "Garrus Vakarian, former C-Sec Detective. Pleased to make your acquaintance, again, Lieutenant. I look forward to working with you in the future."
Abby could only chuckle at the sight as she clasped the turian's outstretched hand. Blowing a loose strand of crimson hair away from her face, she shook Garrus' hand warmly: "The pleasure's all mine, Garrus. I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you better, in the days to come."
As the pair continued to hold each other's hands - more on the part of Garrus having not let go, than anything else - Chris gave an exaggerated cough, which Garrus, thankfully, quickly understood the meaning. Releasing his grip on the younger Shepard's hand, Garrus wordlessly stepped back, his sub-harmonics trilling with embarrassment as the older Shepard glared in his general direction. Mouthing the word's 'Sorry Boss' to his commander, caused Ashley to burst out laughing; Liara began giggling as well at the turian's antics.
Unaware of what was so funny, Tali finally found the words she wanted to speak: "I'm sorry, Lieutenant, but did you say that's what you'd 'read'?"
Focusing her attention back on Tali, Abby nodded emphatically as she activated her omni-tool. Within seconds a wealth of information about quarian history, culture, religion, government and biology sprang to life in front of them; bookmarks to relevant sections on the page were evident, with what looked like Abby's own personal notes as well.
"When Chris... Sorry the Commander, told me all about the alien members of his ground team, I did my best to get as much understanding and knowledge under my belt, as I could. I've worked with aliens before, don't get me wrong, but I've never worked alongside a quarian. I was curious. Some of the information I wanted to find was missing, or incomplete though..."
Tali said nothing for a moment, before she softly whispered - more to herself than anything else, "Keelah, humans are so very strange... And just when I thought only the Captain could keep surprising me..."
Abby merely looked at the other ground team members; a puzzled expression on her face as she deactivated her omni-tool: "Uhh... thanks? I think?"
The commander barked out a laugh as he patted his sister on the shoulder, "Tali's been getting a crash course on human history, culture and everything in between from me when I've been visiting her in engineering. Well, what I know anyway. It's good to see I'm now not the only one, who's been learning about the quarian people. Now there'll be two informed humans on the ship."
The young quarian gave a slight sniffle and a cough as she regarded her Nehya: "You enjoy our chats in engineering when you can't sleep, varren dung."
"'Varren dung'?" Abby asked aloud, as she looked at her brother and the quarian engineer.
The Lion barked out another laugh as he warmly regarded his sister: "Just a thing Tali and I do. She calls me varren dung, I call her Princess. It's just a bit of fun."
Noticing Tali move slightly closer to her brother, Abby made a mental note before addressing the final member of the ground team.
Liara stepped forwards, her hand outstretched like Garrus had done before. The words she uttered were sweet like Thessian honey, but held an undercurrent of steel that surprised the lieutenant - an air of confidence emanated from the alien, and her tone was soft, yet firm: "A pleasure to meet you again, Lieutenant. I'm Liara T'Soni. We met before, briefly on Binthu, but I'm afraid I wasn't much of a conversation partner at the time."
Abby took the proffered hand and shook it warmly, her words holding an air of surprise as she desperately tried to remember the good doctor, "Doctor T'Soni? Yeah... I remember! You'd took some pretty serious burns to your legs. How are you holding up?"
Liara nodded in recognition of the traumatising battle, her words slightly clipped: "I'm doing fine, thank you, Lieutenant. Doctor Chakwas, the resident medical specialist aboard the Normandy saw to my treatment and recovery after the battle. Medi-gel was applied just in time, apparently, for there to be no lasting damage or permanent scarring. But the Commander has been more than kind enough to check in on me regularly as to my wellbeing - both mentally and physically. I couldn't ask to serve under a better person."
"Is that right?" Abby looked at her brother as his face started to turn beet red, and his hand reached up to the back of his neck.
Liara noticed the gesture and hurriedly added, her words taking on a comical, if somewhat wistful tone: "Oh no, it's nothing like that Lieutenant. I can assure you! We're all aware of the importance of the mission we're on to hunt Saren down, and stop the Reapers. And besides, with all of the missions and physical training the Commander has us doing... I don't think I'd have the energy! I've heard humans can be more energetic than other species when it comes to sexual intercourse; the stories I've heard some asari tell certainly paint your species in a flattering light. And I couldn't think of a human with more energy than the Commander-"
All eyes looked towards the asari doctor as she tried to quickly correct herself, "I mean, the Commander's one of the largest humans I've ever seen! Granted, I haven't met many humans, but I'm sure others would surely view him as being above-average, if not remarkable - from a purely scientific perspective, you know? I'm sure I saw a document on the extra-net recently comparing human heights and builds to the size of their genitals-"
Her hand quickly covered her eyes as she looked towards the ground; her usually azure cheeks flushed a vibrant indigo as she quietly muttered: "Oh, by the Goddess... This is why I prefer dig-sites to people..."
Nobody said anything for a time, as they one by one looked at Liara, then at Chris and then at Liara again. Garrus comically raised his hands, so they were parallel with each other, before spreading his arms apart slowly as he looked the human titan up and down - his sub-harmonics trilling with humour as he avoided a smack from his superior.
Abby gave a quiet giggle as she smiled gently at the apparent slip-up. The younger Shepard gently patted the asari on the arm, her words dripping with feigned embarrassment that was clearly designed to embolden, rather than further humiliate the archaeologist: "I can't speak for my brother, Doctor. But I've never had any complaints with the asari I've been with..."
Liara's eyes went wide, as everyone now focused their attention on the younger Shepard sibling.
Garrus was the first to stutter out his response; "I-I would have never guessed you'd been with an asari before, Lieutenant."
Abby barked out a laugh as she folded her arms over her chest: "Every human wants to fuck an alien, Garrus. They're exotic. There's nothing wrong with experimenting, is there?"
The veteran C-Sec officer was stunned by the very attractive marine's response; he couldn't help but glance between Ashley and Abby and compare the two. How could the two human women be so different in appearance?
Ashley wasn't ugly, by any means. But compared to the Commander's sister?
Something primal stirred within the turian marksman, as he gazed upon her facial features; noticing her scars, her lips, her hair, her nose, her teeth... Before he eventually found himself lost in her emerald eyes...
Ashley shook her head vehemently as she gave her answer, "No ma'am, not for me. I'm more than happy with human men, thank you very much. Just as the Lord above intended."
The fiery redheaded marine's hands subconsciously reached for a chain around her neck, before she smiled towards the gunnery chief: "The Lord created everything, Williams. Even aliens. I'm sure He'd understand our desire to explore the galaxy."
Before Ashley could respond, Tali violently coughed - her body racking with the effort. Doubling over with the action, the commander gently patted her back until she straightened up again. The older Shepard's voice was tinged with worry as he removed his hand from her upper back: "Are you okay, Tals? You've been coughing and sniffing a lot recently - are you sick? Is there anything I can do to help?"
Waving her hand to dispel any notion of assistance, the quarian engineer gave a loud sniff to punctuate her statement: "I had a small suit-breach from a stray round when we were on Ontarom; one of those det kazuat mercs got a lucky shot in. I'll be fine - I'm just trying to fight off an infection I picked up. The joys of a weakened immune system, right?"
Shepard gave the young woman's shoulder a gentle squeeze as he merely nodded in understanding.
A comfortable silence crept in; the present members of the ground team merely content to check their own respective omni-tools, or gazing at their current surroundings, before the airlock of the Normandy opened and out trooped the ship's resident marine detachment. Trailing behind was Lieutenant Alenko, Corporal Toombs, Wrex and the captured Cerberus scientist: Doctor Wayne.
Nobody said anything to begin with; everyone merely watched Lieutenant Alenko organising the Normandy's marines into a parade rest in what limited space there was available on the Alliance's private docking bay.
With a glance towards his superior, and a nod in return, Alenko began giving his orders out.
Upon hearing that the marines had shore leave for the next seventy-two hours, smiles and shouts of joy could be heard before being quickly hushed. Discipline, and order, would almost certainly reign for Kaidan's address. The lieutenant carried on speaking for a few minutes: reminding the marines that they not only represented the Alliance, but the Commander as well - their actions, carried far more weight than they realised.
With the briefing at an end, a quick 'dismissed' from Alenko and the marines each gave a respectful salute to the human biotic, before slowly filing past their commander. More salutes were presented, and reciprocated, as each and every marine headed straight for the elevators to take them down to C-Sec headquarters, and then onto the bars and clubs of the lower wards.
Wrex and Toombs had watched the display from the side-lines; one of Wrex's meaty paws could be found resting on a hand cannon on his hip, and his other hand was wrapped around the upper left arm of Doctor Wayne. Toombs kept a rifle resting in the crooks of his arms - his helmet fully affixed and sealed so none of the marines would have cause to blame him, and his grotesque visage, for vomiting their first round of shots up.
After the marines had all left the dock, the remaining four individuals joined the ground team. Kaidan spearheaded the smaller group, whilst Toombs and Wrex forcibly dragged along the heavily dishevelled, and shell-shocked, Wayne.
As the veteran biotic drew nearer he couldn't help but notice the gentle smile of Chief Williams as she complimented his performance: "Rousing speech you gave them, LT! I think some of them even listened when you told them to wear 'helmets before going into battle'!"
Kaidan barked out a laugh as his face became flushed, "You can blame the Commander, for that one. He's used that line on me too many times before. Besides, I'd rather the marines didn't come back aboard in three days time complaining that the heads are all full, because they're all too busy pissing cream."
Laughter emanated from the human squad mates present; the non-humans looking at each other inquisitively as they tried to understand what the human biotic meant by 'pissing cream'.
With a hand outstretched towards Abigail Shepard, Kaidan gave a warm smile: "A pleasure to see you again, Lieutenant."
A sweet, melodious sound came from the attractive redhead at the commander's side as she gave her reply; "It's good to see you again, too, Lieutenant."
Her glistening white teeth shined in the artificial light of the Citadel's dock; Alenko couldn't help but notice her crimson hair resting gently just above her shoulder line in a neat bob; her verdurous eyes held a glint of amusement and warmth that threatened to entrance the viewer. Her nose had clearly been broken before, but didn't detract from her beauty whatsoever. The scars on her face would have frightened most people away, but Kaidan was used to seeing the Commander, and Wrex, every day - scars were no longer as interesting, or special anymore to the experienced marine. If anything, they added an air of danger and allure to the woman.
Looking somewhat downwards, Alenko couldn't help but notice the younger Shepard's shapely curves: she wore an onyx black leather jacket, with a strikingly bright red stripe down the right arm, with the letters 'N7' embroidered in the right corner of her chest just above her, frankly impressive, bust. Underneath the jacket, she wore a form-fitting black tank-top that exposed her toned midriff; her abs proudly on display. Further down, she wore a pair of washed blue jeans that hugged her hips, and powerful legs - legs that would have looked out of place on any other woman, but were certainly one of her greatest assets.
As Kaidan's imagination wandered in that split second, a singular thought came crashing to the forefront of his mind, over, and over again. She wasn't just any other woman. She was Shepard's sister. Comparing the two side by side, they looked so eerily similar that Kaidan couldn't entertain the thoughts any longer.
He'd known Shepard too long to even think about it. It felt... weird.
Shaking his head to dispel any further thoughts, the lieutenant gave a crisp salute to his commander: "I hope I didn't miss anything, sir."
Shepard gave a small grunt as his eyes seemed to cloud over - hatred and venom apparent as his gaze fell upon the Cerberus scientist. The Butcher's mood had turned very suddenly, and the air seemed to crackle with violence.
Before the Cerberus lackey could be thrown over the railings of the Normandy's docking bay, and plummet to his death in the void of Citadel space, the younger Shepard affixed her eyes on her brother - taking his attention from the source of so much of his pain: "I assume this is the scientist you mentioned, in your message?"
Another grunt from the commander, and Abby nodded her head in understanding. Looking towards the rest of the group, the older Shepard finally spoke - his tone giving no room for argument. "I've informed Captain Anderson and Ambassador Udina about Doctor Wayne. Garrus has liaised with the Executor; he'll be held by C-Sec until Udina knows what to do with him. From the sounds of it, Alliance High Command would have preferred it if I'd just lined him up against a wall, and riddled him with holes back on Ontarom."
An involuntary shudder caused the dishevelled scientist's body to jostle in Wrex's grip. With a nudge to the back of his legs from the scarred merc, the scientist was quickly kneeling in front of the group.
No one from the ground team seemed to have any intention of showing the man any empathy, or mercy - apart from Abby.
Toombs' finger gently grazed the trigger guard of his rifle, as Shepard continued: "But they've agreed to put him on trial for his crimes on Akuze, and against the Alliance. I've used my power as humanities first Spectre to have him indefinitely held by C-Sec until the trial; I don't trust him in the hands of other humans - Cerberus' influence might stretch further than we'd like to admit - so he'll be watched over by aliens."
Garrus piped up at this, his omni-tool having recently been open during the commander's explanation: "The Executor's promised to put his best people on him, Boss. They'll make sure he talks at his trial."
A silent whimper from the man in question caused Wrex to loudly smack him around the head. A growl from the huge krogan battlemaster caused any further noises to stop immediately. Abby spoke next, her voice as hard and cold as an asteroid floating through deep space: "I'm glad you're going to find some justice and closure from all of this, Chris. I'm glad you showed him mercy - but why does he look like he's been practically tortured?"
A muffled, joyless laugh emanated from Toombs' helmet as he regarded the group: "Oh don't worry. He hasn't been tortured. Not yet, anyway. Once he's given his testimony, that's a different story... He's gonna be all mine. Ain't that right, Shepard?"
The commander said nothing; a mere grunt being his only answer.
Concern laced the younger Shepard's features but seeing her brother's face, she knew better than to say anything in public, which would have been better said in private.
With a nod of his head, Garrus motioned two turian C-Sec officers across: "C-Sec's here, Boss. He's their problem, now."
Wordlessly, the two officers managed to prize the dishevelled scientist from Wrex's grasp, before frog-marching him past the heavily armed group.
Before they reached the elevator, Doctor Wayne managed to utter only one final sentence to the Commander, and Toombs - the impact of his words would last with both men in varying capacities, until the days they died. "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry... I did what I thought would best further the interests of humanity. Please forgive me! God, forgive me!"
As the good doctor was loaded into the elevator, and out of the commander's sight for the very last time, the group released a collective sigh they'd been unconsciously holding.
Wrex was the first to break the ensuing silence. With a dramatic flourish, he shook a gauntleted foot over a nearby railing; his words dripping with anger as his three toes splayed apart individually. "Fucking pyjak pissed himself, and it's all over my foot! I didn't sign up to be pissed on, Shepard!"
It was Kaidan that replied for the commander, his voice low - like he was musing more to himself than anything: "I don't know how he's managed that - he's not had anything to eat or drink the entire time back from Ontarom. I don't think he slept either, what with Garrus blaring his music out next to him the whole time."
Abby looked aghast at this. The fiery redhead couldn't hold her tongue any longer. "What do you mean he's not had anything to eat, or drink, Lieutenant?! I don't think I've ever seen it mentioned in the Alliance regs that it's perfectly acceptable to mistreat prisoners and deny them their basic needs! Starving, thirsty, and sleep deprived?! No wonder the poor man looked like shit!"
All eyes looked towards the commander, as he merely looked at his sister.
The two N7's stared each other down for a while, before Shepard grunted. "Wrex, Frank - meet my sister Abigail. Abigail, Wrex and Frank. I mentioned it in my messages, but Frank was the one that Cerberus kidnapped and tortured for years - you know, the group that that 'poor' scientist worked for."
Wrex gave his own grunt as he began wiping his foot, and Toombs merely nodded his head in greeting.
Abby's countenance turned cold, as she said nothing in response.
Before an awkward silence could settle, the commander stepped away from the group before climbing a nearby crate.
Opening his omni-tool, the older Shepard spoke authoritatively: "Whilst we've got a few days shore leave on the Citadel, I've been asked to look into some pressing issues by the Council and Alliance High Command. These people have either gone through the correct diplomatic channels, or they're worrying C-Sec enough to gain their attention, and now they've landed in my lap. So that means, they're also in your lap."
Groans of consternation could be heard from the collective group - but no one voiced their grievances.
Clearing his throat, Shepard sent out various details and permissions to each individual's omni-tool. "There's too much work for one person to do on their own, and I've been asked to give an in-person briefing to Udina and Anderson about what happened on Therum and Noveria. Then I'm to meet with some asari called Nassana Dantius, before visiting the Elcor ambassador. Not only that, but I need to organise the sale of these mods and any spare pieces of equipment we've acquired to the Shadow Broker's agent Barla Von."
As various pings chimed on the ground team's various omni-tools, the commander finished giving his orders. "So we'll be splitting up into groups. You've all got your assignments, and you've got my personal Spectre authorisation codes - if anybody questions you, show them the codes and explain you work with me."
Everyone seemed to pay extra attention at this, as Shepard gave his instructions. "Toombs, you're with me."
A mere nod of the merc's head was the only acknowledgement Shepard received, as everybody else looked ready to protest.
Before they could however, the commander pointed towards the lumbering krogan in the back of the group: "Wrex - you'll take Liara to the Citadel tower and find some salarian called Chorack? No... Chorban, that's it! C-Sec are worried he's up to something, but they're not sure what. They don't want to contribute any resources to investigating him, if it seems like nothing."
Wrex gave a loud sigh as he moved towards the asari scientist at the front of the group. "Sure, send the veteran krogan battlemaster to make sure the salarian doesn't do something stupid. Where have I heard that one, before? Come on, asari, let's get this over with. I'm hungry, so the sooner we get this over with, the sooner I can go and find some decent food."
"My name, is Liara! How many times do I have to tell you, Wrex?!"
"Sorry. Liara. Can we go now?"
"Thank you."
The flustered archaeologist said nothing else, as the pair ventured towards a lower platform to requisition Citadel Rapid Transit.
Shepard hurriedly shouted after them: "Keep your omni-tools on! I'll check in with you later!"
A simple thumbs up from Wrex was the only acknowledgement as the krogan and asari quickly got in the back of a waiting sky-car.
The commander regarded the collected group in front of him once more: "Garrus - you've been personally requested by Doctor Michel. She's having some problems that she's not comfortable discussing over open-channels."
Garrus nodded his head as he began to move towards the elevator to C-Sec headquarters. Shepard, wasn't finished however: "Tali, go with him. Make sure he doesn't get jumped again like he did on Ontarom. I can trust you to look after yourself in close quarters fighting, at least."
Before the turian could rebuke this insinuation, Tali gave a slight cough before clapping him on his armoured shoulder: "If you think that's what's best, Captain. I'll make sure Garrus comes back in one piece."
A spluttering, guttural sound erupted from the veteran C-Sec officer's mouth as he was ushered towards the elevator. Within moments, the dextro pair disappeared from sight.
"What about us, Skipper? Do you want us to come with you?" Ashley asked, as she looked towards the commander.
Shaking his head, the Butcher gestured towards his younger sibling: "No, Chief. You and Kaidan will accompany Lieutenant Shepard to the embassies. There's a man who's been petitioning Udina - a 'Samesh Bhatia'? I think that's his name... Anyway his wife died back on Eden Prime, and he's being met with more red tape than usual whilst trying to get her body released. Go down there and find out what's going on."
Two crisp salutes met this statement from Alenko and Williams. Abby merely grunted as she began walking towards the Citadel Rapid Transit point.
Chris and Frank were the last ones standing. It was Toombs that broke the silence: "Where do you want to head to first, Shepard?"
"Let's see this Barla Von, and get paid. Udina's not expecting me for a few hours yet, and I don't fancy sitting down with some asari diplomat at the moment. Once we're done with the volus... We'll see where our feet take us."
"I know this great bar down in the Wards, if you're interested? I don't know about you, but I feel like getting so drunk I forget my own goddamned name."
"You're on."
With that, the two heavily armed humans made their way towards the C-Sec elevator; intent on stretching their legs and shooting the shit.
Like old times.
I was originally intending this chapter to be around 10,000 words altogether. But, I kept getting ideas about the ground team completing their various tasks, and I didn't want to just gloss over the interactions in 500 words or less.
So they'll have their own chapter.
Don't worry though, I'm already halfway through writing that one - it should be out relatively soon. Hopefully.
Thank you once again for the new follows and favourites!