Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It’s once his ship set off through the relay that Wrex heard a rather peculiar noise coming from the cargo hold. He’d finished a job delivering some kind of cargo between gangs, and apart from some action from the Blue Suns, it was quiet. Wrex hated quiet; like all krogan, he craved action and the thrill of demolishing his opponents in a fight, even if he’d tempered that urge with some common sense.
The ship was a small one with a cockpit, bathroom, and two bedrooms (one for himself, and one for guests he either was handing over to someone powerful or being paid to watch over). There it was again, the faint scratching noise that his sensitive hearing detected. Grabbing a pistol, he darted into the cargo hold and came face to face with a scrawny human with red hair, who couldn’t have been more than twelve years old. She screamed, and Wrex barely managed to dodge a flair of blue biotics.
He dropped the pistol. “Hey kid, it’s ok. I’m not going to hurt you.”
“You’re not?” the girl sounded tired, as if the whole universe was against her.
“Of course not. Is there any family?” He doubted that there was, but he needed to check anyways.
The girl shook her head vehemently. She might be underweight, but there was something of a survivor to her stance.
“What’s your name?” he asked, since it’s seemed rude to continue to refer to her “girl” or “kid”.
“Cassia Shepard,” she replied.
“Interesting, that sounds kind of like a turian name. My name’s Wrex. Urdnot Wrex.” It’s ironic, and while there’s a small portion of him that protested that he would make a lousy parent, but another part of him wanted to take a shot at what the genophage denied him. “I’ve got a bunk for you and I guess we’d better head back to the Citadel and fill out some paperwork.”
“You mean you’ll let me stay?” There’s a hint of hope in Cassia’s eyes.
“Of course I’ll let you stay.” That prompted what humans referred to as a smile. It’s slow to form, but it’s there.
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Initially, Cassia struggled to fall asleep. She tossed and turned, even though the bed and blankets were soft and comfortable. She knew most people would think that falling asleep in krogan’s place was suicide, but then again Wrex isn’t what she expected of a krogan. Sure, he is a fierce fighter, shown by the confident way he held his pistol, and the scars that lace his body. However, he is kind to her, and helped put fresh sheets on the bed, she now lay on.
“If you need anything I’ll be right down the hall,” he said.
While a small part of her is tempted to wake Wrex, the habit of fending for herself and not trusting adults, is difficult to shake. She doesn’t remember her mother, and her father was a mean person who hit her a lot until Social Services put him in jail for smuggling red sand, and placed her in foster care. Foster care wasn’t much better with her either being ignored at best, or abused at worst. When she’d finally run away she thought she was home safe. But no, she had to get caught up in a bloody gang war. Maybe things would be different this time. As long she behaved and the authorities decided to let her stay with Wrex.
“No one’s ever wanted you why should Wrex be any different?”
“Shut up!”
In spite of her pessimistic conscious, Cassia hoped that things truly would be different this time.
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It took Wrex two days to direct his rickety ship to Citadel, two days in which he alternated between trying to scrap together something nutritionally beneficial for a human and awkwardly comforting said human. Plus, he’d caught Cassia poking around his ryncol stash.
“That stuff will cause permanent damage to your liver, and that’s if you’re lucky.”
“But you drink it,” she pointed out impertinently.
“Well, I have multiple organs in case my primary ones fail, you don’t.”
After that, the kid finally back down. When they arrived at the Citadel, Cassia gasped. “Wow! What is that ship over there?”
“That’s the Destiny Ascension,” Wrex explained. “It’s an asari built ship and the Council flagship.”
“Do krogan have big ships like that?” Cassia asked.
He knew the kid didn’t mean anything, but the question brings back dark memories he’d rather not think about. “No, we don’t.”
Maybe there’s something in his vocal inflections, but Cassia doesn’t ask any further questions. It takes half an hour to get clearance to land, and another half hour to go through customs. The customs agent, a turian, seemed to enjoy giving Wrex a hard time. Finally, they are cleared to enter the Citadel. The Promenade with its wide avenues and open space had Cassia smiling.
“It’s all so big!” Her expression is one of childish wonder that is universal to all species’ young, even little krogans.
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“Absolutely not!” the sour faced woman said. “We are not letting some krogan brute adopt a human.
“Battlemaster, I’m a battlemaster,” Wrex countered. “Besides, Cassia is a biotic and she needs training.”
“Are you implying that we are incapable of training biotics sir?”
“If you mean based in the failure of your biotic training facility than yes, I am.”
Just then another human, a man, approached. “Why don’t we ask the kid what she wants.”
Then all three of them looked at her, which was rather disconcerting. “I want to stay with Wrex,” she said. “And my name’s Cassia Shepard, not ‘kid’.”
The woman gasped at her audacity, but the man simply said, “Anita,” and pulled her aside. After a whispered conversation they both came back.
“Fine you can adopt her,” she said. “For all the good it will do the kid.”
So Wrex spent the afternoon filling out paperwork, while Cassia sat and stared out the window. She did answer one or two questions, but her new father did most of the work. When it was finally done, Wrex treated her out to dinner at a diner restaurant, and if anyone found it odd to see a krogan and a human child together, they kept their opinions to themselves. Although, Cassia liked her turkey, bacon and avocado sandwich, she found her mind wandering to what her life would be like now.
“So, the first thing we need to do is get you tested and fitted for a biotic implant,” Wrex explained. “Getting it installed, isn’t fun, but then we can start working on getting your abilities in control.”
“You’ll be there when they do the procedure, right?” she asked warily.
“Of course.” After that, Wrex spent most of the time explaining that he planned to have her enroll in an online school, since “our home’s a ship.” Cassia just smiled and nodded. Hopefully, she wouldn’t be too far behind her peers.
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The first thing Wrex did was submit Cassia’s application to an online school for spacer kids. The acceptance letter came several days later. Cassia would start in two months, which would be plenty of time for her to undergo the surgery to put in her implant. True to his word, Wrex was present for the surgery, once the medical personnel realized that he wouldn’t get in the way. Although, Cassia was clearly apprehensive, she only winced a couple of times, and never screamed.
Then a week after the surgery, came the challenge of tutoring her abilities. After the first few tries, she slumped. “I’ve never going to be able to do this.”
Wrex resisted the urge to yell. It hadn’t worked for him when he was a youngling trying to become a battlemaster, and it wouldn’t work for the kid either. “Just take a deep breath and focus.”
Cassia closed her eyes and reached out. Blue energy coursed from her fingertips, and the tiny red bouncy ball she attempted to lift was thrown to the other side of the cargo hold and caused a small dent from its impact. “Oops. Sorry, Dad.”
Wrex laughed. “It’s ok, Cassia. I caused far worse when I was training to be a battlemaster.”
“Really?” Cassia inquired eagerly.
So Wrex regaled her with one of his old stories about his early days, and Cassia laughed. They also consequently ate dinner at a later time, but Wrex didn’t mind.
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When Cassia heard another mention about the Genophage in class, it took her several weeks to work up the courage to ask her adoptive father about it. He’d just completed a job that took them into the Terminus systems, and he seemed happy.
Dad almost looked sad when she mentioned it. When he was finished explaining it, she asked, “how are you going to fix it?”
“That’s not something you can fix. Krogan, in general, are too focused on fighting to change anything. Plus, we have no scientists.”
“If anyone can fix this, you can,” Cassia insisted. She can tell from the stance of his body, that he doesn’t believe her.
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It took all his self-control not to hit the first boyfriend Cassia brought home: a scrawny tan human with black hair and brown eyes.
“Just play nice,” she pleaded with him. “He’s already nervous enough when I told him that you’re a krogan.”
So the trio had an awkward dinner where both Wrex and the boy only talked through Cassia. He was almost relieved when she broke up with the guy two months later. However, he was able to support his kid through her ice cream buying surge, and sat through several stupid movies.
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When Cassia printed out and read an Alliance recruitment add, she was torn. On one hand, she wanted to help defend people. Plus, they provided incentives for biotics like her, especially those with prior training. On the other hand, she knew her dad wasn’t too enthusiastic about the Alliance and she didn’t want to disappoint him. So Cassia put it off, and tried to focus on their upcoming vacation to Elysium, and her high school graduation. She managed to put it out of her mind for most of their vacation, until Dad got a call, and said he needed to take care of something, leaving her to hang around in an area with cute shops.
“Excuse me, is this seat taken?” A young asari maiden stood nervously next to the bench.
“No, go ahead and sit,” Cassia invited.
She sat, but she eyed her warily until she noted the flyer. “Is that a recruitment poster? Are you planning on joining your species’ military?”
Cassia shrugged. “I don’t know. A part of me wants to, but I don’t want to disappoint my father and he isn’t a big fan of the Alliance.”
“Maybe you should think about what might happen if you don’t enlist,” the asari suggested. “You might spend the rest of your life wondering ‘what if’. My mother and I aren’t on talking terms, but I wouldn’t trade my archeology expeditions for the whole galaxy.”
Just then, Wrex arrived with some Japanese takeout, and the asari quickly left. Cassia wanted to confide in her father. However, she still worried that she would only end up disappointing him.
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Wrex didn’t know what to say when Cassia finally confided her plans to join the Alliance military. On one hand, he worried about the danger his precious daughter faced. On the other hand, it was a better job than becoming a mercenary like him, who straddled the line between lawful and illegal. So he smiled and congratulated her.
When she shipped out for boot camp, he gave her one last piece of advice. “Don’t forget your biotics are part of you, whatever those lily-livered pyjaks say.”
“Thanks, Dad!” Cassia smiled then and hugged him, something she rarely did, since she knew that krogan were not the hugging type.
“Now go make your father proud!” he yelled loud enough that several of the other passengers eyed him warily. He watched her walked onto the ship and stayed there until the ship glided away into the distance.

Chapter Text

Cassia groaned as she sat down on her bunk, distressing her sore muscles. While, she did not regret enlisting in the Alliance military, boot camp did take a lot of her energy. There were also some cadets who were wary of having a biotic among them, but she learned to ignore them.
“So what’s up Cassie?” chirped her bunkmate Tammy as she plopped down onto Cassia’s bunk. While Tammy was at times obnoxiously cheerful and insisted on referring to her as Cassie, she at least wasn’t the least bit afraid of Cassia’s biotics.
“Nothing much,” she replied. “I’m just wondering how you can be so happy after PT.”
“Hey, it’s not much longer before boot camp is over, and you get to spend some quality time with your boyfriend.”
Cassia rolled her eyes. “Jake’s not my boyfriend. Besides, isn’t it against regulations?”
“Only if you’re in the same unit or you’re his superior. Odds are you’ll serve in different units.”
“Besides, I’m too busy with serving the Alliance to have a boyfriend,” Cassia concluded, ending the discussion.
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Cassia sweated heavily in the dark, heavy air of Rio. She spent half the time fending off the many clusters of mosquitoes that seemed determined to feast on her blood. While she performed well during her basic training, the fact she was invited to the coveted N-school for further training was a shock. As she examined the line of other recruits, she did a double take when she recognized two of them.
“Tammy!”
The other woman ignored propriety, and embraced her in a rib cracking hug, her chocolate brown eyes shining with elation. Jake, the blond haired, hazel eyed man whom Cassia was attracted to, stood nervously behind her excitable best friend.
“So are you excited or what?” Tammy asked.
Cassia smiled, noting that the prospect of harsh training that would make boot camp seem like a walk in the park didn’t dampen Tammy’s enthusiasm at all.
“Well, at least there’s no danger of this being boring,” she replied. Even Jake smiled a little at Cassia’s comment, causing butterflies to swell slightly in her chest. She fought to keep them down, knowing that she needed to focus on training, not moon after Jake.
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Tammy beamed from her spot next to Cassia as they patiently waited to be called up to the stage for the graduation. In the months since the beginning of N-school, the group of students went from thirty men and women to herself, Tammy, and three other men. It was still hard to believe she’d earned the coveted N-7 designation. Wrex sat among the small audience of friends and family members here to celebrate. He didn’t appear bothered that most of the others gathered gave him a wide berth.
“Shepard, Cassia!” Cassia walked up onto the stage and received her paper from a tan woman whose name she couldn’t recall, who ran the N-school. David Anderson, the semi-famous veteran of the First Contact War, beamed at her. While she didn’t know him too well, he’d acted as mentor of sorts while she was at the N-school, and Cassia started to view him as a second father.
After receiving a surprise, fierce hug from Wrex, Cassia was surprised to see Jake standing there with a bouquet of lilies.
“Hi,” he said shyly, glancing at the ground.
“Hi,” she replied. “You’re not still sour that you didn’t make it past N-1 training, are you?”
“It did sting for a time,” Jake admitted. “But now, I realize that it’s an honor just to be an N-1. I’m surprised Tammy made it.” He hesitated before adding, “Actually I was wondering if we could go out sometime, since we’re not serving in the same unit it wouldn’t break regulations.”
“I think I’d like that,” Cassia admitted, glancing at Tammy, who was being fussed over by her brother, and mother. She hugged Jake, who gradually returned her embrace; this was the happiest day of her life, not counting the day she met her father, Wrex.
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“Morning sunshine.” Cassia felt a hand poke gently into her side and reluctantly opened her weary eyes. Jake was dressed casually in a Hawaiian t-shirt and shorts and looked excited to do the tourist stuff. He’d always been more of a morning person than she was.
She groaned. “I knew it was a mistake to use our leave to go on vacation together.”
Jake winked. “Well, it’s better than you throwing yourself into more training. If you work too much you’ll end up burning yourself out.” When she still didn’t move he added. “We could always just stay in bed and go exploring later.”
Cassia smiled softly. “I like the sound of that.”
She lay under the covers for a little while longer, before sitting up and yawning loudly. Cassia dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, ready to explore Elysium for the first time. They walked along the main concourse, where most of the shops were located. Most of the other beings were either humans or asari, but there were a few turians scattered about, and Cassia thought she glimpsed the blue suit of a quarian.
“Are you ok?” she inquired.
Jake shrugged. “I’m fine. I’m just not used to seeing so many different aliens.”
“The sheltered colony kid,” Cassia teased. “How will you survive?”
He rolled his eyes. “I’ll manage.”
When they sat by big fountain along the main concourse and fed the pigeons a portion of their lunch, Cassia can’t shake the feeling that something terrible is about to happen. All the hairs on her skin are prickled up, as if sensing some eminent danger. Suddenly, she hears an explosion and the desperate screams of civilians caught in the crosshairs of a batarian attack. Both, Cassia and Jake jumped up to confront this danger. She grabbed the small sidearm she always kept at her side, while Jake cursed that he’d left his at the hotel. Cassia instinctively placed herself between several civilians and the oncoming batarians and launched a singularity them. Two of them fell, screaming, but two more rapidly took their place. She and Jake fought their way to one of the larger shops, noting that several small groups of turians and asari were doing something similar. When Cassia arrived in the shop (tuxedos and evening dresses scattered in piles as if a gigantic toddler threw a temper tantrum) she noted that the human owner was sitting in a chair, frozen, with an expression of disbelief on his brown skinned face. She had no words to comfort this terrified civilian; therapy wasn’t really part of her set of skills. The other groups were arguing intently about what course of action to take in response to the batarian invasion.
Cassia walked to the front of the room and yelled, “Quiet!”
Everyone immediately stopped talking and fixed their eyes on her. A part of Cassia wanted to step back, but she knew that someone needed to solve the dilemma of this invasion, and that someone happened to be her. “We need to work together to take down this threat,” she asserted, attempting to sound more confident than she felt. “Everyone who has undergone military training, or worked as a mercenary, raise your hand.”
All of the turians and two of the asari raised their hands. There were no asari commandoes, but the two asari appeared to be battle hardened and their biotics would be an asset. As Cassia scanned the group, one turian female in particular stood out to her. There was a self assured confidence to her posture, and her blue eyes were alight with determination. “What’s your name?” she inquired.
The turian met her gaze and replied, “Solana Vakarian.”
For the first time, Cassia smiled. “Solana, I want you to pick a team and work you’re way to the garrison stationed here. I’ll take anyone else who can fight and do the same.”
“And if the garrison is wiped out?” she asked.
Her query increased the respect Cassia felt for her; most turians tended to follow orders blindly, without questioning them. “If the garrison is wiped out, then you’ll to recruit more civilians, anyone with weapons training. I know it’s a desperate maneuver, but this a desperate situation.”
They split between them those who possessed combat experience. Cassia felt slightly guilty for adding one of the asari to her group, considering her own biotics. The small group of asari who lacked any combat experience would stay behind, and barricade themselves in. It was a wrench to leave them behind, but she noted that they all seemed enthusiastic about defending this place from the invading batarians.
When she completed her debriefing, Cassia noted that Jake was speaking gently with the shopkeeper, whose limbs seemed to loosen up slightly. The man was still terrified, but he was no longer a frozen statue.
“That was nice of you to talk to him,” she complimented, wishing she could be as astute as he was at interacting with other beings.
Jake smiled as they left the shop. “You just have to show interest in their pasts. Take Maxwell Bellefleur for example, he’s planning to marry his long time fiancée in three months and is anxious about picking out the right tuxedo.”
The two groups split up, taking different routes, and Cassia focused on the battle. This wasn’t anything like other combat she’d participated in. It was haphazard, without any clear battle lines. Fortunately, none of the batarians she faced expected her biotics, which were supplemented by the asari mercenary. Finally, when she turned to face yet another opponent and was met with silence, Cassia sagged in relief. But when she turned to celebrate with Jake, she couldn’t find him. It took her hours after she debriefed both her team and the surviving members of the local garrison to find her boyfriend lying motionless in an alleyway, his hazel eyes wide with shock.
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It took all of her courage to go to Jake’s funeral. His parents never were fond of her when they’d been dating, and blamed her for his death. To add insult to injury, they’d insisted on only inviting humans to their son’s funeral, barring the strike teams of aliens who felt close to Jake in spite of only knowing him for a few hours. Tammy took leave to attend the funeral and put her arm comfortingly around her friend during the service. In addition, Max and his fiancée provided a lovely spread of greenish-white carnations.
When the service was done, and they finally buried Jake in the family plot, Cassia vowed that she would never again allow herself to become inappropriately close to someone she was working with. It simply wasn’t worth the pain.
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Garrus Vakarian escaped into his family backyard from his sister’s relentless crowing about some human she’d worked with during the invasion of Elysium. He was proud that his sister handled herself well, and received commendations both from the Hierarchy and the Alliance, but there was only so much he could hear about “Shepard did this” and “Shepard was good at that”. After all, what so important about this human anyways?
“Garrus?” His sister Solana followed him into the backyard. “Are you all right?”
“Just escaping from you constantly going on about Shepard,” he replied, not caring if he sounded rude. Come to think of it, he was growing tired of pretending that everything was all right. That Mom didn’t struggle to recall who they were on her bad days, and that C-Sec did nothing while crime ran rampant in the Citadel.
“She’s a talented person,” was all Solana said. “I think you two would get along great actually.”
“Why exactly would we get along?”
“You both have zero tolerance for idle small talk.”
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“No.”
“At least consider the option Shepherd,” Anderson said pleadingly. They were sitting in his office and Cassia was out of patience.
“It’s not that I don’t want this position sir,” Cassia admitted. “It’s just that I feel I lack experience to be an effective XO.”
“Shepherd, you’re the only candidate I trust for this position.” Translation: I trust you more than the candidate Consular Udina put forward. Udina was known for being a little more human first than Anderson liked.
“Fine, I’ll take the position.” Cassia had a feeling that her father Wrex wasn’t going to let her hear the end of this when they met again. He was currently on a job at the Citadel, and she’d only received sporadic contact from him. So she left Anderson’s office to pack a bag and get ready for her new assignment aboard the Alliance frigate SSV Normandy SR-1.

Chapter Text

The Normandy took off from its docking berth without a hitch and they were on their way to Eden Prime. It wasn’t the destination Cassia would have picked for a shake down run, but she wasn’t complaining. Besides, compared to the stoic Spectre turian on board, it was fairly normal. Nihlus was the stereotypical turian; stoic, and not directly volunteering any personal information unless asked. It made the crew rather uneasy, and her attempts at soliciting info from said turian had all been one worded and annoyed, so Cassia gave up.
She went to the bridge as the Normandy began its approach to the mass effect relay. Although she’d traveled many times via mass relay living with her father and serving the Alliance, a part of Cassia always felt anticipation and excitement as the pilot whom everyone referred to as Joker announced their approach and the countdown. The Normandy shot through the relay faster than a speeding bullet and arrived at their destination coordinates.
Cassia also noted that Nihlus’ expression did not change when Joker announced their vector. “Your captain will be pleased” was more professional then polite.
“I don’t trust that guy,” Joker admitted. “Besides since when do turian Spectres accompany Alliance frigates on shake down runs?”
Co-pilot Kaidan who was mooned over by both female and male crewmembers replied, “The Council partially funded this mission, they have a right to send an observer.”
That might be true, but their method was making the crew uneasy, and a nervous crew was less likely to respond efficiently to a crisis. “I agree with Helmsman Moreau. They don’t send Spectres on shake down runs.” When Joker smiled she added, “On the other hand, we should be polite, since we need to stay on the good side of the both the Council and Turian Hierarchy.”
“Joker, Status report,” Anderson said via communications, interrupting the trio’s musings.
“All systems are green and stealth systems are engaged sir. Captain, Nihlus is headed your way,” Joker reported.
“He’s already here Lieutenant,” replied Anderson, which made Joker mutter some curse words under his breath. “Tell Commander Shepard to meet me in the comm room for a debriefing.”
“Wish me luck.” She nodded to the bridge crew and attempted not to comb her hands through her red hair as she calmly walked to the meeting room, which of course featured pictures of their upcoming destination: Eden Prime, which was a deciduous environment. And of course, Nihlus was the only other person present in the room.
“I have heard that Eden Prime is a beautiful place.”
“I wouldn’t know much about it, since I’ve never been there before,” Cassia admitted. “No offense, but have you been to every single planet in the Hierarchy?”
Nihlus actually nodded. “You’ve made a fair point Shepard.”
They fell into an awkward silence until Anderson entered the comm room, relaxed and at ease. “I think it’s about time we tell the Commander what’s really going on.”
“This mission is far more than a simple shake down run,” Nihlus said.
“I figured there was something you weren’t telling us,” Cassia admitted, waiting patiently for answers.
“We’re making a covert pick-up on Eden Prime,” Anderson explained. “That’s why we needed the stealth systems operational.”
That made sense, as frustrating as the concealment of the mission was. “So, what’s the covert pick-up for exactly sir?”
“A research team on Eden Prime unearthed some kind of beacon during an excavation. It was Prothean.”
Cassia nodded as both Anderson and Nihlus explained why they needed to perform a covert pick-up of the beacon. However, she faltered when Nihlus made a surprising revelation.
“The beacon’s not the only reason I’m here Shepard,” Nihlus stated.
“Nihlus wants to see you in action Commander,” Anderson added. “He’s here to evaluate you.”
“What’s going on Captain?” Cassia inquired. This wasn’t what she expected during the debrief.
“As you probably are already aware the Alliance has been pushing for more of a say in Council politics. If we have a human accepted as a Spectre it will show how far humanity has come.”
“You held off an enemy assault during the Blitz single-handed,” Nihlus stated, with a hint of respect in his tone. “You showed not only courage but also incredible skill. That’s why I put your name forward as a candidate for the Spectres.”
“Why would a turian want a human in the Spectres, especially a human with my connections?” Cassia asked, because if she had a credit for every time someone doubted her loyalty to the Alliance due to her adoptive father, she’d be wealthy enough to retire in a tropical beach house.
“Not all turians resent humanity. Some of us see the potential of your species. We see what you have to offer the rest of the galaxy….and to the Spectres. We are an elite group. It’s rare to find an individual with the skills we seek. I don’t care that you’re human, Shepard. I only care that you can do the job.”
“I assume this is good for the Alliance,” Cassia addressed Anderson, both because he didn’t make her nervous and he was still her CO.
“Earth needs this Shepard. We’re counting on you.”
Well that sealed what her ultimate answer would be, although Cassia didn’t relish the amount of teasing Wrex was going to dole out to her when he found out. So, she simply nodded and accepted the mission. Just as they finished the debriefing, Joker interrupted with a broken transmission of an attack. It was fuzzy and hard to focus as most helmet cameras were, until Anderson asked the recording to pause over a ship like object that resembled a squid. It looked like the simple recon mission just became a lot more complicated.
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While, Ashley considered herself to be religious, she wasn’t one to blame God for her problems. This time, with the geth and rest of her team down, she really wanted to scream at the heavens for the unfairness of it all. And then, Ryan was shot and his body was impaled on a spike thingy by the geth. She ducked behind cover to reload her rifle, and suddenly, shots rang out. With the new arrivals, Ashley was able to throw herself back into the fray, managing to take down one of the geth platforms with a shot. After the last of the geth fell, she turned to survey her rescuers. One, was a red-haired woman with blue eyes, and the other was brown haired with brown eyes. Both had skin tones paler than her own light tan, and from their stances had more combat experience.
“Thank you, ma’am, I thought I was dead meat. I’m Gunnery Chief Ashley Williams of the 212. Are you the one in charge here?”
“Are you wounded, Williams?” the woman asked.
The fact that she seemed genuinely concerned touched Ashley. “Just a few scrapes and bruises, ma’am. Nothing that won’t heal in time. The others weren’t as lucky as I was.”
“I’m Commander Shepard. This is Lieutenant Alenko. We’re the team sent to retrieve the beacon. Is there anyone else in your squad left?”
Ashley shook her head. “No ma’am, as far as I know I’m the only one left.” While she hadn’t been BFFs with her squad, it was disheartening to know that none of the people she served with for the past two years remained.
“This isn’t your fault Williams,” Commander Shepard said soothingly. “You did what you could. Are you feeling well enough to move?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Ashley declared. “It’s payback time.”
She noted that both Commander and LT drank biotic juice before setting out. One of the unexpected perks of working alongside a pair of biotics was that taking down the geth platforms was easier. They arrived at the dig site, and Ashley was relieved to note that at least one of the scientists survived the massacre. Unfortunately, when they arrived where the beacon was supposed to be located it had already been moved. So, they had to take out more geth in order to get to the beacon.
Ashley’s curiosity about this piece of Prothean technology got the better of her, and she wandered too close to the beacon. It tried to pull her in, but the Commander pushed her out of the way and was pulled in instead.
“Shit, now I’ve really messed things up,” Ashley thought, as Alenko called for the ship they arrived in to pick them up.
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Wrex wasn’t having the best day, because it had been a long time since he’d spoken to his adoptive daughter Cassia and he was worried about her. Plus, he was also pissed off that Fist decided it would be a great idea to cross the Shadow Broker. It wasn’t that the upcoming fight wouldn’t be worthwhile. It was more that he wasn’t thrilled at the possibility of having to protect a helpless quarian whose skill level wasn’t anywhere near his own. Hopefully, he could take out Fist and save the quarrian whom the Broker deemed as useful. And maybe, Cassia would drop him a message from wherever the hell she was currently.
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After the freaky vision, she experienced, Cassia was more than happy that the Normandy was docking at the Citadel. In spite of Anderson’s reassurance, she knew that Udina would blame her for the destruction of the beacon and Nihlus’ death. As the ship pulled in Cassia noted that Ashley Williams was in awe.
“You’ve never been to the Citadel before Williams?” she asked.
Ashley flushed, still feeling guilty about her role in the destroyed beacon fiasco. “No ma’am, all my postings prior to this were on colonies.”
And of course, they all gawked at the giant blue Destiny Ascension, the pride of the Citadel fleet. It felt like only yesterday that Cassia’s adoptive father took her to the Citadel for the first time. Joker landed the Normandy once he received clearance from the tower. Predictably when they met with Udina, he blamed Cassia for the destruction of the beacon. Cassia also wasn’t sure how she felt about Anderson immediately jumping to her defense; she didn’t want to cause any trouble for her mentor.
“And this is why I hate politicians,” Ashley said the moment Udina and Anderson were out of earshot. Only decorum prevented Cassia from vigorously agreeing.
After a short debate, the trio purchased snacks, because both she and Alenko needed the calories. Ashley caved after her stomach let out a massive growl. When the threesome arrived at the Citadel Tower they walked in on an argument between two turians, one of whom looked kind of hot, although Cassia told herself to ignore that. He also had the same markings as Solana.
“Saren’s hiding something! Give me more time! Stall them!” he yelled.
“Stall the Council?” asked the other turian with light blue markings that covered most of his face. “Don’t be ridiculous! Your investigation is over, Garrus.” And of course, said turian walked away.
Garrus noticed the group and approached; Ashley backed away instinctively. “Commander Shepard? Garrus Vakarian. I was the officer in charge of the C-Sec investigation into Saren.”
“Any relation to Solana Vakarian?” Cassia knew it was off topic, but if she didn’t ask, it would keep irritating her like a gnat.
“She’s my sister,” Garrus explained.
“Ok. So, why don’t you like Saren?” she asked.
“I don’t trust him. Something about him rubs me the wrong way. But he’s a Spectre: everything he touches is classified. I can’t find any hard evidence.”
“I think the Council’s waiting for us Commander,” Kaidan interrupted.
“Good luck Shepard,” Garrus added. “Maybe they’ll listen to you.”
Cassia knew she probably was blushing now, so she nodded and worked to compose herself as the trio walked up the astronomical number of stairs to the Council Chambers. She had never considered herself xenophobic. On the other hand, she’d never considered herself to be a xenophile either. Both of her two previous boyfriends were human.
“Besides, I’m not getting involved with anyone else, not after what happened with Jake,” she told herself.
Of course, the trial was already in progress with the Council clearly favoring Saren. Cassia actually felt sorry for Udina, who looked pissed off at the Council’s railroading. Saren who was the white scaled with a bare face, wasn’t even attending the trial in person.
“We’ve read the Eden Prime reports, Ambassador. The testimony of one traumatized dockworker is hardly proof.” The Salarian councilor stated this in a dull monotone.
“I resent these accusations,” Saren said. “Nihlus was a fellow Spectre. And a friend.”
“That just let you catch him off guard!” Anderson yelled.
“Captain Anderson. You always seem to be involved when humanity makes false charges against me. And this must be your protégé Commander Shepard. The one who let the beacon get destroyed.”
Well, at least Cassia now had some ammunition so to speak against Saren. “The mission to Eden Prime was top secret. The only way you could know about the beacon was if you were there!”
Unfortunately, Saren had a counter argument. “With Nihlus gone, his files passed on to me. I read the Eden Prime report. I was unimpressed. But what can you expect from a human?”
“Saren despises humanity. That’s why he attacked Eden Prime.”
“Your species needs to learn its place Shepard,” Saren hissed. “You’re not ready to join the Council. You’re not even ready to join the Spectres.”
“He has no right to say that!” Udina yelled. “That’s not his decision!”
“Shepard’s admission into the Spectres is not the purpose of this meeting,” the asari councilor said, finally show that the Council did have some backbone after all.
“This meeting has no purpose!” Saren declared. “The humans are wasting your time, Councilor! And mine!”
“I agree, this meeting has been a waste of time since none of you are willing to admit that Saren is responsible for the deaths on Eden Prime!” Cassia yelled. The Councilors ignored her, but Saren looked as though he was reevaluating his initial thoughts on her. Not that it made a difference in this farce of a trial.
“There is still one outstanding issue: Commander Shepard’s vision,” Anderson pointed out. “It may have been triggered by the beacon.”
“Are we allowing dreams into evidence now?” Saren asked, glaring daggers at Anderson with his cold blue eyes. “How can I defend my innocence against this kind of testimony?”
“I agree,” the turian councilor said. “Our judgement must be based on facts and evidence, not wild imaginings and reckless speculation.”
And of course, the salarian councilor had the gall to ask, “Do you have anything else to add Commander Shepard?”
“You’ve made your decision,” she said. “I won’t waste my breath.”
“The Council has found no evidence of any link between Saren and the geth,” the asari councilor said after several gestures passed between her and the turian councilor. “Ambassador, your petition to have him disbarred from the Spectres is denied.”
“I’m glad to see justice was served,” Saren purred like a cat who’d gotten away with killing his family’s pet rat.
“This meeting is adjourned,” the asari councilor said. Cassia walked down the stairs out of the meeting room, furious of the miscarriage of justice. However, one way or another, she would expose Saren for the crimes he’d committed or she would die trying.

Chapter Text

After the disastrous trial, Cassia decided to inquire about any potential leads that the Alliance dug up. Since the Council and C-Sec refused to help, they were going to have to do the footwork all themselves. And of course, Councilor Udina was criticizing Captain Anderson for a decision Udina made.
“So how exactly do you and Saren know each other?” she asked.
“I worked with him on a mission a long time ago,” Anderson explained. “Things went bad. Real bad. We shouldn’t talk about this here. But I know what he’s like. And he has to be stopped.”
“We need to deal with Saren ourselves,” Cassia asserted.
“As a Spectre, he’s virtually untouchable,” Udina said. “We need to find some way to expose him.
“What about Garrus, that C-Sec investigator?” Kaidan interjected. “We saw him arguing with the executor.”
“That’s right! He was asking for more time to finish his report,” Ashley added. “Seems like he was close to finding something about Saren.”
Considering that Garrus seemed as determined to expose Saren as they were, it made sense to join forces and pool resources. Cassia attempted that it was that and not her attraction to Garrus that made her want to find him. “Any idea where we could find him?”
Luckily, Udina seemed willing to provide intel. “I have a contact in C-Sec who can help us track Garrus down. His name is Harkin.”
“Forget it,” Anderson said. “They suspended Harkin last month. Drinking on the job. I won’t waste my time with that loser.”
“You won’t have to. I don’t want the Council using your past history with Saren as an excuse to ignore anything we turn up. Shepard will handle this.”
“You can’t just cut Captain Anderson out of this investigation,” Cassia protested.
“The ambassador’s right,” Captain Anderson admitted. “I need to step aside.” And of course, Udina took that opportunity to leave. “If you want to find Harkin, he’s probably hanging out in Chora’s Den. That’s a dingy club in the lower section of the Wards.”
“Do we have any other leads?” she inquired, in case Harkin didn’t feel like spilling the information on Garrus.
“There’s a volus named Barla Von, who is rumored to be an agent of the Shadow Broker. He doesn’t work cheaply, but it’s worth a shot.”
“Thank you, sir,” she replied. As frustrating as the red tape in the Alliance could be at times, she knew that Anderson had her back.
“Good hunting Shepard.”
With that, the trio set off to find Barla Von’s office. After traipsing down several dead-end hallways that led to offices, Cassia was able to locate Barla Von with a little help from Kaidan, who was fairly good at coming up with a mental map of the Citadel. Unsurprisingly, the volus didn’t look at all surprised that three humans materialized in his office.
“One of the Earth-clan,” Barla Von mused. “You are the one they call Shepard. I’ve heard about your heroism during the Blitz.”
“You’ve got me at a disadvantage here,” Cassia admitted.
“Forgive me Earth-Clan,” he replied. “My name is Barla Von. My job makes it necessary for me to keep informed. I am a financial advisor to many important clients here on the Citadel. When someone as important as yourself arrives on the station, I take notice.”
She decided to cut to the chase and ask for the intel she needed and hoped she would be able to pay the gargantuan fee. “I heard you work for the Shadow Broker. Do you have any information about Saren?”
“Your very blunt Shepard,” Barla Von noted. “But you’re right. I am an agent for the Shadow Broker and I do know something about Saren.”
“I hear you information can be expensive,” Cassia said, prepared to haggle on the price so she wouldn’t end up depleting her savings account just to gain a paltry amount of intel on Saren.
“Normally this information would cost a small fortune,” the volus noted. “But these are exceptional circumstances. So, I’m going to give it to you for free.”
“So, what’s the catch?” Ashley inquired before Cassia could. Unlike Kaidan, the young woman recognized that nothing in this life was free.
“There is no catch,” Barla Von asserted. “The Shadow Broker is quite upset with Saren right now. They used to do a lot of business. Until Saren turned on him.”
“Saren’s turned on a lot of people lately,” Cassia said.
“I don’t know the details, but the Shadow Broker hired freelancer to deal with it. A krogan mercenary.”
Cassia had a gut feeling in her stomach that this krogan mercenary was a familiar face. “What’s this krogan’s name?”
Barla didn’t seem thrilled that she continued to badger him, but parted readily with the knowledge. “His name is Urdnot Wrex and he’s currently at the C-Sec academy. If you hurry, you might catch up to him before he leaves.”
After Cassia thanked the volus for his time, Ashley hesitantly spoke. “If you don’t mind me asking ma’am, what exactly is your interest in the krogan mercenary?”
Since Kaidan also looked eager for an answer to Ashley’s query, Cassia decided it wouldn’t hurt to give them both an answer. “Wrex is my adoptive father Williams. As to how a krogan mercenary adopted a human orphan, it’s a long story, we should get going if we want to meet Harkin and find out if he really does know something about Garrus.”
Cassia decided that her reunion with her father could wait, since she knew her father could handle himself well in a fight. Garrus on the other hand, may need back-up. At least, that was the justification of her need to find the turian instead of her adoptive father.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Garrus Vakarian wasn’t having a good day. First, he got chewed out by his boss for asking for more time on the Saren investigation, and now his only lead was being menaced by a group of human thugs. He was an excellent shot, but that wouldn’t do him any good if his only source of information was killed in the crossfire.
“I didn’t tell anyone I swear!” Dr. Michel was a good doctor, but she was not a combatant. Garrus sometimes had to remind himself that other species didn’t require several years of military service the way turians did.
“That was smart Doc. Now if Garrus come around, you stay smart. Keep your mouth shut, or we’ll…”
Suddenly, the thug started when he noticed some other people who weren’t a turian officer. “Who are you?” The man pulled Dr. Michel towards him, since she was his only leverage.
“Let her go.”
Garrus recognized the calm, authoritative voice of Commander Shepard, but he had more important things to worry about. He aimed his rifle, and shot the man who was holding Dr. Michel. She wisely ducked and crawled out of harm’s way.
He noted that both Commander Shepard and the only man on their team flared biotic blue. Garrus had never really fought alongside biotics since the cabals worked separately from the rest of the turian military. It certainly gave their group an edge in the firefight, as Commander Shepard threw one of the thugs off balance, who was then taken out by the other woman. Garrus aimed and shot another of the thugs, leaving the other to be taken out by Commander Shepard.
He had to admit that he was relieved that Shepard and her squad arrived when they did, since it allowed him to save Dr. Michel. Hopefully, the doctor would have some information that would expose Saren’s treachery. “Perfect timing, Shepard. Gave me a clear shot at that bastard.”
“What were you thinking?” she scolded. “You could have hit the hostage!”
And of course, he got the usual lecture about being reckless. Although he could maybe see her point about Doctor Michel potentially getting hurt. “There wasn’t time to think! I just reacted. I didn’t mean to-! Doctor Michel? Are you hurt?”
While she did sport some light bruising from where one of those thugs must have hit her, she seemed to have escaped from the ordeal without major injuries. “No, I’m ok. Thanks to you. All of you.”
The Commander’s voice softened and took on a soothing tone when she spoke to Dr. Michel. “I know those men threatened you. But if you tell us who they work for, we can protect you.”
“They work for Fist,” Dr. Michel explained. “They wanted to shut me up, keep me from telling Garrus about the quarian.”
Well that sounded very interesting, considering that quarians rarely left the Flotilla. And what would a quarian have to do with a lead on Saren?
“What quarian?” the Commander asked.
“A few days ago, a quarian came by my office. She’d been shot, but she wouldn’t tell me who did it. I could tell she was scared, probably on the run. She asked me about the Shadow Broker. She wanted to trade information in exchange for a safe place to hide.”
“Then what happened?” Shepard prompted.
“I put her in contact with Fist,” Dr. Michel replied. “He’s an agent of the Shadow Broker.”
“Not anymore,” Garrus added. “Now he works for Saren, and the Shadow Broker isn’t too happy about it.”
Dr. Michel snorted. “Fist betrayed the Shadow Broker? That’s stupid, even for him. Saren must have made him quite the offer.”
“That quarian must have something Saren wants,” Garrus said. “Something worth crossing the Shadow Broker to get.”
“She must have something that proves he’s a traitor,” Shepard noted, and Garrus was pleased to have someone on the same wavelength with him after years of arguing with his colleagues at C-Sec. “Did the quarian mention anything about Saren? Or the geth?”
Dr. Michel actually smiled a little. “She did! The information she was going to trade. She said it had something to do with the geth.”
“She must be able to link Saren to the geth,” Garrus said. “There’s no way the Council can ignore this!”
“I guess it’s time to pay Fist a visit,” Shepard said. “And I’ll see about giving your contact info to the Alliance so that Fist’s thugs don’t try to harm you for working with us.”
Dr. Michel blushed a similar shade to her auburn hair when the Commander mentioned a protection detail. However, she quickly got down to business of treating both herself and her rescuers. Garrus noted that she had an excellent understanding of turian anatomy; not surprising, given that she’d worked on the Citadel for quite some time. However, now he needed to convince Cassia Shepard that she should take him along with her.
“This is your show Shepard. But I want to bring down Saren as much as you do. I’m coming with you!”
Surprisingly, she didn’t look disgusted at him imposing. She appeared almost intrigued. “He’s a turian, why do you want to take him down badly?”
“Saren is a traitor to the Council and a disgrace to my people!” It was kind of a relief to vent out his feelings without getting criticized for not maintaining the party line about the malevolent Spectre.
“Welcome aboard, Garrus,” she said. “I guess now we go to the C-Sec academy to pick up Wrex before he demolishes the place.”
“You knew about the krogan mercenary?”
“Barla Von mentioned it,” she replied, as though speaking to an agent of the Shadow Broker was an everyday occurrence for her.
Just then, the human man winced, clutching his head. Both Shepard and Dr. Michel moved in, anxious. He waved them both off. “I’m fine. Just one of my headaches.”
“Maybe you should go back to the Normandy Alenko,” Shepard suggested. “You wouldn’t want to overdo it with the biotics.”
Alenko appeared as though he wanted to argue, but clearly thought better of it when another chorus of pains rippled through his head. “Fine,” he said.
After he left, Garrus, the other woman, and Shepard moved off at a reasonable pace towards the C-Sec academy and his new assignment. To be honest, Garrus had few regrets about leaving C-Sec apart from his father acting disappointed in him. He was ready to head off into a new and exciting adventure.

Chapter Text

Going into the C-Sec academy was more an annoyance then a setback, partially due to the fact that the group of human C-Sec officers were rather reluctant to confront a Krogan Battlemaster. While, it was disappointing that he wouldn’t get to fight them, Wrex was looking forward to taking Fist out and getting paid for his work. At least, he was until he recognized Cassia, with her bright red hair and blue eyes. She was flanked by a human woman with light brown skin and a male turian with blue colony markings.
“Cassia!” He might be confused by her presence, but he’s happy to see her considering he thought it would be months before she would be back from her highly-classified mission.
She smiled, but looked a little nervous. “Hi, Dad. So, long story short, I’m searching for evidence of Saren’s wrongdoings and Fist might have some evidence. I’ll let you kill Fist and claim the bounty, but we’ll deal with the rest of Fist’s my way.”
To say he wasn’t thrilled about Cassia risking her life against a ruthless turian Spectre was putting it mildly. On top of that, they likely wouldn’t even be facing a fight, since Cassia would be negotiating. On the other hand, she was letting him kill Fist, which was a plus in his book. “Fine.”
Cassia paced as if she wasn’t sure which of her two companions she should pick to accompany them to confront Fist. Fortunately, the turian made the decision for her. “I kind of need to fill out some paperwork.”
“Sure Vakarian,” she replied. “Let me just give you the information about where the Normandy is docked.”
Once she’d completed that, Vakarian took off faster than a speeding bullet. Wrex shrugged; it wouldn’t be the first or last time, a turian was reluctant to work with him. He noted that on the way to Fist’s, Cassia and Williams chatted about Cassia’s past. Wrex was also excited to note when they entered the closed down Chora’s Den, that several thugs moved in to fight. Wrex zeroed in on the sole biotic in the oppositions group, and knocked him down, although not before the man managed to knock over Williams. Fortunately, Cassia rushed to defend her fellow human, although she seemed to be limiting her biotic output. After Ashley was helped up, the trio took down the rest of the thugs with a combo of their guns and his biotics. It was an exhilarating fight that got Wrex’s blood pumped for when he would kill Fist. The trio moved on into the warehouse they were challenged by a pair of human workers.
“Stop right there!” one of them said, pointing a gun at the group. “Don’t come any closer!”
“Stay back or we’ll shoot!” the other worker added.
“This would be a good time to find somewhere else to work,” Cassia suggested.
The pair glanced at each other briefly, before lowering their weapons. “That does sound like a good idea,” one of them said.
“And I never liked Fist anyways,” said the other. So, the pair vacated the premises. When the trio finally arrived in Fist’s lair, a pair of defensive turrets slid up into view.
“This just got exciting!” Wrex crowed, as the trio worked to take down the turrets.
Fist looked scared when they finally took down the turrets. “Please! Don’t kill me. I’ll tell you where the quarian is! She wanted a meeting with the Shadow Broker.”
“No one meets the Shadow Broker in person,” Wrex pointed out.
“She didn’t know that. So, I set her up to be ambushed by Saren’s men.”
Wrex glanced at Cassia, checking to make sure she had everything she needed to know. When she nodded, he shot the man in the head. Fist twitched for several minutes before finally stilling.
“Ok, you feel up to rescuing that quarian before she gets killed?” Cassia inquired, since her adoptive father wasn’t part of the Alliance and she technically had absolutely no right to order him about.
“Are you kidding Cassia, I’m just getting warmed up for the fight!” Wrex declared.
So, they took off to rescue the quarian after Wrex sent an invoice to the Shadow Broker confirming that the job was done. As the trio crept into the ally, he noted that there several thugs and a turian who was eyeing the quarian in an unusually lustful way.
“Did you bring it?” the turian purred.
“Where’s the Shadow Broker? Where’s Fist?” the quarian asked, starting to sound a little nervous.
The turian caressed her mask. “They’ll be here. Where’s the evidence?”
The quarian slapped his talon away, and Wrex’s respect for the naïve kid went up slightly. “No way. The deal’s off.”
Two small mech droids closed in on the quarian only to be choked down in a booming explosion that left both on the ground. For a quarian, the kid wasn’t a bad fighter. Ashley and Cassia provided cover fire, while Wrex moved in. The turian assassin blanched in terror; he probably hadn’t anticipated facing off against a krogan Battlemaster. Wrex glowed blue and hurled energy towards the assassin, knocking the turian off his feet. Before the assassin could get up, he was taken out by Ashley and Cassia’s guns. Wrex then helped them make quick work of the mech droids, which fell into small melted chunks.
“Fist set me up!” the quarian yelled. “I knew I couldn’t trust him!”
“Are you all right?” Cassia asked.
“I’m fine, and thank you for rescuing me from those thugs. Who are you exactly?” the quarian asked.
“My name’s Cassia Shepard. I’m looking for evidence to prove Saren’s a traitor.”
“Then I have a chance to repay you for saving my life,” the quarian said. “But not here. We need to go somewhere safe.”
“What about the Alliance Embassy?” Williams suggested. “Plus, I’ll bet Udina and Anderson will want to hear this intel also, ma’am.”
Cassia nodded. “Good point Williams. Let’s move it, double time!”
Unfortunately, they were not challenged on the path to the Alliance embassy, since Wrex felt primed for another fight. At least, he now had confirmation that in spite of her “rules” Cassia was a formidable combatant, and a biotic prodigy. When they arrived at the embassy, Udina started droning on and on in the inconsequential drivel that politicians the galaxy over were infamous for.
“And who is this?” Udina added. “A quarian? What exactly are you up to Shepard?”
“Making your day ambassador,” Cassia replied. “She has information linking Saren to the geth.”
“Really? Maybe you’d better start at the beginning Miss….”
“My name is Tali,” the quarian explained. “Tali’Zorah Nar Rayya.”
Wrex ended up zoning out as Tali expounded about her Pilgrimage, or her rite to adulthood. When you had millennia worth of experience, not much was surprising or new. It wasn’t until Tali mentioned that she’d managed to save small caches of data from a geth that he focused on the conversation.
“Eden Prim was a major victory! The beacon has brought us one step closer to finding the Conduit.”
Anderson seemed a bit excited when he heard Saren’s voice over recording. “That’s Saren’s voice. This is the proof we need to bring to the Council.”
“Wait there’s more,” Tali added. “Saren wasn’t working alone.”
“And one step closer to the return of the Reapers,” a soft feminine voice said.
“I don’t recognize that other voice,” Ambassador Udina commented. “The one talking about Reapers.”
Wrex noted that his foster daughter had a curious expression on her face; the same expression she possessed when she’d finally solved a perplexing mystery. “Are they some new kind of alien species?” Cassia asked.
“According to the memory core the Reapers were a hyper-advanced machine race that existed 50,000 years ago,” Tali replied. “The Reapers hunted the Protheans to total extinction and then they vanished. At least, that’s what the geth believe.”
“Sounds a little far-fetched,” Udina said.
“The vision on Eden Prime, I understand it now,” Cassia said. “I saw the Protheans being wiped out by the Reapers.”
“The geth revere the Reapers as gods; the pinnacle of all non-organic life. And they believe Saren knows how to bring the Reapers back.”
“The Council is just going to love this!” Udina exclaimed sarcastically.
“The Reapers are a threat to everyone in Citadel Space,” Cassia asserted. “We have to tell them. Even if they don’t believe us.”
“No matter what they think about the rest of this, those audio files prove Saren’s a traitor.” Anderson didn’t appear to care about the Reapers as long as he acquired evidence of Saren’s treacherous actions. The human Councilor was just as eager to reveal the evidence to the Council; Wrex had a feeling that it was rare for these two humans to agree on anything.
“What about her? The quarian?” Williams asked.
“My name is Tali!” she yelled, and Wrex could empathize. It was frustrating to be referred to as though you were the only member of your species. He was just better at concealing his feelings than she was. Tali was surprisingly determined to be included in their expedition. Although, some of that “determination” could be because, there was superior protection from Saren’s mercenaries as part of their increasingly rag-tag group.
After pointing out that Tali still had her pilgrimage to complete, Cassia nodded. “I’ll take all the help I can get.”
“Thanks. You won’t regret this.” Tali seemed pleased to be included in their group. After Udina and Anderson left to inform the Council, Cassia turned and gently headbutted him.
“I’m relieved to have you with me, Dad,” she admitted. “This is shaping up to be one of the most dangerous missions I’ve embarked on.”
“It certainly is shaping up to be more exciting than the work I usually acquire,” Wrex replied. He was relieved that on this dangerous assignment, his foster daughter had him to provide back-up with his biotics and experience as a bounty hunter.
After a short conversation with Williams, Cassia decided to take Tali and Wrex to the Council meeting. “Just make sure Pressley knows he needs to acquire some dextro rations,” she added to Williams. Everyone knew that quarians and turians ran on different amino acids and thus required different food than other species.
Williams nodded. “I’ll make sure of it.” They split up and Wrex trailed behind Cassia and Tali, keeping an eye out for any of Saren’s mercenaries. Not that it would be prudent for Saren to order an attack on the Presidium on broad daylight. But one could never be too cautious.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Cassia felt a knot of anxiety in her chest, that none of the exercises she’d learnt from both Wrex and in basic could loosen. She’d acquired the evidence to prove that Saren was a traitor, but what was the next step? In addition, she realized that her inviting aliens on to an Alliance ship was going to result in a political shit-storm. Not that Cassia regretted her actions; she needed an extra biotic who wasn’t ogling her, and Tali was safer among her group than off on her own against the full brunt of her Saren’s forces. As for Garrus, it could be potentially useful to have someone who’d been working on the case before. At least, that’s what Cassia told herself.
When they arrived, Cassia noted that Udina looked very pleased with himself as if he were the one who’d fought through mercenaries to acquire the evidence. At least the Council now knew the truth. “You wanted proof. There it is.”
“This evidence is irrefutable Ambassador,” the turian councilor admitted. “Saren will be stripped of his Spectre status and all efforts will be to bring him in for his crimes.”
“I recognize the other voice,” the asari councilor admitted. “Matriarch Benezia.”
“Who is she?” Cassia inquired, relieved that the councilor had chosen to admit her knowledge of the identity of Saren’s accomplice instead of obscuring it behind a veil of deceptions.
“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. Matriarch Benezia was a powerful biotic and she had many followers. She will make a formidable ally for Saren.”
“I’m more interested in the Reapers. What do you know about them?” the salarian councilor asked.
Cassia observed that both the asari and turian councilors appeared skeptical as Anderson gave them a summary of what he knew about the Reapers. The salarian councilor appeared somewhat inquisitive, although it was difficult to read his facial cues. She knew Councilor Udina wanted to pretend the Reapers didn’t exist and were a figment of her and Saren’s imaginations. However, it wasn’t in her nature to conceal information that could potentially be beneficial. “The geth believe the Reapers are god,” she added. “And Saren is the prophet for their return.”
“We think the Conduit is the key to bringing them back. Saren’s searching for it. That’s why he attacked Eden Prime.” Anderson might be privately skeptical about the Reapers, but he was determined to support Cassia.
“Do we even know what this Conduit is?” the salarian councilor asked.
“Saren thinks it can bring back the Reapers. That’s bad enough.”
“Listen to what you’re saying! Saren wants to bring back the machines that wiped out all life in the galaxy? 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’d have found something!” The turian councilor clearly thought talking about the Reapers was a waste of time and a week ago, Cassia would have agreed wholeheartedly with him. It was miraculous how one vision from a prothean beacon profoundly altered her perspective.
“I tried to warn you about Saren and you refused to face the truth. Don’t make the same mistake again.”
Unfortunately, none of them seemed convinced. Even the salarian councilor didn’t seem supportive, which was surprising given he’d been the one to ask about the Reapers.
“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.” As far as the turian councilor seemed concerned, the matter was cleared up.
Udina was livid. “That is not good enough! You know he’s somewhere in the Traverse. Send your fleet in!”
“A fleet cannot track down one man,” the salarian councilor pointed out.
“A Citadel fleet could secure the entire region. Keep the geth from attacking any more of our colonies.” Cassia could believe that for all his shady politics, Udina really did care about their colonies that were under attack.
“Or it could trigger a war with the Terminus systems! We won’t be dragged into a galactic confrontation over a few dozen human colonies!”
Neither side appeared to want to back down. There really was only one way to resolve this. Whether she liked it or not, Cassia was part of this complicated puzzle, and she would see it through to the end. “I can take Saren down.”
“The commander’s right,” the asari councilor said. “There is a way to take down Saren that doesn’t require fleets or armies.”
“No! It’s too soon,” the turian councilor disagreed. “Humanity is not ready for the responsibilities that come with joining the Spectres.”
“You don’t have to send a fleet into the Traverse, and the Ambassador gets his human Spectre. Everybody’s happy.”
For a few moments, the turian councilor stared down the other two, before finally demurring. “Commander Shepard, step forward,” the asari councilor said.
Nervously, Cassia obeyed her command. She noted that there were several spectators of various species watching from catwalks.
“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,” she said.
“Spectres are not trained, but chosen,” the salarian councilor declared. “Individuals forged in the fire of service and battle, those whose actions elevate them above the rank and file.”
“Spectres are an ideal,” the asari councilor said. “A symbol. The embodiment of courage, self-determination, and self-reliance. They are the right hand of the Council, instruments of our will.”
“Spectres bear a great burden,” the turian councilor said. “They are the protectors of galactic peace, both our first and last line of defense. The safety of the galaxy is theirs to uphold.”
“You are the first human Spectre, Commander,” the asari councilor said. “This is a great accomplishment for you and your entire species.”
“I’m honored Councilor,” Cassia said. It was beyond belief that an Earthborn street kid could rise to become the first human Spectre.
“We’re sending you into the Traverse after Saren,” the salarian councilor explained. “He’s a fugitive from justice, so you are authorized to use any means necessary to apprehend or eliminate him.”
“Any idea where to find him?” she asked.
“We forward any relevant data to Ambassador Udina,” the turian councilor said.
“This meeting of the Council is adjourned,” the asari councilor said.
“Congratulations Commander.” Anderson shook her hand firmly.
At least now Cassia had a new goal: to defeat Saren before he completed his master plan.

Chapter Text

Cassia suppressed the urge to stomp her way on to the bridge. She was irate that Anderson had been forced to step down as CO of the Normandy. Moreover, she was aware that barely had any experience as an executive officer and now she was expected to be the commander of the ship. At least, she’d managed to acquire several leads on Saren and the geth; hopefully Liara T’Soni wouldn’t mind answering some questions.
Apparently, the news of Anderson’s demotion traveled fast, because Joker greeted her with, “I heard what happened to Captain Anderson. Survives a hundred battles, and then gets taken down by backroom politics. Just watch your back, Commander. Things go bad on this mission, you’re next on the chopping block.”
“Captain Anderson should be the one in charge,” Cassia admitted, briefly allowing herself to show weakness. “It’s like I’m stealing the ship from him.”
“Yeah, the captain got screwed,” Joker acknowledged. “But it’s not like you could’ve stopped it. Nobody’s blaming you. Everyone on this ship is behind you, Commander. One hundred percent. Intercom’s open. If you’ve got anything to say to the crew, now’s the time.”
Cassia knew she needed to encourage her crew’s faith in her even she didn’t entirely have faith in herself. “This is Commander Shepard speaking. We have our orders: find Saren before he finds the Conduit. I won’t lie to you, crew. This mission isn’t going to be easy. This began with an attack on a human settlement in the Traverse. But we know Saren won’t stop there. His geth armies aren’t going to stay on the fringes of Citadel space. Our enemy knows we’re coming. Wherever he searches for the Conduit, we’ll be there. We will hunt him to the very ends of the galaxy and bring him down. Humanity needs to do this. Not just for our sake, but for the sake of every species in Citadel space. Saren must be stopped, and I promise you all…. we will stop him!”
Joker actually grinned. “Well said, Commander. Captain would be proud.”
“The captain gave up everything so I could have this chance. We can’t fail.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Joker replied.
With her big speech, out of the way, Cassia scurried off to talk to her crew. She needed to learn their personalities and what made them tick. Moreover, there was a certain human biotic’s heart she had to break. It especially hurt that Alenko smiled when he noticed her approaching. “How are you doing, Commander? That was a nice speech you did.”
Cassia decided to get it over with. “There’s something I need to tell you Lieutenant. While, I’m flattered by your interest in me, I’m not interested. I’m sorry if I’ve hurt your feelings, but I would rather say something than lead you on.”
Alenko blushed, but didn’t seem too upset. “No, I get it. Besides, the mission is more important.”
“It is at that,” Cassia said, and left him, because she figured he needed privacy to move on from his infatuation. Plus, she wanted to check in with both her foster father and Garrus.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Wrex grinned when he noticed that Cassia finally arrived at his station. “I was wondering when you’d work your way around to here.”
Cassia pursed her lips thoughtfully. “I have a question, Dad. Why are you nervous about facing Saren?”
Wrex bristled at the thought of being nervous, since being afraid was very un-Krogan like. Unfortunately, Cassia was astute enough to pick up on. “I worked for Saren once on a mission,” he explained. “I was hired though a third party, so I didn’t meet Saren until the middle of the mission. I had a bad feeling about him. I left without getting paid, and I was the only mercenary who survived.”
“So, who would win in a fight between you and Saren?” she inquired.
“My best guess would be that it would end in a stalemate,” Wrex admitted. It was rare for him to encounter someone with a skill level that was as good as his own.
Cassia nodded. “There’s just one more thing. You won’t have any problems working with Garrus, will you?”
“Just as long as the kid learns some manners, I’ll be fine.” He’d worked with turians before rarely, since most of the time, he ended up breaking bones when they got all proud about the genophage.
“Don’t worry,” she said. “I’ll be having a chat with him too.”
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Garrus wasn’t exactly in a good mood, since he’d reluctantly contacted Solana to let her know about the change in his situation, and she’d proceeded to chew him out for giving up on C-Sec. Just when he was tempted to hang up on her, Shepard entered the room.
“Are you talking to Solana?” she asked.
“Hi, Shepard,” Solana said. “The only good thing about my baby brother leaving C-Sec is that you’ll be there to keep an eye on him.”
“Sure,” Shepard replied. “You watch your back too.”
After he finally said good-bye to Solana and hung up, he muttered. “Spirits. That was embarrassing.”
Shepard grinned. “At least she’s not on board like my adoptive father. I’m pretty sure I’ll need to explain to Wrex at some point that I can’t take him on all my missions.”
“Well there is that,” Garrus admitted, relieved that Solana had chosen to continue with the military even if it was just a desk job.
“Speaking of which, you’ll be ok working with Wrex right?” she asked.
That was another embarrassing moment; instinctively running from a krogan, even if said krogan was a skilled bounty hunter. “I’ll manage.”
“Good,” she said, before moving on, leaving Garrus to ponder why it was he wanted to impress Shepard.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
To both their credits, Wrex and Garrus willingly worked together. They also seemed convinced that she was terrible at driving the Mako. In fairness, it took Cassia half an hour to get used to the controls and even then the Mako jumped around so much Cassia was afraid it would flip over. Plus, there were thresher maws and geth to deal with. The geth, she either hopped out to gun down, or simply ran over, which earned her praise from her adoptive father. The thresher maws were terrifying, although for some strange reason, Wrex enjoyed fighting them.
“These are babies compared to the ones on Tuchanka, Cassia,” he said.
Cassia shivered and decided it was just as well she wasn’t likely to set foot on Tuchanka, since Wrex wasn’t on talking terms with Clan Urdnot for whatever reason. Garrus seemed to agree with her assessment and she heard him mutter “spirits” the first time, they spotted a thresher maw. Cassia was relieved when they finally arrived at the dig site. It was about half an hour of exploring the ruins and fighting geth, before they turned a corner and came across a blue force field that contained an asari that Cassia assumed was Liara.
“Can you hear out there?! I’m trapped; I need help!” Liara’s voice sounded hoarse as though she hadn’t eaten or drank anything for a while.
“Liara T’Soni I presume,” Cassia said. She noted that Liara was wearing some sort of green and white outfit, that while practical attire for excavating ruins, was somewhat form-fitting.
“Thank the goddess!” she exclaimed. “I did not think that anyone would come looking for me. Listen, this thing I’m in is a Prothean security device. I cannot move, so I need you to get me out of it, all right?”
“How did you end up in there?” Cassia asked.
“I was exploring the ruins when the geth showed up,” Liara explained. “So, I hid in here. Can you believe that? Geth beyond the Veil! I activated the tower’s defenses to stop them; I knew the barrier curtains would keep them out! When I turned them on, I must have hit something I wasn’t supposed to. I was trapped in here. You must get me out! Please!”
However, Cassia needed to know what information Liara had about Benezia’s alliance with Saren. “Your mother is working with Saren. Whose side are you on?”
Liara looked offended at the accusation. “What?! I’m not on anybody’s side. I may be Benezia’s daughter, but I’m nothing like her. I’ve not spoken to her in years! Please, just get me out of here!”
Since she had no reason to lie, Cassia was going to assume that Liara was telling the truth. “We just need to figure out some way past this energy field,” Cassia mused. “We’ll find some way to free you, Ms. T’Soni.”
“There is a control in here that should deactivate this thing,” Liara said. “You’ll have to find some way past the barrier curtain. That’s the tricky part; the defenses cannot be shut off from the outside. I don’t know how you’ll get in here. Be careful. There is a krogan with the geth; they have been trying different ways to get past the barrier.”
Cassia smiled. “Well it’s a good thing I’ve brought my own.” Wrex flexed his arms slightly when she said that, clearly eager for a potential fight. “So, team?” she inquired. “Do either of you possess a brilliant plan to free our asari friend?”
Wrex grinned in excitement. “I would guess that that mining laser over would work perfectly.”
“All right then,” she said. “Let’s get to work.”
As it turned out, the mining laser easily blasted through the area below the barrier curtain. It took some crawling for Wrex to fit through the hole created, but Garrus and Cassia managed it easily. To say Liara was shocked to see them on the other side of the curtain was an understatement. After Cassia released the controls, the young asari landed on her feet, but wobbled slightly which worried Cassia. Carrying her meant one of her team would be unable to fight. At the same time, she refused to leave Liara behind.
“Any idea about how we’re getting out of here?” Garrus interjected, interrupting Cassia’s musings.
“There is an elevator back at the center of the tower,” Liara said. “At least…. I think it’s an elevator. It should take us out of here. Come on!”
Cassia was perfectly happy to get out of here as fast as possible. She also felt sorry for Liara, who appeared to be a little out of her depth. “Why would the geth come after me?” she asked. “Do you think Benezia’s involved?”
“Well it’s kind of a long story, but it has something to do with the Conduit,” Garrus explained patiently. “Speaking of which, what do you know about the Conduit?”
“The Conduit? But I don’t…”
Before the asari could finish speaking, Cassia felt a deep rumble coming from somewhere in the cave. Rocks were falling hard not far from their position in manner similar to a cave-in.
“Spirits! I don’t like the sound of that!” Garrus exclaimed.
“These ruins are not stable,” Liara said. “That mining laser you used must have triggered a seismic event. We have to hurry; the whole place is caving in.”
With that confirmation of her worst fears, Cassia switched on her communications link to Joker. “Joker, get the Normandy airborne and lock in on to my signal. On the double mister!”
Fortunately, Joker was sitting at his end of the link. “Aye, aye Commander. Secure and away. ETA, eight minutes.”
“That might not be fast enough,” Garrus muttered, as the elevator whirled upwards to the surface entrance. As they arrived at the top, Cassia could see the tunnel leading up to the surface. Unfortunately, the krogan mercenary blocked their path, flanked by the geth. With this new threat, Cassia was relieved that she’d brought Wrex along, especially if the other krogan turned out to be a Battlemaster.
“Surrender!” the krogan yelled. “Or don’t. That would be more fun.”
While Cassia knew he probably wasn’t going to take her up on her offer, she figured it couldn’t hurt to follow Anderson’s advice of giving people the benefit of the doubt, even a mercenary in league with Saren. “In case you didn’t notice, this place is falling apart.”
“Exhilarating, isn’t it?” the krogan said. “Thanks for getting rid of those energy fields for us. Hand the doctor over.”
Surprising, Liara was strong enough to spit out, “Whatever it is you want, you’re not getting it from me!”
“She’ll stay with us, thanks,” Cassia spat back.
“Not an option,” said the krogan. “Saren wants her, and what Saren wants, he gets. Kill them. Spare the asari if you can. If not, it doesn’t matter.”
With that, the krogan blasted Cassia knocking her over. Fortunately, Wrex came to her rescue, blasting the other krogan back and giving Cassia time to get back up. She jumped to her feet and noted that Liara was collapsed on the ground, while Garrus was working to take down the geth. Wrex was handling himself well against the other krogan, so Cassia chose to leave him to it, and assist Garrus in taking down the other geth. A quick biotic throw, and one of the geth was smashed to tiny pieces against the wall. When the last geth fell, Cassia turned to face the krogan, only to realize that Wrex was moving in for the final shot and she knew her adoptive father wouldn’t appreciate it if she “stole” his kill, so she waited until he made his final shot into the krogan’s skull. Even then, it was almost a minute before the krogan stopped twitching.
The foursome ran to the entrance, which was covered in an energy field that took several seconds far too long for Cassia’s liking to open. Worse still, Cassia could now see rocks falling through the tunnel. Rocks that were small, more like the size of baseballs, but could easily kill considering the fast speeds they traveled at. She ran with the rest of the group, hoping they would somehow survive this hell. “Move!” she yelled as they ran up the ramps and finally after what felt like an eternity, emerged into the outside, with the Normandy ready to pick them up. After they got back on board and through the de-contamination, Cassia debated whether to shower up, and decided against it. After all, she needed to have a debriefing while Liara was still awake and alert enough to answer questions.

Chapter Text

While Garrus understood Shepard’s reasoning that they needed to debrief Liara, before the asari fell asleep from exhaustion, it was a bit discomforting to unable to shower after getting dirt and grime on his armor. At least working with Wrex wasn’t as terrible as he thought would be, even though the maverick krogan threw out a pointless question about who would win in a fight between Garrus and Shepard.
When Garrus entered the circular conference room, he observed that everyone else was already seated while Liara stood in the center of the circle. In spite of her connections to Benezia, Garrus felt a bit sorry for Liara, since he knew from personal experience that debriefing was rarely fun. Finding out that your mother was working with a rogue Spectre probably made things worse.
“Too close Commander,” Joker complained. “Ten more seconds and we would have been swimming in molten sulfur. The Normandy isn’t equipped to land in exploding volcanoes. They tend to fry our sensors and melt our hull, just for future reference.”
“We almost died out there and your pilot is making jokes?” Liara asked.
“Joker pulled our asses out of there,” Shepard pointed out. “I think he’s earned the right to a few bad jokes.”
“I see,” Liara said. “It must be a human thing. I don’t have a lot of experience dealing with your species Commander, but I am grateful to you. You saved my life back there. And not just from the volcano. Those geth would have killed me or dragged me off to Saren.”
“What did Saren want with you?” Kaidan asked. “Do you know something about the conduit?”
“Only that it was somehow connected to the Prothean extinction,” Liara replied. “That is my real area of expertise. I have spent the past fifty years trying to figure out what happened to them.”
While Garrus was aware that asari lived for hundreds of years and that fifty years would be a short time span for them, he still was somewhat impressed that T’Soni managed to focus her studies for half a century.
“Just how old are you exactly?” Shepard asked.
“I hate to admit it, but I am only one hundred and six,” Liara said.
“Damn! I hope I look that good when I’m your age,” Ashley joked.
“A century may seem like a short time to a short-lived species like yours, but among the asari I am barely considered more than a child,” Liara explained. “That is why my research has not received the attention it deserves. Because of my youth other asari scholars tend to dismiss my theories on what happened to the Protheans.”
“I’ve got my own theory on why the Protheans disappeared,” Shepard stated, and Garrus envied her certainty.
“With all due respect Commander, I have heard every theory out there. The problem is finding enough evidence to support them. The Protheans left remarkably little behind. It is almost as if someone didn’t want the mystery solved. It is like someone came along after the Protheans were gone, and cleansed the galaxy of clues. But here is the incredible part. According to my findings, the Protheans were not the first galactic civilization to mysterious vanish. This cycle began long before them.” Now that Liara was focused on something she comprehended, she seemed to relax and appear a bit more at ease.
“Where did you come up with this theory? I thought there wasn’t any evidence,” Shepard inquired.
“I have been working on this for fifty years. I have tracked down every scrap and shred of evidence,” Liara replied. “Eventually, subtle patterns start to emerge. Patterns that hint at the truth. It is difficult to explain to someone else. I cannot point to one specific thing to prove my case. It is more a feeling derived from a half-century of research. But I know I’m right, and eventually I will be able to prove it. There were other civilizations before the Protheans; this cycle has repeated itself many times over.”
“If the Protheans weren’t the first, then who was?” Shepard asked.
“I don’t know,” Liara admitted. “There is barely any evidence on the Protheans, even less on those who came before them. I cannot prove my theory, but I know I am right. The galaxy is built on a cycle of extinctions. Each time a great civilization rises up, it is suddenly and violently cast down. Only ruins survive. The Protheans rose up from a single world until their empire spread across the known galaxy. Yet even they climbed to the top from the remains of those who came before. Their greatest achievements: The Mass Relays and the Citadel, are based on the technology of those who came before them. And then like all the other forgotten civilizations throughout galactic history, the Protheans disappeared. I have dedicated my life to figuring out why.”
“They were wiped out by a race of sentient machines, the Reapers,” Shepard explained, bringing the young asari up to speed with the intel the rest of the crew already knew about.
“The Reapers?” Liara sounded genuinely confused. “But I’ve never heard of…. how do you know this? What evidence do you have?”
“There was a damaged Prothean beacon on Eden Prime,” Shepard replied. “It burned a vision into my brain. I’m still trying to sort out what it all means.”
“Visions,” Liara mused. “Yes, that makes sense. The beacons were designed to transmit information directly into the mind of the user. Finding one that still works is extremely rare. No wonder the geth attacked Eden Prime. The chance to acquire a working beacon, even a badly damaged one is worth any risk. But the beacons were programmed to only work with Prothean physiology. Whatever information you received would have been confused, unclear. I am amazed that you were able to make sense of it at all. A lesser mind would have been utterly destroyed by the process. You must be remarkably strong willed, Commander.”
“This isn’t helping us find Saren or the Conduit,” Kaidan interjected.
“Of course, you are right,” Liara said. “I’m sorry, my scientific curiosity got the better of me. Unfortunately, I do not have any information that could help you find the Conduit or Saren.”
“I don’t know why Saren wanted you out of the picture,” Shepard said. “But I think we’ll be a lot better off if we bring you along.”
“Thank you, Commander,” Liara said. “Saren might come after me again, and I cannot think of anywhere safer than on your ship. And my knowledge of the Protheans might be useful later on.”
“And her biotics will come in handy when the fighting starts,” Wrex added.
“Good to have you on the team Liara,” Shepard stated with a smile.
“Thank you, Commander, I am very grate…...oh, I am afraid I am feeling a little light headed.” Liara did look a bit unsteady on her feet.
“When was the last time you ate, or slept?” Kaidan asked. “Doctor Chakwas should take a look at you.”
“It’s just mental exhaustion from learning the Prothean’s true fate,” Liara replied. “Still I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to be examined by a medical professional. It will give me the chance to think things over. Are we finished here Commander?”
“We can talk again after you’ve seen the doctor,” Shepard stated gently. “The rest of you, dismissed.”
As the group filed out, Garrus noted that T’Soni was clearly enamored of her rescuer. He didn’t envy Commander Shepard, who would need to sort it out without upsetting the young asari. In fact, perhaps it was just as well that he was currently single. It was safer and simpler.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Liara admitted to herself after Doctor Chakwas examined her and prescribed food and bed rest that she was glad she’d acquiesced to the lieutenant’s suggestion. The food, a light salad with some kind of vinaigrette, was sublime, but it did the job of filling her stomach. She still felt embarrassed for passing out in the midst of the fight in the ruins. She also was excited to speak with the Commander who did look somewhat familiar.
She heard a knock on the door, and Shepard poked her head in. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”
“I already finished my salad,” Liara said, for lack of anything else to say. “Dr. Chakwas wanted me to eat something light so that I didn’t make myself sick.”
“That’s good,” the Commander said. “Actually, I think we might have met before on Elysium.”
Liara nodded. “Yes, I thought I’d met you before.”
“You gave some good advice,” Shepard uttered. “It thanks to what you said that I ended up enlisting in the Alliance military.”
Liara blushed, because she was well aware that she wasn’t a wise matriarch like her mother. Thankfully, Shepard took pity on her and inquired about her childhood. Liara focused on her upbringing in Thessia, hoping that her attraction wasn’t too obvious.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
When they arrived on Feros, Cassia was relieved that she would have a reprieve from both Liara’s blushes, and Alenko’s sadness. Moreover, she wanted to see how Tali would do in the field. She’d cautiously decided to bring Williams with her, in spite of the fact that the woman expressed distrust in the non-humans on board. Thankfully, she displayed no animosity towards Tali, and treated the young quarian as if she were a younger sister. Currently Williams was inquiring about quarian poetry.
“There isn’t much,” Tali admitted. “Most of our poetry mourns the loss of our home world Rannoch and yearns for the day we shall return.”
“You know that is kind of sad,” Williams replied.
“On the other hand, I’m glad to hear your people haven’t given up on reclaiming Rannoch,” Cassia interjected. “It’s like that poem by Dylan Thomas. ‘Do not go gentle into that good night. Old age should burn and rave at the close of day; rage, rage against the dying of the light.’ It means you keep fighting, even if the situation seems hopeless.”
“I didn’t know you enjoyed poetry Commander,” Williams said with a smile.
“We may have to discuss our favorite sometime Chief,” Cassia suggested, relieved that she finally found some common ground with the younger woman. “Off duty, of course.”
As she began to chat with one of the locals, Cassia prayed to whatever was out there, that the investigation on Feros would go smoothly. Unfortunately, whatever deity that heard her prayer possessed a twisted sense of humour.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
“Shit!” Ashley Williams swore as she and Tali were now cornered by a group of brainwashed Feros colonists. “We’re almost out of grenades!”
“And I once believed that ‘brainwashing’ only happened in those wild science fiction vids Dad was fond,” she thought. Sadly, the overused trope escaped from the confines of fiction and into their crappy reality.
“Do you have any suggestions that don’t involve killing them?” Tali inquired, her voice wavering slightly. In spite of being a quarian, Tali’s gentle personality was strangely endearing and Ash felt as protective of the quarian as she did of her sisters.
“Let’s knock them out with a punch,” Ashley suggested.
“Won’t that cause brain damage?” Tali asked.
Ashley shook her head to discharge the dark images conjured by her mind. She’d never been an optimist, and her imagination possessed the ability to dream up the worst scenarios possible. “At least they’ll be alive,” she replied.
Tali nodded, as the brainwashed group came within range of their fists. “Hopefully our kinetic barriers will hold out.”
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Cassia swore under her breath as Tali and Williams finally caught up with her. Everything has gone to hell in a handbasket, and she struggles not to lash out her team. After all, it’s not their fault that the Thorian creature is controlling the colonists.
Just then, a frantic communication comes in from Joker with no witty quips. “I repeat, Normandy to shore party! Are you reading? Anyone there? Normandy to shore party. Come on Commander, talk to me!”
“Is that you Joker?” Cassia inquired. “What’s going on over there?”
“We’re in lockdown here, Commander,” Joker replied as he struggled to stay calm and composed. “Something happened to the colonists. They’re banging on the hull, trying to claw their way inside the ship. They’re freaking out!”
“They can’t do any real damage,” Cassia said, wishing that she could go back and assist the rest of her crew. Hopefully, she can fix this, before her ship get torn to pieces. “We’re on our way back. Just hold your position.”
“Uh…yeah. Okay. Well, we’ll just wait right here for you, Commander.”
“This place will be crawling with geth in a minute,” Cassia explained. “Keep together and we’ll get out of here in one piece.”
And right on cue, Lizbeth Baynham appeared before them, looking in excellent shape apart from a couple of bruises on her face. “There you are. We should get out of here. I don’t think this place is safe.”
“I need some answers. You knew more about the Thorian then you let on,” Cassia pointed out, hoping that this woman will have a way to stop the Thorian without harming the colonists.
“I…. I was afraid. I wanted to stop the tests, but they threatened me, told me I’d be next. When the geth attacked, I stayed behind to send a message to Colonial Affairs. I tried to tell them where to find the Thorian, but the power cut before I could send the message. I…I never meant for this to happen.”
“You did what you could,” Cassia soothed. “I’ll help them if you can tell me where to find the Thorian.”
“The Thorian is underneath Zhu’s Hope, but the entrance is blocked,” Lizbeth explained. “The colonists covered it with the freighter just before the geth attacked.”
And of course, Joker checked in to report that a group of geth were headed in their direction. After plowing through the geth, they arrived in time to view Lizbeth’s mother complaining about Ethan did. And of course, Lizbeth stepped in before they could coordinate an ambush.
“Damn it!” Ethan screamed. “Come out where I can see you! All of you!”
When they finally emerged, Ethan launched diatribe against Cassia, how she couldn’t win like she did on Elysium.
“What is going on Ethan?” she asked.
“ExoGeni wants this place purged,” he replied.
“This is a human colony Jeong,” Lizbeth protested. “You can’t just repurpose us.”
“There’s something far more valuable than just a few colonists,” Ethan said, laughing.
“Are you going to tell them about the Thorian or should I?” Cassia inquired.
“The what?” Juliana asked.
“It’s a lifeform under Zhu’s Hope that’s taken control of the colonists. ExoGeni knew all along.”
“You won’t get away with this Jeong,” Juliana declared.
“Nobody’s going to care about a few missing colonists!” Ethan spat.
“This ends now!” Cassia declared, shooting Ethan dead before he can harm anyone else. Thankfully, his lackeys see reason and surrender. Now all that’s left is taking care of the Thorian and Cassia can finally return to the Normandy.

Chapter Text

Garrus was as humans liked to say “pissed off”. No, pissed off didn’t even begin to cover the depth of his ire right now. He couldn’t believe the events that unfolded just now. “Commander, you just allowed a terrorist to escape capture and continue his rampage throughout the galaxy!”
“We saved the hostages Vakarian,” she pointed out calmly. “Moreover, now the Alliance is aware of Balak’s existence and can work to apprehend him.”
“That doesn’t change the fact that you allowed a murderer to escape!” He was yelling at his commanding officer, and Garrus couldn’t tell why this hurt more than the other times a commanding officer made a decision he personally disagreed with. Maybe, it was because a part of him was starting to idolize Shepard, or maybe it was because she was unlike any human he’d met before.
“That was completely out of line Vakarian!” Commander Shepard said. “As a result, I’m putting you on suspension from any further missions, until you decide to explain what exactly is upsetting you.”
With that, the Commander took off for her own quarters, leaving Garrus standing there with Liara, who of course took the Commander’s side of the argument given her infatuation. By the time, Garrus went down to the mess hall to eat, word has already spread around about his demotion. Both Liara and Kaidan pointedly ignored him, while Joker attempted to defuse the tension with a cliché comment that no one found amusing. At least, the dextro food was somewhat decent.
Just then, Ashley Williams plopped down next to him. “So, how’s your food?”
“It’s fine,” Garrus replied, uncertain as to why the one member of the Normandy who made her prejudice against turians loud and clear was making small talk with him.
“Look, I won’t pretend that I understand what’s going on between you and the Commander, but I do know a thing or two about putting one’s foot in their mouth,” Ashley said.
“What?” Garrus asked, the human idiom only confusing him further.
“I meant that I know what it’s like to say speak rashly and say rude things,” Ashley explained. “If you want my advice, apologize to the Commander, and explain your perspective on what happened with the asteroid. It won’t get you reinstated, but it might convince her fan club to back off a bit.”
So, he wasn’t the only one aware of Kaidan and Liara’s crushes on Shepard.
“You know that is a good idea,” Garrus said. “Thanks for the advice Williams.”
Ashley actually smiled and for a moment Garrus felt a sense of comradery with the woman. “No problem Vakarian.”
Garrus found his heart kept pounding like one of those drums humans liked to play as he walked up to Shepard’s quarters. When he knocked, the door sprang back, and Shepard poked her head out with her red hair loose instead of pulled into a bun. Garrus thought it looked nicer when it was free, before reminding himself that he needed to focus on the conversation and not on the Commander’s hair, even it did look lovely.
“So, what exactly are you here for Vakarian?” she asked.
“I’m here to apologize Commander,” he replied. “What I said was completely out of line. I guess I’m not a very good turian. And what happened with Balak brought back some…less than pleasant memories.”
“What kind of memories?” she asked gently, and he found himself telling her about Dr. Saleon.
Shepard asked very few questions, but seemed troubled about his need to bring down Dr. Saleon at the cost of the hostages. “You can’t control the actions of others,” she pointed out. “You can only control your own.”
“I guess I can see your point,” Garrus said. “But it still didn’t make the situation any less frustrating.”
“You’re still suspended, but I’ll see about getting T’Soni and Alenko to back off on their campaign,” she said.
As the Commander walked away, Garrus wondered why he noticed how well-formed Shepard’s hips were.
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Cassia Shepard cursed lightly under her breath as ducked for cover behind a couple of crates. After her adoptive father revealed that he’d located his family’s ancestral armor, it seemed only fitting that she should help him track it down. Unfortunately, the group of mercenaries guarding the compound were numerous and tough bastards. Only Wrex seemed to be enjoying himself, since the potential recovery of his family armor added a certain spice to the fight.
Cassia blasted one of the mercenaries, a male turian, allowing Tali to finish their opponent off with a shotgun blast. Cassia moved to assist Wrex, but the remaining mercenaries surrendered, clearly less than eager to deal with a krogan Battlemaster. Cassia handed them over to the local authorities, who were eager to charge the group for several crimes committed in this jurisdiction.
Wrex pulled the rusted armor which featured the Urdnot family crest embossed on it. “Who knew my ancestors wore such crappy armor?” he joked, the intense fight putting him in a jovial mood.
“Well I’m glad we helped you retrieve it Dad,” Cassia said.
“I knew there was a reason I came on this mission,” he replied.
While Cassia was happy for her adoptive father, she also felt hot and sweaty from fighting through Tonn’s mercenaries. When she headed towards the bathroom to take a shower, Garrus walked alongside her.
“Commander, I have some good news,” he said.
“What’s that?” she inquired, hoping that the sooner she spoke with Garrus, the sooner she could peel off her sticky armor and take a cool, refreshing shower.
“I’ve found out some information on where Dr. Saleon is located,” Garrus explained. “I told the military, but they didn’t believe me.”
“Sure, we’ll check into it,” Cassia said. “You’ll be temporarily reinstated for this mission.”
With that, she set off for the showers, hoping that Garrus’ lead would turn out to be true, since the last thing she wanted was for the headstrong turian to be faced with another dead end.
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Garrus felt triumph surge through him like a bolt of electricity when he recognized Dr. Saleon. Finally, the doctor would pay for his insidious organ transplant procedures. “That’s him Commander,” he said. “That’s Doctor Saleon.”
“What?!” Saleon said, trembling in fear. “My name is Heart, Dr. Heart! Please get me out of here!”
Garrus barely suppressed his rage at the salarian’s desperate attempt to escape the justice he very much deserved.
“Are you sure it’s him Garrus?” Shepard asked.
“I’m sure of it Shepard,” Garrus declared. “There’s no escape this time Doctor. I’d harvest your organs first, but we don’t have the time!”
“You’re crazy! He’s crazy! Please, don’t let him do this to me!”
“We’ll take him in, drop him off at the military,” Shepard decided.
“But we have him,” Garrus protested, feeling the red tape tightening its grip on him like a constricting snake. “We can’t let him get away, not again!”
“If we kill him, we won’t ever learn how he did all this,” Shepard pointed out. “We’ll take him in, interrogate him, and he’ll serve his time.”
He hated it, but she did have a point. “You’re right. You are a very lucky salarian. You owe the commander your life.”
Unfortunately, Dr. Saleon decided he didn’t want to go to prison and lunged at Shepard, who knocked him back with her biotics. A couple of shots from Garrus and the scientist was dead.
“And so, he dies anyways,” Garrus noted. “What was the point of that?”
“You can’t predict how people will react Garrus, but you can control how you respond,” Cassia replied. “In the end, that’s what really matters.”
“You know I don’t believe I’ve met someone quite like you Commander,” he said, as they headed back to the Normandy. While he was happy that Dr. Saleon would no longer harm anyone else, Garrus was surprised that he genuinely enjoyed working with Commander Shepard even if they didn’t always agree on how things should be done. Maybe Solana was right to admire the Commander.
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It was a pity that they were only going to Virmire to investigate the distress call of the STG team, because Virmire was a tropical paradise, not dissimilar from some islands in the Caribbean. She could almost picture herself sitting on a beach chair, sipping a cocktail. The team didn’t seem pleased to see them, and the leader, a salarian called Kirrahe muttered words under his breath that Cassia’s translator didn’t pick up, but were probably curse words. Fortunately, he went into professional mode and explained about the facility.
“Apparently, Saren has discovered a cure for the genophage,” Kirrahe said.
Cassia was suddenly aware that Wrex was eyeing the salarian as if he’d just revealed the location of the Fountain of Youth and it turned Cassia’s blood to ice. “The geth are bad enough, but a krogan army, he’d be almost unstoppable,” she said.
“Exactly my thoughts,” Kirrahe said. “We must ensure that this facility and its secrets are destroyed.”
“Destroyed? I don’t think so,” her father said. “Our people are dying. This cure can save them.”
“If that cure leaves this planet, the krogan will become unstoppable,” Kirrahe said, infuriating Cassia. “We can’t make the same mistake again.”
“We are not a mistake!” Wrex roared, and Cassia’s heart went out to him, because she knew that the genophage was a sore spot for him and she wished she’d never brought him here.
“Is he going to be a problem?” Kirrahe inquired. “My men and I already have enough angry krogan to deal with.”
“I’ll talk to him,” Cassia said, ignoring the cold voice in the back of her head saying that there was no way to fix this and she was going to lose her adoptive father in this tropical paradise that now seemed harsh and alien.
While Tali purchased supplies from the salarian group’s quartermaster, Cassia went in search of her adoptive father, who was shooting his gun into the water in anger at her betrayal.
“This isn’t right Cassia,” Wrex said, staring off into the water. “If there’s a cure for the genophage, we can’t destroy it.”
“Calm down Dad,” she said. “I’m not the one you should be mad at. Saren’s the one you should be mad at.”
“Really? Saren created a cure for my people. You want to destroy as though you don’t realize how much the genophage has cost me. Help me out here Shepard. The lines between friend and foe are getting a little blurry from where I’m standing.”
“This isn’t a cure, it’s a weapon,” Cassia replied. “And if Saren is around to use it, you won’t be around to reap the benefits. None of us will.”
“But it’s worth the risk to see our people strong again like they were meant to be,” Wrex said.
“Yes, the krogan deserve to be strong again, but not like this. Not as slaves to Saren!” Cassia pleaded, desperately hoping that he would see reason. “I swear that I will find a cure for the genophage if it’s the last thing I do.”
After a couple of tense seconds, her father finally nodded. “You’ve made your point and I don’t like the idea of the krogan being tools again. I’ll follow your lead.”
Cassia wanted to collapse and sleep after finally talking Wrex down, but they still had a long mission ahead of them. There would be no rest for the wicked, until they had destroyed this facility and ended a potential cure for the genophage, an action that she regretted with every fiber of her being.
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Kaidan hadn’t come to Virmire expecting it to be the last place he’d ever step foot on, no soldier knew when their days were numbered, but now he desperately begged Commander Shepard to choose Ash, who had so much potential if only her commanding officers looked past her family history. He mentally apologized to both his parents who would grieve, but would know that he did his duty to the Alliance until the very end.
“I’m sorry Alenko,” Commander Shepard said, finally choosing.
“Don’t be Commander, I’m glad to have served with you,” Kaidan replied, determined to ensure that the bomb went off at the correct time. He watched as the Normandy flew past him towards Ash’s position, and took a brief moment to enjoy the lovely view of the trees, before beginning the detonation process.

Chapter Text

Garrus wasn’t surprised that Commander Shepard wasn’t very chatty with the crew after this latest mission, especially after Ashley launched into a vicious rant about leaving Kaidan behind. The worst part was, Shepard didn’t fight back the way she normally did, which troubled Garrus. After an awkward dinner with silence so complete you could hear a pin drop in the mess hall, Garrus headed down to the cargo bay to clean his rifle. The routine of checking for any damage and making sure the ammo packs were placed correctly was surprisingly soothing to his fragile nerves.
Suddenly, Wrex appeared in the cargo bay, looking uncharacteristically troubled. “Hey, Vakarian!”
“What do you want Wrex?” Garrus asked, since the krogan mercenary tended to avoid him.
“Cassia’s locked herself in her room and she won’t let me in to talk. I figure since you seem so close to her, maybe you should talk some sense into her.”
Garrus was confused for a second until he remembered that Cassia was Shepard’s first name. It seemed bizarre and a bit informal to think of her by her given name. “Sure, I’ll see what I can do,” he said.
That seemed to satisfy Wrex, who left to clean his own weapons, or requisition supplies, or whatever it was he did in his free time. Garrus cautiously made his way to the Commander’s cabin, and knocked.
“Go away, Dad!” yelled Shepard, who sounded eerily like the way Garrus felt whenever his mother had to go in for treatments.
“It’s me, Garrus,” he said.
There was a sigh on the other side, before the door slid open. Shepard was hunched over slightly as though she were about to cave into herself and her blue eyes were rimmed red with tears. “Come on in and make yourself comfortable.”
The cabin was fairly spartan in design with a double bed and a small desk with a chair. Garrus sat on the chair, which seemed to be the most professional choice in this situation. Not that anything in this situation was according to regulations.
“I’ve never sent someone to their death before. I’ve lost people I’ve served with, and commanded, but this…this is different.”
“Shepard,” Garrus said, his own heart breaking, because it hurt to see the Commander so despondent.
“If I could have saved them both, I would have. I wish I could tell Williams that.”
“You can,” Garrus replied. “Williams knows you had to make a hard choice; she’s just upset at the moment.”
Suddenly, Shepard lunged forward and hugged him tightly, sobbing. Garrus really wasn’t sure what to do in this kind of situation since Solana didn’t come talk to him when she was upset, so he just let her continue holding on. “It’s going to be ok Shepard.”
“Cassia,” she corrected. “My name is Cassia.”
“Cassia,” he said, humoring her. It was strangely intimate to refer to Shepard by her given name, and probably completely against regulations, but that didn’t matter at the moment. What mattered was that Shepard got all the guilt out of her system.
Finally, her tear ducts dried up and she let go of his torso. “I’m sorry I got your armor all wet, Garrus.”
“It’s nothing,” he said, ignoring her use of his given name.
“I guess I should go apologize to Wrex,” she added.
“He’ll understand,” Garrus replied.
“Hopefully he will,” she said, and Garrus took that as his cue to leave. Shepard emerged about an hour later, not looking as though she’d been sobbing her heart out, and immediately got to work preparing Alenko’s funeral arrangements, and contacting his relatives. When they docked at Noveria, a couple of days later with him reinstated, Garrus debated on discussing what happened in her cabin, before deciding to put the incident out of his mind. It was just a soldier providing his teammate a sympathetic ear and a shoulder to cry on. Nothing more.
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Cassia wasn’t sure whether to punch Liara or give her some booze. Unfortunately, she wasn’t any better at the touchy-feely stuff than Garrus was. “Do you want to talk about your mother? I know it helps to remember the good times,” she suggested. That was how it worked with Jake.
Liara shook her head firmly. “No, right now what happened on Noveria is still too close. Actually, I have a question about you and Garrus.”
Cassia froze in shock. “Nothing’s going on between Garrus and I.”
“He comforted you after Virmire,” Liara replied. “And on Noveria, you kept glancing at Garrus whenever his back was turned.”
“Well, I guess you could say I have feelings for him,” Cassia admitted. “However, I doubt those feelings are returned.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure of that,” Liara said waspishly, perhaps still nursing a bit of a crush on Cassia.
“Besides, I’m human,” Cassia pointed out. “I doubt he would ever consider entering a relationship with a human.”
With that, Cassia changed the subject to Liara’s latest discoveries on the Protheans. The archeologist acquiesced, but clearly hadn’t forgotten Cassia’s confession.
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Garrus was relieved that there was some time between them stealing the Normandy and arriving on Ilos, which was apparently where the Conduit was located. That would allow him to send a quick message to Solana, just in case he didn’t return. Fortunately, it was currently early afternoon on Palaven, and Solana was home from work, so she answered fairly promptly.
“Garrus Vakarian! Why haven’t contacted me you jerk!” she yelled. “I’ve been so worried!”
“Sorry I haven’t spoken to you lately Sol, things have been busy,” Garrus said. “I wish I could tell you more, but it’s classified. I just wanted to say good-bye just in case I don’t make it back!”
“Wait a minute, you can’t just not communicate for weeks, and then say something like that!” Solana yelled, rightfully pissed at him.
However, Garrus really didn’t have time to be verbally sparring with his sister. He needed to be ready when they arrived at Ilos. “Just tell Mother and Father that I love them if I don’t make it back,” he said. With that, he hung up, and silently prayed to the spirits, that he would return to his family alive.
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The Citadel already showed signs of the damage wrought by Sovereign as Cassia fought through the streets alongside Wrex and Ashley. The trip to reach the Council chambers, which normally took twenty minutes at the maximum, took almost an hour. Saren was waiting for them there, and now that Cassia knew about indoctrination, she pitied the turian. Yes, he was a jerk, but no one deserved to be manipulated and controlled the way Sovereign was controlling Saren.
“Sovereign’s controlling you through your implants,” Cassia said. “Don’t you see that!”
It seemed Saren finally realized the truth. “Maybe your right,” he mused. “Maybe there’s still time for….” He screamed a yowl that made Cassia flinch. “The implants!” he gasped. “Sovereign is too strong. I’m sorry; it is too late for me.”
“It’s not over yet,” Cassia asserted. “You can still redeem yourself.”
“Good-bye Shepard,” Saren said. “Thank you.” With that, the rogue Spectre put his pistol to his head and fired. Blue blood sprayed from his temple and Saren fell off his hover board, breaking the glass floor below them.
As she approached the console, Cassia now had a choice. Save the Destiny Ascension or focus on protecting the Citadel. There wasn’t much of a choice. “Move in and save the Destiny Ascension.”
“I hope you know what you’re doing Cassia,” Wrex commented.
“So, do I,” Cassia admitted to her adoptive father before relaying her orders. “So, do I.”
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It was weird to be viewed as a celebrity for Garrus, especially in light of his abysmal C-Sec record. The victory party at one of the Citadel’s upscale bars was lovely, especially since Solana took a break from her job to see him.
“I’m so proud of you Garrus,” she said, sipping her dextro drink. “So’s Mom.”
“What about Dad?” he inquired, knowing that his father didn’t approve of Spectres, and still resenting the time his father blocked his son’s invitation to train for the Spectres.
“You know he’s glad you helped save the Council,” Solana replied. “And he wonders what you’re going to do next.”
“I’m just glad that it’s all over,” he replied, attempting to not think about the potential threat of the Reapers. As he watched Solana saunter over to greet Cassia, he didn’t realize that this bubble of happiness he’d constructed for himself, wasn’t going to last.
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Normally, Wrex found battle exhilarating, but this was different, because they were sitting ducks for whatever the hell was attacking them. The words he’d said to Vakarian all those weeks ago came back to haunt him, “if those new techniques don’t work then we’re salvage.” It was also the first time he wished he was wrong about them being up the creek without a paddle, as Cassia would say. Speaking of Vakarian, Wrex wished the turian opted to stay with the Normandy like he and Liara had.
“I’ve got the distress beacon ready for all the good it will do us,” Wrex said, as his adoptive daughter approached.
“The Alliance won’t forget about us,” Cassia asserted.
“I’m not denying that, but shouting in a remote vacuum isn’t going do us any fucking good,” Wrex replied.
It was a bad sign that Cassia wasn’t lecturing him on his foul language. Just then, Liara burst in the room, terrified. “It’s Joker, he won’t abandon ship,” she said. “And neither will I.”
“No!” Cassia yelled. “I need you to help Williams with the evacuation. I’ll get Joker.”
Liara blanched, but her bravado crumbled into terror, and she darted off. He didn’t blame T’Soni, who for all her fighting experience, was green when it came to dealing with situations like this.
Unfortunately, Cassia took one look at his expression and said, “No Dad.”
“Which of us has redundant organs?” Wrex argued.
“And which of us needs to help Dr. Chakwas keep everyone calm,” Cassia countered.
“I’m not leaving my own daughter behind!” Wrex yelled, his anger hiding the genuine fear that he was going to lose Cassia.
“This isn’t a request Urdnot Wrex, it’s a damned order!” she yelled back.
Damn Cassia. She knew he would respond to a direct order from his superior, even if that superior was his own daughter. Afterwards, he would relive this scenario many times, and wrestle with whether he could have talked his daughter out of playing hero.
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His head felt like it had been split open by a saw and his eyes were blinded by a bright light. Garrus could only remember pieces of yesterday, which was Shepard’s, no Cassia’s funeral. Tali was able to come back from the Migrant Fleet for the funeral, and she sat next to Ash, who was putting on a brave face. Garrus had no idea if Williams had made up with Cassia before…. Liara was sobbing quietly, while Wrex looked like he wanted to punch everyone out. Joker sat away from the others, his crutches in a pile. With the way Joker was already beating himself up about being responsible for Cassia’s death, Garrus couldn’t bring himself to be angry at him. Anderson had given a eulogy that was nice, if a bit cliché. After that, Garrus remembered leaving the small reception for a bar.
Suddenly, a large krogan hand offered him a glass filled with some kind of levo drink. It smelled like rotten eggs, and Garrus pitied anyone who ingested it. “Here Vakarian,” Wrex said. “The galaxy’s best cure for hangovers.”
“Sorry, I can’t drink that unless I want to be poisoned,” Garrus replied, both touched and confused. He didn’t think he and Wrex were drinking buddies normally. Then again, there was nothing normal about this situation.
“Whoops I forgot about the dextro thing,” Wrex said, before gulping down the drink himself.
Now that Garrus’ eyes had adjusted, he recognized that he must be in Wrex’s hotel room, on the bed. He moved his legs off the side of the bed, and was relieved to discover that he wasn’t too dizzy. Now he just need a glass of water for his headache and maybe some medicine.
“What happened last night?” Garrus asked.
“I found you in Chora’s Den and we both got drunk,” Wrex said with a matter of fact tone. “After you almost got into a fight, I helped you walk back here, and you passed out on the bed. Don’t worry, I slept on the sofa bed.”
Garrus didn’t know what to say. “Thank you.”
Wrex shrugged. “Cassia wouldn’t forgive me if anything bad happened to you.”
Cassia again. It hurt more to think about her, than the hangover from getting drunk on all those mixed drinks had. Garrus couldn’t think about her without beating himself up for not realizing what was right in front of him. He’d harbored feelings for Cassia beyond friendship and now it was far too late.

Chapter Text

After Vakarian staggered out of his hotel room, Wrex flopped on the bed, barely resisting the urge to utterly demolish the room with his biotics. He didn’t need to provide compensation to the hotel on top of his other issues. Cassia was dead, and to add insult to injury, the Council and the Alliance were already dismissing her evidence about the Reapers as the ramblings of a crazy woman. He didn’t even know why he’d rescued Vakarian from engaging in that bar fight. Maybe because, Cassia would have wanted him to. Moreover, it had been nice to become intoxicated with someone else who comprehended his grief.
Now for the first time in his long life, Urdnot Wrex was uncertain as to what he should do now. Going back to being a mercenary didn’t hold the allure it once possessed. He also couldn’t bring himself to return to the ship where he raised his adoptive daughter; the memories were far too strong.
Just then, a loud knock sounded on the door, interrupting his musings.
“Yes! Who is it?!” he roared, annoyed the pathetic pyjak ignored the “Do Not Disturb” sign he’d placed on the door knob.
“I’ve got an important message,” the voice on the other side said nervously, and part of Wrex almost felt sorry for whoever pulled the short straw and was required to disturb the ruthless krogan Battlemaster.
He pulled himself off the bed with a groan; his head still pounding from a hangover in spite of ingesting the krogan equivalent to hair of the dog. The brunette hotel maid bounced between the balls of her feet anxiously, holding an envelope. Wrex was intrigued, since typically messages were send on data pads in order to not waste paper.
Dear Dad,
If you’re reading this, I’ve died. Don’t blame yourself what happened; I made my own choices. Just promise that you will do what you can to reform the krogan clans. I know you would make an amazing leader. You just need to believe in yourself. I already do.
Love,
Cassia
Fuck! Now, that he knew Cassia’s wishes, he couldn’t ignore them, as much as he was wary of returning to Tuchanka. He would reform the krogan clans, and make Cassia proud of him.
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The docking station was disreputable, with a cluster of beggars huddling together for warmth, and several shady characters who would relish robbing her blind. Liara hoped that her contact was trustworthy, but a part of her doubted it and was tempted to call the whole thing off.
“You can’t back out now,” she told herself. “This your only chance of saving Cassia.”
After several more agonizing minutes, a hooded figure approached her. Liara could only discern that the figure was human and a woman. “How do you get past the dog who guards the Underworld?” the figure inquired casually.
“You feed him honey cakes,” Liara replied, echoing the standard response to Cerberus’ code. As much she despised working with Cerberus, they were the only powerful organization willing to indulge in her notion that Cassia could still be alive. The woman beckoned to her, and Liara reluctantly followed into down an alleyway, and into a small apartment after the woman produced a key and unlocked the door. The windows were covered by blackout curtains and the only illumination was one tiny lamp.
Only then, did the woman remove her hood revealing a lovely face encircled by long, raven black hair. Liara barely suppressed the urge to blush; she had a mission to accomplish and couldn’t afford to be distracted by a pretty face.
“So, I hear you’re looking for Commander Shepard’s body?” the woman said.
Liara nodded, not trusting her voice to betray her fear.
“I’m Operative Lawson,” the woman introduced herself. “This data pad contains all the intel we have on the whereabouts of Commander Shepard, as well as a first aid kit, and a small amount of cash. I’m afraid you’ll largely be on your own for this one.”
“That’s ok Ms. Lawson,” Liara replied, relieved this intimidating woman wasn’t insisting on accompanying her. “I’m better at working on my own anyways.”
Operative Lawson gave Liara a curt nod of respect, perhaps reassessing her thoughts on Liara’s capabilities. “Still, if you find yourself in a tight jam, don’t hesitate to call this number. I will try to assist you.”
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Garrus slammed his talon into the wall of his apartment, and barely felt the pain. Yet another criminal mastermind eluded him, and no one else in C-Sec seemed to care. Cassia believed that he could do better, but she was dead, and the Council was quick to dismiss her evidence of the Reapers. Solana attempted to encourage him to continue, but she was too far away and busy tending to their mother, who was in and out of the hospital for treatments. And his father was too quick to believe the Council’s version of events.
That was when the idea hit him. He could travel to Omega, where most of the criminals on the Citadel received funding and illegal goods from. Yes, the idea sounded better and better the more Garrus thought about it. So, he sent his resignation letter to C-Sec, and booked a one-way ticket to Omega. He just hoped that wherever Cassia was, she would understand his decision.
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Liara swore as she struggled to break the handcuffs with her biotics. It was just convenient that the moment her ally Feron disappeared, she was captured by the Shadow Broker, who apparently planned to sell Shepard’s body to the Collectors. And of course, her com was taken from her, so she couldn’t call Operative Lawson for help.
Just as she managed to break apart her handcuffs with a sickening crunch, Feron reappeared.
“Are you, all right? Did they hurt you?” he inquired.
However, Liara wasn’t as quick to trust him this time around. “How in the name of the Goddess did you know when the Shadow Broker’s agents were going to capture us? Unless you really work for him!”
Feron nodded. “I’m sorry, but I didn’t realize what he was planning to do to your friend’s body until recently. I’ll help you.”
“Fine, but if you make one wrong step, I’ll snap you in two,” Liara said.
Feron didn’t take her threats of bodily harm personally. “Fair enough,” he replied as they set off. The walked down a long corridor and approached a door with a combination that Feron thankfully recognized.
“This should be the container,” Feron said.
In spite of her curiosity, Liara struggled to open the case. Would she find just a skeleton or just dust? Just as she pushed the lid off, revealing Cassia’s surprisingly intact body, alarms began to blare.
“Fuck!” Feron swore. “Now they’re on to us!”
Liara carefully picked up Cassia, and raced down the corridor beside Feron. Unfortunately, they didn’t get far before they were cornered.
Feron stepped up. “Go! I’ll hold them off!”
“But they’ll kill you!” Liara hissed, afraid of losing yet another friend.
“Just complete the mission and don’t let Shepard fall into the hands of the Collectors!” Feron declared.
Liara turned then and ran, leaving Feron behind to cover her escape from the Shadow Broker’s mercenaries.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Miranda cursed under her breath as she waited for the shuttle containing a certain asari to arrive. Missions for Cerberus were usually straight forward and this endeavor to recover Shepard’s body and resurrect her was anything but simple. Moreover, she found herself strangely attracted to Liara, with her lovely curves and determined smile. She wasn’t supposed to feel this way, and Miranda worked to push back the wrong thoughts from her mind. It was difficult, but she managed it.
Finally, the miniscule shuttle arrived and Liara stepped out. She seemed exhausted, as though one small breeze would cause her body to cave in on itself. A part of Miranda felt guilty for sending Liara on such a dangerous mission all by herself, but she pushed those emotions aside. She couldn’t afford to let sentiment cloud her mind; not now, when she needed to work on bringing back Shepard.
“I’m glad you made it back safely T’Soni,” she said, keeping her expression neutral.
“Sadly, Feron didn’t make it,” Liara replied.
Miranda wanted to say she was sorry or offer to help rescue Feron. However, that would be unprofessional, so instead she said, “At least you managed to complete the mission, and prevent the Collectors from taking Shepard’s body.”
Liara managed a thin smile. “Yes, I suppose I did.”
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Cassia didn’t remember much when she finally came to. Just a warm light and a feeling of infinite peace. Nothing here was peaceful; her entire body was enveloped with pain and she couldn’t even move her hands or neck. Cassia despised the state she was in and wanted to go back to the light where she was warm and safe, but she couldn’t.
Suddenly, a bald man with small clusters of mousy brown hair on either side of his head and a pale skinned, raven haired woman appeared in her vision. Even though she was a stranger, there was something inherently soothing about the black-haired woman.
“She’s awake already,” the woman said with worry. “It’s too soon. She hasn’t finished healing.”
“That’s impossible!” the man declared. “I gave her enough sedative considering her body mass index and weight.”
“Well give her more before she gives herself a heat attack!” the woman spat, as she gently grasped one of Cassia’s hands. Under different circumstances, she would have been infuriated by the woman’s proprietary actions, but with the pain she was now suffering, Cassia was grateful that someone had her back.
“Her heart rates going through the charts,” the man said.
“Shepard,” the woman said soothingly. “I know you’re in a lot of pain right now, but I need you to calm down. Everything’s going to be all right.”
Cassia tried to calm her heart and ignore the pain. After several excruciating seconds, the pain began to dull and she found herself becoming woozy.
“There,” the man said, with a small measure of relief. “Her heart rate’s returning back down to normal levels.”
Cassia wanted to inquire where she was, and the location of the rest of her crew, but the black waters pulled her down into dreamless sleep. After what seemed like only a few minutes, sirens blared into her ears. She still felt pain in her side, but it was more manageable. Reluctantly, she peeled her eyelids open, and noted that she was in a medical lab currently facing some sort of disaster if the flashing lights were anything to go by.
“Shepard!” the woman’s voice yelled via an intercom. “You need to get up now! This facility is under attack!”
Ok, she got the memo. As Cassia moved her legs to the side of the bed, she winced. Clearly, she wasn’t fully healed. It took her a couple of minutes to push off the bed utilizing her arms, and letting out a loud yowl.
“Look Shepard, I know you aren’t fully healed yet,” the woman said. “But I can’t get to you through all these forces. There’s a gun in the crate next door, and a data pad with a map of the facility.”
Once she acquired the gun, Cassia discovered that after a couple of false starts that fighting her opponents was simple. Suddenly, a brown skinned human jumped in and assisted her. In spite of his Cerberus uniform, Cassia decided not to look a gift horse in the mouth.
When the man (who introduced himself as Jacob) attempted to explain of his affiliation with a known terrorist group, Cassia held up a hand. “Next time you want to conceal whom you’re working with, you shouldn’t wear their crest on your uniform,” she said.
Jacob flushed scarlet. “You might have a point there,” he admitted sheepishly.
The other man, whom Jacob informed her was named Wilson joined them, and Cassia struggled with mixed feelings towards both of them. On one hand, they were part of a human supremacy group. On the other hand, they had brought her back to life.
“We’re almost there,” Wilson said, when he noticed that Cassia was panting. He fiddled with door controls, which slid open to reveal the raven-haired woman.
“Miranda!” he gasped, not expecting this woman to show up. “Aren't you supposed to be…?”
He didn’t even complete his sentence before Miranda shot his in the head.
Jacob groaned. “Was that really necessary?!” he yelled.
“He sabotaged the project and he tried to murder me,” Miranda countered.
While Cassia was somewhat bothered by Miranda callously killing this man in spite of his perfidy, she decided to focus on more important issues instead of dwelling on what had been done. “Do you think there might be other survivors?” she asked.
Miranda shook her head. “I doubt it, since this is the sole evacuation point.”
“Fine, then let’s leave,” Cassia said. “I’ve seen enough of this station to last for me for a life time.”
She didn’t like having to follow Cerberus, but Cassia knew since she wasn’t at full strength she wasn’t a match for Jacob and Miranda. Therefore, she would play along and jump through the hoops Cerberus wanted her to jump through. At least, for now she would.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Miranda wasn’t sure how she felt about this assignment, considering that Cassia Shepard clearly distrusted them both. She was polite, but seemed wary of letting her guard down, and Miranda noted that the woman got by on the smallest amount of sleep she could while still functioning well. At least, Jacob would hopefully convince her to continue working with them. Jacob’s sunny demeanor was good for new recruits; it had even resulted in a brief, if extremely inappropriate, relationship. She knew they needed all the luck they could get if they were all to make it through this mission alive.

Chapter Text

After her briefing with Illusive Man, Cassia decided that she was as unimpressed with Cerberus as she was before. However, it would be a headache to investigate the disappearance of the human colonies while running from Cerberus. She would play along for now, but once they solved the mystery of the missing colonists Cassia planned to ditch Cerberus.
She didn’t know what to make of her two human companions. Jacob was surprisingly friendly, and wasn’t anti-alien. As for Miranda, while the woman had initially been frosty when they first met, she’d been willing to answer some questions as to why she’d joined Cerberus. However, Cassia had a feeling that there was something more to Miranda’s backstory, and hopefully she would uncover it soon.
Now would be an excellent time to catch up with Joker, and Chakwas. She was still getting used to the new Normandy’s layout and she found herself desperately missing the SR-1. Moreover, the AI made her antsy since most of her experiences with AIs had been negative. However, she was willing to give EDI the benefit of the doubt. Thankfully, Joker seemed pleased to see her if a bit reluctant to answer her queries as to why he was now working with a terrorist organization.
“Well I’m glad to have you back at the helm,” Cassia said. “I need people I trust to watch my back, especially with Cerberus around.”
Joker winced, not entirely over what happened the last time they been in a cockpit. Cassia decided not to bring it up, and they ended up discussing what happened to the rest of the crew in the two years she’d been absent. She was proud that Tali was able to return from her pilgrimage and earned a place aboard a ship in the fleet. Ashley was not surprisingly still with the Alliance and finally earned a promotion. Her adoptive father had returned to Tuchanka and was attempting to re-unify the krogan clans. Cassia hoped he would succeed and made a mental note to drop by for a visit. Liara was now working for the Shadow Broker which surprised Cassia. She’d hoped her friend would be able to continue her research on the Protheans. Unfortunately, there was no information of Garrus, who seemed to have disappeared off the radar. Cassia attempted to reassure herself that no news was good news, but she still felt a quiver in her spine that the turian whom she’d unintentionally fallen in love with was for all intents and purposes MIA. She thanked Joker, and headed to the med bay to chat with Dr. Chakwas.
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To say that Tali was shocked that Cassia was alive and working Cerberus to boot was a gross understatement. However, she was still the astute leader that Tali remembered, easily managing to silence any anger between the quarians and Cassia’s Cerberus colleagues. It had been exhilarating to fight alongside Cassia again. A part of her still wished that she’d been able to accept Cassia’s offer, but the fleet needed her more.
“Are you sure we can trust Commander Shepard?” Kal’Reegar inquired politely. That was one of the best things about Kal’Reegar; he was bluntly honest and would make a fairly good advisor.
“Shepard’s never let me down before,” Tali replied, hoping that Cassia would someday be able to break free of Cerberus.
“Fair enough. I would hate to see you betrayed by someone who’s changed.”
“Hopefully that won’t be the case,” Tali said as they made there way back to their ship.
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Fuck! That was the only word Cassia could come up with when it came to Horizon. She hated that Anderson and the Illusive Man both kept Ashley in the dark about her return. Maybe the other woman wouldn’t have been so angry then. Miranda’s caustic comments hadn’t improved the situation either, and Cassia was relieved to be stopping on Omega to pick up the latest members of her team. At least, they hopefully would have an allegiance to her and not Cerberus.
Omega was as dirty as she’d imagined, with booger yellow grime caked on the walls of every hallway. At least Aria T’Loak’s headquarters were clean if a bit loud with the music and the multitude of conversations.
When the trio attempted to step up the divan on which the Queen of Omega sat, two guards blocked them.
“That’s close enough,” Aria said.
“We’ve got to check you for weapons,” the batarian guard explained.
“I’m not looking to start a fight,” Cassia said in a tone she hoped was reassuring. “I was informed that you were the best person to go to if I had questions about Omega?”
“Can’t be too careful with dead Spectres,” Aria said. “Could be anyone wearing your skin.”
“They’re clean,” the batarian guard uttered once his scan was complete.
“Depends on the questions,” Aria explained.
“So, do you run Omega?” Cassia inquired.
The asari laughed as though Cassia had just told a hilarious joke before spreading her arms as though she were a bird about to take flight. “I am Omega! But you need more. Everyone needs more something and they all come to me. I’m the boss, C.E.O., queen if you’re feeling dramatic. It doesn’t matter, since Omega has no titled ruler and only one rule: don’t fuck with Aria.”
“I like it,” Cassia replied. “It’s easy to remember.”
“If you forget, someone will remind you.”
“Then I toss your sorry ass out the nearest airlock,” the batarian guard interjected.
“So, what can I do for you?” Aria queried, as Cassia daintily sat on the black leather sofa, that functioned as the asari’s throne.
“I’m looking for Archangel,” she explained.
“You and half of Omega,” the asari noted wryly. “You want him dead too?”
“Why does everyone want him dead?” Cassia asked.
“He thinks he fighting on the side of good. There is no good side to Omega. Everything he does pisses someone off. It’s catching up to him.”
“Sounds like someone I’d like on my team,” Cassia replied. Moreover, said person would hopefully not be a sycophantic follower of Cerberus like Jacob and Miranda.
“Well aren’t you interesting,” Aria said sarcastically. “You’re gonna make some enemies teaming up with Archangel. That’s assuming you can get to him. He’s in a bit of trouble.”
“What kind of trouble?” Cassia asked, hoping that it wouldn’t be too difficult to reach Archangel.
“The local merc groups have joined forces to take him down,” Aria explained. “They’ve got him cornered, but it sounds like they’re having trouble finishing him off. They’ve started hiring anyone with a gun to help them.”
“Sounds like that might be our ticket in,” Jacob commented.
“They’re using a private room for recruiting, just over there. I’m sure they’ll sign you up.”
“What can you tell me about Archangel?”
“Not as much I’d like. He showed up several months ago and started causing problems. If you make your own laws, which everyone around here does, he makes life difficult. He’s reckless and idealistic, but he’s intelligent enough to stay clear of me.”
“Thanks for the intel,” Cassia said.
“Let’s see if you still feel that way after the mercenaries realize you’re here to help him.”
After that enlightening conversation, Cassia decided to head over to the recruitment room since Archangel might not hold out for much longer. She just hoped they got there in time.
“Who’s next?” the batarian soldier asked.
“I am,” Cassia said.
“I think you took a wrong turn sweetheart,” he said dismissively. “Strippers’ quarters are that way.”
Cassia pulled out her gun. “Show me your’s tough guy. I’ll bet mine’s bigger.”
“Impressive!” the batarian said enviously. “So, you’re here to fight?”
“Sure, if this is the place to go after Archangel.”
“This is the place,” the batarian confirmed.
Cassia nodded and asked only a couple questions as the recruiter explained that they needed their own weapons, they would get paid when the job was done, and this did not mean they were part of the three mercenary groups. Just as they were about to leave, a young man who looked just like Jenkins walked in, eager to fight.
“Hey is this where I sign up?” he asked.
“You look a little young to be freelancing as a mercenary,” Cassia said.
“I’m old enough. I grew up on Omega; I know how to use a gun.”
“So, does Archangel,” Jacob pointed out.
“I can handle myself,” the young man insisted. “Besides I just spent fifty credits on this pistol and I….”
Cassia lunged forward and jammed the pistol so it wouldn’t fire properly. “Get your money back and go home.”
“What the hell!” he protested.
“Trust me kid,” Cassia said, relieved that she was at least able to save one naïve person from themselves. “You’ll thank me later.”
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Garrus swore as more fighters attempted to swarm over the bridge. While he’d managed to hold them off so far, it wouldn’t be long before they’re sheer numbers would overwhelm him. Garrus didn’t mind dying. His only true regret was that he would be unable to exert justice on Sidonis for betraying their group. Suddenly, he spotted an N7 helmet.
“It can’t be,” he thought, because Cassia was dead, even if they never found the body.
Then the same figure shot biotics at their target utilizing the exact same strategy that Cassia would, and Garrus allowed himself to hope that woman he’d grown to care about was alive and here to assist him. Ten minutes after he’d first spotted the figure, the woman he’d mourned for years stood before him.
“Archangel?” she queried.
Garrus wanted to chat, but he needed to take out the last person. Just a couple of more steps. There. He shot, and the human mercenary on the bridge. Then, he finally could sit down and take off his helmet. “Shepard, I thought you were dead,” he said.
“Garrus! What are you doing here?” Cassia asked.
A part of him had known that Cassia wouldn’t have endorsed his current activities, but it hadn’t mattered as much when she was dead. “Just keeping my skills sharp. A little target practice.”
“You feeling ok?” she asked.
“I’ve been better,” Garrus admitted. “Although it is good to see a friendly face. Killing mercenaries is hard work. Especially on my own.”
“Since when did you start calling yourself Archangel?”
“It’s a name the locals gave me,” he explained. “For all my good deeds. I don’t mind it, but please it’s just Garrus to you.”
“What are you doing out here on Omega?” Cassia inquired.
“I got fed up with all the bureaucratic crap on the Citadel,” Garrus explained. “Figured I could do more good on my own. At least it’s not hard to find criminal around here. All I have to do is point my gun and shoot.”
“How did you manage to piss off every mercenary organization in the Terminus systems?” Cassia queried.
“It wasn’t easy,” Garrus admitted. “I really had to work at it. I am amazed that they teamed up to fight me. They must really hate me.”
“You nailed me good a couple of times by the way,” Cassia pointed out.
“Concussive rounds only. No harm done. I didn’t the mercenaries to get suspicious.”
Cassia still didn’t look convinced.
“If I wanted to do more than take your shields down, I would have it. Besides, you were taking your sweet time. I needed to get you moving.”
“Well we got here. But I don’t think getting out will be as easy.”
“No, it won’t,” Garrus concurred, strangely ecstatic to have Cassia and her strategic mind with him in spite of the dire circumstances. “That bridge has saved my life countless times, funneling all those witless idiots into scope, but it works both ways. They’ll slaughter us if we attempt to escape that way.”
“Just hanging right like sitting ducks doesn’t sound like much of a viable strategy either,” the raven-haired woman said.
“It’s not all bad,” Garrus replied. “This place has held them off so far. And with the three of you. I suggest we hold this location, wait for a crack in their defence, and then take our chances. It’s not a perfect plan, but it’s the best I’ve got.”
“Sure Garrus,” Cassia said, and it was heady to know that Cassia was willing to put both her own life and the lives of her teammates into his hands.
“I’ll defend the bridge and you’ll do what you do best. Just like old times Shepard.”
“How did you let yourself get into this position?” she asked.
Garrus didn’t know hot to respond since Sidonis’ betrayal still stung and a part of him still searched for an alternate path he could have taken that would have prevented the massacre. “My feelings got in the way of my better judgement. It’s a long story. I’ll make you a deal. You get out of this jam alive and I’ll tell you the whole damn thing.”
“Sounds fair to me.”
After that, it was an exciting blur of taking down mercenaries, although Garrus was a little bit uncertain of his chances of survival when Garm managed to reach the bridge even with the raven-haired woman Cassia called Miranda as back-up. Fortunately, Cassia came charging in and slammed Garm with a biotic charge that Garrus had heard about, but never witnessed. It was fascinating to see a trio of skilled biotics team up to take down the krogan, even if there wasn’t much left for him to do except make the kill shot. Suddenly, just when it looked like they were going to make it, the repaired gun ship swarmed into view and Garrus’ vision went dark.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Miranda had never seen Cassia Shepard this frantic before, as she ordered Jacob to radio Moreau and get medevac team for Vakarian. It was disconcertingly similar to her own occasional worries about Liara, and Miranda hoped that the Commander’s attachment to Vakarian wouldn’t be liability provided the turian survived and joined the team.

Chapter Text

“Commander, as much as I empathize with your worry for Garrus, if you can’t keep calm, I will be forced to sedate you,” Dr. Chakwas commented strictly, albeit not without sympathy.
“I’m sorry Doctor,” Cassia replied sheepishly. She didn’t mean to get in Chakwas’ way as she operated on Garrus, but an icy fear crystalized within her that Garrus wouldn’t survive, and she’d lose the squad mate whom she loved. Worse, that she would never get to tell Garrus about her feelings for him.
“Get some rest,” Dr. Chakwas advised. “I’ll let you know about Garrus’ status as soon as I can.”
“Thank you, Doctor.” Cassia didn’t end up getting any sleep but trotted off to the meeting room and began skimming through the paltry intel they possessed on whatever abducted those colonists from Horizon. She was going to find out what the Collectors planned to do to the colonists and save them if she could. That was the only reason she was going along with Cerberus, well that and she doubted the Alliance would be willing to allow her to rejoin their ranks.
Finally, Jacob entered the meeting room, his brown eyes shining with empathy. “Commander, we’ve done the best we can to fix up Garrus Vakarian, but he took a bad hit. Dr. Chakwas corrected as much as she could with cybernetics. As far as we can tell he’ll have full functionality, but….”
Suddenly, Garrus entered the room, and Cassia bit her lip from gasping. The left side of his face was embossed with deep grooves from where the rocket hit. At least he was alive. Her adoptive father Wrex would wryly comment that scars meant that you were strong enough to survive whatever the hell it was that tried to kill you.
“Tough son of a bitch!” Jacob chortled. “I didn’t think he’d be up yet.”
“Nobody would give me a mirror, so I can’t see how bad it is,” Garrus complained.
“Hell Garrus, you were always ugly,” Cassia joked. “Slap some face paint on and no one will notice.”
Garrus chuckled before groaning. “Oh, don’t make me laugh damn it! My face is barely holding together as it is. Some women find facial scars attractive. Mind you, most of those women are krogan.”
“I’ll leave you two to talk,” Jacob tactfully said, before he departed.
“To be honest, I’m more worried about you Cassia,” Garrus said. “Don’t you remember the sick experiments Cerberus performed.”
“I do, but we need their resources in order to take down the Collectors abducting human colonists,” Cassia explained. “That’s why I’m glad you’re with me Garrus. If I’m walking into hell, at least I’ll have you at my side advising me.”
“You realize that this plan has me walking into hell as well. I guess it’s just like old times. I’ll check out the forward batteries right now and see if I can perform any upgrades.”
“I don’t mean to pry, but have you been in contact with Solana lately?” she inquired.
“No,” Garrus admitted. “After I quit C-Sec and went to Omega I dropped out of contact.”
“You should write to her, and let her know you’re ok,” Cassia suggested. “I’d write to Wrex if they have extranet service on Tuchanka.”
“I’ll consider it,” Garrus replied, before leaving.
“Commander, I’ve given Garrus an IP address that is tied to the Normandy and access to the forward battery,” EDI reported.
“Thanks EDI,” Cassia said. While she wasn’t entirely used to the AI, at least EDI was professional in her work habits, her sitcom style battles with Joker aside.
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“You can do this Miranda, it’s just one silly conversation,” the Cerberus operative thought. But it wasn’t just a trivial conversation; this was her identity. After they recruited Mordin Solus, Miranda decided to pay Kelly Chambers a visit. She’d been putting it off since Chambers could report it to the Illusive Man, and while Miranda trusted her boss she really didn’t want to delve too deeply into her personal life.
“I’m feeling attraction for someone,” she said without preamble. “And it’s confusing the hell out of me, because they aren’t a guy.”
Fortunately, Kelly Chambers wasn’t too bothered by this revelation. “Have you felt attraction towards people who are the same gender before?”
Miranda blushed. “Well, yes. One time when I was teenager, I had an intense connection with another girl. We shared everything, at least until my father found out and broke us up.”
Shirley was what her father referred to as “chunky”, but she had golden blond hair and chocolate brown eyes. Unlike Niket, she recognized how manipulative Miranda’s father was, and held her hair back when Miranda was upchucking her lunch into the toilet after a particularly grueling training session.
“Did it ever consider you could be bisexual?” Kelly asked.
“No, I’ve mostly been with guys.” For the most part, she’d managed to chalk up her relationship with Shirley to teenage hormones. There was one vid actress whom Miranda thought was somewhat hot, but she’d told herself that her interest was aesthetic.
“Even if you’re just with guys, that doesn’t change your sexual orientation.” Kelly was surprisingly gentle.
“And I’ve never been prejudiced against people with same-sex attractions, so why is it so damned hard to deal with this?!” She was coming apart at the seams, all because of a pretty asari.
“It’s a little different when it’s your own sexuality you’re coming to terms with,” Kelly said. “It took an independent study for me to get used to the idea of pansexuality.”
“I guess. Thanks for letting me chat.”
“And don’t worry about the Illusive Man,” Kelly said. “I have no intention of outing you to him.”
That was a relief. Now if she could just figure out what she was going to do with these feelings for Liara.
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Garrus drafted several potential emails to Solana but discarded them all. He couldn’t blame her for being angry that he abruptly cut off all contact, especially with their mother battling her illness. However, he was thrilled to be working with Cassia Shepard again even if the circumstances were less than ideal. Moreover, he couldn’t just walk away from stopping the Collectors. What if it had been his parents and Solona?
“Hey do you want to chat?” Cassia asked.
“Sure, I’m not doing much at the moment,” Garrus replied. It was awkward talking with Cassia considering his feelings.
“Could explain to me how you ended up on Omega.”
“I left C-Sec because I felt I wasn’t doing much to actually fight crime,” Garrus explained. “Omega had criminals no one else was able to touch and there was no red tape to slow me down. It was a perfect fit.”
“How did you end with a squad?” Cassia asked.
“Not too different from how you recruited your squad to fight Saren,” Garrus explained. “You show you get results and people join up. Mercenaries who wanted to atone. Security consultants tired of playing by the rules. I gave them hope, and now they’re all dead. Shows what I know.”
“You did the best you could Garrus,” Cassia replied. “Sometimes shit happens and there isn’t anything you can do about it except try to pick up the pieces and move on.”
“I guess, but what happened still stings.” He longed to make Sidonis suffer for his perfidy towards their group.
“What happened to your squad?” Cassia gently inquired.
“It was my own damned fault,” he admitted. “One of my own people betrayed me. A turian named Sidonis.”
“Garrus, don’t beat yourself about things you can’t change,” she said. “I lost someone I cared about during the Skyllian Blitz, and it took time to realize that bad shit happens and all you can do is pick yourself and move on.”
“I guess,” Garrus replied, unsure if should mention he was looking into Sidonis’ whereabouts. Maybe later, when he actually possessed intel regarding his location.
“I’m going to have a chat with our tank bred krogan,” Cassia said. “Hopefully, he won’t try to murder me.”
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EDI was aware of the fact that Commander Shepard didn’t entirely trust her and endeavored to keep out of her way as much as possible however in this case, she was curious as to how Shepard would deal with the tank bred krogan who was for all intents and purposes a baby.
“The subject is stable Commander Shepard, integration with onboard systems was seamless,” she reported.
“Can he see anything in there, does he where he is?” Shepard inquired.
“Unlikely,” EDI admitted. “Even with a ship wide power loss the nutrients in the tank could sustain him for over a year.”
“Ok, let’s wake this guy up,” Shepard decided.
“Cerberus protocol is very clear on the use of untested alien technology,” EDI reminded the Commander.
“He’s either a powerful addition to our crew or a ticking time bomb, I’d rather deal with it now,” Shepard explained.
EDI privately admitted Shepard might have a point there, even if protocols dictated she must advise against it. “Very well Shepard the controls are online. The switch and consequences are yours.”
With a flick of a switch, the tank was emptied of the liquid that sheltered and protected this krogan while he grew. The glass tube slid open and, in a flash, the krogan charged at Shepard and pinned her to the ground. A part of EDI wanted to intervene and save the Commander who was vital to the Illusive Man’s plans. Another part knew Shepard wouldn’t appreciate her barging in.
“Human before you die, I need a name,” the krogan hissed.
“My name is Commander Shepard and I don’t appreciate being tossed around,” Shepard retorted, already calculating a counter attack.
“I don’t mean yours, I mean mine. The tank Okeer bred me in gave me skills, but no connection. Warlord, legacy, grunt. Grunt was among the last. It has no tangible meaning, but it will do. I am Grunt, and you will prove your worth by destroying me.”
“Why do you want me to kill you?” Shepard inquired.
“Want. I fight to reveal who is the strongest. Nothing in the tank ever asked what I wanted. I feel nothing for Okeer, his clan, or his enemies. That imprint failed. Everything about me failed. Without a reason, one fight is as good as any other. Might as well start with you.”
A flash of sympathy passed across Shepard’s face and EDI realized the perks of having someone who grew in close proximity to a krogan. “I’m putting together a crew to fight the Collectors, and I could use your skills, but if step out of line or threaten any of your fellow crewmates there will be consequences.”
“That sounds fair to me,” Grunt replied.
“And I’m glad you saw reason,” Shepard added as Grunt glanced down and discovered the Commander was pointing a pistol towards the middle of his torso.
“Offer one hand, but arm the other,” Grunt noted. “I would be honored to fight at the side of someone as skilled and strong as you.”
Perhaps Shepard possessed skills that the Illusive Man failed to take into account. And for the first time, EDI pondered if Cerberus’ insistence on focusing on human endeavors was actually an Achilles’ heel.
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This was without a doubt the most eccentric motley crew that Cassia had worked with. It said something that the drell assassin was one of the more stable members of said crew. While most of the group were willing to comply with her orders, Jack was a ticking time bomb and a potential liability. In addition, the bald woman kept baiting Miranda, and Cassia anticipated it would eventually come to a head. Right now, she was more focused on Grunt, who struggled to not break everything he touched. The only upside was this was an excuse to visit Tuchanka and catch up with her adoptive father Wrex.
The reports that Tuchanka were a barren wasteland weren’t exaggerations, and Cassia made a mental note to procure some sunscreen for herself. She debated with herself before deciding to allow Garrus to accompany herself and Grunt, since she needed a tech expert, especially since Tali wasn’t with them currently.
It was about a half hour of trekking through the inhospitable desert sands with sweat poring down her brow that the trio finally arrived in Wrex’s throne room. Her adoptive father was looking quite healthy with a couple of new scars a part of Cassia longed to inquire about. She wanted to run up and throw her arms around him, but decorum meant that Wrex couldn’t afford to show weakness in front of the rest of Clan Urdnot.
“Shepard,” Wrex declared. “I heard a rumor you were alive and wasn’t sure to believe. It’s good to see you again.”
“You’ve done well for yourself Dad,” Cassia said.
“I blame it on your influence, but Clan Urdnot is just the beginning. We will be one people again.”
“You’ve abandoned many traditions to get your way,” the other krogan with a green crest objected.
In response, Wrex headbutted his naysayer in what Cassia knew was a show of dominance. “Speak when spoken to Uvank. I’ll drag your clan to glory whether it likes it or not.”
“Actually, I was hoping you could explain what to do help my crewmate Grunt,” Cassia explained. “He’s having some issues.”
Wrex gave Grunt a once over, before he replied. “Where are you from whelp. Was your clan destroyed before you could learn what is expected of you.”
“I have no clan,” Grunt admitted, his talons twitching slightly at facing a krogan who knew where he belonged. “I was tank bred by Warlord Okeer. My line is descended from warlords Morro, Kredoc, Shakeer.”
“You recite warlords, but you are the offspring of a syringe,” Uvank taunted.
“Okeer’s a very old name, and hated,” Wrex interjected.
“He is dead,” Grunt replied.
“Of course, he’s dead you’re with Shepard. How could he be alive?” Wrex pointed out. Unlike Uvank, he wasn’t dismissive of Grunt’s potential.
“I need Grunt back up to speed, can you tell me what’s wrong with him?” Cassia inquired, hoping there was some kind of remedy.
“There’s nothing wrong with him,” Wrex replied. “He’s becoming a full adult. I don’t know what other species call, but traditionally krogan undergo the Rite of Passage.”
“Adolescence, couldn’t we just get a couple of dances on Omega,” Garrus joked.
“You go too far Wrex, that thing is not krogan,” insisted Uvank, before storming off.
“Idiot,” muttered Wrex. “So, Grunt do you wish to stand with Clan Urdnot and undergo the Rite of Passage?”
“This is his choice,” Cassia said, knowing that she would have to step back and let Grunt make his decision about his future just as her adoptive father once did years before.
Grunt glanced back at the multitudes of krogan gathered around camp fires. They were small, but they were growing in strength. “It is in my blood. It is what I am for.”
“Good boy,” Wrex praised. “Speak with the shaman. Give him a good show and he’ll set you on the path.”
“You ready Grunt?” she asked.
“I was born ready to do this Shepard,” Grunt replied, and Cassia hoped that her team was prepared, because she had a feeling that this Rite of Passage would be difficult. Hopefully, she could show Wrex how much stronger she’d become since they last worked together.

Chapter Text

When they arrived to converse with the shaman, Garrus was uncertain if he should be impressed or disconcerted by Cassia’s handling of the other krogan’s derogatory comments regarding Grunt. Moreover, he hoped that the concussion she incurred from headbutting said krogan wasn’t too severe, since completing the Rite of Passage was certain to be arduous. At least, the shaman appeared open minded enough to accept Grunt, and was impressed by Cassia’s comprehension of krogan customs.
They hitched a ride on a krogan transport that appeared to be only a few repairs away from becoming a derelict, judging from the manner is jostled over every bump. Between that and the exasperating sand that accumulated in every crevice of his armor, Garrus was anxious to complete the Rite and return to the Normandy to expel the dust and dirt from his body.
“This is Tuchanka’s most recent scar,” the shaman explained. “The last surface city to fall in the rebellions. The keystone was at its heart. It has survived wars and the passage of centuries. It endures, like the krogan. If you wish to join Clan Urdnot, you must contemplate the keystone and its trials.”
When Garrus learned about the krogan, the propaganda implied the krogan were simply brutes with no culture who deserved to have the genophage inflicted on them. Meeting Wrex and spending time with Cassia altered this perception, and the shaman’s allusion to the krogan’s lost cities sent a slight pang of guilt for what his people did in the past.
“What will happen?” Grunt queried with an anxious, yet electrified air that reminded Garrus of the day he departed from his home to commence the required years of service in the turian military.
“Who knows?” the shaman replied. “You must adapt. You must thrive, no matter the situation. Any true krogan will.”
With that pronouncement, the shaman departed for the relative safety of Clan Urdnot’s camp, while the trio prepared for the unknown trials ahead. Fortunately, both Garrus and Cassia were stocked up on water and ration bars in case they became famished or dehydrated, since Tuchanka’s sun seemed to suck out most of the moisture from their bodies like the vampires featured in a human novel Garrus read once.
At first, their only opponents were the ferocious varren who were a common, indigenous species native to Tuchanka. The only challenge was ensuring that a group of varren didn’t overwhelm them, a task simplified via Cassia’s biotics. However, as they trekked inward they encountered creatures that resembled rachni, but according to Cassia were a different species known as klixen. The fact that the creatures exploded upon their demise only added to the challenge of contending with them.
“Now here’s an actual challenge worthy of our skills!” Grunt crowed.
“Well, at least’s he’s enjoying himself,” Garrus whispered to Cassia. “Between the sand and the damage incurred when the fucking klixen explode I’m almost nostalgic for our battles with the geth and the Collectors.”
“I can’t guarantee we’ll be campaigning against geth, but with our mission I can ensure you’ll have first crack against the Collectors,” Cassia promised.
Garrus’ heart beat a little more wildly at her response, and the turian lamented the fact that he still was ignorant of whether Cassia returned his feelings. Luckily, or unluckily, shortly after the trio trekked through the third gate, the ground began to shake in a manner similar to an earthquake. However, Garrus instinctively felt there something more sinister than earthquake, and his fears crystalized when a thresher maw surfaced from the desert sand. At least he and Cassia knew how to deal with a thresher maw.
Grunt, of course, was thrilled to be battling against such a massive and dangerous foe, and Cassia had to caution him that one wrong move could lead to his death. Garrus and Grunt provide cover fire, while Cassia nimbly sauntered closer to their opponent and managed to badly wound the thresher maw with a quick flash of her biotics.
“I wish I could do that,” Grunt commented wistfully, and Garrus found himself in agreement with the young krogan. Cassia was talented and extremely beautiful when launching biotic attacks and…damn it! This was an inauspicious time to be distracted by Cassia’s body! It took an eternity to annihilate the thresher maw, which was fond of ducking down into the sand and resurfacing in other locations. Finally, after a volley of fire from the trio, the thresher maw emitted a loud death knell before collapsing onto the sand.
Just then, a ship appeared on their scanners, and Garrus had a feeling the people inside weren’t friendly. To no one’s surprise, the group was revealed to be Uvenk, the krogan who insulted Grunt earlier. Uvenk offered to allow Grunt to join his clan albeit with backhanded comments. Cassia accused him of attempting to poach Grunt from Clan Urdnot and pointed out that Grunt would be treated as a pawn, and not a vital portion of Clan Uvenk. Garrus wasn’t disappointed that the discussion devolved into a fight, and his adrenaline kicked up from the prospect of battling several experienced krogan warriors.
Cassia launched herself at one of Uvenk’s followers, sparks flying from her body as the pair collided. Garrus reloaded his rifle, and attempted to provide cover fire for Cassia, who relied on her biotics to tip the scales of the conflict in their favor. One by one, Uvenk’s followers fell to a combination of Cassia’s biotics, and Garrus and Grunt’s firepower. Uvenk himself wasn’t as easy to defeat, and Garrus swore as the krogan warrior managed to break his barriers, forcing him to duck behind a column to recharge. To his amazement, it was Grunt who managed to strike back at Uvenk with several shots, allowing Cassia to kill the krogan warrior with one final biotic charge.
After they vanquished Uvenk, the shaman arrived and seemed impressed with their skills. “You have passed the Rite of Passage,” he declared. “Earning the honor of clan and name. Many survive but it has been years since a thresher maw fell. Your names shall live in glory. Grunt, you are Urdnot. You may now own property, join the army, and apply to serve under a Battlemaster.”
“Shepard is my Battlemaster. She has no match,” Grunt declared, and Cassia grinned in pride. Garrus found himself joining in the triumph of Grunt’s skills, and pondered if this was how one felt when one’s child achieved something great.
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It took longer than Wrex anticipated to finish negotiations with the other clans as well as dealing with fallout of Uvenk’s death. At least none could argue that his adopted daughter and her friends weren’t well within in their rights to defend themselves. In addition, he was pleased to show Cassia how much progress he’d made in uniting the krogan clans.
“Congratulations on completing the Rite of Passage,” Wrex said. “Grunt will add to Clan Urdnot’s strength once your mission is over.”
“I guess I’d better make sure to give him ‘the talk’, judging by the way he’s currently swarmed by females,” Cassia replied.
“Actually, I was hoping to discuss what your currently up to. If you want help in getting the Illusive Man, I’d be willing to pull some strings.”
Cassia chuckled at his offer. “Thanks, but no thanks. I’ve got to focus on destroying the Collectors. Speaking of the Collectors, what do you know about them?”
“Not much more than the usual rumors about them originating from the Omega relay that no one has returned from, but if I hear any new intel I’ll pass it on to you.” It was somewhat frustrating that he couldn’t accompany Cassia on her new mission, but his position was too precarious to leave Tuchanka.
“Thank you, Dad. That means a lot to me.”
“Before I leave you to the mercy of all the krogan who harbor crushes on you for killing a thresher maw on foot, I’d like to ask about what’s exactly going on between you and a certain turian?” Wrex queried, having observed the intriguing interactions between her and Garrus.
Cassia blushed, a rare feat that answered at least one of his questions. “Nothing is going on between Garrus and I. We’re just friends.”
Wrex didn’t buy her explanation. “Friends wouldn’t intently stare when they thought the other’s back was turned. Nor would friends become exceedingly jealous if one was flirted with by a young krogan.”
“I thought you were supposed to disapprove of any potential relationships I entered,” she countered. “Especially since Garrus is a turian.”
Wrex shrugged. “He isn’t too bad for a turian, and you need talented, trustworthy people to watch your back. Take some advice from your old man, and don’t let him slip through your fingers.”
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When she returned to her quarters in the Normandy, Cassia’s mind was stewing with Wrex’s words. “Don’t let him slip through your fingers.” She recognized that his suggestion had merit, but the fear of rejection stalked her like a sadistic predator, and Cassia was relieved when Mordin knocked on the door to her quarters.
“Was wondering if you would be willing to aid me in locating my former assistant?” he queried.
“I would be correct in ascertaining that this concerns the genophage,” Cassia replied.
Mordin glanced around anxiously before speaking. “You would be correct.”
“Don’t worry, I have no intention of tattling to Wrex unless this plot means worsening the conditions of the genophage.”
This appeared to put Mordin at ease, and the salarian scientist departed for his lab to prepare for the upcoming mission. Cassia weighed whom she should ask to accompany her. For security reasons Grunt was automatically excluded, and while Jack was itching to go on a mission, Cassia felt that the woman’s volatile temper wouldn’t meld well with this situation. If only Tali were present, then Cassia would have someone she could trust absolutely. Desperate times called for desperate measures.
Fortunately for Cassia, Miranda was sitting in her office heavily engrossed in a report. Observing the other woman, Cassia noted that the raven-haired woman possessed curves and a figure that would cause most women to wince in envy, although not Cassia since she felt perfectly content with her own B-cup size bust, and her miniscule curves. “Excuse me, Miranda.”
Miranda jumped slightly, although she permitted her muscles to loosen when she recognized her. “What can I do for you Shepard?” she inquired.
“I have a sensitive mission I need to accomplish for Mordin, and I require a third person to complete my party,” Cassia explained. “And just so we’re clear, you are not to report this mission to the Illusive Man unless I permit it. If I permit you to submit a written statement, I will examine said report and make corrections as needed.”
Miranda opened her mouth to formulate a retort, but then clearly decided against it. “Very well Shepard. Just let me know when the mission will take place, and I’ll be there.”
After taking a quick shower, Cassia returned to the airlock with her shore party in tow, and set off. The krogan scout whom she conversed with regarded her with awe since apparently thresher maws were difficult to kill. He gave her hefty discounts on the wares he sold, as well as intel on Mordin’s missing student. However, Cassia noticed that the krogan glared daggers at Mordin, which was a contrast to how Garrus was treated, in spite of being a turian. The trio took a cruiser out to the site where Maelon was last spotted, and it was there things took an unexpected turn.
Apparently, Maelon was there willingly and was assisting the krogans in research to cure the genophage. Cassia would have hugged him in gratitude for his work to rectify the evil done by his species’ ancestors if she wasn’t pissed off about being kept in the dark about this development as well as his questionable methods. Moreover, a part of her wanted to strangle Mordin for his part in the modified genophage.
“If you’d just contacted me, I would have willingly assisted you with this!” she yelled.
“You humans have a saying that ‘three people can keep a secret if two of them are dead.’ I couldn’t allow the STG to find out about this,” Maelon replied.
“They won’t change have to kill you,” Mordin countered, pointing the barrel of his gun at his former protégé’s head.
“Mordin you don’t have to do this,” Cassia pleaded, not just for Maelon’s life, but for a potential future for her adoptive father’s species.
Mordin sighed. “No not a murderer. Thank you, Shepard.”
“I’m sorry Maelon, but you’ll have to leave before Mordin changes his mind,” Cassia stated gently.
“The krogan don’t deserve what we did to them professor!” Maelon yelled. “The genophage must end.”
As much as Cassia wanted to be angry at Mordin, she couldn’t keep fanning the flames of her ire when he appeared as though he were about to cave in on him himself. In addition, he had a tired, defeated expression that was atypical for a salarian.
“How are you holding up Mordin?” she inquired.
“Fine since you haven’t decided to blow me to smithereens for what I did to your father’s people,” Mordin stated in a matter of fact tone. “Still feeling conflicted about letting Maelon go. Probably should have killed him, given the brutality of his experiments. Expected such brutal behavior from krogan, not from one of my own species.”
“Maybe you’ll remember that the next time your discussing the ethics of the genophage,” Cassia replied. “Actually, I want you to save the data, and see if you can make something of it. Perhaps a cure is possible.”
“Is that an order Commander?” Mordin queried.
“Just the saving the data part. Evaluating the research and extrapolating if a cure is possible is strictly voluntary. I know the STG wouldn’t be thrilled if they caught wind of this.”
Mordin shrugged. “Occupation is filled with dangers. STG would simply be one more danger. I’ll assess the data, and report on anything I discover.”
“That’s all I ask,” Cassia replied. “Now let’s get back to the Normandy and get the hell off this barren wasteland of a planet!”
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Garrus anxiously the pace of the forward battery, unable to concentrate on his calibrations. He instinctively recognized that Cassia was an excellent fighter, and perfectly capable of looking after herself. Yet his mind constantly flashed to the bleak moment he’d learned of her demise along with the first Normandy. Was this how his parents felt in the time between when they’d been apart completing their required service in the turian military before they’d settled down in the house he and Solana were reared in? If only he could be certain his father wouldn’t judge him for inquiring for advice on his attractions towards a human, and a human Spectre at that.
“EDI has Commander Shepard returned yet?” he inquired.
The AI, of course, sounded amused by his constant queries about Cassia’s status. “Her status is the same answer as when you asked me five minutes ago Vakarian.”
Inwardly Garrus groaned as he attempted to focus on the battery guns. Whoever designed the second Normandy’s guns was quite skilled, but there were still some modifications he could perform to increase firing rate.
“Commander Shepard has arrived and is headed in your direction,” EDI announced.
“Thank you, EDI,” Garrus replied, hardly believing he was calmly conversing with an AI. Then again, the normal rules regarding how the galaxy was supposed to work tended to be thrown out the window when Cassia was involved.
Cassia entered the forward battery, sweating heavily. She’d changed out of her armor into a gray tank top and sweatpants. Garrus knew from what he’d overheard Donnelly comment, that Cassia’s breasts were considered small by human standards. However, her angular frame made her extremely attractive by turian standards. He just hoped he wasn’t blushing.
“Would you mind answering some personal questions?” Cassia inquired, attempting to sound casual.
“Depends on what they are,” Garrus replied, hoping and yet dreading she would detect his feelings. His heart was cresting in peaks of hope that Cassia was equally interested in a relationship, before plummeting into valleys of despair that she would request that they merely remain friends.
“Have you ever um.... dated anyone?” Cassia asked, her stance not dissimilar from when she was in battle, as though she was torn between fleeing and confronting whatever was bothering her head on.
“Not a lot,” Garrus admitted. “I did go on a date my father arranged with a daughter of a colleague of his, and that didn’t turn out well at all. While I was at C-Sec I dated an asari accountant who sometimes assisted C-Sec with embezzlement cases. After her firm transferred her to Ilium, we mutually agreed that a long-distance relationship wouldn’t work. Plus, my father wasn’t thrilled about me dating an asari. To honest, I mostly just had short term no strings attached sex while I was serving in the turian military. As long as the women involved knew that, we had fun, and no feelings were hurt.”
“What about when you were in the military?”
“I was too busy trying not to piss off my drill sergeant. There was this one turian woman, a recon scout, but we mutually agreed we were better off as friends. Ummm……are you asking me on a date?”
Cassia looked as though she wanted to sink into the floor. “Yes, if you want to. But it’s ok if you aren’t interested since I know that there is a bit of a power imbalance between us Garrus, and I won’t be offended if you aren’t. I mean we could still be friends and….”
This was probably the first time he’d ever heard Cassia ramble since she normally was clear and concise in her communication. Maybe, this wasn’t a one-sided attraction after all. “Cassia, I know you aren’t the type to take advantage, and I feel that same way you do. I’d love to go out on a date.”
“Really?” Cassia queried, her blue eyes brimming with tears. Garrus hoped that didn’t mean she was sad, and made a mental note to look up human reactions.
“Really,” Garrus said. “I’m just worried that Wrex won’t be pleased you’re dating a turian, and he’ll rip me to pieces.”
“I don’t think you have to worry on that count. Dad’s the one who suggested you and I enter a relationship, although I won’t guarantee that he won’t scare you a little. He did that to both of my boyfriends.”
“Ok, so when would you want to go out and where?” Cassia asked.
“How about the Citadel?” Garrus suggested. “I know a couple of good restaurants there.”
“Perfect!” Cassia exclaimed. “We’re already going there to purchase some parts for the Normandy, so that would be perfect.”
“Commander Shepard,” EDI interjected. “I hate to interrupt your conversation, but it appears we are picking up a distress signal. I would suggest you listen to it immediately.”
“Well, sorry to run but duty calls,” Cassia apologized.
“Take as much time as you need,” Garrus replied. “I’m not going anywhere.”
This time as she scurried off, Garrus admitted to himself that he enjoyed the view of Cassia’s retreating body immensely.

Chapter Text

To say that Tali was apprehensive about boarding a Cerberus ship, even if it was Shepard’s Cerberus ship, was a major understatement. The screams of the other members of her team still rang in her ears, and she wished she’d been able to save the others. Normally, she’d confide in Cassia, but she appeared to be engrossed with something important, and Tali didn’t want to interrupt her.
“Are you holding up ok Tali?” Garrus queried gently. “Losing most your team can’t be easy to cope with.”
“I’m doing as well you’d expect,” Tali replied.
“Well, on the bright side I bought a bunch of dextro snack foods, so we aren’t reliant on what Cerberus deemed nutritious for us dextros.”
Suddenly, the universe seemed warmer and hospitable. “That sounds lovely Garrus.”
They conversed about what they’d been up to after leaving the first Normandy behind. Tali observed that Garrus was less racist and more knowledgeable about quarian society. He explained that he acquired his new knowledge while working with a multispecies team, although he declined to elaborate further, and the sorrow in his posture prevented Tali from prying.
Cassia returned, her eyes brimming with empathy. “I’m sorry we didn’t arrive sooner Tali. Maybe then, we could have saved more of your team than just Kal’Reegar.”
“That’s ok Shepard,” Tali replied. “You did what you could, and at least the fleet now possesses the data. I just hope it was worth losing almost all of my team.”
“So, are we still heading to the Citadel or do we have a pressing mission to get to?” Garrus asked.
Tali observed that Cassia’s face brightened like the aftermath of a solar eclipse. “We’re still headed to the Citadel, but Miranda informed we also need to do a pick-up there of a new team member.”
Garrus nodded. “Hopefully, they’ll turn out to be more stable than Jack.”
Cassia chuckled. “Everyone is more stable when compared to Jack.”
After Cassia left, Tali turned to Garrus. “So, what’s going on between you and Cassia?”
Instead of denying his feelings for their commander, Garrus blushed scarlet. “Is it that obvious?”
Tali shrugged. “Only to people who know you both well.”
“We still haven’t gone our first date yet,” Garrus admitted sheepishly.
“Well, I’m happy for both of you,” Tali said, as she left to check on the engines of the new Normandy. It was beautiful, that Cassia and Garrus managed to construct a relationship in the midst of his turmoil, and Tali only hoped that she would one day have a relationship as good and strong as theirs.
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Locating their new crewmember took longer than Cassia anticipated, and she walked past a particular advertisement for stealth devices multiple times, before she realized that the fuzzy edges hid a person. More specifically, a hooded Asian woman, who immediately began commenting on how she was her biggest fan.
“I wouldn’t say that to Conrad Verner,” Cassia snarked.
The woman’s nose wrinkled in disgust. “He’s not a fan, he’s a creepy stalker.”
Cassia shrugged. “I won’t argue with you on that one. Now could you tell me your name, since the dossier my XO gave me only said you were a thief?”
“I’m Kasumi Goto,” the woman said. “And I’m not just any thief. I’m the best thief in the galaxy.”
“And what skills can you bring to this mission Kasumi?” Cassia inquired.
“I can steal stuff, I’m good with tech, and I can turn invisible.”
“Well, I suppose that’s good enough for me,” Cassia stated. “I’ll type in the directions to my ship into your omnitool, and we’ll talk more later.”
“Ok, but what’s the big rush?” Kasumi nosily asked. “Do you have a hot date?”
“That’s not really your business Ms. Goto,” Cassia said, attempting to channel the standoffish demeanor of Miranda.
Her ploy worked, since Kasumi didn’t make any further queries regarding her romantic life. “Fine,” she said. “But if you need fashion tips, you’ll know where to find me.”
The Presidium was cleaned up, and there were no signs of the damage incurred by Saren and the geths’ invasion. The restaurant she’d chosen for her date with Garrus was a casual 1950’s esque diner called Winnifred’s that served a diverse selection of dextro and levo foods. There was a lunch counter, a golden jukebox, and even a vintage cash register. She spotted Garrus sitting in a table in the corner. Not surprising, since it gave him an excellent vantage point in case they were ambushed. She plopped down across from him, and grabbed a menu.
“Sorry I’m late, locating our newest crew member took longer than I thought,” she said.
“Don’t worry about it,” Garrus replied. “It’s been fascinating to people watch for the last twenty minutes.”
A petite blond-haired human waitress stopped by to take their orders. Cassia decided to order her favorite dish here, the French toast with maple syrup and sliced bananas, while Garrus opted for a dextro burger.
“Wrex used to treat me here for my birthday if we happened to be on the Citadel,” Cassia explained.
“This is a lovely place,” Garrus said. “I half wish I’d visited here while I was working for C-Sec.”
“Do you miss working for C-Sec?” she inquired.
Garrus shook his head. “No, to be honest, working for C-Sec was more my father’s idea than mine, but it was a way to serve, and I thought I was making a difference.”
“Have you spoken to Solana yet?” Cassia asked.
Garrus nodded. “She’s not exactly pleased with me at the moment since I decided not to come home to assist in looking after Mom, and I couldn’t exactly clarify about our suicide mission to take down the Collectors.”
“Your mother’s sick?” Cassia asked, feeling guilty for tearing Garrus from his family.
“She has been for a while. I convinced Mordin to pull some strings to get my mother into a trial study, and I donated my Cerberus salary to ensure their research can continue. Solana wanted me to come home, but there isn’t much I can do, and I don’t feel like fighting with my father at the moment.”
“I’m sorry,” Cassia replied.
Garrus gently grasped her right hand with his claws. “Don’t be. I’m grateful that I’m ensuring that the Collectors can’t harm my family.”
Cassia was confused that in her endeavor to console Garrus, he was the one who reassured her. Their food arrived then, and they conversed on lighter topics, like the latest Blasto movie or what exactly was going on between Miranda and Liara.
Just as Cassia was debating on whether to order Winnifred’s famous chocolate chip cookies when Garrus’ omnitool buzzed loudly.
“I’m sorry,” Garrus said sheepishly, and moved to turn it off.
Cassia waved him off. “No, go ahead and take the call. It could be your sister Solana.”
Garrus smiled in gratitude and Cassia ordered the cookies, and savored each bite of gooey chocolate chips and baked cookie. She’d requested the bill from the waitress when Garrus slid back into his seat.
“There’s something I need to tell you about Sidonis,” Garrus said.
“Isn’t he the turian who betrayed your team?” Cassia queried, feeling slightly disquieted about the direction this conversation was going.
“I just received intel that revealed Sidonis is here on the Citadel,” Garrus explained. “With your permission I’d like to go after him.”
“I’ll come with you but I’m not sure if this is a good idea,” Cassia replied.
“Locating Sidonis isn’t going to be easy since apparently he paid this guy named Fade to erase his identity,” Garrus said. “So, we’ll ask Captain Bailey what he knows about Fade. All my source informed me is that Fade is an expert at aiding people in disappearing.”
“Ok, but I’ll call Tali and ask if she can assist us with this mission,” Cassia uttered.
After she paid the bill, they returned to the Normandy to pick up Tali, who was surprisingly ecstatic about tagging along on this mission. Then again, maybe she required something to take her mind off the tragic loss of her team on Haestrom. The C-Sec building looked the same, but Bailey was complete polar opposite in personality of the previous C-Sec director.
“So, what do you know about Fade?” Cassia inquired.
“Only that he’s excellent at exploiting the weaknesses of C-Sec,” Bailey grumbled. “But you’re outside C-Sec, so maybe you can catch him. One of Fade’s contacts works out a warehouse near here, so I’d recommend you gently question him.”
“Is it possible he’s a former employee of C-Sec who’s lashing out at the agency for being fired?” Garrus suggested. “Not that I would do that,” he added hastily.
Bailey waved him off. “Don’t worry, Vakarian. I know that’s not your style. Besides, you resigned as opposed to being fired. We did alter some of our passcodes a while back, but Fade still managed to evade us. That probably means he’s a fairly decent hacker. I’ll pass on your suggestion to the squads in my district, that way if you don’t capture him, they will.”
“Thank you, sir,” Garrus said automatically, even though he no longer worked at C-Sec. “That means a lot to me.”
“Privately, I thought Executor Pallin was always too harsh on you. If you want to come back after you complete whatever the hell it is you and Commander Shepard are doing, let me know and I’ll override him,” Bailey replied.
“I don’t think I’ll come back even though things are different around here,” Garrus declared. “But thank you, sir. Your offer means a lot to me.”
The walk to the warehouse was surprisingly short, which probably meant Fade established his contact in this location to piss off C-Sec, since all their attempts to apprehend him so far were futile. The contact initially attempted to claim he was Fade until Cassia convinced the krogan bodyguards to abandon their charge. She wasn’t surprised to discover that Fade was Harkin. Now that more humans were working at C-Sec, he was no longer needed to be the “token human”. Not surprisingly, Harkin opted to take revenge against C-Sec.
Defeating the Blue Suns mercenaries were easy, but the Mechs posed a challenge even between her biotics and Tali’s combat drones. She half wished she’d asked Miranda to accompany them, even if it meant the other woman blabbed about their off the books mission to the Illusive Man. After what seemed like an eternity, the last Mech fell to Garrus’ rifle.
Harkin was frantically formulating a plan to escape when Garrus tackled him, and pressed him against the wall.
“What the fuck Vakarian?!” he screamed. “What the hell did I ever do to you?!”
“You’re concealing someone I’m seeking,” Garrus hissed. “A turian called Sidonis. I need you to make him reappear.”
“Look I don’t give out client information. It’s bad for business,” Harkin said.
Garrus allowed Harkin to fall to the floor, and pressed one of his feet against him. “You know what’s really bad for business. A broken neck!”
“Garrus!” Cassia intervened before he could do permanent damage. “Let C-Sec deal with him. We won’t find Sidonis if you kill him before he can talk.”
“Get off me,” Harkin gasped for air.
Reluctantly, Garrus freed him, and the man breathed in heavily before he exhaled and pulled himself up to contact Sidonis. To his credit, Harkin kept his voice even and calm. However, once he got off the line, he attempted to make an egress to avoid an arrest from C-Sec. Garrus raised his gun to shoot Harkin in the leg, but Cassia gripped his gun arm tightly, and he opted to headbutt Harkin instead. Still, the ruthlessness with which Garrus dealt with Harkin troubled Cassia.
Once they arrived at the meeting place, Garrus spotted a perfect vantage point to snipe down Sidonis from and took up a position.
“There his is on that bench Shepard,” Garrus said. “Call him over, so he’ll be in range.”
Reluctantly, Cassia called out to the turian. “Hey Sidonis.”
“Look could you please not refer to me by that name?” the turian asked.
“Ok. Shepard move aside so I can make the shot,” Garrus declared.
Instead Cassia said, “Look I’m here on behalf of a friend of mine. A turian named Garrus.”
“Oh shit!” the turian cursed, and made a move to leave.
Cassia gripped his arm to prevent him from stepping into Garrus’ line of fire.
“Hey let go of me!”
“I’m the only thing stand between you and a hole in the head, smartass!” Cassia hissed.
“Shepard, step away so I can take the shot,” Garrus whispered.
“Damn it!” Sidonis said, clearly familiar with Garrus’ skill with a rifle. At least he wasn’t struggling to escape her hold now. “Tell Garrus I didn’t have a choice.”
“Everyone has a choice,” Garrus hissed.
“The Blue Suns captured and tortured me,” Sidonis explained. “Said they would kill me if I didn’t inform them of the location of our secret base.”
“What about our companions?” Garrus demanded. “Did they deserve to die for your cowardice?”
“I know they died because of me,” Sidonis said. “And I have to live with that. Every night I dream of them accusing me of perfidy. Food has no taste. Most days I just want it to be over.”
While Cassia’s ire was raised by his betrayal, she observed that he was the most self-aware, pathetic traitor she’d ever encountered. “Garrus stop it. He’s already paid for his crime.”
“But he still has his life,” Garrus argued.
“What life?” Cassia countered. “He’s already dead inside. There’s nothing left to kill.”
“My men deserve better,” Garrus said, and Cassia’s heart went out to him.
“Tell Garrus, well I guess there’s nothing that can fix this,” Sidonis said.
“ ‘Go’. Just tell him to ‘go’,” Garrus said, resigned to not bagging his target.
“Garrus is providing you a second chance,” Cassia informed Sidonis. “Don’t waste it.”
“Ok,” the turian said. “Tell him I’ll make it up to him somehow.”
He departed, and Garrus permitted him to leave. When Garrus returned to the car he said, “I’m sorry I cajoled you into participating in my revenge plan. That wasn’t exactly model boyfriend behavior.”
“We were bound to have a first argument sooner or later,” Cassia pointed out. “I just didn’t anticipate our first argument would be this bloody.”
“I’ve always viewed the world in black and white, but gray I don’t know what to do with gray,” Garrus admitted.
“The lines between good and evil blur when we were dealing with those we care about,” Cassia said.
“Yeah, there was still good in him,” Garrus said. “I just want to know I made the right choice. Not just for myself, but for the people who I worked with while on Omega.”
“I can’t be your conscience for you Garrus,” Cassia gently explained. “When you become a leader, part of that, is making choices and living with the consequences that result from those choices.”
“You’ve got a point there, although next time I’ll think about my options are before I act,” Garrus said.
“I hate to interrupt this enlightening conversation, but could we get back to the ship?” Tali interjected.
“Sure,” Cassia said, intuiting that Tali felt like an awkward third wheel. “We can discuss this another time.”

Chapter Text

When the call came, Miranda had only just managed to sooth herself with her favorite CD of classical music. She jumped up and barely managed to grab her phone off its hook.
“Yes?” she barked, her tone hostile and annoyed.
“Is this a bad time?” Liara T’Soni gently queried. “I could always call back later.”
Miranda’s ire evaporated and she barely suppressed the urge to declare to the beautiful asari that she could call anytime she wished. For all she knew, Liara viewed her merely as a colleague. The raven-haired woman would rather have Liara in her life as a friend then not at all. “No, this isn’t a bad time.”
“Well, I’ve received word that your father may have located your sister Oriana,” Liara explained. “However, if we move her now, then we can keep her and her family one step ahead of him.”
Miranda swore under her breath. Of course, her micromanaging father decided to butt in just when everything in her life appeared to be running smoothly. Oriana was all set to graduate high school and attend a prestigious university. Her sister deserved better than to be sold to the highest bidder as a combination trophy wife and broodmare. “All right, but I would like to be involved with moving her.”
If Liara pondered why Miranda wished to participate in the mission, she didn’t vocalize any questions. They discussed the finer details of the mission, and Liara politely said “good-bye”. It wasn’t until after she hung up and was contemplating how to badger Shepard into allowing her to undertake this mission, that Miranda comprehended that she was ecstatic at the prospect of seeing Liara again, even if it was via omnitool.
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For the millionth time, Liara T’Soni reminded herself that Miranda was a professional soldier and was perfectly capable of looking after herself. Moreover, she would probably be accompanied by Cassia and one of her other crewmates. To calm her nerves, Liara opted to spend time at the bar near her office.
“Rough day?” the asari bartender murmured in sympathy.
“Yeah,” Liara allowed herself to admit. Most of the time, she reprimanded herself for showing any weakness. On Ilium, she needed to remain on her toes at all times. But, Aethyta was different, showing compassion in spite of the fact that Liara suspected the asari matriarchs sent the bartender to spy on her.
“Just keep your head up and things will improve,” Aethyta suggested, while simultaneously mixing a Between the Sheets. The asari matriarch was an excellent bartender; capable of mixing a myriad number of drinks and slugging any drunk people who attempted to initiate a bar fight.
A Between the Sheets was a human cocktail, and in spite of its somewhat risqué name, was Liara’s favorite drink to order. If she sometimes fantasized about wrestling around with a certain raven-haired Cerberus operative under some sheets, no else was required to aware of that, except Liara. She chatted with Aethyta about the latest gossip, and made a mental note to inquire about the matriarch’s past.
The next morning, she dialed Miranda’s number, and her heart skipped a beat when the Cerberus operative answered. Fortunately, Liara was able to hone most of her attention on relocating Oriana and her adoptive parents. The logistics were fairly simple; the only challenge was ensuring that none of the mercenaries managed to slip through their net and abduct Oriana.
“Nice outfit,” the asari mercenary sniped. “I’m surprised that Cerberus allows you to whore around in that outfit.”
“Shut up, you hypocritical bitch!” Liara screamed, noting that the mercenary’s own outfit was quite form fitting.
“Could you talk a little softer Liara? You almost shattered my eardrums,” Miranda suggested.
“She shouldn’t talk to you like that. No one should speak to you like that.”
“I’ve heard far worse about my outfits in the past,” Miranda soothed. “Protecting Oriana is more important.”
Predictably, Niket betrayed them, although Miranda was pissed about it. She almost gunned down her former friend right than and there, but Cassia talked her down. Liara was silently thankful as she didn’t want to Miranda to kill in cold blood.
Unfortunately, the asari mercenary was determined to earn her paycheck and killed Niket. Miranda was briefly knocked down by the asari’s Singularity, but swiftly jumped back to her feet and launched her own biotic attack. Between her and Cassia’s biotics and Garrus providing cover fire, they managed to take down the mercenaries. Liara exhaled in relief. Finally, the mission was over and Oriana was safe.
Miranda wanted to watch her sister from the shadows, and not introduce herself. “It’s better that she doesn’t meet me. Besides, what kind of relationship could I give her, when I’m currently facing the Collectors?”
“I think you should at least give your sister the option to get to know you,” Liara cajoled. “I wish my asari father gave me that choice instead of her choosing not to find me.”
“Fine, you win.” Miranda sighed, but appeared happy to speak with her sister Oriana, who for her part, took the fact she had an older sister confidently. When the trio finally departed back to the Normandy SR-2, Liara contemplated how she could persuade Miranda to speak to her sister, but was tongue tied when it came to confessing her attraction towards the raven-haired Cerberus operative.
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While Cassia Shepard was quite willing to assist her crewmembers in fulfilling their personal missions, she was silently perturbed that Kasumi’s mission entailed dressing up. While Cassia was ok with dresses, this one was black, and fit like a second skin. She had however vetoed purchasing sky high stiletto boots, and Miranda backed her up, noting that the Commander wasn’t used to fighting in such uncomfortable foot ware. Instead, Cassia opted to wear a pair of black Lysandra Corvis flats that supposedly were good for fighting in. She just hoped they were worth the two hundred credit price tag.
She did permit Miranda to apply make-up, although the Cerberus operative only applied foundation, a cherry red lipstick, and a midnight blue eye shadow much to Kasumi’s disappointment.
Garrus’ blue eyes widened like the flying saucers featured in old Earth films, when he drank in the sight of Cassia in the dress. His open admiration made being crammed into the dress almost worth it.
The shuttle ride to Bekenstein was mercifully uneventful. Kasumi’s demeanor was solemn, and unlike her usual chatterbox self. Cassia wondered if the thief was contemplating her dead ex-boyfriend. Donovan Hock was a polite host, although Cassia noted that even wolves could appear lovely and compassionate to their unsuspecting prey.
Breaking into Donovan’s personal suite was easy with Kasumi’s hacking skills, and the password merely comprised an easy to remember word. It also appeared that they were thus far unsuccessful in breaking into Keiji’s greybox.
“Be careful as we make our way into the vault,” Cassia implored.
“You think this is a trap?” Kasumi inquired. “Maybe Donovan’s security is incompetent.”
“Not when his techs are clearly aware of what a dictionary attack is,” Cassia countered. “We can’t leave or they’ll pursue us back to the ship, and that’s the last thing we need. Hopefully, they won’t have too many tricks up their sleeves.”
The vault possessed quite a few priceless treasures, although Cassia found herself strangely saddened by the statue of Saren. While the maverick Spectre murdered many people, he was ultimately a victim of the Reapers’ indoctrination.
Predictably, the moment Cassia picked up the grey box, a shrill alarm was triggered, and a scarlet emergency light flashed.
Kasumi cursed in Japanese, while Cassia prepared her pistols for the onslaught. While Cassia easily defeated most of Donovan’s mercenaries, she was exhausted since Kasumi wasn’t much of a fighter, although the thief did manage to make a somewhat useful distraction. They’d almost reached the shuttle, when a powerful gunship launched itself into their path.
“Fuck! You didn’t say anything about a gunship!” Cassia screamed.
“I’m sorry,” Kasumi apologized as the duo ducked behind some crates. “Apparently, that jackass Donovan managed to conceal that he owned one.”
After that, Cassia focused on annihilating the group of mechs and the mercenaries. Most of the battle was a blur, until finally they escaped to the relative safety of their shuttle. It was then that Kasumi revealed that the grey box contained Alliance secrets. Cassia was torn, but in the end, she swayed Kasumi that destroying the grey box was what Keiji would have wanted. She only hoped that thief was able to recover from the devastation that this choice wrought.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Ashley hadn’t anticipated utilizing her leave to travel to Ilium, but once she’d learned Liara was there, she formulated a plan. She just hoped her mother and sisters understood why she opted not to visit them like she usually did during her mandatory leave. She’d yelled at Anderson after Horizon when she surmised that he’d known that Shepard was alive and working with Cerberus. He hadn’t given her any new intel, only confirming that Shepard was “still on our side”, whatever the hell that meant. Hopefully, Liara would be more amenable to talk.
It was child’s play to obtain directions from one the multitude of asari vendors hawking cheap trinkets for tourists, and within half an hour, Ashley found herself knocking on Liara’s office door. Instead of a secretary, Liara herself answered the door. Instead of her scientist scrubs, Liara was garbed in a stylish, form fitting and floor length emerald green dress that screamed money and power. Her face possessed a wary countenance that relaxed somewhat when she recognized her former squad mate.
“Hi Ashley, I wasn’t aware you were planning to visit me,” Liara said. “I would have booked us a nice restaurant.”
Ashley shrugged. “It was a spur of the moment thing. Besides, I’m not here to play catch up. I’m here to inquire about what you know about Shepard.”
Liara anxiously glanced around as though she anticipated assassins ambushing from the apartment corridor. Maybe almost being murdered was part of her new life on Ilium. “I see. Can we discuss this in my office, so I don’t have my neighbors eavesdropping?”
If Ashley didn’t recall the socially awkward, guileless archaeologist who accompanied them on the hunt for Saren, she would have refused to follow the asari. As it was, she lamented the loss of Liara’s optimism, and regretted that she hadn’t kept in better touch with her former squad mate.
The office was sleek and modern, with a few asari knickknacks strategically placed for decoration. Only Liara’s desk bore some of the messy clutter Ashley associated with the blue skinned asari, who gracefully sat down on her black leather chair as though it were a throne.
“Look, what do you know about Shepard and Cerberus?” Ashley queried.
Liara swore, but Ashley’s translator couldn’t quite comprehend the content of the asari curses. The exact phrasing didn’t matter, since the tone answered the question. “I didn’t mean for you to find out like this.”
“And how exactly were you planning on me uncovering that you colluded with a terrorist organization?” Ashley accused.
“We just worked together to recover Shepard’s body and bring her back,” Liara said. “Anderson knew about it.”
“And because Anderson ok’d it, you assumed it would be fine with the rest of the Alliance. Liara, you could potentially be put on trial for collaboration with a terrorist group!” While Ashley was pissed that Liara didn’t inform her of her clandestine work with Cerberus in resurrecting Cassia, Ashley was more concerned that the asari was recklessly jumping into situations she potentially couldn’t handle.
“I’d have to venture into Alliance space for that to happen,” Liara replied. “Which I assure you I have no intention of doing.”
“I could be court-martialed for associating with you,” Ashley countered.
“If they do that, I’ll counter by pointing out that we haven’t spoken to each other in two years. Besides, I have some Alliance secrets that they wouldn’t want getting out.”
“No, don’t hack the Alliance for my sake,” she said. “I just want you to cut off contact with Cerberus for you own safety.”
Liara shook her head vigorously. “I can’t do that. Besides, not all Cerberus agents are bad.”
“Are you fucking kidding Liara?! Don’t you remember what those monsters did to Admiral Kohaku and his men? You can’t trust Cerberus or anyone who associates with them not to backstab or double cross you, and they’ll always put their human superiority agenda ahead of everything else.”
Liara’s eyes blinked hard as though she was forcing herself not to weep. “I think you’d better leave now Ashley. Before either of us says something we’ll regret.”
Ashley departed then, somewhat ashamed that her queries hurt Liara’s feelings. Moreover, she’d hadn’t gained any worthwhile information besides Liara working with Cerberus. Ashley dialed the memorized omnitool number of an old squadmate, and was pleased when James Vega picked up.
“How are you doing Williams?” James asked warmly.
“Not so good to be honest Vega,” Ashley admitted. “I just had a big fight with an old squadmate from when I worked with Shepard.”
“I’m sure you’ll make up soon enough,” James replied. That was what Ashley liked about James: that he was easygoing, loyal, and totally understood why Ashley wasn’t keen on fraternization.
“So, Vega? What do you do if a friend you care about it doing something really dumb, and you attempted to dissuade them from it and they ignored you?” Ashley inquired.
“There isn't much you can do Williams,” James replied. “Except be there to assist in picking up the shattered pieces when it blows up in their face.”
“Well thanks anyways, and have a good shift.”
“You too, Williams. Hey, maybe you could introduce me to one of your sisters.”
“Sorry Vega. They’d probably maul you to pieces and I’m not entirely certain what the Alliance return policy is on dismembered marines,” Ashley joked.
James’ laugh before he hung up, heralded a brief smile to Ashley’s face, but she still worried about Liara, and hoped that when the asari’s alliance with Cerberus blew up in her face, it didn’t cost her former squad mate her life.

Chapter Text

Cassia observed that Liara’s office hadn’t changed a bit, apart from the lack of a receptionist; not surprising since the last one was revealed to be a mole for the Shadow Broker. For once, the Vanguard patiently waited for Liara to formulate a plan, since this was technically the asari’s operation. Albeit one that the Illusive Man was strangely on board with, in spite of Cerberus’ “humans’ first” policy.
“It looks like a leaked transmission between Shadow Broker operatives. Some hints as to the location…. It’s about Feron. He’s still alive.”
“Who’s Feron?” Cassia inquired, while observing that Miranda feigned being engrossed with something on her omni-tool. Cassia was half tempted to lock the pair in a closet and not release them until they worked out their feelings.
“He was a friend,” Liara replied. “He helped me recovered your body from the Shadow Broker.”
“Why did the Shadow Broker want my corpse?” Cassia asked, attempting to sound blasé, while a shiver of disgust reverberated throughout her body. Whatever reason the Shadow Broker desired her body was probably insidious.
“He was going to sell you to the Collectors, but Feron and I stopped him. Feron sacrificed himself to save me.”
“So, you rescued me?” Cassia surmised. “Then how did I end up with Cerberus?”
Miranda and Liara’s gazes locked with each other and Cassia suddenly felt like an interloper. She already guessed the answer when Liara replied, “Well, they gave me intel to help recover you. They actually put Feron with me in the first place. After I got out, I gave you to them. They said they could bring you back.”
Cassia sighed. While a part of her wanted to scream at Liara for entrusting her body to Cerberus, she wasn’t in a position to complain without being a hypocrite. Moreover, working with Cerberus was a better alternative to being experimented on by the Collectors. “You kept me out of the Collector’s hands. Without you, I couldn’t have come back. Thank you. Both of you.”
Miranda blushed scarlet when her role in Project Lazarus was brought up, and Liara trained her eyes on to the eggshell white carpet. “I didn’t know how you’d feel when Cerberus restored you. If you’d feel betrayed or…They brought you back, and now they’re giving me a chance to rescue Feron. After two years, I hadn’t even dreamed….”
“We’ll get him back Liara,” Miranda declared with determination. “You have my word.”
“Thank you,” Liara said. “That means a lot to me.”
“You’re our friend Liara,” Cassia said, although she was certain that Miranda and Liara were in the process of becoming more than friends. “We want to assist you in taking down the Shadow Broker and rescuing your friend.”
“We should meet back at my apartment to discuss this further,” Liara suggested. “And be cautious. There’s no telling, who’s reporting to the Shadow Broker.”
“Ok,” Cassia replied. “You be careful too Liara.”
Once they departed Liara’s office, Cassia opted to pull Miranda aside for a chat. She nodded at Garrus, who made a loud declaration about needing to stock up on dextro food, and trekked off to the nearest grocery store.
“So, what exactly is going on between you and Liara?” Cassia inquired.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about Shepard,” Miranda declared. “Liara and I merely worked together to recover your body from the Shadow Broker.”
“No offense Miranda, but your acting skills need improvement,” she said. “I’m only asking, because Liara’s my friend and I’d hate to see her get hurt.”
“Then I can assure you that nothing is currently going on between Liara and myself,” Miranda argued.
Fortunately, Garrus chose to return from his grocery shopping, and the trio trekked off to Liara’s apartment. With Miranda and Liara’s awkwardness, Cassia ascertained that this mission wasn’t going to be simple, and hoped she wouldn’t have to play matchmaker. Sorting out her own love life had been tricky enough.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
From the moment they encountered the asari Spectre Tela Vasir outside Liara’s ransacked apartment, Miranda distrusted her. There was something self righteously smug about her, and the asari appeared to know far too much about Liara, who wasn’t in the habit of confiding her darkest secrets to strangers. All Miranda could do was keep a wary eye on the Spectre and act if she double crossed them.
As the group traveled to where Liara was supposed to meet her contact, Miranda reflected that Cassia was correct that she harbored feelings for Liara, and that fact scared the hell out of the Cerberus operative. Miranda need to hone her focus into locating and annihilating the Collectors. She couldn’t afford to get side tracked with romance.
“The Baria Frontiers Offices are located on the third floor,” Tela explained. “I don’t here police chatter. We must have missed the party.”
Boom! Glass shards shot out of the third-floor windows like missiles, impaling unfortunate pedestrians on the ground just a few feet ahead of the group.
“Liara’s in there!” Miranda screamed, only her training preventing her from entering the building alone.
“They just took out three floors to make sure she’s dead!” Tela yelled. “I’ll grab the skycar and seal the building off from the top!”
“I’ll start down here and work my way up!” Cassia replied.
“Just leave some for me,” Tela said, before launching the skycar. Maybe Miranda misjudged the asari Spectre, as her concern for innocent civilians caught in the crossfire appeared to be genuine.
After checking on the injured civilians, the trio entered the building. Smoke blanketed the first floor and a few small fires burned in parts of the hallways. In spite of not believing in a higher power, Miranda silently prayed that Liara was ok.
Taking down the Shadow Broker agents was easy between her and Cassia’s biotics and Garrus’ sharpshooting. Although, Miranda doubted she would ever be as fearless as Cassia as the redhead biotically charged into enemy combatants. It was times like this that made her upbringing by a krogan Battlemaster obvious.
Working there way up to the third floor was tedious and somewhat heartbreaking as they dodged the corpses of those who’d been killed in the explosion. A part of Miranda hoped that death came instantly for these poor souls, and they hadn’t needlessly suffered.
Predictably, they didn’t arrive in time to save Liara’s contact, a salarian named Sekat, and Tela was feigning grief. Miranda really wanted to gag this annoying Spectre, but they needed to locate the data Sekat acquired first.
“Speaking of which, did you find your friend’s body?” Tela bragged.
“Unfortunately for you, not!” Miranda hissed, tired of playing nice with this arrogant asari.
“Miranda, we’re on the same side,” Cassia scolded. “I’m sorry about my companion. This mission is really stressing her out.”
“You mean this body?” Liara asked as she stepped out from the shadows. She’d changed into mostly white asari armor that accentuated her curves. Miranda exhaled in relief that Liara was alive, and she wasn’t paranoid about distrusting Tela Vasir.
“This is Vasir, she’s a Spectre,” Cassia argued, as though that meant Vasir should be trusted.
“This is the woman who tried to kill me,” Liara said.
Tela Vasir cautiously backed up. “You’ve had a rough day, so I’ll let that slide. Why don’t you put the gun down?”
“I saw you!” Liara insisted. “I doubled back after I left. I watched you break into my apartment!”
Comprehension dawned on Cassia’s face as she realized Vasir’s treachery. “You didn’t know where Liara went, because she hid the message. You needed me to find it for you.”
“Thanks for the help,” Tela Vasir snarked sarcastically.
While Miranda normally didn’t revel in fighting the way Jack or Garrus did, she now relished the opportunity to kick Tela Vasir into next week with her biotics.
“Once she had my location, she signaled the Shadow Broker’s forces,” Liara said. “They bombed the building to take me out. She found Sekat, took his data, and killed him. I’m guessing she’s still got the disk on her.”
Tela grinned like a cat poised to devour a beloved pet canary. “Good guess. Not that you’ll ever see what’s on it…. you pure blood bitch!”
Glass shards exploded from the windows and careened towards them only to be halted by Liara’s biotic bubble. Miranda was impressed, as she doubted, she could replicate a similar feat with such little time to prepare for it. Cassia tackled Vasir the moment Liara’s biotic bubble dissolved and the pair careened through another section of the glass window down onto the street below.
Predictably, Liara leaped after the pair, leaving Miranda and Garrus to make their way down via the stairs. By the time the pair rejoined Shepard, Liara and Vasir were nowhere in sight and a contingent of fresh Shadow Broker agents were attacking. Miranda launched a Singularity that knocked two of the soldiers down, allowing Garrus to finish them off.
Garrus unlocked the door with a flick of his omnitool, and the trio exited the building into a pistol duel between Liara and Vasir that reminded Miranda of an old Western vid she’d watched with Niket. Vasir even replicated the cliché of the villain jumping onto a transport and escaping before the hero could vanquish them.
“Damn it!” Liara swore before climbing into her own car.
“Liara are you all right?” Miranda queried, as she climbed in the back seat, leaving Garrus to trek back to the SR-2 on foot.
“I’m fine,” Liara replied. “Let’s focus on getting that disk back from Vasir!”
For all Liara’s reckless disregard for her own safety, Miranda admitted that she was a proficient driver. They arrived at the wayward asari’s Spectre’s location in record time, and easily tailed Vasir via the stream of turquoise blue blood she lost while running.
Then Vasir acquired a hostage, a blonde human woman who froze in terror. Miranda’s blood crystallized into ice fragments since she couldn’t get a clear shot at the asari Spectre without harming the hostage.
“What’s your name sweet thing?” Tela Vasir purred as though she and the woman were on a date.
“Mariana,” the woman replied, bravely attempting to hold back her tears.
“Mariana, you want to live, don’t you? Tell those people that you want to live.”
“Please,” Mariana begged.
“We’ll get you out of here safely, Mariana,” Cassia promised.
“Well that’s good to here,” Vasir said, her tone reminiscent of poisoned honey. “All you had to do was walk away. Now it gets ugly.”
“Please, I have a son,” Mariana whispered, salty tears streaming down her face like twin waterfalls.
“A son?” Vasir simpered. “I hope he gets to see you again. I’ve heard losing a parent is just horrific for children. Scars them for life.”
It was obvious whom Vasir’s barb was directed at. “I’m going to end you Vasir,” Liara spat.
“It’s ok Liara,” Cassia interjected, before the hostage could be ripped apart by biotics. “We’ll handle it. The usual way.”
“You want Mariana’s little boy to grow up without a mommy Shepard?” Vasir hissed, recognizing that the situation was spiraling out of her control. “Thermal clips on the ground, now. Power cells, too.”
“Is that it?” Cassia scoffed. “Vasir, I sacrificed hundreds of human lives to save the Destiny Ascension. I unleashed the rachni on the galaxy. So, for your sake, I hope your escape plan doesn’t hinge on me hesitating to shoot a damn hostage!”
“Your bluffing!” Vasir taunted, while she summoned a shield drone.
“Now Liara!” Cassia commanded, and Liara niftily summoned her biotics and blasted Tela Vasir into a pool and away from Mariana, who immediately fled to safety.
Unfortunately, Vasir wasn’t finished yet, and continued to oppose them, even in the face of the trio’s combined biotics. Miranda distracted Vasir with a poorly aimed shot while Cassia charged the asari Spectre with a biotic charge. Vasir collapsed against the wall, cursing loudly.
Liara nodded in relief as she held the intact data pad in her hands. “We finally have Seket’s data pad, which will lead us to the Shadow Broker.”
“You’re dead,” Vasir spat. “The Shadow Broker has been in power for decades. He’s stronger than anything you’ve ever faced!”
“Is that why you sold out the Council to work for him?” Cassia queried.
“You think I betrayed the Council? Like Saren? Go to hell!” Vasir yelled. “The Broker’s given me damn good intel over the years. Intel that saved lives and kept the Citadel safe! So, if the Broker needs a few people to disappear, I’ll pay that price without hesitation!”
“Spectres don’t blow up buildings filled with innocent people!” Cassia countered.
“Sure, we do. We get our hands dirty so the Council doesn’t have to! The councilors might complain about our methods to soothe their consciences, but they never look too closely. Besides, you’re with Cerberus. You have any idea what your terrorist friends have done?”
“I know who they are and what they’ve done,” Cassia replied. “It doesn’t matter.”
“I think it does. You want to judge me? Look in the mirror. Kidnapping kids for biotic death camps! Killing Alliance admirals who ask too many questions! And you’re with them! Don’t you dare judge me! Don’t you….”
With that, the asari Spectre expired. However, Vasir’s words hit Miranda harder than she’d anticipated. While Miranda wasn’t proud of some of the missions Cerberus performed, she convinced herself that those nefarious deeds were carried out by rogue cells, and she was serving the greater good. If so, why hadn’t the Illusive Man attempted to surreptitiously convince the Alliance that the Reapers were a genuine threat? Cerberus did possess contacts capable of cajoling the Alliance into being more proactive, and yet the only team opposing the Reapers was Shepard’s. Miranda felt she was standing on unstable ground that threatened to collapse and sending her hurling into the bottomless, black abyss.
“There’s no time to waste,” Liara said. “We need to get to the Shadow Broker before he decides to eliminate Feron.”
“Wait,” Miranda uttered, grabbing Liara’s arm to prevent her from moving. “When was the last time you got some sleep? Before we confront the Shadow Broker, you need to promise me you’ll get some rest on Normandy or you could jeopardize the entire mission.”
Liara opened her mouth to verbalize her disagreement to Miranda’s suggestion, when a yawn emanated instead of words. “Fine. I’ll get some rest, but I want to be there when you confront the Shadow Broker. Besides, you’ll need me to persuade Feron that he can trust you.”
“As long as you get some rest,” Miranda argued. “You can sleep in my room if you don’t feel comfortable being in close quarters with a Cerberus crew.”
Only after she made her offer, did Miranda realize that Liara might mistake it as an invitation to do other things. Heat flashed in her cheeks, as she also observed that Cassia was intently watching their interactions like an avid biotic ball fan.
“That’s kind of you, but I’ll be fine in the infirmary,” Liara replied, as she unlocked the doors to her car.
On the flight back to the docking station, Miranda pondered how long she could conceal her attraction towards the reckless asari, and how Liara would respond.

Chapter Text

Liara realized that Miranda’s concern about her lack of sleep was valid when she barely mumbled a greeting to Dr. Chakwas prior to passing out in the infirmary’s bed. For once, Liara’s sleep was devoid of nightmares, and she woke up refreshed and eager to finally confront the Shadow Broker. In addition, Liara prayed to Athame that the Broker was holding Feron hostage at his base so she could rescue him.
“You’re awake,” Dr. Chakwas bustled in from her private room. “I’m going to check your temperature, and your blood pressure if that’s ok?”
Liara nodded her assent, recognizing that the best way to convince the doctor to leave her alone was to permit her to mother hen a bit. While her temperature was normal for an asari, her blood pressure was a little low, and Dr. Chakwas insisted on presenting her with an information sheet about eating a healthy, balanced diet.
“I’ll do what I can Doctor,” Liara replied.
“You can start by eating the breakfast I acquired for you,” Chakwas sternly ordered. “I know you’ve been busy battling the Shadow Broker’s agents, but you need to consume plenty of fruits and vegetables, and fewer ration packs.”
Liara dutifully ate the blood oranges, and the Thessian style scrambled eggs, before sipping down her favorite blend of althea tea. While she’d sampled many different varieties of the plant humans referred to as tea, the knowledge broker always preferred hot tea made from the althea plant. It brought back memories of spending time with her mother on the few occasions Benezia wasn’t busy either training students or swaying over asari politicians.
“Good morning Dr. Chakwas, Liara” Miranda politely greeted, impeccably dressed in her jumpsuit and boots, without a single hair out of place.
Liara blushed, remembering that she probably smelled worse than a dead skunk. At least Miranda was too polite, and professional to bring this fact up. “Did Cassia mention when we would be arriving at the Shadow Broker’s base?”
“She did not,” Miranda replied. “However, I believe EDI estimated we would be arriving at the base in two hours.”
“That is correct Ms. Lawson,” EDI concurred, causing Dr. Chakwas to flinch slightly in fear. The doctor was understandably wary of the AI, even if she was shackled.
“Would it be ok for me to utilize the shower here instead of the communal shower?” Liara inquired. “I’m not sure how comfortable the Cerberus crew are with my presence.”
Miranda flinched as though Liara slapped her, but Dr. Chakwas nodded in understanding. “I don’t see why not.”
While the hot shower water did alleviate Liara’s aches and pains, the asari couldn’t dispel the day dream of having Miranda gently scrubbing the dirt off of her body. Guilt bubbled within her for insinuating that she couldn’t trust Cerberus, and by extension Miranda. She stayed in the shower until all the hot water ran out, and when she’d dressed and returned to the infirmary, Miranda had already departed. While Liara attempted to make small talk with Dr. Chakwas about what she’d been up to since the annihilation of the first Normandy, she was relieved when Cassia entered and informed her that they’d arrived at the Shadow Broker’s base.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
As they blasted their way into the Shadow Broker’s lair, Miranda struggled to convince herself that Liara’s distrust of the Cerberus crew wasn’t intended as a barb against her personally. Nonetheless, it stung all the same and increased the miniscule portion of her that contemplated whether Cerberus was truly worth serving. The station the Shadow Broker operated out of was a twisting labyrinth, and appeared devoid of personal, which only intensified Miranda’s apprehension.
“I have a feeling we’re walking into a trap,” Miranda uttered.
“It’s too late to turn back now,” Cassia replied. “Besides, we need to stop the Shadow Broker since he won’t voluntarily cease his attacks against Liara.”
“I’m aware of that Shepard,” Miranda replied. “I just felt it would be prudent to mention it.”
“I agree that it’s a trap,” Liara said. “If we attempted to depart, the Shadow Broker’s agents would probably beset us. He intends to fight me personally, and I’m inclined to indulge him.”
The calculative manner in which Liara stated this disquieted Miranda. A part of her yearned for Liara to retain her innocence, and not metamorphosize into an asari counterpart to Miranda. She’d never felt this way about Jacob, whom she’d liked as a friend and colleague, and this was distinct from her big sister instinct towards her sister Oriana.
The trio entered what was obviously a torture room with a young drell strapped down with silver metal cuffs. The drell’s eerie eyes slid open, and focused on the young asari scientist. “Liara? Is that you?”
“Are you all right Feron?” Liara asked, her tone somewhat optimistic.
“I’ve been better,” Feron replied. “I only held out against the Shadow Broker’s torturers by retreating into old memories. Unfortunately, the controls to release me are in the Shadow Broker’s mainframe.”
Liara shrugged at this new intel. “I was planning on confronting the Shadow Broker anyway. The moment you get free, run to the Normandy. Dr. Chakwas can attend to your injuries.”
“Thank you for coming to rescue me Liara,” the drell uttered, a miniscule smile lifting his cheeks slightly.
As they sauntered out of the egress of the torture room and into the corridor, Miranda barely suppressed her jealousy at how close Feron and Liara were. She’d sworn that she’d never become the paranoid control freak her father was; Miranda intended to keep that pledge. Soon, the trio was standing before a reinforced metal door that slid open to admit them.
“After you Liara,” Cassia chatted politely.
The Shadow Broker’s lair was dissimilar to what Miranda predicted. While, there was the vast array of monitors on one of the walls and metal desk required for the Shadow Broker to oversee his numerous operations, the room was circular with a glass dome topping it. Miranda imagined it was at one point someone’s greenhouse garden. Likewise, the Shadow Broker was a massive alien species Miranda was unfamiliar with, sporting horns that most krogan would covet to possess and a shark-like mouth containing razor sharp teeth.
“T’Soni, I’ve been expecting you,” the Shadow Broker said, in an unexpectedly raspy voice. “You should have known better than to meddle in my operations. However, now I can eliminate you, and rid myself of your interference.”
“If you want to harm Liara, you’ll have to go through me first!” Miranda yelled.
“You travel with fascinating companions Doctor T’Soni. At least you brought me both Shepard and Ms. Lawson. Their deaths will cripple Cerberus.”
“You’re not putting a hand on anyone!” Liara declared, glaring daggers at the Shadow Broker.
“It’s pointless to challenge me asari,” the Shadow Broker replied. “I know your every secret, while you fumble in the dark.”
“Is that right?” Liara retorted. “You’re a yahg, a pre-spaceflight species quarantined to their homeworld for massacring the Council’s first contact teams. This base is older than your planet’s discovery, which means you probably killed the original Shadow Broker sixty years ago, then took over. I’m guessing you were taken from your world by a trophy hunter who wanted a slave…or a pet. How am I doing?”
As entertaining as Liara’s barbs were, Miranda regretted them the moment the Shadow Broker stood, revealing he was easily twice her height. The yahg easily tore his metal desk in half as though it were tissue paper, and hurled it at the trio. There was no time to dodge, only maneuver her arms to shield her head from the blow. Blackness hit Miranda like a tsunami wave.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
The moment Liara saw Miranda lying motionless, she screamed and hurled a biotic warp at the Shadow Broker. It was blocked by his shields, and the Shadow Broker produced a weapon that humans referred to as an assault rifle. As Liara formed a biotic ball to block the bullets, she observed that Cassia opted to duck behind the remains of the metal desk, only emerging to fire her gun at the Shadow Broker. This strategy appeared to work as the Shadow Broker’s shields fizzled and finally dissolved.
Unfortunately, the yahg possessed a back-up shield that was clearly some prototype. Neither Liara nor Cassia’s shots were able to penetrate it the silver buzzing hexagons that comprised the shield. “The shield’s kinetically sensitive! Energy and projectiles are bouncing off!”
Cassia merely stretched her fingers and said, “then we’ll do this the hard way!”
It was terrifying to witness her best friend punching a creature that could easily snap her in two like a twig. At least the blows appeared to demolish the prototype shield. Then, the Shadow Broker pulled another trick out of his hat, with a standard orange shield that functioned similar to the one’s carried by human knights. The Shadow Broker utilized said shield to knock Cassia off her feet.
Liara fired a volley of bullets to both dismantle the yahg’s shield, and permit Cassia to retreat to a better position. Once again, the gradually began to wear down the Shadow Broker’s shields. Cassia feinted an attack, goading the Shadow Broker into charging at her and right under the dome’s fragile glass ceiling.
“Liara, now!” Cassia ordered.
Liara primed her biotics, and easily smashed through the glass with enough excess energy to hit the Shadow Broker. The yahg yowled in pain, and exploded like a star gone supernova. Liara raced to check on Miranda who was even now climbing out from under the remnants of the metal desk she’d been buried under.
Suddenly, a cacophony of voices arose from the terminal, demanding assistance. For a brief moment, Liara was terrified. Then, she realized what she needed to do and strode forward to the terminal. After all, she was Matriarch Benezia’s daughter.
“This is the Shadow Broker,” she announced, altering her voice to resemble the yahg’s. “The situation is under control. We experienced a power fluctuation while upgrading hardware. It disrupted communications momentarily. However, we are now back online. Resume standard procedures. I want a status report within the next solar day. Shadow Broker out.”
“Goddess of oceans…. it’s you. You…how?” Feron queried, having managed to escape from the torture chair.
“Well, everyone who’s ever seen him in person is dead so….” Liara explained.
“You’re the new Shadow Broker,” Feron said.
“Are certain taking over from the Shadow Broker is the best course of action?” Miranda asked.
“It was either that or lose everything: his contacts, his trading sources. Those will really help us. With the Shadow Broker’s information network, I can give you…. I can….”
“I’ll, uh, check the power systems,” Feron volunteered, limping out of the room.
Liara was shocked to find salty tears streaming down her cheeks. “It’s finally over. After two years.”
Miranda closed the distance between them and kissed her. Liara was initially shocked, but surprised herself by responding with equal fervor. They only broke apart when Cassia coughed slightly.
“I know you probably don’t want to come with us on our mission Liara,” the Spectre gently said. “But you could visit before we leave.”
“I’d love to once I’ve sorted through the Shadow Broker’s databases,” Liara uttered, avoiding glancing at Miranda. As wonderful as the kiss was, the asari feared that Miranda only did so to comfort her. Liara would only pursue a relationship if Miranda felt the same way.
After Cassia and Miranda departed for the Normandy SR-2, Liara began combing her way through the Shadow Broker’s data. While she did scan for more intel on the Collectors, the asari also opened the Broker’s file on Miranda.
The file confirmed what she already knew; that Miranda’s father was a domineering asshole, and the Cerberus operative only escaped for the sake of her sister Oriana. However, she hadn’t known that Miranda once dated another girl named Shirley until Miranda’s father broke them up. Moreover, Liara was oblivious that Miranda apparently struggled with infertility, explaining her protectiveness over Oriana. The newly minted Shadow Broker stood, stretched, and began her trek back to the Normandy SR-2. Liara never contemplated motherhood, figuring it was something that she’d sort out once she’d transitioned to being an asari matron. Nonetheless, Miranda desperately yearned for children, and Liara was willing to provide her with some, even if they were asari.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
“Liara T’Soni is heading your way Operative Lawson,” EDI helpfully chirped.
“Thank you, EDI,” Miranda replied. She’d changed out of her combat suit, and had the briefest shower since the days when her father only permitted her a ten-minute break between grueling training sessions in the morning, and lessons with her tutor in the afternoon. Miranda wasted most of her time contemplating which of her dresses would be appropriate to greet Liara in, before finally settling on an empire waist cocktail dress which was a solid black above said waist, and a downy white dotted with purple and black flowers below it. She kept her hair loose, but opted to apply some mascara on her eyelids. After all, she wasn’t planning on participating in combat in the near future.
Liara apparently had the same idea, as the asari entered Miranda’s office clad in a form fitting, floor length violet gown. “I’m sorry I didn’t bring any wine since this was all on such short notice.”
Miranda shrugged. “That’s ok. I’d probably spill it all over my gown considering how antsy I feel.”
The asari laughed. “I wasn’t aware that the great Miranda Lawson could be anxious. I wanted to discuss that kiss we shared. I’d like to think there’s potential for there to be something more than friendship between us. However, I could be misreading the signals.”
Miranda felt as though she were being lifted by a biotic barrier; it was a marvelous experience. “You aren’t misreading me, Liara,” she said reassuringly. “I feel the same way, and was only anxious that you didn’t share my feelings.”
Liara almost approached as if to kiss her, but instead sat down in Miranda’s chair. “There’s something important we need to discuss. I read the file the Shadow Broker compiled on you, and it talked about how you sought to have children only to be diagnosed with infertility. I could assist you in having the children you craved. I know you couldn’t carry them, and they’d be asari, but I believe you’d make a wonderful father.”
Salty tears streamed down Miranda’s cheeks as she realized that Liara came to her with this offer, even though she wasn’t certain her feelings would be requited. However, the Cerberus operative knew she couldn’t accept this offer, as compassionate as it was. “No. Liara, I appreciate the sentiment of your offer. But you should have children, because you genuinely want them. Not because you feel obligated to have them. Moreover, this isn’t a very good time to get pregnant, with the Collectors threatening colonies.”
Liara nodded in acceptance. “Can I stay at least?” she shyly asked.
“Of course, you can stay,” Miranda replied. Thus, the new Shadow Broker and Cerberus’ most skilled biotic spent the night in Miranda’s bed embracing each other.

Chapter Text

For all the confidence she gained fighting Saren and the geth alongside Shepard, Tali’Zorah vas Neema was embarrassed to admit that she hyperventilated after receiving word the Admiralty Board charged her with treason. Moreover, she wasn’t certain how her father reacted to this news, even if he recused himself to avoid accusations of nepotism.
“You need to return to the Migrant Flotilla soon Tali,” Kal’Reeger declared. “Your Auntie Raan can only delay them for so long before they opt to declare you guilty and prevent you from ever returning to the Flotilla.”
“I understand Reeger,” Tali replied. “I just require Shepard’s permission to return to the Migrant Flotilla.”
“I’ll continue to speak to the Admirals on your behalf,” Kal’Reeger said. “Just try to get here soon.”
“Hey Tali,” Shepard said.
Despite Shepard talking softly, Tali’s heart beat wildly in fear for a minute before she managed to slow it down. Shepard probably overheard at least part if not all of Tali’s conversation with Kal’Reeger, which meant Tali didn’t have to explain her situation in detail. “Sorry, Shepard. I didn’t notice you.”
“I didn’t mean to startle you,” Shepard uttered.
“That’s ok, Shepard,” Tali replied. “Being charged with treason by the Admiralty Board shocked me. I can’t believe that they are accusing me after all I did during my Pilgrimage.”
“Don’t worry Tali, we’ll straighten this out,” Shepard said with iron determination.
“Thank you, Shepard. I know this isn’t vital to stopping the Collectors….”
“You don’t deserve to be exiled Tali,” Shepard declared. “At least, not without getting a fair trial.”
Tali didn’t stop smiling for hours even while she ensured the Normandy’s upgrade shielding was functioning properly. Whoever ran traffic control was under stably nervous until she gave the code phrase reassuring them that this Cerberus vessel wasn’t a threat to the Flotilla.
At least the captain of the Rayya (Kar’Danna) greeted her if only to inform her that the Admirals changed her name to Vas Normandy.
“Wait, if I’m her captain does that mean I act as her…. advocate?” queried Shepard.
“That is correct Captain Shepard,” Kar’Danna replied. “I protested the move, but couldn’t prevent it.”
Shepard grinned. “You know I almost feel sorry for the Admirals. They won’t know what hit them when I defend Tali. They will regret the backfire of this political ploy”
“Thank you, Captain Shepard. I’m pleased to see Tali possesses a staunch defender.”
“And thank you for believing in me Captain Kar’Danna,” Tali declared. She may have departed the Rayya for her Pilgrimage, but a part of her would always view her childhood ship with fondness.
“It didn’t make sense, the accusation of you betraying the Fleet,” Captain Kar’Danna uttered. “I just wish I could do more.”
“Just keep vouching for Tali anytime someone mentions her,” Shepard replied. “You might not be able to sway the admirals, but your word carries a lot of weight with your crew.”
“I was already doing that, but thank you for the suggestion Captain Shepard,” Captain Kar’Danna replied. “And good luck at the hearing.”
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Garrus reflected that the Migrant Flotilla was more militaristic than he anticipated. That still didn’t shield Tali from dealing with political bullshit. At least, Cassia managed to hit them back with some quippy barbs, particularly regarding her role as advocate. That was until the Admirals revealed some shocking details about Tali’s father.
“What do you mean my father is missing?!” Tali yelled.
“We attempted to send a strike team to the Alarei to investigate but our team was forced back due to a geth incursion,” Han’Gerrel explained.
“Then we’ll investigate the Alarei and see if we can shed some light on this situation,” Cassia offered.
“Good luck to all of you,” Shala’Raan declared. At least one of the Admiralty Board was on Tali’s side.
Predictably, Cassia stayed to chat with everyone, including the Admirals. At least, Kal’Reeger was fully recovered, and the kid Cassia assisted on Freedom’s Progress appeared to be healed if somewhat nervous. They both also agreed to testify in Tali’s favor.
Normally combat with Tali involved competitions to see who could eliminate the most opponents, but Tali was under stably focused more on finding her father. In between fights, as they read stuff about her father’s experiments, Garrus couldn’t suppress a shiver of disquiet. He wasn’t a fan of the geth, but the experiments Tali’s father conducted on the geth felt like war crimes, despite the geth’s synthetic status.
Then just when they achieved a rhythm, they were stuck in tight quarters with geth surrounding them. Tali immediately summoned her combat drone to distract one of the geth, but that still left several others for the trio to fight. Garrus met Cassia’s gaze and instinctively overloaded two of the geth’s systems while she blasted them back with a shockwave. That left a couple of geth for Tali to deal with, but her combat skills improved from when she served on the first Normandy. She shot one to pieces and kept the other busy long enough for Cassia to swat it down with her biotics. Tali’s combat drone finally exploded in a shower of sparks, but by then, Garrus was in position to take down the geth with his rifle.
The brief high of that victory came crashing down when they located Tali’s father’s body. Garrus’ heart went out to Tali as she flailed in her attempts to deny what was in front of her. It was relieving to see Cassia take the lead and hug the quarian. However, the data Tali’s father collected would brand him as a traitor.
“Please don’t expose this Shepard!” Tali begged. “I can’t bear the thought of my father being erased from quarian records.”
“I’ll see what I can do, but first we need to return to the Rayya make sure you don’t get exiled,” Cassia said.
The flight back was short, but quiet as Tali paced the floor nervously awaiting her future, and Cassia contemplated her new strategy. Predictably, the Admirals were almost ready to render a judgement.
“Sorry we’re late, clearing out geth is tricky work,” Tali snarked. Garrus was proud of her for that quip and reflected she probably picked it up from either him or Shepard.
“Tali’Zorah Vas Normandy saved the Alarei. I hope this proves her loyalty to the quarian people,” Cassia said.
“Her loyalty was never in doubt, only her judgement,” Admiral Zaal’Koris said.
“Perhaps Tali has something to encourage more trust in her judgement,” Admiral Shala’Raan countered.
“Did you find anything on the Alarei that could clarify what happened there?” Admiral Han’Gerrel queried.
“Shepard please,” Tali pleaded as Cassia stepped forward.
“Do you have any new evidence Captain Shepard?” Admiral Shala’Raan asked.
“Tali helped me defeat Saren and the geth at the Citadel,” Cassia declared. “That should be all the evidence you need.”
“I fail to see what relevance…”
“You’re not really interested in Tali are you?” Cassia interrupted before Admiral Zaal’Koris could continue his pointless argument. “This trial isn’t about her, it’s about the geth.”
“This hearing has nothing to do with the geth!” Admiral Zaal’Koris yelled.
“You want people to sympathize with them,” Cassia said. “Han’Gerrel wants to go to war. None of you care about Tali. She knows more about the geth than any other quarian alive. You should be listening to her! Not putting her on trial! Tali’Zorah saved the Citadel. She saved the Alarei. She showed the galaxy the value of the quarian people. I can’t think of stronger evidence than that.”
The minutes awaiting the Admirals’ judgement allowed Garrus to comprehend the human phrase “nail bitter”. He feared Tali couldn’t cope with being exiled and ostracized from her people.
“Tali’Zorah in light of your service to both the Flotilla and galaxy, we do not find sufficient evidence to convict you of treason,” Admiral Shala’Raan declared. “All charges are dismissed.”
Garrus exhaled in relief, while Cassia said, “Let’s go home Miss Vas Normandy.”
“After you, Captain,” Tali’Zorah replied as they departed from the plaza.
Despite the stress, Garrus was pleased they managed to clear Tali’s name, even if he hoped the next mission would be a straight forward fire fight.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
After Cassia showered, she decided to visit Mordin to see if his research on the genophage had progressed at all.
“Nothing to report Shepard on your secret project,” Mordin said. “Although I did wish to speak to you regarding your ‘relationship’ with Garrus Vakarian.”
Cassia barely suppressed the urge to stick her tongue out at the salarian. While Mordin’s concern was understandable, she didn’t want to discuss the details with him. “Yes, I’m well aware that I’m probably going to get an allergic reaction from sexual activity with Garrus, Doctor. I can always take some medication to decrease the reaction.”
“And remember not to ingest,” Mordin added.
“But Garrus is important to me Mordin,” Cassia replied. “You’re not going to scare me off.”
“Understood Shepard,” Mordin said. “However, I will be dispensing an ointment to decrease chaffing.”
“I’ll leave you to your research,” Cassia said, before she fled. After grabbing some snack bars from Gardener, she made her way to the forward battery. Garrus was checking the new Thanix cannon.
“This isn’t a bad time, is it?” Cassia inquired.
“Nope, just double checking to ensure the new gun is perfectly calibrated,” Garrus replied.
Cassia laughed, as she sat on the weapons bench and unwrapped her snack bar. “I’m actually just debating whether to return to Omega or fly to the Citadel. Samara believes her daughter is hiding on Omega, and Miranda says we’ve got one more crew member who agreed to meet us on Omega, but Thane has some issues with his son. According to Thane, his son is on the Citadel.”
“Cassia, are you asking for my advice?” Garrus queried, his mandibles twitching slightly.
After a brief hesitation Cassia replied, “Yes, I suppose I am.”
“We should head to Omega and kill two birds with one stone as you humans would say,” Garrus said.
“Thanks for the suggestion Garrus,” Cassia said. “I’ll tell Joker to set a course for Omega. Actually, there something else I’d like to discuss. I know we’ve technically only been on one date, but I’d like to explore how compatible we are sexually. Damn! That sounded better in my head.”
“Still sounds better than ‘cross species intercourse’,” Garrus replied. “I know we’ll both need to take medications since our amino acids are different, and I’m not sure whether we’ll require condoms since the odds of us creating a turian-human baby are slim.”
“Mordin offered to give us both oils and ointments to reduce chaffing. I’m not in a hurry to be sexually intimate, I just want to have some stuff on hand in case we get in the mood.”
“Yeah, I’ll do some research too,” Garrus said. “And see if I can figure how we’re supposed to do this.”
While Cassia was reluctant to part from Garrus, she recognized that she had a lot of work ahead of her in order to successfully defeat the Collectors. Cassia made a detour to Samara’s room in the Starboard Observation Lounge in order to gain further insights into Morinth’s personality. Hopefully, taking down the Ardat-Yakshi would be simple and quick.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Garrus found himself pacing the common room/kitchen of the Normandy SR-2, unable to focus on his calibrations of the newly installed Thanix cannons. Cassia and Samara were out tracking down the Justicar’s estranged serial killer daughter, and the fact that Garrus couldn’t accompany them was frustrating.
“Have Shepard and Samara returned yet?” he queried the AI, desperate enough to actually converse with the being whose main purpose was to spy on the crew for the Illusive Man.
“There has been no change to their status since you last asked me, Specialist Vakarian,” the AI replied.
Garrus muttered curses under his breath as he accepted a fairly decent dextro burger from Gardner. As he sat down at one of the tables, the latest addition to their motley crew sat down across from him. If it weren’t for the calculative look in his eyes (one brown and one cybernetic blue), Garrus would’ve dismissed Zaeed Massani as just another mercenary.
“So, you’re Archangel?” Zaeed asked. “That was pretty impressive, holding off three mercenary groups all by yourself.”
Garrus shrugged. “Well, I did have an advantageous position.” Still, discussing his Archangel days was an excellent distraction from his worries about Cassia, and Garrus reveled in swapping stories and tactical advice from Massani.
Just as Zaeed was regaling Garrus with yet another of his narrowly escaping total disaster stories, EDI interjected, “Samara and Commander Shepard have returned Specialist Vakarian, and Commander Shepard has requested your presence in the med-bay. There were some complications with the mission.”
With a brief apology to Zaeed, Garrus handed his tray to Gardner and headed to the med bay, silently imploring the spirits that Cassia was alright.

Chapter Text

No matter how hard she scrubbed her skin, Cassia Shepard couldn’t get the stench of Morinth off of her. While, the first human Spectre acted confident during her ploys to both gain Morinth’s attention and seduce her, inside she quivered in fear. The fact there was a slight delay in Samara’s rescue didn’t help matters, although the Justicar acquitted herself by easily eliminating Morinth.
“Commander Shepard,” Dr. Chakwas gently knocked on the door to the infirmary shower. “Garrus is here to visit you.”
“I’ll be right out in a minute,” Cassia replied, as she reluctantly turned off the long since turned cold shower water and dressed in her PJ’s. She was thankful that someone in the crew was thoughtful enough to bring them down for her. It would be a long time before she’d willingly don the dress, she hunted Morinth in.
“Cassia, are you all, right?” Garrus inquired in concern.
“I will be eventually,” Cassia declared. “But thanks for asking. Dr. Chakwas, is there anything else you require of me.”
“No Commander,” Dr. Chakwas said. “You’re free to go, although I recommend light duties for the next forty-eight hours and return to the med bay if you’re feeling faint.”
Cassia nodded in acknowledgement before she departed with Garrus for her cabin. The elevator ride was mercifully short, and the pair immediately raced to her cabin the moment the elevator doors slid open. Garrus embraced her, and Cassia held on tightly to her boyfriend for a long time until Garrus reluctantly parted from her.
“Do you want me to stay?” he gently queried.
“Yes,” she said. “While we can’t really do anything sexual since we don’t have the necessary supplies, I’d like you to stay.”
“That’s not necessarily true. We could always watch each other.”
Cassia blushed then when she comprehended what Garrus suggested. “Ok. I’m game if you are.”
So, she watched as Garrus carefully removed his armor until he was completely naked. His blue cock had slid out of his sheath and despite being a bit smaller, seemed far more impressive than the turian cocks Cassia saw in porn videos as part of her research. Gently, Garrus began to stroke himself, and Cassia was torn between watching his intently concentrating face or his “equipment”. The first human Spectre giggled as her boyfriend stroked himself towards completion.
“My turn,” Cassia declared as she moved towards Garrus and gently touched his waist. According to Fornax and turian porn, the waist was an erogenous zone for turians. Her boyfriend trilled in appreciation, and watched intently as his girlfriend began to strip. While Garrus’ divestment of his armor was methodical, Cassia couldn’t resist swaying her hips slightly as she pulled off her pajama top and then began to pull down her pajama bottom.
“Spirits Cassia,” Garrus moaned. “Your waist looks amazing.”
“I guess all the PT is good for something,” Cassia quipped as she finished removing her pajama bottoms. While her panties were gray, they were bikini style and showed off her arse very well. The Spectre’s right hand slid under her panties and reached down to stroke herself. While she’d only slept with two other men prior to Garrus, Cassia possessed plenty of experience in masturbation. Garrus watched her intently with both curiosity and lust, and after a couple of minutes, Cassia permitted her left hand to pull down and remove her panties. Then she slid two fingers of her right hand into herself while her left hand took her right hand’s former place. While she’d already been climbing in ecstasy, the finger fucking sped up the process until Cassia finally felt the roller coaster falling that was an orgasm. She sank to the floor in pleasure and sat there for a couple of minutes until her breath became regular. Cassia then stood up and walked into her private bathroom. She wetted a wash cloth and cleaned the area between her thighs.
Garrus waited patiently until she emerged from the bathroom and began to put her panties and pajamas back on. “You can utilize my private shower if you want,” Cassia said.
“Sure,” Garrus replied. “And we’d better clean up the spots I left.”
“Take all the time you need since there’s plenty of hot water in there,” Cassia uttered. For now, Cassia would formulate the mission report for Morinth’s demise, and plan a shopping expedition on the Citadel for condoms, medications, and ointments.
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Fortunately, Thane’s issue with his son was mostly easy to resolve, if hitting a little too close to home. The assassin parted from their group, and ran to catch the shuttle back to the Normandy. Garrus was a little nervous to shop for sexual knickknacks accompanied by one of the most notorious people in the galaxy. However, the proprietor was polite and left them alone once she directed them to the interspecies section of the store. Once they’d stocked up on condoms, over the counter medication, and ointments for itching, Cassia began browsing through the sex toy section. While, Garrus was uninterested in most of the contraptions, he did hum in appreciation for the vibrator his girlfriend selected.
“To replace the one I lost when the original Normandy crashed,” Cassia explained.
“I’d offer to hold it for you, but I’d be worried about breaking it with my talons,” Garrus admitted.
“Oh well. You can always watch me use it.”
“I never thought I’d enjoy watching as much as I do with you.”
“Really?” Shepard queried. “I always found that watching was almost as good as screwing.”
“Really,” Garrus said. “To be honest, all my prior relationships were mostly sexual, and maybe the occasional sharing breakfast together.”
“To be fair, I had a casual relationship in high school and a relationship that was starting to get serious when he was killed in the Skyllian blitz,” Cassia replied.
“Then I guess we’ll learn to do all of these things together,” Garrus declared, gently laying his talons over one of her hands in comfort.
After Garrus paid for everything, they walked to a nearby clothing store, and browsed for casual clothes. Cassia even willingly put on stiletto heels for half a minute, eliciting a low chuckle from Garrus. Then after purchasing said clothes, they caught a public shuttle to Dark Star where they enjoyed a long leisurely dinner. Cassia ordered a cheeseburger with fries, while Garrus opted for the dextro soup of the day. He drank a middle of the road dextro beer while Cassia drank down a glass of human wine called Madeira.
They swapped stories about both their days in the military and shenanigans involving the Normandy crew. Garrus trilled in laughter when Cassia recounted the night Jack managed to drink both herself, Tali, and Dr. Chakwas under the table, while the Spectre hopped off her bar stool to give him a long hug when he recounted his mother’s struggles with Corpolis Syndrome.
His girlfriend insisted on paying for the meal since he paid for the sex stuff, and the pair slowly walked back to the shuttle that would ferry them back to the Normandy. While Garrus was still uncertain of whether they would actually survive the confrontation with the Collectors, he was glad that he wouldn’t be facing certain death alone.
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“I guess there’s no rest for the wicked,” Cassia Shepard mused as she read through the latest of the Illusive Man’s requested missions. Apparently, another one of Cerberus’ pet projects went haywire. Hopefully, this one wouldn’t involve husks. She went back and forth on her ground team before finally settling on Miranda and Zaeed Massani. As much as she trusted Garrus, it wouldn’t be proper to favor him over the others. Moreover, it would be an excellent opportunity to observe how the mercenary Zaeed handled himself in the field.
Aite was picturesque with deep canyons and plenty of lovely flora, albeit some of which was extremely toxic to most organic lifeforms. The revelation that the issues involved geth had Cassia alternately lamenting that she didn’t choose Tali for the ground team, and relief that Zaeed Massani’s skill with rifles was almost as good as Garrus’. That combined with Miranda’s finely honed biotics made short work of the geth opposing them.
The way the project lead Dr. Gavin Archer evaded her questions regarding his brother David was a bit disquieting, but she needed to focus more on taking down the geth first. A job made more difficult by the Hammerhead’s inability to take more than two hits from laser fire.
“Looks like Cerberus really stiffed ya for this hunk of junk,” Zaeed commented as calmly as one would discuss the weather.
“It is a prototype,” Miranda retorted. “All prototypes possess minor issues.”
“Sweetheart, there’s issues, and then there’s fucked up pieces of equipment that will get a man killed,” Zaeed retorted. “I would prefer to avoid death.”
“Pipe down back there and focus on the mission!” Cassia interjected. “We can debate the quality of Cerberus’ equipment some other time.”
Cassia decided the moment this whole Collector business was over, she was going on a long tropical vacation with Garrus to one of those clothing optional resorts with plenty of booze. After attempting to keep the peace with this trainwreck of a team, she definitely deserved it.
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Miranda swore under her breath, because neither the grueling training regime instituted by her father nor the brush up course she received when she first joined Cerberus prepared her for this scenario. One minute, Shepard was preparing to shut down the system, the next Miranda found herself being pulled away from the others into this disquieting virtual world that somehow still had geth targeting her. The virtual memories conjured up were disquieting as they showed Dr. Archer treating his younger brother not dissimilarly from how her own father treated Miranda. The Cerberus operative knew that she would’ve greatly appreciated the opportunity to raise Oriana herself had that been an option. Moreover, she would have never have seen her sister as a burden, even if said sister was greatly disabled.
What bothered her the most besides Dr. Archer claiming his brother’s mind was as strange as an alien’s was the notion that the Illusive Man greenlit this project despite the risks to David Archer’s fragile mind. To ask someone like Miranda, or Jacob to sacrifice on behalf of humanity as a whole was one thing; to coerce an abused teenager with a cruel caregiver like David Archer to sacrifice himself was something else.
“Just keep moving forward and you’ll escape from this nightmare soon,” Miranda told herself as she boarded the elevator going downwards. The geth might technically be virtual, but they were just as capable of knocking out her shields.
Finally, she arrived at what was clearly the central processing center, with a golden swirling ball in the center connected via other tubes. The worst part was hearing David Archer’s pleas to make the noise stop, interspersed with Dr. Archer’s pleas to stop attacking the scientists. Miranda had seen enough and determined to shut down this wretched project, regardless of any objections the Illusive Man might have about it. She focused on preventing David from uploading his program to the Normandy’s computers.
At last, the virtual world shattered into a billion pieces, readmitting Miranda Lawson into the real world. What she saw horrified her. Poor David was not only naked and chained up with only a small covering to give him a miniscule amount of modesty, but his eyes wildly begged for freedom.
“Wait! Operative Lawson, stop!” Dr. Gavin Archer clearly didn’t have a single ounce of self-preservation.
“Don’t you dare take another step, or try to claim that this project of yours was a legitimate attempt to improve humanity’s lot in the galaxy!” Miranda yelled. “What kind of man utilizes his own brother as a test subject and then callously sacrifices his colleagues for a pointless vanity project?”
“Yes, I know this was unethical,” Dr. Archer replied. “But surely you understand that the Illusive Man doesn’t tolerate failure!”
“I don’t care what the Illusive Man thinks right now,” Miranda retorted. “All I see is a petty man punishing his autistic brother for merely existing! I’m shutting down this project and taking your brother David with me! If the Illusive Man objects, he’ll know where to lodge his complaints!”
“Where will you take him?” Dr. Archer asked.
“To Grissom Academy. They have specialists that can assist in ensuring David can communicate with others, minus the torture.”
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Dr. Chakwas was somewhat troubled in mind. Not by her newest and temporary patient David Archer who was easy going once she’d assured him that he could either type messages to her via his omni tool or shake or nod his head to yes or no questions. In fact, his lack of resistance to any of her requests disquieted her. Even someone autistic like David should be pushing boundaries a little bit given his age of seventeen. It meant that Dr. Gavin Archer was abusive to his brother even before Project Overlord.
It was Project Overlord that troubled her mind. Project Overlord that had her questioning her decision to serve on the second Normandy regardless of the necessity of taking down the Collectors. The only reassuring fact was that Operative Miranda Lawson seemed just as troubled by the situation. It was a rather novel experience to witness the normally icy Cerberus operative display empathy and sympathy for another being. It demonstrated that she didn’t always blindly follow Cerberus’ protocols and orders. Something to consider when they completed their mission.
“Um…Dr. Chakwas? Would it be all right if I watch an extranet series on my omnitool?” David cautiously inquired.
“That’s perfectly fine as long as at the volume isn’t too loud,” Dr. Chakwas replied. “I might even want a quick peak myself, so I can take a break from this mountain of paperwork.”
An actual smile blossomed on David’s face, and Dr. Chakwas silently prayed to whatever was out there that David would have the rest and therapy he required to recover from his ordeal at the Grissom Academy.
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After filing her report for the Illusive Man’s perusal, Miranda Lawson threw herself on to her bed and burrowed her head under her soft white cotton pillows. She’d known intellectually that Cerberus sometimes got their hands dirty to further their noble goal of assisting humanity in making their mark on the galaxy, but this experiment in particular troubled her greatly. At least, she was certain that there would be no reprisal for her decision to shut down the project from the Illusive Man given that the project to take down the Collectors was far more essential than Project Overlord.
Miranda possessed no one to confide in as they all either wholeheartedly worked for Cerberus or would taunt her for naiveite. In addition, she didn’t want to give the Illusive Man an excuse for him to withdraw his much-needed protection from Oriana and her family.
On the other hand, with the Shadow Broker as a sort of girlfriend maybe she didn’t need Cerberus resources protect Oriana and her parents as desperately as before. While Miranda hated to have to uproot her sister again just as she was finally settled into her new home, she would if it meant keeping Oriana safe from their father.
Impulsively, she dialed the number that Liara had her memorized.
“Liara T’Soni speaking, how may I assist you?”
Miranda couldn’t suppress a giggle at how surprisingly formal Liara’s response was. “It’s me, Miranda.”
“Sorry, I guess I’ve just gotten used to acting formal by rote,” Liara said. “How are you doing, Miri?”
Miranda suppressed a pang at the memory of the last person who’d referred to her as Miri before she replied. “As well as you’d expect with the whole Collector threat. I was just checking in to see how you’re doing?”
“Probably about as well as you are,” Liara replied. “I’m glad Feron convinced me to put alarms on my omnitool to ensure I got a decent night’s sleep.”
“I’d give some constructive advice on a better work-life balance if I wasn’t a workaholic myself,” Miranda declared.
“Well, when you’re taken care of the Collector threat, perhaps you could stop by on a visit,” Liara suggested.
Miranda smiled. “I’ll definitely try to fit you into my schedule. Have a good day.”
“Goddess watch over you Miri.”
Miranda was still grinning as the screen went dark, and reflected that perhaps she did have the possibility of a life outside Cerberus once this mission was complete.