Chapter 5 - Chapter 5, A Spectre for Humanity

Chapter 5 will now introduce Tali, the truth about the Reapers and Shepard becomes a Spectre. I enjoyed writing this one more than than usual since there's so many different things going on in this chapter, plus there are some more personal moments for Shepard, which allow me to develop his character better. After all, that's one of my most important things to include in this story.

Hope you enjoy.

Chapter 5

A Spectre for Humanity

Once the group arrived they found Chora's Den locked down.

"Now's a good chance for me to try out a new tactic I've always wanted to try." Said Austin. "Garrus you take cover there. Wrex once I give the word you charge in and give them hell. I'll provide cover with a smoke grenade and suppressing fire. Then we'll both move in and finish off any more of Fist's thugs. Understand?"

"I like the way you think, Shepard." Said Wrex.

Garrus took cover on one side of the door while Wrex readied himself to charge in. Austin took another small device from the back of his combat belt and attached it to the door. "Placing detonator." Once the detonator had been armed Austin stepped back slightly and then took cover on the side opposite Garrus. "Clear!" The detonator exploded blowing the entire door apart and sending it flying into the club. "Wrex, now!" Austin yelled. Wrex roared and stormed into the club. At the same time Austin took a smoke grenade from his chest and threw it in as Wrex rushed passed him. With Wrex concealed by the smoke it made it much harder for the thugs to see Wrex. But Wrex was wearing his helmet, so he could still see. As Garrus and Austin waited outside they could hear several shotgun bangs before the smoke eventually cleared. Both Austin and Garrus moved into the bar. Wrex had managed to gun down most of the thugs but there were still some left the other two. Garrus managed to land headshots on two others with his sniper rifle while Austin was able to gun down three others with his Assault rifle and sever one in half with his sword.

"Nicely down you two." Said Austin. "If that's how you're always going to fight, Fist isn't going to stand a chance."

When they opened the door to Fist's office they were greeted by two more men who held their guns at them.

"Warehouse workers. All the real guards must be dead." Said Garrus.

"Stay back or we'll shoot!" said one of the workers.

"Listen. We're not here for you, we're here for Fist. This would be a good time to find somewhere else to work." Said Austin.

The two workers relaxed and lowered their guns. "Yeah. Yeah, right. That's a good idea." Said one of them. "I never like Fist anyway." Said the other as they both walked off.

"It would've been quicker to just kill them." Said Wrex.

"Shooting people isn't always the answer, Wrex." Said Austin.

Now came the next door. Fist was waiting for them but he hadn't counted on a Helldiver coming for him. Both of Fists turrets fell within seconds and then Fist.

"Wait! Don't kill me! I surrender!" Fist pleaded.

Austin walked up to Fist and held him tightly by the neck then he activated his omni clearly got the message. If he didn't talk, he'd be sliced in half.

"Where's the Quarian?!" Austin asked forcefully.

"She's not here. I don't know where she is. That's the truth!" Fist replied.

"He's no use to you now. Let me kill him." Said Wrex.

Austin shrugged. "He's all yours."

Fist quickly reconsidered. "Wait! Wait! I don't know where the Quarian is, but I know where you can find her."

"I'm listening." Said Austin coldly.

"The Quarian isn't here. Said she'd only deal with the Shadow Broker himself." Fist said.

"Face to face? Impossible! Even I was hired through an agent." Said Wrex.

Austin still kept a tight hold on Fist's neck, his omni blade still ready to do some cutting. "Goon." He said.

"Nobody meets the Shadow Broker. Ever. Even I don't know his true identity. But she didn't know that. I told her I'd set a meeting up. But when she shows up, it'll be Saren's men waiting for her." Said Fist.

Austin brought his omni blade in line with Fist's neck, ready to slice him open. "Tell me where that meeting is before I slice you lying head off!" Austin yelled.

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

Austin released his grip on Fist and threw him to the floor. As Fist got to his feet Wrex pulled out his shotgun and shot Fist. This took Garrus by complete surprise. Austin however merely flinched.

"What are you doing?!" Garrus yelled.

"The Shadow Broker paid me to kill him. I don't leave jobs half done." Wrex responded.

"While I agree Fist deserved that, at least warn me next time you're going to do something sudden like that, Wrex. I don't want you suddenly to start thinking about shooting me in the back."

"Calm down, Shepard. If I ever think about shooting you, you'll know about it first." Wrex replied.

"That Quarian's dead if we don't go now!" said Garrus urgently.

"Let's move it, guys!" said Austin. With that they rushed out of the club. Austin stayed behind for a quick moment to grab some suspicious looking OSDs. He figured they might come in handy.

Finally the made it to the meeting place. The Quarian and some of Saren's thugs where already there. There was a Turian and two Eclipse Salarians.

"Did you bring it?" the Turian asked the Quarian.

"Where's the Shadow Broker? Where's Fist" the Quarian asked.

"They'll be here. Where's the evidence?" the Turian asked. He ran his hand along the Quarian's arm. The Quarian however did not approve of the Turian feeling her up and instantly slapped his hand away.

"No way! The deal's off." She said angrily.

The Turian motioned too his Salarian henchmen and they drew their weapons. The Quarian however instantly reacted by throwing a grenade at them. Austin, Garrus and Wrex took this as their cue to enter the fight. They rushed in guns blazing. Once the fight was done Austin helped the Quarian up. She looked and sounded rather young. Her suit was the sort Leena had worn back when she first joined the Helldivers. Austin guessed this young woman was still on her pilgrimage.

"Fist set me up! I knew I couldn't trust him!" she yelled.

"You alright? Where you hurt in the fight?" Austin asked.

"I know how to look after myself. Not that I don't appreciate the help." The Quarian replied." Who, and what are you exactly?" she stared at Austin up and down. She had obviously never seen a Helldiver before and she looked fascinated.

"Commander Austin Shepard of the Helldiver's, at you service miss. I'm looking for evidence to prove Saren's a traitor. I'm told that you have that evidence." Austin replied.

"Then I have a chance to repay you for saving my life. But not here. We need to go somewhere safe." Said the Quarian.

"We'll take you to the human embassy." Austin responded "The human ambassador will want to see this anyway."

The group left for the Citadel embassies, with the Quarian in tow. Once they arrived however Udina didn't look pleased to see them.

"You're not making my life easy, Shepard." He said. "Firefights in the wards? An all-out assault on Chora's Den? Do you know how many…" he stopped however when he saw the Quarian. "Who's this? A Quarian? What are you up to, Shepard?"

"If you'll shut up and stop complaining for one minute I'll show you. This young woman has the evidence you need to prove Saren's guilt. Oh, and greet me like that again and I personally guarantee that you will spend the next whole year in a wheelchair, got it!?" Austin replied.

"I apologise, Commander. This whole case with Saren has me a little on edge." Udina apologised. He then turned to the Quarian. "Maybe you'd better start at the beginning, Miss…?"

"My name is Tali. Tali Zorah nar Rayya." The Quarian replied.

"We don't see many Quarians here. Why did you leave the flotilla?" Udina asked.

"She's on her pilgrimage. Her rite of passage into adulthood. Am I correct Miss Zorah?" Austin asked.

"Yes. How did you know?" Tali asked.

"I'm a Helldiver. Some of your people are too. As a result the Arkanes make sure all Helldivers understand the culture, religion and history of other species since we have to work and fight alongside them." Austin replied. "Plus you look and seem the right age to be on pilgrimage, and all female Quarians on pilgrimage have the same suit design as you. It wasn't hard for me to work out."

"Wow. I knew Helldivers where clever. I had no idea they were that clever." Said Tali surprisingly.

"Thanks." Said Austin. "Anyway, you were saying, Tali."

"During my travels I began hearing reports of Geth. Since they drove my people into exile, the Geth have never ventured beyond the veil. I was curious." Said Tali "I tracked a patrol of Geth to an uncharted world. I waited for one to become separated from its unit. Then I disabled it and removed its memory core."

"I thought the Geth fried their memory cores when they died. Some kind of defence mechanism." Said Anderson.

"My people created the Geth. If you're quick and careful, and lucky small caches of data can sometimes be saved. Most of the core was wiped clean. But I salvaged something from its audio banks." Said Tali. She activated her omni tool and pressed a few buttons.

"Eden Prime was a major victory! The beacon has brought us one step closer to finding the Conduit." Came Saren's voice from Tali's omni tool.

"That's Saren's voice. This proves he was involved in the attack!" said Anderson.

"What's the Conduit? Any idea what it means?" Austin asked.

"The Conduit must have something to do with the beacon. Maybe it's some kind of Prothean technology… like a weapon." Said Anderson.

"Wait… there's more. Saren wasn't working alone." Said Tali as she pressed again at her Omni tool.

"Eden Prime was a major victory! The beacon has brought us one step closer to finding the Conduit." Said Saren's voice again, but then another female voice followed. "And one step closer to the return of the Reapers."

"I don't recognise that other voice. The one talking about Reapers." Said Udina

"Reapers… Reapers… Why does that name sound familiar? Are they some kind of new alien species?" Austin asked.

"According to the memory core, the Reapers were a hyper-advanced machine race that existed 50,000 years ago. The Reapers hunted the Protheans to total extinction, and then they vanished. At least, that's what the Geth believe." Tali replied.

"Sounds a little far-fetched." Said Udina.

"Wait… Now I remember. The vision on Eden Prime – I think I'm beginning to understand it now. I saw the Protheans being wiped out by the Reapers." Said Austin.

"The Geth revere the Reapers as gods, the pinnacle of non-organic life. And they believe Saren knows how to bring the Reapers back." Said Tali.

"The Council is just going to love this." Said Udina confidently.

"They won't believe us about the Reapers. They'll just dismiss it as a legend. But this definitely proves now that Saren is a traitor." Said Austin.

"You're right. We need to present this to the Council." Udina responded.

"What about her? The Quarian?" asked Wrex.

"My name is Tali!" Tali said annoyingly. "You saw me in the alley, Commander. You know what I can do. Let me come with you."

"What about you're Pilgrimage?" Austin asked.

"The Pilgrimage proves we are willing to give ourselves for the greater good. What does it say about me if I turn my back on this? Saren is a danger to the entire galaxy. My Pilgrimage can wait."

"Touché. When you put it that way, I'll take all the help I can get, Tali Zorah Nar Rayya." Said Austin.

"Thanks. You won't regret this." Said Tali happily as she joined the group.

"Anderson and I will go ahead to get things ready with the Council. Take a few minutes to collect yourself, then meet us in the tower." Said Udina as he Anderson walked off.

On their way to the tower Austin had decided to do a bit of sightseeing. They were in no rush to get to the tower after all so he had left the others in the Bar, Flux, for a small drink while he went to explore the wards and stretch his legs a bit. He hadn't been to the Citadel that much and often when he had it had been on duty and he hadn't had a chance to look around. Now though he had some time to himself, and what better way to spend that time than walking in the Wards with a huge view of the rest of the Citadel. As he neared the markets he heard a woman calling his name. He walked up to her and she introduced herself.

"Commander Shepard, I'm Emily Wong." Said the woman. "I'm an investigative journalist working here on the Citadel. Could I have a moment of your time?"

"Of course, Mrs Wong." Austin replied. "How may I help you?"

"I've been hunting for evidence of corruption and organized crime on the Citadel; there are places I can't go. Rumours say that you recently took down a man named, Fist. I was sure he was a big player in anything going on here. Did you find anything in his office that could help me?" she asked.

"As a matter of fact, I do. These OSDs might have what you're looking for. Take them. I was thinking the press would benefit from this anyway." Austin replied as he handed the OSDs he'd collected from Fist's office earlier over to the reporter.

"You've got Fist's files?" she said in disbelief. "This could be even bigger than I'd hoped! Here, Commander. For your trouble." Emily handed Austin a small sum of credits.

"What would my future cooperation be worth? Say, an interview when my investigation is over?" Austin asked suggestively. Normally he hated interviews; after all, he wasn't what people would call a public spectacle. Also he'd met a lot of bad reporters in his time. There had been some good ones though, and he'd heard that Mrs Wong was one of the good wouldn't mind an interview with her.

"Exclusive? You talk to me before anyone else?" Emily replied. "That would be worth quite a bit, and I'd be very happy to compensate you accordingly. Here you are." She handed him some more credits. "Now if you'll excuse me, I should go see what's on these discs."

"See you soon, Mrs Wong." Austin replied.

As he continued into the Markets he saw the massive Destiny Ascension fly slowly past the Wards. Then he overheard his name again. This time it came from a man. He didn't look that old, probably just a bit younger than him. He approached the man who stood back in surprise when he saw him.

"Wow! You're Commander Shepard, the hero of Eden Prime, hero of Elysium, leader of Alpha Squad, and the first Alliance marine to become a Helldiver. I am so honoured to meet you." He said.

"Nice to meet you. And you are…?" Austin asked as he shook the man's hand. He hadn't realised he was this popular even outside the Alliance.

"My name is Conrad. Conrad Verner. They say you killed more than a hundred Geth on Eden Prime!" he said.

"I don't like to boast. But I spent most of the time trying to stay alive and help the colonists." Austin replied, trying not to sound smug.

"Hey, I know you're probably busy, but do you have time for a quick autograph?" Conrad asked.

"But, of course. Anything for a fan. Here you go." Austin replied. He took a small data pad from Conrad and signed his name on it.

"Thanks. I really appreciate it. My wife is going to be so impressed! I'll let you get back to work, but next time you're on Earth, I'd love to buy you a drink! Thanks again!" said Conrad.

"I'll look forward to it then. See you soon." Said Austin as Conrad left.

Having met enough new people for one day Austin decided to head back to Flux pick up his comrades. Wrex and Tali where right where he'd left them, sitting at a table having a small drink. As Austin headed over to their table he overheard a conversation between a woman and a Volus. The Volus said something about it being out of his hands. Austin walked up to the woman named Rita, according to the Volus.

"Sorry, I'm kinda busy right now. So, uh, what can I do for you?" Rita asked.

"What were you discussing with the Volus?" Austin asked.

"Who, Doran? I was just asking him about my sister. She worked for Doran before she left to… Sorry, I don't want to bore you with my problems." Rita answered.

"No, please. I'm interested to hear what you have to say." Austin replied.

"Well, okay. My sister Jenna left here to go work at Chora's Den. The problem is, she's working as an informant for C-sec. You know, eavesdropping on the people there. If they find out what she's doing, they'll kill her." Said Rita.

"Being an informant is a dangerous job." Said Austin.

"That's what I've been telling her. I don't know. Sometimes I think she stays there just to spite me." Said Rita.

"Do you know who her contact in C-sec is?" Austin asked.

"No, it's all very secret. Last time I asked an officer he told me to stay out of it - *for Jenna's safety.*" Rita replied.

"Maybe I could help her understand just how dangerous Chora's Den is." Austin suggested.

"Would you? That'd be great. Just don't tell her I sent you." Said Rita.

Austin nodded and then went over to collect Wrex and Tali. For now dealing with Jenna would have to wait. The Council where probably ready by now.

"Come on. Udina's presenting the Quarian's evidence to the Council." Said Anderson as they walked up the stairs.

They were now back in the Council chambers. Udina was once again playing the recording of Saren and the unknown voice to the Council.

"You wanted proof. There it is." Said Udina.

"This evidence is irrefutable, Ambassador. Saren will be stripped of his Spectre status and all efforts will be made to bring him in to answer for his crimes." Said the Turian councillor.

"I recognize the other voice, the one speaking with Saren." Said the Asari councillor." Matriarch Benezia."

"Who's she?" Austin asked.

"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 is a powerful biotic, and she had many followers. She will make a formidable ally for Saren." The Asari councillor replied.

"I'm more interested in the Reapers. What do you know about them?" asked the Salarian councillor.

"Only what was extracted from the Geth's memory core. The Reapers were an ancient race of machines that wiped out the Protheans. Then they vanished." Said Anderson.

"The Geth worship the Reapers as their gods." Said Austin. "And they seem to think that Saren is the prophet for their return."

"I think the Conduit may be the key to bringing them back." Said Anderson. "Saren's searching for it. That's why he attacked Eden Prime."

"Do we even know what this Conduit is?" the Salarian councillor asked.

"I'm afraid not." Austin replied. "Saren though seems to think it can bring them back. It's crazy, I know. However I'm not saying we should just ignore it."

"Saren wants to bring back the machines that wiped out all life in the galaxy? That's impossible. It has to be." Said the Turian councillor. "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."

"Most likely Saren made that up. How else would he get the Geth to work for him?" Austin asked.

"We tried to warn you about Saren, and you refused to face the truth. Don't make the same mistake again." Said Anderson.

"This is different, Captain. You proved Saren betrayed the Council. We all agree Saren is using the Geth to search for the Conduit, but we don't really know why." The Asari councillor replied.

"The Reapers are obviously just a myth. A convenient lie to cover Saren's true purpose. A legend he is using to bend the Geth to his will." Said the Salarian councillor.

"Precisely. The Geth would never follow Saren because he's an organic. They're only following him because he somehow managed to make them think the Reapers existed." Said Austin.

"But, Shepard… What about your vision? You saw the Reapers for real." Said Anderson.

"Forget about the vision Anderson. That's no good to the Council and it's definitely no good to me. At the moment we can only assume that the Reapers are a myth." Said Austin.

"Shepard you can't side with the Council over this!" said Anderson desperately.

"I'm not siding with anyone, Anderson! I'm speaking my mind. If you think the Reapers are real, fine. But don't try to make me look like a fool. You've already done enough to make the Council think I'm crazy, I won't have any more of it!" Austin responded angrily.

"But Shepard…"

"That's enough, Anderson! This isn't helping!" Udina shouted to shut Anderson up.

"Saren is a rouge 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." Said the Turian councillor.

"That is not good enough! You know he's hiding somewhere in the Traverse. Send your fleet in!" Udina shouted.

"A fleet cannot track down one man." Said the Salarian councillor.

"A Citadel fleet could secure the entire region. Keep the Geth from attacking any more of our colonies." Said Udina.

"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!" said the Turian councillor. "Besides, the Helldivers are in charge of colonies in the Terminus Systems. Let them take care of the colonies. Or is Eden Prime proof that you can't rely on them anymore?"

"How dare you!" Austin shouted. "You can dismiss sending in your fleet. But don't ever criticize my kin! Besides, you want us to do it because you're too cowardly to be a bit braver about this! Why do you even let us on the Citadel if when humanity asks for help, you ignore us?! Its cowardly idiots like you force the Arkanes and the Helldivers to take these matters into their own hands!"

"Shepard's right! I'm sick of this Council and its anti-human bull—." Udina yelled, but he was interrupted by the Asari councillor.

"Ambassador! There is another solution. A way to stop Saren that does not require fleets or armies." She said,

"No! It's too soon. Humanity is not ready for the responsibilities that come with joining the Spectres." The Turian councillor objected.

Austin immediately fell silent. He could tell where this was going. He didn't want to be a Spectre and he would not have anyone goad him into it. There was a small silence.

"Shepard. Say something. There talking about your position in the Spectres!" Udina said through gritted teeth, but Austin still remained silent and ignored him. He'd let the Council decide not to. If he didn't say anything, he wouldn't get the position. Unfortunately Anderson then spoke.

"It works out for everyone Councillor." He said. "You don't have to send a fleet into the Traverse and the Ambassador gets his human Spectre. Everybody's happy."

Austin face palmed again and groaned. He didn't care if Anderson heard him this time.

"God damn you, Anderson!" he said. Somehow though Anderson still didn't hear him.

The other Councillors turned to each other and nodded. They pressed a few buttons on their pads and then turned back to the humans.

"Commander Shepard - step forward." Said the Asari councillor.

Austin was very tempted not to. There was no way he was going to acknowledge this to anyone else. As far as he was concerned it was a simple formality, nothing more. He hated the Spectres. To be one made his hate even worse. But he just couldn't find it in his heart to turn his back on all of humanity; they did need this after all. Very reluctantly he stepped didn't go for a formal stance, there was no way he would do that.

"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."

"Spectres are not trained, but chosen. Individuals forged in the fire of service and battle; those whose actions elevate them above the rank of fire."

"Spectres are an ideal, a symbol. The embodiment of courage, determination, and self-reliance. They are the right hand of the Council, instruments of our will."

"Blah, blah, blah!" Austin thought. "Just get on with it!"

"Spectres bear a great burden. They are protectors of galactic peace, both our first and last line of defence. The safety of the galaxy is there to uphold."

"You are the first human Spectre, Commander. This is a great accomplishment for you and your entire species."

"Yes, great." Said Austin sarcastically. "So, I guess I'm going after Saren?"

"We're sending you into the Traverse after Saren. He's a fugitive on the run so you are authorized to use any means necessary to apprehend or eliminate him."

"That won't be necessary. I'll handle this mission as I've handled every other mission, the Helldiver way. By the rules." Austin said sternly.

"This meeting of the Council is adjourned." Said the Asari councillor.

The other Councillors left while Austin turned back to Udina and Anderson.

"Congratulations, Commander." Said Anderson. He offered Austin his hand but the Helldiver didn't shake it back.

"We've got a lot of work to do, Shepard. You're going to need a ship, a crew, supplies…" said Udina.

"Don't need it. I'll just go back to the Helldivers and get what I need." Said Austin.

"If only it where that simple." Said Udina coldly. "Anderson, come with me. I'll need your help to set all this up."

The Ambassador and the Captain left, leaving Austin with his comrades.

"Bastard didn't even thank you." Said Wrex.

"What do you expect from a politician?" Austin said sarcastically. "Besides, I never asked for this anyway. You head back to the Normandy. I've got some things to take care of on the Citadel still before I head back."

"As you wish, Shepard." Said Tali.

True Austin still had things that needed doing. Talking to Jenna for example was one of his top priorities before heading back. However he was quite stressed.

A Spectre?! He couldn't believe it. True being able to operate without restrictions had its advantages but he got roughly the same experience with the Helldivers. He could only imagine that when news reached his team mates about this, they would be, 1. Disappointed that he wouldn't be able to spend any leave with them at all now, and 2. They'd probably think he wasn't enjoying this. All of Alpha squad had made several bad run in's with Spectres. They had even had to work with one once, that hadn't been a fun experience. Every Spectre he'd met had been selfish, they had always fallen to their pride and greed and thought that because they were above the law, it made it okay to boss them around and even start fights to get what they want. The one they had worked with had even jeopardized the mission for the Citadel Council had revoked his status for it. After that though the Arkanes had forbidden Spectres from working with Helldiver teams again. Something that Austin had been glad of. He had despised Spectres even before working with them. He and his team hated the idea of someone having unlimited power with no accountability. Yet here he was now, one of them. At least there where some upsides to it though. Humanity would at least be looked at bit differently now and so, hopefully, would the Helldivers.

Austin was currently leaning on one of the balconies overlooking the Presidium. It was very pretty, pretty enough to help Austin relax a bit and take his mind off things a bit. He couldn't help but notice the occasional stares some people where giving him. Helldivers didn't often come to the Citadel unless they were on a mission. Some did occasionally come for shore leave though. In fact Austin and his team had planned to spend shore leave here at some point.

Austin got up and decided to take a stroll to clear his head up a bit. His mind still kept wondering back to his old team and also to him being a Spectre. Then he noticed something. A sign that said, Consort Chambers. Austin stopped when he saw this. He had heard about the legendary Asari consort Sha'ira, how she offered personal service to people as well as entertainment and conversation, even advice.

"It couldn't hurt to try I suppose." he thought to himself. Often it was hard to get an appointment with her since she often had so many customers but it couldn't hurt to try, perhaps he would get lucky.

As he walked in, he was greeted by an Asari.

"Welcome. I am Nelyna." She said warmly. "I don't recognize you as one of our expected clients today. Would you like me to see when the Consort will be able to meet with you?"

"Can't I just go in?" Austin asked.

"Mm, I'm afraid not. Yeah, you must understand, there are many who seek the Consorts services. But if you wish to leave your name, she'll make every effort to meet with you." Nelyna replied.

"Very well then. Commander Austin Shepard. With the Helldivers." Said Austin.

"Excellent. You should hear something in… hmm, three or four months." Said Nelyna as she added Austin's name to the client list.

"What? Are you serious? Nobody's worth that much of a wait." Said Austin surprised. Nelyna chuckled.

"Well, that's not for me to judge. I have your name and you'll be contacted. Is there anything else?" she asked.

"Oh well. At least I tried." Austin thought to himself. "No thanks. I think I'm done here." He said to Nelyna.

"Aw. Well, I hope that you will return again in the future, we always enjoy seeing new clients." She said.

Then her comm suddenly came on. She put her hand to her ear. "Yes, Sha'ira?" she could hear a voice in her ear but he couldn't tell what it was saying. "Yes. Of course, mistress." She then turned back to Austin. "Huh. It appears the Consort has taken notice of you. She'd like to meet with you."

"Oh. Good. Where do I go then?" Austin asked.

"Just head upstairs. She will be waiting for you." Nelyna replied.

Austin followed Nelyna's instructions and headed up the stairs. He then found himself inside a small but intricately designed room and in front of him stood the very elegant figure of the Asari Consort. At the moment she had her back to him but she was aware of his removed his helmet when he saw her, he wanted to appear polite.

"That is close enough, Commander." She said "I've heard a great many things about you since your arrival here on our Citadel."

"What exactly do you do?" Austin asked.

"That depends on your needs. I offer advice to some, comfort to others. I have a certain problem that could use your expertise". Sha'ira replied. She then turned around and walked up to Austin. Sha'ira had no facial tattoos like some other Asari had. Still somehow there really was something alluring about her. She was so elegant and gorgeous. Plus the dress that she wore left little to the imagination of what her body was like. Her voice also had a lot of gentleness in it. Hearing that alone was somehow very calming for Austin.

"I have a friend. Septimus, a retired Turian general. I won't discuss the details, but he wanted me to be more than I could be. We had a falling out. Now he spends his days in Chora's Den drinking and spreading lies about me." She said. "If you would speak to him as a fellow soldier, I believe he will listen to you and let the matter be." She reached her hand up and touched his face as she spoke.

"What happened between you?" Austin asked.

"I respect his privacy too much to go into the details. If he wishes to tell you what happened, that is his prerogative." Sha'ira replied.

"As you wish. What exactly do you want me to tell him?" Austin asked.

"Appeal to his sense of honor. Remind him of his position as a General." Sha'ira replied. She then unexpectedly walked up and hugged Austin. He was surprised but he didn't try to push her away.

"If you could convince him to stop spreading lies about me, I would be very grateful." She said as she embraced him. She then turned her back again and walked back to where she had been standing.

"Now, I must ask you to take your leave. I have many clients waiting so see me." She said.

"Well, this works out fine. I needed to get to Chora's Den anyway, now I can get both jobs done in the same time." Austin thought to himself.

Even without Fist running things now, Chora's Den still appeared to be in full swing. Austin then spotted General Septimus and decided to sort him out first and then take care of the business with Jenna.

"Commander? Hmph. What do you want?" he asked.

"I'm here on Sha'ira's behalf. Your lies are hurting her." Austin replied.

"Good! Her lies have been killing me for days. I've seen a lot of horrible things in my days and there's only one woman in this damn galaxy that helps me forget it." Said Septimus.

"This is pathetic. What could a woman do to put you in this state?" Austin asked.

"Cause she rejected me. Me! Septimus Oraka, general of the Turian fleet." Septimus replied.

"I think I can see why you're upset, but spreading these lies won't make it better." Said Austin.

"Look, kid. I appreciate what you're trying to do, but don't waste your time." Said Septimus.

"General, did you ever win a battle by moping in a bar?" Austin asked.

"Ha, war! That's what this feels like all right. How did I let it come to this? So you think it's that easy? Just straighten up and act like a General?" Septimus asked.

"It damn well couldn't hurt." Austin responded.

"Huh. Maybe you're right, Commander. Sha'ira's worth the effort… even if she won't have me back." said Septimus.

"Precisely. Plus this is no place for someone of your stature, General." Austin replied.

"All right. I'll go to her… after I've had a cold shower. Or two. Say, you're a bright you be interested in earning a few extra credits?" Septimus asked.

"That depends on what the job is. What do you want me to do?" Austin asked.

"There's an Elcor diplomat out there who believes Sha'ira gave up his secrets." Septimus replied.

"Why would he think that?" Austin asked.

"Because I told him. Look, I just need you to convince him of the truth." said Septimus.

"What makes you think he'll believe me? He's a diplomat, I'm a Helldiver." Austin asked.

"You'll bring him proof. Take this datapad. It shows where I got my info. It will exonerate Sha'ira and convince the Elcor." Septimus replied.

"Okay. Who am I taking it to and where is he?" asked Austin.

"His name is Xeltan. He's an Elcor diplomat. He's over in the embassies complaining about Sha'ira." Septimus replied. "Well. Here's to soldiers acting like Soldiers. Thanks, know… you might make a good General yourself one day." With that, Septimus left Chora's Den. Austin then noticed the other person he'd come in here for. Rita's sister, Jenna.

"Hi! I'll be with you in just a sec." she said.

"I'll wait right here then." Austin said. He was in no rush, plus, he was a patient man.

"Why do I get the feeling you're no here for drinks?" Jenna asked.

"I need to talk to you about your work with C-sec." Austin replied. He made sure to keep his voice down.

"I don't know what you're talking about. Now, if you don't mind I need to get back to my customers." Said Jenna.

"This isn't a game, Jenna. These people are dangerous." Austin objected.

"Now you sound like my sister." Jenna replied angrily. "Why is everyone so concerned about me? I can take care of myself. I need to go. I'm not a stripper. I don't get paid to stand around and look pretty."

"Charming." Austin thought. "I guess I can't convince her. I'll have to tell her sister."

As he was making his way out of the bar however a Turian bumped into him and then whispered to him.

"If you've got questions about Jenna, meet me at C-sec academy." He whispered.

"What did you just say?" Austin asked.

The Turian however pushed him away. "Push off! I never did nothing to you. Damn newcomers. Think they can run the place." He said before he then walked off.

Austin activated his omni tool and played back the recording of the Turian in his helmet.

"I'll have to look into this. But later, I've got an Elcor diplomat to talk to first." He thought to himself.

Austin quickly returned to the presidium and soon found himself in the right embassy that he needed. In the room, were two Elcors and a Volus. Austin walked up to the one called Xeltan.

"Hello there, human. Sincere apology, but I am here on business and cannot be distracted now." Said Xeltan in a very, very deep voice.

"Don't worry, that's why I'm here. I've come to talk to you about your little problem." Austin said.

"Curious, what do you know about the Consort and her relationship to me?" Xeltan asked.

"Septimus revealed your secrets. Not her." Austin replied.

"Unbelieving. I now this Septimus and he could not learn my secret. The only way he could learn them is from the Asari Consort." Said Xeltan.

"You've got it all wrong. This should be proof enough for you." Said Austin as he handed Xeltan the datapad that Septimus had given him.

"Confused, this is difficult to fathom. I f the Turian could learn this on his own… dismayed, anyone can discover my secret." Said Xeltan.

"Don't panic, Xeltan. Septimus is a powerful man and it wasn't easy for him to find." Said Austin reassuringly.

"Relieved." Said Xeltan. "I suppose you are correct, human. Thank you for this realization, I must speak with the Consort. She will be mot displeased with my actions. Anxious request, please, human, if you'll excuse me, I must go now."

"I'm sure she'll forgive you. It was an honest mistake." Said Austin.

"Doubtful, perhaps you are right, human. I can only hope so." Said Xeltan as he left the other Elcor then spoke up.

"Thankful, that was a great thing you did, Commander." He said. He then turned to the Volus. "Approving, you see, Din, not all humans are as you say."

Austin nodded to the Elcor and then left the Embassies to head back to Sha'ira.

There we go. Should warn you in advance that i've decided to make things more interesting in the next chapter. I did after all say that the fic is rated M for sex, so I might as well take advantage of that. The next chapter will contain sex with Sha'ira. It'll only be a one off thing though and it won't affect Shepard's future relationship with Liara. Their relationship will be actual love, the one with Sha'ira is just for stress relief, and maybe fun.

Would also like to say that there will be several side missions in my story since some are important in future stories. In Mass Effect 3 for example Jenna saves Conrad Venrer so her mission is in here. So be prepared for some chapters to separate from the main plot of tracking down Saren.

Anyway, hope you enjoyed this chapter and hope you look forward to the next chapter. I'm already half finished so it may even be up the next day. We'll just have to see how it goes. See ya!