Jenkins
It was just over an hour or so before I saw any real company. That wasn’t to say no one visited. About 15 minutes in Luther poked his head in the door, almost as if to verify I was actually waiting in a cell, before he moved on shaking his head in disapproval. Aside from the visit to satiate his curiosity it was only the sounds of the occasional footsteps moving by. I could tell from the increased activity that our time at dock was nearing its end, and the crew was returning to prepare the ship to leave dock.
I waited still, patiently for Shepard to arrive and let me out, but was surprised when instead it was Garrus who entered the chambers. He entered cautiously, glancing around at the space before noticing me sitting in the cell. I had taken my earpiece out about 10 minutes ago or so, as Beta and I had finished speaking and the ship’s activity was enough that we would risk discovery. So as far as Garrus could tell I had been sitting here alone for over an hour.
“Well I’ll be. You actually did submit yourself to the brig. You’re really willing to let yourself be punished by the Alliance for speaking out against the Council and Udina? Even though you were right in your complaints?” He crossed his arms in front of the door to the cell, and was looking in at me. We hadn’t had the chance to speak in person really, everything with Ashley, Tali, the Council all occurred so quickly. As far as he was concerned we were practically strangers, even though I knew him better than nearly every person on board.
I knew how he was once a potential candidate for the Spectres, but his father hated the idea so much he had him blocked, and he joined C-Sec instead. I knew how he despised the red tape of the organization, and how it could interfere with stopping criminals that needed to be stopped.
How that red tape stopped him from arresting a Dr. Saleon, someone so cruel in their experiments they were on my list of targets to kill at the first opportunity.
Of course he didn’t know I knew any of that, so I had to play off us being strangers.
“Garrus, I’m surprised to see you here. Don’t tell me Udina convinced the Council to have me punished under Citadel law. I might actually be in trouble if that's the case.” I stood to my feet, trying to play myself off as confused by his presence. I couldn’t let him know that I was already aware he had joined our crew, and that he was likely grabbing me for Shepard.
“Nothing like that, Shepard sent me. Well I volunteered actually. She was convinced you would be sitting here waiting, and I wanted to see if that would be true. Plus I wanted the chance to speak with you.” He was still looking me over, he was a good half a foot taller than me, most Turians being pretty tall builds on average.
“Speak to me? What about?”
I was genuinely curious, I may know his past and backstory, as well as his general character, but that was it. Motivations in the moment I could only guess, and I wasn’t sure as to what business he would feel he had with me.
“I’m curious about you. According to your squadmates, Kaidan is the only one who knows you well. And even then he’s only known you for a few months. The rest are either new acquaintances or you’ve only known for a week. Yet despite that you’ve demonstrated a surprisingly strong faith in your commander, as well as her showing the same to you. Enough so that you would risk your career to protect her image. Why?”
He was staring me down, and while the words he said were why do I trust Shepard so much, I could tell that wasn’t what he was asking. He wanted to know why I punched Udina, why I spoke out against the Council without fear despite my position. Of course that’s what he was curious about, the man hated authority figures standing in the way of what he believed was right. He wanted to know what motivated me.
“Would you believe me if I said Udina is a prick and I wanted an excuse to deck him?” Garrus chuckled at that but stayed silent, allowing me to continue. “I mean the truth is that I know Shepard is insanely competent. I trusted the Council to acknowledge that and give her the position of Spectre, from there any ‘punishments’ I were to receive could be overwritten under her authority. But I needed Udina to get off of her back long enough to not sabotage the meeting because of his grudge with Anderson and her. I figured punching him in the face, forcing Anderson to discipline me, would divert his anger towards me and leave him happy enough to not be a problem.” I looked Garrus in the eye unblinking, as he cocked his head to the side, looking almost impressed with me.
“So you planned things to go this way? What if Shepard let you be punished, what if she wasn’t made Spectre? Did you truly bet everything on things working out this way?” He was trying to understand, of course it looked risky on the outside. Making the choices I did without knowing the outcomes would look mad. But I did know the outcomes, and if you knew Shepard even a little you would be able to guess them yourself.
“Garrus. You saw Shepard fight right, even if it was only at the end of that engagement in the alleyway. You saw her, in a matter of minutes, recruit a Quarian engineer and a Krogan Battlemaster into her crew with ease. The truth is that Shepard is almost a supernatural force when it comes to combat and charisma. I trusted her completely to win over the Council as long as Udina wasn’t blocking her for his own gain. And even if she hadn’t do you think she’s the kind of woman who would simply be okay leaving Saren be? No if things didn’t work out then I would have gone AWOL and joined the commander in hunting Saren. Then I would let the Alliance punish me however they saw fit.” I walked forward as I said this, pushing the door to the cell open causing Garrus to step back in surprise that it was unlocked. I locked my gaze with him, and we stared at one another for another moment, before he smiled and gave me a pat on the shoulder.
“You’ve earned my respect Corporal, it’s not easy to stand against the authority you served under for years. You are driven by your beliefs, and don’t yield to anyone. I am more than happy to have someone like that on my side, especially given what we are up against.” Ah Garrus. God I couldn’t help but feel the spark of joy as I realized I was going to get to be actual friends with Garrus Varkarian. Probably one of the genuinely best people in the mass effect series, alongside Captain Anderson. You could trust Garrus to do what was right, and to have his friends back no matter what. Still I needed to act surprised.
“We? Garrus, you’re C-Sec. Your investigation into Saren would have ended if they assigned a Spectre to hunt him.”
“Was C-Sec. I couldn't handle how they were running things, so I quit. I would have been able to get that evidence myself and avoid the entire fight down in the alleyway if our protocols weren’t slowing me down at every turn. Yet the second your crew turned up shit got done, it didn't matter how we did it. We got the results we needed. I requested Shepard allow me to join her mission hunting Saren, and she accepted. We are now officially squadmates.” He smiled as he turned to leave the brig, and I followed alongside him.
I was shocked, Garrus didn’t quit C-Sec in the first game. He took a leave of absence to join Shepard on her mission, and to explore what it’s like working outside of C-Sec. He eventually returns to C-Sec, before quitting in between Mass effect 1 and 2, deciding he couldn’t handle the red tape after having experienced working without it. Had I made such an impact that he actually quit the job now, instead of later. I couldn’t ask, as he was still talking while we walked.
“Now you should come along, before you miss the end of the show. Your Ambassador looked absolutely infuriated that Shepard was having you released.” We marched through the ship, bustling with people once more.
We passed an awestruck Tali, who was basking in every piece of the ship's design as she walked through it, and a glimpse of Wrex inspecting the MAKO’s main cannon in the cargo bay. Heading upstairs we saw Kaidan and Ashley standing near the galaxy map, who both gave me a wave as we walked past. Heading through the hall towards the ship's main door gave a wave to a starstruck Luther, who just shook his head in disbelief, while Sam kicked him to pay more attention to his tasks. Heading out of the Normandy I could see Shepard talking with both Udina and Anderson on the docking platform, we caught what must have been the end of their conversation.
“She’s a good ship Shepard, I trust her in your hands. You find that bastard and bring him down for us, okay.” Captain Anderson was placing a hand on her shoulder, limiting his contact in what I could tell he would have much rather been a hug. Anderson see’s us approach, and gives me a look I don’t recognize before having his attention pulled by Shepard’s response.
“Of course Captain, we will be back before you know it. Saren’s only got so much space to hide.” Shepard spoke without hesitation or worry, exuding pure confidence with every word.
“If only I had as much faith in your mission as you do Commander. Given the company you are choosing to keep, I do not have high regards for your crew's discipline, I only hope their performance won’t be found lacking.” Udina was staring directly at me as he spoke, and drew both Captain Anderson and Commander Shepards attention back towards me as well. I gave Udina a smirk only he noticed before the others had their attention on me. I gave a salute towards Udina.
“I apologize for my previous behavior Ambassador, I truly believed it was the best compromise solution to the problem we faced. I can guarantee you such an event will not happen again. After all, in what situation would punching you be beneficial to our mission a second time. You have my word sir.” I spoke as straight face as I could, and despite the fury in Udina’s eyes, he had no choice but to play along. A man abusing politics was just as equally bound to them. Taking out his anger on me would make him look petty, and given how the Council probably already thought that, he wouldn’t want to cement that view.
“Indeed. Apology accepted, Corporal.” He practically spat the word out, trying to insult me with my low rank as though I somehow cared.
I didn’t.
He continued what he had intended to say, before my presence interrupted his train of thought.
“We have reports of Geth scouring the travers, likely searching for this conduit. There have been sightings on Feros where one of our colonies dropped out of contact, as well as Noveria. Start there.”
“What about the Reapers?” Shepard asked the question that mattered, after all the reapers were the real threat.
“I’m with the Council on this one Shepard, I’m not even sure the Reapers actually exist.” Udina spoke, crossing his arms as he made his view clear. Anderson spoke next, showing his belief in Shepard as much as he could manage.
Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.
“But if they do exist, the Conduit is the key to bringing them back. Stop Saren from getting the conduit and we stop the Reapers from ever returning.” Shepard nodded.
“Understood, we will get started right away.”
“There’s one more lead Shepard. Matriarch Benezia, the other voice on that recording. She has a daughter, a scientist who specialized in Protheans. We don’t know if she’s involved, but it might be a good idea to try and find her. See what she knows. Her name is Liara. Dr. Liara T’soni. We have reports she was exploring an archeological dig on one of the uncharted worlds in the Artemis Tau cluster.” Udina crossed his arms, clearly done with helping us now that his obligated duties were complete.
“Understood Ambassador, we will decide where to go immediately.”
“It’s your decision, Commander. You’re a Spectre now. You don’t answer to us.” Captain Anderson made his point, sparing a glance at Udina. He wanted to remind Shepard she wasn’t obligated to listen to the Ambassador any longer.
“But, your actions still reflect on Humanity as a whole. If you make a mess I get stuck cleaning it up.” Udina spared a look at the Captain in response, making his own opinion and authority clear. I was surprised by Shepards kind tone in response.
“Don’t worry Ambassador, I’ll try not to make things harder for you.” She gave him a smile that almost looked understanding. It made my hair stand on end, and sweat began to run down my back. Why did it feel like she was smiling at her dinner, and not another person. The Ambassador was clearly flustered by it as well, as he cleared his throat and glanced away before continuing.
“Ehem. Right. Glad to hear it Commander. Good luck on your mission. I have a meeting to get to.” Udina walked off, and left Garrus, Shepard and I standing with Captain Anderson. He turned to look at Shepard, before glancing at the other two of us standing present.
“Commander, a word if you don’t mind.” He made it clear from his tone he wanted this to be a private conversation. Shepard picked up on it, nodding to Garrus and I.
‘Of course, Jenkins, Garrus. You two can wait for me in the Comm room, we will meet there and decide where we are going next. I’ll call the rest of the groundteam there and join you both shortly.” We both gave a nod in response.
“Yes Commander- Yes Shepard” Our responses echoed together as we turned and walked back into the ship. We marched the short path to the back of the flight deck, where the comm room waited. It was an open chamber, with a round pedestal in the middle surrounded by chairs, the back wall had hidden projectors for holo screens. Garrus and I both took a seat on opposite ends of the room, sitting in silence.
I was thinking, my mind running a mile a minute as I tried to come up with a way to swing this discussion in the most efficient path. We needed to get Liara, and then deal with Benezia as fast as possible. Unlike the games we didn’t have unlimited time to perform our tasks. If we took too long then details would change, events would drift and we could lose any potential advantage we had to gain. Feros was a shitshow, and important, but Benezia was one of Saren’s most influential allies, dealing with her first was a priority. And unlike the games I wanted to save her. If we were to do that then we needed Liara. So our best order of events would be Liara, Noveria, and then Feros.
Knowing that and making it happen were two very different things however. I debated the best way to convince people of what to do, running ideas and scenarios through my head when Garrus spoke again.
“So what do you think, Corporal?” He was looking across at me, elbows resting on his knees as he looked at me thoughtfully.
“Um, what do I think about what?” The way Garrus was watching me had me nervous, uncomfortable even.
“What do you think our first destination should be?” It wasn’t threatening, but had the same energy as when he had been sizing me up in the cell. I realized that he wasn’t done evaluating what he thought of me, and it made me nervous.
Garrus had the potential to be one of the most dangerous people in the galaxy, inbetween Mass Effect 1 and 2 he became a mercenary that earned the fear and hatred of nearly every gang on Omega. Given it was a station filled with gangs and crime that was a pretty big deal. He was a powerful ally, but a lethal enemy. I saw no reason we would ever end up on terms that bad, but the thought was enough to make me sweat. The only other one on one I had experience like this was with Shepard, when she threatened to boot me from the mission.
Well, that wasn’t exactly true, there was also Beta, who had threatened to blow me up. Then actually there was the moment with Ashley as well, where she made it pretty clear she couldn’t stand me personally. Actually now that I think about it my first conversation with Kaidan ended with him throwing me into a wall with biotics because I pestered him during a migraine. Huh. You know I actually end up in these situations a lot. Maybe I just have to quit overthinking things and do what comes naturally. It’s worked so far.
“Well, I’m not a strategist or anything, but I think we should find this Liara woman first.” Maybe this could be a chance to swing Garrus to agreeing my way. Someone else arguing my way could help convince Shepard.
“Oh? And why do you say that?” He leaned back in his chair, rising into a better posture to listen to what I had to say.
“Well, with Saren’s Council authority cut off, his only resources to draw on are his allies. The Geth and Matriarch Benezia. While we don’t have a solution for the Geth we know where the Matriarch was seen last. We should prioritize dealing with her.” I answered simply, trying to keep my words as an objective as possible.
“Hm, then why not go straight for Noveria? If the Matriarch is a priority then is it not better to target her first? Why spend our limited time gathering her daughter first?” He wasn’t disputing my idea, he was probing. He wanted to see if I had an explanation, not trying to poke holes in my plan.
“Because, even if the Matriarch is on Noveria, we know frighteningly little about her. I can’t think of any reason why she would team up with Saren, or the limits of her capabilities as an individual. Liara would know more about her mother than we do, and if we wanted to take her alive she might be the only way to convince her to stand down.” I was scanning Garrus’ face for a reaction, any sign of what he thought of my plan, but there was nothing. He had one hell of a poker face.
“You want to capture the Matriarch alive? Interesting, for what purpose?” He asked the question, still not showing his own opinions on the subject.
“Well, she was working with Saren close enough for him to discuss his objectives with her. I keep running through scenarios in my head, but I just can’t find any motivation for either of them. How did they learn about the Reapers, why are they trying to bring them back as opposed to warning people about them. Even if Saren hates humanity, the Reapers aren’t a weapon that can be aimed, why rely on them? I’m hoping the Matriarch has some answers to these questions.” There was a moment where Garrus’ mandibles twitched while I was speaking about the Reapers, but not for any reason I could determine. Something about my words bothered him enough to crack the wall he was putting up, but it was repaired just as quickly.
“You certainly seem to have given this some thought. It’s not a terrible plan, and makes some good sense.” He spoke, letting the thought trail as he finished speaking, I could tell there was more he wanted to say.
“But?” I ask pushing for him to share his thoughts.
“I disagree.” He answer was curt, and while he looked as though he was sorry to say it, he wouldn’t hide his true opinions on the matter.
“You disagree, why?” I ask, trying to understand where he saw the flaw in my argument.
“Because, Feros is more time sensitive. Liara is working at archeological sites in the Artemis Tau Cluster, and there’s no word the Matriarch has left Noveria. However Feros we’ve lost complete contact with. An entire colony has gone dark and could be in desperate need of assistance. As much as I agree it’s important to cut off Saren’s allies, we should prioritize protecting as many civilians as possible. Feros needs us more, and sooner.” He leaned back forward, almost as though he was asking me to question him. I was about to when I stopped myself.
I had been thinking of these missions as the one’s I saw in the game, and while I was acknowledging that there was now an actual time limit for events where there wasn’t before, I hadn’t thought about what that really meant. I considered the threat of Benezia finishing her work on Noveria and leaving before we got there as the worst case, but Feros would end up costing more lives. The Thorian, an ancient plant creature taking control of the colonists, would be expanding its influence and control for as long as we left it there. I know for a fact that at the end of that mission the colonists that were okay originally were controlled by the Thorian to attack the player.
If we waited too long would they just be hostile on arrival? That would make saving them, an already difficult and not well known option, practically impossible. He was right that we couldn’t just leave Feros to wait. Ugh, why did things always become complicated?
“I see, you make an excellent point. I may have been too focused on Saren as our enemy, and forgot that our job is more than just stopping him, it’s protecting the galaxy from his actions.. Thank you Garrus, for pointing that out.” I was genuinely thankful. There was more at stake here than just a game plotline. People would die if we weren’t careful, or if we didn’t choose wisely. I needed to remember that, without having people remind me.
“Hm, of course. We’re a team now, we have to watch each others back.” Garrus cracked a small smile, before his face dropped again. He looked as though he wanted to say something, but his thought was cut off as we heard the comms jump to life.
Shepard’s voice rang out over the speakers, and the start of a speech I remembered well began. I could feel the goosebumps rise as one of the best monologues in the first game began, and I paid attention, trying to get a feel for exactly how paragon this Shepard was.
“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. We all know what happened on Eden Prime. We saw the destruction. We saw the Bodies. We saw what Saren did. And I plan to make him pay! The Council wants to ignore this. That’s no surprise. They’ve never helped us in the past; no reason they’d start now. But we don’t need their help. We can do this on our own! Our enemy knows we’re coming. When we go into the Traverse, Saren’s followers will be waiting for us. But we will be ready for them. Humanity needs to do this. Not just for our own sake, but for the sake of every other species in Citadel Space. Saren must be stopped, and I promise you all… we will stop him.”
The line goes silent at the conclusion of the speech. Garrus looks impressed, Shepard’s words have a way of doing that. A natural charisma that makes them someone you can’t help but listen too. I, on the other hand, felt a small pang of worry. About half of that speech were the familiar paragon options, but half of it was renegade. Shepard’s actions up until now had been mostly paragon from what I had seen, but there were the occasional exceptions. Wrex had mentioned when we were talking that Shepard had let him kill Fist without complaint. A touch of renegade to her behavior was concerning.
If she chooses the renegade option at the wrong point entire questlines, essential questlines, would collapse into their worst options. Wrex being killed, Captain Kirrehe dying. The Council being allowed to die. In mass effect 1 there were a few choices where the Paragon option needed to be chosen no matter what, in order to secure the best outcome. A neutral, even paragon leaning neutral like Shepard appeared to be, had the potential to go very wrong. Unfortunately it wasn’t something I had the ability to deal with as things were. A personality shift isn’t something I can just make happen by asking nicely. So as things stood I needed to focus on the mission at hand, and decide what I actually wanted to do.
While I still thought Liara and Benezia were our best options to start with, Garrus had me no longer absolutely certain of that fact. Feros would be a problem if left alone too long. Maybe just going with the flow would be the best, trying to help optimize whichever mission is chosen first so we complete it as quickly as possible. I would need to decide quickly, because after only a few moments the doors to the comm room slid open, and the rest of the ground team silently walked in and found their seats. The energy of the room was hopeful, but serious. Things would only get harder from here out, and it all started with where we were going next. The time to decide was here. Shepard was the last to enter the room, and as she entered we all turned to give her our full attention as she spoke.
“Well. Let’s begin.”