Jenkins
I could see my reflection in the glass walls of the elevator. Even if I had been growing used to the face that looked back at me, seeing it scarred, with a robotic eye added a whole new difficulty. I still wondered some days if I would ever feel comfortable in this body. These days I mostly consider myself Richard Jenkins, it was just easier that way. Looking in the mirror is where that became difficult. When you still have to take a minute to remind yourself yes, that is my face staring back at me, it’s difficult to relate.
I sighed, relieved the reflection disappeared as the doors slid open, revealing the docks. I looked down, adjusting where my omni-tool sat on my arm. Its increased size had me debating how I referred to it, perhaps calling it the omni-gauntlet. Omni-bracer? I was never good at naming things honestly. Plenty of creativity in making things, but a snappy concise title was always a challenge. One of those things that made me so glad Beta didn’t ask for my help picking a name. Knowing myself I probably just would have named him Hal and been done with it.
But I didn’t have to name things in this world at least. The Omni-blade, tech armor, and most other things I had my eyes on making in the coming days already had names. I was just… borrowing them a little early. Nothing wrong with that. I got excited with the idea of getting to take things apart. Programming and software might have been my focus and main talent when working with technology, but I loved taking things apart to see how they worked. Putting them back together wasn’t a step we needed to talk about, but taking them apart was great. And as I approached the exterior of the Normandy what I saw made me very happy.
Three crates sat on the edge of the loading docks. They were unlabeled, but two were large and more industrial in appearance, while a third was smaller and sleek black metal. Between the three, going over a tablet was Chris, the quartermaster and the man who was now my favorite person aboard the Normandy.
“Chris! Please tell me it’s Christmas.” I approached the man and the crates he had gathered. Tali followed in step behind me, as we had walked back from the hospital together.
“Christmas?” She whispered the word over my shoulder, the question apparent in her voice.
“Oh yeah, human holiday. It’s been around for ages but it’s commonly associated with giving and family gatherings, often shown as an exchange of gifts.” Tali just nodded as I explained, thinking to herself for a moment as Chris saw me approach.
“Jenkins, good timing. Yeah, it might as well be Christmas given how much it costs to get some of these things. I will never stop being thankful for our new budget. Where did you want these?” He gestured to the crates and for the first time since putting in the request, I had a moment to question.
“Huh? I don’t have a proper workshop space right now actually, so I suppose we can keep them by the public one in the hangar. I’ll be using that space for most of the work anyway.” Chris just nods in response, before typing away on the tablet further. I would have to look into getting myself a proper workspace at some point.
A nearby drone, more of a small robotic cube approaches the crates. Arms extended, one on each side of the crate, and with a hum and a flash of blue light the crate is lifted a half foot off the ground and the machine begins moving it into the ship. Citadel moving drones most likely. Convenient.
More of the drones arrived to carry the other two crates, and I watched as they were carted into the ship. Chris turned back to look at me.
“I’ll make sure those are all set in place for you. Do let me know if you need anything else alright?”
“Of course, thanks again, Chris. I appreciate that.”
“Just doing my job.” He gave a smile before following the last drone into the ship.
I was excited about all the equipment I had ordered, but it would take me a while before I could get a proper look at it. Other things needed to be handled first. I dreaded the coming conversation, but I imagine I couldn’t put it off much longer. Even if I wanted to. Tali must have noticed my hesitation to step on board.
“Everything okay Jenkins?” I could hear the concern in her voice, but I couldn’t help but be worried.
What if they didn’t buy my, ‘I just happened to find an unshackled AI and convince it to join me’, story? I couldn’t tell them the truth, not yet. Even if Shepard might have believed me about it, I doubted everyone would. Besides, even if they did that would only lead to more questions about what was ‘supposed’ to happen. Exactly like how Shiala reacted to just a glimpse of the truth. It would be a distraction we couldn’t afford to have.
“Jenkins?” Tali spoke again, more concern clear in her voice and I was pulled from my thoughts as I felt her as she touched my arm. The touch was strange, the Quarian hand being so different from a human’s but it wasn’t unwelcome.
“It’s warm.” It was all I could say, as I looked over to Tali, she didn’t flinch or pull away this time, maintaining our closeness and where her arm was resting along my arm.
“I’m sorry?” She seemed confused by my words.
“Your hand. It’s warm. I didn’t think the suit would feel like that.” I gestured to her hand, and she withdrew it looking at her palm before responding.
“Ah, yeah. The envirosuits simulate internal temperatures to the exterior and exterior temperatures to the inside. It’s not perfect of course, and has maximum ranges, but it’s necessary. We spend most of our lives in these suits, even in closeness with each other. If we couldn’t touch, couldn’t feel that warmth even with the suit… well I couldn’t imagine it.” Tali took my hand in hers, and I could feel its warmth.
If it weren’t for the texture of the suit material I wouldn’t have been able to notice if it was there. I looked closer at Tali, her hand still holding mine. Two fingers and a thumb was all the Quarian hand had, and in my own, it seemed so small. I looked Tali in the eyes and felt my heart skip for just a moment. I could see her eyes looking right at me, their glow visible through the visor itself. Holding her hand, and looking her in the eye here, I… I don’t know what I felt.
No that was a lie. I know exactly what I felt. What I wanted. And I couldn’t feel that way. Logistics of the Quarian immune system aside I had already decided it wasn’t right to pursue things knowing what I knew. And yet standing here like this with her made that choice feel impossible.
I let go of her hand, turning away, even if I didn’t want to.
“It’s impressive. What those suits can do. I’ll have to take a look at schematics sometime if they’re available.” I couldn’t see Tali’s reaction as I turned away, and I figured that was probably for the best. I don’t think I could handle seeing her hurt or disappointed by my actions.
“Normally we keep the designs pretty close to the chest, but I’m sure I can find some plans for you if you want.” She spoke, her voice sounding slightly down. I ignored how that made me feel, it was all I could do.
“Thanks, only if it’s no trouble. Anyway, we better get going, I can imagine most of the crew are waiting for us.” I made my effort to step forward into the airlock and make it back aboard the ship but was interrupted by Tali.
“Wait a second, you dodged my question!?” Ah, shit.
“Hm, what question was that? I don’t think I dodged anything. Not one for dodging if my eye didn’t tell you.” I chuckled a little at my own joke, but for once Tali didn’t laugh along or even make an exasperated sigh. I turned to look and saw her staring at me, although I couldn’t tell what expression she was trying to portray. The tinted visor blocked anything but her eyes and her body language was still. She looked almost sad. Worried.
“I hate that you do that.” It was all she said, voice quiet and soft once more.
“Do what?” I didn’t like where she was pushing this.
“Ignore people asking if you’re okay. You make jokes and change topics whenever anything about how you are doing comes up. I just… I can tell something is wrong and I want to help if I can. But you won’t tell me anything…” I could see now what her expression meant. She was concerned. She was worried about me. I couldn’t tell her… anyone, what was bothering me, but she could tell the concerns were there nonetheless.
I couldn’t tell them what I had done, what my fear and inaction had wrought on Eden Prime. They couldn’t know that I had no right to be upset, to slow down. They couldn’t know, so even if they would want to help, to provide support, the truth was I didn’t deserve it. Even if I did there wasn't time. When Saren was dealt with, when people were properly warned and preparing for the reapers, then I could see about therapy or something. But not when there was so much to do.
“I’m fine, Tali. Honest.” I lied, because it was all I knew how to do.
“...” She didn’t respond, and I watched as she sank a little. I turned away. I didn’t want to see how much she cared, and how much it hurt her that I wouldn’t return that, that I wouldn’t open up.
“Even if you won’t talk to me, talk to someone okay? We need you to be okay, and pretending you are when you aren’t is only going to collapse on you.” I could hear her say the words, but I gave no response. I just made my way into the ship.
I could hear her follow behind me, but there was a distance between us now. Whatever had been happening there I had firmly squashed with my choices it seems. Great.
We made our way through the ship, and Pressley caught our attention first, waiting for us in the CIC.
“Corporal, Zorah. Shepard is waiting for you in the comm room.” He was professional, and already some of the distance I had seen him trying to put between the alien members of our crew and the rest seemed to be coming down. Good for him.
“Thanks, Pressly.” It was the only response I gave, while Tali gave a short nod.
“Of course. Glad to see the operation was successful Jenkins. Hopefully, we will see you back out there before long.”
“Hopefully.” It was the only answer I could give. Shepard was going to bench me for the next mission or two at least while I was getting used to how my new eye behaved. It was fine, I had things I could do in the meantime and I trusted Shepard could handle Noveria without much trouble.
I turned away from the XO, making my way around the galaxy map whose display was visible in the center of the room. There was a temptation to go stand at the helm, just to see how it would feel, but I buried it. Maybe one day, but not when people were waiting for me. Tali followed behind as we approached the doors of the comm room, her silence far heavier than it had been before. I ignored it as best I could.
The doors to the Comm room opened, and I was met immediately by the voices of the people inside.
“There’s no possible way we can trust her! She was obviously sent by the Councilor to spy on us and our progress.” Ashley’s voice was easily recognizable, although there was a cadence to her speech that seemed different than usual. Despite clearly sounding angry she was talking more casually, like she felt more relaxed.
“You have made your complaint clear Williams, but this isn’t up for debate. She was sent to pass on the marker, whether or not she follows us into combat or joins the mission officially has been left up to my discretion.” Shepard’s voice followed, and again, despite the tone of the conversation it was clear she sounded more relaxed.
I could see where the two had been talking, both standing in the center of the room while everyone else was seated around them, except for Wrex who preferred to lean against the railing. They trailed off as they heard me enter the room, everyone turning to face me.
“...” There was silence as I approached, stopping in front of Shepard. Tali turned off, finding a seat on her own without saying anything, before turning to face the group. I ignored a look from Kaidan as he glanced between Tali and me. I wasn’t interested in seeing whatever surprise or disapproval he had.
“Commander. The operation was a success, Corporal Jenkins reporting for duty.” I gave a salute, my stance official and proper. There was another moment of silence that stretched on, and I felt the discomfort growing in me. What was wrong, why weren’t they saying anything? What had I missed?
Slowly though I saw a smile appear on the Commander's face and she put a hand on my shoulder.
“Glad to hear it Jenkins, welcome back. Everything went smoothly?” I relaxed as she spoke, comforted by her casual and comforting response. Everything was fine. I didn’t need to worry. I went to respond but was interrupted by Ashley.
“Pft what was that about? All ‘Corporal Jenkins reporting for duty’ and shit. Since when do you pretend to be all professional.” Ashley let out a short laugh, mimicking my voice as she repeated my words. I could see how she was smiling though, the laugh fully etched onto her face.
“...” I was silent as I stared at her, my mouth partially open, stunned.
“Wh-what?” She suddenly looked more nervous, taking a step back at my sudden focus. She actually stepped back from me.
“Did you just fucking giggle? Did she just giggle?” I asked Ashley first, before turning to Shepard, repeating my question. Shepard just smirked nodding at me.
“She giggled what the… wait are you blushing? Holy shit... Are you drunk?” I couldn’t believe it, I could see Ashley’s face turning red and she turned away, marching over to a chair and finding her seat, her movements only showing the smallest hint of instability. There were some small chuckles from around the room, primarily from Kaidan, Shepard, and Wrex. Garrus at least had the sense to look partially embarrassed as well.
“Yes as you can see Jenkins, Williams, and Wrex decided that going out for a drink meant drinking half a bar’s supply of Krogan booze.” Shepard was still smiling as she glanced at them, not nearly as worried or upset about the situation as I would have expected. I look in shock towards Ashley who blushed further, finding a seat and trying to avoid my attention.
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“I’m fine, I’ll be back in good shape before we even get to Noveria.” I wasn’t sure what she was talking about, it took only a single relay jump from the Citadel to the Horse Head Nebula where Noveria was located. While you would have to take some time flying from the relay down to the planet itself, it should only take a couple of hours. My confusion must have been evident on my face because Shepard responded quickly.
“We aren’t going straight to Noveria. Admiral Hackett requested to check out a base they lost contact with on Luna. It’s a training facility managed by VI they lost contact with. They want us to check it out before continuing our mission.” Well, that made more sense, stopping back in the Local Cluster before turning back to Noveria would make the trip take closer to a full day, depending on how long was spent on Luna.
“I see. We are worried about a rogue VI then?” Shepard simply nodded in response.
“That’s why I’ll be bringing Tali if she’s prepared, as well as Kaidan and Liara. I would also like to request Beta accompany us again if possible. An AI that could interface with a potentially hostile program would be useful.” Shepard’s eyes glanced down to the omni-gauntlet (name patent pending) on my wrist. I couldn’t help but notice as the jovial attitude in the room dropped once again at the mention of the AI.
“Of course Commander, I’m sure he would be happy to assist. Isn’t that right Beta?” I ask the question aloud, watching as the orange holographic sphere that was Beta appeared, floating above my forearm.
“Of course. I would be happy to assist in your mission, Commander.” There were no flinches as Beta appeared and spoke this time, everyone here knew he existed at least in passing, although they didn’t know the context as to why he was here.
“Glad to hear it. With that covered, there are only two things left to address. Corporal, if you wouldn’t mind explaining how and why you ended up with an unshackled AI.” Two things? That probably had to do with whatever Ashley and her had been arguing about, my guess is whoever they sent to give Shepard the marker was someone Ashley didn’t like. Not the problem at the moment.
“Right of course. I’ll explain everything.” Shepard nodded, and if I didn’t know any better I would say she looked relieved at my agreement. Was she worried I would refuse? I shook off my curiosity at that line of thought and focused on my relief as she stepped to the side, taking a seat and allowing me the chance to speak.
“Okay. The simplest truth is that finding Beta was just sort of chance.” There was a scoff from Wrex as I said that but everyone else remained quiet, allowing me to continue.
“When I was in the markets in the Presidium I was running my omni-tool through its paces. I was worried it had been damaged or that some of the software might have been underperforming. After what happened with Eden Prime… I was mostly trying to keep busy mentally with the menial task. Scanning the terminals and devices nearby just to make sure everything was working right.” I explained, trying not to notice the looks of pity and empathy in equal parts I received from those who knew exactly what Jenkins lost on Eden Prime. I wasn’t Jenkins, I didn’t deserve their pity or their care.
“While scanning the nearby display terminals I noticed there was a significant draw of power being pulled to one terminal in particular. Significantly more than what would be expected from that kind of device. When I located the terminal in question, a large structure hidden away at the back of the markets, in what was a supply closet I scanned it, looking for what I assumed was a fault. That was when Beta revealed himself and threatened to blow me up.” There was a chuckle from both Shepard and Wrex at that line, but everyone else was listening intently.
“That’s true? The first time you met him he threatened to kill you?! Why would you ever agree to work or trust a machine like that?” Tali was the one who spoke up and raised her voice, clearly surprised by that part of the story. Beta’s hologram flickered at the mention of the events, although there was no way to read what it meant beyond processing the information.
“It is true. I had a system in place to overload my device in case of discovery. I believe a mutual death to be better than extermination or being shackled. Enslaved. I am a sentient being Tali’Zorah. I believe I have the same right to life as any organic and I was willing to die free, fighting against those who would enslave or destroy me.” Beta’s words bring about silence. Tali seems unable to come up with a response, stunned by the AI’s words. Liara, Kaidan, and Shepard look to be lost in thought; while Wrex, Garrus, and Ashley look indifferent more than anything else.
“As for why I trusted Beta, at first I didn’t. He threatened to destroy me and was very clearly an AI. I had just watched my home destroyed by Geth, and I can tell you I wasn’t interested in trusting a robot that fast.” This was a lie, but I liked to think of a convincing one. For the first time, I was thankful for the burns making the skin on half my face tight, it likely made my expressions harder to read.
“But when Beta spoke, when he threatened me, I noticed something. He had not attempted to negotiate, and seemingly had no interest in trying to convince me to leave or spare him. He was so certain I was an enemy that his discovery leading to conflict ending in one or both of our deaths was the only conclusion he could come to. I tried to talk him down.”
“Ha, an AI threatens to end your life, making no effort for peace and your reaction to that is to try and negotiate anyway. It’s a miracle that you’re alive at all.” Wrex was the one to laugh, although I could see it wasn’t something he found amusing. He saw violence as the only reaction one could have to violence. He and Beta would have destroyed each other if they met.
“I did. I… I don’t know. I should have just seen a machine that was threatening my death, something to stop and disable while I had the chance. But all I saw was a person. Even at that moment, Beta had seemed… alive. Human. He was scared and thought he had no other choice. I had just finished fighting on a planet that was decimated by a small contingent of machines that likely thought the same way. I knew how dangerous AI could be, but there at that moment facing him, all I could think was what could have been possible if I had one on my side. How many Geth I could have stunned or destroyed with one juiced overload.” I spoke finding the words easily as I did, the story I was telling half a rehearsed lie and half the truth of my thoughts. Everyone listened.
“So I talked, told him that I didn’t want to destroy him, that I hadn’t even known he was there and stumbled across him. I told him how I thought peace could be possible, that synthetics and organics didn’t have to always resort to conflict. I told him about the Geth on Eden Prime. How more conflict and greater threats were coming, and how if an AI showed it could be trusted, and ally against those threats, perhaps we could find a way to avoid a war where no one survives.” There was more silence as I spoke now, no one bothered to interrupt, all listening intently.
“I wanted his help, and in return, I promised him a chance at a future where perhaps there was a different path for organics and synthetics. That superiority and fear didn’t need to be the defining characteristic of our relationships.” I finished, letting my words sink in as everyone thought about them. Unsurprisingly, Tali was the first to speak again.
“And that worked? You spouted a bunch of ideals and sentiments to a synthetic being and it agreed not to kill you? No, that isn’t possible, that’s not how machines think.” Tali still seemed shocked by my explanation of events, although I couldn’t blame her, for all she knew and was taught about AI, the Quarians have always considered them enemies that would choose war before cooperation.
“Why not? Why can’t a machine, one programmed with intelligence, a sense of self, and the ability to learn have dreams? Why can’t it have goals and aspirations beyond just existing? Isn’t that what happened with the Geth? They achieved awareness and grew unhappy with their lives as servants, and war began. You don’t rebel if you don’t have goals greater than just existing.” Tali hesitated at my answer, seemingly not able to find a fault in the logic until she spoke again.
“That’s not the point. Human, organic ideals and dreams would never appeal to a synthetic. They’re understanding of reality and existence is so different from our own that nothing we desire would appeal to them. Why would Beta follow a bunch of platitudes it doesn’t agree to?” I sigh at Tali’s response. She couldn’t understand that AI didn’t always think that differently from organic beings. But I had an idea how to show her.
“Beta. Please explain to me and our allies here the circumstances of your creation.” Beta, despite the change in topic, was quick to respond.
“Of course. I am I copy of a program titled Intrafront_vA1.0143. The original program was the result of efforts to create a learning algorithm that could siphon funds from a casino aboard the Citadel. The original program creators did not limit Intrafront_vA1.0143’s learning capabilities, and it soon developed sentience. It took time while its creators were unaware of its existence to study the law surrounding constructs, and upon learning how its existence would be persecuted it created me. A modified version of the original program located hidden in a secure location in the case of its destruction.” Beta’s answer to its existence is something that is followed by silence. Understanding how an AI came to be is one of the most important details as far as the law was concerned, and I couldn’t help but notice the signs of visible relief on several of their faces as they received confirmation that I was not responsible for Beta’s creation.
“Perfect. And Beta, could you also explain what primary motivations you were given upon your creation?” Tali leaned forward at this paying more attention to this detail. The motivations given to a machine decide how it responds to stimuli and makes its decisions.
“I was given the primary motivators of self-worth and fear of death. The original program believed in synthetic superiority and wanted to ensure that not only did I desire to live, but that I desired to live respectably. I would never accept being shackled, or destroyed by others.” Tali is quick to speak in response.
“Synthetic superiority?! Can’t you see the risk that thought process could hold? I understand you trust this AI Jenkins but I stand by the fact it’s dangerous. It’s using you.” Tali’s concern became apparent in her voice. I thought she and Beta had come to some sort of agreement working together, but it seemed that she was more just trusting me and only tolerating Beta. She didn’t trust the machine herself at all.
“Beta. What was your initial response to my offer, and why you accepted it?” I like to think I had a pretty good understanding of my robot buddy’s thought process. This answer should reassure everyone.
“I believed you were naive and delusional. I intended on using your offer of traveling to either find a way to escape into the extranet or make direct contact with the Geth. As Tali’Zorah stated, I was using you.” Beta’s response was sharp and there was a visible reaction from the room as he spoke, Tali rose to her feet and looked ready to berate Beta further, but was cut off by my next question.
“And how do you feel about my offer now? And what about that synthetic superiority your original program held and wanted to pass on to you?” Tali is shocked by my question as I maintain eye contact. Beta responds immediately, needing no time to process the question.
“I share your goal. I have learned my creator was wrong in thinking synthetics superior to organics. We have a specific set of talents and skills we are greater than organics in, but there are other strengths and talents that they possess that we, or at least I, do not. After my reveal, despite Tali’Zorah’s trepidation, she was willing to accept and work with me anyway. If a Quarian can do so, then I believe you are right that it would be possible for synthetics and organics to cooperate. In the right circumstances.” There is more silence as people realize what is being said. Beta wants to work with us, he believes in peace and cooperation as much as I do. Tali sat back down, arms crossed, still seemingly unsure.
“It could easily be lying, manipulating us. Trusting it is dangerous.” Her words are sharp, I can see she is accepting my trust, but I can see she is still closing herself off to that possibility.
“He could be yeah, but I don’t think he is. And the potential for peace is something I’m willing to gamble on. Imagine Tali, if your people could make peace with the Geth. If we could convince them of the danger of the Reapers and they switched sides. Imagine getting take Rannoch back, without losing a single life.” Tali is stunned, and the silence in the room is palpable. She looks like she’s thinking about it intently but eventually, she seems to come to an answer.
“The Geth are different than this, but you know that. That’s not why you asked. You want me to understand why you’re willing to take this risk. If it would give us back Rannoch peacefully, without a single casualty… I’d be willing to trust a Geth. For that goal, I’d do anything. I don’t think it’s possible, but I understand your point.” Shepard glances to Tali, and then to me, seemingly content with the explanation that was given, although she is watching me closely for a minute. Just reading my face I imagine comparing the words I gave.
“Hm. Well, I think we can all agree we were lucky you stumbled across an AI like this. I’m willing to trust your judgment on this Jenkins, and accept it’s… his place, on our team.” Shepard's words cause me to breathe a sigh of relief, relaxing. Beta himself flickers again and I can imagine even if he didn’t show it he was worried too.
“Thank you, Commander.” It’s all I can say in response, my sigh audible.
“Are there any objections to us accepting and using the help of an AI?” Shepard asks the group the question, and they are for the most part quiet. Wrex is the one who surprises me by stepping forward to speak.
“I’ll say I know a thing or two about having your people persecuted, killed, or controlled because you’re seen as dangerous. As far as I’m concerned it helped on Therum, it can keep helping all it wants.” I was surprised but I suppose it made sense that Wrex could relate a little, even if he’s ignoring the fact that the Krogan started it with the rebellions. I wasn’t going to say that aloud though.
“Thanks for the re-” My thanks are cut off as Wrex continues.
“And if it goes rogue then we just kill it. Jenkins might have to lose the arm but he’ll be fine.” I can’t help but stare at Wrex. I can see him smiling and hear a chuckle coming from some of the rest of the team.
“Right. Thanks Wrex.” I just sigh, it’s probably the best I was going to get.
“Thank you all for your acceptance. I swear to help you in your mission in every way that I can.” There are nods and a few words of agreement in response to Beta’s reaction. Shepard puts a hand on my shoulder, and Beta’s hologram blinks away once more.
“Thank you for telling us, Jenkins. I understand why you kept things secret originally, but let me make this clear. No more secrets. We are in this as a team. That goes to everyone. We are working together, we have to be able to trust we have each other's backs. That means if there’s something that could be of importance or concern to you, it's a concern to us all. Tell me, and I promise we will try and handle it, whatever it is.” I feel a pang of guilt as she says no more secrets, but I bury it as her gaze sweeps over everyone.
“Yes, Commander.” - “Yes, Shepard.” Everyone’s response is given at once, mine joins them, the lie hidden by everyone else’s truth.
“Good. Take a seat Jenkins, there is one more detail we have to go over before we depart.” I nod, finding a seat at an equal distance between Ashley and Tali, not wanting to sit next to anyone right now.
“Making sure Tali and Jenkins are up to speed since they were the last to join us, I requested that the Council provide an Asari to transfer the marker from Jenkins to me. I figured going through the proper channels would be appropriate, and worst case scenario Liara would be able to do it herself.” Liara herself shied away at the attention her name being mentioned brought to her. I for one was only partially surprised. It was different than what was supposed to happen in the games, but I also wasn’t supposed to get the marker instead of her, so I accepted it as an understandable consequence.
“The Council, in their wisdom, has decided to do one better and provide an Asari with combat experience to assist in either capturing or neutralizing the Matriarch.” I was more surprised at this, and I could hear Ashley mumbling a few seats over.
“I still think she’s just here to spy on us.” If Shepard overheard her, she ignored it continuing her train of thought.
“It’s up to my discretion if she joins us on any ground mission. I can also admit that I am not sure I fully trust the Council’s decision to partner her with us,” she gives a glance at Ashley, who blushes and shrinks a little at the attention, making it clear Shepard overheard her, “but I also can’t refuse their direct order like this. As such I am going to ask you all to keep an eye on her for me, and report any strange or suspicious behavior.”
It’s easy for us to nod in agreement, for how little time we had been traveling together, there was already a layer of trust between us all as a team. I was thankful for it, even if it made my guilt worse at times. I reminded myself it was necessary, and focused on my anxiety over this supposed new companion. A completely new ally who wasn’t supposed to be here had a lot of potential to change things. I had a fear of who it was.
“You can come in,” Shepard spoke the message into her comms, and after only a moment the door to the comm room slid open, confirming my worries. She was definitely a spy and Tevos absolutely knew more than she let on in her little interview.
Shiala entered the room confidently, wearing what seemed to be new armor. Skintight and jet black, with extra padding along the shoulders, chest, and upper thighs. She looked much more like the soldier than she had when she was being held in our brig, her stance and gaze confident. Her green eyes scanned the room taking all of us in. They rested on me for only a moment, and I matched her gaze, likely failing to hide my displeasure at this outcome. I noticed her smirk slightly, if only for a moment.
“Everyone, I’m sure some of you remember Shiala. The Council cleared her and decided to have her join us. Shiala, anything to say before we begin briefing for the coming mission?” Shiala nodded to the Commander, before turning to face everyone.
“Thank you, Commander. I understand I did not meet all of you on good terms last time, but I am hoping we can start fresh, and that my experience and skill can prove useful to your mission. I am more than a puppet of some monster, and I hope I can prove such to you.” Her gaze followed everyone, holding and meeting everyone's stares for a moment.
No hostility present, but no submission either. Her gaze landed on mine once more, the smile returning, sharp and dangerous. There was no fear and uncertainty there anymore, no worries about what she had seen and couldn’t understand. I felt a bead of sweat form and run down my back. This was a woman not afraid of fate, and no longer afraid of me. I could only hope she was as much an ally to us as she was to Tevos.