Unseen: Mass Effect FanFiction (ReWritten)

Chapter 27

** Garrus POV**

Garrus stood rigidly straight before the Citadel Council chambers, his mandibles twitching almost imperceptibly. Councilor Sparatus's glare could melt steel. Beside him, Tevos radiated an almost maternal concern, while Valern remained as inscrutable as ever.

He'd faced down all sorts of enemies, but this... this felt different. Personal.

"Spectre Vakarian," Sparatus's voice boomed, echoing slightly in the vast hall. "Your reports regarding this 'Aster' character have been... inconclusive, to say the least. The Council is growing weary of your excuses."

Garrus swallowed, his plating suddenly feeling too tight. "Councilor, with all due respect, the situation is complex. I've been tracking Aster for months, following every lead, analyzing every datapad she touched. She's a ghost."

"A ghost who appears to be connected to Alec Ryder, the traitor," Sparatus countered, his gaze sharpening. "The video evidence recovered shows her in direct involvement with him."

Garrus shifted his weight, his talons clicking on the metal floor. "The video suggests that, Councilor. There is no clear indication of who that woman is. And even if she was working with Ryder, does that automatically condemn her?"

"This is different. Ryder's experiments bordered on the heretical. An AI? A rogue AI could destabilize the entire galaxy." Sparatus's voice rose slightly. "We need Aster apprehended, Vakarian. Now. Her alleged collaboration, the creation of an AI – it's enough. The Council will issue a warrant for her immediate arrest, with extreme prejudice."

Tevos interjected, her voice calm but firm. "Sparatus, perhaps we are jumping to conclusions. Spectre Vakarian has been diligent in his pursuit.

Let's allow him to continue his investigation, but with a clear mandate. Find Aster, determine the extent of her involvement with Ryder, and ascertain the true nature of this AI project."

And, Garrus," she added, turning her gaze to him, "Bring us facts, not theories. The galaxy's safety may depend on it."

Garrus nodded, relief washing over him in a subtle wave. "Understood, Councilor. I will not disappoint you."

Garrus quickly made his exit. He headed back to his apartment, his mind already thinking of ways to either speed up their plan or find something to keep the Council off his back.

He sent a quick message to Nihlus asking him to meet him at the apartment. By the time he was making his way up the elevator, Nihlus was waiting for him.

"How did it go?" Nihlus asked.

Garrus shook his head and keyed in the passcode. Nihlus followed after him.

"Not good," Garrus replied, closing the door behind them. "They're getting impatient."

"Do we need to change our plans?" Nihlus asked, taking a seat by the minibar.

"I need to give them something," Garrus replied. "Something that can satisfy them momentarily until the Council Ball."

"We just need to distract them," Nihlus said thoughtfully. "The pheromone case that has been causing waves. I'm sure there is a way to cause bigger waves."

"That might help," Garrus agreed.

Nihlus hesitated; he looked like he had something to get off his chest.

"What's going on?" Garrus asked.

"How much do you know about the human, Mina?" Nihlus began. "I did a background check, and she has no history up until 6 months ago."