Mass Effect: The Renegades

"You wished to see me, Commander...?"
Javik trailed off as he entered Normandy's transparent conference room. He'd been the last to arrive.
The scarred Turian was seated at his left. He was slouched, head in his hands, seemingly oblivious to the world around him. The fair-skinned, azure Asari sat across from him, a steel gaze fixed upon Javik. The Commander was informally dressed in his black N7 clothing. A simple white shirt replaced the armor he'd taken into battle not three hours ago. He was the only one standing. He gestured at Javik, who took the last open seat at the end of the table.
"EDI," The Commander spoke with an upward glance, "Seal the room."
"Understood, Commander."
Her voice was becoming less monotonous and more natural. Javik had never been comfortable with it. Stories of the Metacon War were still prevalent in his mind.
The Commander sat and said, "I'd like everyone's thoughts on what happened at the Citadel."
Garrus and Liara immediately raised their heads as though surprised. They glanced at each other, a million words passing between their eyes before turning away. The memory was still too fresh.
"We did what needed to be done." Javik spoke, "An indoctrinated human attempted to turn control of the Citadel over to this 'Cerberus' group." He looked directly at the Commander. "You shot him. The attempt failed."
"I didn't ask for a debrief," The Commander replied, "I asked for opinions."
His gaze turned to his most trusted companion. "Garrus?"
Garrus leapt as though he'd just heard a gunshot. Then, he sat up straight and shook his head. "I don't know." He exhaled, "We knew Udina was dirty, but I didn't think he'd go that far."
He returned his head to his hands. "And Harkin. I'm not sure he deserved that. I'm not sure anybody deserved that."
Shepard said nothing. Citadel Security had been decimated in the attempted coup. Garrus stepped over a lot of old friends. And been forced to shoot others who'd been...changed.
"Mourn," Javik said, "But let it pass quickly. We must make the Reapers pay for the lives they took."
Liara activated a datapad and slid it to Shepard. "This confirms what we were thinking," She said, "There was a sharp increase in Udina's theta wave production in the weeks leading up to the coup."
Shepard surveyed the pad. "What's this tell us?"
"Theta waves are only produced when a person is sleeping, traditionally in REM sleep." Liara explained, "No mind should read like this during waking hours. No sane mind, anyway."
Shepard returned the pad to Liara. "So, this proves it." He declared.
"It's not an exact science, Shepard." Liara said, "I could not go before any reputable authority and definitively claim these findings. I would need more time, and more subjects to test these theories on before-"
"Liara..."
The young woman swallowed and nodded curtly. "Yes. Udina was indoctrinated."
Both Garrus and Javik sat up.
"I daresay we'd find similar patterns in the Illusive Man and any other indoctrinated subject."
Shepard looked as though he would collapse, bracing himself on the palms of his hands.
"People," The Commander began, "You know exactly what we're up against. You see how far the enemy is willing to go to win. We need to be willing to go just as far if we intend to beat them-"
"I am in."
Everyone looked at Javik.
"Each puppet we eliminate is one less tool the Reapers can use to exert influence. If the Asari's science is sound, I am in."
"Dr. Tsoni's science is sound." The Commander corrected, "But you need to be certain of what I'm asking of you. I can't order you to do this."
"You don't have to." Liara said.
"Liara," The Commander's tone was softer and just for her, "Are you sure?"
She nodded. "It's what must be done, Shepard."
Shepard then turned to the only one who hadn't spoken. "Garrus?"
"After what those bastards did to the Citadel? To C-Sec?" The Turian rose, "Shepard, you don't even have to ask."
The Commander smiled tightly. "Good, because we don't have much time. Artemis Tau has fallen. Something's happening in the Dis system in Hades Gamma. The Reapers don't have much of a presence there yet, but the factions are warring with each other." He paused, "We need to find out why."
He looked to each of them and said, "Save who we can. Bury the rest."
"Understood, Shepard." Garrus replied.
"One last thing," Shepard added, "This doesn't leave the room. This is not an official Alliance op. Only the four of us will ever know about this. Not Hackett, not Anderson, no one."
A pall fell over the room as the gravity of their undertaking set in. They all glanced at each other, silently confirming their understanding. Then, Garrus acknowledged the Commander and said, "We're with you, Shepard."
"I'll have targets within the hour." Liara added.
"Thank you. Dismissed."
Javik and Garrus took their leave. Liara remained.
"What is it?"
"Shepard, I..." She began, "Perhaps this is out of turn but...does this mean you wish to keep Tali in the dark as well?"
Tensing at the mention of the Quarian's name, Shepard meandered over to the window. Taking in the nebula brought warm thoughts of his time with Tali. Those thoughts clashed with the cold reality of deceiving her.
He closed his eyes and shook his head. "No." He whispered, "No, Tali can't know about this."
"Alright, Shepard." Liara's tone matched his, "This will stay between us."
Shepard heard the doors hiss as Liara passed through them, and he was alone in the conference room.

The End