Lazarus Project: Mass Effect 2 (Shenko)

Chapter 11

Milky Way/Serpent Nebula/Widow System/Citadel

Earth year: 2183 CE --- May

Garrus stepped onto the Citadel docking bay with a sigh of relief and took the elevator to C-Sec headquarters before arranging a meeting with Anderson, the new human Council member.

It had taken more than two galactic standard months to complete the round trip to return Tali to her people. In the turian frigate he'd chartered for the voyage, jumping through relays was no picnic. Unlike the Normandy, it was noisy, cramped, bumpy and slow. He hadn't felt like himself during the entire trip and as he walked the Citadel, a wave of nausea hit him, much like what he'd heard humans describe as seasickness. Not that he knew what that was, he thought, his mandibles clicking in irritation. But it had something to do with constant unsteady movement and water, something he'd never experienced personally since turians couldn't swim.

On his return trip from the Far Rim where the quarian Flotilla was currently stationed, he'd received an update from the contact he'd left behind to keep track of Liara. According to the report, she was on Illium. She had an office there, and was set up as some kind of information broker. By all accounts she was doing very well for herself.

Garrus had no idea what to make of it. Liara was a scientist, dedicated to Prothean research, what in Spirit's name was she doing trading information?

The lift opened onto the floor of C-Sec headquarters and he made his way past several human and turian officers to Executor Pallin's office. He was not looking forward to the meeting.

Aside from inquiring about the whereabouts of Kaidan and Joker when he met with Anderson later, he was also planning to try to get his job back. When he'd quit to join Shepard's crew, Pallin had not been sad to see him go. It was unlikely he'd be pleased with his return.

His mandibles clicked impatiently as he waited outside Pallin's office. As the minutes passed, he became less and less certain he was making the right choice. He was about to leave a note on the receptionists' desk, when a petite, brown-haired human woman stepped out of Pallin's office and greeted him with a troubled smile.

"You must be Mr. Vakarian?" She said, moving to her desk.

"I am."

"You have an appointment with the Executor correct?" She asked, turning her attention to her terminal.

"I do."

"Well it was made several weeks ago and unfortunately Executor Pallin is unavailable. He was injured during the geth attack and has taken an extended leave of absence."

Garrus was speechless. Pallin wasn't here? Geth attack? What about Sovereign?

"I see." He finally managed. "Are you saying there's no one here to see me?"

"Oh no, not at all Mr. Vakarian." She said, giving him a hesitant smile. "We lost many good officers during the attack on the station, but our recruitment numbers have increased these past weeks. I have a Lieutenant Bailey available to meet with you. If you still wish to see someone of course."

"I do, but is Lieutenant Bailey also the one now in charge here?"

"You must have been away from the Citadel for some time then?"

"Just a few months. I was on a trip with a friend."

"Since the geth attack we've made several changes to our security. Lieutenant Bailey is in charge of this section of the wards." She told him. "Now, shall I announce you or would you like to reschedule?"

"Now is fine." Garrus said. Might as well get this over with.

"Of course. Right this way Mr. Vakarian."