Lazarus Project: Mass Effect 2 (Shenko)

Chapter 54

Milky Way/Kepler Verge/Hershel System/Tungel/Disabled Collector Vessel

Earth year: 2185 CE –-- September

"Shepard." The Illusive Man greeted as she appeared before him. "I've intercepted a message sent by the turians to Palaven. It seems they've disabled a Collector vessel inside the Kepler Verge."

"The turians disabled the ship? I find that hard to believe."

"However they managed it, I have the coordinates. I want you to investigate immediately."

"Why aren't the turians investigating?"

"Because they don't know about it. I'll inform them personally after you've been there first."

"Alright." Callie agreed, even as her instincts told her not to. "We'll head there now."

"Be careful Shepard. This an opportunity, but it doesn't make it any less of a risk."

"Joker." Callie called as she left the War room. "Plot a course. Fastest possible speed."

"Aye, aye Commander."

----xxx----

"Shepard." Jacob called as she stepped into the hall. "Got a minute?"

Callie groaned. "Sure Jacob, but only a minute. We're heading to a disabled Collector vessel."

"Understood." Jacob replied, leading her back to the armoury.

"So what's up?"

"There's no easy way to say this, but why have you been avoiding me? Why haven't I been part of the ground teams? If there's a problem, I want to know about it."

Callie sighed. Dammit, she knew she should've dealt with this sooner. Leaning her back against the armoury work table, she crossed her arms and met Jacob's gaze.

"There's no problem Jacob. I just don't know if I can trust you."

"Wow Shepard. I didn't expect you to be so blunt about it. Is there a reason for that?"

"Yeah, you're rude. Arrogant. I have no idea whose side you're on or if you even have a side. Are you in this for yourself? Cerberus? Revenge? You've changed loyalties a lot over the years, You've questioned my authority and insulted some of the crew."

Jacob broke eye contact and began pacing the floor. "Shit Commander." He muttered, "For what it's worth, I'm sorry. And you're right, I haven't put much effort into earning your trust."

"So what do you plan to do about it? I can't have someone in my squad who isn't prepared to follow my orders and do their best to protect everyone on my team."

"I know Commander and I regret what I said. To both Tali and Thane."

"So you knew who I was talking about without being told. Why didn't you apologize sooner?"

"I don't have an excuse Commander. Would it help if I apologized directly?"

"I doubt it. Tali doesn't trust you because you work for Cerberus. I doubt Thane will believe you've had a sudden change of heart about him. For that matter, neither do I."

"You're right, I haven't. But you trust them and I trust you."

"Mmm. Not sure that's good enough Jacob, but I'm willing to give you a chance to prove it. Suit up and meet me in the airlock."

"Thank you Commander. I won't let you down."

"See that you don't. Tell Thane to join us while you're at it." She added, turning and leaving the room.