"It's not my fault!"
Williams was being led to the brig, and she was trying very hard to prove she wasn't to blame, but I wasn't listening to her; instead, I watched as Jane was loaded onto a stretcher and carried onto the SSV Normandy.
"What happened here?"
David Anderson looked at me intently, his gaze stern and demanding an answer.
"The Beacon was discovered. Unfortunately, I... was slightly out of commission, as it was necessary to send three nuclear Turian bombs from the Krogan Rebellions into the sky. This required significant focus and concentration of power from me. Command was temporarily handed to Jane Shepard; she began surveying the spaceport. I was recovering. Then came a report from Jane that the Beacon was found and active, followed by a shout for Williams to move away from it. We'll be able to get more details from Shepard once she wakes up."
"I see. So we'll keep the girl in the brig for now, though it's a shame... Williams... if she's related to that Williams, he was a good man. It would be a pity if his granddaughter is responsible for this incident."
"We'll see."
I shrugged, trying to convey my indifference toward this particular girl.
"Nihlus Kryik, how did you manage to get caught?"
David Anderson looked intently at the Turian, who was thoughtfully watching the remains of the Beacon being loaded onto the SSV Normandy.
"I got caught stupidly... I just met a mentor who shouldn't have been here, and I relaxed. You'd think... an experienced operative, yet I took a bullet to the head like some rookie."
"A mentor?"
"Saren Arterius."
When that name was spoken, David Anderson seemed to turn into a motionless statue.
"Saren Arterius?"
"Yes... honestly, I had every chance of dying, but the conversation with Shepard on the SSV Normandy made me internally tense up. I didn't realize it, but despite the relaxation, I continued to monitor the situation, so I heard him drawing his pistol."
Nihlus Kryik sighed.
"I don't know what got into him..."
In Kryik's voice, there was a lack of understanding. He was truly trying to grasp his mentor's motives but simply couldn't.
"...collaborating with the Geth... and that giant ship... what is all this supposed to mean?"
"I suppose sooner or later we'll find out."
I said this with a light sigh. After all, Saren Arterius—regardless of how David Anderson or other humans felt about him—was indeed an extremely loyal agent of the Council, and his actions here on Eden Prime raised questions. Simply because they cast a shadow on that very Council.
"Alright, let's board the ship..."
David Anderson waved his hand, inviting everyone to board the SSV Normandy, after which we smoothly lifted off from the planet's surface. I, meanwhile, headed to the communications room.
"Listening, John."
A pleasant, melodic voice came from the other side.
"Hello, Oriana Lawson."
I smiled at the girl I had found several years ago. And that was despite knowing exactly where to look for her. Of course, I haven't told her yet that I'm her brother, but that doesn't stop me from working with her. Effectively, she is now the head of the division of that part of the corporation responsible for colony development.
"Did something happen?"
"Yes... Eden Prime. Send ships there with humanitarian aid, as well as medical vessels. The excavation was attacked, and right now the Systems Alliance won't refuse help."
"And try to snatch this planet for ourselves under the cover of the chaos?"
"Exactly, my dear."
"Heh-heh-heh..."
Oriana Lawson laughed bashfully.
"Two of our colonies are already quite well protected. Not perfectly, of course, but it's not for nothing they have the status of the most protected colonies of Earth, as well as the safest. As they said in ancient times, a virgin in the most revealing outfit, riding a donkey with bags of gold attached to its rump, could ride through them at any time of day."
"I think you're exaggerating..."
"Well, maybe a little. And of course, I understand that we'll have to invest a lot more funds into the colonies, but..."
"Yes, I understand, they're already turning a profit despite the fact that we continue to develop them."
"Exactly. So it's time to take on a third colony."
"Good, I'll take care of it. The corporate ships will depart shortly."
"Thank you."
"It's my job."
Oriana Lawson shrugged carelessly and adjusted her hair. But despite her outward composure, I saw how much my gratitude pleased her, as well as the fact that I value her as a specialist.
"Alright, I've given you the instructions; time for me to get back to my own business."
"Until the next call."
"Yes."
I nodded goodbye to her, after which the connection was severed.
"Using your official position?"
In David Anderson's voice, as he entered the radio room just as I cut the connection, I heard a light mockery.
"Yes."
"Tsk... no remorse?"
"Should there be?"
"Well, no... I'm just... grumbling like an old man."
"Like an old man?"
I looked mockingly at the Captain, who only waved me off.
"I'm not young anymore and I soberly assess my capabilities. I'll tell you more: if you're appointed as a Spectre, I'll be removed from the position of Captain of the SSV Normandy."
"The ship will be handed to me?"
"Exactly."
In David Anderson's gaze and voice, one could easily see and hear agreement and joy that he didn't have to explain the full importance of this step to me.
"That's unfortunate."
"Tsk... John, you have to understand..."
"I understand everything—the political and all other implications of handing this ship to the first human Spectre. I just also understand what will follow."
"And what's that?"
David Anderson looked at me intently.
"Well, there will be calls asking me to drop by this or that point in the galaxy, cover someone's ass here and there, hide information... in short, there will be a lot of requests. And naturally, I'll be able to refuse them all, but then at the next stop, a reporter will come up to me and ask: 'Is it true that you betrayed the Systems Alliance and Humanity?'"
"Hmm... That's not out of the question. And do you see any way out of the situation?"
"Resignation."
"I'm sorry, what?"
David Anderson stared at me with a shocked look.
"Resignation from the Systems Alliance military forces. I won't stop being human, but it will suddenly become much less convenient for anyone who wants to pressure me to do so. Besides, in the Spectre rules—which I haven't received yet—there's surely something that would allow me to say I couldn't have acted differently if I didn't want to cast a shadow on Humanity."
"Hmm... While we're flying to the Mass Relay, we can ask Nihlus Kryik about it; I don't think he'd refuse a little consultation."
"Let's do that; at the same time, I'll ask Dr. Chakwas how Jane is doing."
After these words of mine, we headed to the medical bay, where Nihlus Kryik was located.
"Karin, can we disturb our Turian comrade?"
David Anderson addressed Dr. Chakwas, and she smiled warmly at him.
"Of course. Despite the fact that the wound looks terrible, and the barbaric first aid provided..."
A disapproving glance was cast in my direction.
"...there is no danger to his life."
"Then why am I being kept here?"
Nihlus Kryik tried to stand up, but meeting the kind and understanding gaze of the ship's doctor, he shuddered and immediately lay back down on the bed.
"On second thought, I don't mind."
"Good. Captain, Captain..."
She nodded first to David Anderson, then to me, after which she lost interest in our future conversation, sitting at her desk and beginning to fill out documents on the computer. This was completely normal, at least for the Systems Alliance, where medics... they were simultaneously the most respected people on the ship, though this wasn't written in any regulations, and at the same time were in the position of servants—that is, no one would ever think a doctor might pass information to the outside.
"And how is Jane?"
"She hasn't regained consciousness yet... according to my data, there was a very serious impact on her brain, so she needs deep sleep. Please do not wake her."
"Of course."
David Anderson and I had no intention of going against the ship's doctor.
"Nihlus Kryik... we have a few questions regarding service in the Spectre corps."
"Ha, you haven't even been inducted into the corps, and you already want to know about the inner workings?"
In the Turian's voice, there was a hint of mockery as well as irritation. Apparently, it bothered him that I decided to poke my nose where I shouldn't yet.
"No, the inner workings don't interest me, just as it doesn't interest me whether you'll recommend me or insist I'm unworthy, since as far as I know, the final decision will still be made by the Citadel Council."
"Then what does interest you?"
It seemed I had managed to pique his interest.
"For starters, I need to know if there's a prohibition in your regulations against a Spectre being listed in the armed forces of one of the states within Citadel Space?"
"An interesting question. No, there is no such requirement; I'll say more: Spectres are perfectly free to carry out missions for their own governments, and not just them, but for Councilors individually."
"A pity..."
In my voice, everyone present surely heard sadness at this fact.
"Well, priority is always given to missions from the Citadel Council, and everything else comes after. So..."
Kryik looked at me intently.
"...you don't necessarily have to resign from the Systems Alliance military."
"That's exactly what's depressing."
I sighed.
"Funny, people usually react differently to that news."
"Ha, usually a Spectre isn't a representative of a race that only recently joined Citadel Space. And which still thinks everyone around owes them something. So..."
I grimaced.
"...I'll have to come up with a very plausible legend about exactly how it happened that I can't carry out all missions from the Systems Alliance government."
Kryik only shrugged.
"Alright, I'll think that through later, but what interests me more is the possible reaction to the fact that it was Saren Arterius who attacked Eden Prime."
"I've already sent a message... I've been informed that Saren Arterius's punishment will be determined at a hearing to be held on the Citadel. We just need to get there so I can testify as a witness."
Nihlus Kryik grimaced.
"Interesting... and how safe will you be on the Citadel?"
"Not very safe."
Kryik looked thoughtful.
"Of course, the Citadel Council has already suspended Saren Arterius's Spectre license, but he has many friends, acquaintances, debtors, and he can hire mercenaries. However, there's no need to worry about that. If I'm eliminated on the way to the court hearing, that will be proof of Saren Arterius's guilt."
"Well, then we have nothing to worry about."
With a light smirk, I turned toward the exit of the medical bay, and exactly at that moment, Jane opened her eyes with a quiet groan.
Dr. Chakwas was immediately in front of her, and she deftly pinned her when Jane tried to strike our ship's doctor. Ignoring this completely, she continued the examination.
"How are you feeling?"
"Like hell... it feels like a herd of Geth trampled over my head."
"Well, there definitely wasn't a herd of Geth there..."
I thoughtfully examined Jane.
"...but one stupid birdbrain who poked an active Beacon is definitely to blame for your condition."
"Williams..."
Jane spoke the name of her temporary subordinate with a quiet groan and disappointment.
"Exactly. Did you give the order not to approach the Beacon?"
"Yes... my armor should have recorded it."
"We haven't conducted an investigation yet; we decided to wait until you regained consciousness. So, as soon as Dr. Chakwas says you're alright, we'll hold a hearing."
"She's fine..."
Dr. Chakwas interrupted me.
"...but the brain activity is anomalous. The activity is gradually decreasing, of course, but it's still not normal."
"It's all... visions... or nightmares..."
Jane cautiously touched her head.
"Visions?"
Kryik looked intently at Jane, and she, noticing my nod, decided to explain.
"I didn't understand much... everything... is like some kind of jumble. Except for... total war... fear... hopelessness..."
She closed her eyes.
"I didn't understand anything else..."
"I will report to the Citadel Council."
Kryik said this in an extremely serious voice and immediately activated his Omni-tool.
***
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