Spectre Bk 01 Ch 05

A/N - Australian / British standard English. There is a good chance of reading the following: lots of profanity, characters drinking, typos, and bad grammar at times.

Proofreading and editing suggestions provided by OhDave1. Any mistakes are still mine.

Comments are appreciated as always.

Feedback by email is always welcome. Enjoy chatting with anyone who likes my work.

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Shepard investigates corruption in Port Hanshan

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"Getting any readings from the planet, specifically geth signatures?"

Joker fiddled with his display but answered in the negative. I asked other crew members as they were all working on different systems. Pressly shook his head and suggested that weather was likely causing interference with our instruments.

We'd arrived in the Horse Head Nebula cluster a couple of hours ago and flew into the Pax System. I knew we were outside Council and Alliance space. It's why so many companies were now setting up on Noveria. They could contravene any lawful conventions and research matters that were outlawed elsewhere in the galaxy. I had no doubt they'd be stupid enough to continue research into Artificial Intelligence and eventually have the planet destroyed by it.

"Um, Commander, I can already tell that planetary defences are tracking us. And I bet they will have no problem blowing us out of the sky, Alliance ship or not."

"Take us in carefully, Joker. Open a channel to the planet."

Before I could get a word out, the traffic controller on the ground said that our ship was not a registered arrival and should leave immediately. I retorted by telling him my name, my rank and that I was a Council Spectre and that I would be landing. I heard chatter in the background as I knew that they'd be itching to blow me and my ship up. Having done plenty of reading since leaving the Citadel, I knew Noveria had a million secrets that they didn't want to be shared with the rest of the galaxy. I also knew that they wouldn't exactly roll out the welcome mat for us because of that.

We were cleared to land though warned that a welcoming party would be greeting us to establish our identities. I assumed as much and just cut the channel. My entire team was waiting nearby.

"Take us in, Joker. Nice and easy. I don't exactly want them to start firing at us when we're coming into dock. I have no doubt that I'm going to do something to really piss them off while I'm here."

"Aye, Commander. Though I don't think they'd be stupid enough to fire on a Council Spectre." I gave him a look as he glanced at me. "Well, then again, humans can be pretty fucking dumb, right?"

"Exactly. So again, let's not give them a reason to be colossally stupid."

Turning back to my team, I could see the wry amusement on the faces of Kaidan and Ashley. They would be used to dealing with this sort of shit by now. Wrex looked eager just to get off the ship. He'd told me stories about what it was like when you had a group of krogan on a small ship. It usually led to fighting. Liara was wearing some light body armour that Ashley found for her with a new sidearm at her hip. Tali was jittery though I knew that was from excitement. Garrus was his usual inscrutable self. I just couldn't read turian facial expressions yet. I figured that I'd learn the longer we were together.

"We're going to be receiving a rather warm welcome," I deadpanned, "In our favour is that I'm a Council Spectre. They can't exactly stop me going where I want. But I know that anyone in authority is going to throw whatever roadblock they can in my face. Keep your eyes peeled and we'll see what we can find. Reports are that there are geth on the planet. I have no idea what else we're going to find, but my gut feeling is that there is something here. I don't think Saren is, but something that'll help us bring that bastard down."

Magnetic clamps locked the

Normandy

in place. We passed through the airlock and out into fresh air. It was bitterly cold, feeling and hearing the wind whip through the docks. The only one that didn't seem bothered by it was Tali.

The welcoming committee was waiting nearby. Three of them. I was a little surprised to see that a turian was one of them though figured that those in charge on Noveria wanted good defensive options, and going to the turians for help did make sense.

"Hello, Commander. I am Captain Matsuo, Elanus Risk Control Services. We are responsible for all security matters pertaining to Port Hanshan and the entirety of those operating on Noveria."

"Commander Shepard. Council Spectre."

"I am not aware of any humans that have been a Council Spectre, Commander. That being the case, until we can confirm your identity and status, you will need to hand over your weapons and come with us."

I laughed. "Lady, if you think that you can detain me or take my weapons, you're dreaming."

I heard weapons being withdrawn behind me though I kept my hands free and loose. The turian and blonde woman to either side of Captain Matsuo had their weapons in hand just as quick though Captain Matsuo followed my example.

"Commander, this does not need to be a bloodbath. We simply cannot allow unidentified people to wander around while armed."

"He's not a Spectre, Captain. This is the Alliance playing their usual games," the blonde woman spat.

"Hush, Sergeant. I'm not going to accuse the Commander here is a liar without proof." She met my eyes again. "I'm afraid we're at an impasse, Commander. I will not allow you entry while you are still armed."

Before I could retort, another voice echoed over a loudspeaker that my identity was verified. I was a Council Spectre and would therefore be allowed access onto Port Hanshan for the time being. Captain Matsuo looked pleased though the blonde woman scowled in my direction. I had a feeling she just didn't like people in the Alliance. My armour was black with an N7 logo. Ashley and Kaidan both wore Alliance armour.

Captain Matsuo was at least polite to me as I walked past, wishing me a safe stay. I met her eyes and wondered if she meant more than a few simple words. The suspicion that I already had about the place had me cautious and I knew that this visit wasn't going to be easy.

I met the woman who intervened moments later at the official entry point. Introducing herself as Gianna Parasini, there was no missing the fact she was gorgeous. The dress she was wearing was almost moulded to her curves. With a name like hers, the Italian heritage was obvious. I was a little surprised to hear that she knew exactly who I was.

"Most people here don't care about what goes on elsewhere. As far as I'm concerned, you were big news, Commander..."

"Shepard, Miss Parasini."

She smiled and replied, "Well, call me Gianna then."

I heard Wrex start laughing behind me. "Okay, I'm taking bets. How long?"

"What's he talking about?" she wondered.

"Never mind. Gianna, there are a few reasons that I'm here though the most important is the rumour of geth activity. I'm guessing geth wouldn't just come through the front door here, so the question is have you had any unusual visitors recently? Or perhaps the sort of visitor that would provoke a similar sort of reaction to my arrival?"

"Let me check the logs."

"Anyone by the name of Saren Arterius? He's a fellow Spectre."

"No. No one by that name but let's see... Hmmm... Yes, right there as it was a little unusual. An asari matriarch by the name of Lady Benezia arrived recently."

"Goddess. Mother is here?" Liara whispered behind me.

"Where did she go?"

"It says here that she travelled straight towards Peak 15... Hmmm... With the weather out there, the entire area is under lockdown. The only person who may give you clearance to depart is Anoleis. He's the administrator and

de facto

person in charge of Port Hanshan. If you need to get anywhere except here, you'll need to go through him."

"And I'm guessing that he won't be cooperative?"

"While I won't lie and suggest watching you punch him in the face won't be amusing, it won't make him budge." She handed me a pile of cards. "This will grant you access to most areas of Port Hanshan. Your crew can also come and go though they will be monitored. Do you know how long you will be staying?"

"Well, as long as it takes to find Lady Benezia and find out why she's here."

"Very well. I'll leave you to it for now. Come to my office if you need anything else."

I watched her walk away, her hips swaying, the back of a dress moulded to her arse. Definitely Italian heritage. Wonderful curves. Turning back to my group, Liara almost looked ill. Asking if she was okay, she met my eyes with a determined gaze.

"She has answers, Shepard. We must find her. But... um...."

"I trust you, Liara. It's fine."

We spent a couple of hours getting the lay of the land, splitting up so we didn't look too conspicuous though it would have been obvious to even the untrained eye that we were not the local security. Nearly everyone kept their distance from us. I didn't really blame them. There were shops, cafes and bars, left with the feeling that many had been snowed in and were stuck in Port Hanshan away from their facilities elsewhere. I knew companies were spread far and wide, figuring that many would take air transport.

Once I was by myself, I wandered towards the administrative offices and found Gianna behind a desk. She saw me approaching and dazzled me with a smile. Maybe I'd made a decent first impression.

"I don't suppose Anoleis would be willing to speak to me right now?"

"I can certainly ask. I don't think he'd rightfully refuse to speak to a Council Spectre. Ever dealt with a salarian before?"

"Not without help."

"Well, I wish you good luck."

"Chances of getting a pass out of here?"

"Honestly? Zero. I'm sure you've noticed all the cameras around. Most of them are tracking you and your friends. If he lets you out of Port Hanshan, the powers that be can't watch you any longer. Do what you can but I wouldn't get your hopes up."

She was right about one thing. I didn't know how to deal with salarians. He talked at a mile a minute and, I'll admit, he talked rings around me. I did consider either punching him in his face or just shooting him, but I knew that would cause an incident and things would just get worse from there. He bluntly told me that I wouldn't be getting a pass to leave and that if I did try that my entire team would be arrested and held until those in charge decided what to do. When I suggested that my Spectre status trumped that, he just got this look on his face that I took as a silent warning.

"Fucking salarians," I muttered as I strode out of his office.

I was walking out of the area when I felt a hand on my forearm, turning to see Gianna behind me. She looked around and led me into a corner.

"No cameras are looking here but I don't have much time. Look, I heard your conversation with Anoleis. He's a slippery fucker and knows what he's doing. I can tell you this about Port Hanshan and Noveria in general. Nearly everyone is corrupt. However, Anoleis recently accused a turian, Lorik Qui'in, of corruption. Thing is, he's probably one of the few people on this planet that is clean. Look for him and see what he can offer in return. He's probably your only way out of here for now."

"And you?"

"Anoleis will no doubt be wondering why I let you in in the first place. Don't worry, I have no doubt this is all going to be rather entertaining. Life is rather dull in these parts."

Meeting with my team a few minutes later after messaging them to meet up, they all echoed the same thing. Corruption was rife. Everyone was playing the game, whether it was to make credits or gain the upper hand in a negotiation. Some were even dealing in weaponry and other matters that could have implications elsewhere in the galaxy.

"It's fucking lawless here, Skipper," Ashley stated, "I'm surprised the Alliance allows this to go unchecked."

"What's your next move, Commander?" Alenko asked.

"I'm to find a turian and find out if he can help me. Stay here for now and I'll find him. He's been arrested though hasn't been charged. Gianna sent me a description so hopefully I'll find him drowning his sorrows nearby."

I eventually found Lorik in one of the many bars with more than one empty glass in front of him. When he looked up and met my eyes, he didn't recognise me though he recognised the uniform. That seemed to sober him up immediately as he gestured to the empty chair across from him. Gesturing for a waitress, he ordered a drink before he looked at me.

"Won't look natural if you're not sharing a drink with me, Commander," he stated.

He spoke sense. If I was being watched, he would be as well. I ordered a beer and relaxed back in the chair. We made small talk about nothing in particular while waiting for our drinks. After we'd taken a sip of those drinks after arriving, we got down to business.

"I'm not exactly sure why you're here, Commander. I have kept abreast of the news though. Congratulations are in order. And if you're here, I'm guessing you're not to just take in the sights of Port Hanshan. You want out."

"You're correct. I need to get to Peak 15."

"And I know Anoleis is not going to give someone like you a pass. Good news for you is that I have one that will get you out of here, no questions asked. Bad news for you is that I'm not giving it to you for free."

"I assumed as much. What do you need?"

"My name cleared. I have evidence that Anoleis is as crooked as they come. But I'm sure that I don't need to tell you that he's covered his tracks. That was until I started looking for evidence against him. And I got it. But before I could bring the hammer down, he had me arrested on a list of charges. All of them fake. Some of them were of the crimes he committed."

"Where's the evidence?"

"Locked up in my office at Synthetic Insights. It's under heavy guard right now. Spectre or not, I don't think they'll play ball. I'd hope that you could complete the job without killing anyone, but I know these guards. Some of them are major pricks and will be itching for a fight."

"I'll do what I can."

I groaned to myself as I walked away. I knew it wasn't going to be easy but I had a feeling this was just the start. Do this. Do that. Solve all our problems, then you can get on with what you're actually here to do. I must have had a face of thunder as I rejoined my team as I didn't miss the shared glances. I explained what we needed to do and suggested that I was going in numbers as I had a feeling that grabbing this data was going to set off a chain reaction of events.

Following signs for Synthetic Insights, I wasn't all that surprised to find the offices were currently under guard. There were only two guards, sharing more than one glance as they watched a group of heavily armed people approaching them in return.

"Commander Shepard. Council Spectre. You now have a choice. Let me through, walk away, and live another day. Or you can try and stop me..."

"We're not stupid, Commander. We were warned that you might head this way but I'm not dying for this," one of the guards said.

The offices were extensive, and it took a few minutes to find Lorik's office. We had to break into the safe, Tali proving her skills by opening the safe within a minute and grabbing what we needed. Nothing more than an OSD though I knew such things carried enormous loads of data. We weaved our way out of the offices to find a group of guards waiting for us. In the lead was the blonde woman who had met us upon our arrival.

"Tut, tut, Commander. Breaking and entering is a crime on Port Hanshan. And I can't let you leave with that data. Why, it would implicate me and all of my friends here. And we just can't have that."

"Should have known someone like you would be on the take, bitch," Ashley muttered behind me.

"Now, now. There's no need for name-calling. But I'm afraid we can't just let you walk out and leave with that information. And now that I've confessed that I'm guilty, well..."

I laughed at her. Then I took my sidearm from its holster and put a round through her head. As she dropped to the ground, chaos erupted as the other guards were armoured but none of them wore shields. I guess they never anticipated a heavily armed group to arrive and put up a fight. And it showed. They were disorganised, ill-equipped, and obviously relied on intimidation and threats rather than any actual skill.

"Fuck this," I stated as I holstered my weapon and strode towards the elevator. We were on our way to meet up with Lorik when I was stopped by Gianna, who had a rather amused look on her face.

"What is this I'm hearing about a gun battle, Shepard?"

"Gianna, I could try and bullshit you. Simple fact is that Lorik asked me to get him evidence and I wasn't going to allow some guards to stop me from getting it. Granted, I shot first..."

"Bitch deserved it. Should have shot her the first time we met," Ashley said.

"Look, before you hand over that evidence, I need you to meet with me. Can you do that?"

"When and where?"

"Tonight. The bar at Skadi Hotel. It's the best in Port Hanshan. I'll make it worth your while, I promise."

I almost sighed as I assumed that she was going to request a favour. But considering the rampant corruption, and the opportunity to well and truly nail Anoleis and perhaps numerous others, I finally nodded my agreement. "I'm going back to my ship and getting changed, at least. I don't want to spend all day in my armour."

Returning to the ship, I dismissed everyone else until I had the situation resolved. Now that I'd proven that I was willing to use force, if necessary, I knew that Captain Matsuo would see sense and have the guards give me a wide berth going forward. Anoleis had probably been informed and I did wonder what his reaction would be.

I dressed in my Alliance blues as always. To be honest, I still had little in the way of civilian clothing. Things had happened so quickly since Eden Prime that I just hadn't given it much thought. Ashley was waiting near the airlock dressed casually. I asked if she would spend time off the ship.

"Just wondering what your plans are with your new friend," she teased.

"I've got a feeling about what she wants from me."

"And not just your big dick?"

"Jesus, Ash..."

"Come on, Shepard. Wrex has been taking bets on your nailing her. Despite what you might think about yourself, you do have a certain rugged charm. And she probably hasn't met anyone like you with the type of men she's been surrounded by."

"Well, you might be right about that."

"I do love the dress blues on you, Shepard. Ever so handsome."

I shrugged my shoulders. "Don't have much in the way of casual stuff." She was wearing a tight t-shirt and shorts. "I like what you're wearing."

She smiled and stepped closer towards me. "Nothing underneath as well, Shepard," she whispered before brushing her lips against my cheek, "Have fun tonight."

Chuckling to myself as I watched her walk back towards the galaxy map, I walked off the ship and back into Port Hanshan. I found the hotel that Gianna told me about and ordered myself a drink before I relaxed back on a small couch. I sipped at my beer for a few minutes before Gianna walked in. She'd changed her clothes, and she was an absolute knockout. She noticed me and smiled in my direction before ordering her drink at the bar.

Sitting next to me on the couch, the slit of her dress was right up to her thigh, giving me a fantastic view of a bronzed calf and thigh. The top was cut just enough to give a hint of cleavage, the pendant of a necklace giving a subtle direction as to where a man such as myself might like to look. She'd applied faint make-up, but the fact she'd released her hair from the tight bun enhanced her beauty even further.