Rebirth: The Mass Effect. Book 1

The Turian advisor measured Udina with an impenetrable gaze and quite reasonably remarked:

"Turians do not colonize planets bordering Terminus systems."

The ambassador grimaced. Apparently, people were really warned about the danger of Terminus systems.

"And what about Saren? Will the Council turn a blind eye to Spectrum's betrayal?"

"The Citadel's Security Service is conducting an investigation into the Saren case. We will discuss the conclusion at the hearing, not earlier." The Asari replied softly, and the holograms of the advisors disappeared.

Muttering something extremely unpleasant, Udina turned his attention to the intruders. While he and the captain were discussing business, I brazenly turned my back on them and, leaning on the railing, looked at the Presidium with interest.

Finally, the ambassador came to an agreement with our captain, and we left his office.

"Commander Shepard." There was a hint of displeasure in the captain's voice. "I did not expect such behavior from you."

"Captain," with a sigh, I shifted my attention to my immediate superiors. "I have quite serious doubts about the expediency of this meeting. I believe the Council has already made a decision. We don't have any really serious evidence of even the presence of Saren on Eden Prime, let alone his involvement in the attack. Surely you don't think that the testimony of a doctor with a shattered psyche and a worker with a criminal past will be significant enough?"

The captain nodded.

"I understand it myself. But it's worth a try."

"Is worth. But I beg you, not a word about my visions! I don't want to be laughed at!"

The captain chuckled.

"Good."

"By the way, how did the Council receive information about the fate of Nihlus?"

"Restrained. Except perhaps Councilor Sparatus..." The captain hesitated for a moment. "It seemed to me that he took it too personally. The Turian's rage is unmistakable."

"That's how... Thank you, Captain."

Anderson smiled reassuringly.

"Go to the Council Tower. The meeting will begin soon. I advise you to take a taxi. The distances in the Citadel are quite long, and there are elevators..." The captain grimaced. "You'll have time to evaluate them."

With that, the captain left, leaving us alone.

* * *

By the time we got to the Council Tower, I clearly realized that the creators of the game were VERY stingy about the scale of the game world, since we got to this tower in ten minutes by taxi and another fifteen minutes on foot through rather confusing passages. I also realized that if Ashley didn't shut up, I would strangle her.

Great Chaos, what do you have to think about to get out of the elevator and blurt out: `Aliens are the same animals, only they can talk?' Words cannot convey with what eyes they looked at us! I'm tired of silently apologizing for these two idiots! Eventually, my patience ran out, and I said:

"Sergeant Williams. In case you haven't noticed, we're not at home right now! We are in the capital of Citadel Space, and please keep such statements to yourself until you get into trouble."

Ashley flared with displeasure.

"Yes, ma'am."

Kayden looked at me with the eyes of a beaten dog and was silent, looking from me to a frowning Ashley. I hope I have the patience not to strangle these two!

A Turian in light black and blue C-Sec armor, watching this circus, barely moved his mandibles. Sympathy flashed in his bright yellow eyes. She lived to see it...

Finally, we reached it: falling out of another slow elevator, I saw a wide grand staircase and two Turians, one of whom was expressively saying something to the other. Wow, the canon didn't lie! Indeed, the irrepressible investigator tried to delay the Council meeting.

Well, hello, Garrus Vakarian. Let's see what you're like in reality.

As I was climbing the stairs, I heard the end of their entertaining dialogue:

"Please give me more time!" The low rumbling voice of the young Turian broke off excitedly. "Stop them!"

His tall companion replied irritably:

"Detain the Council members? Don't make me laugh! Your investigation is over, Garrus. And don't make me remind you of it again!"

Pallin, and it was undoubtedly him, gave the young subordinate a hard look and left, shaking his head disapprovingly. Apparently, Vakarian had already managed to get him a lot.

Watching Nihlus, I was sure that Turians were simply physically incapable of vivid outward expression of emotions, but Garrus had just shattered that misconception of mine! His whole figure, down to the tips of his clawed fingers, depicted disappointment and confusion! The pitiful face, which was not supposed to be capable of lively facial expressions at all, was the epitome of childish resentment and deeply wounded pride. But in those vivid, unreal light blue eyes, confusion was quickly replaced by determination. Garrus shook himself like a big cat, muttered something displeased, and turned an interested gaze to our frozen composition. There was a moment of realization and recognition, and the Turian, already full of determination and enthusiasm, moved towards us.

And I couldn't help but smile. The game's image did not even come close to conveying this storm of emotions and the energy of the young officer. I'm not me if the genius shooter doesn't turn out to be a member of my squad before I leave the Citadel! Anyway, this polite bundle of optimism and the embodiment of justice is worth a fight with Pallin.

Garrus skidded to a stop, peering at my face with interest, barely noticeably cocking his head to the side like a bird.

"Commander Shepard?" A slight hesitation crept into the vibrant voice. "Garrus Vakarian." a short nod, a slightly bowed head. Garrus is extremely polite. "I was the C-Sec officer in charge of investigating the Saren case."

By the end of the sentence, the uncertainty had evaporated, lost in the determination and confidence of a professional.

"Why 'was'?" I asked with interest, looking at the guy. Garrus looked confused.

"You heard us... Director Pallin closed the case."

"But did you find something?"

"Saren — Spectr." Garrus grimaced, which looked very funny and was easy to read. "All his activities are classified. It's almost impossible to find something really worthwhile."

How lovely! Garrus just made it clear that although he couldn't find anything 'really worthwhile', he did manage to dig up something! But Saren is still paranoid and knows how to clean up tails well.

"Commander, the Council is waiting." Alenko reminded me quietly, and once again I wanted to strangle him. Her fingers twitched reflexively.

Garrus must have noticed something: he blinked in surprise and looked strangely at the unsuspecting Kayden.

"Alenko... Don't try my patience. I haven't dealt with you yet for the Lighthouse."

Alenko opened his mouth, but met my kind, promising gaze and shut up, choking on his objections.

"I'm sorry, Commander."

Shaking my head, I walked past the young Turian, who was looking at me thoughtfully, and headed for the Council platform. Let's see what the real Advice is. I really hope that they are at least a little smarter than the canonical image. And I wanted to see Saren live. Even if it's in the form of a hologram.

Chapter 6.2 Council meeting

A visibly nervous captain was waiting for us in front of the Council platform.

"Commander! The hearing is already underway!"

I didn't even blink at his reproachful look. Anderson sighed and led us to the platform. And the Citadel Council and Saren Arterius appeared to my eyes in their own holographic persona.

The meeting was already underway, and we were late for it. It turned out badly, by the way. When I reached the platform, I stood away from Ambassador Udina, looking with interest at the Council Chamber and the sentients in it.

One look at the three intelligent people, invested with supreme authority, and the canonical impression fell apart with a loud bang. Is the council stupid and short-sighted? RIGHT NOW! Just the case! There were three intelligent, cruel, and cynical creatures standing on the platform behind the low terminals.

Advisor Tevos. The Azari. A very beautiful woman, with a beautiful figure and the eyes of a goddess. And anyone who falls for her pretty face will be very strong... surprised. There is a slight interest and boredom in emotions. The ambassador annoys her, which does not show up on her beautiful face. A dangerous person.

Advisor Valern. The Salarian. A completely impenetrable face, huge eyes look indifferently. There is not even a shadow of interest, although he listens to Ambassador Udina very attentively, instantly noticing all his gestures and expressive facial expressions. The emotions are the same boredom and irritation. Udina really got him, too.

Advisor Sparatus. A stubborn soldier? Yes, of course! Although he plays his role perfectly: his face is impenetrable, his eyes are completely indifferent, and his posture is lazy. His whole appearance shows how tired he is of the constant attacks of people, how he was bullied by Udina with his demands, and what exactly he thinks about the topic of today's meeting. That's just the emotions... Oh yeah... There is no trace of indifference and boredom here! Emotions are so powerful that they interrupt the emotions of the neighbors. Captain Anderson turned out to be right: he took Nihlus' death VERY personally. Rage and dull pain poured into his mind in heavy waves, and his dark eyes stared intently and gloomily. Yeah... But I have to work with him.

Okay, I'll go through the chain of events tied to Nihlus, and I'll make the guy happy that his subordinate is alive, even if he's not completely healthy. I'm really scared of his looks. Sparatus is not only practical, but also extremely cruel! He's also very smart: he noticed my movements instantly. He's standing there now, glaring at me, making me want to curl up into a ball and quietly get out of harm's way.

"The Geth attack is a serious matter." Councilor Tevos continued the conversation that had been interrupted by our arrival, glancing at me with a reproachful look. "But there is no direct evidence that Saren is involved."

Saren Arterius. The main antagonist, Spectr, is a traitorous, human-hating monster in Turian guise, as shown by his creators of the game. Let's see what you are like in reality.

A huge orange hologram showed me a tall, powerful Turian standing somewhat tensely, arms folded across his chest in a universal protective gesture, exposing his prosthetic leg. Her head is cocked, and Saren is watching intently and warily. And the eyes... The hologram did not convey a color other than orange, but the shape and appearance of the iris were VERY clearly visible. Indoctrination has already manifested itself. At the time of the attack on Eden Prime, Saren Arterius was already completely subordinated to the Reaper.

"The investigation conducted by the C-Sec found no evidence of treason against Saren." Sparatus abruptly cut it off, but the look he gave this Saren was far from kindness and understanding.

The spectr twitched slightly. He noticed it too. And the reaction is interesting: the mandibles are firmly pressed to the cheeks, the fingers are convulsively clenched on the forearms, the eyes narrowed slightly.

Udina leaned forward and growled:

"A witness saw him kill Nihlus in cold blood!"

I closed my eyes. I-di-ot! You can't lie! The worker didn't see ANYTHING, he just heard! I was present during the interrogation of this lover of sleep!

"We've read the report on Eden Prime, Ambassador." Councilor Valern said dryly. "The testimony of one frightened worker cannot be considered as serious evidence."

"Nihlus was my Spectr colleague. And a friend." Saren abruptly, jerkily turned his head, looking at Advisor Sparatus. "I... reject these accusations."

That's how. I reject it. An extremely streamlined expression, it should be noted. In fact, Saren said in plain text that he did not accept the charges. He didn't say he was innocent. It's just that I don't accept these accusations. He's good at twisting words. But what does he want to say?

"That's why you caught him off guard!"

Anderson's sudden intervention caused a slight surprise in Sparatus' eyes and a vivid reaction from Saren: eyes narrowed, mandibles twitched in anger.

"Captain Anderson." Spektr said through his teeth. The hoarse voice broke into a barely audible growl. "When people make false accusations against me, for some reason, you're always involved." Saren straightened up, lowered his arms, shifted from one foot to the other. "This is probably your prot"g", Commander Shepard. The one who did her best to destroy the Prothean beacon."

That bastard! I looked up at Saren and gave him a friendly, kind smile. The Turian's eyes narrowed, and he cocked his head slightly to one side, his mandibles barely visible in a grin. What? I looked into the hologram's eyes... He's deliberately provoking me!

Let's try this.

"The mission to Eden Prime was secret." I said. "How did you find out about its details?"

Saren crossed his arms over his chest again and said:

"After Nihlus' death, his documents passed to me. I read his report on Eden Prime. I was not impressed."

WHAT IS HE?!

The realization of WHAT Saren said shook me up. HE LIED! Clearly, defiantly, looking into the eyes. Nihlus did not send any report. What's the report from the corpse? He just COULDN'T send it! The cases were not transferred! See how Sparatus clenched his fingers on the railing. He understood too!

Turians are an honest race. Lying about your actions is considered a much more serious offense than the action itself. Saren couldn't help but know that. And now, at the Council, he pointedly lied. Looking into Sparatus' eyes.

There it is, the REAL proof. Not the words of a worker. Not a dubious audio recording provided by Tali. It's a direct lie. Indicative. It's a sign that something is VERY wrong with the Spectr Arterius.

Saren looked away from Sparatus and added:

"But what did you expect from a human?" And a demonstrative, contemptuous look at the seething Anderson.

And then the captain jumped:

"Saren despises humanity! That's why he attacked Eden Prime!"

Great powers, give me patience and strength to endure all this. Is it necessary to be such an idiot? Well, what do you have to think about to blurt it out at the Council? And is he still surprised that he is treated with skepticism? And how can you treat a reasonable person if he seriously gives out such pearls?

Looking up, I met Saren's gaze. Spectr was not at all surprised by the captain's reaction. He clearly knew how he would react to his teasing and got the desired result, making his opponent look like a complete idiot. He knew where to hit.