After looking around for a while longer, Alex changes into his new black, sleek-looking [Gladiator-Armor] in a quiet corner—though, in reality, he simply equips it through the system. The group then makes its way to the Citadel Tower, taking the elevator up to finally reach the legendary Council chambers, passing through a bunch of security checks before being granted access.
As they exit the elevator, they arrive at a dark, sparsely lit area surrounded by multiple water fountains and clusters of trees and plants. Despite the low lighting, the space feels serene and high-class to Alex.
Unbelievably, exactly as he remembers, Alex spots two familiar-looking Turians arguing nearby. He instantly recognizes them: Executor Pallin, the head of Citadel Security, who acts as the direct liaison between C-Sec and the Council. His position carries immense weight—C-Sec plays a crucial role in keeping order across the Citadel, with many thousands of officers working for him.
So that guy's essentially the chief of the one and only police force on the Citadel.
The other Turian, arguing with him, is Garrus Vakarian. While he has the standard appearance of a Turian, his blue facial markings make him stand out. Alex knows full well that Garrus is anything but ordinary.
As they approach, they overhear Garrus pleading, "Saren's hiding something! Give me more time. Stall them!"
Executor Pallin snaps back dismissively, "Stall the Council? Don't be ridiculous. Your investigation is over, Garrus," and storms off.
Garrus, visibly frustrated, spots the group and quickly approaches Shepard.
"Are you Commander Shepard? I'm Garrus Vakarian. I was the officer in charge of the C-Sec investigation into Saren."
"Sounds like you came up empty, huh?" Shepard responds casually.
"I'm sorry, Commander. Saren's a Spectre—most of his activities are classified. I couldn't find anything solid. But I know he's up to something… I hope the Council listens to you."
"I hope so as well," Shepard replies, moving on.
I wonder if there's a reward for killing the entire Council. If this Realm had a save and load function, I'd love to give it a shot.
Alex, standing in the background with Ashley, Kaidan, and Jenkins, watches as Shepard, Udina, and Anderson confront the Council. Saren is present as well, joining the meeting via an oversized hologram.
Knowing how this audience will end, Alex passes the time staring at the Asari councilor, counting the dark spots on her scalp. They give her an odd but captivating charm, enhancing her beauty.
"Kaidan, pay attention!" William whispers, pressing her elbow against Kaidan's side, "see, even the Lieutenant is getting serious!"
"..."
Alex continues to listen, hearing the Turian councilor declare, "The investigation by Citadel Security turned up no evidence to support your claim of treason!"
Udina immediately fires back, "An eyewitness saw Saren kill Nihlus in cold blood!"
The Salarian councilor responds coolly, "We read your Eden Prime report. The testimony of one traumatized dockworker is hardly compelling proof."
"I resent these accusations. Nihlus was a fellow Spectre—and a good friend!" Saren protests.
Alex can't help but smirk as Saren keeps bickering with Anderson and Shepard, tossing out insults and even accusing Shepard of "letting the beacon get destroyed."
Finally, Shepard snaps in a cold, venomous tone towards the passive council: "You've already made your decision. I won't waste my breath!"—bringing the meeting to an unsatisfying end.
The group regathers around Shepard, who declares, "We need to deal with Saren ourselves. These useless bureaucrats will turn a blind eye unless we put irrefutable evidence right in front of them."
"As a Spectre, he's virtually untouchable. We'll need a way to expose him," Udina says, visibly agitated.
Kaidan steps forward, "What about Garrus, that C-Sec investigator? We saw him arguing with the C-Sec Executor."
"That's right! He was begging for more time to finish his report. Seems like he was close to finding something," Ashley adds.
Udina nods. "I have a contact who can get you in touch with Garrus—if you want to follow that lead. Anyway, Anderson, you stay out of this. The Council already used your history with Saren as an excuse to dismiss our findings. Shepard will take it from here."
Anderson sighs. "Your contact… you mean Harkin? That drunk? He spent 20 years at C-Sec, and we only just got rid of him. If we'd done it earlier, it would've been a PR disaster—he was one of the first human officers. He's a disgrace to all humans. Probably getting wasted in Chora's Den right now… Well, it can't hurt to talk to him, but don't expect too much. Either way, Udina's right. I'm stepping back from this investigation."
"I don't like relying on Turians," Shepard mutters, approaching Anderson as Udina storms off.
"Maybe there's another way to get evidence against Saren?" she asks.
Anderson pauses, then suggests, "You should talk to Barla Von—over in the financial district. Word is, he's an agent of the Shadow Broker."
"The Shadow Broker?" Shepard inquires.
"He deals in information. Buys and sells it—one of the most powerful figures in the galaxy. But Shepard, don't make him your enemy. That's the last thing we need," Anderson says, looking a bit worried.
"Jenkins, you help out too—or I'm going to get angry. Shepard, I'll try to dig up more intel on my end. It's in your hands now," Anderson orders, before walking away, Jenkins walking behind Shepard, looking confused about what exactly he should do.
"What now?" Ashley asks.
"We have multiple leads. The Shadow Broker sounds like our best bet," Shepard decides.
"Garrus seems like a solid guy," Alex adds. "We shouldn't ignore his investigation."
"Fine. We're splitting up. Kerber, you're in charge of the second team. Go after Garrus. Alenko, you're with him—find that worthless drunk Harkin at Chora's Den… and gentlemen, I expect you to behave. This is a mission, not a sightseeing trip with Asari strippers providing you some relief and entertainment."
You can't stop me… hehe.
"Understood, Kerber?" she says, stepping directly in front of him and locking eyes.
"Why am I getting singled out? Kaidan's the one who bragged about blowing his last paycheck on a private 1-on-1 show," Alex lies, turning his gaze aside
"I didn't catch that? Understood?!" She repeats.
"Yes, Mom," Alex jokes.
Shepard laughs, seemingly appreciating the joke, and turns towards Kaidan. "Alenko… color me surprised. In any case, your special hobbies will have to wait until we expose Saren. I expect results. Williams, Jenkins—you're with me."
The five humans separate, and Alex walks with Kaidan, ready to leave the Citadel Tower.
"…I really wish you'd stop making jokes in front of the Commander," Kaidan says, looking defeated. "She's terrifying, how can you stay calm like that?"
"She is kinda hot, isn't she? I get this weird tingly feeling in my stomach when she stares at me," Alex says with a grin.
"Yeah, I get that too. It's called fear—usually a warning sign that lets you know you're in deep trouble, right before you shit your pants," Kaidan states, shaking his head.
"You are a brave man, Alex…" he says.
"Anyway, let's go… by the way, I'm all out of credits. Your treat!" Alex adds as he walks forward, a bamboozled Kaidan trailing behind him.
The two leave the Council chambers and exit the Citadel Tower, calling for a ride at a nearby Rapid Transit Terminal.
"Bring us to Chora's Den," Alex says with a touch of excitement.
As they arrive, Alex recalls that—depending on certain choices—Assassins may show up here to eliminate Shepard.
"Kaidan, just for the sake of my peace of mind, stay alert. You know Saren isn't stupid. He might try to get rid of us by any means necessary," Alex warns.
Kaidan pauses and nods. "You're right. I didn't even consider that. Thanks for the heads-up."
"Just be prepared. And don't hesitate to run if things go south. I sure won't mind running away in shame if it means surviving, if there are no high stakes, our survival takes absolute precedence," Alex explains.
"I agree… your style sure is different from the Commander, but I agree with you," Kaidan responds, looking relieved.
As they walk through a seedier part of the Citadel, Chora's Den comes into view. Just as they approach the entrance, two suspiciously cloaked figures—one Turian and one Salarian—immediately shift and begin moving toward them.
Without hesitation, Alex draws his blade and sprints forward.
"What is this fool doing?" one of them laughs as he fires his pistol. Alex's shield absorbs two hits before he reaches the Turian, slamming his blade down with brutal force, striking him in the head, violently bashing it in, turning it into a bloody mess.
You have received 51 damage (blocked by shields)
You have received 61 damage (blocked by shields)
You have dealt 123 x 3 = 369 damage to Turian Assassin
You have killed Turian Assassin.
Activating Ken, Alex raises his sword defensively and dashes toward the second one. The Salarian fires three shots out of his rifle in response.
You have received 21 damage (partially blocked by shields, 38 damage received)
You have received 25 damage
You have received 21 damage
Before he can fire again, Kaidan uses the Tech skill Sabotage, jamming the Assassin's rifle. Panicked, the Salarian throws his hands up. "I surren—" But Alex doesn't hesitate. He cuts off the man's head in a single, fluid motion.
You have dealt 9999 damage to Salarian Assassin
You have killed a Salarian Assassin
Alex sighs, disappointed to find no loot at all.
Dipping his [Executioner's Blade R2] in their blood, Alex picks up their weapons. The system doesn't recognize them, but he decides to take them anyway, hoping to sell them later. He drags the bodies into a dark corner, expecting no one to bother checking for a while. From their datapads, he receives an unexpected payday.
You received 6000 Credits
You received 6000 Credits
Dead bodies are nothing new to this shady place… anyway, those Credits? Was that their advance payment? A little small for an assassination mission, but well, who cares? Not bad, now I'm no longer broke!
"Let's hurry inside before people start to panic," Alex says, Kaidan following behind with a look of both fear and admiration.
"Alex, that sword of yours is something else. You just ended them in a single strike. That's not science—it's madness. The force, weight, and sharpness… It has to be off the charts."
"Later, Kaidan. We've got a job to finish. Or I'll tell the Commander and let her stare you into submission again," Alex jokes.
Inside Chora's Den, the atmosphere is dark and smoky, with Asari dancers moving gracefully across the bar.
"Now that's more like it," Alex grins, immediately taking a seat in front of a dancer. A young Asari, scantily clad in black leather-like clothing with a daring cutout revealing her panties, begins dancing nearby. She stares at Alex, her movements rhythmic and sensual.
Alex feels a drop of sweat form on his brow, his cheeks heating up.
Damn, that is hot.
Kaidan stands beside him awkwardly. "Alex, we just killed two assassins. We could've died… and now you're doing this? If the Commander finds out, we're in trouble, remember what she said!!"
"Oh come on, let me enjoy it for a few minutes…" Alex responds, clearly annoyed.
Kaidan is such a damn cockblock. Almost as bad as a certain spider!
With Kaidan hovering close, Alex can't get into the mood and eventually gets up. "Tip her. You ruined it for me. You owe me for ruining my fun!"
Kaidan sighs, activating his omni-tool and sending a few credits her way.
After a quick walk around, they order drinks. "Give me something colorful with a little kick," Alex says.
The bartender hands them two toxic-looking green cocktails—Kaidan, once again, footing the bill.
Alex then notices an older, gruff-looking man sitting alone in the corner. He walks over, casually takes a large gulp of his drink… and immediately spits it out, dousing the man in alcohol.
"WHAT THE FUCK?! What the hell's wrong with you, you idiot?" the man shouts.
Alex wipes his mouth, still coughing. "What the fuck is this garbage? Kaidan! What did the bartender give us?!"
A grinning elderly Krogan walks over and takes the drink from Alex, emptying it. "Ah, that's a nasty one—even for a Krogan. I guess the Alliance military's not welcome around here."
Kaidan hands his own cup to the Krogan. "Here, you can have mine too."
"Much obliged, human," the Krogan responds with a grin.
The man, now dripping in booze, glares at Alex with pure hatred. "Talk! What the fuck do you want from me?"
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