Liara T'Soni. Thessia.
Being an information broker is difficult. I found that out even back when I took the Shadow Broker's place in the previous reality.
The Yahg sat on his ship almost without leaving. Part of it was paranoia. But part of it was harsh reality: your role is very much tied to understanding the situation and correctly directing subordinates continuously, regardless of the time of day. You need to be aware of events and make decisions in real-time, conducting dozens of situations in different parts of different worlds. And that's a lot of paperwork and risks, as a document almost never has complete information.
Not to mention that even in one world, there can be different time zones. And what if there are many worlds and each of your subordinates is conducting their own operation to obtain information in their sphere? Your decisions are guesses. Even if they are correct, there is always the possibility that the opponent will turn out to be better. In information, preparation, or just plain luck.
During my entire time as the Shadow Broker, I had a perfect example of this at hand: John. "Just a human" who wasn't stopped by mercenaries, Cerberus, Husks, and Reapers. Batarians, criminal syndicates, and many others. And me as part of it. And there are more such individuals than it might seem when you look at the perspective.
The survivability and luck of the SSV Normandy crew is anomalous, but not that unique, actually. Even the crew members themselves are proof of that.
James Vega, who joined the crew during the Reaper Invasion, managed to survive and shoot down a Collectors' Ship, pulling off a fairly insane and improbable operation.
Garrus, successfully surviving on Omega while everyone thought Shepard was dead. Archangel stood against all the station's gangs simultaneously and even surrounded would have taken a small army with him if John had been late then.
Zaeed Massani, one of the creators of the Blue Suns, even without his organization, is an extremely resilient and wildly dangerous assassin. Not to mention that the Suns themselves occupied a huge part of the market in their time, displacing competitors. Including simply destroying them.
Yes, the SSV Normandy is simply a point of attraction for such individuals. All this teaches: preparation is very important, but it doesn't guarantee success.
With humans, it turned out roughly like that. While everyone is shaking about contact, I'm figuring out how best to use it. A stronger humanity means more forces against the Reapers when they come. That's wonderful! In perspective, but still. John would have been very pleased. Of course, we still need to get to Mars, get the blueprints for the Crucible, and start preparation, but otherwise, we are starting from much better positions than the SSV Normandy had. It would be stupid not to take advantage of this.
First, we need to somehow make everyone make peace, that's true. But otherwise, we have time, better starting positions, and knowledge of much of what will happen. We just need to be able to turn that into resources. I can handle that.
The crew... They were probably too influenced by Cerberus. No, the crew are good soldiers and good people, but being the Broker, it's impossible not to get dirty. And I know well how it usually goes. Especially since the Reapers generally don't care who they destroy. They will kill everyone they find. Even if these people hate xenos, against the Reapers we will need everyone and everything. And human nationalists and Krogan without the Genophage are no exception.
Speaking of which, when I take the Broker's place, I need to deal with that too. The main thing is not to let the conflict reach dangerous levels. I sighed. It will be difficult. I am too limited by Thessia.
Something needs to be decided. So I went to Benezia's office. The younger version of me ran off a month ago; she has university practice. Only Benezia is here... mother and commandos from the security detail. We've been talking for quite a while now, trying to carefully understand each other. I can say with certainty, this is the same familiar mother who raised me. And I'm almost ready to tell her everything and ask for help.
But paranoia gets in the way. A simple fact: Benezia is an Asari Matriarch, located at the top of power. And that means she is a politician. She may love me as a daughter and wish me well, but political interest will force her to make the most advantageous decisions for that. Of course, as a future Broker, I know what to do in such cases. But the fact that we are talking about mother makes the situation very unpleasant. I wouldn't want to push the situation to that or try to escape from Thessia. The help of Benezia and her squad of commandos would be extremely useful. I just need to be mentally prepared for things to go difficultly.
I was able to think all this through without losing face on the way to her office. I do have experience, after all. Nodding to the guard at the door, I entered the office. Benezia was working with documents. The clearly no longer young, powerful Matriarch looked up and gestured to the chair opposite.
Asari after the age of forty don't particularly often contact children, but she and I have always been loyal to each other. Actually, I was born to her when she was already of age, and in my memory, she has always been like this. And I honestly hope we can come to an agreement. It will make the situation much simpler. Benezia began in a neutral tone.
"So, Liara, what do you say? I assume you didn't come just to visit me this time."
I smiled. We talk quite often on various topics, and she outplays me almost every time. She doesn't push it, but hundreds of years of experience against my few years in the role of the Broker... If she wanted to, she would know much more. As it is, Benezia, mother, more often just indicates that she won, but doesn't go all the way. And that gives me hope.
"I was thinking about what happened in the human sector. A very intriguing and unexpected situation."
Benezia nodded and showed me what she was reading. A report.
The Turian Hierarchy is in a rage and is preparing for a full-scale attack on the human Inner Colonies. The Salarians have sent scout ships and are actively recruiting mercenaries, Blood Pack mostly. Unexpectedly, the Pack consists of Krogan and Vorcha; they don't like Salarians at all. That they were able to attract them... Interesting, with what? But the Salarians are conducting active reconnaissance and are ready to buy a great deal, from maps to mechanisms from "human sectors." Interesting, I need to find out more.
But there is no information on the Asari. And none on the Hegemony either. The Batarians look as if they got burned and are now waiting for further developments. Not quite typical behavior for the Hegemony. Benezia waited until I finished reading and remarked: "As you can see, a major conflict is brewing." I see, but not everything. The Asari Republics are still a major player in the galaxy, one of the largest. And the main diplomatic force. What are they doing? I need to find out.
"And the Council of Matriarchs, what did they decide? I don't believe they simply ignored the situation. They didn't rush forward, that would be strange, but they discussed it and made some decision."
Benezia smiled with a slight fondness.
"Sometimes I forget how much more mature you are mentally. My Liara wouldn't have drawn this parallel between the Council of Matriarchs and the others. Even if you lack experience for now, you are already so grown up. The Council? They will send diplomats to assess the capabilities of the newcomers. Obviously, our past assessments were incorrect. Real diplomats, I mean. Reconnaissance is being carried out by the Salarian STG. Humans have behaved excessively boldly, becoming a point of interest for many forces in the galaxy. They will have to live with that."
Oh, interesting.
"And all this before the end of this First Contact War?"
"Exactly so," Benezia agreed, "the Turians will not let the strike on the planet slide. Not one so large-scale, echoing in their memory of the Krogan Rebellions. I'm afraid until a 'proportionate response' is delivered, no one can stop them. And we won't even try."
I winced. That's not quite what's needed.
"Against the Reapers..." Benezia raised her hand, interrupting my monologue.
"I believe you, Liara. And I know about the secret of the Temple. But!" she paused, "you lack restraint. The skill of a politician is not only the right words, but they must be spoken at the right moment. I have known the Hierarchy all my life. They are not only in a rage because of the fact of the attack itself. They are insulted that strangers came, planted all those charges, and left unnoticed."
I didn't understand.
"But what is so surprising? The SSV Normandy can do that too."
"The SSV Normandy is 220 meters long. Now look at the third page at the dimensions of the ship calculated from the tracks they found on the Hierarchy planet."
I looked. Then again.
How much????? 600-700 meters??? Excuse me? A stealth cruiser landed on the planet, sat on it for an unknown amount of time, and then calmly flew away and everything started exploding, and the saboteurs weren't seen either. Only post-factum was a lot of evidence of their presence found. Benezia didn't interfere with my reading, and I read more and more into the technical details. When I looked up from the document, she was almost laughing at my reaction.
"That's impossible!!! How did they manage to hide an entire cruiser?"
Invisible huge infantry under cloaking, amazing. Who is that even, an invisible Krogan? Is this a show or reality? How is that even possible? What is going on there, Mom? Benezia nodded in agreement with my reaction as I continued to read the report. Even the Reapers didn't do that! Here on the cameras, they caught a floating figure, and by the parameters, it's larger than either a human or a Turian. It's a Krogan with the proportions of a human!
"There is the answer to the Hierarchy's behavior," Benezia said when I finished reading and looked at her questioningly, "the Turians are in shock, both from the attack and from the realization of exactly how it happened. The Salarians are in excitement, looking for access to knowledge. Stealth cruisers have intrigued many. The Asari are in the minority in the Citadel Council. If we want to come to a decision, we need arguments that will convince them."
I see. And it's worrying. Speaking of which.
"The Salarians are behaving strangely. I understand money for cartography. But artifacts? Archaeologists have infiltrated the Salarian STG? It looks as if they are ready to pay for any debris, which is strange."
Benezia thought before answering.
"You're right, Liara. We are also surprised by such interest, but the STG are good at keeping their secrets. Perhaps by seeing the things that interest them most, we can understand more. For now, the fact of their interest itself is important."
The answer is accepted; that is indeed a reasonable approach.
"What do you want from me?"
Benezia looked me in the eyes, then slowly replied:
"You have a plan. You don't have to answer; I can see it. You are my daughter and I know how you chafe at this place and would surely be preparing for something if you weren't locked up here. You can keep a straight face, but I know you too well and I have hundreds of years of experience. You don't trust me, not completely."
And how to answer that? Mother is right, of course, but... I sighed and looked away.
"It's not easy for me. But you are a member of the Council of Matriarchs, you understand."
She nodded.
"Let me show you one memory. I think you'll appreciate it. And then a few more. Mind Meld, you lead."
I thought about it, then nodded. I'm not sure it will make the situation simpler, but still. Mind Meld is a delicate process, but well-practiced in various spheres. Including because it's practically impossible to deceive. The only defense is to be an Ardat-Yakshi. Justicars accept memory as evidence without problem. Benezia's offer is a clear gesture of trust.
So I relaxed, taking a step into her mind.
***
A wide office with a table in the middle. Five Matriarchs are sitting at the table. All are serious, representative, dressed expensively, and carry themselves with confidence. Six Matriarchs, the sixth is Benezia, from whose eyes the image comes. They are talking. A fraction of a second later, the text became clear.
"Benezia, you are overprotecting her. This information is useful, even if incorrect. And she is still a Maiden; we could do more, even just knowing exactly where to look. And you know I'm right."
Mother's voice objected, showing notes of irritation:
"My eldest daughter is a wonderful, wise beyond her years, and perceptive Maiden. But she lacks experience, like others her age. And she won't get it sitting locked up. We won't do better for her if we take everything by force. And we will lose a promising ally in the future. She won't forgive such a thing."
An Asari with yellow markings on her face countered:
"We all know she isn't your daughter, Benezia. And if she is as smart as you claim, she will understand why we are doing this. For her own good."
Mother's response was cold.
"Genetics say otherwise. And everyone present here has reviewed the results at least once. Furthermore, she lives under my roof and I declare: Liara T'Soni is my daughter. The eldest. And the Council's desire to keep her at arm's length does no one any good. And an attempt to extract information she does not wish to share will be a catastrophe. Help her achieve her goals, rather than tearing them away and throwing the remains. She is smart and proud enough to understand that."
In mother's/Benezia's emotions, there is also a mass of irritation. They understand that the Maiden has told and shown far from everything and hope to eventually get more. Yes, she even showed me/her not everything. Liara clearly has plans that the factual confinement on Thessia is slowing down. And the lack of trust doesn't make the situation better. Or simpler. She didn't even tell the younger version of herself almost anything, especially since the house and the main places where they could talk are bugged.
Presumably, she noticed or doesn't trust. Meanwhile, a third Matriarch joined the conversation.
"Young Liara is promising. It would be sad if talent were lost to history."
Benezia replied, now completely calmly.
"I have someone to watch over her. And protect her. But talent should be realized."
The fourth Matriarch nodded.
"Talent should be realized, true. But letting a young Maiden out in these troubled times is risky. They often get into trouble, even the calmest of them. The galaxy is in a fever. Perhaps we could help."
Even if I knew for sure, I wouldn't say. But if I knew, it would be much simpler. Help means giving them information and remaining in their debt. No thanks, my squad is good enough and trained. We'll manage on our own.
"Liara, like all of us, knows about the secret of the Temple of Athame. She can gather more information. But not locked up here. We won't get more information if we just leave her. She, like us, is Asari. We are patient," Benezia stated.
"A Maiden!" snorted the second, "she won't have the patience. And she will do something completely stupid, this child. Sooner or later she..."
Benezia glowed with Biotics. In her emotions, anger appeared. Not the rage she is clearly demonstrating for the public, but anger.
"Don't forget yourself. Ultimately, it's not for you to decide."
The third Matriarch, whom everyone had almost forgotten, took a sip of something from a glass and remarked.
"So what are you proposing, Benezia? No one doubts your strength or the Maiden's talent, but you clearly didn't set this up for nothing. What are you proposing?"
Benezia instantly went dark and sat down. Matriarchs also know how to flex their muscles, but they do it a bit differently.
"Give her a chance. My resources, my commandos. Your approval. You lose nothing; I will see to it that she doesn't mess up. In case of success, our faction will receive bonuses. In case of failure?" Benezia spread her hands, "a mother believed too much in her young daughter, it happens. The Maiden couldn't handle the weight dropped on her."
The Matriarchs thought about it, began to talk among themselves. Very soon, Benezia had their approval.
***
I exhaled, looking at Benezia. The Matriarch looked calmly into my eyes, smiling.
"That's how it turned out. I am not your enemy, Liara. The fact that you reported Saren already saved my life; you are my daughter, and I will help you on this path. You want to deal with the Reapers and you have a plan. Let me help you."
I thought about it. I saw Benezia's emotions, I understand her decisions. She really wanted to help and was irritated by the resistance of even her allies. And they gave the go-ahead only on the basis that Benezia would get them something at her own expense. Information. Well, alright.
"Benezia. Mom," I looked around the room, Benezia made a few taps on a panel, after which it lit up yellow.
"We won't be heard, Liara."
I nodded.
"Perhaps I know where to find the Shadow Broker and how to take over his assets."
Benezia slowly nodded.
"That is indeed a lot. And how were you planning to break into his secret lair unnoticed, through the security? You have a plan; I would like to know what resources we will need."
I smiled.
"I know a bit about where to get resources."
I could try to reach out to the local Wrex. The big guy is distrustful, but if I prove my loyalty, I could secure a strike force. Clan Urdnot plus the Broker's resources is a force that can do a great deal. He is the easiest to obtain and most promising force. I just need to do everything right. Of course, Wrex needs to be found first...
But I have combat experience; I could pass for a mercenary. Benezia didn't hear this, but she nodded.
"Well, I can help. I'm not asking where exactly. That's your secret. But I will ask, what will you need?"
That's... tempting. Finding Wrex could take years, as could breaking away from the Matriarchs. Surely they also use Aria T'Loak, tying her to them with contracts and resources. A deal with the devil, as Joker would say. But the devil is my mother. And she wants to help; I saw it in her emotions. The main thing is not to forget that help will also mean control. And a readiness to take over management if anything happens. And the necessity to pay, even if less than in another situation.
"I will need commandos and a stealth ship. And Joker. Preferably unnoticed. I'm almost certain the Broker is watching us. All of us from the SSV Normandy, the humans. His agents are everywhere, possibly even in your inner circle."
Benezia laughed.
"Oh, my girl, I don't doubt that. Will my yacht do? I can guarantee there are no beacons on it."
Benezia's yacht. Practically a converted Frigate, not as well armed, but tough, fast, and stealthy. A ship that can be obtained really quickly; an attempt to lay hands on something combat-ready would attract a lot of attention. We are going to capture the Broker's ship, not destroy it. It's too valuable.
"I think so. And I'll need a squad. The Broker has his own security. And a good pilot. Can you get Jeff out?"
Benezia thought.
"Joker is currently out of my reach. As a pilot, he is too good and highly valued. Does he know the required route?"
I nodded, which caused Benezia to smirk.
"Interesting. But indeed difficult. And it will cause a lot of unnecessary attention. On the other hand, if it increases your chances, I will try. But you should also prepare. Armor, weapons, training. Starting tomorrow morning, while I prepare a squad for you, you must get yourself into the best possible shape. Otherwise, you aren't flying anywhere."
The last sentence was said with a smile, but in a tone that brooked no argument. Benezia would only let me go after passing the commando standards. Good thing I have plenty of experience, and I've trained. I think I can do it. And if not, there isn't that much to pull up. Regardless, I'm almost certain that getting Jeff out won't be easy and will clearly be expensive. But the Shadow Broker's ship on Hagalaz is in a storm, which means a very good pilot and a tough ship are needed. And also to ensure he knows as few strangers as possible.
The SSV Normandy was exactly such a ship. EDI is unavailable, which means someone who can compete with her is needed. And that's Jeff. I'm sure I can convince him. Especially since Joker knows how to keep quiet. The next day, training began. From memory, I reproduced the layout of the Broker's ship, the defense systems. Everything I remembered.
Mother began sending the most trusted commandos who would go with me. Twelve Asari, seven of whom we killed at Peak 15. This time, I hope, they won't end up with Saren Arterius. All my aunties, whom I've known since childhood. And respect, of course. Saren should still be a child now, so he isn't a problem right now either. I saw his dossier as the Broker; Saren is cruel and hates humanity.
It will be quite ironic if it turns out that in this reality too, his brother died. Or himself. Saren became a Spectre in 2159. It's currently 2146. Right now the young Turian is only seven years old, and his brother is ten. Too early to worry. But perhaps I'll have to arrange an accident for him. Let's note that down.
But it's worth worrying about the training. All the numerous aunties are happy to run the "youngest" through the obstacle course, not forgetting to hurl Biotics. Outwardly, nothing unusual is happening; Benezia is preparing me for release into the world and wants to make sure I can protect myself. She was doing that anyway. More informed people might notice the accumulation of equipment and the preparation of the ship for use. Но by itself, this is also not surprising; Matriarchs with power do not travel by hitchhiking, only on a personal ship with a security squad, hiding the route as much as possible from the curious.
Extracting Joker took a bit longer. Jeff really is wildly in demand and is currently on a mission. But Benezia, clearly agreeing that the flight would not be simple, invested in strengthening the ship and decided to wait for his return, spending the time on preparation and training. Not that she was wrong...
Joker arrived another week and a half later. He actually looks quite good, even with a cane. I should probably put this guy on a diet. He's put on weight.
"Hey, Jeff."
He laughed, waving his free hand. I think this guy needs a diet. He's gained weight.
"Liara! It's been a while," he looked around and whistled, "not a bad little house you've got here. Mine is more modest."
I smiled.
"This is the home of my mother, Matriarch Benezia. Let's go inside; she'll be glad to see you."
When we reached the living room and I turned on the jammer, he asked, continuing to smirk:
"Well, what can I do for you today? Why was the help of the best pilot in the galaxy needed?"
Jeff, as usual. But I said just one word.
"Hagalaz."
Joker suddenly turned serious.
"So, the time has come. Didn't manage to shake off the old—"
purse?
Benezia's voice came from behind.
"I'm not that old, Lieutenant. Except perhaps compared to you," she said, and looking at the embarrassed Jeff, added, "We have agreed that my daughter's interests and mine align. And for the success of her operation, she needs the best pilot available. The very best and the most reliable. You."
Joker nodded.
"That's true. The conditions there are difficult. I take it your commandos will be the landing party?" Mom nodded. "And the ship?"
"My reinforced one-hundred-and-fifty-meter yacht. Will that suffice?"
Joker shrugged.
"I'll need to see it. The conditions there are truly unfavorable. Storms, lightning, wind. I'll fly the ship in, but I can't guarantee it will hold up for long, and you might end up needing a new yacht."
Benezia merely waved this off.
"In the event that you succeed, I am prepared to overlook that. Get the result; that is all that is required of you. A ship can be replaced."
"We'll manage," I said confidently. "Asari commandos are the best in Citadel Space. And besides, we know where to go and what to expect. This will work."
Two days later, the Matriarch's ship launched from the Thessia spaceport and headed for the Mass Relay. Hagalaz is located in the Sovilo system, in the Hourglass Nebula. The third planet of the system. There is no Element Zero in the system; the atmosphere of the garden world is not suitable for life. Normal temperatures reach +72 during the day and -64 at night. Furthermore, the atmosphere creates a colossal storm front, within which the Shadow Broker's ship is hidden.
"Welcome to the Broker's place," Joker declared cheerfully. "The weather is non-flyable, but that's business as usual here."
I hope we aren't being watched. Finding the Broker's ship would take some time. The ship was located about six hours later. It was the same as when I had commanded it. An elongated four-hundred-meter cruiser, covered in lightning rods and a massive "plow" at the front to shield against radiation waves and gas in the planet's unstable atmosphere. Flashes of lightning were visible from time to time.
Jalim, one of the commandos, leaned on Jeff's chair and spoke in shock.
"Impressive. How long has it been there?"
I shrugged.
"The information wasn't preserved. But it was built by the very first Shadow Broker. We land on the hull, breach an entrance, and take the ship. Most of the crew has never seen the Broker, so a total sweep won't be necessary. He's quite the paranoid type."
The ship, by the way, is good not only as a base and command center with a bunch of quantum beacons. The storm control system can be used to allow the ship to travel abnormally long in FTL. The lightning rods will intercept static and put it to use, so whereas the SSV Normandy needs to be discharged every fifty hours, this ship can hold out for a month. It is still lightly armed and limited by fuel reserves, but as a stealthy and protected machine, it is amazing. Perhaps I can use it to get information from human space. Once the ship is under control.
"Jeff, do you think we can borrow you again?"
Joker chuckled.
"I'm in high demand, Liara, but I think an agreement is possible. Where are we flying?"
"I don't know yet, but perhaps we'll be able to find out more about the humans. Maybe we can reach an understanding."
Joker nodded.
"That would be good. But you're better at that than I am. I trust you. As for the transfer, you know how it works with your people. The military is funded by the Matriarchs. So I'm not against it, but it's not my decision to make either."
That meant I should see to it. I trust Jeff enough to use him.
I wasn't allowed in the first wave of the landing. Mom's commandos quickly breached one of the hatches with biotics and moved inside, clearing section after section. All that remained for me was to find the Turian, his "pet" Yahg twisted into a pretzel, and take command.
"The Shadow Broker is listening. Report, immediately."
Jalim smiled and said:
"I will inform Matriarch Benezia that the task is complete, Broker. She will be pleased and, I expect, will wish to utilize your services in the future."
There will be a price for a deal with the devil, I remember. But, let's hope it works. So far, it's working perfectly.
"Let's see what the galaxy has to offer us. And this ship."
***
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