The Citadel VI
"But I saw how he operates. No conscience. No hesitation. He'd kill a thousand innocent civilians to end a war without a second thought." Anderson says in disgust.
"Killing innocents doesn't end wars. It causes them." Sampson says in a similar disgust.
"I know how the world works, Commander. Sometimes you're forced to make unpleasant decisions. But only if there's no other way. Saren doesn't even look for another option. He's twisted, broken. He likes the violence, the killing. And he knows how to cover his tracks." Anderson counters while elaborating on Saren's personality.
"I see, what can you tell us about the Shadow Broker?" Sampson asks.
"He's a necessary evil of galactic politics. Buying and selling information is part of the game, and the Shadow Broker just happens to be the best player on the field. Always sells to the highest bidder. Doesn't get involved in politics. Doesn't pick sides. A simple system, but it works. He's not a threat to anyone. Not directly. He's just a resource we can use. Or she is. Or maybe they are. Nobody really knows." Anderson says outlining the illicit system.
"What information do you have about their representative, Barla Von?" Sampson questions.
"He's a money man. Specializes in moving large sums of money without leaving a paper trail. A financial genius. Doesn't do anything illegal, but he knows all the loopholes. He's got an impressive client list: ambassadors, diplomats, Spectres. That's probably why the Shadow Broker uses him." Anderson explains.
"What do you know about the Spectres? Are they like the N7, S7 even?" Sampson asks with interest.
"They're similar, but they're their own unique government agency. They tend to work alone, behind the scenes. They take care of problems the Council can't. It's not easy preserving the peace across the entire galaxy. The Council prefers to use diplomacy and negotiation, but sometimes more extreme measures are needed." Anderson compares.
"I know Nihlus was meant to observe me and my sister, but how does the Council decide who becomes a Spectre?" Sampson asks.
"You can't just apply to join. There's no training program. Spectres aren't made… They're born." Anderson says standing up straighter, "The Council's always looking for exceptional individuals. People who can get the job done, like you two. They've been studying you for years. They see something in you two. They want you on their side. Nihlus was supposed to give them a final recommendation, but with him gone, things are still up in the air."
Sampson contemplates to himself for a moment before asking, "What's their command structure like?"
"There is no command structure. Each Spectre answers directly to the Council. Sometimes they're sent on specific missions. Other times they act on their own. They tend to operate outside the law. Do whatever it takes to accomplish their goals. And the Council just turns a blind eye. Spectres have a lot of power, Commander." Anderson says with mild disdain.
"They sound more like shadow operatives than members of a military." Sampson questions.
"Everything about them is classified. We don't even know how many there are. The latest Alliance estimate puts their numbers under a hundred. But the Council couldn't do its job without them. They're the Citadel's top agents. The last line of defense. The final option before open war. The entire galaxy respects and fears them. If a Specte shows up, you know something big is about to happen." Anderson emphasizes.
"And if they go rogue? Like Saren? Do they ever actually do anything about that?" Sapphire asks sarcastically popping into the conversation.
"It doesn't happen often. The Council is careful when they select their candidates. But when something does go wrong, there's usually only one solution: send another Spectre to bring the rogue agent down." Anderson explains.
"I guess Jenkins was right. What about Harkin, what's his story?" Sampson asks.
"The guy joined C-Sec about twenty years ago. He's been an embarrassment to our species ever since. Roughing up suspects in custody, bribery accusations, alcohol and drug use. The embassy used to step in when he got in trouble, but I guess enough was enough." Anderson says in disdain.
"The guy sounds like a scumbag. He should have been cut a long time ago." Sapphire adds.
"He was one of the first human C-Sec officers. Guess it would have looked bad if he got fired. A lot of backroom deals were worked out over the years to keep him on the force. Politics is a dirty business sometimes. But it looks like his time's run out. We've got enough in C-Sec now to stop protecting him." Anderson reasons with a shrug.
"Understood, sir. We should get going." Sampson says giving Anderson a salute.
"Good luck, Commander. I'll be over in the ambassador's office if you need anything else." Anderson says returning the salute before departing.
The team takes the elevators down to the Wards, overhearing a few interesting news stories. Hanars protesting a salarian expedition's prothean dig site… The drop in human colonization efforts and interest after what happened to Eden Prime.
Pausing at a beautiful panoramic view of the Citadel's 5 Ward arms. Causing the team to stop and admire the view, leaning against the wide railing.
"Big place." Kaiden says in awe.
"That your professional opinion, sir?" Ashley asks sarcastically.
"This isn't a station; it's a city! It's over 40 kilometers long with millions of residents, and don't even get me started on the defenses!" Sampson say with a gleeful glint in his eyes.
"Hmph, you're such a nerd when it comes to space stuff. Seriously, I much prefer solid ground and my Mako to any hunk of space junk." Sapphire says causing Sampson to roll his eyes.
"So many people. It can't be possible to track everyone coming and going." Kaiden adds breaking the silence.
"This makes Jump Zero look like a portal-john. And it's the largest deep space station in the Alliance has." Ashley adds.
"Yeah, I bet the entire population of Gagarin Station wouldn't even fill up a tenth of the Presidium." Sampson says silently studying the darting space crafts through the window.