Prologue II
"Good luck, Commander." Pressly says, turning back to his navigation console.
Sampson continues through the CIC before overhearing an eager recruit speaking to the ship's doctor.
"I grew up on Eden Prime, Doc. It's not the kind of place Spectres visit. There's something Nihlus isn't telling us about this mission." The young Corporal tells the doctor.
"That's crazy. The captain's in charge here. He wouldn't take orders from a Spectre." The doctor retorts before the corporal turns to Sampson.
"What do you think Commander? We won't be staying on Eden Prime too long, will we? I'm itching for some real action!" Jenkins, as his name tag displays, salutes Sampson as he approaches.
"I sincerely hope you are kidding Corporal. Your 'real action' usually ends with me patching up crew members in the infirmary." The doctor chides.
"You need to calm down Corporal. A good soldier stays cool, even off mission." Sampson advises.
"Sorry Commander. But this waiting's killing me. I've never been on a mission like this before. Not one with a Spectre on board!" Jenkins exclaims.
"It's fine, what can you tell me about Nihlus?" Sampson asks.
"Turians are generally well-respected by the other species. Their fleet has more patrols protecting Citadel space than any other. They don't always get on well with us, though. Some people find them too rigid. Others still blame them for the First Contact War. As for Nihlus, I haven't said more than two words to him. He's usually on the bridge with the captain." The doctor comments.
"I heard Nihlus once took down an entire enemy platoon all by himself. Man, I can't believe I'm on a mission with an actual Spectre!" Jenkins enthuses.
"What do you know about Spectres?" Sampson asks further.
"Only what I've heard. Spectre agents work directly for the Citadel Council. They usually work alone or in small groups. Spectres don't have any official power, though. Basically, they're a shadow organization with a mandate to preserve and protect galactic stability." The doctor explains.
"Protect it at any cost. Don't forget that part. Spectres operate above the law!" Jenkins interjects.
"Why don't we have any of our own people in there?" Sampson asks.
"Well, Spectres usually come from the Council races. Mostly the Turians given the prowess of their militaristic state. But, we've been trying to get a human accepted into their ranks for years now. So far, it hasn't happened." The doctor replies.
"Hey, Commander! You'd make a great Spectre! You're a war hero, right? Held off an entire enemy fleet during the Blitz single-handed! That's the kind of talent the Spectres are looking for!" Jenkins brags as if he saw it firsthand.
"This is all just wild speculation. The Spectres aren't interested in recruiting humans, no matter how capable they are." The doctor retorts.
"I don't know if I like that comparison, Corporal. I'd like to think of myself as an Alliance man who goes by the book. How does the Council even control agents with unlimited power?" Sampson critiques.
"I suppose the Council could... Revoke the Spectre status of an agent who got out of hand? At that point, I guess, Citadel Security Services would take over and handle the arrest and what not." Doctor Chakwas ponders.
"Ha! You can't be serious Doc, those C-Sec grunts wouldn't stand a chance! A specter's worth twenty veteran soldiers at least! The Spectres police themselves. An agent goes rogue, they send another agent to take'em down! Now that is Spectre Justice!" Jenkins retorts.
"The corporal's confusing romantic legends with reality, Commander." Chakwas's banters back.
"You're from Eden Prime, aren't you Jenkins? What's it like?" Sampson asks with interest, trying to redirect the conversation.
"It's very peaceful, Commander. They've been real careful with development, so you don't have any city noise or pollution. My parents lived on the outskirts of the colony. At night, I used to climb this big hill and stare across the fields back at the lights from the main settlement. It was gorgeous! But, when I got older, I realized it was a little too calm and quiet for me. That's why I joined the Alliance. Even paradise gets boring after a while." Jenkins' jokes.
"That sounds great Jenkins. Me and my sisters grew up bouncing around different Alliance ports, stations, and ships for most of our childhood. Aside from a couple of years spent on Earth and a small colony in the outskirts. I still find the endless drift of space where I feel the most grounded, ironically enough. Any idea why Eden Prime was chosen as our destination?" Sampson asks back.
"Not really sure, Commander. Eden Prime's one of our most stable colonies. Good place to take the Normandy for her shakedown run, I guess. No real danger there. But there's got to be something else going on. We've got a Spectre on board! That's why I'm so wound up! I can't wait for the real mission to start!" Jenkins exclaims in anticipation.
"Well, the Captain is waiting." Sampson says as he walks away to the comms room where he finds Nihlus is speaking with Sapphire.
"Ah, Commander, you are finally here. The Lieutenant Colonel has been keeping me company in the meantime. I am grateful for the chance to talk before the Captain arrives." Nihlus states.
"Talk? What about?" Sampson asks while looking at Sapphire who gives him a cautious look.
"I'm interested in this world we're going to," Nihlus says beginning to pace about the room, "Eden Prime. I've heard it's quite beautiful."
"I have heard it's beyond beautiful, a paradise even." Sampson affirms.
"Yes… A paradise. Serene. Tranquil. Safe. Eden Prime has become something of a symbol for your people, hasn't it? Proof that humanity can not only establish colonies across the galaxy but also protect them. But how safe is it, really?" Nihlus says with a pointed gaze.
"Is that a threat?" Sapphire says starting to move towards Nihlus before Sampson grabs her arm and holds her back.
"Do you know something?" Sampson asks.