The Citadel XIV
"You have quite a gift, Sha'ira." Sampson praises her insight.
"Thank you, not everyone appreciates it as you do. Never underestimate the power of words." Sha'ira says before giving Sampson a kiss on the cheek and walking over to Sapphire, leaving Sampson slightly flustered.
"And for your efforts, I offer a similar gift. An affirmation of who you are and who you will become… You have suffered a terrible loss… This loss would have broken lesser beings, but you stand, fractured but ready for what comes. You are a natural leader, others will follow you when all hope seems lost, and you will persevere as you always have." Sha'ira says, addressing Sapphire, who is at a bit of a loss, leaving her stunned long enough for Sha'ira to wrap her in a hug before kissing her cheek as well.
"Upon Septimus' glowing recommendation and in light of your efforts with the elcor ambassador, I would like you to have this small trinket." Sha'ira says, handing a small wrapped item, no bugger than an old thumb drive.
"What is it?" Sapphire asks in confusion, still slightly out of it from this turn of events.
"A small mystery. I have never learned its use or purpose, but I sense it is time for me to pass it on. And now, I must ask you to leave. I have done everything I can for you. I wish you both the best in the long road that lies ahead." Sha'ira says before turning around to enter her bed pod.
"Um... Thanks?" Sapphire says with confusion as she slides the trinket into one of the storage slots on her armor.
"So, what should we do now?" Ashley asks when Sampson's communicator goes off.
"It looks like they're ready for us." Sampson says.
"Huh, guess interstellar bureaucracy moves quicker than back on earth." Kaiden says with a shrug.
"Oh, just you wait; bureaucracy is bureaucracy, regardless of where you find it in the galaxy." Garrus adds.
"Alright, let's head out." Sampson orders as the team walks to the elevator that takes them directly to the Council Area.
Once inside the elevator, a recruitment ad plays.
[Are you sick of letting corrupt politicians, unscrupulous mercenaries, dirty cops, and gangs run rampant? Do you feel oppressed and underutilized? Are you willing to lay down your life to protect the innocent regardless of the consequences? Are you ready for a life of action and adventure? Then, the Void Guardians want you! Type in the keywords 'Bright Future' in your nearest extranet terminal to learn more.]
"Huh, they've really been pushing recruitment lately." Garrus comments.
"Really? What exactly are they? Sapphire asks.
"Some merc company. They mainly operate out in the terminus systems because what they do isn't exactly legal by Council Law." Garrus explains.
"Bunch of goody to shoes if you ask me." Wrex grumbles as the elevator opens, and the team rushes up the walkway of the council chambers, where Anderson is waiting at the bottom of a staircase.
"You're just in time, Udina's presenting the Aquarian's evidence to the council." Anderson says, leading Sampson and Sapphire up to the council, leaving the rest of the squad at the base of the stairs.
[Eden Prime was a major victory! The beacon has brought us one step closer to finding the Conduit.]
[And one step closer to the return of the Reapers.]
"You wanted proof. There it is!" Udina shouts righteously.
"This evidence is irrefutable, Ambassador. Saren will be stripped of his Spectre status and all efforts will be made to bring him in to answer for his crimes." Sparatus acquiesces.
"I recognize the other voice, the one speaking with Saren. Matriarch Benezia." Tevos says after a brief moment of contemplation.
"Who's she?" Sampson asks.
"Does it matter? We already know she's a traitor." Sapphire says under her breathe.
"Matriarchs are powerful asari who have entered the final stage of their lives. Revered for their wisdom and experience, they serve as guides and mentors to my people. Matriarch Benezia is a powerful biotic, and she had many followers. She will make a formidable ally for Saren." Tevos explains.
"I'm more interested in the Reapers. What do you know about them?" Valern asks as they rest their hand on their chin.
"Only what was extracted from the geth's memory core. The Reapers were an ancient race of machines that wiped out the Protheans. Then they vanished." Anderson explains to the best of his knowledge.
"The geth believe the Reapers are gods. And Saren is the prophet for their return." Sampson interjects.
"We think the Conduit is the key to bringing them back. Saren's searching for it. That's why he attacked Eden Prime." Anderson concludes.
"Do we even know what this Conduit is?" Valern questions.
"Saren thinks it can bring back the Reapers. That's all we need to known." Sapphire retorts.
"Listen to what you're saying! Saren wants to bring back the machines that wiped out all life in the galaxy? Impossible! It has to be!" Sparatus denies.
"Where did the Reapers go? Why did they vanish? How come we've found no trace of their existence? If they were real, we'd have found something!" Sparatus continues his denial.
"Look, I tried to warn you about Saren, and you refused to face the truth. Don't make the same mistake again." Sampson argues passionately.
"This is different. You proved Saren betrayed the Council. We all agree he's using the geth to search for the Conduit, but we don't really know why." Tevos tries to mediate.
"The Reapers are obviously just a myth. Commander. A convenient lie to cover Saren's true purpose. A legend he is using to bend the geth to his will." Valern explains his view.
"Fifty thousand years ago, the Reapers wiped out all galactic civilization! If Saren finds the Conduit, it will happen again!" Sampson warns in agitation as his headache starts to flair up once again.
"Saren is a rogue agent on the run for his life. He no longer has the rights or resources of a Spectre. The Council has stripped him of his position." Spartus counters dismissively.
"That is not good enough! You know he's hiding somewhere in the Traverse! Send your fleet in!" Udina demands.