Familial Ties

Okay… So I am kind of shamelessly obsessed with Mass Effect, especially the Shepard/Garrus romance. I read a lot of it and I tried to stay away from writing my own fanfic but I just can't hold back anymore! I don't know how long I will keep this going but I may write through all of the games and quite possibly beyond, from the looks of it, I'll be in for the long haul.

This is loosely based on my playthrough, though with some changes. Jane Shepard has an older brother, John, who works at C-Sec with Garrus. How will Garrus deal when he finds out that John's sister is part of the alliance military and in line to become the first human Spectre, when he has never even heard about her from John? Although I will not be going through every detail of the games, I hope to add in a lot. I don't know about you but I do like to revisit the games and sometimes just reading through a story is just easier and takes less time, so I can still get my Mass Effect fix. Most of what I will be putting in here will take place between missions, but occasionally it will go into missions, just to help keep place and add some dialogue/actions. I know that at first it will look like a novelization of the game, but I promise it won't be. The beginning is just to set up how everything fits. I'll see how this all develops. Thank you!

Chapter 1

He scrolled through the datapad, looking for anything pertinent. No luck. He slammed his fist down on the table, frustrated that he was blocked, yet again. They had put him in charge of the investigation into Saren but no one was offering any help and he was getting nowhere fast. Sliding the datapad across the table he placed his head in his hand, pounding the table in frustration with the other.

"Damn, Garrus. What the hell is eating you?"

Garrus looked up to spot his friend and fellow C-Sec agent, John Shepard, enter the room. John had earned his respect a while ago and the two had become good friends. Though Garrus struggled to keep up with all of the human expressions, this one had been used frequently on him. "Why would they give me an investigation into a Spectre and then not give me the resources to adequately complete it?"

"Ah, still on that are you?" John poured a cup of coffee and sat down on the opposite side of the table. "My guess would be that there is something there and someone is trying to cover it up. Something must have gotten out of hand and now they are trying to sweep him and his deeds under the rug."

"My thoughts exactly." He sat up a little straighter and eyed the brown brew in the mug. Although the smell wasn't revolting, it didn't seem to be that appealing either. "I have exhausted every resource that I know of and have found next to nothing. Where am I supposed to go from here?"

John reclined back in the chair, stretching his arms and twisting his back until several pops were heard. Garrus winced at each one, unsure if the human body should be making that sound but looked past it since John didn't seem too concerned. "Well, you know, Garrus, I might be able to help out."

"You?" he scoffed. "How can you help me out?"

"Well, damn! Forget it if you are going to act that way." He rocked back in his chair, balancing on the back legs. Garrus was tempted to nudge him a little, just to test the human's reflexes.

"What information do you have?" the turian mumbled.

"Nope. I don't think so. You hurt my feelings. After all we have been through and you go and treat me that way." John's voice was over exaggerating the hurt but his face kept the same smile. He wove his fingers together and planted them on top of his head, rubbing the short cropped hair. "Come on, give me those puppy dog, turian eyes." John could only laugh at the scowl he received from the menacing predator across from him. "Fine, fine. I happen to know of someone coming through the Citadel today that has some information against Saren. And, so I hear, is being evaluated for Spectre candidacy."

"What?!" Garrus all but jumped up.

"Go ahead, grovel."

"Wait, how do you have that kind of contact?"

"Let's just call it, an inside source."

Garrus could see the grin on the human's face; something was up. He knew basics about this man, he was a spacer, his parents alliance military, frequently moved between ships and stations, an honest man, no dark past or seedy connections, a brutal force with a gun, a great officer that held similar thoughts like him about doing the right thing, and above all, a good friend, even if he was a pain in the ass a lot of the time. "I need to go talk to Executor Pallin, get myself more time perhaps. Maybe he can do something about the council." He stood up and took a step towards the door then stopped and looked back at John. "You want to join me on this one?"

"Why, Garrus, I thought you would never ask." He placed a hand over his heart then stood up and fell in line with Garrus towards the door.

"So, this up and coming Spectre, you know anything about him? Think he is trustworthy?"

"She."

"Excuse me?"

"The soon-to-be Spectre is a woman, and, get this, a human. And, yeah," he chuckled at a hidden joke that was lost on Garrus, "she is trustworthy. I have known her for… quite a while you could say," John's smile seemed to grow a little more.

"And do I get to hear her name, so I know who I am looking for?"

"Nope. That is why you are bringing me along."

"Saren is hiding something! Give me more time. Stall them," Garrus said, he was starting to get frustrated with Pallin but he secretly knew there was nothing else he could do, even this was a stretch. John stood silently at his side; at least he knew when to back down. Pallin wasn't the most supportive of humans.

"Stall the Council?" Pallin mocked. "Don't be ridiculous! Your investigation is over, Garrus."

As he watched Pallin turn his back, Garrus could hear the three sets of footsteps to his left, two light, one heavier. Turning his head he scanned the three humans that walked a little closer, they all wore similarly styled Alliance armor. He scanned his eyes over the three of them, none looking particularly formidable, there was a man in the back with dark fringe and dark eyes, a woman next to him with dark fringe and dark eyes as well but darker skin, and the woman in front, obviously the leader, had fair skin, dark blue eyes, a faint scar just under her right eye and yellow fringe pulled back into a lump behind her head. He knew that human fringe was different than his, but whenever he saw someone with it pulled back, he couldn't help but wonder how it didn't hurt. That color blue of her eyes seems so familiar, where have I seen it before?

Just as he was about to turn his back on them he heard John call out and push past him, "Sis! Got your message. Good to finally see you again."

"Hey, John," the leader said as they reached for each other and gave a quick hug.

Garrus looked at the two humans behind her and saw the same shock that he felt on their faces. Now he knew where he had seen the blue of her eyes, it was the same as John's. He stood there, dumbfounded and a little unsure of himself, a feeling he was not used to having.

John turned to face Garrus with an arm draped over his sister's shoulders. "Garrus, I want you to meet Commander Jane Shepard, my little sister. Jane, this is Garrus Vakarian, a fellow C-Sec Officer."

Garrus straightened his stature a little more and gave a slight nod to her. "Commander Shepard. I was the officer in charge of the C-Sec investigation into Saren." He kept his eyes on the female Shepard but saw John roll his eyes.

"Well, that's Garrus for you, not one too fond of small talk," John released his sister and stood to the side with Jane and Garrus in his sights.

"Officer Vakarian, nice to meet you. Come across anything I should know about?"

She seemed completely at ease with him; he couldn't be sure if John had already told her about him or if she just didn't have an issue with aliens, unlike the woman on the side seemed to. The male seemed too preoccupied with looking at John and checking out his commanding officer. "Saren's a Spectre. Most of his activities are classified. I couldn't find anything solid," he gave a slight shake of his head, disappointed in himself. "But I know he's up to something. Like you humans say: I feel it in my gut."

"So, you do listen to me!" John exclaimed giving him a light punch in the shoulder. "I knew some of our Earthly sayings would rub off on you."

Garrus and Jane both looked over at John and Garrus thought that he saw her crack a small smile and shake her head at him, something very similar to what he always did.

"I think the Council is ready for us, Commander," the man from the back spoke up. Jane glanced over her shoulder at him and gave a curt nod.

"John, good to see you. And Vakarian, good luck with him. I'm sure you know it already but he can be a real ass."

Garrus couldn't help when his mandibles twitched into a grin; he might just like this other Shepard as well.

"Yeah, yeah, love you too, sis. We still on for dinner this evening?"

"As long as I don't get caught up in a firefight on the way there."

"Knowing you, that will probably happen, so I'm expecting you there anyway."

Garrus crossed his arms and nodded to her once again, "Good luck, Shepard. Maybe they'll listen to you."

She gave a reciprocal nod then motioned for her squad to follow her as she marched forward between the two C-Sec agents. As she walked by John, Garrus caught the slightest exchange between the two of them, something very similar to what he and Solana shared, a silent communication between brother and sister. Just before he was out of reach, he saw her twist back and punch him in the arm. Even with armor on, he could see the jolt that went through John.

"Alright, Garrus. We can't stand around here looking pretty all day."

They walked back to the elevator in silence, John as carefree as ever, the events that had just happened pulling on Garrus' mind. John pressed the button for C-Sec and leaned against the wall.

"Why didn't you tell me, John?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb with me. We have known each other for how long and you didn't mention that you had a sister? You told me that you were a spacer and your mother is still in the Alliance Military. Why not tell me about Commander Shepard."

"Why, you looking for an angle, Vakarian?" John chuckled but there was a look behind his eyes that told Garrus to tread carefully.

"Please… your species is a little too soft for my taste. How you even survived long enough to develop culture is beyond me," he teased.

"Yeah, thanks for that, turian," he paused and looked down at his feet. The door opened and they headed towards the C-Sec offices. "Look, I'm sorry that I didn't tell you more about my family. I guess, in all honesty, I don't want to be compared to her. I know that I can't stack up to her, but I am okay with that. I am still pretty protective over her even though we are often separated. She gets too much recognition already so I try not to bring more to her. I know it is kind of stupid and doesn't make much sense… hell, I know that I am not explaining this right."

It was the sincerest Garrus had ever seen the human look, and Garrus couldn't help but relate in some way. He knew exactly what John was trying to say: he was proud of his sister but didn't want to get in her way or bring more attention by dropping her name everywhere. He knew that it would be the same for him if he and Solana were in their situation. Actually, come to think of it, I have only mentioned my parents and sister to him, and not in great deal. "I understand, John. I really do."

"Thanks, man. And who knows, maybe I can talk you up some to Jane when I see her for dinner tonight," he barked out a loud laugh as Garrus started walking away from him, shaking his head.

Sitting down at his desk, Garrus pulled up the extranet. He knew that he should probably just ask John but he didn't want to bother him and all that he needed to know were the basics.

Commander Jane Shepard

Enlisted at age 18

Both parents Alliance Military (See Hannah Shepard)

Class: Vanguard

Psychological Profile:

Jane Shepard is willing to risk her own life to save those of her fellow soldiers and crew members. She is most well known for her heroism on Elysium repelling the attack by batarian slavers, almost single-handedly. It was during this feat that she risked her life for her squad and saved countless lives. Her bravery and heroism earned her several medals and recognition from the Alliance fleet.

To see more detailed information, Click Here.

Garrus was impressed, to say the least. No wonder she is being considered as a Spectre. She seemed like a formidable individual, one respectable enough to follow.

He tapped his talons along the desk staring blankly at the information he just received. All the restrictions of C-Sec were wearing his plates thin. There was an itch he couldn't scratch and that was Saren. The turian was disgracing their race and something needed to be done about it. So far, the only one who had a chance at getting what he needed was John's sister, Jane Shepard. Maybe John could sweet talk his sister into letting him tag along if she got Spectre status. Right now the idea seemed pretty good, even if it would enrage his father; working for a Spectre, let alone a human Spectre. The idea was laughable.

"Garrus, got a little time on your hands?"

He shook his head trying to snap out of his reverie, "Sure John, what is it?"

"I think we need to look into that doctor. The human, Dr. Chloe Michel?"

"I assume you want some back-up?"

"Well, I wouldn't put it quite like that, but I will admit that it helps to have a scary turian behind me. What do ya say?"

"Sure. I need something to take my mind off things anyway."

John nodded to him and leaned against the desk. He surveyed his surroundings then waved at the human leaving the offices, "See you later, Harkin." The man scowled back at him and stormed out of C-Sec. "Damn, I hate that guy. You know they suspended him, right? I wonder if he came in here to request his job back or just to stomp around for a bit. Things are going to get worse for him down the road, mark my words."

Garrus gave a small snort and nodded his head, his eyes still fixed on the desk.

"Alright, cough it up, what is going on?"

Garrus looked around and saw that they were pretty much alone. He leaned forward and whispered, "I'm thinking about leaving C-Sec. I can't stand all these restrictions and-"

"I know. You want to get Saren."

He was slightly surprised, John picked up on more than he let on. "Yeah."

"What are you going to do instead?"

"Think your sister will let me tag along?"

"Ohhh… now your true colors show, turian. You are only helping me so I will talk you up to my sister. If she takes you I might have to come along just to protect my sister's virtue," he smirked at his friend.

Garrus reeled his head back and scrutinized John, "Really? What the hell do you think is going to happen? You humans are a little too squishy for my taste."

"Don't worry buddy. If I know her half as well as I think I do, she will let you tag along. She needs someone decent enough to watch her six and I doubt that piss-hand she had with her today is any good."

"A million light-years from where humanity began, and we walk into a bar filled with men drooling over half-naked women, shaking their asses on the stage. I can't decide if that's funny or sad," Ashley said glancing up at the asari above the bar. She rolled her eyes and stared straight ahead.

"What?" Kaidan mocked, "You don't think they are here because of the food? I mean, I see why this place is so popular. It's got quite the uh… view."

Shepard walked to the right of the bar and when she glanced over her should she found Kaidan staring at the asari dancing on her knees that she just passed. She didn't like being here anymore than Ashley did but her brother wasn't answering his omni-tool and she needed to talk to Garrus.

"Hey, Lieutenant, put your tongue back in your mouth before you trip on it."

Jane didn't have to turn around to see the look on both of their faces. She wasn't overly fond of either of them right now but if this kind of banter kept up, she might just bring them along more often. Taking a few more steps, she stepped past the bright red lights and into the cool glow of blue to face a human sitting at a table by himself. That must be Harkin.

"Hey there, sweetheart. Looking for some fun?" he leered at her. "Cause I gotta say, that soldier get-up looks reeeal good on that bod of yours. Why don't you sit your sweet little ass down beside old Harkin? Have a drink, and see where this goes."

He gave her a sickening grin and she wanted nothing more than to punch it off his ugly mug. She heard Kaidan take a small step forward but Ashley stopped him, "I'd rather drink a cup of acid after chewing on a razor blade."

"You trying to hurt my feelings? You gotta do better than that! After twenty years in C-Sec, I've been called every name in the book, princess."

This was getting harder not to kill him. "Call me princess again and you'll be picking your teeth up off the floor. Now tell me where Garrus Vakarian is."

"Okay, okay! Just relax! Garrus you say? Hmm, you must be one of Anderson's crew. Poor bastard's still trying to bring Saren down, huh?" He looked off to his right, obviously ogling a dancer across the room. "I'll tell you where Garrus is, but you gotta tell me somethin' first. Did the captain let you in on his big secret?"

"Yeah I already know about what happened between him and Saren. And I wouldn't believe a drunk like you anyhow. So, just tell me where Garrus went."

"Garrus went with that kid, John, to sniff around Dr. Michel's office. She runs the med clinic on the other side of the wards. Last I heard they were going back there."

Jane was about to leave until another thought slipped into her head, "What do you know about Garrus?"

"Damn hot head is what he is," Harkin spat. "Still figures he can save the world. Always bucking heads with the executor. He'll pay for it soon enough. The executor loves to put us lowly field agents in our place. Just look what happened to me!"

"You need to look in a mirror. Sober up and take some responsibility for yourself."

"Save your sermons, this ain't no church."

"Fine, I'm out of here."

"Yeah good, go, let me drink in peace."

They exited Chora's Den and marched down to the transport station. As Jane called for the transport she heard Kaidan and Ashley shuffling and whispering behind her. "What is it you two?"

"Um, nothing Commander," Kaidan murmured.

"Actually, I have something to say, Commander," Ashley stepped up. Jane turned around to eye the other woman in her group. "Do you think we could really trust this turian? He seemed to have a bit of a vendetta against this Saren guy."

"He will be a valuable asset. And this isn't up for discussion," she turned her back on the woman as the transport arrived. Ashley seemed like a good soldier but there was a bit of a xenophobic nature starting to show. Jane wasn't one to choose based on species, and she wasn't about to start now.

Garrus placed his hand along the half wall to help support himself as he stayed low. John was ahead of him as they listened to the thugs harassing the doctor. They had to do something soon or she would be killed. Just as they moved forward he saw the door open and the familiar golden hair of Commander Shepard walk through the door. John must have noticed her too because he started to move forward and prepared himself to jump out to confront the men.

"I didn't tell anyone. I swear!" the red-headed doctor wailed.

"That was smart doc. Now if John comes around, you stay smart. Now keep your mouth shut or we'll-" he cut himself off as his eyes landed on Shepard. "Who are you?!"

"Let her go," Jane demanded in an even tone after pulling her pistol on him. Just as she finished her sentence, John jumped around the corner and shot the man through his temple. As his body began to fall to the ground, Garrus and John took a few steps closer, challenging the thug's followers.

"Now it gets fun!" one of the men yelled.

John grabbed Dr. Michel and pulled her behind a wall partition just as Garrus positioned himself behind a crate. He readied his gun but stopped when he saw John wave him down. "Just let her handle it, trust me, she is happier this way."

Garrus was confused by the human's smug expression but held off for a second. He saw the azure of her biotics ripple around her body as she thrust her hand into the air, causing one of the men to lift off the ground, the other woman and man easily dispatched him as he lazily bumped into the ceiling. By this point the other two criminals had taken cover and Jane dashed around to the wall partition that was in Garrus' direct sight.

Her eyes met his and he nodded over to John, suddenly feeling very self-conscious for not joining in the fight. She narrowed her eyes at John, who only gave a small shrug. Rolling her eyes at him she leaned out from the wall and fired one calculated shot at the fire containment system sitting against the back wall. A large explosion sounded and the men yelled out in pain behind their cover. Without any fear, she ran forward and fired a few shots into each thug, efficiently ending the fight.

"What the hell, John?" she called out from across the room.

John gave Garrus a grimaced look and stood up, extending a hand to Dr. Michel. "What? It looked like you were having fun, no reason for us to get in your way. Perfect timing though, sis. Gave me a clear shot at that bastard."

"What were you thinking, John?" she demanded. "You could have hit the hostage!"

Garrus took a small step forward, "Honestly, there wasn't time to think. We had to react. Dr. Michel, are you hurt?" he turned to the red-headed doctor, he was getting a little nervous under Shepard's gaze.

"No, I'm okay. Thanks to you, all of you," she turned her attention on Jane.

"I know those men threatened you," Shepard started in a soft voice, "but if you tell us who they work for, we can protect you."

"They work for Fist. They wanted to shut me up. Keep me from telling John about the quarian," her accent was made thicker with the stress of the situation.

"Does this have anything to do with the investigation into Saren?"

"We think it might," Garrus offered. "Dr. Michel, tell us what happened."

"A few days ago, a quarian came by my office. She had been shot, but she wouldn't tell me who did it. I could tell she was scared, probably on the run. She asked me about the Shadow Broker. She wanted to trade information in exchange for a safe place to hide."

"Where is she now?"

"I put her in contact with Fist. He is an agent for the Shadow Broker."

"Not anymore. Now he works for Saren," Garrus said. "And the Shadow Broker isn't too happy about it."

"Fist betrayed the Shadow Broker?" Dr. Michel asked. "That's stupid, even for him! Saren must have made him quite the offer!"

"That quarian must have something Saren wants. Something worth crossing the Shadow Broker to get."

"What else can you tell me about the quarian?" Shepard turned to the doctor.

"Geth. Her information had something to do with the geth."

"She must be able to link Saren to the geth. There is no way the Council can ignore this!" Garrus could feel the anticipation rising in his chest. He began to feel the need to shoot something.

"Time we paid Fist a visit," Jane smirked.

Just before Jane began to turn, John nudged Garrus in the shoulder and nodded to him. Garrus cleared his throat and began, "This is your show, Shepard. But I want to bring Saren down as much as you do. I'm coming with you." He felt like he was being a little forward and demanding but he hoped that it would show how dedicated he was.

"So why do you want to bring him down?" she crossed her arms and leaned into one hip.

Garrus never had a thing for humans, but the pose she was in certainly accentuated her waist. He tore his eyes away as his hatred for Saren flooded his mind, "I couldn't find the proof I needed in my investigation, but I knew what was really going on! Saren is a traitor to the council and a disgrace to my people!"

"Please, tell us how you really feel, Garrus. No, don't hold back," John chuckled from his side. The sudden rush that had flooded Garrus' mind began to ebb, it was sometimes beneficial to keep this human around.

"Welcome aboard, Garrus."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! What about your darling brother?" he looked indignantly at Jane then turned his attention to Garrus, "Or you best friend?"

"I don't know if you could really handle it on an Alliance ship, John," she smirked at him. "I remember how much you wanted to leave before."

John nudged Garrus, who rolled his eyes, "Well, he was sort of my right hand man with this investigation."

"Damn straight!"

She smiled at them both then shook her head, "Yeah, I guess there is room for you too, brother."

"You know, we aren't the only ones going after Fist. The Shadow Broker hired a Krogan bounty hunter named Wrex to take him out."

"Yeah, we heard about him," Ashley rolled her eyes as she glanced at Garrus.

Garrus narrowed his eyes at her but saw Shepard quickly turn around and give the other woman a look that made her instantly back down.

"A krogan might come in handy," Shepard said, her gaze still set on Ashley.

"Last I heard, he was at the C-Sec Academy. Fist accused him of making threats. We brought Wrex in for a little talk. If you hurry, you'll be able to catch him at the academy before he leaves."

"Thanks, Garrus. Ashley, head back to the Normandy. We'll brief later. And boys? You're with me."

"Huh, you know sis, you walking around with three male escorts, people might start to talk."

She turned around and punched him in the arm, causing him to take a step back to balance himself.