** Garrus POV**
Garrus stood rigidly straight before the Citadel Council chambers, his mandibles twitching almost imperceptibly. Councilor Sparatus's glare could melt steel. Beside him, Tevos radiated an almost maternal concern, while Valern remained as inscrutable as ever.
He'd faced down all sorts of enemies, but this… this felt different. Personal.
"Spectre Vakarian," Sparatus's voice boomed, echoing slightly in the vast hall. "Your reports regarding this 'Aster' character have been… inconclusive, to say the least. The Council is growing weary of your excuses."
Garrus swallowed, his plating suddenly feeling too tight. "Councilor, with all due respect, the situation is complex. I've been tracking Aster for months, following every lead, analyzing every datapad she touched. She's a ghost."
"A ghost who appears to be connected to Alec Ryder, the traitor," Sparatus countered, his gaze sharpening. "The video evidence recovered shows her in direct involvement with him."
Garrus shifted his weight, his talons clicking on the metal floor. "The video suggests that, Councilor. There is no clear indication of who that woman is. And even if she was working with Ryder, does that automatically condemn her?"
"This is different. Ryder's experiments bordered on the heretical. An AI? A rogue AI could destabilize the entire galaxy." Sparatus's voice rose slightly. "We need Aster apprehended, Vakarian. Now. Her alleged collaboration, the creation of an AI – it's enough. The Council will issue a warrant for her immediate arrest, with extreme prejudice."
Tevos interjected, her voice calm but firm. "Sparatus, perhaps we are jumping to conclusions. Spectre Vakarian has been diligent in his pursuit.
Let's allow him to continue his investigation, but with a clear mandate. Find Aster, determine the extent of her involvement with Ryder, and ascertain the true nature of this AI project."
And, Garrus," she added, turning her gaze to him, "Bring us facts, not theories. The galaxy's safety may depend on it."
Garrus nodded, relief washing over him in a subtle wave. "Understood, Councilor. I will not disappoint you."
Garrus quickly made his exit. He headed back to his apartment, his mind already thinking of ways to either speed up their plan or find something to keep the Council off his back.
He sent a quick message to Nihlus asking him to meet him at the apartment. By the time he was making his way up the elevator, Nihlus was waiting for him.
"How did it go?" Nihlus asked.
Garrus shook his head and keyed in the passcode. Nihlus followed after him.
"Not good," Garrus replied, closing the door behind them. "They're getting impatient."
"Do we need to change our plans?" Nihlus asked, taking a seat by the minibar.
"I need to give them something," Garrus replied. "Something that can satisfy them momentarily until the Council Ball."
"We just need to distract them," Nihlus said thoughtfully. "The pheromone case that has been causing waves. I'm sure there is a way to cause bigger waves."
"That might help," Garrus agreed.
Nihlus hesitated; he looked like he had something to get off his chest.
"What's going on?" Garrus asked.
"How much do you know about the human, Mina?" Nihlus began. "I did a background check, and she has no history up until 6 months ago."
Now it was Garrus's turn to hesitate.
"I've actually been meaning to talk to you about that," Garrus said, embarrassed.
"About what?" Nihlus questioned.
"Mina is Aster," Garrus replied. "She's been hiding in plain sight."
"That explains it," Nihlus nodded.
"That explains it?" Garrus questioned; he was confused.
"Aster was undercover as Dr. Lang," Nihlus began. "I caught your scent on her and asked you about it. You denied it back then. Then I noticed Vicki with it, but ignored it. Now Mina has the same scent."
"Why didn't you say anything?!" Garrus exclaimed.
Nihlus shrugged, "Mina has been spending a lot of time with Solana. You and Solana are siblings, so you carry the same scent. I didn't think much about it, but now that you mention it, Mina has more of your scent than Solanas.
Does that mean you marked her and forgot? Don't tell me you were affected by the drug."
Garrus shook his head, "Here I thought I was revealing some interesting news. Turns out you already figured it out."
"I just couldn't figure out how Mina fit in," Nihlus said. "Now that I know, I know we're not being led to a trap. I have nothing to worry about."
Garrus grunted.
"How are you managing the bond?" Nihlus asked, becoming curious.
"I'm not," Garrus growled.
Nihlus leaned forward in his chair, considering. "Have you tried… suppressing the impulses?"
"I can ignore them most of the time," Garrus admitted. "It gets worse when she's around. But I can feel the pull under my plates. It used to be subtle, now not so much."
"Talk to her," Nihlus suggested. "She might be able to help you solve your problems."
"I'm on assignment with Solana," Nihlus said when Garrus didn't reply. "The pheromone case is turning out to be a bigger deal than anyone predicted."
"So who's going to be watching Mina?" Garrus asked as the information sank in. "The krogan?"
"I don't think so," Nihlus replied as he got up and headed toward the door. "Solana sent me a message. The krogan will be gone for some time."
"I'm sure they'll figure it out," Nihlus called out as the door opened and closed behind him.
Garrus mentally cursed. What was he to do? If he asked someone to watch over Mina, Councilor Sparatus would most likely be informed. He would want to know why the human was under watch. The Councilor would most likely ask questions that Garrus couldn't answer.
He obviously couldn't let her stay here, people would talk, and if his father were to find out...It wouldn't bode well for anyone. Garrus had to chuckle to himself, his father had been trying to set him up with Nyreen for so long that Garrus was still surprised that his father still had hopes that they would end up together.
Garrus had not only rejected her multiple times but had also informed his father that he didn't want anything to do with her. Although his efforts were slightly diminished, his father was still trying. He wanted Garrus to marry Nyreen, which, in turn, would help his tier progression and stabilize the Vakarian line further.
Garrus was deep in thought when a soft knock on his door drew his attention away from his planning.
"Enter," Garrus called out, opening the door with his omni-tool.
It must be Nihlus, Garrus thought, standing up. Probably forgot something.
"Do you have room on your couch?" a voice said from the doorway.
"Aster," Garrus said, rushing her inside before closing the door quickly.
"What are you doing here?" he asked.
"I'm taking your couch," Mina replied, smiling as she grabbed her bag and headed over to the living area. "Solana is leaving, and I need a place to stay."
"I don't think it's a good idea," he said slowly. "It can cause problems."
Mina stopped and gave him a long look, her smile still on her face.
"Problems to whom?" she asked, arching her eyebrow.
"Does this have to do anything with the bond?" she continued.
Garrus gape at her in surprise. "How?"
"I did my research," Mina replied, shrugging. "I know our bond was a mistake, and I can understand that you might feel some sort of way about being in a romantic relationship with a human.
But given the circumstances, the bond affects you more than me. That being said, if you don't release some of the tension you're feeling you're not going to be useful during the heist. We can't afford mistakes."
"I'm aware," Garrus said tightly, trying now to breathe in her scent. "I have it under control."
Mina tilted her head, unconvinced. "I know you're stressed. Maybe… maybe I can help? You're no good to the team when distracted. Maybe I can help relieve some of that stress."
She stepped closer. "Cuddle up on the couch and watch some old Earth romance holovids."
Garrus's internal systems whirred into overdrive. She was too close!
"Or… how about a massage? Your back looks like it's about to crack the damn wall. Come on." Before he could protest, Mina took his hand and gently tugged him toward the bedroom. He reluctantly followed.
She expertly guided him to sit on the edge of the bed, her hands moving to knead the tense muscles in his shoulders. "Relax, Garrus. Just let go. This should help."
Her touch was electric, sending shivers down his carapace. He closed his eyes, fighting the urge to pull her closer. He closed his eyes, focusing on the pressure, the warmth, the murmur of her voice. He almost forgot the bond.
The massage melted into a simple cuddle, Mina resting her head against his back, her arm draped across his plating. He leaned back into her embrace, finally allowing himself to relax. The hum in his mind began to fade, replaced by a gentle warmth, a shared sense of peace.
He eventually dozed off for a few minutes. When he woke, he felt better than he had.
"Are you feeling better?" Mina asked in a quiet voice, not wanting to disturb him.
"Yes," he replied. "Much. How did you know that would work?"
"I didn't," Mina admitted. "I just know you need something."
"We should do this more often," Garrus joked, his eyes still closed.
"Sure thing," Mina agreed. "I don't like sleeping on the couch anyway."
Garrus chuckled. "I've been meaning to replace some of the furniture."
"Just like you replaced the bed?" Mina teased.
"Yes," Garrus replied seriously. "The apartment wasn't really turian-friendly, and I've planned to stay here permanently."
Garrus froze at his sudden declaration. He hadn't meant to say that. It just slipped out.
"Permanently," Mina echoed. "That's some plan you have there."
Garrus laughed nervously, "I mean, plans do change."
"I agree," Mina said. "We'll probably have to get a bigger apartment since we have a lot of visitors stopping by. Nihlus, Solana, and Wrex. There's clearly not enough room for everyone."
Garrus almost choked on his spit. That was the last thing he was expecting her to say.
"Yes," he said, slowly regaining his composure. "We'll need a bigger apartment."