AUTHOR NOTE (updated 2/19/15): This book so far contains 2 stories. These stories are about events after Mass Effect 3. Book 1 is "Act I: New Beginnings," and book 2 is "Act II: Insurrection."

ACT I: New Beginnings (2013) - This story was originally written in 2013. But I have recently gone through and rewrote the Prologue and part of Chapter 1. The Prologue now matches the Extended Cut Ending (Destroy Ending), with the exception that EDI survived. I hope you will like this adaptation. I have also done some additional editing with Chapters 2-17 (e.g. grammar, sentence structure, etc). This story, from Chapter 1 – 29, details the immediate events after the destruction of the Reapers. It addresses Shepard's relationships with Ashley and Miranda. It also looks at the destroyed relays, and how the other races return home. I have tried to stay true to Mass Effect universe's history and facts. There are areas where ME game was not specific or confusing. In that scenario, I tried to make a real world adaptation to what I think would be reasonable.

ACT II: Insurrection (2015) – This starts with Chapter 30. This picks up right after the events of the first story. One year ago, I had published a Chapter 30 called "King's Gambit." But since then, I've given a lot of thought to the story line. I have finally completed my notes on this story arc and am beginning to write the actual chapters. I have replaced the previous Chapter 30 with a new chapter called "Welcome Back." New chapters should now come regularly. So please be on the lookout for updates.

Lastly, I know there are a lot of fanfics out there. I want to thank you for your interest in this fanfic. Thank you for all your support and constructive feedbacks throughout the years. I've taken many of your comments to heart. It is amazing to me that the original Mass Effect launched in 2007. And after nearly 8 years, the characters and stories are still fresh and fascinating to me. I have enjoyed this ride. I hope to keep this going until a new Mass Effect game comes out.

DISCLAIMERS: Mass Effect and its characters are owned by Bioware. I do not own anything here.

ACT I: New Beginnings

Prologue

A bright orange glow was beginning to build from inside the Crucible.

"EDI, let's get in there and pick up the commander," said Joker as he began frantically calculating the needed trajectory.

Just then, the cockpit's comm unit sounded with Admiral Hackett's voice, "All fleets. The Crucible is armed. Disengage and head to the rendezvous point."

Garrus and Traynor were both standing behind Joker. Garrus walked up and tugged on Joker's right arm. Joker pulled back his arm and went back to his calculations.

Then came Hackett's voice again, "I repeat: Disengage and get the hell out of here!"

Garrus reached down and put his hand on Joker's shoulder, "Joker, listen, We have to go."

Joker looked down and was silent. There was finality to what Garrus said. Deep down, Joker also knew the Normandy will not have the time to pick up Shepard.

He clenched his fist, "Damn it!"

With that, Joker turned the Normandy around and headed for the Charon Relay.

"Jeff, I have something to tell you," said EDI.

"EDI, I'm kind of busy right now," replied as Joker is busy punching in coordinates on the navigation pad.

"Jeff, I've detected a significant energy build up coming from the Crucible. I've scanned the energy spectrum, and part of it contain high levels of electromagnetic waves."

"I know, I know, that's why we're getting out of here," replied Joker. He is still looking down at the navigation pad making last minute entries.

"Jeff, according to my calculations, the energy beam's speed is accelerating. It will reach the Charon Relay just a few seconds after we get there," said EDI.

Joker stopped and looked up at the blue holographic globe, "Then we'll have to make every second count."

"After we come out of the relay, the beam will catch up to us and then surpass us," replied EDI.

"What? It will hit us? We can't out run it?" asked Joker.

"That is correct. The closest cluster is Arcturus Stream. I suggest we plot a trajectory for landing on Benning. That will give us the best chance of survival," replied EDI.

"Do it!" said Joker.

"Jeff. There's one more thing," said EDI.

Joker detected a tone of sadness in her voice, "What is it EDI?"

"If the energy wave hit Normandy, it will shut down my processors permanently," replied EDI.

"But...But that means you'll be..." the thought was too much for Joker to bear. He stopped punching in data and just looked down at his hands.

Garrus and Traynor was standing silently looking at Joker, not knowing what to say.

Then after what seemed like an eternity of silence, Traynor spoke up, "I have an idea!"

Joker turned around, "Let's hear it."

Traynor was already running out of the cockpit. She turned back and yelled, "I don't have time to explain this. Joker, put Normandy on manual flight. EDI, do you trust me?"

"I do, Specialist Traynor," replied EDI calmly.

"Good. Garrus, come with me, I need your help," yelled Traynor as she was headed toward the elevator.

"On my way," replied Garrus as he ran after Traynor.

Joker sat in the cockpit in silence. He saw the HUD displaying the surging energy level on the Crucible. Several warning lights were blinking.

After several minutes, Joker finally regained his composure, "EDI, do you know what they're going to do?"

"I believe they are going to try to preserve my central processor unit," replied EDI.

"EDI, no matter what happens, I just want you to know that...," Joker's voice trailed off. Why is it so hard to say it?

"Jeff, I know how you feel. You have helped me to evolve beyond what I was created for. For that, I am grateful."

"EDI, I do want to say it. EDI, I love you!" said Joker.

There was no response.

"EDI?" Joker waited for a response. There was only silence.

"EDI!" "EDI!"

There was still no response.

Joker let out one last plea, "EDI..."

Joker's grief was interrupted by the blaring alarm that sounded along with all his display screens showing a rapidly enlarging orange energy wave emanating from the Crucible.

"Oh no, we got to get out of here," said Joker to himself.

In rapid sequences, he punched in the trajectory for Charon Relay, and then for Benning. He looked up at the display screen. The energy wave was getting closer.

"Come on, just a little bit more," said Joker as he punched more keys trying to add auxiliary power to the engine thrusters.

"Just a little bit more..." said Joker as Normandy entered the Charon Relay.

He looked up at the cockpit windows. The distant stars became blurry, and then suddenly they were gone. After a few more seconds, he began to see stars again. They have arrived in Arcturus Stream.

Joker immediately activated the FTL drive initiation sequence, "come on, come on!"

The initiation sequence took a mandatory ten seconds to allow the system to check the that all subsystems are functioning correctly before the FTL drive was activated.

"This is taking forever!" yelled Joker.

Joker looked up at the HUD screen, "Oh! You got to be kidding me!"

The HUD warning lights came on again as it picked up the energy wave coming out of the relay.

"How is this possible?"

Just then, the FTL drive activated.

But Joker looked at the HUD, the orange energy glow was gaining on the Normandy.

He looked at his navigation pad and began entering sequences to shut off all unnecessary systems to boost power to the FTL drive.

He began to feel the ship vibrate. It was minor at first. But with each passing moment, the vibration grew stronger and stronger.

Ashley ran into the cockpit, "Joker,what's going on? Systems are shutting down all over the ship."

"EDI is gone. The Crucible fired. There's a big orange light chasing us. We just got to Arcturus Stream. I put us into FTL. And we're probably going to die! I'm diverting power," yelled Joker as he continued to enter sequences on the navigation pad.

Just then, the ship shook violently.

Joker looked up at the screen, "Oh no!"

"Joker, are you okay?" yelled Ashley as she tried to stand up. It was dark all around. There was only a dim red glow in the cockpit from the emergency lights.

"Yeah, I'm here," replied Joker. "I hope I didn't break anything."

Ashley finally got to her feet. She staggered over to Joker, "here, let me give you a hand."

"Where are we?" asked Ashley as she pulled Joker from the pilot's seat.

"We're in Benning," replied Joker. "EDI..." He still can't believe she's gone.

"Just before EDI went off line, she suggested this as the best place to land."

Ashley and Joker walked to the front exit.

"Well, the sensors show outside air is okay to breathe," said Joker as he pulled on the lever to open the door.

As the door slid open, bright light began to fill the darkened ship.

Joker walked off the ship, followed by Ashley, then Garrus, Liara, Tali and then the rest of the crew. The landscape was filled with lush green plants and trees. As the group looked up, they can see birds flying in the air.

"Is it over?" asked Joker.

"I think so," replied Ashley. "I don't see any Reapers or hear any gunfire or explosions."

Then Joker lowered his head and quietly said, "EDI..."

Ashley also looked down, "Shepard..."

After giving the crew a short time to be outside the ship, Ashley ordered everyone back inside to take inventory of the damage and begin repairs. An hour has passed by and Ashley is now making rounds.

"Adams, how is the drive core? Will she fly?" asked Ashley over the intercom.

"Yes ma'am. The GX12 thermal pipe held the core together. She will fly as long as the hull is intact," replied engineer Adams.

"How is the hull inspection coming along?"

"Donnelly and Daniels are doing the hull inspections. They're about half way through. So far, they said everything is intact. I will let you know as soon as they're finished, commander."

"Good. Keep me posted," said Ashley as she ended the transmission.

Ashley then walked into the cockpit, "Joker, how are you holding up?"

"I don't know, commander," replied Joker. "I...I've never cared for someone like her..."

"I know," replied Ashley as she thought about Shepard, "I know."

Ashley wanted to give Joker some quiet time, so she walked back to the CIC. Garrus and Liara were looking at the galaxy map.

"Garrus, have you heard any Alliance transmission yet?" asked Ashley.

"No. Our main ship power is still not back online. Traynor said something about wanting to avoid a power surge for now. The auxiliary receiver is too weak to pick up anything from outside this cluster."

Ashley sighed and then went on, "I've been going over this map, and I can't make sense of this. There must be some error in the readings. It's showing all the mass relays in the galaxy are off-line."

There was a brief moment of silence and then Liara spoke, "Commander, I don't think it's an error."

"What do you mean?" asked Ashley. "How can all the relays be off-line at the same time?"

Liara replied, "When I was doing research on the Crucible, the design pointed to an energy weapon of some sort. The initial question we had was how could a single device in a single cluster be a weapon that affect the entire galaxy. Our ultimate conclusion was that it must use the mass relays as a conduit of the energy. Many of the scientists thought, and myself included, that there was a chance this may damage the relays. Unfortunately, I think we now know the answer."

"I can't...I can't accept this. I need to get back to Shepard," insisted Ashley.

Garrus turned to Ashley and gently put one hand on her shoulder, "Ashley, there's a chance he's not...he's not there anymore."

Ashley looked up and with both hands shoved Garrus in the chest, "Don't say that!"

Garrus didn't move. Instead, he put both arms on her shoulders. He can feel Ashley's pain. At the moment, he's recalling his conversation with Shepard right before the final charge in London.

"Ashley, you need to be strong now. Shepard would want you to be. We will get the Normandy flying again. And then I will go with you to find him."

The elevator stopped at deck 3. The door opened and Ashley walked toward the medical bay. She needed to keep busy. She needed to keep going.

"Dr. Chakwas, how are you doing?" asked Ashley.

"I am fine. Just a couple of scrapes and bruises. Joker did a good job for a crash landing," replied Chakwas trying to lighten the mood.

"How's the crew? Any major injuries?"

"Surprisingly no series injuries. Just a few bruised ribs and sprained ankles," replied Chakwas.

Their conversation was soon interrupted by clanking noises coming from the AI Core Room.

"What's that noise?" asked Ashley as she walked towards the back of the medical bay.

"I don't know about noise. I just know Tali and Traynor are back there working on something," replied Chakwas.

Ashley opened the Core room door, "What are you two..."

Tali was in prone position on the floor with her hands in the lower side panel along the right wall. At the moment, she was banging on something.

"I almost have it", reported Tali.

Traynor was kneeling on the floor facing the left wall. This was where all the servers were kept. She had a device in front of her connected to several wires. "Don't make the connection until I say so."

"I hate to interrupt, but what are you two doing?" asked Ashley.

Traynor did not even look up, "Sorry Commander, we're coming up to the crucial moment, please just give me a minute and hopefully everything will be alright."

"What do you mean, 'hopefully'?" asked Ashley.

Traynor ignored the last question and said to Tali, "Okay, I'm ready for the connection. Go ahead."

Tali replied, "Okay, three, two, one, and there!"

At that instant, all the lights came on in the room and across the entire ship.

The servers began to gently hum.

"Okay, you got the power restored. Good job, you two," said Ashley with a relieved voice. She turned to leave.

"Commander, could you wait a moment?" asked Traynor.

"What is it?" asked Ashley.

"Well, this is a little more than just about turning the power back on," replied Traynor.

Ashley turned to Tali, "Tali, what's going on?"

"The servers' power connections were damaged during the crash. Specialist Traynor asked me to help reconnect the power to the server in several steps so as to avoid a power surge. And that's all I know," replied Tali.

As Tali was still talking, a familiar blue holographic globe lit up, "Thank you for taking these precautions, Specialist Traynor."

"EDI!" shouted Traynor, "Oh my gosh! Is it really you? Did it actually work?"

"Yes, it's me. And yes, it worked."

Joker was sitting alone in the pilot's seat, motion less. All the day's events were coming back to him.

The silence was broken by footsteps.

"Joker," said Traynor, "We brought something that might cheer you up."

Joker did not look up, but instead gave a curt reply, "I doubt it."

Joker then heard a few more foot steps coming closer to him. Then it stopped.

"Jeff."

The QEC holographic display was intermittent and fuzzy. But Ashley can make out the familiar face of Admiral Hackett.

"Command Williams, it's good to see you," said Hackett

"You too, Admiral," replied Ashley.

"Where are you and what is your ship and crew's condition?" asked Hackett.

"We crash landed on Benning. The crew only sustained minor injuries. The ship's hull and core drive are intact. We did have damage on one of the anti-proton thrusters. The engineers are working on it and hopefully we'll be able to leave in a few hours."

Ashley paused for a moment, and then continued, "Sir, what about Shepard?"

Hackett replied as best as he could, "We have started to send ships back to Earth. I have assigned several search and rescue ships to the Citadel..."

Hackett paused. He wanted to help Ashley prepare for the worst. "Commander. I need you to know there was an explosion on the Citadel. Shepard was in the middle of it. I don't know how he could have survived that...I am truly sorry. At this moment, we have listed him as killed in action along with Admiral Anderson."

Those last few words crushed Ashley. But she gathered herself,"but you have not found the body yet."

"No, we have not," admitted Hackett, "but I just wanted to prepare you."

Ashley was in the War Room standing at the far end of the circular table. To her right stood Garrus, then Liara and Tali. To Ashley's left stood Vega, Adams, Cortes, and Chakwas. The rest of the crew was walking in now. Ashley saw Traynor, Joker and EDI walk through the room. She smiled and gave them a nod. After everyone have assembled, a holographic display of the crucible came up above the center of the circular table. Ashley began to speak.

"The Reapers are destroyed. We won." She paused to let that sink in for the crew. Then slowly, one by one, the crew began to clap until it got louder and louder. After about a minute, Ashley motioned with her hands for them to be quiet again.

"We have much to be thankful for," She looked over to EDI, "EDI we are so glad you are here!" The crew spontaneously began to cheer.

After Ashley quieted down the crew, she continued, "we also have lost much..." She fought back her emotions and continued, "there will be a time for us to mourn and bury our dead. But first, we need to get back to earth."

At this moment, the holographic image of the Crucible changed to the galaxy map.

"Here is our situation. The Crucible fired successfully. It destroyed the Reapers. However, in the process, it damaged all mass relays across the galaxy. At this very moment, we do not have mass relay travel in the galaxy." As Ashley finished that statement, a chorus of murmurs began in the room. Ashley once again motioned for everyone to be quiet.

"However, we are fortunate. Thanks to EDI and Joker, they have placed us as close to Earth as possible. EDI?"

On cue, EDI continued the briefing, "We are in the Arcturus Stream, which is about 36 light years away from earth. The Normandy's Tantalus Drive Core will allow us FTL flight. Its top speed will allow us to travel approximately 12 light years in a 24 hour period. So if everything goes well, we should be back to Earth in about 72 hours."

"Thank you EDI," said Ashley. "The engineering team is working hard to finish the last of the repairs on the anti-proton thrusters. They tell me it will be done in about two hours. That is when we'll be leaving Benning. But before then, I want to have a brief gathering at the memorial wall to remember those we've lost. I will meet you all there in an hour."

It was 2100. The crew had gathered in front of the memorial wall. In the front row stood Cortes, Vega, Traynor, Liara, Joker, Tali, Garrus, and Ashley.

Ashley looked at each of the names on the wall and began to speak, "It has been a privilege and a honor to have served with such fine men and women. Their time with us has been short. But what they've accomplished during this time will echo in eternity."

She turned to Garrus who who was holding two name plates. She gently took the top one with two hands. It read "ADM DAVID ANDERSON."

"Admiral Anderson was the first captain of Normandy. He was a courageous soldier and an inspiring leader. He gave his life so that we may live ours. He will always be in our hearts."

As Ashley finished her speech, she slowly walked up to the wall and placed Admiral Anderson's name plate in the center of the wall. She then walked back to the group and faced the wall again.

"This is from the poem Ulysses:

'Death closes all: but something ere the end,

Some work of noble note, may yet be done,

Not unbecoming men that strove with gods.' "

Ashley turned and gently took the second name plate from Garrus. She held the name plate in her hands and looked down. Then she slowly looked up and walked to the wall. She looked down once more. Then she slowly, softly moved her hand across the name "COMMANDER SHEPARD." As she looked up again at the wall, there was an inner voice that told her it wasn't time to put up that name.

As Ashley stood there in reflection, the stillness of the moment was broken by the overhead intercom. It was EDI.

"Commander. They found Shepard."

It has been 10 days since the Crucible fired. It brought destruction to all the Reapers in the Galaxy. Mass Relays were destroyed. The Citadel remained intact. Alien fleets are stranded in the Sol System for now. Shepard sustained significant injuries and underwent several surgeries. He now rests in a hospital room in London. Ashley has been with him day and night, keeping a watch over him.

Chapter 1: Aftermath

There was a knock on the door. Shepard woke up and saw the door open. It was Admiral Hackett.

Hackett walked in.

Ashley had been sleeping on the couch next to the hospital bed. She rubbed her eyes and sat up. "Hello Admiral."

Admiral Hackett walked over besides the bed, "Good morning Commanders. I'm sorry to disturb you but I won't be long. Commander Shepard, I heard you recently regained consciousness and are now accepting visitors. I wanted to come in person to say how glad I am to see you alive and congratulate you on the destruction of the Reapers."

"Thank you, Admiral. Right now, I just want to get back out there and help finish this! I -"

"Oh no John Shepard, you stay right there!" Ashley jumped right in.

"Commander, right now you need to rest, and let your body heal. You have done enough to deserve at least that. I need you recovered before you go back out there. At the moment, we're just finishing up mostly mop-up operations. You've done well in training your crew and bringing them together. They are a symbol of hope and unity. Who can imagine a team like yours that have a Krogan working next to a Salarian and Turian., or a Geth working with a Quarian. Your team is out there leading this fight. "

"Admiral, thank you. But I belong out there with them, not in a hospital bed. They... They have become family to me, and I need to be there."

"John, yes they are like family to you," Hackett said, "but don't forget to look right in front of you and see what's most important."

This was the first time that Shepard can remember Hackett using his first name to address him. He looked at Ashley and realized Hackett is right. Shepard has always been in the lead, trying to save the galaxy. His relationship with Ashley has occurred along the way. Yes, he loved her. But their relationship has always been secondary to his main mission - to save the galaxy.
Shepard looked at Ashley and replied, "You're right sir. I will not forget."

"Good," smiled Hackett. "This brings me to the other reason why I'm here. And this involves you and Lt. Commander Williams.

Hackett looked at Ashley and smiled. He then continued.

"Shepard, you've done a hell of a job out there. You've accomplished more than anyone could ever dream. The Reapers are gone. The remainder husk forces will be gone soon enough. You've even taken out Cerberus along the way. If it were up to me, I would finish the story here and grant you a 'happily ever after' ending."

At that, Shepard and Ashley looked at each other and shared a smile.

Hackett continued, "But the truth is, the galaxy still needs you. Humanity needs you. We have a monumental task of rebuilding here and across the galaxy. The relays have been destroyed, and they have to be rebuilt. Fortunately, we have the best scientists already gathered here from the Crucible project. I have already ordered them to begin drawing up plans for rebuilding our relay in the Sol system. And if they are successful, they will travel system by system to rebuild the other relays. In the meanwhile, we have all the races stranded in the sol system. As you can imagine, this is an urgent situation that require a lot of diplomacy."

Shepard is starting to feel tension in the back of his neck. He had thought about settling down with Ashley and starting a family, and maybe even having children. Having died once and now escaping death for the second time, he wanted to make the most of the time he's been given.

"What about the Citadel and the Council, sir?" Ashley asked.

"Fortunately, the Citadel is mostly intact. Repairs have already begun. The Council survived, except Anderson." Hackett paused to hold back his own emotions. They all remained silent for a moment.

"Shepard, the Alliance needs a new member on the Citadel Council. And I cannot think of a better person than you. "

"Wait sir, I'm a soldier not a politician, I can't-"

"Didn't you recommend Anderson to be on the Council? I recall he had a similar objection but at the end he did what was needed for humanity? Besides, I'm not finished. "

Hackett when on, "You will not be in the citadel much. We are in a very different time. We need you out there in the galaxy overlooking the reconstruction efforts. We also need you out there representing the Council and Alliance. In the aftermath of so much destruction, leadership, hope, and security will be needed. You have been that for the last few years. And now, you are needed more than ever. So don't worry, I'm not asking you to sit behind a desk. I am asking you to go out and do what you do best, and that's to represent the best of humanity, of the Alliance, and of the unity you've forged with the different races."

Shepard is still stunned by what the Admiral is saying. This is all happening so fast, "What about the Normandy, sir? Will I still be able to remain with the Normandy and my crew?"

"No. Just like Anderson, you will have to relinquish your command of her."

"Sir, then I don't think I can accept this. I am grateful for your confidence in me, but my place is with my crew."

Hackett, responded with his usual calm gravel voice, "Shepard, I am relieving you of your command of the Normandy." Shepard looked at Ashley and continued to protest.

Hackett went on, "in addition, you have been promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral. We have lost a lot of good men, including good leaders like Anderson. We need you, son."

There are so many different thoughts going through Shepard's head, so many mixed feelings. He never wanted titles, positions, or power. He didn't ask to be the first human specter. He didn't want to be thought of as a hero. He just wanted to be a good soldier. Yet, he can also see the fragile situation that the galaxy is in. He knows that it was out of survival that the races came together to fight a greater threat. But now that the threat is gone, it's likely the differences between races will rise again. Old wounds will open again. Petty differences will rise to the surface; scores will be settled. His thoughts then turned to the Normandy and her crew. They've gone through so much together. They are now a family.

Still thinking about the Normandy, Shepard replied, "Sir, it's a great honor. Thank you. But what will happen to the Normandy?"

"Though Citadel has survived, its security forces and infrastructure has suffered heavy losses. Citadel is focusing all its resources on repairing. Along with that, the Turians, Salarians and Asari have suffered heavy losses like we have. So they're not in a position to provide resources. They are all trying to get back to their home worlds. So, it looks like humanity has to step up. To show our support and leadership, we are lending the Normandy to the Council. Along with you, the Normandy has become a symbol of hope. The Normandy will take you around the galaxy representing the Council and Alliance. Where you and the Normandy go, people will see that hope is alive. It will remind them that they're not alone in this rebuilding process. It also will reinforce the idea that our alliance remains strong. It will serve as a symbol of security during a time when there's bound to be unrest."

At this point, Ashley is getting worried. How can Shepard and her be together if he's flying across the galaxy? "Sir. Permission to speak?"

"Commander, please be at ease. Speak freely."

"Sir, may I request to remain with Normandy?"

Hackett smiled, and put one hand on Ashley's shoulder, "I will speak off the record for a moment. Anderson was a close friend of mine. We have made each other promises before the final invasion in case one of us does not make it. His request was for me to look after you and John. He sees you as if you were his own children. He wanted you both to be happy. He said he knew both of you would answer to duty first even at high personal cost."

Hackett went on, "He told me he wanted you two to be happy, together."

"Sir, you knew?" Ashley was blushing.

"Yes, I knew. Anderson and I both knew. We've actually talked about this. He had concerns that there were those in the admiralty that may find out and use it as a reason to go after you. John, you have been always honest with me. But this certainly was the one thing you've hid from me."

"I'm... I'm sorry, sir" was the only reply Shepard could muster.

At this point, Hackett pulled up a chair and sat next to Shepard and Ashley. "It's okay. It's just as well. I actually did not want you to go the record about this. Anderson was worried that they would use this information to go after you, thereby implicating Anderson, and that would also weaken me. It made me responsible since I had knowledge of this. But like I said, Anderson and I talked about this and I reminded him that it was for the sake of love, such as the one you two had, that we're fighting this war. Without it, we truly would have lost hope."

He leaned forward and went on, "During my last conversation with David, he asked me to look after you if he didn't make it. I told him I would."

Hackett stood up and assumed his Admiral role once again, "back on the record, Lieutenant Commander Williams, you are hereby promoted to the rank of Captain. You are to assume command of the Normandy. In addition, you and the Normandy are on loan to the Council in its efforts in overlooking galactic reconstruction. The agreement is specifically for you and the Normandy to go wherever Council Member Shepard goes. You and the Normandy will be responsible for his safety. "

"Thank you, sir! I am really at a loss for words." said Ashley.

"You're welcome. And by the way, this also means you're no longer in the Alliance Military."

This caught Ashley off guard, "um. Apologies, Sir. Sorry. What do you mean I'm not in the military anymore?"

"I mean you officially are no longer under Alliance Military jurisdiction. The Council now has direct oversight over you, your crew, and the Normandy. This loan agreement of the Normandy and your service, will end at a time when Council Member Shepard determines there's no longer a need. I've spoken to the other Council members and they're in agreement because they're so desperate to have Shepard and the Normandy back in the skies."

"Shepard, you will still report to me. But Williams will report to the Council."

Shepard and Ashley are still trying to understand this arrangement. Shepard finally spoke, "Sir, thank you for making this arrangement. I'm glad Ashley and I can continue to serve together."

Hackett let out a small chuckle seeing they are still not grasping what he has done, "Shepard, yes you will be able to serve together. But that was not the only intention. You and Captain Williams have done so much for all of us. Yet, we still need both of you to safeguard the peace you've won with all that you've sacrificed. This is a small gesture in acknowledging all that you've done. Without your leadership, sacrifice, and I dare say love, we would not have survived the Reapers."

"By having one of you formally out of Alliance Military, there is no longer restriction for you to have an open relationship with each other. I will leave the rest for you to figure out."

"Sir. We are truly honored," replied Shepard.

"Sir. I am speechless. Thank you," said Ashley.

"One more thing. Captain Williams, I want you to know that your grandfather was a great patriot at the battle of Shanxi. His actions saved many lives. Your father was a patriot as well enlisting in the Alliance Navy. Though history has not been kind to them up to this point, I believe you've changed all that. They would be proud of you for what you've done for humanity and the galaxy. I hope you are too. I hope you will be proud of your family name once again."

Ashley was choking back tears. Hackett put his hand on her shoulder. After a moment, she managed to compose herself, "Admiral, you don't know what it means for me to hear you say that. I can't thank you enough."

"Captain Williams, and Admiral Shepard, the honor is all mine. I could not have two finer individuals to have known and to work with. I am not exaggerating when I say you represent the best of humanity. When you have healed, I want you two to go out there and bring this hope to the rest of humanity and the galaxy. Restore the hope and love that is needed to keep the peace. We have all seen too much war, too much destruction. It is time for peace. Now, if you'll excuse me, I will take my leave. Report back to me when you leave the hospital."

"Yes, sir!" Ashley and Shepard both saluted. Hackett returned the salute and then left the room.

"Shepard, is that you?" Garrus voice crackles over the vidcom.

"Yes, it's me, try to keep it down. Ash is outside. I have to -"

"I have to congratulate you on your new promotion, Admiral."

"Um.. yes. You heard about that already?"

"Yeah, they just announced it over Alliance network. Actually, they also said that you're going to be a Council Member and that you're stepping down as the commander of Normandy. "

"Yes Garrus, that's also true. But this is not why I called you," Shepard said as he was trying to keep a low voice but starting to get a little frustrated. There was a lot of noise in the background with intermittent gun fire. "Where are you, anyways? I hear gunfire."

"Oh, we're in Paris. We're finishing up operations here. They have us going building from building to building clearing them out. Don't want to leave any husks behind. Most of the Normandy team is here."

"Garrus, can you get away from the fight and do something for me? "

"Sure, we're mostly done anyways. I'm catching up on paperwork and I would do anything to get away. I will ask Miranda to lead the team."

"Yes, that's a good idea. Now, I need you to go to Normandy and retrieve something for me. I've already asked EDI to release the code to the safe in my Captain's cabin so you can get it."

"I can do that. But what am I retrieving?"

Garrus landed the shuttle in Normandy's shuttle bay and stepped out. He was greeted by Cortez who still have a bandage wrapped over his head, "Hi Garrus, good to see you alive."

"Thanks Cortez. How's your head? Still can fly?" Garrus was referring to the crash landing Cortez took in the shuttle on the initial wave of Hammer strike.

"It's nothing. I'm fine and good to go. By the way, I read over Alliance network that Shepard has been promoted to Rear Admiral and that he's going to be a Council member. Does that mean he's leaving the Normandy? Does that mean we're getting a new commander?"

"Cortez, I just got back. I don't know anything more than you do."

"Okay, but the rest of the crew is talking about the same thing and they're going to be asking questions."

Garrus decides to take the elevator straight to the Captain's cabin. Shepard did not tell him what it is that was so important for him to retrieve. But Garrus trusts Shepard. He has come a long way with Shepard since his C-Sec days. He considers Shepard his best friend. It is hard to believe a Turian and a human can be friends, but then again, nothing they've experienced in the last few years have been normal. He recalls few months ago in the Citadel, he took Shepard to the top levels and they were shooting cans. Garrus won that contest, but at times he wondered if Shepard missed intentionally on that last shot. Garrus has seen Shepard in action plenty of times. He doesn't miss. He decided he will have to ask Shepard for a rematch.

The elevator stopped and the door wisped open. The Captain's door is closed.
"EDI, could you open Shepard's door?"

"Garrus, welcome back. The door has been opened. Shepard told me to unlock the safe. It is to your left, near his bed."

"Thank you, EDI."

Garrus walked over to the safe, and opened the door. There was only one thing in it - a single small box that fit in the palm of your hand. It doesn't look locked. He could look... Would Shepard mind? His curiosity took hold of him and he lifted the top of the box. In it, sat a brilliant diamond ring. It was simple but elegant. It had a single gold band, and on top sat a diamond.

"Shepard, you -" Garrus heard himself talk out loud.

"Did you need anything, Garrus?"

"Oh. No thank you, EDI. I was just talking to myself. By the way, do you have any recent news about Shepard?"

"Searching… Alliance network reports Shepard has been promoted to Rear Admiral. He has also been asked to become a council member. There's nothing else here."

"Anything on the Normandy or her new commander?"

"No. I haven't seen anything."

"Thank you, EDI. That will be all."

After stopping by CIC, cockpit, and crew's quarter, Garrus left the Normandy and flew back to London by shuttle. Shepard had wanted him to get there as soon as possible.

As Garrus flew over London, it was a city covered by smoke and rubble. It was the same in Paris. Garrus also knew that the same scene was being played out on his home planet of Palaven. He missed his family but he has no way of going home right now. He heard rumors that there are attempts to fix the relay and then maybe he can get to a nearby cluster to get news from home.

How am I going to find him? He was here just couple of weeks ago, but don't recall the landmarks. Shepard told him to look for the Palace of Westminster. He said he'll know because there's a big clock tower there called Big Ben. As he was circling, he finally spotted the clock tower. It seemed almost out of place. All around it there were rubbles, but the clock tower somehow survived and standing there in defiance of what took place.

Garrus found a clearing and landed. He walked through the hospital tunnels and found Shepard's room. Ashley was standing outside the door. She was in her navy blue outfit, talking to a soldier. She saw Garrus walking up and promptly dismissed the soldier.

"Garrus, good to see you. What are you doing here?"

Garrus reached out to shake her hand, but she hugged him instead. Garrus felt a little uncomfortable but decided to let it be. He did notice something silver on her uniform. "Didn't you have a gold leaf last time we saw each other? Did they give you a promotion as well?"

"Something like that. Yes." blushed Ashley.

"In that case, congratulations.. umm what do we call you?"

"Captain. But I hope you know better and just call me Ash. By the way, are you here to visit John, or did something come up?"

"Just visiting my friend. I was getting tired of Paris. Left Miranda with a stack of paper to fill out. She's good with that stuff."

"Oh, Miranda is in Paris?" Ashley always had mixed feelings about Miranda. On the battlefield, she knew that Miranda is a professional and is very good at what she does. She can count on her to get the mission done. Ashley is mostly concerned about Miranda's Cerberus background and her relationship with John. Ashley knew that Shepard always spoke positively of Miranda. He's never criticized her, and at times even was defensive of her Cerberus past. Miranda is the perfect genetic female with all the looks and physical attributes. She has incredible biotic skills. She's brought Shepard back from death, twice. How can I compete with that? There I go again. I need to stop doing this to myself.

"Ash, are you okay?" Garrus interrupted.

"Oh yes, I'm sorry. John is inside." She opened the door to let Garrus in.

"Garrus Vakarian!"

"Shepard. Or should I say Admiral Shepard?"

"Oh that. Shepard sounds fine." Shepard peaked behind Garrus and saw Ash in the doorway.

"Ash, could you give Garrus and I a moment in private?"

"Okay," Ashley closed the door but thought that was a little strange. John and her are both great friends with Garrus. She can't imagine what he might want to say.

"Did you get it?" John asked eagerly.

"Yes. I got it. Here it is." Garrus handed the box over to Shepard. Shepard looked at the door and saw it was closed. He opened the box. There was the diamond ring.

"Shepard, are you finally going to do it?"

"Yes. I don't want to wait any longer. When I was running toward that beam, all I could think of was that I will not have the chance to ask her and we will not have a life together. The most painful thing for me to think about was leaving her forever."

"Well, you made it. And I hope she says 'yes'."

Shepard has never thought about her not saying 'yes'. But that's a good point. Has he taken that for granted? He let out a nervous laugh, "well, let's just assume she'll say 'yes.' If she does say 'yes' will you be my best man at the ceremony?"

"You do realize I'm Turian, right?"

"Vakarian, you know what I mean!"

"It would be an honor, Shepard. By the way, what does a best man do? Do I get to kiss the bride?"

Garrus was walking toward the hospital entrance when he heard his name.

"Garrus. Wait." It was Ashley running after him.

"Are you going to back to Paris right now?" asked Ashley.

"Yes, I'm headed towards Paris and meeting up with the rest of the squad."

"Can I hitch a ride? There's something I need to do."

"Sure. It'll give us time to catch up. You sure Shepard will be okay if you're not here?"

"I think he'll be fine for a few hours. In fact, he was starting to complain that I was being too protective, and that I won't let him go anywhere. I just hope he doesn't sneak out again. But I've asked for two guards to be placed there.

Garrus laughed as they got into the shuttle.

They were in Paris. The shuttle was making its approach to Arc de Triomphe. All around it, houses and homes are in rubbles. But the Arc is still standing. Just like Big Ben, it provided some symbol of hope, of humanity's resilience.

Ashley and Garrus stepped out of the shuttle. Ashley saw the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. She recalled her father telling her about this and how the tomb was interred on Armistice Day 1920. She looked over and saw the eternal flame was still burning. With so much destruction, there are still signs of hope. She turned with Garrus and walked up the Arc. There was an entrance on the side of the Arc. Once inside, the stone stairway spiraled upward. Ashley lost count of how many steps there were. She can't imagine how the Turian is climbing the narrow stairway with his armor.

"Couldn't they have made an elevator for this?" complained Ashley as the winding stairway seemed never ending. Then suddenly, the stairway gave way to a central opening. There used to be exhibits here. Now, it's the temporary HQ for the Normandy squad.

"Ashley!" Tali was the first one to run up to Ashley and gave her a big hug.

"Commander." said Vega, as he walked up and gave her a salute. Ashley did not correct him on the rank since she has not made any formal announcement, yet.

She returned the salute, "Lieutenant, it's good to see you."

"Where is the rest of the team?" Ashley asked.

"Wrex and Liara are in the field and will be back in an hour," replied Vega.

"Is Miranda here? I need to speak with her."

"She's on the top floor," replied Tali, "do you want me to take you?"

"No. I can get there myself."

Ashley excused herself from the team and turned to the stairway.

"Great. More stairs."

Miranda was standing on top of Arc. This gave her a great view of the city and the river Seine. From here, she was coordinating the strike teams. They were going house by house, block by block clearing out the husks.

Ashley got to the top. She saw Miranda looking into a scope.

"Hi Miranda."

Miranda put the scope down and turned around, "Hi Commander. Welcome to Paris."

Yes Paris, the city of love. This may have been a great place to visit during peace time, Ashley thought to herself.

"How is John?" Miranda said as she walks towards Ashley.

"He is going to be fine, thanks to you." Ashley replied.

Miranda thought about the hours immediately following the Reapers' destruction. Shepard had been missing and was presumed dead. But in her heart, she had hope. She had known him from the beginning of the Lazarus Project. She had helped to bring him back to life, to give humanity and the galaxy a fighting chance. She had come to respect him through the way he leads, through the difficult decisions he makes, and through the personal relationships he has with all those around him. There was something about him that just draws you to him. He has that way of making you feel important, feel safe.

She had admitted to herself that her feelings for Shepard have not all been professional. During the time leading up to the Collector Base mission, she had hinted Shepard several times of her interest in him. But each time, he had a way of letting her down easy. He remained faithful to Ashley. However, Miranda was not convinced that he had no feelings for her at all. In her heart, she always felt there was a hope as long as he was alive.

When the report came in that Shepard was found, she immediately went to the hospital. She saw the shuttle coming in, bringing Shepard's lifeless body. She had followed the doctors into the hospital. During the first several hours, Shepard's vital signs were fluctuating. At one point, they began to fail. She overhead the doctors coming out of surgery saying Shepard's implants have stopped working. His own body cannot sustain him or repair him without his implants. Miranda knew about Shepard's implants since she was the one who oversaw their research and development. Ultimately, she was the one who decided which model of implants were used in him. She also knew, if you had the correctly matched Element Zero nodule, you could restart the implants again. Once restarted, the implants would charge the other embedded Element Zero nodules. At that moment, the only other matching Element Zero nodule that she knew of on this side of the galaxy was inside her. These were specifically Cerberus made. Her father had given her the best ones. And she put the same ones in John Shepard.

When Miranda approached the doctors about this information, they were reluctant to use her Element Zero nodule. They said it was because they would have to remove the Element Zero nodule from her body. This would cause a disruption in her neurochemistry and there's no way to predict her body's reaction. It can kill her. But Miranda insisted. She could not see herself go on living without Shepard being alive. If he was a live, there was hope for her.

Even though she repeatedly talked to the doctors, they were reluctant. So Shepard laid there for 3 days, barely hanging on to life. Just as hope was waning, Miranda heard the news that Normandy finally arrived in Earth orbit. She immediately requested Dr. Chakwas to be flown there to overlook the operation. When Dr. Chakwas arrived she tried to talk Miranda out of it as well. She tried to reason with her that the procedure's hope of success was very low, and the risk to Miranda's life was significant. Miranda would hear none of it. In desperation, Chakwas went to talk to Ashley to ask her to dissuade Miranda.

"Miranda, I know what you're doing." Ashley said as she sat down next to Miranda. They were in Shepard's ICU room. They were used to the humming noise of a starship's engine. But at this moment, all they could hear was the intermittent hissing sounds of a ventilator, and the beeping noise of the heart monitor.

"Then don't try to stop me," Miranda shot back. She had been crying. Ashley have never seen Miranda cry before. In fact, she has the nick name "Ice Queen." This is unexplored territory for both women.
"Miranda, Dr. Chakwas told me the risk to your life is significant. She said you can die from this procedure. She also said they're not sure this is going to work and that the chance of success is very slim. Miranda, I can't ask you to do this."

"Ash, you are not asking me. I am willingly giving my life for John. I know the risk involved. I'm If it means it will give him a chance to live, then I'm willing to give my life."

Ashley was very moved by what Miranda was saying. Ashley and Miranda have had many differences. Even though Ashley respected Miranda professionally, she always had some reservation about her. Mainly, she saw Miranda as someone that was competing for Shepard's affection. But at this moment, she was taken aback by Miranda's decision. She truly was touched by Miranda's willingness to give her own life. "Miranda, I... I don't... I don't know what to say."

"Ash, can you do one favor for me?"

"Yes. Anything." Ashley placed her hands on Miranda's hands.

"Ash, please forgive me for what I'm asking you to do. If I don't survive this operation, I want you to let John know that I love him. I know he's always loved you. But in my heart I had hoped that there was a chance for him and me. I'm sorry Ash. But please tell him that even though we could not be together in life, I will be with him in death. I will always love him. I want him to be happy. I want you both to be happy together. Ash, can you promise me to tell him that?"

"I...yes, I promise," Ash was tearing up. She embraced Miranda, and both women wept over the man they loved.

"So what are you really doing here, Ash?" Miranda asked.

"I'm here to see you," Ashley smiled. "How are you doing? Are you doing okay from the surgery?"

"The incision in my back is healed. It's a little sore from time to time, but I'll be fine."

"I am so glad to hear that. Do you have somewhere private we can talk?"

"Sure, let's go down" Miranda led Ashley down another stairway. Several flights down, there's another open floor. There is a small room in the corner. Miranda and Ashley went in and sat down by the table.

"Miranda, I want to thank you again for what you did for John. We can never repay-"

"Ash, you don't have to thank me. I did it for love." Miranda replied.

"I know you did. And this is why I'm here. I have not told John what you said to me. But I know how much he means to you. But more than that, you mean a great deal to me too. You've brought John back to me, twice." At that, Miranda smiled a bittersweet smile.

Ashley went on, "I've been promoted to the rank of captain and have been given command of the Normandy. John has been asked to be a Council Member representing Alliance. Normandy will be escorting him on reconstruction projects. I need a XO, and I could not think of a more qualified person than you. You know the ship inside and out, you know how the team work, and you've worked and commanded most of the crew."

"Ash, thank you for asking me. I would normally jump at this opportunity. But are you sure you want me to be around... John."

"Miranda, I used to think it's about you and me competing for John's love. But the events of the last week have changed my feelings about you. When you selflessly gave of your life for our happiness, it opened my eyes to the woman you truly are. People may have called you 'Ice Queen', but from what I see of your love for Oriana, and for us, it really showed me an extraordinary woman who not only have incredible physical attributes, but also possess an incredible capacity for love. So, I want to do this for you. I care for your happiness. If it will make you happy to be onboard Normandy, then the position is yours."

Miranda was conflicted by emotions on the inside. She certainly wants to be on the Normandy, near the man she loved. But on the other hand, what would it be like for her to be so close, and not be able to truly have the affection returned. Would it be unbearable to see John be with Ashley every night, knowing she herself can never have that? She also knew this could not have been easy for Ashley. Ashley must care for her to offer this. As she thought through this, she realized a part of her will always be with Shepard. For now, she felt the best place for her to be is to be close to him.

"Yes. I would like to take you up on your offer."

"Miranda, it's great to have you with us. I'm headed back to London. After your operation finishes here, please take the crew back to Normandy. I will brief the entire crew there."

"Ashley, thank you," said Miranda as she and Ashley exchanged a brief embrace.

After Ashley said good-bye to the rest of the squad members, she headed back to London. On the shuttle flight back, she wondered how John will react to this news.