Utopia
A/N: This is the spiritual successor to The Next Great Adventure. The universe is the same but this story is set post-Reaper destruction and so some characters from TNGA will not appear. It goes without saying that this story is AU. Reading TNGA first is not essential but it may be helpful to read at least the latter half of chapter 24.
The first few chapters will be introductory ones, to help familiarise you with the universe and introduce some original characters.
The main protagonist is Adam Shepard, who is basically Paragon but can get his Renegade on in some situations. He's romantically involved with Steve Cortez and his closest friends are Kaidan, Garrus and James Vega.
I'm going on the assumption that when the Reapers were destroyed the geth, EDI and all synthetic life were also destroyed, but technology remained intact. The relays were disabled and cannot be used, but the QEC can be used to contact those who made it through the Sol relay and reached their home worlds before it was disabled.
"Every utopia … faces the same problem: What do you do with the people who don't fit in?" ~Margaret Atwood
~o~O~o~
The Normandy, six weeks post-destruction of Reapers
"This is Khalisah Bint Sinan al-Jilani reporting for Westerlund News. I'm aboard the SSV Normandy where in less than a minute, Commander Shepard will be holding a rare press conference. No details are forthcoming as yet, but speculation is rife as to the nature of the announcement. The commander was seriously injured during the final assault on the Reapers in London and has not been seen in public since, until today. From my vantage point he appears okay, if a little thinner than usual, and has been talking among some of his crew, who are standing at the back in support of their leader."
She paused and, using her omni-tool, instructed her mobile camera to zoom in closer on Shepard's position.
"He's speaking to Major Kaidan Alenko, Spectre and crew mate of the commander. Wait… yes, Major Alenko is taking the podium. This is brought to you live by Westerlund News."
"Listen up, folks," a serious-looking Kaidan called out over the chatter, which quickly died down. "The commander will say his piece and will then take questions relating to his announcement only. Just so we're clear, anything irrelevant or concerning his personal life will not be answered. You'll all get your chance to ask questions so just let him speak."
Kaidan's eyes scanned the assembled reporters for a few seconds before he stepped down, allowing Shepard to take the podium. Several mobile cameras hovered around him, their bright lights making him squint.
"Now we have a closer look at the commander," al-Jilani said to her viewers, "he appears tired, pale and a little tense. My sources tell me he was only released from the hospital a week ago, so I guess it's to be expected."
"I'm here to announce my retirement from the Alliance military," Shepard began without preamble. "Are there any questions."
"What?" asked a quiet, lone voice, drowned out by the stunned silence that filled the cargo hold.
"I said, 'Are there any questions'. I'm on a tight schedule here."
"Commander!" several people yelled all at once, the assembled press surging forward, only to be blocked by a line of stony-faced security personnel.
"One at a time!" Kaidan shouted, moving to Shepard's side. "If you can't wait your turn you'll be thrown out."
The reporters again fell quiet but jostled against each other for a better look at Shepard, who appeared to be searching for someone in the crowd.
"Ms. Wong," he invited.
"Commander, I'm sure I speak for everyone here in thanking you from the bottom of our hearts for your efforts against the Reapers," she began, and her colleagues broke into spontaneous applause. Shepard waited, eventually holding a hand up, looking annoyed.
"I'll pass on your thanks to my crew and the entire united fleet. It wasn't a one-man operation, although I appreciate it's easier for some of you people simply to quote 'Shepard' without acknowledging the huge efforts and sacrifices everyone else made," he said rancorously. "Do you have any idea how many people the Alliance lost? How many the turians lost? The quarians? Do you know any of their names?"
"It appears Commander Shepard hasn't lost his abrasive style or off-handed way of dealing with the press," al-Jilani quietly said to her viewers.
"Commander, why are you leaving?" Ms. Wong continued.
"I won't be commenting on that at this time."
"Are you retiring or being retired?" someone called from the back.
"Commander, is it true you've been asked to join the new Sol Council as Earth's councillor?" another asked. "Will you be accepting the position?"
"I won't be commenting on that."
"You're not denying it, then?"
"I'm not in the habit of repeating myself, Max," Shepard replied firmly.
"Can we ask when you're stepping down, and who'll be taking your place?" another journalist called.
"I've already stepped down. The Normandy is now under the very capable command of Major Kaidan Alenko."
A few surprised gasps rose up and some of the politer reporters extended their congratulations to the major, until another of their colleagues spoke up.
"Cody Milosam, Galactic Enquirer. Commander, is your 'retirement' connected to the rumours linking you romantically with your shuttle pilot? Lieutenant… Cortez? Isn't that fraternisation? Did the Alliance find out? Is that it?"
Shepard's eyes appeared to turn to glass, and the impertinent reporter gulped as the commander leaned forward on the podium, his eyes boring through the questioner. "The only reason I'm not responding to that is because there might be children or people of a nervous disposition watching this broadcast. I think we're done here."
He turned to leave when, with an indignant huff, al-Jilani pushed her way past a few fellow reporters. "Commander! You said you would take relevant questions. Is it not relevant to ask why you're retiring? Don't you owe us that much?"
He stared at her in disbelief, slowly shaking his head. "Owe you? Seriously? Okay, that's it. I'm outta here." He turned on his heel and quickly departed, leaving Kaidan shaking his head.
"Nice going," the major said sarcastically to the small crowd. "You've just reduced the Alliance's greatest war hero to a figure of gossip. And you wonder why he never gives interviews?" With a final glare at the reporters, he nodded at one of the security guards, who stepped forward.
"Time to leave," he ordered the press, sounding none-too-friendly.
Kaidan quickly left before them and took the elevator to Shepard's cabin, where he found the commander packing away the last of his belongings.
"Sorry," he mumbled, leaning against a bulkhead.
"It was pretty much what I expected," replied Shepard, "though I didn't expect a hack like Max to know about the councillor's offer. Where the hell did he get that from?"
"You know some of these people, Shepard, they're bottom feeders. They'll stop at nothing to get a story. They have contacts and spies everywhere. It was only a matter of time."
Shepard scrutinised a small trinket Cortez had gifted him with before tucking it into one of his cases. "I need to talk to Steve. They've printed pictures of us together before but they've never come out and..." He shook his head, clearly angered. "They had to bring him into this, didn't they? Bastards."
"Hey. You know how Cortez'll react to this? He'll laugh."
"I'm not laughing. What if the Alliance brass watches the feeds? Steve's up for promotion, damn it. The press can say what they want about me but what right do they have to hinder a man's career prospects like that? What did he ever do to them?"
"I doubt the Alliance will even blink. They've got bigger fish to fry. Besides, technically you're no longer Alliance so you're not fraternising."
Shepard sighed and zipped up his case, watching Kaidan for a beat. "You think I'm overreacting?"
Kaidan shrugged, a faint smile slowly forming. "Maybe a little."
"A little?"
"Okay, not a little. A lot."
Shepard attempted to smile but failed, his lips stretching into a grimace.
"I can't imagine how hard this is for you," Kaidan commented softly.
"At least I know the Normandy's in safe hands," he replied, forcing unconvincing enthusiasm into his voice. "Can't think of anyone else I'd rather see at the helm."
Alenko shook his head, sighing. "It still doesn't feel right. This is your ship, your cabin. Your crew."
"It didn't feel right three years ago when they took the SR-1 off Anderson," Shepard said with a shrug. "It'll pass. This isn't my ship, it's the Alliance's and they'll keep you too busy to dwell on things for long. I know you, Kai. I might overreact, but you overthink."
"Guilty as charged," Kaidan groaned. "So. You sure you're doing the right thing here? You could've stayed on with the Alliance, you know."
"And sit behind a desk for the rest of my life? I can't do that. I need to be out there, be a part of things. At least this way I can do something that matters. Someone needs to step up, and I've got the contacts and the bloody-mindedness to make things happen. Not sure about the political side of things, though. I might just leave that to the others."
"Are you kidding me? You got the krogan and turians to co-operate. You united the quarians and the geth. You're the kind of 'politician' Earth desperately needs, one that'll cut through the crap and hold people's feet to the fire, and not care about your image or greasing your way up the pole. You might rub some people the wrong way, Shep, but damn, you get the job done."
Shepard stopped packing and sat down on his bed, where he thumbed a data pad, some last-minute doubts playing on his mind. "I dunno. I work best when under pressure, and there was no bigger pressure than getting a fleet together to stop the Reapers. This project? It'll be a long-term thing. I'm not a patient man, Kaidan. I want things done now. Maybe someone older, someone more acquainted with the political arena…"
"Let you ask you something," Kaidan said, crossing his arms. "We all know you're Councillor Tevos's first choice and for good reason. You've seen the others who're jockeying for the position, right? Would you trust any of them with our planet?"
"Hell, no. Nothing but a bunch of Udina clones, only in it for the money and power, and crooked as all get-out."
"Then it looks to me like you've made your decision."
Shepard stared at the data pad for a minute longer before setting it down and standing up. "Yeah. Looks like I have. I'm gonna go talk to Steve, then I'll let Councillor Tevos have my answer." He walked up to Kaidan, stopped in front of him and saluted. "She's all yours, sir."
Kaidan returned the salute, receiving a slap on the shoulder from Shepard as his former CO left the cabin. Kaidan turned, a photograph next to Shepard's private terminal catching his eye. He moved to it, picking it up and studying the image of him, Shepard, Anderson and Ash taken at the Citadel three years earlier.
"End of an era," he said sadly.
~o~O~o~
Conference rooms, Mars Archives, two days later
Asari councillor Tevos looked around the table at her new colleagues and lightly cleared her throat. "Thank you for accepting my invitations to join the new Sol Council. I asked for you all specifically because you are highly capable and well-respected among your people, and I have no doubt that you will fulfil your new roles efficiently and effectively. As the only surviving member of the former Citadel Council, I am here to acclimatise you to your new duties, perform my own and represent the asari people, as well as the people of the Sol system as a whole."
She paused before picking up her data pad. "Before we start business, introductions are in order. I'm certain you all know Shepard," she said to the others around the table, who nodded or grunted in acknowledgement. Tevos then gestured at the turian seated to Shepard's side.
"I am Brigadier General Aquilus Visus of the Turian Seventh Fleet," he said proudly. "We were charged with the protection of the Crucible during its construction, and served as its escort when it was brought to Sol. Many of my men were lost during the final assault but none of them will be forgotten. I look forward to representing the turian people – and the wider community of Sol – during this new endeavour."
"Thank you, Aquilus," said Tevos. "We look forward to that also." She then nodded towards the quarian seated next to Aquilus.
"I'm Captain Danil'Raanis vas Leonid, commander of the Leonid, which was one of the ships leading the Heavy Fleet under Han'Gerrel. We also took heavy losses and my ship didn't make it to the relay in time before it was disabled. I'm surprised I was nominated for this position, but I guess it's an honour, and I'll do my best to represent my people to the best of my abilities. I'm military first and foremost, though," he added with a shrug.
"Take a look around," Shepard said with a wry smile. "We're all military with the exception of Asari councillor Tevos. The Heavy Fleet's contribution in the war was substantial. You were chosen for a reason, and that's because your people respect you."
"Yeah, I guess you're right there," replied the quarian. "I don't mean to sound ungrateful. I'm gratified you think I'm a worthy representative to the quarians but I'm used to fighting with tech and weapons, not words. It just feels weird that there's nothing left to fight."
"I'm with the bucket head," a krogan seated opposite Shepard said with a pointed look at the quarian. "Doesn't feel right to be sitting on our asses talking about our feelings. Leave that kind of crap to the salarians."
"Kerze…" Shepard remonstrated.
"Yeah, yeah, we've all gotta get along, I got it. Just don't expect me to sit around in a circle singing campfire songs and bonding. Ugh. Just tell me which heads need busting, and I'm in."
"Would you care to introduce yourself, for the benefit of the councillors who are not acquainted with you?" Tevos invited.
"Huh? Oh. Right. The name's Urdnot Kerze, but I guess Shepard just told you that. What did I do during the war? I pummelled monsters. Hundreds of 'em. That enough for you? I don't have a fancy title but at 819 years old I've racked up more kills than the rest of you have body hair." He paused and looked around the table. "Okay. More kills than Shepard has body hair. Heh heh. My father fought during the Krogan Rebellions. He'd crap a thresher maw if he could see me working for the Council instead of trying to destroy it. Crazy," he added, shaking his head.
"Thank you, Councillor Kerze," said Tevos. "I hope you're looking forward to serving as a representative of the krogan people in Sol."
"Representative? They'll do what I damn well tell them to."
"I'm… sure we can work with that," Tevos mumbled. "Would you like to introduce yourself?" she asked the remaining councillor, a male salarian.
"Lenasa Tevineis, Spectre and commander of the Kaelentala."
"Ah, yes, forgive me for interrupting," Tevos said. "Before you continue, Councillor Lenasa, I must inform you and Councillor Shepard that being a Spectre is not compatible with being a Council member. Therefore, in spite of your excellent service, I must revoke both your Spectre statuses. I am sorry." She activated her onmi-tool and entered a command.
"I was expecting it, Madam Councillor," Shepard replied, his own omni-tool lighting up as the rescindment order was sent to him.
"As was I," Lenasa added. "Perhaps Shepard and I could recommend future Spectre candidates? It's my understanding that most of the Spectres died on the Citadel or were not in Sol when the relay was destroyed. There are very few remaining and we will need to appoint at least a few more to police Sol."
Shepard nodded. "Good idea. I already have a suitable candidate in mind."
"Human?" asked Lenasa, "because there is already a human Spectre, Alenko, commanding the Normandy. Perhaps one Spectre for each race will suffice, given the size of Sol."
"The person I have in mind is turian, actually. Unless Councillor Aquilus has one of his own people to put forward?"
"Not at this time, Shepard," said Aquilus. "Appoint who you wish."
"Very well," Tevos said. "I second the proposal that Shepard and Lenasa recommend future Spectres candidates, keeping in mind that all candidates must be approved by the entire Council before they are appointed, of course. Are there any objections?"
"No objection," Aquilus replied, followed by Danil'Raanis and Kerze.
Tevos entered another instruction into her omni-tool before deactivating it. "Motion carried. Thank you. Councillor Lenasa, please continue. Whom did you serve with and what was the nature of your mission?"
"STG. That's all you need to know. Our mission was classified."
"Here we go," Kerze complained. "Always with the secrets. Damn pyjaks never change."
"Nor do your kind," sniffed the salarian. "A krogan councillor? Whatever next? A yahg executor?"
Kerze pushed himself to his feet, quickly followed by Shepard and Aquilus. "That's enough," Shepard said firmly. "There are bigger things at stake here. We don't have time for this."
"I quite agree," added Aquilus. "Councillor Tevos is trying to assemble a new council after losing her colleagues and has very graciously accepted a krogan and quarian councillor because many of your people still remain in this system, despite the fact they were not council races. Show some respect."
"Now sit down," Shepard ordered the krogan, who glared at him for a moment before grunting and returning to his seat.
Tevos drew a deep breath as Shepard and Aquilus also sat down. "This is not the time for past rivalries. We are all in a very unusual situation and we must make the best of it and work together. I would also remind you that we are guests in the Sol system. The humans have limited resources as it is, but they have allowed us all to stay, and the Alliance has very generously granted us this facility to use as a base. I would ask you to consider that while going about your business and examining your conduct."
"No, you're not guests," Shepard corrected. "You're allies and this is your home until we can get you back to your own systems. Humans don't abandon their friends. Every race seated here, plus several more, came through for us when it counted. We all fought the Reapers and we all made sacrifices. We're in this together," he assured them. "Nobody is going to be kicked out of Sol. Not without very good reason," he added.
"That is appreciated, Councillor Shepard," said Tevos.
"Just so we know where we stand," Shepard went on, consulting his own data pad, "I'm sure you're all aware how long it would take to reach your own systems at FTL."
"That a threat?" Kerze demanded, his eyes locking with Shepards'.
"Only if it has to be."
"I think Shepard has made his point," Aquilus said, and the krogan finally fell quiet.
"We all want to go home, as grateful as we are to be in Sol," Tevos said in a conciliatory tone, "which is why we need to discuss the most pressing issues facing the system, our peoples, and to prioritise them."
"Indeed," Aquilus concurred. "I propose Shepard begins. I suspect his list is the largest as he has the military and civilians of Earth to consider."
"Are there any objections?" asked Tevos.
No one spoke up.
"Okay," Shepard began. "First, as you all know I've retired from the Alliance, but I will of course be working closely with Command and, specifically, Admiral Hackett. Priorities right now are disposal of the dead, restoration of power and supply chains, food, crime and health care. There's a huge divide between the haves and have-nots. There are people who have absolutely nothing, and the more fortunate ones like us who have accommodation, food and money."
"But without supply chains or resources our money is worthless," Lenasa stated.
"Exactly. We only have accommodation and food because we have a ship or a job and because we have 'people' to take care of things. There are folks out there who've lost everything – their family, their job, their home, their self-respect. Hope. A person with nothing left to lose is capable of anything, no matter how good a person they used to be. Put two of those people together and you've got a fight to the death over a bottle of clean water or an ampule of medi-gel. I can't overstate what a potentially explosive situation we have here."
"What do you propose?" Aquilus, the turian councillor, asked.
"Earth is in chaos. Millions are homeless and the most basic amenities such as water, shelter, food, power and medical supplies are scarce. The crime rate is soaring and the black market is thriving. Dead bodies litter the streets. Old diseases that were eradicated centuries ago are returning. I've consulted with Admiral Hackett and we're going to instigate martial law and a curfew, starting tomorrow when he makes the announcement. Hackett's already moving several thousand military personnel to key cities, but I need a hell of a lot more. I also need people to dispose of bodies, rebuild, and set up emergency shelters and food centres."
"That is a truly colossal undertaking," Tevos said, shaking her head. "Where will you even start?"
"I'll put out a call tomorrow for all able-bodied civilians to step up. We can produce nutrient paste on a large scale but eventually those volunteers will plant crops and rebuild homes. It'll be tough at first, and there will be trouble. I'm going to need the krogan, turians and quarians."
"To do what?" asked Kerze.
"What you do best. According to my figures," he tapped his data pad, "the krogan constitute 16% of Sol's military personnel, the turians, 14%, and the quarians, 13%. That's a lot of people standing around with nothing to do but drain your people's resources. I need as many of them as you can spare."
"And what do my people get out of this?" the krogan demanded.
"What they'll get out of this is food and shelter, which will relieve the burden on your own ships."
"On our ships, you mean," Aquilus stated. "The krogan have no ships of their own."
"I take it the krogan won't be fulfilling diplomatic roles, then," the salarian, Lenasa, sneered, meeting Kerze's glare with a saccharine smile.
Shepard looked at them both for a second before shaking his head. "I need tech experts, hence the quarians, and I need a police force. The Alliance military's doing its best but we just don't have enough people to maintain order. I believe the turians are best suited to that kind of role."
"And what about the krogan?" Kerze demanded.
"You'll be disposing of bodies and helping to rebuild along with the quarians and humans."
"That's it? That's all my people are good for? Monkey work and brute force?"
Shepard plastered on his most charming smile. "You really think humans and quarians can compare with the might of the krogan? You'll be helping rebuild an entire planet. Think of it! The humans will sing songs about you!"
"Ha! I like it!" Kerze bellowed. "Now we'll have something better than belching contests to impress the women with."
"Women?" Aquilus asked sharply, sharing a dismayed glance with Shepard.
"Uh, yeah, gotta keep 'em entertained, right?"
"There are female krogan in Sol?" Shepard demanded. "Since when do females fight in the krogan military?"
"They don't," Kerze answered, "but we brought some along to keep up morale... among other things. Ha! You were the one who cured the genophage, Shepard, and your efforts are bearing fruit. Literally. Heh heh. I already got two of 'em expecting."
"Wait a minute," Shepard began, "far be it from me to tell you how to live your lives, but there are already way too many people in this system – "
"Are you telling me we can't breed after more than a thousand years of having our quads tied?" Kerze barked. "Why the hell did you cure the genophage then?"
"Because it was the right thing to do," Shepard argued, "but your people are breeding on Tuchanka, where I'm assuming they have the room to do so. We don't have that luxury here. You're going to have to speak to your people about this."
"And tell them what? That they can't mate? I can tell you the answer to that right now and it'll be bluer than the asari councillor's butt!"
"Hell, Kerze, I'm not trying to stop you having sex, you just need to use contraception!"
"Contra what now?"
"You're kidding me," Shepard groaned. "You know, birth control?"
Kerze threw his head back and roared with laughter, slamming his hand down on the table several times for good measure. "Wrex was right, Shepard! You're a funny guy! Hilarious!"
"I'm not joking, Kerze. You can't reproduce. We can't afford any more mouths to feed."
Kerze's smile slipped and a heavy frown appeared on his brow. "You're serious?"
"Yes, I'm serious! We're trying to figure out how to feed the people we already have in the system without adding more! Do I need to bring Wrex in on this? He might be back on Tuchanka but I can raise him on the QEC in seconds."
"But we've never even studied birth control! Why would we need to do that? We were infertile for the last thousand years! And are you going to force your own people to tie a knot in it? I doubt it!"
"My own people don't breed like insects, Kerze!"
"I'm certain my people can work something out," Lenasa piped up.
"You're not getting anywhere near my people's quads, Tadpole," Kerze snapped. "We all remember what happened the last time you studied 'krogan birth control'."
"Fine. We won't help you, then."
"Yes, you will," Aquilus ordered.
"And who put youin charge?" Lenasa demanded of the turian.
"He doesn't need to be in charge to talk sense," Shepard replied. "You two need to co-operate. It's a long way home from here. Your choice."
"You cannot threaten us with expulsion every time you disagree with us," the salarian protested.
"You're right, I can't," Shepard replied, his patience at an end. "Next time, it won't be a threat. Now pull your heads out of your asses, or cloacae, or whatever you call 'em. You will work together and you'll start today. We clear?"
"I see you've appointed yourself in charge, then," sniffed Lenasa.
"This is his damned system!" exclaimed the quarian, Danil'Raanis. "We don't have all day! There are people dying out there! If you two don't want to be part of the solution then get out and fend for yourselves!" He turned towards Shepard. "You'll get your people, Shepard. I'll have the exact numbers for you later today. I hope they'll help."
"I give you the same promise," said Aquilus. "I can have feet on Earth today and we will begin co-ordinating law enforcement agencies with your Alliance military."
"Thank you both," Shepard said gratefully with a bow of his head. "I appreciate that."
"Hmph," growled Kerze, realising his hand had been forced. "I can double whatever these two give you. Let me know how many you need."
Shepard folded his arms, his eyes moving between Kerze and Lenasa. "What's happening between you two? Are you going to work together?"
"Fine," Kerze huffed. "I'll co-operate."
"Lenasa?" asked Shepard.
"We will begin studies today, as… ordered," answered the salarian coolly. "I should warn you, though, Councillor Shepard, that you will not acquire friends by reverting to human type."
"And what type is that, exactly?"
"The type that wants to be in charge of everything and rides roughshod over those who oppose them."
"What would you prefer we do, Lenasa?" Tevos, the asari councillor, asked angrily, taking everyone by surprise. "Should we sit at this table for the rest of eternity, squabbling like small children over past slights while the galaxy crumbles around us? And, when we are starving and there is nothing left, will we still be quarrelling over things that no longer matter?"
Aquilus leaned forward and stared down the salarian and krogan. "Do you see me and Shepard posturing over the First Contact War? No. And why do you think that is? Because neither of us was there and it is no longer relevant! If you wish to pick at each other because of the genophage then kindly do so elsewhere. The rest of us have work to do. Important work."
All at the table fell silent. After a minute, Lenasa sighed. "I retract my objections."
"Good," said Tevos. "May the asari render assistance, Shepard?"
"If you can spare anyone I'd be grateful, but I'm aware that the asari and salarians have far fewer people in Sol as the majority of your fleets made it to the relay in time."
"That is true. Nevertheless, I will assist in any way I can. Also, I will help you to co-ordinate teams and delegate work. You will need to appoint leaders, those who can manage the everyday issues without needing to run everything by you. Without them, you will soon be overwhelmed."
"Thank you, Madam Councillor. I appreciate all your offers of help," Shepard said to his colleagues. "If there's anything I can do to reciprocate, please ask and I'll do everything I can. There's no shortage of scrap material in Sol, and if you need any let me know so I can allocate it to you. We'll need some of that scrap to rebuild the relay when we can get on that, though, so I need to keep accurate records."
"I'll speak to you about that another time, Shepard, but for now the quarian people need help with an urgent matter," said Danil'Raanis.
"Food," Shepard guessed.
"Yes," Danil replied. "We manufacture our food in the hydroponic labs aboard our liveships, but the problem is, two of the three liveships were destroyed, and dextro rations are running low. Due to the poor condition of many of our remaining ships we've had to move people, and living quarters are more cramped than ever. We have the knowledge and resources to build more labs thanks to the high level of salvage in the system, but we simply don't have the room."
Shepard immediately began entering information into his data pad. "I'll source some premises for you on Earth and Mars. They might be nothing more than bombed-out factories but they'll be allocated specifically to the quarians. You can do whatever you want with them. I'll get you as many as I can, and as I said, there's plenty of scrap to help with repairs. I can also swing for transportation if you need any."
"Thank you, Shepard," Danil breathed. "The situation is growing desperate."
"We have a small hydroponic lab on each of our ships," Aquilus informed the quarian. "We stand ready to assist and supply you while the new labs are built. Once completed, we can co-ordinate manufacturing. We will work together on this to benefit both our peoples."
"I'm very grateful, and look forward to working with you," Danil said to the turian.
Tevos caught Shepard's eye, and they shared a quick smile before the asari turned to Kerze. "Are there any issues you wish to bring to our attention, Councillor?"
~o~O~o~
Two hours later the meeting was over and only Shepard, Aquilus and Tevos remained at the table, omni-tools working as they started to put some of their plans in motion. Tevos was the first to leave, and her male counterparts rose as she stood up.
"Thank you for a very productive meeting, gentlemen," she said. "I will meet with you again in the morning. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you need assistance in the meantime. Good afternoon."
"The same to you," Shepard replied, Aquilus dipping a bow as she left.
"I wonder if all Council meetings are to be like that one?" the turian mumbled before slumping back into his chair and looking up at Shepard, who also sat down.
"I thought it went pretty well. You got a salarian to shut up, for one. How often does that happen?"
"I hadn't considered that," Aquilus pondered, not taking his eyes off the human as he cleared his throat. "Shepard, may I ask you a question, possibly a personal one?"
"You can ask me whatever you like. Can't guarantee I'll answer it, though," Shepard replied with a smile.
"Fair enough. The reason I think it may be personal is because you didn't reveal it to the press. I was just wondering what it took to make Commander Shepard leave the Alliance. Although I didn't know you personally during the Reaper war, the Alliance without Shepard is something I simply cannot comprehend. It can't have been voluntary. Can it?"
"The reason I didn't tell the press is because it's none of their damn business. They've published all kinds of crap about me over the years and I wasn't inclined to perpetuate the circus that was 'Commander Shepard'."
Aquilus nodded. "Hm. What, then, if you don't mind my asking?"
"No, I don't mind at all. The simple and boring truth is that I was retired on medical grounds." He noticed the turian's shoulders slump. "Don't tell me… you too?"
"Yes," groaned Aquilus. "Took a shot to the flank, shattered my ischium and it hasn't been right since. I can't bend the leg or put full weight on it. Well, I know it's bent already, but you know what I mean. You might have noticed my limp."
"Wow. You got shot in the ass? That had to hurt."
"I said 'flank', not ass," Aquilus corrected, the first trace of humour Shepard had heard showing in his voice. "Result's the same, though. What happened to you?"
Shepard snorted. "What didn't happen to me? I guess there's only so many times a person can be rebuilt. I wound up failing the Alliance's basic fitness test, and the docs said I won't get any better. Basically, I can't sprint and I can't climb."
"Injury? Heart? Lungs?"
"Lungs. I breathed fire, only the wrong way. The bad way. Another reason I chose not to make it public is because reputation goes a long way. A guy who needs to use five inhalers a day doesn't sound very intimidating."
"Can you still fight?"
Shepard nodded. "I can take care of business. I'm a biotic so I still have my 'tools of the trade'. I still didn't make the Alliance cut, though, as I'm guessing you didn't make the turians'. How about you?"
Aquilus gave a shrug. "I can still shoot from a concealed position but if someone comes up behind me, or if I need to run, I'm done."
Shepard sighed. "Yeah."
They shared a moment of silence before Aquilus spoke again. "Did the Alliance not attempt to keep its finest soldier? Did they not offer you a non-combat role?"
"They did. I was offered a choice of desk jobs – jobs that some people would kill for – but that's not for me, and I think Hackett expected that. The retirement was a mutual thing. The Alliance has taken very good care of me."
"As they should. What do you call this, then, if not a desk job?"
"I have no intention of sitting behind a desk. Well, as little as I can, anyway. I intend to get out there and get my hands dirty. I don't want to be sitting in an ivory tower, losing touch with the people I'm supposed to be helping. If ever you suspect that's happened I want you to shoot me."
The turian gave a rasping laugh. "Only if you make the same promise to me."
"Count on it, friend." Shepard extended his hand to the turian, who shook it. "Glad to know you, Aquilus."
"And I am very glad you are here," he replied before releasing Shepard's hand. "I should meet with the military leaders, tell them some of their men are being redeployed." He stood up and moved stiffly to the door, where he hesitated for a second. "Shepard… how did you feel about being retired?"
Shepard stared across the room, taking a minute to answer. "Same as you, I guess. I keep telling myself that I'm alive and in a very fortunate position. And the Reapers are gone."
"Does it help?"
He gave a half-hearted shrug. "I keep telling myself that it does."
Aquilus nodded and gave a low rumble of understanding. "Yes, quite. Well. Until tomorrow."
"Until then," replied Shepard as the door closed.
~o~O~o~
Later that afternoon, Shepard took a seat at his private terminal. Unlike the former Citadel councillors he didn't have the luxury of his own office, but at least he had a desk. He looked at it and smirked, remembering his vow to Aquilus not to spend too much time behind it.
"SSV Normandy," he said, and waited for the QEC to connect. After a short time, Specialist Traynor's face appeared on his screen.
"Commander! Oh, damn! I mean Councillor! Sorry, sir. I… mean… oh, bugger it!"
"You're doing fine, Samantha," he smiled. "Everyone here's just calling me 'Shepard'. It's a lot easier."
"Shepard," she repeated breathlessly with a nod. "It's good to see you."
"You too. I hear you're staying on the Normandy. Guess you got used to living out of a shoebox, huh?"
"I did," she said brightly. "Major Alenko talked me into staying. Not that I needed much convincing. I love it here. If I might ask, how are things on the new council?"
He raised his eyebrows. "Interesting."
"Good or bad interesting?"
"I'll get back to you on that," he replied good-naturedly.
"If anyone can make it work, you can," she said with determination. "Would you like to speak to Major Alenko?"
"Oh, no, I'll be speaking with him tomorrow."
She clasped her chin and looked upwards. "Hm. Now who else could you possibly want to speak to? Let me see… oh, I know! Dr. Chakwas?"
"Traynor…"
She chuckled. "Putting you through now."
"Appreciate it."
The Alliance Marines insignia flashed up on his screen, and after a minute the beaming face of Lieutenant Cortez appeared.
"Well, hello there, Councillor Shepard in his swanky office," the pilot teased, looking at the crumbling drywall behind Adam. "How's the new job?"
"Hey, Steve. It's about to get busy. Is the Normandy still in orbit around Mars?"
"Yeah. Want me to come over? Do I get a tour?"
"I can show you around, sure, but it's hardly the Presidium. If you're off-duty and Major Alenko doesn't object, I thought I'd stand you to dinner. Might not get chance again for a while."
Cortez's smile slipped by a tiny amount but he held it in place. "Oh? What are we having?"
"I've got a stockpile of Alliance MREs if you're interested. They're being shipped out tomorrow but I'm sure two won't be missed."
"Nothing but the best, huh? Sold. Just give me… half an hour? I'll finish up here and clear it with the major. I need to talk to you, anyway," he said with mock sternness.
"Uh-oh. Sounds like I'm in trouble."
"Maybe, maybe not. Think I'll let you stew for a bit." He winked. "Cortez out."
"Damn flyboys," Shepard laughed to himself before powering down his terminal.
~o~O~o~
"So did you know about my promotion?" Steve asked Shepard as they picked at their rations, both seated on a ripped couch in a corner of the large makeshift office shared by the councillors.
Shepard laughed, more out of relief than anything. "Ah. That."
"You did know! How long ago were you told?"
"Uh… not long after I was released from the hospital, before I was retired."
Cortez raised an eyebrow, mischief in his eyes. "And you didn't tell me? I thought we told each other everything!"
"Steve," Shepard teased. "You're only lieutenant-commander. Hackett filled me in but ordered me to keep a lid on it until the announcements were made. You know, an admiral? That's a little higher than lieutenant-commander."
Steve chuckled. "Can't argue with that. Bet you were dying to tell me."
"You have no idea. When did you find out?"
"About six hours ago. Had some new orders as well."
"Guess LC's too high and mighty for shuttle pilot now, huh?"
"Damn right!" Cortez joked before his expression grew serious. "Actually, my new orders... I wanted to talk to you about them. I'm still in two minds."
"Why? It's not another shuttle pilot slot, is it?"
"No, it's a great opportunity."
"You don't need to run anything past me, Steve. This is your choice."
"I know, but you talked to me about taking the Council job. We're in a relationship, remember? I know we won't be spending as much time together as we're used to, but as long as we keep talking, we'll get through it."
"Couldn't agree more. Things will get better, though, and we will be able to spend more time together eventually. Might take a while, though. Could be a couple of years, I won't lie to you."
"Hey, this is the life we chose," said Steve with a sigh. "Let's just make the most of the time we do spend together. Besides, it's not like you'll be hundreds of light years away, and at least I know you're safe."
"Hm," Shepard mumbled. "Why do I get the feeling your new orders aren't going to be as safe as shuttle pilot?"
"Since when was I safe as your shuttle pilot?"
"Good point. You eating those cowboy beans?"
"Hands off!" Steve warned before shovelling his beans into his mouth.
"At least I won't have to deal with the consequences of the beans now we're not sharing a bed," Shepard joked half-heartedly.
Cortez quietly snorted, laying down his plastic spoon on his tray. "I miss you at night."
"Me too." Shepard took Cortez's empty tray off him and stacked it on top of his own, placing them on a small table nearby. "We need to arrange something, I dunno, once a week, more if we can manage it. Just for us to spend some real time together. I mean, even Earth's councillor gets a little down time, right?"
"He'd better," said Steve, laying his head on Shepard's shoulder as they sat back.
Shepard pressed a kiss to Steve's temple. "I'll make it happen. I promise." He wrapped an arm around Cortez's shoulders. "Now tell me about your new orders."
"Okay… there's a lot of pirate activity along the Sol border and Alliance supply ships are bearing the brunt. It's always been a problem but in our current situation, those raids are stopping vital supplies getting through where they're needed the most. Pretty much all the security squadrons were lost during the Reaper campaign. Hackett's putting together a new Sol security squadron and they want me to command quadrant one."
"Wha… seriously? That's amazing!"
Steve shrugged. "I'll be one of four commanders in the system as a whole. Guess my previous experience of fighters had something to do with it."
"Don't be modest. You already have commands under your belt and you kept the Normandy ground teams alive when delivering them to some of the most dangerous places any of them had ever been to. You're dedicated, committed and God knows you work hard. Things like that don't go unnoticed, Steve. This is long overdue."
Cortez sat up and turned to face Shepard. "You must have had something to do with it, though."
"You need your CO's recommendation for promotion, sure, but it was nothing to do with 'us'. I recommended others for promotion, too, those who deserved it. You deserved it. As for your new orders, you'd always be the first to know. I had no clue."
Cortez gave a weak smile before sighing, and Shepard sat up, facing him directly. "All right, Steve. What's wrong?"
"Ah… like I said, it's a great opportunity. It's just, we'll be operating out of the SSV Bader, a carrier stationed on the border just outside of Pluto, and I'll be on call 24/7. I'll be gone for weeks at a time and that's when everything's set up. Could take us a while to get a real foothold – those pirates are numerous and well-organised."
"Okay," Shepard said slowly, his smile fading. "This is too good an opportunity for you to pass up. We can still talk over the QEC and I'll make damn sure we get to spend time together when you head back this way. You can't turn this down, Steve, and I can sense this is what you want."
"It is," Cortez sighed. "I just feel like… I almost lost you, and now we'll be spending so little time together. I didn't want that. Guess I've been spoiled, sharing a cabin with you for the past few months."
Shepard smiled gently and took one of Steve's hands. "Yeah, we were both spoiled. Listen. I'm in this for the long haul. For keeps. We've come through the worst times and lived to tell the tale. Now we're going to lay the groundwork for our future together, which means more sacrifice, but not the kind that leaves us wondering if we'll wake up tomorrow. Speaking of safety… what kind of fighters will you be flying?"
Steve's eyes lit up and he grinned boyishly. "I get my Trident back."
"Your Trident? You know that bird inside out, right?"
"Yeah, and I'll be a damn sight safer than in the Kodiak. Might not seem that way, but the Trident reacts so much more fluidly, it's almost an extension of my body. Doubt the pirates will have anything that can match its specs, anyway, and they're not exactly the Reapers. You can sleep soundly, Adam. I'll be just fine."
"Good to know. C'mere." Shepard pulled him close and they shared a lingering kiss, which Shepard eventually broke, resting his forehead against Steve's. "Just promise me one thing?"
"Anything, you know that."
"If you wear one of those g-suits I'm gonna need pictures. Lots of 'em, from every angle, so I can inspect it. You know, for tears and stuff."
"I can do better than that. I'll bring it back with me and wear it if you want."
"You… can wear it for a little while, sure." They started to laugh and sank back into the couch again, sharing companionable silence for a few minutes. "We'll get through this," Shepard said eventually.
"I know we will." They smiled at each other and snuggled closer before Steve's face dropped and he sat up straight. "Did you hear something?"
"Hello? Is somebody here?" a voice called from the far side of the room.
"Madam Councillor," Shepard said in surprise, he and Steve standing up as the lights were turned on and Councillor Tevos approached them.
"Oh," she mumbled, her eyes moving to the empty food trays and small candles on the tables next to the couch. "I am so sorry. If I'd known you were entertaining I wouldn't… I just came back to get a data pad I'd forgotten."
"Please, Madam Councillor, it's fine," Shepard replied. "This wasn't exactly planned. We just had a bite to eat. Have you eaten yet? You're welcome to join us."
She held up a hand, looking panicked. "I have no intention of interrupting –"
"We've got Alliance combat rations," Steve said enticingly, and she laughed.
"A fine dining experience, I'm sure. I am Councillor Tevos," she said in introduction with a slight dip of her head. "A pleasure to meet you."
"Good to meet you, ma'am. Lieutenant Steve Cortez."
"Soon to be lieutenant-commander," Shepard pointed out with pride in his voice. "Steve's my better half."
"Yes, I guessed that," she replied with a warm smile. "You seem very well-matched. Ah, there it is." She moved to her own desk and picked up the data pad in question. She then walked back to the men, still wearing her smile. "I won't keep you. Enjoy the rest of your evening."
"Are you sure you don't –" Steve began, but stopped when Shepard touched his arm.
"You too, Madam Councillor. See you tomorrow."
She nodded at them both before quietly leaving, closing the door behind her.
"Damn," Shepard muttered. "I completely forgot."
"What's wrong? Shouldn't we be here?" asked Steve.
"No, it's not that." He sighed. "Her bondmate and their daughters made it to the relay before it was disabled, but obviously, she didn't. It'd take hundreds of years to reach her home world from here at FTL. I can't imagine how that must feel, not being able to touch each other, wondering if they'll ever be able to again." Again, he reached for Steve's hand and they looked into each other's eyes. "They can talk over the QEC but it's not the same, is it? It's not enough."
Steve shook his head. "Makes you realise how lucky we are. And there was me balking at us spending a few weeks apart."
"Yeah. That's why you will be taking your new orders. Right?"
Steve nodded. "Right. At least we're in the same system and it won't be forever."
Shepard stepped close to him and slipped an arm around his waist. "So. We ready to do this, Lieutenant-Commander Cortez?"
"Yeah, I'm ready. You ready to save Earth again, Councillor?"
"Ready or not, that's what I'm here to do. Let's get outta here."
Steve nodded and they both headed for the door.
Thank you to CCBug, my ME oracle, for all your help!