AN: As this is an experiment, we would both like to know what you think, so hit that button and review!
The Reapers are coming, of that there is no doubt. I am not concerned with that now, no. The only thing I am worried about is everyone else. They do not know what is coming, they have no way to defend themselves... at least not while they are fragmented by so many prejudices and past wrongs. But that is what I am trying to fix. This galaxy must stand united if we are to survive the coming war. And the only way to unification is through the Council. The galaxy may well fall because of this one task. But I am Shepard, as Thane would say. I am a legend, and, hopefully, legends can do anything. Even something as impossible as uniting the Council.
"Are you ready, Shepard?" Admiral Anderson emerged from the Council Chambers, his face unreadable. That couldn't be good.
Taking a deep breath, I glanced around at my team. Miranda and Jacob nodded, expressions tight. As the only 'true' Cerberus officers on my crew, they were being treated more harshly to say the least. Still, they were standing by me, and I was grateful. Tali and Garrus nodded, too, always ready, always strong, a rock for me to lean on.
'We are with you, Shepard Commander.' Legion's synthetic voice crackled in my headset and I smiled inwardly. Legion, Grunt, Mordin, Thane, Samara, and Jack had opted to stay on-board Normandy, monitoring things with Joker and EDI. Their clearly illegal past would have swayed the Council's decision before they even heard my argument. 'He speaks for all of us.' Samara whispered and I nodded at Admiral Anderson.
"We are ready." I straightened, my head held high, and strode past him. He chuckled quietly, murmuring, "Its good to have you back, Tara."
"You can't do this!" I exploded, rage boiling in my chest.
"Careful, Shepard," Garrus warned, tugging at my elbow. "Calm down."
"No!" I yanked my arm away, snarling. "I will not calm down! The bastards are dooming the entire galaxy because of their own stupidity!"
"Oh, wonderful," Miranda said from behind me.
"Commander, you will control yourself or you will be escorted out by security." The Turian Council Member hissed angrily.
"Control? You expect me to be controlled when you dismiss the greatest threat this galaxy has ever know as a myth? You stupid pompous fools!" I slammed my fist on the platform's railing, and Tali sighed in resignation.
"Get her out of here!" the Turian commanded, his voice fierce. Two armed Asari security guards immediately moved towards me.
"No need." I shoved them roughly out of my way. "I'll show myself out." As I practically ran for the exit, Miranda spoke up.
"Please excuse Commander Shepard's behavior," she said diplomatically. "It seems the pressures of the recent mission have finally gotten to her. If you will excuse us, we will make sure she is calm and ready to continue our discussion."
"That will not be necessary." The Salarian Council Member spoke for the first time as I reached the door. "We have no desire to continue anything with the Commander. We have made our decision on what she proposed." I snarled at that, but the door was hissing shut behind me. I barely heard the Salarian's next words. "Our main interest now is your allegiance to Cerberus..."
My vision a red haze of anger, I stormed out of the Council section of the Citadel and headed for Cora's Den. I needed to get away from everything that was even remotely close to those idiot Council Members and Cora's Den seemed the perfect place to lose myself.
It took me awhile because I was too angry to pay attention to where I was, but I eventually reached my destination. The bouncer's eyes widened when he saw who I was and he immediately waved me in. The moment I stepped inside, I could feel the violent bass pounding through my body. Neon strobe lights penetrated the swirling darkness that filled the club, bouncing off dancing bodies and blinding anyone who looked too close. I took a deep breath of the smoke-filled air and smiled a feral smile, loving the sheer chaos. I felt better already.
Slipping through the crowd, I wove my way to the bar where a drunk Turian was being hauled off by the bouncers. I snagged his vacated stool directly in front of the bartender, a human who had his back to me, cleaning some glasses.
"Give me one of your strongest drinks." I said, slapping some credits on the counter.
"Coming right up, Shepard." My head snapped up at the familiar, and too late I saw the smoke, too late realized my mistake. The Illusive Man turned, his cigarette glowing as bright as his eyes. "Our special is a real knock-out."
"No." I started to shove away from the bar, but I wasn't quick enough. There was a sharp pain at the back of my skull and everything went black.