Anderson and the once designated 'Spectre Squad' of the Normandy were gathered together in the office of Barla Von. Each had received a message from the volus in the past 48 hours to gather at his temporary place of work, his office on the Presidium currently one of thousands under re-construction. No-one was quite sure why they had been summoned, only knowing that the volus handled Shepard's financial affairs. Anderson and Tali were sat in the two chairs available. Liara, Alenko, Garrus and Wrex stood behind them.

"I'm sure you're wondering why you're here," Barla Von began, "Aside from taking care of the Commander's financials, I also looked after any legal issues he had. He didn't really have any of those but I did receive a message from him on August 18th of this year."

Anderson's eyes widened in surprise. "That was the night before his arrival on Ilos. What was the message?"

"His last will and testament."

Most of the group glanced at each other in surprise.

"I'm not surprised," said Garrus, clearing his throat before he continued, "In one of our last chats before we arrived on Ilos, he said he figured the chances of him surviving were slim. I guess he just wanted to be prepared."

"What was the message exactly?" Anderson asked.

"It's a video message. He specifically asked that you were all assembled here before I played it."

The group looked at each other again. Everyone gave Anderson a brief nod.

"Play it."

The volus keyed his omni-tool, the large screen on the wall behind him flickering on. Shepard appeared on screen. Anderson heard Tali gasp. He reached over and held her hand. He heard the others shuffle behind him, believing they were coming to attention.

"If you're seeing this then I guess, to put it bluntly, I'm dead. First, I should get to the particulars:

My name is John William Shepard. I was born on April 11, 2154. I was born on Earth.

I am a Commander of the Alliance Navy.

I am currently Captain, though without the official rank, of the SSV Normandy.

I am a Council Spectre.

This is my last will and testament.

I actually don't really have much to say regarding my personal effects. My life has been the service since I was 18. Before that... well, we won't delve into that. But I don't have a personal residence and therefore don't really own a lot. Anything I do own should be found on the Normandy, either in my locker or in my quarters." They watched him grab a datapad and read from it. "According to my records, though, I currently have in my financial account a total of 5,567,182 credits."

Everyone gasped at that. No-one had any idea he was so… rich. They knew he'd have made plenty of money from all the salvage the Normandy had found during their traverse across the galaxy. He was paid for the numerous jobs he completed either by the Alliance or other benefactors. He was still paid a salary by the Alliance in addition to all that. Still, Barla Von must have been a financial guru.

"Anderson, I'd like three million of that put aside to help the people of Feros. The colonists there are in need our continued support. However, this has to be via non-Alliance channels. I helped them in my role as a Spectre and they wish to remain outside the realm of the Alliance. I'm not exactly sure what the money can do but I'd like some sort of fund established so that they are cared for. They're good people and are more than deserving of our help.

As for the rest, split it between yourselves however you want. If you want to take a share, please do so. If you don't, then I understand. The only request I can make is that you use it for something good."

"We will, Shepard," said Anderson quietly.

"Right, now that's out of the way, we can get to what I want to talk about. My personal statements for my team." He stopped for a second, then shook his head. "Statements seems so... cold. No, not statements. A message. For each of you. My thoughts. About my colleagues. But you are all far more than just colleagues now. I see each of you as a friend. I hope you realised that during out time together. I hope you are all there to hear this. If you are all there, then at least I died making sure that my team, my friends, at the very least survived.

Wrex. All I can say is thank you for joining up. I will admit that I didn't know much about the krogan when you joined my team, but after our chats, I can only hope that you find your calling. And that I believe that if you were to return home, you may be one of the few able to bring the clans together and perhaps offer a brighter future for your people. It's just a thought. You have good ideas and, no matter what, you have my support. Just know that I'm proud to have called you a brother in arms. And a friend.

Liara. I can only say thank you for your unwavering trust and belief in me and the mission, and know that trust and belief was returned in full. Your help during the mission, particularly the hours and hours of research you completed, will be critical to our eventual success, and I also appreciated your courage on the battle-field. I only hope you can move on once our mission was complete and find happiness in whatever you choose to do next.

Kaidan. I'll keep this quite simple. I could think of no-one better to be the new Commander or Captain of the Normandy if I'm no longer there. Pressly is a damned fine officer and XO and I mean no disrespect to the man who has earned his position as my 2IC. But your quiet wisdom and strength of character made you a perfect confidant during times of crises and I believe you are more than worthy of an elevation in rank. But more importantly than that, you were a friend. I can only wish you the best of luck in the future, Kaidan.

Garrus. I couldn't think of anyone better to be watching my six than you. If there is a turian who is a tougher son of a bitch out there in the galaxy, then I never met him. I know we didn't always agree on things, but life would be boring if we had. I hope you have at least taken something away from the way I operate. Whatever the case, though, don't let it change the man you are. Like Wrex, I hope you find your calling. And know that I always considered you a close friend."

Shepard then went quiet, the group watching him lower his head, shuffling slightly, clearing his throat once or twice before he looked back up at the screen.

"Anderson. I could never, ever thank you enough for the impact you had on my life. For years I had nothing. No family. A few friends, using that term loosely, and no-one close or that I could trust. No-one to rely on. No-one at all. I was and felt completely alone. You were the first person to ever just… believe in me. Believe that I was capable of so much more. You were the inspiration, Anderson. You made me the man I am today. With your wisdom, your guidance and your support. And over time I looked to you as…" Shepard's voice cracked and he looked down again, taking a few breaths before looking back up, "I just hope I went out making you proud, sir."

Anderson nodded. "You did, son. You did," he said quietly.

Shepard then blew out his cheeks, silent again, appearing to gather his thoughts. "Finally, Tali. I have so much to say. So many things I wanted to say. There are things I wish I had said. The best day…" Shepard's voice broke immediately. He turned away from the camera and blew out his cheeks again. After a few moments, he turned back to the camera. No-one could miss the tear or two slowly cascading down his cheeks. "The best day of my life was meeting you, well, rescuing you, on the Citadel. Little did I know at the time of the impact that you would have on my life. Along with Anderson, you were the best thing…"

Shepard stopped again. Cleared his throat. Shuffled slightly in his chair.

"You were the best thing to ever happen in my life. With you at my side, I never felt alone. You were always there to help me, even in the darkest of times. I cannot thank you enough.

Tali, you are the most wonderful, selfless, intelligent, simply extraordinary person I met and it was my pleasure to have known you for these few short months. To have had you at my side. To have called you my friend. And I know that if you're hearing this, then I kept my promise – that you would live and that you would go on with your life. I'm just sorry that I can't be there, at your side, like you were at mine.

Just know that I… I always carried you with me, Tali. Two places. Here," as he pointed to his head, "but more importantly here," as he placed his hand over his heart. "That is how much you meant to me. My life was simply better just for having you in my life."

Tali simply cried quietly behind her mask, unable to say anything. Anderson wrapped an arm around her, others trying to give as much comfort as possible. Everyone was now more than aware of her feelings for Shepard, as they were aware of his feelings for her. They all knew she was completely devastated.

The video still played.

"I'm not really sure how I'm to end one of these things so I'll keep it simple. I'm glad I could call each and every one of you a friend and you all made me proud during our time together. I'm sure the mission will be a success and we'll keep the galaxy safe.

And, if I was wrong about the whole God thing, and the big guy upstairs decides to let me in, just know that I'll be watching and waiting for you up in heaven. I'll be at the bar with Ashley, having a drink. And don't bring your wallets when you arrive. Your money be worthless, all rounds being on me."

He smiled.

"Goodbye, my friends."

The screen turned black.