Aftermath
By: Spectre4hire
Citadel Confrontation
Omega was the home of the worst scum and villainy in the galaxy. It was a haven for the convicts and the corrupt. There was no law or order there was mostly chaos and violence. If you were smart, you stayed away from Omega all together.
A blue skinned asari waited at the Afterlife bar leaving her to think. He is late, he better be good.
The turian bartender gave her another drink.
"Add it to the tab," she replied before taking a long sip of the green liquid.
The music was blaring in the background, with the lights flashing as asari girls danced sensually around. Drunken male patrons were in the center showing off their own moves to the few female patrons who they hadn't offended yet.
The asari had her eyes on one drunken human who had just punched a salarian for getting too close to him and his partner. Humans they truly are not worth the trouble, she thought to herself. She had never liked them, always finding it offensive when they would try to pick her up.
"You my contact?" asked a gruff voice.
The asari jumped slightly at the voice, which had penetrated her thoughts and disdain of humans. She turned around to see a tall batarian standing over her.
He was tall for a batarian, heavily armored, and heavily armed; his four eyes were staring down at her. Just by looking at him, she was sure that his reputation was correct.
"Yes," the asari said plainly.
The batarian sat down next to her. "I heard you needed the best?"
"Because you will be going after the best."
The batarian laughed, "I have been given that line before. Trust me I can take care of myself."
The asari smiled, he definitely was confident.
"You might change your mind, when I tell you who your target is."
"Spit it out."
"John Shepard," the asari noticed that the batarian's fingers clenched into tight fists on the table. "I take it you heard of him?"
"Yeah I know of him. The fucking savior of the human race," answered the batarian, whose mood was worsening.
"That is right."
"So what did Shepard do to piss off your boss?"
"Why Shepard is on our list, is not your concern. Can you handle it?"
The batarian thought for a moment, "Yeah I can handle it, but the credits."
"Half now, half when the job is done, check your omni-tool."
The batarian lit up his omni-tool to see how many credits had just been deposited into his account. A wide smile came to his face. "Yeah that is more than substantial."
"The sooner the better."
"Don't worry, I would have done Shepard for free," The batarian laughed before standing up. "This is definitely going to be one of my most enjoyable hits."
"Good, we will know when the job is done, and you will get the rest of the credits," commented the asari.
"Oh I better, I don't care how powerful your boss may think he is, I don't get ripped off," he threatened.
"My boss is not one to turn a blind eye to those who help her."
"Good."
"We never met," the asari said sliding out of her chair.
"Yeah I know," the batarian walked towards the exit.
The asari looked back to make sure she wasn't being followed before she began walking towards the lower part of afterlife. She placed two fingers on her ear.
"Did he accept?" came a female voice.
"Yes."
"I knew he wouldn't deny a chance to kill Shepard."
"Do you still want him to be followed?"
"Yes, make sure he is congratulated afterwards," instructed the female's voice.
"He will be," the asari said ending the transmission with her boss.
The entire crew and squad were on the command deck when Shepard and Miranda exited the elevator, the two received a few raised eye brows, a few whispers, and even a few elbow nudges. Neither Miranda nor Shepard seemed to care about the attention, both were more than satisfied with the relationship.
"Any messages from the Council?" Shepard asked.
"No red carpet if that is what you mean Shepard," Garrus answered examining the Commander and the XO closely.
"But we did get permission to dock Commander," Joker said.
"That's as generous as they ever will be," replied Shepard.
"Coming in for a landing."
The Normandy was directed to one of the Alliance Towers who guided them to a landing deck, clear of fans, reporters, cameras away from the prying eyes of the public and media.
"How many times do we have to save the galaxy before we get a good parking spot?" complained Joker.
Shepard smiled before turning to face his crew. "I need to be honest with you, you deserve that much. If you haven't already heard, I have cut ties with Cerberus after the Collector Base, those who wish to stay with the organization may do so. You may gather your things, and leave this ship, and none will think less of you." He paused seeing the many serious faces of his crew, who were giving their Commander their undivided attention.
"The Normandy needs several repairs, but I also know that all of you deserve some rest, so the crew will rotate from working on the ship, to taking a break on the Citadel, Yeoman Chambers has the sign up list. I will not lie to you, anyone who stays on this ship will face dangers that we cannot imagine, now is the time when hard choices will be made, and all must sacrifice. Consider this your last chance to leave before you are fully committed to seeing this through till the end." Shepard finished with a crisp salute to his crew.
The crew immediately returned their Commander's salute.
"Dismissed," Shepard said turning around.
The crew dispersed, conversing with one another as they approached Yeoman Chambers to sign up.
"Commander you could make the mundane sound like the most important bullshit," commented Joker.
Shepard chuckled, "thanks Joker."
Thane was one of the first to leave the Normandy wanting to visit his son, who was working for C-Sec.
Garrus, Tali, and Grunt left together all of them wanting to buy a few new upgrades for their weapon and armor. They might not have needed them, but passing the bill to Cerberus one last time was too much for them to resist.
Jack went off as well but no one was bold enough to ask her where she was going.
Jacob, Legion, & Mordin were on first the guard duty for the Normandy just as a precaution.
Samara stayed behind as well but by choice, she was vague in her reasons when Shepard tried to persuade her to try to get out and relax
Shepard and Miranda were successful enough to leave the ship without anyone noticing besides a very loud Joker.
"Hey Shepard, Lawson why the rush?" shouted Joker as the airlock doors closed.
Shepard and Miranda couldn't help but laugh while they waited for the airlock doors to open.
"I think he knows Commander," Miranda observed.
Shepard nodded, "it is a shame. He was a good pilot."
"Don't worry, I will kill him quickly," teased Miranda.
"We owe him that much." Shepard smirked. The air lock doors opened as Shepard and Miranda stepped out onto the dock.
"Commander Shepard," said a stranger approaching them.
Shepard and Miranda instinctively raised their pistols.
"And you are?" asked Shepard.
The stranger emerged from the shadows; she was an asari, dressed in black armor, with a blue star on her left chest plate. She looked to be a veteran of many conflicts. She chuckled, looking amused at the response she had gotten. "I am Marah, I am a Spectre, Shepard."
"Did the Council send you?" asked Shepard suspiciously.
Marah smiled, "you could put it in those terms."
"And what are those terms?" asked Miranda coldly.
"Miranda Lawson, Cerberus operative," commented Marah ignoring Miranda's question. She turned to face the Cerberus agent. "Being a Spectre has its benefits."
Miranda was momentarily speechless few people knew about her previous position with Cerberus, it was not an organization which advertised its members.
Shepard hesitantly lowered his pistol realizing there was little benefit in gunning down a Spectre by his ship, he turned to Miranda who followed his example.
Marah chuckled, "I am impressed Shepard, I thought Miss. Lawson only followed the Illusive man."
"Do you have any purpose of being here Marah?" Shepard asked, finding his patience waning by the second.
"Shepard I would be in my right to arrest you right now," stated Marah plainly.
Shepard smirked, hiding his annoyance from the brazen asari, "Under what terms?"
"Associating with terrorists, aiding enemies of the state, threatening a Spectre…I could go on," Marah drawled, the flicker in her eyes signaling that she seemed to be enjoying herself.
"Is that why you are here, to arrest me?" Shepard asked, hoping that she would try to attack him, so that he could shut her up.
"Not yet Shepard, right now I am just doing my job," she answered vaguely.
"Well if that is all, then I will be leaving," Shepard said having enough of the pompous asari. Taking Miranda's hand, he led her towards the elevator.
"Are the rumors true Shepard, that you have a geth on-board?"
"Whatever you want, you won't find it here. So I suggest you stay away from my ship, before I use force." Shepard wouldn't take her bait.
Marah laughed, "I would actually want you to try." Her body glowed blue, before she pulled out her rifle from its holster.
Miranda immediately shimmered in blue energy; she too seemed to be looking for an excuse to shut up this Spectre.
Shepard calmly lay his hand on Miranda's arm, "come on." He knew as much joy that he would get from fighting this Spectre, it simply wasn't worth it, not now at least, especially when he had to meet with the Council.
Miranda hesitantly nodded allowing him to lead her into the elevator. The last thing either of them could hear was Marah's amused chuckles before the doors closed.
"Joker," Shepard said pressing two of his fingers to his ear.
"Yes Commander, you and Miranda done already?"
"There is an asari Spectre outside our ship. She is not allowed to come in under any circumstances. Do you understand?" Shepard instructed, ignoring Joker's opening innuendo.
"You mind telling me what you did, to already have a Spectre wanting to investigate our ship?" asked a confused Joker.
"I am sure the Council is behind this," answered Shepard darkly.
"Understood Commander, don't talk to strange Spectres. Oh Commander we just got a message from Anderson he wants to meet you in his quarters in the presidium."
"Thanks Joker, we are on our way."
"Joker out."
"She has been given clearance to go through my files, and previous missions," Shepard stated.
"The Spectre?" asked Miranda.
Shepard only nodded grimly.
It was clear to Miranda that Shepard took this as both an insult and as a surprise, even after the Council reinstated him, but she had been expecting this. She may have left Cerberus, and changed greatly because of Shepard but she was still a closed person and suspicious of most people especially the Council. She gently put her hand on his arm, before grazing her lips against his cheek. "Don't worry I will protect you from her," she whispered into his ear.
Shepard chuckled, any frustration that he felt from the Council clearly dissolved with Miranda's touch and warm whisper. He gently wrapped his arm around her smaller frame. "I know."
"Shepard," said Councilor Anderson warmly turning to see Shepard and Miranda enter his office. Anderson immediately extended his hand, which Shepard took.
"Councilor,'" Shepard said who was glad see a friendly face.
"I read the reports that the Normandy sent me, Shepard you do good work. It is good to hear that the Collectors have been dealt with," Anderson said noticing Miranda, remembering her to be a Cerberus operative, "and Cerberus?"
To Anderson's surprise it was Miranda who stepped forward. "Is no longer a problem."
Anderson eyed her suspiciously before turning to Shepard who gave a curt nod.
"Well shouldn't we be relieved then, that Shepard has stopped taking funds from terrorists," the office doors opened revealing Ambassador Donnel Udina.
"Ambassador," Shepard said, trying his best to keep his tone polite.
Udina ignored Shepard walking past him. He stared at Miranda with disgust before turning to Anderson. "Has the Councilor told you the news?"
"What news?" asked Miranda turning to Shepard who shrugged. He was clearly unaware of what Udina was talking about.
Udina's smile widened, looking to be relishing in the idea, that Shepard didn't know something. "I shouldn't deprive the Council."
Just as the last words left Udina's mouth, the holograms of the Council appeared.
"Commander Shepard," said the asari Councilor politely.
"Council, I trust that you got my report?" asked Shepard stepping away from Udina and towards the hologram appearances of three of the Councilors.
"Yes, we have, but that is not what this hearing is for," interjected the turian Councilor.
"Excuse me?" Shepard said confused. Had he heard correctly, did they actually say hearing?
"Your Councilor didn't inform you?" asked the asari turning to Anderson.
Anderson sighed, "I am sorry Shepard."
"And what is this hearing suppose to represent?" asked Miranda finding her voice, her fists clenched at her side, she tried her best to keep her voice polite. She couldn't and wouldn't allow the Councilors to make such accusations to the one human who has done so much to protect them.
"Shepard it is unsettling to see you bringing Cerberus operatives in closed hearings," commented the turian.
"I am Miranda Lawson Executive Officer of the Normandy SR-2, I serve Spectre John Shepard and no one else," answered Miranda, no statement had ever sounded better to her then this one.
"Then you are just as guilty as Shepard is," dismissed Udina from the side.
"What exactly am I being accused of?" Shepard asked curtly.
"Shepard you have been actively associating yourself with the terrorist organization known as Cerberus, you have aided mercenaries and warlords such as Aria on Omega. You have an enemy of the galaxy in your crew in a geth soldier and rumors even have it that you helped the geth get stronger," listed the salarian Councilor.
It took all of Shepard's discipline to keep his anger under control at the Council's repeated closed minded perspective about his mission to stop the Reapers. "All that I have done is in the name of fighting the Reapers! We can either put aside our differences in fighting them, or we may to continue to divide ourselves making it that much easier for the reapers when they come."
"Ah yes 'Reapers' it seems Shepard you will defend any action you commit because of these supposed sentient machines. It is obvious that you have become delusional by this non-sense and are a threat to the Citadel and to the galaxy," spoke the turian Councilor arrogantly.
"Shepard has saved the lives of everyone in this room! You have never fully acknowledged his deeds or given him the proper respect or credit that he deserves." Miranda snapped, unable to control her anger for these political imbeciles.
"And I suspect that Cerberus has given him all the respect and credit that Shepard deserves?" asked the sly Udina turning to Miranda.
"This isn't about Cerberus, this is about the Reapers, they are coming!" argued Shepard.
"Just because Cerberus bought this absurd story does not mean we will," dismissed the turian councilor.
"What about the data in the reports? That should prove something!" reminded Shepard finding it more and more difficult to keep his poise.
"Proof? No it just confirms that the Collectors and the geth both believed in these 'Reapers.' You have no evidence Shepard," declined the salarian.
"Shepard you have humanities thanks for stopping the Collectors if they truly were responsible for the human disappearances but you must stop this charade about these 'Reapers' for your own sake," said a disappointed Udina.
In that moment Shepard couldn't ask for anything more than punching Udina right in the face, sadly he resisted the growing urge. "You must either side with me, or everything you know will be destroyed!"
"Is that a threat, Shepard?" asked the asari Councilor.
He sighed, he should have realized it before he even entered this meeting, it was hopeless, no matter what evidence he brought forward, the Council and Udina were entrenched into their beliefs and in the end there was nothing he could do. "Only a warning."
"We ask you return to your ship Commander Shepard we will render our verdict tomorrow morning," proclaimed the asari, before another word could be spoken or argued all three Councilors disappeared.
"You sold him out!" Miranda shouted turning to Anderson, her anger pulsating after witnessing the travesty that appeared before her.
"I am sorry Shepard, I did everything I could but you have made questionable decisions, you must see their side." Anderson said looking defeated bowing his head. He had never looked so old or tired then he did with that statement.
Shepard lowered his head, disappointed and angry but not at Anderson, or the Council but at himself. He should have known, he was being naïve to think they would change.
"The Councilor's side? There wouldn't be a Councilor's side if it wasn't for Shepard who saved their sorry asses from the Reapers!" argued Miranda in a fiery voice, that refused to yield or waver in her continued attempt to defend Shepard and his actions.
"Be careful Miss. Lawson, you could technically be arrested for your association with Cerberus," warned Udina with a smile.
"You must really be choking back tears Udina for this. Even after two years, you still won't let it go, that I didn't chose you to be the Councilor?" Shepard said with a disappointed shake of his head.
Udina didn't reply to Shepard's barb, he crossed his arms. "Because of our past association Shepard, I will give you this friendly advice, go back to your ship now or be escorted by C-sec."
"You're making a mistake. I only hope you realize it before it is too late, because I would hate to have to save your asses again." Shepard said, leaving Anderson's office.
"Oh Shepard I wouldn't be expecting the Alliance for any help as well, the Alliance brass agree that these Reapers are truly a myth and no action is necessary."
Miranda was fuming while she paced the elevator. She and Shepard were going to meet up with the rest of the squad in the markets before heading back to the Normandy. She looked to Shepard, who stood silently, it was clear he was angry and disappointed but he did a very good job not showing it, which made her even more frustrated. "Shepard how can you let them do this?"
He turned to Miranda, admiring her passion and fire; he was even touched at how personally she was taking his punishment. He gently placed a hand on her shoulder, seeing her eyes, he slowly smiled, "I am not."
She looked at him confused before she smiled. "You have a plan?"
He nodded, "a good Commander always has a backup plan."
She could feel her anger and frustrating waning; she stopped pacing, admiring how well Shepard was for handling diversity and always keeping calm. "You truly are a remarkable person." She kissed him, pulling away just as the elevator doors opened into the markets.
Shepard and Miranda walked out of the elevator entering the markets and the crowd, which was passing through the different shops. He hesitantly grabbed Miranda's hand playfully, she looked at him smiling. Even after all he had been through, all the turmoil, all the obstacles, all the death, the frustrations, when he held her hand, all such anguish and irritation disappeared from his mind. It was only him and Miranda together, united under feelings that neither had ever properly experienced in their life of wars and battles.
"Shepard." Thane's voice came to Shepard and Miranda's ear.
"Thane where are you?" replied Shepard.
"I am behind you," answered Thane plainly. Shepard was about to turn around, "No don't turn around!"
"What is going on?" asked a confused Miranda.
"Keep walking," instructed Thane.
"Are you going to tell me what is going on?" Shepard asked trying to sound patient which was hard especially after all the shit he had just been put through. The last thing he wanted or needed now was to be yanked around by a friend.
"You are being followed," answered Thane.
"Asari?" asked Shepard thinking about the Spectre that he met when he arrived on the Citadel.
"No, batarian," answered Thane.
"Hostile?" asked Miranda.
"I predict that he has at least three weapons concealed under his cloak," answered Thane casually.
"Very hostile then," Shepard said lightly.
"Suggestions?" asked Miranda.
"Yes, I am following, I will try to disable him with a biotic attack but it will be up to you two, to disarm him," answered Thane.
Shepard turned to Miranda, to see a small smile on her face. "We can handle it."
"Ok, we will do it on the count of three." Thane said.
"Thane, disable him, not kill," Shepard said seeing that he got an inquisitive look from Miranda. "I want to know who sent him."
"If you are sure Shepard," Thane relented. "One."
"Two," Shepard and Miranda counted softly.
"Now!" shouted Thane.
Shepard spun around, grabbing his rifle from his holster, spotting a batarian pushing his way through a shotgun in hand.
The batarian snarled, as he was thrown to the side by Thane's biotic pull but the batarian was strong, jumping back to his feet, firing a round from his shotgun at Shepard.
The crowd of people began shouting and screaming, stampeding towards the exits trying to avoid the gunfire.
The first shots hit Shepard in the chest, causing him to stagger but his shields had absorbed the damage. He carefully aimed before squeezing the trigger, several bullets peppered into the batarian's armor while Miranda used slam, causing the batarian to be lifted several feet in the air before slamming to the ground.
The batarian released his shotgun, with a heavy groan but he was still stirring on the ground in an attempt to pull himself up.
Thane appeared out of nowhere, right in front of the batarian. Thane kicked the shotgun away from the batarian before landing several kicks into his face, disabling him from combat.
Shepard and Miranda approached rifles raised. Thane had removed a sniper rifle and an automated rifle from the batarian who was lying on the ground, subdued by Thane's pistol which was aimed at his head.
The batarian cursed at the sight of Shepard.
Shepard's heart was thumping, his mind was pulsating, his fingers clenched into fists, Shepard had had enough. He lifted the batarian up to his feet before slamming him into the wall; he was unable to hide his frustration at the events that he was facing in the last few days. He got into the Batarian's face, staring at his lower set of eyes. "Who sent you?"
"Fuck you," spat the batarian before groaning.
"Why were you trying to kill me?"
"It was my job," stated the batarian.
"You have a name?" Shepard asked.
"I did once, but I stripped myself from that name years ago."
"How poetic, do you have a new name?" asked an annoyed Shepard.
"Yes, I took my name from a previous battle, so that my name would always inspire me to do my job. I am Eli."
"Eli?" asked Miranda confused, her pistol aimed at the batarian's head in case he tried anything.
Shepard nodded, realizing that the name was an abbreviation, "Elysium."
"Yes, Shepard, you of all humans should be able to recognize the name. Since it was there that a murderer was promoted into a hero!" Eli said angrily.
"Shepard saved innocent lives from pirates and slavers, he is not the murderer," defended Miranda feeling an urge to shut this batarian up, personally.
Shepard noticed a red dot on the batarian's head. "Shit," he said throwing the batarian and himself to the ground. Shots were fired, bullets sprayed into the wall where the batarian and Shepard had been seconds ago.
Miranda and Thane spun around; rifles raised spotting a salarian sniper on the roof. Without orders the two opened fire on the salarian who dodged out of the opening.
"Shepard are you alright?" asked Miranda looking back.
"Go catch that bastard, Lawson that's an order," Shepard said getting to his feet.
Miranda and Thane followed in pursuit of the salarian sniper.
Shepard turned to the batarian who was on the ground, not moving but bleeding, he turned him on his back to see that the sniper had gotten him on the shoulder but to his evaluation he would live.
A crowd began to gather around the kneeling Shepard, the unconscious batarian, "This is Spectre business, move along," snarled Shepard.
The crowd immediately began backing away, not wanting to frustrate a Spectre, especially a very angry one.
Garrus, Tali, and Grunt pushed themselves through the dispersing crowd.
"Shepard, we heard gunshots, are you hit?" asked a worried Tali.
"I am fine."
"You just can't go anywhere without being shot at." Garrus joked.
Shepard wasn't in the mood for jokes. He was too tired and too frustrated, he only nodded.
"What did you do to the batarian?" Grunt asked, finally noticing the bleeding batarian on the ground.
"He tried to kill me," answered Shepard, bluntly.
"Looks like he failed," commented Grunt, grimly.
"We lost him Shepard," Thane said, as him and Miranda reappeared.
"Is the batarian dead?" asked Miranda, no sign of remorse in her voice.
"No, he will live, but he will need help."
Miranda shook her head understanding what Shepard was referring to. "You can't be serious Commander?"
"I want to know who wants to kill me Miranda," Shepard answered, a bit too angrily.
Miranda immediately backed down realizing it wasn't worth the argument. "Understood."
"We should hurry before C-Sec arrives." Garrus commented.
"Let's go, Grunt give me a hand, we should take him back to the Normandy," Shepard said as him Grunt lifted him up, the squad made their way back to their ship with one extra crewmen.