Standing in the docking bay, Shepard uncrossed her arms to shake Samara's hand, before she pulled into the asari for an embrace.

"I cannot thank you enough for the peace you have granted me, Shepard."

The Justicar met her eyes and the Commander offered a sad smile. She had helped bait and kill the woman's brightest and most ambitious daughter. But no more would die at the Ardat-Yakshi's hand.

"You came with me to the heart of the galaxy, Samara. That's more than enough thanks."

They were alone in the hold, preparing to release Samara from her oath. The rest of the crew was monitoring systems, in the process of their first relay jump since repairs had completed. The ship subtly swayed, the sensation of the massive leap through space registered within, nearly undetectable without view windows.

Samara inclined her head to Shepard, "You will always have a place in my thoughts. That your actions may always follow the truth of justice in your heart."

"I'll do my best to live up to that."

Joker's voice came over the intercom, "We're nearing the station, Commander."

Shepard motioned to the Kodiak, where the pilot and navigator prepared to exit the ship. "So do you have any plans of where you will go?"

"I will follow where the need to defend innocents and uphold the Code leads me. I endeavour to remain in asari space for the most part."

The cargo bay opened, and the pair sat as the shuttle navigated into the stars. Through the darkened window, a space station came into view.

"I hope you'll consider what I mentioned about the Reapers, Samara. I need people trying to rouse government attention." Shepard leant forward, elbows on her knees as she clasped her hands. "We need to prepare. All organics."

Samara regarded the Commander coolly before saying, "I will take the concern to my order. While we are agents of solitary work, our leaders will no doubt find it of interest."

"If the Justicars believe you - and believe me..." Shepard sighed, sitting back. "I hope that the rest of the Asari Republic will see the brevity of the situation."

"No matter the outcome, I will keep in touch."
Shepard tilted her head to Samara, "I'm glad to hear that."

The station loomed closer and Samar stood, collected and formal. Shepard stood too, even as the Kodiak rocked.

"The time has come to release me from the Oath of Subsumation I swore when I came into your service on Illium."
Shepard crossed her hands behind her, at ease in the militaristic stance, "Of course."

Kneeling down, Samara's head bowed and her hand touched the ground as an ethereal glow enveloped her body, hugging her curves. Her clear eyes clouded black, having a curious radiance all their own.

"I have walked in your footsteps, your code as my code, your morals as my morals, bound to your desires as my own. Through the Goddess, the foes are vanquished and the Code of the Justicar bids me return."
Shepard's posture stiffened, though she spoke with ease, "I release you from my service, Samara."

The glowing biotic field flared more brightly, dissipating like a doused fire as Samara rose. "Thank you, Shepard."

"It's been a pleasure having you aboard."

Talking the Commander's hand in both of hers, Samara leant in and touched cheeks with the woman she'd grown close to in recent months. The only person in centuries she'd allowed herself to be close to. She wondered if they would ever meet again in the Commander's short life.

The docking clamps hissed, slightly jostling the Kodiak as they secured. Samara released the Commander's hand. In a moment, the seal on the door broke and it opened.

"May the Goddess watch over you."

Shepard slapped the chestplate down on the bench in the armoury, and Jacob turned around, whistling at the damage.

"Oh, come on, Commander. I just fixed this for you."
"There was a welcoming party waiting for us. Uvenk trying to get some revenge. They must have had the Kodiak's signal."

Jacob turned over the piece of hard suit, "How's the rest of it?"
"Minor wear. They followed us into port, where Urdnot helped decimate them."
"It okay if I get the rest? I much prefer to fix the small stuff then let it worsen."
Shepard waved in assent, "Sure thing. And when you're done, take a day's leave like the rest of the crew. Maybe two." She hesitated by the door leading to the CIC, "Depends on the politicians."

"Aye, aye. Good luck, Commander."

Thane exited the elevator, and Shepard waited up for him.

"I don't suppose you've spoke with Mordinn recently?"

"No..." Thane raised his brow as they hesitate, "Should I?"

Something flickered on Shepard's face, and she offered a private grin, purring, "Yes."

"I hope it isn't another... chat."
Shepard's expression cracked as she laughed and shook her head, following up with, "It isn't. Is Kolyat able to meet with you?"
"He is." Thane clasped his hands together behind him as they strolled towards the airlock. "Perhaps you'd catch up with us if you have time?"

Shepard paused, taking a data pad from one of the crew. Giving it a cursory glance, she approved the order and handed it back. She looked at Thane, "You sure?"
Thane almost grinned, a soft rumble in his throat instead, "It's not what you think. You didn't quite meet under the best of circumstances."

Shepard rested a hand on the back of her neck, clearing her throat as they turned toward the airlock. Mordin, Tali, and Garrus were waiting for her. She hoped their testimony and presence would help convince the Council to start prepping for war - and to believe she had left Cerberus behind.

"Sure. I'll send a message if I can. Likewise to you if the situation changes." Tight-lipped, Shepard put her hands on her hips. "Ready then?"

The decontamination sequence swept over them.

Garrus nodded, "I hope so."

"Much evidence has been collected. Will be difficult to ignore." Mordin's hands dropped to his side, "Wise choice bringing multiple races. No human bias."

The sequence ended and they stepped out into the docking bay, separating from Thane and walking to the transports.

"Believe me, Mordin. That didn't escape me." Shepard patted Tali on the arm, "And they've trusted Tali's evidence in the past."

The quarian looked up from her distraction as they walked. Getting into a transport, she murmured, "I just hope they listen. I think next to insinuating you're insane, hampering you is their next favourite thing."

Shepard chuckled, entering their destination into the system and providing identification to bypass the fee for using it. It reassured her that her Spectre status was still in place. The transport took off through the Wards, following the light stream of traffic directed towards the circular hub of the Presidium.

Sighing, Shepard opened the summary of data on her omni-tool. She had included part of it in her initial report to the Council and the Alliance alike, when she had requested an audience. She couldn't possibly see how they would ignore the truth now. From early on after her reanimation, she had started ensuring that detailed records and documentation of every kind occurred. She knew they would need it to convince the rest of the galaxy.

Resting the data pad in her lap, Shepard gazed out over the lights of the ward below. Her father had once said that no matter what evidence a person has, there will always be those who choose to omit it from their reality. She dreaded that fate.

The Reapers wouldn't care if anyone believed or not.

The transport broke away from the main traffic and banked towards the Citadel Tower. Shepard watched, her thoughts mired in what lay ahead. In a short while, they disembarked and looked through the quiet, dimly lit Council Chamber.

"Been a long time since we've been here."

Garrus uncrossed his arms and followed Shepard. The Commander took the steps two at a time, the trio of aliens behind her following at a more casual pace. A guard waited at the base of the second set, and halted Shepard.

"Just a moment."

A group of volus came down the other side of the steps, teetering away and out into the main grounds. Crossing her arms, Shepard advanced past the guard as she was cleared.

The entire audience chamber was in the pristine condition Shepard remembered it as before Sovereign's destruction. Soft lighting and blossoming trees contributed to the grandeur, and she strode along the petitioner's stand that extended over an observation garden below. The glass that encased it was repaired. There was a large gap to where the council stood, and it was there she saw the difference.

There were four communication pedestals. Not three. It made Shepard smile inside, though her expression remained unreadable. She knew she was being watched. Striding within a foot of the ledge, Shepard clasped her hands together behind her back. Her team flanked her, sticking close as the four councillors stepped back to the pedestals.

"Councillors." Shepard inclined her head.

"Greetings, Commander Shepard." The salarian commented. "Welcome back to the Citadel."

"Thank you." Shepard's eyes turned to Anderson and he nodded from his place on the far right. "I hope you've had adequate time to evaluate my preliminary report."
Councillor Anderson cut in, "We have, Shepard. I am not alone in expressing my relief that you have broken ties with Cerberus."

"They were a regrettable means to an end. No more colonies will be threatened by the Collectors." Shepard motioned to Mordin, who stepped up beside her, keying over his omni-tool. "I am transmitting the extensive data and documentation of the mission I led through the Omega 4 Relay. Their base has been destroyed."

Each of the councillor's eyes dropped as they skimmed over the information, and the salarian said, "The galactic core? Impossible."

Mordin spoke up with little hesitation, "Improbable, but possible. Was present myself."

The hooded salarian councillor looked to the Professor. His classified work and background were no secret to the official. "What sort of data did you retrieve regarding the station's ability to withstand such force?"

"Most likely complex mass effect fields derived from Reaper technology."
"And you destroyed it?" The turian councillor asked.

Anderson had already received a more in depth account of the base and how it related to human affairs, "They were liquefying tens of thousands of humans to build a synthetic-organic Reaper." He looked sideways to his fellow councillor, "How would you react if you found somewhere doing that to turians?"

"It was horrific, sir." Garrus interjected.

Talons scrolling through more of the data, the turian councillor said, "Vakarian, given your history, I'm surprised you think your word honourable enough to mean much of anything."

Shepard extended a hand, catching Garrus across the stomach as he stepped forward.

The asari councillor looked from the turian down to Shepard. She was a quick study and had been a member of the Council long before any of the other members were even born. Exemplifying the voice of reason and centrist nature, she had realized from Shepard's initial report that the proof would be there to back her actions and claims this time.

"Shepard, the Council appreciates how forthcoming you have been with information. There is a great deal for us to evaluate, and another meeting will be necessary." The asari's fellow councillors nodded, and she looked between them for assent before continuing, "However, given the light of your work and rebuking of the terrorist organization Cerberus, a more public acknowledgement and support of your Spectre status will be taken under consideration."
Shepard exhaled, keeping her proper stance, hands behind her.

"Do you have any other information to provide us with?"
"Yes," Shepard answered in a breath, and conferring with her comrades, transmitted the cumulative data to the Council. The councillors looked down, before glancing between one another.

Nodding to Shepard, Anderson spoke, "Please stay on the Citadel until we contact you. The Council will want to speak with each of you."

The turian councillor's mandibles flared, "You are dismissed till then."
Shepard nodded and turned, walking back down the steps with her team. Garrus let out a long, hissed breath.

"Even I think that guy's an uptight ass."

Chuckling, Shepard looked at her dear friend, and they descended the rest of the steps.

Tali shook her head, "I don't know what to make of it. Is it alright if I go? I have some things I want to send to the Migrant Fleet."

"Of course."

Transferring a hefty sum of credits to Mordin, Shepard said, "Maybe you can see about acquiring some of the lab supplies you need?"
"Will do, Shepard."

Waiting until Mordin was out of earshot, Garrus turned to his Commander, "So where are you headed?"

"Well, Thane asked me to meet up with him and Kolyat."

"Oh."

Almost flustered, Shepard chuckled and said, "Nothing like that."

"Right." Garrus smirked.

"He's doing work in the Wards for Captain Bailey." Shepard crossed her arms, leaning her weight on her hip, "Apparently there's someone taking street kids and selling them to slavers."

The smug look fell from Garrus' face.

"Yeah." Shepard looked away, "I'm going to try and end it sooner than later. Help bring this guy in."

Garrus' eyes hardened and he said, "You know I'll be there with you if you need."

Expression lightening, Shepard beckoned Garrus with her, "Fighting beside you makes me look better." The turian scoffed, and she added with a grin, "Besides, the last time Kolyat met me, I practically shot the poor kid. But first, the requisitions desk."
Garrus just shook his head as she messaged Thane on her omni-tool, and they walked to the elevator at the end of the Council Chambers.

"That's disappointing - Thane!" Shepard raised a hand as she walked away from the transport with Garrus in tow. The two drell standing a few meters away turned.

"Garrus Vakarian and Commander Shepard." Thane motioned to each, "My son, Kolyat."

Kolyat nodded and moved awkwardly to shake Shepard's proffered hand.

"A pleasure." Garrus said in kind.

The teenage drell looked between the two and replied, "Right..."

"We hadn't been expecting you, Garrus."

Before he could reply, Shepard seemingly came to his rescue, "That'd be my fault. Like a lost varren. Especially here on the Citadel."

Garrus scoffed and glared at Shepard, muttering, "Spent years of my life here - more than you." He looked back at Kolyat, "I know a good place to eat nearby. Dextro-levo friendly. Lazue's."

The odd expression on the young man's face lightened as they all followed Garrus, "Yea, I've been there once or twice."

Thane strolled with his hands behind his back, stepping to Shepard's side. "This might work out better than I first expected."

"Garrus was a C-sec guy. I thought they might relate some. And he expressed interest when I mentioned the slaver."

Thane looked at Shepard, a slight furrow momentarily on his brow. She didn't notice, putting her fist into her other hand.

"We'll bring this guy in."

"I'm not some huge hero like you, Commander."

"Oh come on, Garrus, the common folk of Omega even gave you a dashing name."

Thane clasped his hands together, expression amicable as he looked at Shepard. At times he almost envied the turian for how close their friendship was - this was not one of them. They were an enjoyable pair to spend time with, and he made note to ask her about him later. Kolyat seemed to enjoy their stories as well.

"Is that true?"

Garrus grumbled and shuffled the glass of ale on the table between his hands. "Maybe. But we really shouldn't talk about it, Shepard."

Enjoying her friend's discomfort, Shepard's eyes sparkled and she rested her chin on a closed fist. Her omni-tool blipped, as did Garrus' in succession.

"Have a while free, it seems. I don't meet with the Council next till 07:00 tomorrow."

"10:00 for me."
Shepard sighed, leaning back in the booth and resting her arm on the top of the seat. She sipped her drink and looked to Kolyat. "I hear you've been doing good work here on the Citadel."

Kolyat glanced at Thane before shifting in his seat, "Does he talk about me?"

"I'd say it's more like I'm nosy," Shepard grinned, "Captain Bailey has contacted me on occasion to let me - and through me, Thane - know how you've been doing, as well. Don't worry, nothing bad said."

The young man looked at his hands, "I spend a lot of time in the Wards with kids. Orphans mostly - Bailey calls them duct rats. They're different races, there's a lot of poverty."

Garrus nodded, running a thumb down his glass. He'd seen it all before in his C-sec work.

"You hear great things about the Citadel, but its gritty and trouble-filled like anywhere. It makes me miss Kahje."

"Returning when you have fulfilled your obligation to the Captain is always an option." Thane offered.

Kolyat shook his head, "I don't think it is." He clasped his hands together, the position near mirroring one Shepard often found Thane in, "I never really thought about what I was going to do with my life. But I don't want to be there anymore - even if I miss it."

Shepard toyed with her drinking glass before quietly asking, "So who is the guy you've been helping Bailey with?"

"I don't know if it's something I should talk about."
Sitting forward, Shepard looked up at the drell, "I won't lie. I want to help you."

"I'd rather not get in anymore trouble than I already am... Bailey has been gathering evidence on this guy since before I got to the Citadel."

"No more kids need to disappear. You can help us bring him in, Kolyat."

Thane's hands parted and he almost spoke. Shepard's focus was on his son. The idea of his son working with her made him uneasy, no matter the level of trust he had in her. Pressing his lips together, he remembered he had lost the right to dictate his son's life long ago.

The body language wasn't lost on Kolyat, who looked from him to Shepard, "What did you have in mind?"