The Citadel and the Council

Commander Shepard's POV.

The Normandy flew toward the closest Mass Relay and used it to travel across the systems toward the Citadel.

The Citadel is a colossal deep-space station that is the capital for the Council. Supposed to be created by the Protheans, like the beacon and the Mass Relays. It's shaped like a star, so it's quite hard to miss. Guarding the Citadel was a large fleet of army vessels being lead by a large flagship; The Ascension.

Alenko and Williams joined Joker and I on the Bridge. Since they were part of the ground team I lead on Eden Prime.

Williams saw the Ascension and gasped, "Look at the size of that ship."

"The Ascension. Flagship of the Citadel Fleet." Alenko identified.

"Well, size isn't everything." Joker commented.

Williams looked over to him, "Why so touchy, Joker?"

Joker shrugged and defended, "I'm just saying you need firepower, too."

She looked back at the Ascension and smiled, "Look at that monster! Its main gun could rip through the barriers of any ship in the Alliance fleet!"

"Good thing it's on out side, then." Alenko noted.

The Normandy flew passed the fleet and toward the space station. Joker activated communications to the Citadel and reported, "Citadel Control, this is SSV Normandy requesting permission to land."

"Stand by for clearance, Normandy." The Citadel Control replied, "Clearance granted. You may begin your approach. Transferring you to an Alliance operator."

Joker smiled as I joined him, "Roger, Alliance Tower. Normandy out."

The Normandy flew into the center of the Citadel. Alliance Tower contacted, "Normandy, this is Alliance Tower. Please proceed to dock 422."

Joker flew the Normandy to the dock and landed. Alenko, Williams and I grabbed our gear and suits, just in case, and followed Captain Anderson into the center of the Citadel, where Ambassador Udina.

Ambassador Udina is a man that acts on the behalf of Earth and other Human colonies for the Citadel. He's of Indian descent. Asian, not Native. (A/N: I think...) Sometimes I wonder about his motives and ask myself if he's actually right for the position.

"This is an outrage! The Coucil would step in if the Geth attacked a Turian colony." Ambassador shouted at the hologram communications of the Council.

The Council consists of three members. Each one speaks and acts on the behalf of their respected race; Turian, Asari and Salarian. But, they don't act with violence. They solve matters with words and Spectres turn those words into action.

"The Turians don't found colonies on the borders of the Terminus Systems, Ambassador." The Salarian Councilor reminded.

"Humanity was well aware of the risks when you went into the Traverse." The Asari Councilor pointed out.

"What about Saren?" Ambassador Udina asked, "You can't just ignore a rogue Spectre. I demand action!"

The Turian Councilor shook his head, "You don't get to make demands of the Council, Ambassador."

"Citadel Security is investigating your charges against Saren. We will discuss the C-Sec findings at the hearing. Not before." The Asari Councilor told Ambassador Udina.

With that, the conversation was over and the communications were switched off. Ambassador turned and saw Captain Anderson, Williams, Alenko and I.

"Captain Anderson." The Ambassador greeted, "I see you brought half your crew with you."

"Just the ground team from Eden Prime. In case you had any questions." Captain Anderson answered.

"I have the mission reports." Ambassador snapped, then asked, "I assume they're accurate?"

Captain nodded, "They are." Then he noticed, "Sounds like you convinced the Council to give us an audience."

Ambassador shook his head and folded his arms, "They were not happy about it. Saren's their top agent. They don't like him being accused for treason."

"Saren's a threat to every Human colony out there. He needs to be stopped! The Council has to listen to us!" I spoke up.

"Settle down, Commander. You've already done more than enough to jeopardize your candidacy for the Spectres." Ambassador told me, "The mission on Eden Prime was a chance to prove you could get the job done. Instead, Nihlus ended up dead and the beacon was destroyed!"

"That's Saren's fault! Not hers." Captain Anderson defended.

"Then we better hope the C-Sec investigation turns up evidence to support our accusations. Otherwise the Council might use this as an excuse to keep you out of the Spectres." Ambassador noted, looking at me. Then he looked at Captain Anderson, "Come with me, Captain. I want to go over a few things before the hearing."

Then he looked at me again, "Shepard - you and the others can meet us at us at Citadel Tower. Top Level. I'll make sure you have clearance to get in."

With that, Captain Anderson and Ambassador Udina left us.

"And that's why I hate politicians." Williams noted.

I decided now is a better time than none. I made my way down to the Presidium. Williams and Alenko followed behind me.

After talking to the Embassy Receptionist and the VI tour guide, Avina, Williams, Alenko and I made our way to the Citadel Tower. Outside of the elevator was a large, green grasshopper-like insect, looking over stats.

"Look at that bug thing over there." Williams noticed, "What's it doing?"

"Please do not disturb the Keepers." Avina told us.

Williams, Alenko and I walked and entered the elevator to Citadel Tower. Once inside, the elevator started moving.

"The Council isn't going to asked me any questions, are they?" Williams asked.

"I doubt it." Alenko answered, "We've made our reports. Now we just have to trust Ambassador Udina."

"No we don't, sir." Williams lightly spat.

Once inside Citadel Tower, up the stairs to the fountain, we saw two Turians arguing. One in blue and black combat armor and the other in a formal outfit.

"Saren's hiding something. Give me more time. Stall them." The armored Turian told the other.

The other shook his head, "Stall the Council? Don't be ridiculous! Your investigation is over, Garrus." Then he left.

Then armored Turian lowered and shook his head. Then he saw me, Ashley and Kaidan and walked up to us.

"Commander Shepard? Garrus Vakarian. I was the officer in charge of the C-Sec investigation into Saren." The Turian, Garrus, introduced himself.

"Who were you just talking to?" I asked.

"That was Executor Pallin, head of Citadel Security. my boss." He answered, looking at the Turian that just left, "He'll be presenting my findings on Saren to the council."

"Sounds like you really want to bring him down." I noticed.

Garrus shook his head and folded his arms, "I don't trust him. Something about him rubs me the wrong way. But he's a Spectre; everything he touches is classified. I can't find any hard evidence."

Alenko looked at me, "I think the Council's ready for us, Commander."

Garrus nodded, "Good luck, Shepard. Maybe they'll listen to you."

I nodded and made my way up the stairs, where Captain Anderson would be waiting for us. Williams and Alenko followed close behind me. I arrived up a few more staircases, near this entrance of the Council Hall. Captain Anderson was waiting for us.

He saw me and said, "The hearing's already started. Come on."

I followed beside Captain Anderson and entered the Hall. Ambassador Udina was already inside. The Council members were in their respected places. And beside them was a large, communication hologram of a Turian with synthetic enhancements. I'm taking he was Saren.

"The Geth attack is a matter of some concern. But there is nothing to indicate Saren was involved in any way." The Asari Councilor argued.

"The investigation by Citadel Security turned up no evidence to support your charge of treason." The Turian Councilor added.

"An eyewitness saw him kill Nihlus in cold blood!" Ambassador Udina pointed out.

"We've read the Eden Prime reports, Ambassador. The testimony of one traumatized dockwoker is hardly compelling proof." The Salarian Councilor argued.

"I resent these accusations." Saren spoke up, "Nihlus was a fellow Spectre. And a friend."

Captain Anderson glared at him, "That just let you catch him off-guard!"

Saren looked at Anderson and had a hiss in his tone, "Captain Anderson. You always seem to be involved when Humanity makes false charges against me." Then he looked at me, "And this must be your protege, Commander Shepard. The one who let the beacon get destroyed."

I glared at the synthetic Turian but kept my cool, "The mission to Eden Prime was top secret. The only way you could know about the beacon was if you were there!"

Saren folded his arms, "With Nihlus gone, his files passed on to me. I read the Eden Prime report. I was unimpressed." He looked at the Council, "But what can you expect from a human?"

"Saren despises Humanity. That's why he attacked Eden Prime!" I pointed out.

Saren glared at me, "Your species needs to learn its place, Shepard. You're not ready to join the Council. You're not even ready to join the Spectres."

"He has no right to say that! That's not his decision!" Ambassador Udina shouted.

"Shepard's admission into the Spectres is not the purpose of this meeting." The Asari Councilor reminded Saren.

"This meeting has no purpose." Saren spat, "The Humans are wasting your time, Councilor. And mine."

"Saren's hiding behind his position as a Spectre. You need to open your eyes." I told the Council.

"What we need is evidence. So far, we have seen nothing." The Salarian Councilor argued.

Captain Anderson spoke up, "There is still one outstanding issue: Commander Shepard's vision. It may have been triggered by the beacon."

Saren looked at the Council and asked, "Are we allowing dreams into evidence now? How can I defend my innocence against this kind of testimony?"

The Turian Councilor nodded, "I agree. Our judgement must be based on facts and evidence, not wild imaginings and reckless speculation."

The Salarian Councilor looked at me, "Do you have anything else to add, Commander Shepard?"

I shook my head, "You've made your decision. I won't waste my breath."

The Turian and Asari Councilors looked at each other. Then the Asari Councilor spoke up, "The Council has found no evidence of any connection between Saren and the Geth. Ambassador, your petition to have him disbarred from the Spectres is denied."

Ambassador Udina sulked. Saren smiled, "I'm glad to see justice was served."

With that, the communications were shut off and the Asari Councilor announced, "This meeting is adjourned."

Captain Anderson, Ambassador Udina and I left the Hall in disappointment.