The Shepard

Chapter 9: Nostalgia

Disclaimer: I don't own anything Mass Effect. I decided to split the Citadel parts up or I'd end up with a stupidly long part. I decided to have all of the politics be in this part and then next time there will be lots of fun!

ooo

Shepard stood with Joker as the Citadel came into view. It was nostalgic seeing the familiar arms of the station greeting them. She remembered the first time she'd visited this place. And after her last time on the station, she thought it would be her last. It did feel good, normal, seeing the Citadel again after all the years of reconstruction; reconstruction that was still occurring and wouldn't be complete for some time.

They hadn't had time to delve through the datapads. They were being kept in Liara's office for now along with photos of the paintings and the ship interior. Follow up scans hadn't reported anything else out of the ordinary, which was a good thing so they could release the ship back to the Quarians, assuming they didn't want them to deliver it.

"Normandy to Docking Bay 9, we are prepared for landing." Joker announced.

"Docking Bay 9. We'll begin preparations. Do you need a shuttle, Commander?" A familiar female voice greeted them. "And, may I add, it feels good to greet you again."

"The feeling is mutual," Shepard grinned, "but no transport today."

"Yes, Commander," she said. The Normandy was docked and secured in record time. The crew exited to the familiar docking bay. There was an unusual amount of traffic as people bustled in to see the former capital of the galaxy. There were even Keepers moving from one end to the other. Still the same, still ignored and ignoring.

"Alright, first order of business is getting Bakara to the council. Garrus, Kolyatt, up front with me. I'd like everyone on this mission just in case another evil clone or rogue Cerberus agent or anything like that decides to spoil the day."

Bakara eyed Shepard. "Evil clone?"

"It's a long story. I don't really want to talk about it." Shepard groaned. Bakara grinned as the crew started toward the Elevator.

"Fancy running into you here," Shepard turned at the voice.

"Ashley!" Shepard smiled. "How've you been?" Ashley groaned, rolling her shoulders. "Gotcha."

"I was sent to lead you to the council and...oh! Is that the Krogan councilor?"

"I am," Bakara said, standing straighter. "This is Shiara, my guard, and my daughter, Mordin."

"I had been expecting Wrex. I like this choice even better," Ashley smiled. "We need more of that woman power."

"Females are much more rational, or so I've found," Bakara chuckled. "I look forward to finally having representation for my people and to being that representation."

"Good to hear. I wish I had your enthusiasm. Alright, if everyone could follow me." Ashley waved them over to an elevator that was large enough to accommodate for their group. The doors were about to close when Shepard saw Norse walking over as fast as his Hanar legs could carry him.

"Wait! I thought Norse was staying aboard." Shepard held the doors as he waltzed in.

"This one is grateful that you waited. This one admits to being indecisive." Norse apologized.

"I forgot you had a Hanar on board," Ashley admitted.

"Alright, anyone else coming along?"

"No, Joker and EDI are finishing the Normandy's checks with Traynor. I have the rest of my ground team here, we're good." Shepard nodded.

The elevator crawled along. Garrus sighed, "Does anyone else miss-"

"NO!" Everyone shouted. Norse, Kolyatt, Bakara, Shiara, and Javik all looked slightly confused.

"Here we are. The good ol' council tower. Shepard, I know they want you in there and Bakara. I'm not sure if they'd let the rest of the crew in, but I'm a councilor as well and I say it's okay. So until Tevos gets on my tail, all of you are clear."

The doors slid open and Shepard found herself in a familiar room. One where she had once taken an oath to become a spectre. "Hang back here." Shepard ordered. "Kolyatt, Bakara, Shiara, and Mordin can come up with me."

"Why me?" Kolyatt asked.

"Valern likes you." Shepard said, urging him forward. The five of them walked forward as Ashley took her place with the others. They reached the end of the platform. Shepard stood, arms at her sides. Kolyatt eyed her and followed suit. Bakara held Mordin and Shiara stood defensively by her side.

"Commander, I see you've delivered the Krogan councilor." Tevos began.

"Yes, her name is Bakara. With her is her daughter, Mordin, and her guard, Shiara." Shepard introduced.

"I admit I had been expecting Wrex."She said.

"Wrex is busy reforming Tuchanka. He also doesn't have quite the diplomatic capabilities that I have from decades of calming down mothers who lost child after child. I have seen more loss than I've seen life. My daughter is a sign of all those struggles finally having a happy ending. I look into her face and every still, dead child is worth it. I know what it is like to want to preserve life at all costs that you are willing to endure this torture. That is the main difference between Krogan male and females. Males have not been bearing the fruit of death. They cause it of their own will."

"I see..." Tevos didn't know what to say. Valern and Sparatus remained silent. Ashley nodded, having personally known Bakara.

"I don't think you do, but that's not important. There will be time later. For now, I am here to represent my people and to take position on the council." Bakara stood, looking at each of them.

"I think the Krogan couldn't have sent a better representative," Ashley offered.

Valern nodded. "Definitely diplomatic. She has a way with words."

"Agreed, I was wary of the Krogan choice. She has set my mind at ease." Sparatus spoke.

"Then it's settled." Tevos finished. "Bakara, we hereby elect you become the Krogan representative for the council. You are the first Krogan to join our ranks and as such, your name shall make history." She bowed and the others followed suit. "We have already made space for you up here if you would like to join us for a more detailed discussion of your duties."

"Can you watch Mordin?" Bakara asked. Shiara took the child from her and held her gingerly. Bakara then made her way around to join the other councilors.

Once she was there, Valern turned to Shepard, Kolyatt, Shiara, and Mordin. "Kolyatt, it's good to see you! Now Shepard, I'm sure you have plenty to report."

"Oh yeah, but I wish to refrain until after the festivities. I have some heavy information and I also have to meet with Quarian diplomats. Aside from the one on my crew." Shepard requested.

Tevos looked at the others. "Okay, that does sound like a good course of action. We have a week of celebrations planned. Once that has ended, report your findings to us and we will chart our next moves from there."

"We'll brief our new member on protocol. Shepard, you are dismissed for now. If you need anything, you know where to find us." Sparatus ended the meeting, the councilors leaving through a door at the back.

"I'll meet up with you later," Ashley mouthed. Shepard gave her a thumbs up.

"I will meet Bakara," Shiara excused herself, taking Mordin along with her.

"Alright," Shepard said, walking toward her crew, "that went easier than expected."

"I'll say. Maybe they've finally learned to respect you," Garrus laughed.

"Having two friends that know you on there doesn't hurt either," Liara said.

"Now what?" Javik asked.

"Now we go unpack at my apartment and everyone's free to do what they wish. I have to meet Hackett when he arrives to discuss what I'm expected to do. Hopefully I'll have time to get some more of Traynor's mixed drinks sometime during this week." Shepard activated her communicator. "EDI, Joker, Traynor, are you guys wanting to crash at my apartment for the week?"

"Hell yeah! As long as you keep that bar stocked." Joker yelled in excitement.

"And as long as I can use your bathroom," Traynor said longingly, already imagining the Jacuzzi style bathtub.

"I will, of course, be joining." EDI said matter-of-factly.

"I'll meet you there!"

ooo

Shepard entered her apartment, forgetting how big it was. It was a last gift of kindness from Anderson to use while she was on shore leave. She suspected he had secret hopes that she'd one day settle down and raise a family like he had never been able to do with Kahlee Sanders. "You guys can sleep or do anything you like in here. Just don't break anything or make things explode. Also, the big bedroom is mine."

"Only yours?" Liara asked innocently.

"Yes, I want that lonely, big bed all to myself." Shepard folded her arms, smirking.

"Fine, then I'll just share a bed with Norse." Liara said with a fake pout.

"This one does not wish to be involved. It finds the asari to be only a friend." Norse stepped back.

Shepard laughed. "Actually, Norse, I have the perfect spot for you."

"This one is intrigued." Norse followed her as she and Liara made their way upstairs to the master bedroom.

"Temperature controls are right over here. You can use our bathroom if you want. Just don't be offended if we close the door or ask you to leave if we need a shower." Shepard motioned him in.

Norse walked inside and dipped his tentacles in the water. "This temperature is nice. Once again, this one is overwhelmed by your kindness."

"Don't mention it. I figured this would be preferable to hanging out in a shower. Of course you're still welcome to go where ever you like, but it's open to you if you need it."

"This one is very grateful. You took it in and made it feel at home when you didn't have to do this. One day, this one will find someway to repay you."

"Don't worry about it. You're a part of the crew. I just want you to feel at home." Shepard left him to get settled. Liara was on the bed, reading a datapad. "I thought I said this was my bed."

Liara didn't even glance up. "If you want me to move, you'll have to make me."

"Oh I can make you move," Shepard grinned mischievously. She jumped on the bed and began to kiss Liara's neck, making her squirm. "Told you," Shepard breathed.

"Oh it's payback time!" Liara set her datapad down just as Shepard's omnitool lit up with a message from Hackett.

"Damn it," Shepard groaned. "And we're not done here. I'll see you tonight and show you the punishment for taking my bed." Liara smiled at her as she left the room. Shepard activated her communicator. "Shepard to Hackett, you were contacting me?"

"I thought it would be more formal than knocking at your door." Shepard paused and ran down the stairs.

ooo

She opened the door to see Hackett in formal attire. "Sir!" She saluted. He saluted her back.

"I'm off duty so I can check on you. How is everything?" He asked.

"Good," she stepped back, allowing him in. "We brought the Krogan councilor to meet with the others, greeted councilor Ashley, and got them to agree to wait until after the celebrations to hear our findings. All in all, our meeting was brief and successful."

"Good to hear. That's my favorite sort of meeting with the council." He entered, taking in the apartment. "Anderson gifted you a nice place here."

"Yes. I wish I had more time to thank him." Shepard entered the kitchen and grabbed some glasses. "Would you like a drink?"

"Sure, I could take one. Anderson was a great man. His loss is sill felt in the alliance. Promotions have admittedly been slow. Now that the council and citadel are out of Sol, we can return to doing things our way and dealing with less of the politics." He took the glass Shepard offered him and they made their way to the back reading room, which was one of the only unoccupied spaces.

"He left recordings all around this apartment." Shepard sighed, taking a swig. "Any assignments?"

Hackett shook his head. "Not from us. Rebuilding has been going well. We've already completed London. It was our first priority since it was the city where the final battles took place. It's rough, but we are in a much better position. The main mission revolves around these mysteries. I'm sure that as a spectre, you'll be facing more. The Quarians are requesting a meeting on Rannoch, probably about the ship. The Flotilla is docked on Rannoch and is serving the same purpose as it did before. I'm not sure how rebuilding has been going there, to be honest. The Quarians haven't been very vocal about goings on, which isn't surprising. They're a private race and being in the tabloids recently can't be helping that matter."

"Are there any Admirals on the Citadel? Aside from Tali, that is." She asked.

"No and I imagine they're conserving their resources. I do know that Shala'Ran has requested an audience with you via holo communications. She was unable to get in touch with you most likely due to landing procedures and the council meeting. The request is fairly new."

"I'll get on that as soon as we finish our discussions. Am I supposed to do anything for the celebrations?"

"Other than make some appearance, the only real expectation is that there will be a day where the council is expecting you to make a speech and do a meet and greet with the people that attend."

"I'm not sure if Javik will want to cooperate with that, but I'll inform my crew." Shepard finished her drink.

"I know this is a switch from what we're used to doing, but you've taken to it in stride. Aside from that appearance, please take it easy. Enjoy some time off so you don't overwork yourself."

"I can do that, sir. Did you want to talk about any of our findings?"

He shook his head. "Not until we present our findings to the council." He stood from the table. "I just wanted to deliver the message and make sure you were doing alright. I'm off to attend to more meetings and prepare for the festivities. Take care of yourself."

Shepard stood as well, saluting as he left. "You too, sir."

ooo

Shepard activated the communication panal once he had gone. She wasn't able to have holo-projections, but she did have a video screen. "Commander Shepard to Admiral Shala'Raan vas Tonbay." She called on her omnitool.

Shala appeared on the screen. "It is good to see you, Commander. It has been too long since we last spoke."

"It has, and I don't think we've spoken when there haven't been dire circumstances." Shepard smiled.

"It remains to be seen if things are dire or not. I understand you have the bodies of two Quarians and their ship. Ba'leesh'Norilei and A'lish'Arien, one of which is believed to be indoctrinated, have not communicated with the fleet in many years and there are many questions we wish to have answered. There are also strange occurrences happening with our people. It is a very confusing time."

"I've heard some of the rumors. We do have the ship and their bodies. I had been made to understand that there would be an admiral here to retrieve them."

"Plans have changed, unfortunately. After seeing Tali'Zorah's report on what was inside and about the behavior of those aboard, we don't want them to be seen being transported. There are enough rumors floating about. We were wondering if you could deliver them here when you come visit us."

"I can ask Chakwas if she can keep them from decomposing. I can understand the secrecy. Are there no admirals here at all, then?"

"Unfortunately not," Shala'Raan hesitated, "we've had an issue with some machinery here. It's nothing we can't handle, but with the confusion going around, it's best for the members here to stay here."

"Anything we can do to help?" She asked.

Shala'Raan shook her head. "Not at the moment. By the way, how is Tali'Zorah?"

"She's been doing great. She's handled herself well with everything that's been going on."

"That is good to hear. She has done much good aboard the Normandy and I'm sure she'll do even more in the future before she settles down." Shala sighed, her head drooping.

"Everything okay?"

"Yes, yes," she said, "sorry, it has been a very tiring week. I'm just glad that you are understanding. Tell Tali that I wish her well." Shala signed off.

Shepard stepped back, massaging the sides of her forehead. She had received an email with the date and time of the meet and greet. She left the room and shouted "If I could have everyone gather in the living room. I have an announcement." Slowly, everyone trudged forward from the various corners of the house.

"Okay, we're free to roam around as we please. In three days, they want us to give a talk and a meet and greet in the Presidium. Each of us will say a small speech and then we'll shake hands. Javik, you're excused if you don't want to attend."

"On the contrary," he said with a frightening grin, "I would love to attend this pointless meeting."

"Scary. Okay, that was the only thing I had to say. Anyone have any questions? Joker?"

"Umm, yeah, if they're treating us like celebrities, I demand a trailer."

"No. Any other questions?" Shepard looked at the group. "Okay, everyone, go back to doing whatever it was that you were doing."

As the group dispersed, Diana Allers walked up to Shepard. "Remember when I said that I was planning on leaving once we got back to the Citadel?" She asked.

"Vaguely," Shepard responded.

"There's a lot to be covered here, especially with the festivities and the rest of the galaxy looking to see what the Citadel is like now. So I think I'm going to jump on this opportunity, that is, if you promise to stay in touch?"

"Of course," Shepard shook her hand. "It was nice having you aboard. You're still welcome to stay here during the week."

"I might take you up on that. Thank you, again, for everything you've done. I'll be sure to keep forwarding you any helpful information!" With that, Allers walked out of the apartment, on search of her next scoop.

Garrus and Tali walked down the stairs together; Garrus in his formal attire. "Well, well, well, where are you two headed?" Shepard smiled at them, folding her arms.

"To a certain Sushi restaurant that is finally fixed," Tali said, hand on her hip.

"I must repeat, can either of you even eat the food there?"

"Not the point," they said together.

"Well here," Shepard handed over her chit, "it's on me."

"Shepard, are you sure?" Tali asked, accepting it.

"Just don't go too crazy," she smiled, waving them out the door.

Shepard collapsed on the couch, enjoying a moment of quiet with no emails or impending missions. It was nice to be able to sit down and relax until the council, the Quarians, or someone else needed her, that is.

She must have dozed off, because she snapped awake, catching the tail end of one of Anderson's recordings. "Soldiers like the Commander are rare. Women like Shepard, even more rare."

"Sorry," Traynor said, setting the recording down back on the kitchen counter, "I wasn't sure what it was."

"That's fine," Shepard yawned, sleepily. "How long was I out?"

"I'm not sure when you fell asleep, but it's only been an hour or so since our little meeting." Traynor took the opposite couch.

Shepard sat up, rubbing sleep out of her eyes. "I never did get you that new toothbrush, did I?"

"As I recall, no you did not. And if I also recall, I saved your life and the ship with the previous one. I haven't been able to brush in the luxury I'm used to enjoying."

"Yeah, yeah. Now that I have time to kill, I think I'll finally make good on all of my promises. Care to join me?"

"I would love to join you. How about we make it a girl's night and invite the others?" She suggested.

"Well, Tali's out on a date, but that sounds like a good idea." Shepard messaged EDI and Liara.

"A girl's night, I don't think I've ever had one of those." Liara sighed.

"I have lived it up like a girly girl before. It was enjoyable. I'm not sure how I can accompany you, though." EDI looked at the assembled group.

"Right, I almost forgot about that." Shepard paused thoughtfully.

"You just need the right sort of clothing," Kasumi popped in, sitting cross legged on the table.

Everyone jumped. "Where, how, Kasumi?" Shepard turned.

"I've been using your apartment while you've been gone off and on. You really need a better security lock." She shrugged. "But I do have an extra cloak she could use, if you'd like."

"Of course you have," Shepard groaned. "And that's up to EDI."

"I would be willing to try it." EDI said as Kasumi handed the cloak over.

"It's good to see you, Kasumi, I think." Shepard smiled.

"I recognize you; you were the one sneaking around the party." Traynor pointed out.

"Very Perceptive."

"Will you be joining us for girl time?" EDI asked, looking like a robotic mini-Kasumi.

"It's still weird seeing you in a body. Shopping isn't my style. If you have another party, however, I'm there." With that, Kasumi disappeared.

"That was special," Liara commented.

"But not surprising. Okay, now to the toothbrushes and alcohol store." Shepard said, leading the girls out.

"I highly doubt that's an actual store." Traynor laughed.

ooo

End Chapter 9