Chapter 9: Heroes

The Kodiak shuttle decelerated as it approached Destiny Ascension which was holding high earth orbit. Along her portside were the SSV Orizaba commanded by Admiral Hannah Shepard, and the SSV Everest commanded by Admiral Steven Hackett. Alongside the Alliance ships, there were two Quarian Civilian Fleet vessels. On the Starboard side of the Destiny Ascension, there were two Turian dreadnaughts from the Turian Sixth Fleet, and two Salarian dreadnaughts from the Salarian Third Fleet.

As the shuttle moved closer, the crew was struck by the awesome size of the Destiny Ascension. It simply dwarfed all the other nearby ships.

"Destiny Ascension, this shuttle UT47A from SSV Normandy carrying Admiral John Shepard and Captain Ashley Williams requesting permission to dock," reported Cortez.

"Shuttle UT47A, permission to dock granted. Welcome to Destiny Ascension."


The shuttle pulled into the hanger bay. This was one of the many hanger bays on this starship. There are many shuttles parked on both sides of the hanger. The center of the runway was clear. There was a large group of people gathered at the end of the runway. The shuttle bay controller directed Cortez to land the shuttle at the end of the runway by the crowd.

The shuttle door opened, and they can see the large crowd of people in the background. In the front, they can see Asari Counselor Trevos, Salarian Councilor Valern, and Turian Councilor Sparatus. To the left of Sparatus was Primarch Victus. To his left was Admiral Zaal'Koris. To the right of Trevos were Admiral Hackett and Admiral Hannah Shepard. Flanking this entire group of dignitaries were Asari Commandos. Off to the side were several camera drones along with Diana Allers.

Ashley looked out of the shuttle. A group of soldiers have formed 2 lines from the shuttle door. To her left was a line of soldiers made of several Asari Commandos, Turian Marines from the 43rd Marine Division, and Salarian STG soldiers. To her right were several Quarian soldiers, Alliance 103rd Marine Division soldiers, couple of Krogan soldiers from Arlalakh Company, and Jondum Bau representing the Spectres.

Ashley stepped out of the shuttle door to a wave of applause. She was followed by Liara, Tali, Garrus, Wrex, Vega, and finally Shepard. The applause continued and climaxed when Shepard stepped out. They walked toward the dignitaries and stopped in front of the council members.

Trevos reached out her hand to shake Shepard's hand and said, "On behalf of the Council, its member races, and all those who live in our galaxy, we thank you and congratulate you!" This was followed by another round of thunderous applause.

Ashley looked at Shepard. She knows he's uncomfortable. When he's uncomfortable, he tries too hard to hide it. At this moment, he's forcing a smile. Ashley knew Shepard never wanted to be a hero. He hated being called a hero. He didn't want the glory or the accolade. He rather just be a good soldier, standing along his fellow brethren, holding the line.

The Primarch then spoke, "Garrus Vakarian please step forward." Garrus was standing shoulder to shoulder with his squad facing the dignitaries. He took a step forward. He had no idea what the Primarch was about to say.

"For your heroic action in following Shepard on the final assault towards the Crucible, we wish to bestow upon you the rank of General and command of the 43rd Marine Division. You are an example to all Turians in your heroism and leadership."

"Primarch Victus," replied Garrus, "I am truly honored. But I humbly decline command of the 43rd. My place is with the Normandy representing the Turians.

"General Garrus Vakarian, you are a true Turian soldier. I will honor your request to remain with the Normandy and represent the Turian people." Garrus and the Primarch shook hands and Garrus stepped back in line.

Next Admiral Zaal'Koris walked to the front and asked for Tali to step forward, "Tali'Zorah vas Normandy, for your heroic actions throughout the Reaper campaign and especially your actions on Rannoch, the Quarian Admiralty Board appoints you to the rank of Admiral. In addition, we offer you to transfer your name back to the Flotilla unless you wish to remain with Normandy."

Tali looked at Shepard, Garrus and rest of the team, "Admiral, I am honored. I wish to continue serving aboard the Normandy and keep my name as Tali'Zorah vas Normandy."

"Very well, Admiral Tali'Zorah vas Normandy, the Admiralty will respect your wish and appoint you as Quarian ambassador to the Council."

"I will accept. Thank you Admiral Zaal'Koris."

Next, Admiral Hackett walked to the front, "Lieutenant James Vega, Liara T'Soni, and Urdnot Wrex please step forward." The three took a step forward.

"For your bravery and gallant actions throughout the Reaper Campaign, we wish to award you the Alliance Medal of Valor." The three squad mates shook the Admiral's hand and stepped back in line.

"Next, I would ask Ashley Williams, please step forward."

Ashley took a step forward.

"For your bravery and gallant actions throughout the Reaper Campaign and especially being at the vanguard of the charge on the Crucible Conduit, I hereby award you the Alliance Medal of Valor. In addition, due to your extraordinary leadership onboard the Normandy, I hereby promote you to the rank of Captain and give you the command of SSV Normandy. I also want to take this time to announce that the Alliance and the Council has come to a special arrangement. In an effort to support Council leadership, the Alliance has agreed to lend the Normandy and the service of its crew to the Council. Captain Williams, from now on you and your crew will report to the Council."

"Thank you, Admiral," Ashley saluted Admiral Hackett stepped back in line.

"Lastly, I would like to ask John Shepard to come forward."

Shepard stepped forward.

"Shepard, for putting together the greatest fleet the galaxy has ever seen, for forging alliances among the different races, for leading the charge on the Crucible Conduit that led to the destruction of the Reapers, and for the many other extraordinary things you've done that history will write about, I award you the highest honor the Alliance can give, and that is the Alliance Medal of Honor. In addition, you have been promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral. You have also been given the command of SSV Kilimanjaro."

"Thank you, Admiral," Shepard saluted Admiral Hackett. He was caught off guard about the Kilimanjaro assignment and shot a quick glance at Ashley.

"Admiral Shepard," Councilor Valern began to speak "besides all the accolades bestowed upon you today, I wanted to thank you personally for saving my life on the Citadel from Kai Leng. I have made the motion to make you the next Human Council member. Needless to say, the vote was unanimous. In addition, because you are also a Spectre, we have given you the title of Commander of all Spectre forces. We have also assigned the SSV Normandy for your use in support of your mission. It is the desire of this council to have you and the Normandy represents us in all quadrants of the galaxy."

"Thank you, Councilors," replied Shepard shaking each of their hands. "I humbly accept."

At this time, someone gave Shepard a microphone and asked for him to speak a few words.

Shepard looked at the crowd in the hanger and spoke, "Thank you for the honor you have bestowed on my team and I. There will be time for celebration later. For now, we mourn for our brave comrades, our friends, our loved ones. They are the true heroes of this war. Our freedom and our lives have been bought with their blood and sacrifice. I stand before you today, asking all of you here, and all those around the galaxy who can witness this moment, to see what we can accomplish when we stand united. Look among us- Turians, Salarians, Krograns, Quarians, Asari, Humans, Batarians, Elcors and Volus. Remember this moment of unity. Let's put aside our differences and build a better galactic future for all races!"

The crowd could not hold back its applause any longer and erupted in clapping and shouting. Soon, there were chants of "Shepard, Shepard, Shepard" echoing through the entire hanger. Hannah Shepard looked at her son with pride. Ashley reached for Shepard's hand and gave him a gentle squeeze.