~Paige~

After making it to the Conduit, we were sent off and the Mako crashed as we landed. We carefully got out of the Mako, none of us were seriously hurt, just bruised.

"We need to get to the tower," I told John. He nodded and helped me up before we ran to the elevator. After a little bit, the elevator stopped as we felt a tremor. "Great, now what?" I muttered.

"Saren's locked the elevator! Suit up-we're going outside!" John said taking a gun out. We all put on our helmets then. He then shot the window so we could get out. We started moving and took out some geth along the way.

"Man, these guys are really annoying," I growled irritated.

"You're telling me!" Kaidan agreed as we used our biotics and guns.

"This will be over soon," John assured. We kept going and soon, we finally made up the tower and to where Saren was. Or at least, we thought he was here. We kept our guns aimed and Saren appeared on his flotation device. He threw a grenade, we jumped away and took over.

"I was afraid you wouldn't make it in time, Shepard," Saren said.

"In time for what?" John asked him.

"The final confrontation. I think we both expected it would end like this. You've lost. You know that, don't you? In a few minutes, Sovereign will have full control of all the Citadel systems. The relay will open. The Reapers will return," Saren told him.

"I've still got a few tricks up my sleeve," John retorted.

"You survived our encounter on Virmire. But I've changed since then. Improved. Sovereign has…upgraded me," Saren stated making my eyes widen.

"You let Sovereign implant you?!" I exclaimed.

"Are you insane?" John agreed.

"I suppose I should thank you, Shepard. After Virmire, I couldn't stop thinking about what you said. About Sovereign manipulating me. About indoctrination. The doubts began to eat away at me. Sovereign sensed my hesitation. I was implanted to strengthen my resolve," Saren told us. He really is an idiot! Sovereign didn't do that to make him stronger, just to make him ensured that he would be indoctrinated! "Now my doubts are gone. I believe in Sovereign completely. I understand that the Reapers need organics. Join just and Sovereign will find a place for you, too," Saren told us.

"Sovereign's controlling you through your implants! Don't you see that?" John asked voicing my thoughts.

"The relationship is symbiotic. Organic and machine intertwined, a union of flesh and steel. The strengths of both, the weaknesses of neither. I am a vision of the future, Shepard. The evolution of all organic life. This is our destiny. Join Sovereign and experience a true rebirth!" Saren said.

"Sovereign hasn't won yet. I can stop it from taking control of the station! Step aside and the invasion will never happen!" John told him.

"We can't stop it! Not forever. You saw the visions. You saw what happened to the Protheans. The Reapers are too powerful," Saren said.

"Some part of you must still realize this is wrong. You can fight this!" John urged.

"Maybe you're right. Maybe there is still a chance for…unh!" Saren groaned in pain. "The implants…Sovereign is too strong. I'm sorry. It's too late for me," Saren said to us. We all stood up.

"It's not over yet. You can still redeem yourself!" John told him.

"Saren, please!" I pleaded. Sure, Saren did some bad things, but he doesn't deserve this!

"Goodbye, Shepard. Thank you," Saren said before shooting himself in the head. I frowned and turned my head away as Saren fell. John placed a hand on my shoulder and gave it a squeeze before walking up to the Control Panel. Kaidan and I followed. John then used the data we got from Vigil.

"Vigil's data file worked. I've got control of all systems," John told us.

"Quick! Open the station's arms. Maybe the fleet can take Sovereign down before he regains control of the station!" Kaidan told him.

"See if you can open a communications channel," I added. John did so on his omni-tool.

"…the Destiny Ascension. Main drives offline. Kinetic barriers down 40%. The Council is on board. I repeat, the Council is on board," a woman said over the comm.

"Normandy to the Citadel. Normandy to the Citadel. Please tell me that's you, Commander," Joker said over the comm.

"I'm here, Joker," John assured.

"We caught that distress call, Commander. I'm sitting here in the Andura sector with the entire Arcturus fleet. We can save the Ascension. Just unlock the relays around the Citadel and we'll send the cavalry in!" Joker told him.

"Are you sure about this, Shepard? Human casualties will be very high if you send your fleet in now," Kaidan told him.

"This is bigger than humanity. Sovereign's a threat to every organic species in the galaxy!" I argued.

"True, that's why you can't waste reinforcements trying to save the Council. You must hold them back until the Citadel arms open up and the human fleet can go after Sovereign!" Kaidan added.

"What's the order, Commander? Come in now to save the Ascension or hold back?" Joker asked.

"Opening the relays now, Joker. We need to save the Ascension-no matter what the cost!" John ordered.

"I hope the Council appreciates this," Kaidan sighed.

"If they don't, I'll knock them down a few until they do," I stated cracking my knuckles. Both men sent small smiles of amusement to me and we looked over where Saren landed.

"Make sure he's dead," John said to us. Kaidan and I made our way down and walked over to Saren. I took out my gun and shot him in the head again.

"He's dead," Kaidan assured. We were about to walk away until there were tremors and red lightning shooting around the area. It hit Saren then and a wave blew making Kaidan and I fly back. I hit the wall knocking the breath out of me. I regained my breathing and looked over at the newly transformed Saren. John and Kaidan rushed over to me and helped me up.

"Are you alright?" John asked. I nodded.

"I am. But he's not," I pointed to Saren who leapt up to a wall like a geth stalker.

"I am Sovereign! And this station is MINE!" Sovereign said through Saren. We took cover and began shooting at Saren.

"These implants really did make him stronger!" Kaidan called over the shooting.

"You're telling me! Can't this bastard get it through his thick…whatever it is and learn that he's going to lose?!" I shouted shooting. I then got an idea. "John! Kaidan! Cover me! I have an idea, but I need to get a little closer!" I told them. They were hesitant but nodded. I found a way to get a little closer to Saren and then caught him in my biotics. "Rot in hell, you son of a bitch!" I growled before ripping him in half. It's then Saren turned to ashes and it was done. John walked up and held me. I smiled at him.

"Great work, Paige," he praised as he pulled back. Kaidan hugged me next.

"That was a great idea," he told me. I blushed a little from the attention.

"T-thank you," I said making them chuckle. We then heard an explosion and looked over to see a piece of Sovereign flying over.

"Go!" John shouted at us. We started to run, making it up the stairs, but it was too late and we were all knocked out. I soon saw a light as I sat up. Kaidan was next to me, but no John. He didn't make it and I looked down as a tear slipped down my cheek.

"Captain Anderson! Captain Cameron! We've found them! They're in here," a man called out. Anderson and Marcus then came in. Marcus came over by me and hugged me out of relief.

"Take it easy…it's over. You're safe now," Anderson said to us.

"Where's the Commander? Where's Shepard?" Marcus asked us. I just shook my head looking down before looking over at where John once was. Marcus helped me up and I looked back at the spot again before letting Marcus start to lead me away. We then heard something and turned to save seen something move. Kaidan and I shared then looked back and saw John who made his way over with a smile. I smiled widely and ran over. I hugged him, minding his injured arm.

"You idiot, you had me worried!" I told him. He chuckled and hugged me back with his good arm.

"Sorry," he said before pulling back. We were all taken to the med bay and were patched up. John stayed with me at my place so we could rest for the next few days. We then had to meet up with the Council.

"Ambassador. Captains. Lieutenant Commander. Commander Shepard," the Asari Councilor greeted. "We have gathered here to recognize the enormous contributions of the Alliance forces in the war against Sovereign and the geth."

'Many humans lost their lives in the battle to save the Citadel, brave and courageous soldiers who willingly gave their lives so that we-the Council-might live," the Salarian Councilor added.

"There is no greater sacrifice, and we share your grief over the tragic loss of so many noble men and women," the Turian Councilor said next.

"The Council also owes you a great personal debt, Commander. One we can never repay. You saved not just our lives, but the lives of billions from Sovereign and the Reapers," the Asari Councilor said.

"Commander Shepard, your heroic and selfless actions serve as a symbol of everything humanity and the Alliance stand for," the Salarian Councilor added.

"And though we cannot bring back those valiant soldier who gave their lives to save ours, we can honor their memories through our actions," the Turian Councilor added next.

"Humanity has shown it is ready to stand as a defender and protector of the galaxy. You have proved you are worthy to join our ranks and serve beside us on the Citadel Council," the Asari Councilor finished.

"Councilor, on behalf of humanity and the Alliance, we thank you for this prestigious honor and humbly accept," Udina told them.

"We will need a list of potential candidates to fill humanity's seat on the Council," the Salarian Councilor said.

"Given all that has happened, I am sure your recommendation will carry a great deal of weight, Commander. Do you support any particular candidate?" The Asari Councilor asked. John, Marcus, and I shared a look before smirking. John looked back at the Council.

"We're about to go into war. We need someone with military experience. Someone like Captain Anderson," John said to them.

"Him? You must be joking. Anderson prefers to let his fists do the talking," Udina sneered.

"Only with you, Ambassador. Only with you," Anderson said amused. Marcus and I smirked.

"Are you sure about this, Commander? The Captain is a soldier, not a politician," Udina said to John.

"I believe that is the point," I stated.

"We've already got too many politicians on the Citadel. The Captain would be perfect for this job," John agreed.

"I think it's an inspired choice. The Council would welcome him with open arms, should he accept," the Asari Councilor said.

"I'm honored, Councilor. As humanity's representative, I'll do everything in my power to help the Council rebuild," Anderson agreed.

"Sovereign's defeat marks the beginning of a new era for both humanity and the Council," the Turian Councilor said. John and I shared a look then looked at the Council.

"Sovereign was only a vanguard. The Reaper fleet is still coming. Hundreds of ships, maybe thousands. And I'm going to find some way to stop them!" John told them before he and I started walking away.

"Shepard's right. Humanity is ready to do its part. United with the rest of the Council, we have the strength to overcome any challenge," Anderson said.

"When the Reapers come, we must stand side by side. We must fight against them as one. And together we will drive them back into dark space!" Marcus added. John and I made it back to the ship and were ready to stop the Reapers before they come.

"Are you still going to stand by me through all of this?" John asked me. I smiled and wrapped my arms around his neck as his wrapped around my waist.

"I will stand with you through anything, John," I promised him. He smiled and kissed me. I kissed him back. Sure, we're facing a galactic catastrophe, but there's still enough room for love.