AUTHOR'S FOREWORD:
The story broke another milestone, you guys are great! Keep the views and reviews coming, it really motivates me to write. I have a couple of spoiler propaganda posters done up for the more adventurous of you that will be posted to my profile with the bonus chapter after chapter 10, as a thank you to you all. I'll probably use one of them as the cover image for Battlefield 2185.
Shoutout to StarSerpent for his incredibly detailed set of reviews. He's pointed out a lot of things I already planned to address, the man was right on the money in terms of where I plan to take it. Ridiculously so in the case of two particular points. Well, except for the Starcraft stuff haha!
This chapter's been done for days, I just haven't had the time to edit it.
Hope I don't disappoint, enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 8: Authority
Shepard was on edge as she waited in the lobby of the Council Tower for the councillors to arrive. She glanced down at her uniform, and fidgeted with the collar, convinced it wasn't straight. A few seconds later and she finished, still unsatisfied with the result. Stopping herself from repeating the action, she shifted her weight from her left foot onto her right, trying to get comfortable. Liara was in danger, and if she didn't act soon, she would lose the confidence of her crew.
Anderson looked at her, moving his eyes off the news monitors.
"Nervous about the Council?" he asked softly, "Don't be, I have your back and so does Udina."
Shepard snorted, amused at the very suggestion. She turned her head away from the stairs to the lift, and flicked her hair back into place.
"There isn't much the Council can do to get under my skin now," Shepard said, "It's everything else. The fact we're sitting here while Saren and the geth are out there, a member of my crew being in the custody of that woman, the whole damn war, and the worst thing, the Reapers."
"You're one woman, Shepard," said Anderson, "No matter how good a soldier you are, it isn't just your fight. Mobilising the kind of effort we need to do stop Saren and the geth will take time. Be patient, we'll get it done."
Shepard smiled, unable to suppress it. Anderson could read her like a book, and always knew what to say. She nodded to herself for a moment, the need to fidget gone.
"Your optimism is infectious, sir," she said finally.
"So is yours, if your crew is any evidence," Anderson replied, "Your report from Therum made for interesting reading. Getting crewmates with backgrounds like theirs all working together is an achievement. Alliance brass was very pleasantly surprised, though there are still many who are unhappy about having so many aliens on board our most advanced vessel."
Shepard frowned, and looked at the various diplomatic staffers wandering around or resting on benches among the blossoming trees. How peaceful it seemed there.
"I don't have optimism, I just care about my crew," said Shepard, "As for the aliens, Saren's plans threaten everyone, not just humans. And they're good people, Anderson, every one of them."
The news monitor's image changed from a silent ticker of items written in various languages, to a broadcast. A caption scrolled across the screen, again in multiple languages; ANZAC Parade, Canberra, Australia, Earth. A military parade came into view, lead by a v-formation of walkers walking steadily up a tree-lined promenade towards a domed building. The lead walker stood out, two blue flags with stars on them billowing from long antennae. Behind the armoured mechs, a huge body of soldiers marched in perfect formation. It was sunny, and the swords of the officers glinted in the light.
"The Army do love to put on a show," remarked Anderson, watching as the walkers split into two groups as they passed a raised marquee, "The Australians called up their reserves on their own, as soon as news of Eden Prime came through, formed a whole new legion out of the blue."
Shepard regarded the formations, entranced by the choreography for a moment.
"We'll need every one of them, sir," she said, looking away from the screen as if it had tried to hypnotise her, "Where the hell is Udina?"
"Watch your tone, Shepard," said the ambassador, approaching from behind with Tali and Garrus, "I'm not enjoying myself in your absence."
Shepard's heart leapt for a moment, and she turned around on reflex to face the man.
"My apologies, Ambassador."
"Don't bother, it took longer than I thought it would as well," scowled Udina, "High Command is gathering to talk to Tali'Zorah about the quarians, but it will take some time. For the moment, the Council is ready to meet with us."
The Ambassador began towards the Council chamber itself, and Anderson took his leave.
"Good luck, Shepard," he said, moving quickly away.
Tali fell in beside Shepard, and the Commander smiled, happy to see her.
"I hope this isn't going to be an interrogation," said the quarian.
"We'll just have to go and see," Shepard said, taking the first step up.
"I don't think I've seen the diplomats so on edge up here before," said Garrus from behind, "Something is up."
"Then let's hope it's good news for us," replied Shepard, "And for it to go quickly, Liara is still with Haider."
The light of the purple haze from the nebula illuminated the Council from behind as Shepard approached the speaker's rostra. All three of the councillors seemed to be in good spirits. The Commander almost had to look again. The sight was unnerving to say the least.
Udina lead the way.
"Councillors, you summoned Shepard and here she is," said Udina, "May I ask now what this meeting is about?"
Both the turian and salarian representatives turned to Councillor Tevos. Shepard's eyebrows inched slightly higher as the asari began to speak.
"Ambassador Udina, you have been withholding vital information from us," she said firmly, with every indication that she was enjoying herself, "Your government uncovered information from the geth about Saren's intentions, and you opted not to share it. We demand an explanation."
Shepard's heart dropped. They had found out about the Reapers. She opened her mouth to try and explain, but Udina beat her to the punch.
"And what information might that be?" the ambassador asked coolly, "All relevent information on Saren was given to you at the previous hearing."
A burst of exasperation erupted from Councillor Valern, before he began doing something with his omnitool.
"Care to explain this?" said Valern, as a holographic projection began.
An Alliance report on the Reapers appeared, and the salarian began to read the more potent sections.
"Likelihood of existence of Reapers high. Visions received on Eden Prime by Commander Shepard only the tip of the iceberg. Dr. T'soni's research useful in piecing together exact path of the destruction of Prothean civilisation as well as the timescale for the reappearance of the Reapers. Recommend highest alert of Alliance military forces indefinitely. Saren most likely seeking Conduit in order to cripple human military forces, in order to facilitate the return of the Reapers. Defence Intelligence Directorate." he said aloud.
"Where did you get this?" asked Udina, his voice rising now, "That is a highly classified military report."
"Where we got it is irrelevent, we have it now and we demand to know why you did not inform us that you had more information than simply a recording of Saren," said Sparatus, "If you have evidence for the existence of these Reapers, we would like to hear it. Commander Shepard, what is this about a vision?"
Shepard looked at Udina, searching for an indication of what to do.
"You best tell them everything," the ambassador growled, "They seem to have a source somewhere, they might as well hear it directly."
Shepard stepped forward. Her voice caught in her throat for a moment. She did not want to recall the images that had been blasted into her mind, nor did she think the Council would believe her.
"The beacon transferred a vision into my head, before it was destroyed. It was the Protheans being destroyed by the Reapers. The images are … too disturbing to describe. Genocide on a mass scale, fleets swept aside, lots of bodies ... too many bodies. Saren is working with them and the geth believe they are gods, which is why Saren is able to command the geth."
Shepard paused, waiting for the Council's response.
"And this is why you mobilised your entire military?" asked Sparatus, incredulously.
"We take threats to our existence very seriously Councillor," said Udina, "And we believe the evidence. The Reapers are coming and the geth are their puppets. They must be neutralised!"
"Preposterous! If the Reapers existed, where have they been for fifty thousand years?" asked Valern, "Saren is using the beliefs of the geth to control them for his own ends, obviously."
"It doesn't matter if the Reapers are real at this point," said Udina, his tone softening, "The geth attacked us. Regardless of why, the Alliance has an obligation to defend its citizens to the best of its ability. We could destroy the geth in a single stroke if you would only help us!"
"I'm afraid the Citadel fleets will not move against the geth no matter how many times you ask, Ambassador," said Tevos, her eyes hard now.
Shepard noticed Sparatus become uncomfortable at the asari's words, as he shifted his weight. Did he disagree with the other two councillors on helping the Alliance?
"We don't know enough about the geth's capabilities," said Valern, "Attacking them head-on would be too costly."
"Failing to neutralise them would be even more costly," Shepard said, "We can work together on this, councillors."
The three politicians looked between each other for a moment.
"I'm afraid we cannot risk provoking a war with the Terminus Systems as well," said Tevos, "An attempt to go to the Veil in force would result in a conflict flaring up in the rear of any assault."
"Then we shall do what we feel necessary on our own," said Udina, "Like any one of your own species would do in our situation."
The ambassador made to leave, nodding to Shepard to follow suit. She sighed, and began to turn away.
"Wait, we did not call this meeting simply to point out your lack of cooperation," Tevos continued.
Udina returned to his place. Shepard could have sworn she had seen a ghost of a smile on the man's face as he turned back.
"Commander Shepard, we have decided to accept you as a Spectre of the Citadel Council," Sparatus said solemnly.
The Commander fell into a state of astonishment. The unexpected reversal of what she thought was coming made her heart swell with pride. Reason quickly reasserted itself when she realised they were waiting for her to speak.
"I am honoured, councillors," she said, the words sticking in her throat again, "Surprised, but honoured."
"Ambassador Udina was kind enough to provide the mission report on Therum, your handling on that matter was noted. As was your crew's contribution," said Tevos, " We feel we need a human representative on the Spectres now more than ever."
"Not least because your superiors seem determined to ride over every procedure in existence," added Sparatus, "Given your history, we were reluctant before, but your actions over the past few days have proven to us that you can be trusted to safeguard every species, not just humanity."
Shepard felt relieved, and stood up a little straighter. The councillors had got wind of her new crewmates and how well they had worked together. She smiled, realising that she herself had been pleasantly surprised by that. The brass weren't happy about aliens on the Normandy, but Anderson and Udina had backed her all the way. She raised her voice.
"Councillors, I will do everything in my power to safeguard the peoples of this galaxy from the threats against them," said Shepard with a great deal more confidence, "Saren will pay, I swear it."
Another exchange of glances between the councillors, as if an unspoken conversation was occurring. Shepard suppressed a frown, afraid they didn't like that addition. She need not have bothered.
"Very well, step forward Shepard," said Tevos, "Open the chamber to the lobby."
Udina stepped aside for the Commander, holding his arm out with a look of grim satisfaction on his face. Shepard took a pace forward onto the ambassador's place, as the balconies around the chamber began to fill with people.
As she waited, Shepard's mind went inevitably back to Torfan. Standing among the corpses once again, the walker blinding her with spotlights, Earth fluttering on a black sky on the flag atop the pole. How far she had come.
"It is the decision of the Council that you be granted all the powers and privileges of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance branch of the Citadel..."
The Presidium was a magnificent place. Artificial sky, elegant architecture, beautiful flora, cultured people from all over the galaxy. The balcony provided a great view of all these things.
On any other day, General Karla Haider would have felt right at home. Instead, she was conducting the most boring interrogation in the history of humanity. As she lifted her cup of coffee to her lips, her earpiece buzzed affirmatives. The asari across from her had no qualms about pouring any information she needed out into the open. The analysis equipment hidden discreetly throughout the room could detect no sign of deception.
As Dr. T'soni repeated the story of what happened on Therum before Shepard came, for the third time, Haider found her mind wandering. She regretted being unable to bring the asari to a more capable facility, preferably on Earth. Not to mention being unable to use some of the more advanced methods for interrogation developed by the biological weapons division, that was also galling. The General had been ordered to play nice, so she had to make do with a standard repetition interview with biometric analysis instead. Probably for the best, given that the subject's biotic capabilities were somewhere between that of an elite vanguard and that of an asari matriarch.
"Right, stop," said Haider, finally succumbing to the instinct that the woman in front of her was barely capable of lying, "Let's talk about something new."
"But I..."
"Let's talk about Shepard," Haider interrupted, refilling her coffee, "Why are you so eager to help her?"
This should be more entertaining, she thought, as the asari picked up her own cup and drank.
"My mother is involved in one of the worst atrocities in the history of the galaxy, Shepard is determined to find her," said Liara, "She is also the only person in the galaxy who has ever successfully integrated her mind with a Prothean beacon, think of what we could learn!"
The analysis VI informed the General of some low level deception, a possible omission. Haider's eyebrow raised at the information, and decided to push further.
"You do realise that when Shepard finds your mother, she may be forced to kill her," Haider continued, "And I suppose you are just fine with that?"
Liara set down her cup.
"I have many fond memories of my mother. When I was a child, she seemed like the most beautiful woman in the world," Liara said sadly, "I do not know why she is working with Saren, but if she is truly involved in what happened on Eden Prime, the mother I knew may already be dead. She has been … distant for the past few years, I do not know why. I am certain that it has something to do with all this. I cannot explain why, it is a feeling."
Haider smirked, and took a large gulp of coffee in preparation for the next question. The interrogation VI chirped positives into her ear, the asari was telling the truth. Now they were getting somewhere.
"So, you have no problem with the Systems Alliance ordering your own mother's death?"
"Of course I have a problem with it!" Liara said loudly, "But I need to find out why my mother is doing this and stop her!"
Still no deception. Haider grimaced, unhappy that she hadn't found the source yet. The VI informed her that the next procedure was to eliminate personal bias as the source of the deception.
"I believe you," said Haider, more softly now, "Which leaves just one question."
"Thank the Goddess," Liara replied, sitting more comfortably now.
"Is your willingness to follow Shepard more than a wish to find your mother or out of some academic desire to study her?" asked Haider, as politely as she could muster, "What do you think of Shepard personally?"
The VI began reporting signs of mild distress, and her own eyes confirmed it. Dr. T'soni was flabbergasted by the question entirely, trying to figure out what to say. Haider smiled, her question seen to wordlessly. The asari began babbling, but the general simply held up her hand to quiet her.
"It's alright, you've already answered," Haider sighed in mock empathy, "I think we're done here."
Click.
Haider turned to see Shepard decloaking, anger on the soldier's face and a pistol in her hand held at hip height. The barrel pointed directly at the general's face.
"Yes, you are done here," Shepard said, calmly.
"Ah, Commander Shepard," said Haider, "Good of you to join us."
"Spectre Shepard, if you please," said the woman with every indication that she was enjoying the experience.
Haider couldn't help herself. A giggle bubbled up out of her throat, which turned into a laugh, which turned into a roar. The general threw her head back and tears welled up in her eyes. The soldier had fed her own line back to her.
"Touché, Shepard," said Haider, wiping her eyes, "I guess Udina's gambit of letting all those aliens onto the Normandy worked after all. It's good to see your sense of humour is intact."
"Are we going to have a problem here?" asked Shepard, in what Haider assumed was her number one menacing voice.
"None whatsoever. I conducted the interview in a civilised manner," replied the General, "I am perfectly convinced now that Dr. T'soni here will eat her own guts for breakfast in the name of the Pax Humana, and you're free to take her on your little crusade."
Shepard lowered her pistol, and her expression changed from approaching wrath to interested concern. Haider watched as she turned to Dr. T'soni.
"Come on Liara, let's get out of here," she said, her voice changed as much as her expression, "I know somewhere we can find much better company."
Liara smiled at Shepard, and stood up to go. It was so transparent now to Haider that the former had feelings for the latter, there would be no question of loyalty. Given Shepard's reputation, the newly appointed Spectre would turn the asari into a hardened fighter in the name of the Alliance for the coming war. The General felt her confidence rise in her chest.
"Wait, there's one more thing," said Haider, causing Liara to glare.
"What is that?" asked Shepard wearily.
"Good luck, of course," smiled Haider, laying on the cheek as best she could by lifting her cup in a mock salute. She doubted Saren would ever be found, finding one person with his skills in an entire galaxy was very difficult to say the least. However, if anyone found the turian bastard, she hoped that it would be Shepard.
The woman herself just shook her head in disbelief, and left with her new crewmate.
Haider watched the pair exit through the door as she finished her coffee. The report on this one for the Consuls and High Command would require some finesse.