Liara was quiet as she followed a pace behind Anderson and Shepard, her only sounds the muffed footfalls of her soft-soled flats against the deckplates. Neither the corridor Anderson had led them down nor the level of traffic were conducive to walking three abreast. If she was unhappy that her location excluded her from conversation between the commander and the captain, the view her position provided of how Shepard filled out her uniform more than made up for it.
Not that there was truly much conversation to be left out of. The Humans were chatting with each other about inconsequentials. Sporting events, the current status of common acquaintances, and playful insults were all seemingly acceptable topics in the pair's phatic communication. Liara tried to discern any purpose or pattern behind the prattle. She was finally forced to conclude that the conversation was entirely social in nature, and was not intended to relay any new or useful information. At least the tone of the conversation provided reassurance that Shepard had not damaged her relationship with the Captain.
The young archeologist had previously noticed this propensity in Sarah. The Human had difficulty with accepting silence in a social setting. Shepard would even fill a companionable interlude during a shared meal or tea with repeated questions about Liara's condition or needs. These questions would materialize even after the lack of any such requirements had been clearly established. Liara found the habit charming, even if she occasionally wished the commander could just shut up. With the available intimacy of the meld, individuals in relationships with Asari seldom had the need to engage in what Humans designated "small talk". Liara assumed that Sarah would eventually outgrow the habit, at the very least when alone in her company.
Some of Shepard's current banter was nervous release, Liara knew. The young Human had braced herself for a monumental amount of fallout from Lidanya's arrival at the Everest. When that failed to materialize, her relief had been palpable. Shepard was ever the optimist, but Liara couldn't help but be aware that even she knew inviting the Asari commander to visit the Everest had been a dicey move. Liara had seen the growing misgivings in Sarah's mind during their brief intimacy aboard the Petite'aile, as the Human questioned the wisdom behind her invitation. Shepard's nervousness had continued as Liara helped her into her dress blues. The spectre had been unable to cast off her aura of edginess until Hackett's gracious reception of Lidanya at the Human docks.
Fortunately for the retroactively insightful commander, neither Liara nor Lidanya had been willing to let events play out as they may. Both Asari had contacted Hackett independently. Lidanya call a polite request for the concession of being allowed to call upon Hackett aboard his flagship, and Liara's an entreaty for him to extend such permission. Lidanya might welcome the opportunity to publicly validate her role in the combined fleet, but she would never undermine Hackett's authority, nor risk an interspecies incident to do so. Liara had not been nearly as surprised as the matriarch at Hackett's acceptance of the request, nor did she disagree with the admiral's decision to receive the matriarch as a personal guest as opposed to as a VIP. By keeping Lidanya's visit low profile, Hackett allowed the matriarch to save face without impacting his own reputation. The admiral's response reaffirmed Liara's belief that Hackett was perhaps the most Asari-like Human in her limited experience, well able to compete with matriarchs in their own arena.
The maiden was plucked from the diversion of her thoughts when it registered that Shepard had mentioned her name in the context of the captain's enthusiasm for skyball. Neither Human turned to include her, but Liara felt the beginnings of a blush rise to her cheeks regardless. This was the second time in just over as many days that Shepard had mentioned the maiden's skyball prowess. Liara could only assume that the Human had come across some of the vids from her time at Serrice. She shouldn't have been surprised, given Shepard's exploration into her education, but she found it odd that the topic was coming up now but never had before. Sarah certainly hadn't had any recent opportunity to go delving into her past. She wondered what could have sparked the sudden focus on her athletic achievements. Given their new level of intimacy, Liara could think of any number of past experiences that would be more interesting for the spectre to investigate than her foray into amateur athletics.
Liara brought herself back to the moment. Their journey was taking longer than Liara had anticipated, Anderson's destination apparently a greater distance into the depths of the carrier than the XO's office had been. This was a part of the ship the maiden had not seen during her last visit. The passageways were cleaner, and demonstrated fewer signs of the recent battle than she had observed on her way to her breakfast with the admiral. The scientist realized this route might have been selected for that very reason, as they were likely following the same path that Hackett and Lidanya had taken only moments before.
The ship's apparent condition wasn't the only change. Liara noticed that the crew presented a different demeanor than the day before as well. Yesterday she had hardly received a second glance. Even the admiral and Commander Stewart had only occasionally been noticed and acknowledged.
Today it seemed that the crew was acutely aware of her presence. Every so often they would pass a member of the crew who would gaze upon her with a harsh intensity, as if assessing her right to be aboard the Everest. The glares reminded her of her early days aboard the Normandy, when she had practically barricaded herself behind the medbay. Shepard's stance on appropriate conduct around the nonhuman members of the team had prevented any overt action by crewmembers predisposed to intolerance. Nonetheless, the distrustful stares when the commander was absent had taken a few weeks to fade. With that history in mind, she had come prepared. Her omni-tool was already to handshake with any onboard systems that attempted to verify her security clearance and her status as a contractor for the Alliance. She had even gone so far as to attach her security badge to her dress, despite the fact that the blue and white plastic looked woefully out of place against the bright yellow and teal.
None of that seemed to help. For every smile of greeting she encountered it seemed she also received a corresponding glower. One such was so fierce that she found herself physically recoiling, having no desire to pass any closer to the crewman than she had to. She shook her head as she forced herself to focus. 'I am in no danger here, not with Shepard so close. Let them look!' There was no valid reason for her growing sense of unease. Besides, as she reminded herself, Lidanya must have taken this very corridor no more than than a minute before. She found herself moving a half step closer to Shepard anyway. 'If only Wrex were here.' The maiden had learned early on that although the Human crew on the Normandy didn't appear to have had any particular affinity for the Krogan, he had never been targeted for rude leers and comments as she had. Even before her friendship with Shepard had blossomed into something wonderful, the maiden had discovered that the Krogan's company was a redoubt against boorish behavior when Shepard was ashore.
Their progress slowed to a crawl as the trio encountered a small crowd backing up into the corridor. Liara reached out and placed her hand in the middle of Shepard's back. She drew comfort from the contact as more Humans pressed in behind them. Sarah looked back over her shoulder and flashed a reassuring smile. "We're almost in."
"I see that Shepard." The maiden tried not to let her discomfort show. Liara was ashamed that she was able to detect the slightest of tremors in her voice. She forced herself to square her shoulders, and find strength in reminding herself how she had successfully integrated into the crew of the Normandy. 'Humans are our allies, for Goddess' sake.' Her earlier visit with Hackett had left her ill prepared for this anxiety she found herself unexpectedly feeling.
o0o.o0o.o0o.o0o.o0o.
The oppressive crush only lasted a minute longer until their party had queued to the front of the crowd. From there they were quickly ushered into the compartment that was their destination. Liara remained with Shepard and Anderson as they stepped quickly away from the congested space surrounding the hatch. The Asari breathed a sigh of relief as they entered the large open space, alleviating the sensation of confinement that had begun to settle over the scientist like a blanket. She closed her eyes for the briefest of moments to let the feeling pass, before turning to evaluate the chamber in which she found herself.
One of the Everest's smaller hangars had been converted into an oversized auditorium. A medium sized stage had been placed against the forward bulkhead of the compartment. The most prominent feature was a podium bearing the Alliance seal that was centrally located upon it. A row of eleven chairs lined the rear of the stage, five on one side of the podium, six on the other. The flag and coat of arms of the Systems Alliance were affixed to the bulkhead directly behind the podium in a prominent display. Facing the stage were fifteen rows of twenty chairs, bisected by an aisle that divided the rows in half.
All of this took only a small percentage of the available space. Set away from the seating was a row of folding tables bearing beverages and hors d'oeuvres being attended by servicemen and women in dress white uniforms.
The room was far too large to be crowded, despite the several hundred people that Liara estimated were present. It was easy to pick out Lidanya, as she was the only other nonhuman visible. The matriarch was standing regally with Hackett, immersed in conversation. The maiden recognized Lieutenant Alenko as one of the officers that had joined the small group engaged with Hackett and Lidanya.
When she turned back to Shepard and Anderson, they were both waiting for her expectantly. The captain was the first to speak.
"Would you like something Doctor?" He indicated the outlay of food on display.
She offered a smile at his courtesy. "We only finished breakfast Captain, but thank you."
"Something to drink then? Shepard?"
"Come on Liara. You'll wish you had later." Shepard grabbed her arm, towing the Asari behind her.
Shepard walked Liara to one of the available servicemen serving the guests. The man had a cloth draped over one arm, and at the commander's indication, started with Liara.
"Would you like a beverage Ma'am?"
Shepard was right. After her moment of anxiety, Liara most certainly would like a beverage. She glanced at the uniform set of cups on the table before her. "Do you have any elasa?"
The man turned uncertainly to the commander, even as Liara heard Anderson emit a deep chuckle behind her.
The maiden felt Shepard's hand on her elbow. "Sorry Liara, this was all pretty impromptu, and even if there were any booze on board, most of these people," Shepard waved her arm to take in the nearly 600 or so people around them "will be going right back on duty after our little soirée." She addressed the serviceman, "What's available?"
"The usual suspects, Commander," the man began as he acknowledged Shepard, "Coffee, tea, soda, three or four kinds of juice."
Liara looked away as Shepard regarded her, seeming to recognize the Asari's undisclosed discomfiture. "What teas?"
"I think there's a breakfast and an herbal, Ma'am."
"Please bring an herbal tea for Doctor T'Soni. I'll take water."
"Captain?"
"Coffee for me, Serviceman."
"That I have sir." The steward passed Anderson a mazagran style cup, already poured. "I'll be just a moment with the rest."
'Three, two, one...' Liara counted. She didn't have long to wait.
"Are you all right Liara?" Shepard asked the question in a low tone while directing her attention around the room as if this were an ordinary conversation.
"I am fine, Shepard."
"And yet I get the feeling that you're nervous."
"It has been some time since I have been in such proximity to so many people in such a tight space."
"That's all? You seem... worried." Shepard cocked her head, as if trying to identify what was giving her the impression that Liara was in distress.
"I did not expect my reaction, but my unease is dissipating now that we are no longer in the corridor."
"If you say so, Liara." Shepard's look held disbelief.
Laura was saved from further inquiry by the arrival of their drinks. Shepard took both, thanking the steward and smelling Liara's before passing it to the maiden.
"You expect something unpalatable?" Liara attempted to distract with humor. "Surely Sergeant Crosby's influence doesn't extend as far as the Everest."
"I was just curious about what they were giving you." Shepard grinned. "Lavender, which is one of the possibilities I was hoping for. I was pretty sure they weren't going to serve chamomile tea aboard ship."
"It has mild relaxant properties," continued Shepard when it became apparent that Liara wasn't going to give her the satisfaction of asking.
"On Asari?"
"Well, maybe not, but I didn't want to give you caffeine if you're feeling anxious."
Liara sighed. "I am not anxious Shepard. If I was, it has passed now." She smiled to make sure her words carried no sting. "I appreciate it, truly, but I am fine. Perhaps my years of solitude had an an effect on me that I did not anticipate. I was surprised by my response, but now that I am aware of the possibility I can prepare for it in the future."
Shepard didn't reply, and Liara could tell that this discussion would continue when they were alone.
Anderson decided at that moment to join the conversation. "Well Doctor, it seems that congratulations are in order."
"For what, Captain?" Liara offered the captain a quizzical look.
"For being the first person able to get Shepard to apologize after she's let her self righteousness get the better of her. It usually takes at least a day for her to calm down after she loses her temper. You'll have to let me know how you did it."
Liara sipped her tea, her lips curling around the edge of her cup as she recognized an opportunity. "I can try Captain, but I have access to methods that you do not."
'Perhaps this distraction will be enough,' thought the maiden as Anderson turned to regard Shepard in time to see his protégé turn, what was in Liara's opinion, was the most adorable shade of red.
"I see," said the man with a smile. "Probably not something that I can document as a standard operating procedure then? What do you think Commander?"
"Probably not, sir," the spectre sounded like she was gasping for breath.
"Well, well, well. If I lived to be a thousand, no offense to Asari lifespans Doctor. I never thought I'd see the day that someone could get Shepard to blush."
"No? I have not found it to be terribly difficult."
"Really?" He paused, as if considering his next action. "Has she ever told you her call sign when she was out in the field?"
Shepard started shaking her head violently.
"She has not."
"You should ask her sometime." The captain finished his coffee with a flourish. "It looks like we're about to get started." He offered Liara his elbow. "Doctor, I'd be honored if you'd allow me to escort you to our seats."
"Thank you, Captain."
o0o.o0o.o0o.o0o.o0o.
Their seats ended up being among the row of chairs along the back of the stage. Anderson explained to her that one side was for the promotees, with the other for their guests and other VIPs in attendance. Anderson offered reassurances to the young doctor at his side, but Liara politely waved them off even as she thanked the captain for his concern. She'd been on stages before, addressing much larger groups. Those groups had assembled specifically to repudiate her theories.
Compared to that, this was nothing. Whatever had caused her sudden sensitivity to the prejudice of the Humans, it seemed to be behind her. She gazed out at the crowd. The seats were full, with nearly another three hundred Humans standing behind the rows of chairs.
The buzz of conversation began to subside as Lieutenant Blake stepped forward to the podium. The unassuming man cleared his throat to get everyone's attention before reading from the pad he carried.
"Good afternoon everyone. Welcome to today's promotion ceremonies. I'm sorry that we're pressed for time today." He looked at his pad again before continuing. "We're pleased that all of you could join us as we recognize several of our own; Second Lieutenant Abram Seats, Second Lieutenant Andrew Kear, First Lieutenant Hailie Calton, Staff Lieutenant Salvador Billow, Lieutenant Commander Jane Shepard, and Commander Jewel Stewart.
Before we begin, we are pleased to welcome as out guests; Matriarch Lidanya, Fleet Commander of the Citadel Defense Forces, Captain David Anderson, military liaison to the Citadel Council, Denton Stewart, Commander Stewart's husband, and Doctor Liara T'Soni of the Asari Republics. Admiral Steven Hackett, commanding officer of the Systems Alliance Fifth Fleet will officiate today's ceremonies. Ladies, gentlemen, and others, Admiral Hackett."
Hackett rose from his seat and strode to the podium as Lieutenant Blake stepped back and to the side.
Liara rose with the rest of the room. The Humans in uniform all coming to attention, with the handful of civilians interspersed among them standing in a less rigid, but no less respectful manner.
"As you were." Hackett paused for a breath as his eyes scanned the room, ensuring that he did indeed have the attention of everyone present even as his audience took their seats.
"Thank you for joining me today, as I execute one of my favorite duties as a commanding officer, recognizing the example of excellence set by our comrades. Let us begin. The Secretary of the Systems Alliance Navy, acting upon the recommendations of her officers and staff, has placed special trust and confidence in the abilities and integrity of Second Lieutenant Abram Seats. In view of these qualities, and his demonstrated potential to service in the capacity of a higher grade, Second Lieutenant Seats is authorized for immediate promotion to the permanent rank of first lieutenant, Systems Alliance Navy." Hackett looked up. "As the Admiral in command of the Systems Alliance Fifth Fleet, in recognition of the outstanding work of the officer before you, I nearby order Lieutenant Seats' promotion. Second Lieutenant Seats, step forward."
Hackett waited while the young officer quickly made his way to Hackett's side.
"In recognition that you have fulfilled tasks and duties beyond the responsibility of second lieutenant. It is with great pleasure that I bestow upon you the responsibilities, the respect, and the rank of first lieutenant." The admiral proceeded to pin the young lieutenant, stepping back when complete.
"Thank you sir," the offer replied with only a slight tremor in his voice as he saluted the admiral, and then accepted a congratulatory handshake.
Hackett then waved the young man to the podium, where the nervous first lieutenant proceeded to haltingly thank his NCOs, soldiers, and commander for their contributions to his success, and for the opportunity to work with such a fine group of professionals.
As Lieutenant Seats made his way back to his seat to the sound of polite applause, Liara leaned over to Captain Anderson.
"Is that all?"
"It's pretty abbreviated. Usually officers receive individual promotion ceremonies, but as Blake said, we're pressed for time. Almost everyone being promoted today is going to be transferred to a different ship than the one they came from immediately after we're done, to replace someone lost in the battle. Since Hackett also wanted Shepard promoted before she appears before the Council, he decided to get the whole thing done at once. We didn't have time to wait for friends or family to travel to the Citadel for more traditional events."
"So, the ceremony has been modified because Shepard needs to be promoted today?"
"That isn't the only reason, but yes."
"To the detriment of the other officers?"
"Well, Shepard doesn't have anyone to invite who isn't already on the Citadel, so that is one interpretation."
"I begin to understand the significance of the behaviors I observed in the Everest crew and how they interacted with both Shepard and I."
Anderson looked uncomfortable. "Honestly, that isn't the only reason..." He straightened up as the admiral began again.
"The Secretary of the Systems Alliance Navy, acting upon the recommendations of her officers and staff..."
o0o.o0o.o0o.o0o.o0o.
As someone who had to sit through graduation ceremonies several times a year during her time as a research fellow, the series of promotions didn't even come close to impacting upon Liara's patience. Hackett followed a nearly identical script for each of the six officers being promoted. The only exceptions were inviting Captain Anderson forward to pin Shepard's new rank on her, and offering the same consideration to Commander Stewart's husband during her promotion to captain.
The promotion speeches became more sophisticated as the ceremony moved up the ranks, but in each case remained mercifully short. If Shepard's speech received the least acclamation of them all, Liara was willing to accept that it was because Shepard had not served with these soldiers. Captain Stewart on the other hand, received a standing ovation, indicating her popularity with the officers and crew of the Everest. Even as Liara would have wished for such a response for Shepard, she knew that the crew of the Normandy would likely congratulate her in their own way.
When Stewart retired to her seat, Hackett returned to the podium to move the function along to the final piece of recognition on the agenda.
"Typically this medal takes at least a year to make it through the Parliamentary approval process. The fact that it didn't is a testament to the officer being decorated today."
'And the requirements of political expediency' thought Liara sourly at Hackett's pause.
"This isn't her first Star of Terra, and if that isn't enough distinction, Commander Shepard remains the only living recipient of this medal."
There was some movement among the audience at that last.
"We are here today because this woman, this Alliance naval officer, faced down what may very well have been in any other situation an insurmountable foe. This officer displayed heroism, courage under fire, and the ability to make split second decisions that will inspire other soldiers for generations. Her valor has proven worthy of our race's highest military decoration." The admiral turned to the rear of the stage. "Commander Sarah Jane Shepard, step forward."
Shepard rose smoothly, and ran her hands down her uniform to smooth it as she walked forward to join the admiral at the podium for the second time that afternoon.
Once she presented herself at attention, Hackett directed his next statements to Shepard instead of the audience.
"Commander. You intercepted Saren, interceded in the attack of the dreadnaught Sovereign, and fought your way through Geth forces to regain control of the Citadel to do so. None of these were a singular act, but taken together allowed for the lives of over thirteen million people to be saved. In honor and recognition of these actions, it is my privilege to bestow upon you the highest honor of the Systems Alliance Navy, the Star of Terra." Hackett was tall enough that Shepard did not have to lean forward as he placed the medal around her neck.
Hackett turned back to face the audience. "Ladies and Gentlemen, Commander Shepard."
The pair stood in silence for the polite round of applause.
When the applause began to wane, the admiral turned back to Shepard. "Commander. A few words please." He indicated the podium as he stood aside.
Liara sat forward, listening intently. Shepard had been the fifth to speak during the round of promotions, so the maiden had had some idea what to expect. The commander hadn't disappointed, thanking Admiral Hackett, Captain Anderson, her crew, her squad, and even the Council, although the audience had murmured in disapproval with the last. Sarah had barely spoken for more than two minutes. With charm and wit she had essentially summarized all of her accomplishments, while taking credit for none of them. Liara had some idea that this trend would continue with her decoration speech, but wondered what form that would take.
Shepard pulled a pad from inside her jacket, and placed it on the podium. Liara barely kept herself from sagging with relief at the realization that Shepard had gone to the trouble of composing a prepared speech.
Unfortunately for the maiden, Shepard never looked at it again.
"Let me begin by saying that I don't deserve this medal."
'Goddess...' Liara closed her eyes.
"My role in the events of the last few months had very little to do with my ability as a soldier, and more with recognizing and capitalizing on the abilities of the people around me."
She waited for the murmur created as a result of that statement to die down.
"As many of you know, the Normandy was never supposed to be my ship. After the events of Eden Prime, the Council saw fit to grant me the status of spectre, and the Alliance chose to move Captain Anderson to his current assignment as military liaison to the Alliance Embassy. With those changes, the Alliance allowed the Normandy to be moved from the Fifth Fleet to serve as a spectre vessel on detached duty for the Citadel Council, and I was placed in command."
"I wasn't ready."
"Saren Arterius was the youngest Turian ever accepted into the spectre corps. He had the trust of the Council. He was intelligent, he was efficient." Shepard paused, "He was ruthless."
"Once his role in the events of Eden Prime came to light, I was tasked to bring him in. The newest spectre being sent after the longest serving spectre. He had allies. He had resources. He had intelligence. I had an untested ship and a cocky attitude." Finally chuckles rippled across the audience. "I was out of my league."
"Anderson always taught me to start at the beginning, so that's what I did. I went searching for information, for leverage. I needed anything that could give me an advantage over a man who killed without cause, who hated Humans," she took a breath, "who had murdered Nihlus Kryik, a comrade that I had come to consider a friend."
"What I found were others who had equal, if not greater, claim on bringing Saren to justice. I found a Krogan battlemaster whose history with Saren left many of his companions dead. I met a Turian C-Sec officer who couldn't get past Saren's spectre immunity. I encountered a Quarian engineer who had proof of Saren's collusion with the Geth." Shepard looked back at Liara, "And finally, I rescued an Asari scientist, one whose work on the Prothean Empire was a threat to Saren. A scientist whose knowledge allowed my team to be in a position to prevent Sovereign's takeover of the Citadel. A scientist who Saren had sent a team of mercenaries to silence. Permanently."
"These courageous individuals, together with the heroic officers and servicemen of the Normandy are why I was even in a position to have an impact on the outcome of the Battle of the Citadel. These members of the Alliance include Gunnery Sergeant Ashley Williams, who gave her life to save her shipmates, and who I have recommended be awarded a Star of her own. They include Lieutenant Kaidan Alenko, Lieutenant Charles Pressly, Lieutenant Jeffrey Moreau, and others who serve in the finest tradition of the Alliance."
"The contributions didn't end there. The Asari and Turian fleets engaged Sovereign and the Geth despite being woefully outgunned. Once my team was able to unlock the relays, open the arms of the Citadel, and establish contact with the Fifth Fleet, it was Admiral Hackett who followed my recommendation that the Council be saved, that the Asari and Turian fleets be defended, and that Sovereign be the focus of the attack even as the Geth continued to destroy ships that focused on Saren's flagship instead of defending themselves."
This time the murmur in the audience didn't die down quickly, and had an angry undertone.
"Over thirteen million lives were saved on the Citadel. There were over thirty thousand survivors in the Turian Fleet, and nearly that many aboard the Asari ships. This was because of the actions of everyone in this room. This was because Humanity and the Alliance stepped up. No one held back. Look to the example of 24th Fighter Group, first to engage Sovereign, and who took eighty-five percent losses protecting the Destiny Ascension as they took the Council aboard."
"What we proved that day is that the galaxy is stronger when we work together. The Council is alive because of the people in this room. The Turian and Asari components of the Citadel Fleet still exist because of the people in this room."
"I accept this medal on behalf of the soldiers who gave their lives that day. They're who deserve this medal."
"You deserve this medal."
With that, Shepard turned and walked quietly back to her seat.
Three officers stood to applaud Shepard. Liara knew them all. Alenko, Pressly, and Adams were alone in their acclamation of the commander.
Even as Hackett took the podium to bring the ceremony to a close, the rest of the room was still cloaked in an ominous silence.
A/N: Assumptions here include:
FemShep/Liara
Post ME1 ending - after the Battle of the Citadel, and this is the 7th story of the Cari'ssi'mi series
(It probably makes sense to at least read Obligations through Connections first)
Shepard is:
Colonist / Vanguard / War Hero
As always, feedback is welcome and desired.
It's been brought to my attention that I haven't been customizing the author notes like I used to, nor have I been publicly responding to reviews. I apologize, and those who leave reviews know that I have been responding to them privately, as well as replying to PMs.
Some of why I stopped is because back in the days of Obligations, I had never written anything beyond the posted chapter. So, there were never any comments that I could make that could spoil anything. Now I have notes through the next three stories, all the way through the post-ME3 adventure that all of this is prequel to. Not that I don't change my mind often, but that makes a posted chapter less of an event for the narrative than it used to be.
That being said, I still love writing this story, I'm still grateful to everyone who takes the time to read it, and I hope that all of you still find it entertaining. We have been on the Citadel longer than I anticipated, but the plot demands it. Shepard has become unpopular with the Alliance, and I'm not entirely certain she'll ever be back in their good graces. Popular with the soldiers yes, but she may never be forgiven by the admiralty for what she's done and what she's going to do.
We are going to Thessia for a while before we're back to the Normandy, but before we even go there, we're going to spend at least a little time on Mindoir.
So far, there are notes for 17 chapters of Fragments.