Author's Note - I really hate having to make up names! My imagination is never that good. So my thanks go to Lordess-Alicia (DeviantArt) for creating the Mass Effect Name Generator.

This chapter isn't going to move the story along too much. It is going to give an overview of each race. Taking some lee-way with the Codex. In the end, it's how I want things. Sorry if it takes away the flow of the story for the time being, but I wanted to give a proper overview.

This took a long time to think about and write. I had to rewrite the salarian bit about 3 or 4 times. I was letting my personal opinion about a certain character go against what salarians are actually like. What I actually write still has to be somewhat believable!

Shepard had asked the majority of his regular crew to meet up in the lounge. They sat in various positions around the room, most imporantly, of course, in that Tali was beside him. He had the datapads, given to him by Hackett, in front of him piled on a table. While he could read the data available, and have an idea of what was going on, he thought having a bit of question and answer session would help him speed up his understanding of the current state of the galaxy.

"Okay guys, thanks for coming. Fairly simple. I'm just going to read the information on each datapad provided by Admiral Hackett, then throw open the floor to any opinions, updates or ideas. From what I gather, there has been a real sea-change in the galaxy. Would be a good idea to know what I'm walking into on the Citadel."

Succession of nods from the group.

"Good."

Shepard flicked open the first datapad.

Asari

Asari hubris was the reason for their ultimate demise as the predominant power of the Milky Way. Their original position is now assumed false, particularly after revelations about the hidden Prothean artifact on Thessia. This fact was only revealed by the previous asari Councillor, to Commander Shepard, prior to the destruction of Thessia. The backlash of public opinion against the asari has been far-reaching, at least in the political sphere.

Losses for the asari during the war were enormous. Thessia almost completely destroyed. Millions dead. Numerous asari worlds depopulated. At least 85% of their fleet wiped out.

Surprisingly, Illium was spared most of the destruction. It is now the temporary seat of the Asari Government.

Despite the political fall-out, the out-pouring of sympathy, and support, for the asari civilian population has exceeded expectations. Citizens of most Council races are currently on Thessia helping the rebuild. Volus merchants are on Illium trying to help kick-start the economy. Turian engineers are helping rebuild some of the shattered asari fleet. Krogan soldiers are helping clear out any pockets of Reapers not destroyed by the Crucible.

Regarding their Council position, the asari knew that the status quo, regarding the old three-race council, could no longer be maintained, and that a change must happen. Councillor Tevos was removed by the asari Government from her position, blamed for a lack of action regarding the Reaper threat. The asari agreed that the previous function of the Council was no longer viable, and agreed to an opening up after human, turian and non-Council races joined forces, demanding immediate change, with neither the asari, or salarians, in a strong enough position to resist.

The current asari Councillor is Arana Lyria.

Shepard put down the datapad and blew out his cheeks. Looked at Liara. Who just stared straight ahead.

"I'm sorry, Liara, but that doesn't make for very nice reading."

Liara looked at Shepard. Shimmer of tears in her eyes. "No. It doesn't, Shepard. And it's our own fault. We thought we were so much smarter than everyone else. That we could actually survive the Reaper War alone. Idiocy! Sheer idiocy! I believe there is a human term that would be appropriate - It really came back to bite us in the ass. Big time. Millions, upon millions, of asari died because…."

She stopped as Kaidan put an arm around her shoulder, pulled her close, and kissed her forehead. Liara sobbed quietly.

"Do you want to move on, Shepard? Please?" asked Kaidan, quietly. Eyes pleading.

Shepard just nodded, a last mournful look at Liara.

Despite what Samara said, it will take years for them to truly recover.

Batarians

The fact a single batarian is alive today verges on a miracle. Their losses were catastrophic. After the loss of the entire Bahak system, Batarian space was the first stop for the invading Reaper forces. Kar'Shan, the batarian homeworld, was obliterated. Little survived, and reconstruction efforts have barely started. It is not known if, or when, batarians can once again settle on their homeworld.

The batarian Hegemony was completely destroyed, as were most batarian military forces. However, a single batarian fleet escaped the destruction, and served with Allied forces, in the final defence of Earth. Batarians fought with bravery and distinction, and earned the admiration of their fellow soldiers.

As such, with the Hegemony gone and the batarians freed, there has been a warming of relations between batarians and the Council races, including humanity. The Alliance have helped batarian refugees, in either resettling on batarian colony worlds, or settling batarians on dual human / batarian colonies to foster better relations.

The new batarian Government has also promised Council races to step in and eradicate the piracy problem that currently infests the Terminus Systems.

Thanks to their pursuit of peace, the new Citadel Council have awarded the batarians with 'observer status'. It is hoped that, if the batarians continue on the path they are on, they can become fully-fledged members of the new Council by the next decade.

Shepard looked up, eyes wide with surprise.

"Wow, even after everything that has happened, I never thought that humanity would be on friendly terms with the batarians."

Vega spoke up. "The average batarian had no idea what was going on outside their own planet, Shepard, thanks to the Ministry of Information. They were spoon-fed Government propaganda for decades. No wonder they hated all of us."

"So has anyone in this room been to the Terminus Systems in the past year?"

Vega spoke up again. "Done one or two shuttle runs to the new colony worlds. It's… heart-warming Shepard, to see humans and batarians working side by side. All the old hatreds forgotten. The average batarian appreciates what the Alliance, and the Council, are trying to do. They want perpetual peace as much as everyone else."

"That's great news. Fingers crossed it lasts."

Drell and Hanar

Thanks to the efforts of Commander Shepard, the joint homeworld of the drell and hanar, Kahje, was saved from Reaper annihilation.

With few losses, the drell are happy to remain of Kahje, in continued gratitude to the hanar. The drell homeworld, Rakhana, is unfortunately beyond saving. Offers of a new, drier homeworld for the drell have been considered, but politely refused, despite health problems suffered by the majority of drell if they continue to reside on Kahje.

As a recognised galactic race, the drell have been awarded a seat on the Citadel Council.

As a recognised galactic race, the hanar have been awarded a seat on the Citadel Council.

The current drell Councillor is Shadur Corys.

The current hanar Councillor is Ozymandias [soul name unknown].

"Hmmm, not much information there."

"With so few numbers, Shepard, the drell could not operate in forward units, but continued their work as assassins, and their regular roles helping the hanar," explained Liara, "As for the hanar, their situation has changed little. You saved their planet, Shepard, for which they are forever thankful. Their combined fleet served with distinction during the war. And both races now have a Council seat. For both, it's an all-round win."

"Can't say I'm surprised by the drell remaining on Kahje. They are a very honourable race. I remember my conversations with Thane, about their history, and how the hanar saved them. But they'll continue to have health problems?"

"That is a possibility, Shepard," replied Liara, "But there are hopes that salarian scientists may be able to help out. They may not be able to cure their health problems completely, but there is hope that they may be able to produce some form of medication to prevent them suffering the worst of ailments."

Elcor

Unfortunately for the elcor, their homeworld of Dekuuna was decimated by Reaper forces. Hundreds of thousands were lost, and it was only thanks to the efforts of Commander Shepard, that even a fraction of the population was saved.

Despite their losses, the remaining elcor volunteered in droves to support the war effort, and were another group to fight with distinction during the final battle above Earth.

In the months since the war, the elcor have started the re-settling on their homeworld. Those elcor who did not reside on Dekuuna prior to the war have also travelled to their homeworld to help. This has resulted in very few elcor seen outside their own system.

As a recognised galactic race, the elcor have been awarded a seat on the Citadel Council.

The current elcor Councillor is Kanros.

"Damn, the elcor had it rough. I remember when the elcor Ambassador contacted me, in regards to Dekuuna. Managed to rescue a few thousand. Still remember his last words to me. Not enough. It was hearbreaking, but a symptom of what nearly every race was suffering at the time."

"They got their revenge, Shepard," stated Vega, "A single elcor battery eliminated thousands of Reaper forces in London. They take a bit of flak for their speech and mannerisms, but they are tough bastards."

Geth

Having achieved individual consciousness, the first artificial intelligence in recorded history to achieve this, the geth have become a member of the wider galactic community. Their peace deal with the quarians, which has resulted in the quarians once again on their homeworld of Rannoch, has been applauded.

The geth are still unsure of their place in the galactic community. They wish to co-operate, but past grievances still rise to the surface at times. However, the geth have been incredibly forthright in their dealings with all Council races, and seem to desire only peace, and the knowledge that they will be safe from reprisals.

The quarians have been extremely positive in their view of the geth since re-establishing themselves on Rannoch. It is the quarians who pushed for the geth to have a seat on the Council, believing this would help them feel part of the wider Galactic community.

In recognition of their peace-deal with the quarians, their efforts during the Reaper War, and to foster better relations between the geth and all Council races, the geth were rewarded with a seat on the Citadel Council.

The current geth Councillor is Socrates.

Shepard was stunned. "The geth? On the Council? Never thought I would read that."

"The geth have been fantastic in their treatment of our races," answered Tali, "They have been nothing but help as we try to re-establish our lives on Rannoch. We could not have done it without them in all honesty. Involving them in Galactic politics will only help their mindset."

"So where are the geth based?"

"There are many platforms on Rannoch, who help the population. However, a higher percentage are happier to remain in space above Rannoch. They effectively protect us."

"Protect? You mean you're allies?"

"Not quite, there is nothing written down as such, but both sides see the sense of mutual co-operation."

"Tali, that is fantastic news. Long may it continue."

Tali smiled under her helmet. She hoped so too.

Humanity

Earth. Major population centres suffered enormous casualties. Cities on the North American and European continents hit hardest. China, Japan and the Sub-Continent also devastated. Regions such as Central America, the Middle East and Africa suffered less destruction.

Rebuilding efforts started no later than one calendar month after victory. Numerous cities have already been completely rebuilt. Thanks must go to turian engineers, who have provided considerable assistance in rebuilding efforts. The epicentre of the final battle, London, is currently 80% rebuilt and is temporary home of the Alliance Parliament until the rebuild of Arcturus Station is complete.

Human colonies. Numerous human colonies were completely wiped out, by either Reaper or Cerberus forces. However, thousands of refugees managed to escape to either the Citadel, Earth or other colony worlds not hit by enemy forces.

Repopulation of most colonies have already started in earnest. Batarian refugees have been invited to certain colonies in the Terminus Systems to foster a new era of co-operation.

Alliance Government. Arcturus Station, home of the Systems Alliance parliament, is 40% rebuilt, re-opening anticipated in two years. Elections for a new Government took place six months after the war.

Alliance Military. 55% of Alliance Fleet vessels were lost during the war. 65% of Alliance Ground Forces were lost during the war. Rebuilding of the Alliance Fleet vessels has started, but is of secondary importance, until the beginning of next year, to the rebuilding of civilian structures.

Citadel Council. Humanity was one of the loudest voices for change to take place within the Council. With the removal of Councillors Tevos and Valern, the support of Councillor Sparatus, and the growing discontent of non-Council races, a new Citadel Council was established on August 1st, 2189.

The current human Councillor is Niall Quinn.

"Sounds like we're recovering well. Better than what I would expect considering the destruction."

"Humanity again at its finest, Shepard," explained Kaidan, "But there are many other races on Earth also helping us. Apart from turian engineers, there are salarian scientists, volus merchants, krogan foot soldiers, all chipping in to get humanity back on its feet."

"What about our position regarding colonies?"

"Once the mass relays opened up again, the Alliance spared what ships they could to collect survivors, but also immediately started the re-colonisation of some planets. One future problem could be food production. We need food production on colony worlds to restart ASAP."

"Agreed. The last thing we need is a starving population. Anywhere."

Krogan

With the genophage cured, for the first time in over a thousand years, the krogan can look to the future with confidence. Krogan assistance, particularly on the turian homeworld of Palaven, was invaluable, and no doubt helped significantly in the defeat of the Reapers.

It is thanks to Commander Shepard, and salarian scientist Mordin Solus, that the genophage was cured. It was the deal brokered by Commander Shepard, regarding the genophage cure, that resulted in Krogan forces participating in the war throughout the galaxy.

The leadership of Urdnot Wrex, and his partner, Bakara, are no doubt the catalyst for change. Urdnot Wrex has spoken at length of the needs for peace. He has backed his words with actions, sealing alliances with the turian hierarchy, and the Salarian Republics. Krogan emissaries have also reached out to most other galactic races.

On Tuchanka, salarian scientists are helping rebuild the Shroud, to help the Krogan atmosphere. Turian engineers are helping with significant building projects. Both the turians and salarians have promised help in obtaining colony worlds for the krogan, via the Citadel Council.

In recognition of krogan assistance during the Reaper War, the krogan have been awarded a seat on the Citadel Council.

The current krogan Councillor is Akog Breng.

Shepard beamed. "Absolutely fantastic news. After everything the krogan have suffered, I am delighted to read this. Absolutely delighted."

His crew were somewhat taken aback. Tali had to ask, "Why are you so happy, Shepard?"

"Because any krogan born tomorrow now has a future. For the first time in a thousand years, the krogan have the most important thing: hope. For a greater future. For a thousands years, any krogan born was punished for the mistakes of their ancestors. That is wrong. The genophage was wrong. I am proud we ended it."

Garrus gave Shepard a look, but wisely stayed silent. He knew of Shepard's stance on the genophage. It had been one of the very few things the two had ever argued about. However, Garrus also knew and understood Wrex. He considered Wrex a friend, and Garrus did eventually support Shepard in his support of the cure. As long as Wrex remained in charge...

Shepard continued. "I have full faith in what Wrex has told me before. He wants peace. He wants the Krogan to prosper. He does not want war. The turian hierarchy at least seem positive, as do the Salarian Republics. And, all I can think is, good luck to them."

Tali smiled at Shepard from behind her mask.

He always knows the right thing to say.

Leviathan

Not much is known about the Leviathan, apart from reports commissioned by Commander Shepard, who made first contact during the Reaper War.

Since the end of the war, there has been no contact from the Leviathan.

At the present time, there are no concerns regarding Leviathan intentions. That being said, mass relays into Leviathan space are being closely monitored. In time, these may be deactivated to prevent any further attempts at indoctrination.

"Slightly concerned that there are 'no concerns' about the Leviathan. I thought my reports established, pretty clearly, that they see themselves as the apex race."

"Shepard. All Leviathan artifacts used during the Reaper War have been found and destroyed. Any artifacts found since will also be destroyed, as per Council orders. Now that we know how Leviathan establishes control, the Council have put in place contingencies to prevent it happening again."

"Well, it's something I guess. Thanks EDI."

Quarians

For the first time in 300 years, the quarians have a homeworld. The quarians are back on Rannoch. Thanks to the efforts of the combined forces of Commander Shepard and his crew, the quarian admiralty, and the geth, peace, which for the past 300 years appeared distinctly impossible, was finally achieved.

The quarians spent little time re-establishing themselves on their homeworld, and thanks to geth preservation, the amount of rebuilding will be minimal. The geth are also helping the quarians with technology that will result in suits no longer being required on Rannoch, though the wearing of suits will be required in most other systems.

Once peace with the geth was achieved, thousands of quarian ships, in thanks to Commander Shepard, joined the Allied War Effort, and represented their race bravely in the Battle for Earth.

In recognition of their unprecedented peace deal with the geth, and their combined efforts, with geth forces, during the Reaper War, the quarians have been awarded a seat on the Citadel Council.

The current quarian Councillor is Kael'Fennas vas Yaska.

Shepard simply turned and grinned at Tali. "Good news."

"It is, Shepard. I can't believe the amount of co-operation between us, and the geth. When we met, all those years ago, if you had told me that we would have been back on Rannoch, and at peace with the geth, I would have laughed in your face. But, now, it seems like anything is possible."

"Have you had much news from home?"

"Not as much as I'd like. But, to be honest, I've been quite distracted. But that's okay. We have all the time in the world."

"We'll be home soon enough, Tali."

Rachni

Once thought extinct, a rachni queen was found by Commander Shepard, on the planet of Novera in 2183. With a promise of retreating through the mass relay network, and peaceful intentions, Shepard chose to the release the rachni queen. Little was heard from the Rachni after that.

In 2186, the rachni queen was found by Commander Shepard on the planet of Utukku. Although the queen was still of sound mind, any children birthed were indoctrinated by the Reapers. With the help of the krogan Aralakh Company, the majority of Reaper and rachni forces were eliminated, and the rachni queen saved once again.

The rachni proved themselves invaluable, as both workers and foot soldiers during the Reaper War, and in the reconstruction of homeworlds and mass relays at the wars completion.

However, living up to her original promise to Commander Shepard, the rachni queen and her followers have all retreated to their homeworld of Suen, and the mass relay network into their home system now lies dormant.

As such, the rachni have no Citadel Council representative. Their assistance during the war remains appreciated by all Council races, and an invitation to join the Citadel Council, initially as an observer, remains open.

"I know I've been doubted, twice, about saving the queen, but I just knew in my gut that she was telling the truth. Both times. I'm glad they have survived and can now thrive. I can understand why they have retreated, though. Too much bad blood between the rachni and other races, even after everything that happened during the Reaper War."

"It's not the first time you've proven everyone wrong," said Liara, "I remember when you released her the first time, on Noveria. No-one wants the genocide of an entire race on their conscience."

Shepard grimaced, thoughts of the geth flooding back. But he pushed those away. The geth still lived. As Tali said, his conscience was clear. Instead, he smiled. "You're right, Liara. We did the right thing."

Salarians

The biggest change throughout the galaxy has taken place in the Salarian Union. Revelations about the attempted sabotage of the genophage cure led to an immediate backlash against, and within, the Salarian Union. The lack of salarian help during the Reaper War, apart from rogue STG forces and the Salarian Third Fleet, which broke ranks from official policy, irked most galactic governments. Councillor Valern was dismissed at the earliest opportunity, as soon as the revelations regarding the genophage sabotage went public. However, Dalatrass Linron maintains nominal control over what is left of the Salarian Union.

The rise of the Salarian Republics has resulted in the overthrow of numerous regional governments, and the erosion of Dalatrass power, in salarian space. The Salarian Republics now control at least 80% of salarian space, though Sur'Kesh remains out of their control. As usual, and typically salarian, all overthrows have been bloodless coups.

The Salarian Republics differ only slightly to the structure of government of the Salarian Union, however there are now elections on each world. However, the Salarian Republics economic and military models remain roughly the same as the Salarian Union.

As the Salarian Republics are now considered the dominant salarian faction, despite not holding the salarian homeworld, the Salarian Republics were selected to provide the salarian representative for the new Citadel Council, despite vehement protests from the Salarian Union. The new salarian Councillor immediately agreed to the opening up of the Citadel Council.

The current salarian Councillor is Lazlan Risaron.

"All I can say is good. Fuck 'em! If the Republics ask, I'm going in. I will gladly finish of Linron."

The group sat in stunned silence at Shepard's outburst. Shepard turned off the datapad and threw it on the floor. Stood up and paced the room. Anger flowed through his veins. He clenched and unclenched his fists.

"Shepard, why the anger?" asked Kaidan, genuine worry on his face.

"Two words, Kaidan. Genophage cure. Oh, trust me, you missed a whole load of fun there. Mordin and I were trying to solve a thousand year old problem, and Dalatrass Linron first calls me a bully for trying to do the right thing, then tries to bribe me - ME! - to prevent the genophage. After completing the task, she sends me an email condemning me for it. Then has the gall to say she was ashamed of Mordin for sacrificing his life, making sure the cure spread."

Shepard leaned against the window, looking outside into space, his forehead against his forearm.

Deep breaths, Shepard. Calm down.

Shepard composed himself and turned around. Looked at Liara.

"Liara, any allies we may have in the new government?"

Liara was silent for a moment, unsure if she should say. She took a breath and spoke. "Plenty, Shepard. General Kirrahe…"

"Kirrahe is a General now?"

"Yes, Shepard. When he heard about what happened with Mordin, the genophage and Linron, he cut ties with Special Task Groups (STG) after the Reaper War ended. Effectively went rogue with a group called the Free Salarian Task Forces (FSTF). Since the end of the Reaper War, more and more former STG members are joining the FSTF. Kirrahe is one of their leaders. The FSTF are the armed wing of the Salarian Republics, though they are very much modelled on STG."

"EDI. Make contact with Kirrahe. Let him know I'm alive. And willing to help. Not sure what I can do, but if I can help get rid of Linron, I'll limp my way across half of Sur'Kesh to put a bullet in her fucking head."

"Are you sure, Shepard?"

"Yes. Do it."

"Very well."

Tali sat silently on the couch. She understood the anger on display, she knew Shepard carried the burden of Mordin's death on his conscience, even though he knew he died for the greatest of reasons, but she was concerned Shepard was involving himself in something that didn't require his presence.

And the last thing she wanted was Shepard off fighting another war. Not having spent six months in a coma. Not with his bad knee. Not after just making her his fiancé.

Typical Shepard, always trying to solve someone else's problem. That's why I love him. But I'll talk to him later. In private. I haven't seen him this angry since the incident with Gerrel and the geth dreadnought. Or maybe Thessia.

Turians

The turians, with the largest navy in the galaxy, were expected to put up significant resistance to the advancing Reaper forces. But the turians were gobsmacked when Reaper forces used their own tactics against them. And the turians wilted. But they did not break.

New tactics from the turian navy caused a number of small, but decisive, victories in turian space. The arrival of krogan forces helped turn the tide on Palaven. The alliance brokered by Commander Shepard released vital turian resources for the Battle of Earth.

Since the end of the war, the turian's have been heavily involved in galactic politics. They have signed an alliance of mutual co-operation with the krogan. Friendship between the turian and human governments is closer than ever. The turians were also one of the first to recognise the new salarian government.

Regarding the Citadel Council, Councillor Sparatus supported human and non-Council races calls for the opening up of the Citadel Council. It is believed the actions of Commander Shepard in twice saving the Citadel Council that swayed his decision. With the completion of the Reaper War, Councillor Sparatus chose to retire from galactic politics.

The current turian Councillor is Jorantian Akictus.

"Garrus, sounds like things are looking bright for the turians?"

"They are, Shepard. Palaven is on track to be completely rebuilt within five to ten years. Amazing, really, considering the damage. But, once again, it is thanks to the alliances you created during the war. The krogan have been nothing short of sensational. Firstly, during the war, when they pretty much kicked Reaper butt off Palaven, with a little help, of course, from the turians. It is now referred to as the 'Miracle of Palaven'.

And, since the end of the war, the era of co-operation between us would melt the coldest of hearts. I'm glad that, one, we signed the alliance with the krogan, and two, we recognised the Salarian Republics."

"What about local politics?"

"Nothing will change, Shepard. The hierarchy is too ingrained in our society. It's linked to our very being. But we have no desire to change the status quo. We're happy with what we have."

Volus

Unfortunately for the Volus, due to the pacifist nature of their government, and the volus generally, their homeworld of Irune made them easy prey for the Reapers. Only at first.

While the Reapers did lay waste to vast swathes of Irune, the Miracle of Palaven opened up numerous turian and krogan forces to attempt the liberation, and the eventual defeat, of Reaper forces on Irune.

The liberation resulted in a small volus fleet joining the Allied war effort, and all branches of their very small military fought with courage during the Battle of Earth.

Post-war, the volus were finally awarded a seat on the Citadel Council, something that should have happened many, many years ago.

The current volus Councillor is Din Korlack.

"I remember speaking with Din Korlack a few years back. I thought he was a rude, little bugger at the time, but looking back, I can understand why."

"The turians felt responsible for what happened on Irune," explained Garrus, with a sigh, "Considering we were meant to protect them. The Reaper forces, which originally arrived, just completely overwhelmed us."

"I'm sure the volus understand though, Garrus?"

"Oh, they do, Shepard. They know what the Reapers were all about, and understand they were a near invincible enemy. But it still doesn't take away the pang of guilt. Even though we know, in our hearts, we could do nothing about it. But we are making amends by helping them rebuild. We offered to give them full sovereignty, but they wished to remain a turian protectorate, primarily for matters of defence."

Vorcha

Unsurprisingly, the Reapers found conquering the vorcha homeworld of Heshtok difficult, as there is no single vorcha government or military. The result was a number of Reaper units being tied down on the vorcha homeworld, which could not be used in other theatres of war.

However, this does not mean that the vorcha contributed anything worthwhile to the war effort. The only significant vorcha presence was as the result of the alliance forged by Commander Shepard and Aria T'Loak, who provided three mercenary armies to fight in the final Battle for Earth.

Post-war, the vorcha have shown little interest in forming a single government for the galaxy at large to deal with. All vorcha have been warned that continued participation in illegal activities, such as mercenaries and pirates, will be met with overwhelming force.

As there is no single vorcha government recognised, the vorcha have no Citadel Council representation, and no invite exists, at this time, for them to join.

"Any news on if the vorcha will ever unite and participate in galactic politics?"

"That is unlikely, Shepard," answered Liara, "Considering vorcha biology, the short life-span, and their cultural make-up, they simply have little interest in anything other than fighting. However, the Citadel Council have made it clear they will no longer put up with vorcha aggression in the Terminus Systems. The only planet left alone in the Terminus System is Omega, as the Council have enough trust in Aria to keep her people under control."

"Very well. Okay, thanks for your opinions everyone. It's been very helpful."

A few hours later, Shepard was sat in his cabin reading over the datapads. He felt tired, but he wanted to imprint all the information in his mind.

He heard the decontamination unit working outside and knew Tali would enter the room in a few seconds. He put the datapad on the table and looked up, waiting for Tali to enter.

Tali walked in and down the two steps. She stopped and looked at Shepard. She was wringing her hands, a habit she thought she had stopped. But she was nervous. And worried about Shepard. And upset about what she had witnessed earlier.

"Shepard, we need to talk," she stated.

Shepard looked at her silently. He knew what this was about. He had felt guilty ever since blowing up about the salarians. It was a heat of the moment thing. But he'd completely forgotten about it. That was until Tali walked in, and he noticed her demeanour.

"Sure, Tali, let's talk. I know what this is about."

Tali walked over and sat down next to Shepard, her head slightly titled. "You do?"

"Sure I do, Tali. You say you can read me like a book. And you can. You always know what I'm thinking. Or what I'm about to say. But I've also learned to pick up a number of your mannerisms over time. But I also know what you're worried about anyway."

"Shepard, what you said about the salarians. And going to fight. You weren't serious, were you?"

"No, Tali, I wasn't. And I'm sorry I worried you. It was a heat of the moment thing. I was just so… angry, when I read the information on the datapad. No-one has any idea how much I absolutely despise Dalatrass Linron. You know me, Tali, I try to see the good in everyone. But Linron, no, there is no good in that woman. That is why I said what I said."

"But what about contacting General Kirrahe? He may now expect your help."

"Tali, there is no way I can fight in my current condition. But I would like to talk to Kirrahe, see how he is, what the situation is. Perhaps I can give some advice? Anything that sees the end of Linron."

"Are you sure, Shepard? I know how much you like a good fight," Tali's voice suddenly a bit brighter, dripping with humour.

"As I said, Tali, I'm a man of peace now. My fighting days are done," said Shepard with a smirk.

"Good. I'm glad to hear. Thank you, Shepard. You've put my mind at ease."

Tali then stretched, somewhat seductively, catching Shepard's undivided attention.

"Now, how about we go to bed?" she said, as she removed her mask and tenderly kissed Shepard on the lips. She then stood and walked over to the bed, plopping herself down on her usual side.

"Now that's the best idea I've heard all day," responded Shepard, as he started undressing, joining Tali on the bed.