Councillor Anderson was looking a little older than his years since the return of the Reapers. He was happy to see Nihlus alive, but worried about how it would effect Shepard. When she assured him everything was okay, he didn't press her. She was grateful for that. She couldn't imagine trying to explain to her 'father' what was going on in her love life. She wasn't ashamed, but she didn't think he would be quite that understanding. It was best if he didn't know the details.
"Captain Shepard, it's good to see you and your crew are well."
The asari Councillor greeted her as she centered herself to them.
"The repairs to the Normandy will take some time, but we have every confidence that we can get you back in the sky soon. We found no bugs or tracers on your ship. Have you truly cut ties with Cerberus?"
"They don't exactly know it yet, but I have." Shepard answered.
"We still try to work with them, Captain. We don't need to get on their bad side."
"But that doesn't mean we trust them." The turian Councillor added. "They're primary interest remains the survival of humanity. If that mean sacrificing the rest of us, I don't believe they will hesitate."
"I agree." Said the salarian Councillor. "We have to insure the survival of all races, not just humanity."
"If you're doubting my resolve to save as many as possible regardless of species, I've got news for you!" Shepard responded hostilely.
"Relax Shepard, no one here is accusing you of anything." Anderson said.
He was on the panel this time around. It was difficult for her to address him this way, but it had been of her own doing. She would just have to deal with that.
"Yes, we're all aware of your pioneering efforts in the realm of interspecies 'harmony'. You're the first human to ever openly take a non-human mate that wasn't asari." The turian Councillor stated with his usual animosity.
"It's a credit to Garrus Vakarian as well." The asari Councillor added.
Both the turians behind her swelled with pride within their armor. Her relationship with Nihlus had been more discreet than her relationship with Garrus and apparently remained unknown to the Council, save Anderson. But it was a trivial matter to argue about, so the four of them let it slide.
"We simply want to keep a watchful eye on all fronts. These are delicate times."
The asari paused to change subjects.
"Nihlus Kryik," The asari Councillor addressed the turian. "Another Spectre from the Normandy returned to life by Cerberus. Tell us, why did the human centric organization resurrect you?"
"That may be a question more suited for Captain Shepard." He answered respectfully.
"Captain?"
The asari turned the question to her. Shepard took a moment to decide how she should explain it. Either way they would probably insist she keep her ties to the organization for the informational purposes. If she left Cerberus, TIM would likely retaliate against the Council and the Alliance by withdrawing the discovery that may save the galaxy.
"On my mission to stop the Collectors the original orders were to destroy the base. At the last moment the order was changed. I only agreed if The Illusive Man would use the same resources to bring back Spectre Kryik as he had for me."
"Why did you make such an arrangement?" The turian Councillor asked.
"That doesn't matter. The point is the technology was saved as was the life of the Spectre. Do the reasons matter?" Councillor Anderson interjected, trying to protect the anonymity of Sonya's relationship with the turian.
"I agree with him in this matter." The salarian added. "Her reasons are not as important as the result."
"He was a part of my crew. I don't like when my men die." Shepard answered before any more speculation could hit too close to home.
"How valiant of you." The turian Councillor seethed, openly doubting her.
"You should learn to take me at my word, Councillor. Perhaps if you had listened in the first place we wouldn't be in this mess!" Shepard shot back.
"You had no evidence to support your claim. We couldn't send fleets off into non-Citadel space on the word of one crazed human and a few of her loyal crew!" The turian said, talking over the asari attempting to defuse the situation.
"Why did you make me a Spectre if you thought I would be un-trustworthy?" Shepard goaded him.
"Enough! Please!" The asari shouted. "This isn't getting us anywhere. Right now the only thing that matters is getting a prototype of the technology Cerberus found in the Collector base so we can launch an organized counter offensive that might actually work with minimal casualties. We've lost enough lives for centuries of war."
"She's right." Anderson added. "We won't win this if we're fighting among ourselves."
"Okay. I'll stay on good terms with Cerberus, but don't say I didn't warn you, again, if they do something underhanded." Shepard said, clasping her hands behind her back.
"Nihlus Kryik, we could use a man like you in command of one of our ships." The turian Councillor offered.
Nihlus held his cool, but deep inside he was panicking. He didn't want to leave her. He'd only just gotten her back. But he could do good things as the head of his own ship. But if he lost her, died again or she did, it would surely be the end of him. He needed time. It always came down to that. No time, too much time. Never the one you need.
"I'll need to consider that." He answered.
"Consider quickly, Kryik. We may not have..."
"Time." Kryik interrupted the turian Councillor. "I am acutely aware of the problem."
"The Normandy should be ready in a few days. Until then, try to get some rest. You'll need it." Councillor Anderson advised.
"There are rooms available for you and your crew in the barracks. They are comfortable and private." The asari informed them.
"Thank you Councillors." Shepard nodded.
The Council nodded back and dispersed. Anderson stayed and waited for the others to be out of ear shot before he approached her and greeted her with open arms. She accepted the embrace. Then Anderson turned to Nihlus and offered his hand. Nihlus took it respectfully.
"It's good to have you back." Anderson said.
"Thank you sir." Kryik nodded.
David turned back to Sonya, clearly worried, but trying to grin through it.
"You and your husband my use the spare room in my apartment if you want. It's a little roomier than the barracks will be, and homier." David offered.
"Thank you, but I think I should stay with my crew." She told him.
"I understand. Well, at least come by for dinner. I've found a few recipes that are turian friendly." David said and smirked at Garrus.
Garrus just nodded. What else could he do? It wasn't his place to inform the Councillor of the complications, and if Shepard didn't feel like telling he wasn't either. But David picked up on his hesitation. He wasn't a stupid human, not by far.
"What's going on?" David asked Sonya, raising a brow at her. "Did you two... are you back with Nihlus?"
"It's kind of hard to explain." Sonya shrugged. She was talking to her 'dad' now, not the Councillor or her old Captain.
"Try me." David said and crossed his arms.
"Perhaps we should talk about this somewhere more private." Nihlus offered.
"Fine with me." David said. "Follow me. I'll put on some tea."