Nusquam Alius Res (Nothing else Matters)
Chapter 9
The Normandy came around the outside of the Citadel and docked on the side of the hub back near the Presidium and its towers of Galactic government. As they docked, Shepard looked out and saw the other craft around them. There was the Destiny Ascension on the far side of the ring, and then four luxury ships he assumed were for the council. The others must have been SPECTRE ships. They were ragged, marred, and ranged from small shuttles to corvettes. The Normandy was certainly the biggest and best ship among them. Almost all SPECTREs worked alone it seemed but Shepard. You heard about the occasional team up of SPECTREs, but never about them having a team under them. The corvettes had a crew of 10, maybe 15 max. Nothing was a treat to the Normandy here. They docked at the front of one of the station piers. The Normandy was so big compared to the other SPECTRE ships it took the whole pier.
Shepard, Anderson and Kahlee exited first only to be met by Udina.
"Great, you're back and with…him." As he stared at Shepard. "Do you know what I have been able to accomplish without you two around? Don't blow what I have done. Things are barely being held together as it is."
"Shut it Udina, I'm back and in charge now. Fill me in as we go, we need an in person council meeting in the tower. They should have the information from Shepard by now and reviewed it. Shepard, we'll meet everyone inside as soon as you get there."
The three left. Shepard waited as the crew came through the door 4-5 at a time, and turned hearing some steps behind him. He faced the new comers. Two turians, two asari, and one salarian stood before him, all with SPECTRE badges on their arms.
"Nice to meet some fellow SPECTREs."
One of the Turians stepped up. "So, you're the great Shepard, back from the dead. Nice ship."
They continued to eye him and the crew that came out. The crew started to form up by ground and crew teams outside the door.
"Thanks, but it's a team effort." Shepherd replied.
"So we noticed. You have interesting sponsors." One of the turians spoke.
"No one sponsors me now. My ship, my crew." Tension was mounting. The Salarian noticed the removed emblems and nudged the Asari next to him.
"Good to hear." The asari spoke, "Tali Vasir was a friend of mine, it was unfortunate."
"I'm sorry it had to end like that, but she gave me no choice."
"I understand commander. You've put down 2 SPECTREs, countless Geth… GETH!" She started to pull out her weapon. Shepard put his arms out and stood in front of her.
"Stop, it's with me."
The five lowered their weapons and looked at Shepard. They also noticed 12 people with weapons all pointed at them. "Everyone, just put your weapons away. We're all on the same side."
"You travel with interesting people. The Drell and Zero alone could get us new ships and" she continued looking down the line "and a Justicar? That rumor was true!"
Samara nodded to the Asari. Shepard's team put their weapons away. The Turian spoke again, "Look Shepard, truth is you're kicking ass out there and making all of us look good. SPECTRE intimidation is at an all-time high because they think we'll just blow them up….like you have a penchant to do. While we go after Sonax or some other corporation or slaver, you do that as an afterthought. You're doing the big things we wish we could be allowed to do all the time."
Shepard was taken back; he didn't know what to say. "Besides, find us in the SPECTRE lounge later, some of us have seen ahhh…. things. Things that make us believe you. Only you can come in to the lounge though. We can share some information. Don't let the council idiots get to you." As the five nodded and left down the pier the Asari lingered on Shepard, a little to long for Tali's taste. She started to bounce on her toes, Kasumi glanced at her and she calmed down.
"Okay people, everyone out? Joker, lock the ship and let go."
"Ha ha commander." As Joker started forward, the ship let out a "chirp chirp". Everyone looked at Joker. A message on everyone's omni-tool from EDI popped up.
That was a joke.
****N.A.S.*****
The crew and ground team were being interviewed by various council representatives in the auditorium. Shepard looked around and made sure no one got shuffled off. He noticed the five SPECTREs and some others standing on the second floor overlooking the proceedings. He had passed on the sensitive information as they entered, three hours ago. Hopefully the council would be done reviewing it soon. An announcement came over the PA system. "The council will convene in five minutes, all non SPECTREs and those not on Shepard's crew must leave." The interviewers started finishing their questions and leaving. The crew gathered behind Shepard's left, and the ground team on his right. He stepped up in to the podium.
A few minutes later the council entered. The four took their positions opposite Shepard. Shepard was glad Anderson was with them and not next to him. Udina came up and stood beside Shepard.
The Asari spoke first. "First, thank you for coming back and seeing us." The Turian snorted, she continued. "We know it was hard for you. For our part, we here by grant you full SPECTRE status again."
"I'm honored, thank you."
The Salarian spoke up. "This information is unbelievable. We owe you an apology for doubting you on the abductions."
"What about the Reapers! They're behind this!" Shepard felt he was already losing them.
"The collectors where a standalone group, and you've stopped them." The turian sneered,"Yes Shepard, you've done good again. But, you must stop persisting in this Reaper god threat."
As Shepard was about to yell at the council again, Anderson signaled Shepard to stand down and spoke. "Fellow councilors, I have the proof you need. Bring it in." Below them in the area beneath the podiums Dr. Sanders and few people pulled a gurney up. They lifted the sheet back and revealed Paul Grayson's deformed body. "This is the body of a human taken over by the reapers. You can review the results. We are learning a lot from it, but they are real. The collectors served the Reapers, they are coming."
"We will have to review this new information. Where did this come from?" The salarian asked.
"It's where I've been these last few weeks."
The turian scoffed, "So, your girlfriend says it's a Reaper takeover, we need more than that."
"Now just a minute!"
Samara flared blue and shouted, "Councilor Tevos. How can you refute this evidence? I will be reporting back to the Justicars and the Asari Republic. They will believe me. It will come back to you too. Do the right thing by Shepard!" She stepped back.
Tevos was caught off guard, a Justicar speaking up like that for a human. "Yes, we have some other unsettling reports that back Shepard. But, we can't cause a panic. We are giving Shepard free reign to find out more. We are building up weapons across the Asari Federation. However, we are responsible for trillions, we must have facts."
Mordin stepped forward. "It's true, from my clinic to the collector base. You must see this councilor. Will contact STG members and have them route information to Salarian Union to act since you will not. Yes, best course of action."
The salarian councilor retorted, "We too are arming more as evidence comes to light. We know the humans are doing so as fast as possible. No need to be hasty Mordin."
The turian Councilor was incensed, "What, you all are gearing up to fight phantoms? The hierarchy won't fall for this. Bah. This is absurd."
Smiling, Anderson responded, "Well, three to one says Shepard's right. We'll keep it quiet for now, but we'll get ready."
Tevos seemed relieved. "Well Shepard, is there anything you would ask of us?"
"I am no longer with Cerberus, and you know about the ShadowBroker. I have information and resources to continue. I need the council's public support. We need more than private gearing up behind the scenes. The people have to know."
"It's all we can offer for now." Tevos replied as the other councilors nodded in agreement.
"I'll take it. Also, those loyal to Cerberus have left my ship. I am looking for new crew members. I need the best. Any species that wants to come abound is welcome. They can send reports back to their home governments, but I will see the reports and they will answer and report only to me."
Tevos was genuinely pleased, "We'll all send out requests. I sure many would want to join your crew. You're full of surprises today commander. Maybe some other SPECTREs too?"
"If he's not out killing them that is." The turian gumbled.
"Just what is your problem with me councilor?"
"Your species wasn't ready. Even though you have done some good, you're more destructive than anything. Why couldn't you save that supposed collector base?"
"Everything the Reapers and collectors touched indoctrinates others. It was too dangerous. Didn't you read the other reports, the mining camp, other ships?"
"Yes, yes, all Cerberus lies too. At least you say you aren't with them anymore. Your ship would probably suit others better."
To everyone's surprise, Udina spoke up. "You go too far. He has that ship free and clear, you can't take it. It's 3 to 1 on this issue."
"Are we done? I've heard enough nonsense for a day and it's still in the morning." With that the turian left.
"Well. Shepard, those of us left apologize for doubting you, but you must understand our position. We have read your reports, thank you for passing them on. In your full status you have access to everything again. Your friends are all protected under your status. Just keep them in line please. Don't mind our turian friend, ever since the Saren incident, he's been getting more irritable. Your heroism continues to astound. We thank you and your crew. We would like to honor you all if time permits."
"Thank you councilors. We'll see, we do have matters to attend too."
She waved her omni-tool, updating everyone's status, and the remaining councilors left. Udina turned to Shepard "If you can stay for an award ceremony, it would do wonders for us."
Shepard reiterated, "I'll see what we can do."
Shepard look at the five SPECTREs above and they beckoned him to follow. He spoke to the crew. "Okay, you heard the lady, no trouble. Everyone has 24 hours leave until we start shifts again. Get going. I'll be back at the ship afterwards if you need anything. Dismissed and thanks for a job well done." Tali looked at him and nodded. Shepard saw the five SPECTREs going behind some pillars on the right and followed.
They went down some stairs and the hallway ended at a door. They all put their hands up one at a time and entered the non-descript door. Shepard put his hand up and entered. He entered a large and plush room. Food and drink machines surrounded the room. There were several charts up on the wall and tables. "We have been putting up potential Reaper sightings. Anything incredibly huge and unknown seems to fit the bill. We've been following you. Something this big needed to be watched, just in case." The turian surveyed the chart and pointed to a dot.
"This is the last case we saw. Something huge near that damn quarian rusting scrape metal fleet. Took out some Eldfell-Ashland corporation ship. The quarians found nothing. Those old ships couldn't track a dreadnought, and couldn't have taken out a new corporation ship." They all snickered.
"Thanks. I'll look in to it." Shepard took the coordinates and looked at another chart. "What's this one?"
"Can you believe it, Rachni sightings! Damn bugs don't know when to stay extinct."
"Yes, I've got them covered, I am in contract with a representative of theirs. I did free them you know."
"We heard, hope it doesn't bite us in the butt too." Shepard heard as he started to walk out.
"Hey, what about one of us joining you?" An asari asked.
"I'll think about it, but your views on other species leaves a bad taste in my month. Send me your specialties. Why is the turian councilor so anti reaper anything?"
"Ahh, ever since he met Saren a few years ago on a trip he's been getting agitated. You took down his favorite, he'll never like you."
"He MET saren, how long ago?"
"Maybe 2-3 years ago, just before you were a SPECTRE why?"
"Gotta go, thanks for finally letting me in the club as it were. I'll think about your requests. The biggest issue is, can you work for a team instead of by yourselves? Good bye."
"Later Shepard." The five sat back down. "Think any of us will tag along?"
The salarian leaned back, "Doubtful, he's got people he trusts. But you never know."
Their omni-tools lit up, cases from the council, slavers and corporation missions again.
****N.A.S.*****
Shepard arrived at the Normandy a small amount of time later. As he entered, he found no one around. Good, they were enjoying themselves. "EDI, who is on board?"
"Just you and Tali commander." Even better!
"Where is she?"
"In your cabin." Maybe the day would end on a good note.
He headed towards the waiting elevator. Entering the room, he found Tali relaxing on the sofa watching a vid. He headed over to get his armor off.
"What are you watching?"
"Human vid on your planet. Your people are so varied. How did you advance so quickly when you were always trying to kill each other off?"
"Don't know, another time maybe?" He turned and found Tali facing him. She reached out and helped with taking his armor off. "Thank you, I do appreciate that. Why am I always the one getting undressed?" When they were done, he grabbed her and held her close.
In a sultry voice, "You know, I'm almost recovered from the last time. We can ahhh, link suits, again, soon." Just thinking about it made Tali tingle. She caressed his shoulders. Shepard lifted her up, he was amazed she wasn't lighter, but quarians had a lot of muscle mass. She was still light to him. He carried her over to the bed and put her down. He got on top of her and between her legs. He grinded slowly but firmly. She let out a small low groan. "Ss-s-stop. We have to….wait….for…" He massaged her breast though the fabric, Tali brought her legs up, she wanted him so badly. Her hands raked his back, they started to dig in. She felt her hands above her head. Shepard put her two small hands in his and then stopped. She heard a latch on her mask open, Tali's eyes got wide, "What are you doing John?"
"I just want to see you, that won't cause anymore delay." He released the other side of the visor and removed it. He loved to look at her whenever he could. She had light grayish skin, and features that were mostly human. The ears were like an Asaris and not there, but the rest was very human like. He bent his face to within centimeters of hers. "No tongue or we'll have to wait longer."
"You Bosh'tet." She got out as he lightly kissed her lips. They were more purplish than her skin. Their slight coolness due to body temperature differences made him tingle. Tali felt his warm lips on hers and fought the urge to do more. She wanted to do so much more. As he withdrew, her tongue came out, searching for him. She blushed and brought it back in to her mouth. Shepard put the visor back in place and heard it hiss shut. He let go of her arms and rolled over. She snuggled up against him, hating her prison.
"Everything sealed up okay?"
"Yes. You shouldn't have to wait like this, you deserve better." Her voice trailed off, sad and remorseful.
"I got exactly what I deserved and love every second of it. I told you, stop worrying about it. If it was that big of a deal would I be here with you?"
"I guess not. I just want you to know how much I love you. How good you are to me."
"I try, if I don't you're auntie Raan will want to kill me even more than she's going too!"
"Don't remind me. I'm still trying to figure out the best way to tell her."
"It must have happened before with other species."
"Yes, but they can't stay on the flotilla. We can't accommodate other races and their needs. You have to choose, your love, or the fleet. It's..it's cruel. If they leave, they can come back and visit, but some are never fully accepted again." Her voice saddened again.
"Oh, yeah, I can see that would be a problem." Which would she choose? She was dedicated to the fleet. He breathed deeply, he couldn't image life without her, or her being sad without her people. She could feel his heart race.
"I've already decided. I'm staying with you. I'll visit every now and then, but with only Auntie Raan left, there isn't much to hold me there. I've got a better home here, with you. I love you John." She held his hand and squeezed it. She could fell his heart rate return to normal.
"You're sure, I admit I would like nothing better…"
"Then enjoy it."
"Speaking of the fleet, we may be heading that way again after we're done here. So, get the Admirals ready. I missed out yelling at the council, so I've got some stored up waiting for them."
"Kee'lah, please, not again. It's the most popular vid in the fleet right now. The admirals can't stand it."
"Any news on the new admiral?"
"Nothing."
"Any news on a big mysterious ship near the fleet's location?"
Tali sat up. "Is something wrong? What is it?"
"There was a dispute between the fleet and Eldfell-Ashland over mining resources in the Nubian Expanse and the corporation lost a ship. Said something huge attacked them, and it was bigger than any Quarian or other known vessel."
Tali's eyes widen again, "Keelah, A reaper?"
"That's what we need to find out."
"I'll send auntie a message right away. If anyone can tell us something she can. Oh, before I forget, I got the tracking device off the ship and found another. Looks like Cerberus. I disabled and left them for Mordin and Miranda to look over. It looked simple at first, but there was another protocol underneath trying to send out detailed data. EDI doing a general jamming blocked it all. We'll scour everything again before we leave."
"My all-knowing sexy engineer." He smiled and started to drift off to sleep.
Tali smiled and held him close. They both finally got a good night's sleep.
