"I think it's time for you to leave the Normandy for good, Shepard. You're not welcome here anymore." echoed Alex's words in my head as I stood in front of him, looking into his eyes with disbelief.
"What?" James' voice took me back to reality. His voice sounded angry.
"You heard me, Shepard. Get off my ship." Alex repeated his words, he still wore a smile on his face.
"First, this is not your ship, for what it's worth, it's Anderson's. Second, I'm here to ensure that the Genophage is here, I'm here because of Wrex." I was able to reply surprisingly calm.
"Urdnot Wrex will see that he doesn't have a choice if he wants to cure his people." he took a breath before continuing, "Anderson isn't here if you haven't noticed, he's fighting a lost fight on Earth instead of doing some good for the galaxy. At least we know where you got that loosing attitude of yours from."
I clenched my fists, biting my lower lip not to say anything. But I didn't need to, I let my actions speak for themselves. Without a warning, I tried to hit him, but unfortunately he grabbed my wrist before I could do it and spun me around. A wave of pain stabbed my wrist and I sunk to me knees, cursing.
James protested and I could see that he charged forward to stop Alex, but I yelled at him to stop. He looked at me, impatiently, but I shook my head.
"You saw it, Lieutenant Vega, she tried to attack me. I don't think it's wise to keep her on board, she could hurt someone in her condition." even though Alex didn't, it was clear from his voice that he wanted to laugh. He wanted to laugh at the sight of me on my knees.
He made me look like a mad psychopath, he'll probably proudly tell everyone about this, but I guess he won't mention how he offended Anderson. But that's exactly what he wanted, anger me so I'd act without thinking and that's what I did.
I freed my arm from his grip and rubbed my wrist, it hurt like hell, but I tried not to let it show. I inhaled deeply, "I'll go, just drop me off somewhere."
Once again, James opened him mouth to protest but I didn't let him, "It's for the best, Lieutenant."
Alex then left to tell the "good" news to Joker, I only wished to see his reaction, though I knew he didn't have a choice but to do as he was told. I walked away as well, ignoring James' just because I didn't want him to lose his place on the Normandy because of me.
"Shepard, where are we going?" Wrex stopped me on the way to my cabin.
"I don't know, Citadel maybe." I replied, wondering if Alex wouldn't rather drop me off on some deserted planet somewhere far away from him. I noticed the confused expression mixed with anger on his face. "Don't worry Wrex, you\re people will be cured, only it won't be my doing."
"I don't trust that guy, Shepard. I trust you, that's why I wanted you here."
"I know, Wrex. But if you really care about your people, it shouldn't matter who's gonna let out the cure."
He didn't say anything, because he knew I was right. I extended my hand and he took it after a moment of hesitation, gripping it tightly.
"Can I ask for a favor, Wrex?" I asked and he nodded, still holding onto my hand. "I'm going to save Earth, no matter the cost, but I can't do it alone. I'll need your help."
He nodded and pulled me closer to him, so only I'd hear the next part, "But if you don't show up for the fight, I'll find you and beat the crap out of you."
I couldn't hold back a laugh, "Oh, I'll be there, I wouldn't miss it."
As much as I wanted to say my goodbyes this time, I knew it would be pointless. I didn't want to feel bad about it, although it wasn't my fault that I had to leave. Hopefully, James will tell them the truth.
It quite funny actually, I was somehow starting to think I could stay, help them in any way I could to bring the galaxy together, even if I wasn't their commander anymore. But Alex played his next card, leaving me with nothing to hold onto. Only thing that remained was my hatred for Cerberus and Illusive Man.
The flight to the Citadel was long and lonely. I stayed bunked in my cabin the whole time. No one knew where we were going, no one except Joker but I bet Alex was breathing on his neck. They started to wonder only when we were closing on to the Citadel.
Suddenly, everyone was there, hardly believing anything they were hearing. Even Joker limped out from his chair to say goodbye and that sight hit me the most.
"He's right, I assaulted him, I have to go." I confirmed Alex's part of the story, without telling my own and with a glimpse of smile on my lips I added, "But I don't regret a thing."
My eyes met with Alex's empty gaze, he had what he wanted and even though he didn't seem to be happy about it. He must've realized that the Normandy crew wasn't considering him their commander. In their eyes, the leader was me, and I was leaving them in shit again.
"I'll see you all on Earth, all right?" I said and looked at every one until they all nodded and saluted. Liara walked out to me and gave me hug, holding back her tears. She was stronger now, I could tell, after all, she was the new Shadow Broker.
Garrus shook my hand with a smile, "We'll be there, Shepard and we won't be coming alone."
I nodded and patted his shoulder.
I had to promise Joker that I would stay in touch, though I wasn't sure I could keep that promise. Every member of the crew either shook my hand or saluted once more before I walked out. Kaidan didn't show up in the end, I didn't blame him.
As the door of the Normandy closed after me, I couldn't look back, I couldn't even turn around to see their faces for the last time. I could only take a deep breath, forcing the tears and sadness that enveloped me back.
For few long minutes I could only stand there and stare at humans and Turians walking past me. I blinked and shook my head, pulling myself back into reality. I opened the message I kept unanswered while I was on the Normandy.
"I found my sister, Shepard. I might need your help. Meet me on Citadel." Miranda.