The ceremony was much like Shepard imagined, easier in fact. A speech from Admiral Hackett, the governor of Elysium, and one from her staff commander lead the ceremony then there was the pinning of the medal. When it came her turn to speak Shepard looked hard into the small collection of people in the audience and she paused for a moment knowing that there were countless others watching all over the Alliance. The admiral's aids had provided a speech but it seemed so shallow and insufficient now. Taking a deep breath she pushed the sleep icon on the data pad placing it on the podium.

"I was provided a speech for today but… somehow it doesn't seem fitting that you not hear my own words," she said as the hall quieted. Everyone's attention sucked into her and for her part she swallowed her nerves hard. "The battle for Elysium wasn't fought by one woman nor was it won by one soldier. It was won by men and women fighting for their homes, holding their ground because there was no ground to give. It was rife with tuff decisions, mad dash actions, and people just struggling to stay alive. I am no more a hero than the entire populace of Elysium or every soldier serving with me. That is why I say today that this medal pinned on my chest is dedicated to the memory of everyone who served with me, everyone who struggled and fought and believed through that horrible ordeal… that we could make it out alive, and… for those who didn't make it. Let their sacrifice be the catalyst for change and acceptance of Alliance aid throughout the colonies so that one day no one will have to fear what happened there."

There was a quiet pause for a moment then a slow uptake of clapping. The cameras broke coverage and at her side in an instant was one of the aids.

"Commander that was highly irregular and completely…"

"Spirited, Hastings. She is spirited." Hackett placed his hand on her shoulder and smiled down at her. "I think it was brilliant."

Shepard did her best not to blush as they were escorted into a large ballroom already filled with honored guests from all species and walks of life. Shepard was ushered to the main table. There she felt as a sacrificial pig upon an alter surrounded by admirals and Alliance council members who barely looked her way. Hackett was at her right elbow but aside from him it was hard to see anyone she recognized until…

"Captain Anderson, I believe you know our newest commander."

She smiled as she nodded in his direction, "Good to see you got back to Arcturus in one piece, Sir."

"I did my best, Commander. It looks like you have recovered nicely. I hope those doctors on Elysium didn't make you soft," he said the corners of his mouth turning up to a smile.

"I ran more on those treadmills than I did in basic training and the food was doubly worse, Captain. All in all I'd have rather been up and fighting, Sir." With that there were a few here-here's from the surrounding admirals.

"I'll have to tell command that they need to step up drills for new recruits then, Commander. Either that or hire that doctor of yours as a drill sergeant, what do you think of that Admiral Adkins?" Anderson said shouting a bit down the table at one of the burlier admirals.

A chuckle ran the length of the table and that broke the ice. For the most part the admirals could be broken down into three categories: old school hard core fighters, politicians, and tacticians who climbed their way up the ranks. The Alliance council however were all politicians and brownnosers. This didn't bother Shepard as much as she thought it would. What mattered to her was that the majority of the admirals didn't have their heads up their asses. She even managed to get the whole table laughing a few times by the end of the dinner. Shepard excused herself early in order to get ready for the following day's N7 induction. Exhausted, she fell into bed and did not wake until her alarm buzzed; her sleep was restful and dreamless for once.

"As N7s we are the elite of the special forces. Your training will be tough and your missions tougher. You are held to a higher standard than other members of the Special Forces. N7 isn't just a designation it is a way of life. It means you get things done quickly, cleanly, silently, and within the bounds of the mission. Do you understand this?"

"Sir, yes Sir." It echoed through the hall.

Shepard was joined by only three other N7 recruits. The make up of the select audience was, she surmised; select few family members, other N7 graduates, and a few admirals though Shepard could barely see past the bright lights of the vid cams.

Anderson smiled at Shepard as he passed but she could show no emotion at attention.

"An N7 is expected to give everything for the sake of the mission, even unto death. The missions you will undertake will be dangerous, deadly, and essentially crucial to the continued life of the Alliance and its forces. Do you accept this responsibility?"

"Sir, yes Sir."

"Then the N7 Corps accept you into their training."

Cheering filled the small hall and even she could not keep her composure any longer Smiling over at the captain. There beside Anderson on the stage as the others rushed to see their families she couldn't help but feel like she was where she belonged.