Shepard was now talking to the Asari Councillor, who had just finished reading his report on the monastery.
"I read your report, Commander. We had no idea the situation had deteriorated so quickly," she said.
"That's why I set off the bomb. There are no Ardat-Yakshi left," said Shepard. He didn't add in his report that Falere was still alive so they wouldn't waste sending their commandos instead of engaging the Reapers.
The Councillor nodded. "May the Ardat-Yakshi find rest. What the Reapers did to them was monstrous." She then looked at Shepard businesslike. "I had another team of commandos headed to the monastery who I can now formally transfer to Admiral Hackett's command. They'll serve you loyally, Commander. Farewell will."
After he finished his conversation with the Councillor Shepard made his way over to Traynor.
"The Crucible project has received some new tech from the asari government," she informed him.
"I'm glad they decided to help the war effort," said Shepard, though he wished that they did it earlier.
"Everyone has to fight now, no matter how pretty you are. I learned that the hard way," Traynor smiled at him.
Shepard then went to check on Joker on the bridge.
"Glad you talked Samara down," he said something very relieved.
"I never thought I'd see her flinch from her duty," Shepard admitted.
"I don't know. On one hand, that Code's all she's had to live by… god, centuries. Then the galaxy goes to hell, and the old walls don't cut it anymore." He then turned and looked at Shepard. "I mean, we're cutting some corners, right?"
"A few," Shepard admitted.
Joker shrugged. "Well, the Alliance could always court-martial us after we save the galaxy."
Shepard made his way to the lobby and found that Garrus was talking to both Javik and Ensign Copeland. Garrus was going over there war history with Javik.
"…everybody was fighting the rachni, trying to push them back through the relay. Finally, the krogan were turned loose and stopped them."
"I see," said Javik rubbing his chin.
"But when the krogan rebelled, we have to deploy the genophage to stop them. Wasn't the only rebellion. A thousand years later, the geth revolted against the quarians. That was a whole other war. Then along came the humans—my own people tangled with them for a while—and now, to top it all off, we've got the Reapers." He then leaned back on the couch and looked at Javik. "How about you?"
"The Oravores fought the Densoirn. The Enduromi conquered the Vandomar, and the Zha'til turned against the Zha."
"So… I guess nobody really gets their act together," Garrus concluded.
"The Synril claimed found the path to eternal peace."
"What happened?" Garrus asked looking intrigued.
"The Ditakur preferred war and wiped them out."
Garrus leaned back on the couch. "I hope you guys had alcohol."
Javik then made several comments about how shocked the crew to see the Reapers monstrosities. He then commented that he had seen far worse in his cycle after a hundred years. Garrus, however, was thrilled to have Samara joining the fight and said that he hoped that he wouldn't be in her way someday.
Garrus then went on talking about the tactics the Reapers were using much to Ensign Copeland's disgust. Shepard had to admit that having indoctrinated agents roaming around was very effective and it made their friends hesitate to pull the trigger and sabotage key locations within governments and military across the galaxy.
Liara was taking what happened on the monastery pretty hard, not surprising considering it was own people that she had to fight against.
"Poor Rila… but I'm glad she set off a bomb, Shepard," she sighed.
"You're not upset the monastery was destroyed?" Shepard asked slightly surprised.
"No. Not after what I saw." She then looked at him with a firmed look on her face. "I don't care that they were Ardat-Yakshi. To be turned into such creatures? Nobody deserves that."
Ashley took what happened on the monastery pretty hard as well after what Falere remember that she had three sisters out there. It is so hard that she actually looked at some old letters from her sister when she was in high school and smiled at the memories.
Traynor had informed Shepard that Chakwas wanted to talk to him and the moment he entered into the medbay she stood up.
"Commander. An opportunity has come to my attention that may interest you," she said.
"What's going on, Doctor?" Shepard asked curiously.
"Refugees arrived at the Citadel recently in possession of military grade medical supplies and equipment. In reviewing our inventories, I determined we have an excess of medical supplies to treat contagion, exposure and malnutrition."
Shepard could see where she was going with this. "There are equipped to help injured soldiers, and we have supplies to help suffering refugees?"
"Precisely. Perhaps you could ply your charms to broker trade?" she offered.
Shepard frowned. "Isn't this something you could do yourself?"
She shook her head. "War profiteering is running rampant, and these refugees are wary of the Alliance military. They don't trust me. But you are Commander Shepard, the hero. You could persuade them."
Shepard could understand her reasonings. "I'll find refugees as soon as I can."
"Speak with Tactus. Many of the refugees near the Citadel docks look to him for leadership. Thank you, Commander."
In the engine bay Shepard discovered that Tali and Garrus were comparing past missions, mostly which creature they had difficulty fighting with. Apparently the only war was the fact omissions they both joined on together. It was nice seeing the two of them competing friendly with one another.
Allers was having problems with the story on the monastery. While it was a fascinating read the problem was that she had quite a lot of asari viewers and they could disappear she mentioned Ardat-Yakshi.
Cortez also had a heart attack when the monastery exploded fearing that Shepard and the others had been killed in the explosion. Though in fairness not of that was Shepard's fault as they were in the elevator at the time and it was Rila, who armed the bomb.
Shepard then returned to the CIC and plotted a destination to the Valhallan Threshold. He then plotted a course to the Paz system and scanned the planet Garvug and was able to achieve some Prothean Data Drive. Then they headed to the Micah system and scanned the planet Elohi and managed to achieve some emergency fuel pods.
Shepard then plotted a course to the Hades Nexus and scanned the planet Asteria and found the wreckage of the Alliance frigate Hong Kong. Then he plotted a course to the Sheol and scanned the loan planet Gei Hinnom and found a Prothean sphere.
Next they went to the Pamyat system and scanned the planet Dobrovolski and located the wreckage of the Alliance frigate Leipzig. They then want to the Hekate system and scanned the planet Kopis and located the Obelisk of Karza.
Then Shepard plotted a course to the Argos Rho and the first planet they scanned was the planet Canrum where they were able to achieve some haptic optics arrays. They then travelled to the Gorgon system and scanned the planet Camaron and this time located some advanced power arrays. Then he plotted a course to the Phoenix system and scanned the asteroid base Pinnacle Station and they were able to retrieve a turian special ops team and then scanned the planet Intal'sei and were able to find the fossilised remains of a kakliosaur.
They then made her way to the Citadel to restock supplies and Shepard had a few things to do their, one of which was to meet a Dr Bryson under orders from Hackett. The regionalisation been proved to be a lot more difficult with refugees pouring in.
The first thing Shepard did was approach an Alliance soldier who had been trying to locate the Prothean he acquired. After which he went to meet up with Garrus, who wanted to have some fun with him.
Garrus smiled as he approached him. "Shepard. If you're feeling up to it, I thought we could do something fun for a change."
"I'm always up for fun," Shepard smiled back.
"Then I'm glad you came," he said standing up straight.
"What'd you have in mind?" Shepard asked curiously wondering what the turian had planned.
"Something that doesn't involve fighting Reapers."
"I don't think they've conquer the bar yet," Shepard joked.
"I already scoped it out," said Garrus, joining in on the joke. "But I thought, if this was my last day alive, I'd actually like to remember it."
"So?" Shepard pressed.
"So I had an idea…" He then made his way to the controls and access the doors to a taxi.
They started to fly their way towards the Presidium and Shepard began to wonder where Garrus was taking them. He had removed the autopilot and was guiding the taxi himself which did make me more curious.
"Where we going?" Shepard asked.
"Somewhere we're not supposed to go," said Garrus.
Shepard chuckled. "Some things never change, do they?"
"Ever have one thing you always wanted to do before you died, Shepard?" Garrus asked.
"Too busy trying to live," Shepard shrugged. He then looked at his turian friend. "What's yours?"
"The whole time I worked at C-Sec, I'd stare at the top of the Presidium and say to myself: I want to go up there. But I never did. There were 137 regulations telling me I couldn't."
Shepard frowned slightly. "So you got them changed?"
"No. Now I don't give a damn."
He then guided the taxi to one of the bridges that are connected to the Presidium tower. When they landed he opened the doors and they stepped out onto the bridge.
"Figured it's time to do something stupid just for the hell of it," said Garrus as they stepped out of the taxi. "Might be the last chance we ever get."
Shepard soon joined him as they looked over the bridge and saw the traffic flying around underneath them. Shepard began to wonder what would happen if C-Sec came to arrest them and how that would turn out.
"A little busier than I imagined," said Garrus.
"How about dive in the pool?" Shepard asked gesturing to the body of water beneath them.
Garrus looked down at the water and shook said. "You obviously haven't seen turians swim. It's a lot of flailing and splashing interrupted by occasional bouts of drowning."
Shepard nodded. "You're right. I'd just have to save your ass again."
"It'd make up for all the times I called your ass out of the fire," Garrus shrugged. "Noveria, Feros, Ilos…" He then shook his head at the memories. "We've had a hell of a ride, haven't we, Shepard?"
"Times like these, you know who your real friends are," said Shepard profoundly as he turned and looked at Garrus. "They're not the ones running around looking for an escape route. They're the ones who stand at your side through the worst of it, who never give up on you. I'm lucky I can say that I know someone like that."
"So am I," Garrus nodded. He then looked down at the traffic and then raised an eye at Shepard. "You're not going to propose marriage now, are you?"
Shepard laughed as he shook his head.
Now with that friendship moment ruined Garrus made his way to a trade with two sniper rifles and several empty cans.
"Now, before we head back, there is one thing we're going to settle once and for all…" said Garrus challengingly as he picked up a sniper rifle. He then turned and looked at Shepard. "Not saying you don't know how to handle a gun. Just saying some of us know how to make it dance." He then told Shepard the rifle. "So let's find out who's really the best shot."
"There are few people in the galaxy who've see me in action, Garrus," Shepard reminded. "They seemed impressed."
"Yeah, but I've actually seen you dance, Shepard," Garrus pointed out. "No comment."
Shepard frowned slightly because it was the second time that someone mentioned that he couldn't dance. In fact he didn't know anyone who had actually seen him dance, apart from his old prom date.
"All right, Vakarian, you're going down," said Shepard as he adjusted the sniper rifle to his sight.
"And don't worry. I loaded it with practice slugs for when you miss," Garrus joked.
Garrus then tossed the empty can across the bridge and Shepard quickly took aim at it. He pulled the trigger and the clan exploded.
"That was an easy one. Let you build up your confidence," said Garrus dismissively. He then picked up another empty can. "Long-range, I wrote the book. Nobody alive can do it, not even Commander Shepard." He then looked at him and tossed in the can. "Give me a tough one."
Shepard waited until Garrus got a sniper rifle and with all his strength he tossed the empty can right across the bridge. Unfortunately, Garrus was able to shoot the can within a few seconds of throwing.
"I said a tough one!" Garrus smirked.
"Step aside," said Shepard as he picked up a sniper rifle.
He watched as Garrus prepared to throw and decided they could be here all day. Plus he wanted to make Garrus feel good about himself.
"Do it," he said.
Garrus tossed the can across the bridge and Shepard purposely missed it. They then watch as the can fell down towards the lake below them.
Garrus seemed pretty happy with himself. "I'm Garrus Vakarian, and this is now my favourite spot on the Citadel," he cried.
"It's windy up there," said Shepard making up an excuse.
"Think I'm going to elect a monument right here—bronze this going to the whole galaxy knows," said Garrus as he picked up his sniper rifle.
"…that you're the king of the bottle-shooters," Shepard mocked. "Glad you're around Garrus. Never know when the bottles might revolt."
The two of them then laughed and decided to leave before C-Sec arrived to arrest them.
Shepard made his way down to the refugee camp and gave a refugee the information here found a Prothean Sphere thanks to his information. He also said that he'd just have to mention his name to the Alliance that they would pay him for it.
As he walked down the camps saw that there was an increasing number of asari refugees indicating that more asari have fallen despite their best efforts. Shepard knew that Hackett was doing everything he can just to slow the Reapers down, but at this rate in the next few months they would have a good strong position within the galaxy.
He then went to meet up with Tactus, who was busy organising some of the refugees with food and medical supplies. He only started when he saw Shepard approaching him and his expression was mixed.
"I recognise you. You're Commander Shepard," he said.
"And you must be Tactus. Heard the refugees consider you their leader," said Shepard.
"Yes. Someone needs to sort out this mess," said Tactus as he gestured to the Stafford refugees. "C-Sec has tightened access to the Citadel, and we've got desperate people down here with no place to go."
Shepard then folded his arms. "I also heard you need basic medical supplies. Dr Chakwas spoke of a mutual beneficial trade…"
Tactus now looks slightly annoyed. "I tried to be clear—in my experience, the Alliance looks out for their own. Trust is hard to come by these days. I know you need military supplies, but they're worth far more than your basic meds. Her offer wasn't satisfactory."
"Your people need our supplies, and my people need every edge we can get," said Shepard trying to be as diplomatic as possible. "Your combat-grade meds will make a difference. And our mission may just save everyone. Now is not the time for pettiness or mistrust."
"With our day-to-day worries, it's easy to forget we are all in this together," Tactus admitted. "Have my team will contact yours. You'll have your supplies as soon as possible."
Shepard made his way to the batarian camp and saw that James was having a batarian getting a tattoo on his back.
"James?" said Shepard surprisingly.
"Commander. What brings you down here?" James asked equally surprised.
"I was about to ask you that…"
"Well, after our little chat… ah," James winced as the batarian continue to edge the tattoo on. "I made up my mind. I'm gonna join the N7 program."
Shepard raised an eyebrow. "And you're celebrating by getting a tattoo."
"Heh… sort of. See… there's no official channels to go through right now. So, I guess this is my way of making it official. Technically, I'm just an N7 recruit… but, you know, I figured with you as my training officer, how can I fail? Right?"
"I'm flattered, but I'm not exactly saying I'm training you," Shepard pointed out.
"Not officially, but what the hell is in this goddamn war. I'm just saying… whether you like it or not, you're my direct supervisor, and you're N7. So I take my lead from you. And you know… I'll take whatever advice you've got."
"Really?" said Shepard sceptically.
"Sure, the good advice."
"Well, they wouldn't ask you if they didn't think you could handle it," Shepard pondered.
"Here's hoping."
Shepard then looked at him with a firm's expression. "But the real work starts now."
"Uh-huh," James nodded. "I know it seems I don't take things seriously, but when I commit to something… I fully commit."
"Clearly."
"Hey. I won't let you down," James promised.
"The only person you need to prove yourself to is the one standing in the mirror every morning."
"Good point."
Shepard then turned his eyes upon the batarian getting the tattoo on his back. "You know that's gonna staying for a few days. You gonna be ready for duty?"
"Well, I'm not looking forward to slapping my armour back on… but I'm always ready," James assured.
"Glad to hear it."
"Aye… careful," James winced.
Shepard made his way to the embassy and was able to provide the Reaper code to the asari strategist. She promised that she would be careful with it and said that this would help them predict the Reapers movements.
He also met up with Samara, who wanted to talk to him while he was on the Citadel. She was looking out of the window down at the busy traffic that was going around the Presidium. "I hope you'd come. I won't remain here much longer."
"What are you doing on the Citadel, Samara?" Shepard asked curiously.
She then turned and looked at him. "I suppose I came to say goodbye. Falere is safe, and Rila is at rest. I felt the need to speak to you before heading to battle." She then gave him a look of pride. "I wanted to know there is no one else I'd rather see leading us in our last hours."
"We'll make the galaxy proud. The largest fleet in history is already on our side," said Shepard equally proud.
Samara nodded. "It is impressive. Most would've deemed such an alliance impossible. But, Shepard… be sure to assess your force's strength and weaknesses before setting out," she advised.
"What are the other just because doing for the war?" Shepard asked.
Samara turned to the window. "Most have made it home. They will attempt to hold Thessia. With the odds that we face, it's possible our order will no longer exist after this war."
"There's a few of you?" said Shepard shocked.
She turned back towards him her face quite grim. "Our numbers were never great. We must prepare to sacrifice ourselves if that is what's required."
"Was being a Justicar worth it if that's how it all ends?"
"The Justicars were formed to bring order to world that laughs at the notion. The role is solitary. It demands a lonely and uncompromising, often to the point of pain. But following the Code left me with no regrets. Take that for what you will."
"You know, I never asked if your code has anything useful on fighting Reapers."
"Treat them as any other enemy: show no quarter, mercy or weakness," she said bluntly. "The only difference is the scale of our foe. The code is too strict to account for such… small discrepancies."
"Is that how you see it, too?" Shepard asked.
"An odd question, coming from the Spectre who killed his third Reaper on Rannoch," she said reasoning an eye.
"Will Falere be all right in the monastery? All what's left of it?" Shepard asked, fearing for her safety.
"We spoke for some time. It won't be easy, but if there is a way to survive. Falere will find it." Shepard knew that she would never admit it, but she was afraid of her daughter's safety as well. "It was… good, to see her again. Perhaps it's unseemly for a justicar to dwell so much on her family."
"I'm just happy things worked out," said Shepard.
"I was fortunate that Falere saw things so clearly." She then smiled at him. "And it would have turned out quite differently without your intervention. Thank you."
Shepard know whether he would see her again, but he knew that the both had jobs to do to save their own people. "Good luck out there, Samara."
"You was well. I don't know if you believe in such things, but goddess go with you, Shepard. We'll both be tested in fire soon enough."
Shepard then had a conversation with the elcor ambassador, who asked him for some aid to retrieve his people. He hoped that Shepard would be able to rescue his soldiers while he coordinated efforts to evacuate civilians. Shepard chose this opportunity to ask how his people fought and it turned out they were literally living tank by carrying heavy weapons on their backs and using advanced VI targeting solutions.
Shepard soon made his way to the Spectre office and nominated Captain Riley for her actions on Cyone. He then went to check on the location of Din Korlack, the volus ambassador that Primarch Victus wanted him to investigate.
Apparently he was off the grid which didn't bode well for him, but his last known corners were somewhere in the human embassy. He made his way back to the embassy and approached one of the guards guarding the door.
"Was the volus ambassador here earlier?" he asked.
The turian guard nodded head. "Yes he was, Commander."
"I need in. Spectre business."
"I'll unlock the office when you're ready."
Shepard then made his way into the ambassador's office and found no sign of a struggle, though that was not very surprising considering he was looking for a volus. He went to the ambassador's computer and access the most recent logs and played the first one.
"You've never been this uncooperative with us before, Ambassador," said a woman's voice.
"That's because you were actually doing some good in the galaxy before!" Ambassador Korlack roared.
"Has that changed? How many colonies would be gone if we hadn't taken action against the Collectors?" said the contact voice.
Shepard soon realise that the contact was a Cerberus agent which meant that Ambassador Korlack certainly has connections with Cerberus, something which was completely surprising. The last time he met the ambassador he was to cooperative with humans.
"Too many," Ambassador Din admitted. "But fighting the Alliance…"
"Must continue. In order to end the war. We understand it took a lot for you to reach out to Cerberus, Ambassador Korlack. We ask you to trust us a little longer."
Shepard then played the second entry. "You people are monsters!" Ambassador Korlack roared.
"Ambassador, please—" the contact pleaded.
"Hundreds dead, Udina betraying the council! I should have cut ties with you ages ago!"
"And what will that accomplish now?" the contact asked. "The risks you took by passing information to Cerberus… it's left you in an interesting position. If you sever contact, we can't protect you from the consequences."
"I don't… I have no time for this."
"We'll speak again. Have a good day, Ambassador Korlack."
Shepard was starting to get a good idea more about Cerberus' methods. It was clear that if anyone didn't agree with their policies that they would either assassinate them or blackmail them to stay loyal and Shepard had a feeling they didn't care whether it was a humanoid alien.
He then played the last entry. "The turians think I'm still working for Cerberus. They've put a price on my head! I can't go to C-Sec, but Cerberus has plans. An entire turian colony rests on my life. If anyone finds this, I had a tracking receiver in the office suite beside the human embassies."
Shepard began to look for the receiver, but soon realise that the log finished recording. "What are you—"
Suddenly he heard several sounds in the background and assumed that that was Ambassador Korlack being knocked out.
"Damn Cerberus has them everywhere nowadays," said a bald and grouchy voice that Shepard recognised.
"You going to go on about them all night?" said a second voice.
"Just get the car up a quick. Little bastard's even heavier than he looks."
"Zaeed?" said Shepard surprisingly.
This was the first time he had heard of Zaeed since he was released from custody. He knew the man was a bounty hunter by trade and didn't care much for Cerberus. He also can help but notice the timing of the bounty hunters and Ambassador Korlack's time of severing ties with Cerberus.
He began to look for the receiver, knowing that Ambassador Korlack would throw it not too far away when he was attacked. Sure enough Shepard was able to locate the receiver underneath the desk and then he lingered to his radio.
"How long till we kill Korlack?" Zaeed asked.
"Once the credits go through," said his cohort. "Was beginning to think you weren't interested in the money."
"I'm not."
"Because Korlack worked for Cerberus?" said a third voice which sounded like it belonged to a krogan. "What'd they do to you?"
"None of your goddamn business," Zaeed snapped. "He waking up?"
"This is Commander Shepard. Can you hear me?" Shepard asked Ambassador Korlack.
"Yes! Yes, I hear you," said Ambassador Korlack.
"Tell me where you are," said Shepard as he left the embassy.
"Ah… we're still near the Presidium," said Ambassador Korlack in a manner so that did not arouse suspicion with the bounty hunters. "C-Sec will check Selkish Arms when they realise I'm missing."
"They won't give a damn when they realise you sold them out a Cerberus," said Zaeed.
"Wait, Cerberus is planning to attack a colony that—"
"Stay calm. Help's coming," said Shepard as he entered the elevator.
Soon he found themselves on the Presidium and was making his way towards Selkish Arms.
"Zaeed used to work for Cerberus. Asking why he's here," Shepard advised.
"Why… why go after your old employer, Zaeed?" Ambassador Korlack asked Zaeed.
"How do you know my name all of a sudden?" Zaeed asked.
"Good question," said the female bounty hunter.
Shepard then made his way to the apartments and at the same time informed a salarian structures that he had located a kakliosaur skull that was preserved in amber. The salarain was ecstatic and said that he would be able to clone it for the krogan ground troops.
He then quickly made his way towards one of the apartments, but it was the wrong apartment.
"Dman. Wrong door," he cursed and reached for his radio. "He need you alive to stop Cerberus."
"Cerberus is going after a turian colony. Kill me, and they get it," said Ambassador Korlack.
"Drop my name."
"Shepard's investigating. He's… a recent acquaintance."
"How recent?" Zaeed asked.
"Very."
"Shit. All right, I'm listening."
Shepard made his way down the corner and the sound of gunfire and hope that both Zaeed and Ambassador Korlack were still alive. He quickly bypassed the doors security protocols and entered into the apartment and there he found Zaeed leaning against the glass window and a few dead bounty hunters.
"Been awhile, Zaeed," said Shepard.
"Shepard. Glad I wasn't making an ass of myself over a hunch," said Zaeed. He then looked down at the dead bounty hunters. "Undisciplined bastards. This is what I get for signing up at the last minute."
"Where's Korlack?" Shepard asked.
Zaaed gestured to the site and Shepard saw that Ambassador Korlack was still alive and no worse for wear.
"I'm here, Commander," he said approaching them. "I…" Obviously this was a bit of an embarrassment to him considering that he was jerk the last time they met. "You saved my life. I almost died because the turians thought I was still with Cerberus!"
"Did those mercs hurt you?" Shepard asked.
"I'm fine. They wanted me alive until the fees were delivered for my capture. They didn't care what I had to say."
"You kept mentioning a colony in your message," Shepard reminded.
Ambassador Korlack nodded. "Information on a turian planet's defence system. They'll strike soon." He then moved in a manner that was quite common for diplomat, who had almost been killed. "But… if I tell you which planet they're attacking, Cerberus will know I turned traitor."
Zaeed narrowed his eyes at him. "Turned? You already betrayed your own people."
"We saved your life!" Shepard roared. He would never understand why politicians were so cowardly, or at least some of them. "Tell us what planet you put in danger!"
"I can offer a bargain!" said Ambassador Korlack compromisingly. "The volus bombing fleet. In tactical terms, it's worth far more than the colony."
Shepard folded his arms and glared at him. "Or you could give us both."
"You can warn the turians there'll be an attack, Commander. That should be general enough to ward off suspicion."
"You try to do the right thing before. It failed because you trusted the wrong people," he said and bent down towards Ambassador Korlack. "Now here's your chance to make up for it. You're giving us volus support and you're going to help us make Cerberus pay for using you."
"I can't…" said Ambassador Korlack fearfully.
"You can," Shepard pressured.
"Waste of everyone's time trying to appeal to a volus' better nature, Shepard," said Zaeed.
Ambassador Korlack sighed no doubt insulted that the bounty hunter had better honour than he did. "Aephus. The colony's name is Aephus. Cerberus wants its shipyards."
Shepard then stood up straight. "And the bombing fleet?"
"Yes. It's yours, Commander," he said. He then looked away from the two of them. "I'll speak to Citadel Security about this… incident. You have my thanks."
"Took him long enough to spit it out," Zaaed grumbled.
"Zaeed, what are you doing here?" Shepard asked.
"Later," said Zaeed as he made his way to the door. "C-Sec's on their way. Won't be too pleased with the mess we let them. Catch up with me at the docks if you like."
After leaving the apartment Shepard located the C-Sec officer and presented in the schematics of the geth jamming towers. Hopefully with these they would be able to help protect the Citadel a lot more when the Reapers arrived or zooming past.
Shepard then made his way down to the cafe where he was meeting Ashley. The cafe had a nice view of the docks and they watched the ships began parking at the docking area.
"This is a nice spot, Ash," he said as he sat down next to her.
She smiled at him. "Yeah. All the shuttles zipping around reminds me of when my Dad would get ready to ship out." She smiled at the memory. "My Mum would bundle us up, buy us ice cream, and cart us off to the shipyards to watch his transport apart." She watched as an Alliance freighter flew past them and laughed. "I still have to resist waving every time a big Alliance ship flies by."
"You should bring Sarah up here," Shepard advised.
"I will. When she's ready," Ashley nodded. "She'll like the quiet. She wasn't the loud tomboy crashing around like I was."
"Sounds like you were a handful," Shepard smiled.
"Maybe," she smiled. "My Dad got me. Shame you never met him. He would have like you."
"You think so?" Shepard asked.
"Career military man?" Ashley shook her head as she got up and leaned against the balcony and Shepard joined her as they watched the traffic flyby. "Yeah. Yeah, he would have invited you over, cooked you something on the grill, and talk your ear off."
"Ever think about what life would've been right outside the Alliance?" Shepard asked curiously.
"Oh, sure. Try to rebel against the whole military family thing when I was growing up. When my Dad and I got into it, I'd threatened to run away with the next guy that came along."
"Really?" said Shepard slightly stunned.
"He laugh and say 'Good. I'll pack your damn bag yourself,'" she said impersonating her father. "That tended to deflate me pretty quick. He knew I would never stray far away from the family. They're everything to me."
"That sounds great, Ash," he smiled and couldn't help but think how beautiful she was. "But right now, I can't focus on anything but you."
"Well now. Those big, powerful Citadel arms giving you ideas, Commander?" she asked seductively.
"Maybe," Shepard shrugged.
"Then maybe I have something to ask you," she said as she folded her arms.
"What?"
"Well…" She looked at him awkwardly unsure what to say. "We had something before… a long time ago. Something important. You see me at my worst. Totally embarrassing. You were there when my baby sister was suffering." She then looked at her feet slightly ashamed of herself. "I've… held a gun on you, Shepard. I'm just saying…" She then looked back up at him. "We've been through a lot. I have to know: Are we… going anywhere?"
Shepard had been very patient knowing that she needed some space especially after everything that happened during the coup. "I want more, Ash. I can't see myself with anyone else."
"That's good. I'd hate to have to punch out which ever table-dancing tart is throwing herself at you this time," she smirked.
And she accused him of ruining the romantic moment. "Such a romantic," he said rolling his eyes.
"You love it. Now get over here," she said as she pulled in closer towards him.
"Remind me."
"Yes, sir."
The two of them and embraced one another and kissing each other passionately. They hadn't kissed each other for three years and it was a relief from them both. As they melted away in each other's tight embrace all the problems in the galaxy seemed to melt away and brief moment they forgot that there was a war going on around them.
Shepard wanted to stay with Ashley a little longer, but the two of them had jobs to do while they were on the Citadel. To that end Shepard met up with a researcher and informed him that he recovered the obelisk he was looking for. The researcher was ecstatic and made his way to the Normandy docking bay.
Shepard then found that Tali was engaged with a turian and from the sounds of their conversation it looked like they were negotiating evacuation movements.
"Of course," said Tali. "We can have ships at the colony in thirty-six hours. You need medical support?"
The turian shook his head. "No. Evacuating the colony is more than enough. Thank you, Ambassador." He then left leaving a slightly bewildered Shepard.
Shepard stared at Tali. "Ambassador?"
Tali shrugged at him. "I'm coordinating actions for the fleet, while we're here. Evacuating colonies, bolstering turian defence lines…" She then stopped herself and looked around in the general area where they were. "Huh. I think it was right here. Three years ago to the day."
"What?" Shepard are slightly worried.
"This is where Saren's assassins fired at me. I'd just gotten to the Citadel. I didn't think I needed my barriers up. My mistake."
"Saren had assassins after you?" said Shepard shocked, he knew that he had bribed Fist, but they were just thugs not assassins.
"Right. I disabled the geth and found that recording that proved he was working with the Reapers. I went to Illium and trying to inform the authorities, but Saren's mercenaries attacked me. I barely escaped. I stowed away on a turian freighter and came out here. I thought I was safe."
"You never told me about this. How bad was it?" Shepard asked stunned.
"Got me in the arm," she said rubbing her arm as if the wound was still there. "The used polonium rounds. I was running a fever in minutes. It was the first time I'd been hurt my Pilgrimage. I ran to the Council Embassy, asked for protection, offered data on Saren. The turian clerk called me 'suit-rat.' He threatened to have me toss of the station if I didn't believe."
"I wish that clerk could see you now," said Shepard angrily.
"They just did. That was him, back there. I don't think he remembered me," she said bitterly.
"And you're sitting him in spite of that," said Shepard proudly.
"This was too big for old grudges. You showed me that. We're at peace with the geth. I can't waste my time on a turian who made me angry. Besides, it all worked out. I made it to the Wards. You found me. Happy ending."
"And now the turians will get the aid they desperately need."
Tali clinched her fist angrily. "I nearly remind him who I was. Make and apologise, rubbing his nose in it. Maybe he and I both needed to grow up a little."
"The difference is that you helped when it counted," Shepard reminded.
"Thanks, Shepard. So did you."
Before leaving Shepard ports a more visual his aquarium and some more ship models collection. He then handed over the message to the asari widow that he found in the monastery on one of the dead commandos she was broken up that she was great for that Shepard gave her the message.
Shepard then made his way down to the refugee camps to meet up with Zaeed, who was hanging around in the batarian camp.
"Wondered if you would show up, Shepard," said Zaeed as Shepard approached him. "Figured you'd be too busy recruiting goddamn armies for this war you're in charge of."
"I could always use more help," Shepard offered.
Zaeed nodded not at all surprised. "I'll bet. I've seen footage of what happened on Earth. Tell you what: I'll see you some old contacts of mine are still around. Can't promise you anything, but if another them are still breathing… I can lend a hand."
"Who were those people you?" Shepard asked.
"Bunch of mercs from Omega. Signed on with them when I heard they were making a hit on Cerberus. Should've studied the job longer."
Shepard then made his way to Huerta Memorial Hospital and one of the first things he did was inform the asari console that he had located the Rings of Alune. She said she would be able to use it to get people to support their local hospitals.
Shepard then walked up to Dr. Silon and gave him the treatment plans he found on the chemical plant. He said it was experimental, but at this point they had nothing to lose and certainly will use it as a trial run.
Shepard then found Jacob at the reception desk no doubt get more medical supplies for those on the Crucible.
"Hey, Shepard. I'm glad to see you," he said cheerfully as Shepard approached him. "I know things are crazy right now."
Shepard nodded. "Exactly. So you have to take the moment when you can."
Jacob then guided him to a few empty seats in the reception desk. "What's going on with the Crucible?" Shepard asked as he sat down.
"That project is crazy, freaking huge. And all the brilliant minds are working night and day trying to figure it out. I wish you could see them, heads down, piecing it together. It's something to see. We'll get the Crucible built, Shepard—and then we'll win this thing," he said clutching his fist in a victorious manner. "I feel it. Do you feel it?"
"Yeah, sure. I feel it," Shepard nodded. "And I'm counting on you and everyone there. Get it done."
"Believe it."
"It was interesting to meet Brynn. How is she?"
Jacob smiled. "She's great, actually. It's good to see her work without the distraction of having to worry about the colony."
"And you and her?" Shepard pressed on.
Jacob then looked at Shepard awkwardly. "We're… we're having a baby, Shepard."
Shepard sat up at once. "Wow. Congratulations."
Jacob smiled. "Wasn't exactly planned, but… I'm looking forward to it. I'm gonna be a better father than mine was. Do the whole thing right. It's…"
Shepard then shook hands with Jacob to congratulate him. "One more thing to fight for," he finished.
"You got that right. Brynn wants to name it after you."
Shepard blinked. "Really?"
"Yeah. 'Shepard.'"
"That's… nice," said Shepard awkwardly.
"Yeah, I'm gonna to talk her out of it. No offence."
"Heh. None taken," Shepard laughed feeling a bit more relieved.
"Good."
"So, what's going on with you? You still like what you're doing?" Shepard asked hoping to change the subject.
"Things are good. I'm good."
"Still not tended to come back to the Normandy?" Shepard asked.
Jacob laughed. "Always tempted, Shepard… but no."
"So, you working on the Crucible?"
Jacob laughed again. "Ha! Don't get me wrong: I'm smart—but I'm not that smart. Hackett keeps me busy, though."
"How's he doing?"
"Holding up. If they make old guys any tougher than that, I'd like to see it."
Shepard then got back to his feet. "I'm glad we got time to talk."
"Me too," said Jacob following Shepard lead. "Gotta take the moments when you can. So true. And Shepard, thanks again for getting my people out alive."
"Take care, Jacob."
"You too, Shepard. I'm thinking about you out there. Stay safe."