Chapter 36: Separate Ways
The top crew members of the Normandy gathered in the conference room. Shepard entered inside. "Thank you for coming. As most of you know, in the mission I was just on, it was revealed that the alpha relay of the Bahak system had to be destroyed in order to delay the Reaper invasion. At best we delayed the Reapers by months. But the cost was that of 300,000 Batarian lives. This action has enraged the Hegemony. They are out for blood. And the Alliance needs a scapegoat."
"What are you saying?" Miranda demanded.
"Very soon, the Alliance will call me back to Earth to answer for what I've done."
"Fuck that!" Jack roared. "You save their asses and they want to put you on trial? Fuck them. They want to come after us? Let them!"
"I like the way she thinks," Grunt said.
"While I wouldn't put it that way, I agree with Jack," Miranda said.
"This trial would not be in your favour, Shepard," Garrus stated. "They will want you to be the scapegoat for what happened in the Bahak system."
"I know," Shepard said.
"Then why are we discussing this?" Zaeed muttered. "We run."
"For how long? If I don't go to this trial, the Alliance will try to hunt me down. They will immediately declare that I was responsible for the destruction of the Bahak system and anyone associated with me will be arrested."
"Shepard's right," Jacob concurred. "The Alliance doesn't want a war with the Batarians and if Shepard skips out on the tribunal then he forfeits his only chance to defend himself."
"With the Reapers arrival, it would be wise not to antagonize one of the largest military powers in this galaxy," Thane concluded. "We need their help."
"What does the Order think of this?" Samara asked.
Shepard stared at the table and then looked up. "That is one of the reasons why I called you all in here." A holographic image appeared over the table. It displayed the view from outside the ship. "We are currently in the Armstrong Cluster, just entering the Hydra system. About two years ago, the Heretic Geth had a foothold in this cluster. Officially the Alliance declared that this was the staging ground for an invasion, but that was not why they had a foothold in this system. Legion..."
"The outposts that the Heretics deployed in this system were not for staging an invasion," Legion continued. "The purpose of the outposts in this system was for observation and patrol."
"Observing what?" Kasumi asked.
"Artician activity," Legion answered. "During the last extinction cycle, the Old Machines sent a scouting fleet through a wormhole that developed in the Armstrong Cluster. The Old Machines prefer order in their designs and any factors that can influence their plans cause them concern, even if they do not admit it. When they entered the parallel universe, they saw that it was teaming with life. Since this reality was connected this is reality, this meant that it was within their plans, and this was outside their design. The fleet proceeded to attack the Rak'en homeworld but was repelled by the Artician fleet. Destroying all but one Old Machine: Nazara, or as you would call it, Sovereign. This was the first time the Old Machines were defeated in a fight. To ensure that the Articians would not surprise them during this extinction cycle, they called upon the Heretics to patrol this cluster."
"We have come to this system, because the Guardians are coming through. We are rendezvousing with the fleet right now. From there each of us will decide what to do next and to consult the Order on the current situation. The Normandy will also receive a retrofit to be up-to-date with our fleet and the crew will be trained in using the new technology."
"Commander, they are coming through," EDI announced.
"Watch," Shepard said.
The crew stared at the holographic image of the area of space. It was a few seconds before a cruiser-class ship came through a tear in space.
"Now that's a ship," Zaeed commented. "By the looks of it, that bastard alone could take on a squadron."
More ships came in from behind. More cruisers and frigates. They kept coming through while the ships in the front rushed to give room for the fleet. The crew stared intently at the growing fleet. It went on for several minutes as dozens upon dozens of ships appeared through the wormhole. Soon the flow started to slow down with hundreds and hundreds of ships in the area.
"Nice Fleet, Commander," Jack muttered. "Could do some real damage with it."
"These are just the frigates and cruisers," Shepard said. He pointed at the wormhole. "Look."
A large object started coming through. It took about half a minute, but the ship emerged. It was very large. Roughly twice the size of the Ascension.
"My god," Miranda gasped. "What is that?"
"A Guardian dreadnaught. It is equipped with every type of weapon in our arsenal. Anti-matter torpedoes. Magnetic-hydrodynamic weapons. Particle lasers. They are even equipped with our experimental Pillar of Light weapon."
"Sounds fancy," Kasumi joked. "What does it do?"
"Think of it as a large scale particle laser cannon. The dreadnaught moves into orbit above the target on the planet surface. The bottom of the ship opens with a large dish underneath. The weapons charges up and fires a beam downwards at the target. This weapon has the power of a thermonuclear weapon, but with more control over what is destroyed."
"How is that even possible?" Jacob asked.
"Instead of using force to destroy, the beam basically cooks the area of impact. Anything in the beam's path will warm up the temperature of the center of a sun. It will destroy basically anything, but the weapon has to be careful or they will drill a large hole through the ground. The weapon is actually just a large scale drilling unit my race used to drill mines."
The dreadnaught was followed by another dreadnaught. And then another. After several minutes passed, 10 dreadnaughts were stationed around the wormhole.
"10 dreadnaughts, 754 frigates, 556 cruisers, 3426 fighters and interceptors, and 1 mobile station," Shepard counted.
"Smart to have mobile station," Mordin noted. "Able to have a base in this galaxy to coordinate fleet outside own galaxy. Unable to locate it."
"She's the last one to come through."
Just after stating the fact, one final object started coming through the wormhole. Everyone around the table leaned forward to get a closer look. The objected started taking shape, revealing the center-structure it to be a cone-shaped. Underneath the lip of the curved top were propulsion jets that propelled the station forward. The station fully emerged from the wormhole. At the bottom of it was a smaller disc. The top large disc and bottom disc were connected with the center structure and five walled sections on the outer side of the discs. Jacob thought the mobile station's shape reminded him of an old lobster cage.
The station was enormous. Twice the size of Arcturus station. The crew couldn't get over how alien and large the station was.
"This is our mobile station," Shepard declared. "The Charybdis. Joker, I want you to take us in. Approach the Mobile Station Charybdis. Use authorization code 523-Treyo-Nak'ka-Zun. They'll let you in."
"Aye, aye, Commander," Joker replied over the ships PA.
VVVVVV
The Normandy approached the docks of the Charybdis. The outer rim of the dock lit up notifying Joker where to fly. The Normandy drifted inside and slowed to a stop. The cradle lowered down and connected to the ship's airlock. Several other support structures opened up and connected around the ship.
After several minutes, the airlock opened and Shepard's crew entered inside the station. The all looked around the advance station as they followed Shepard out of the dockyard. As they entered the entrance hall from the dock, the area was filled with many aliens of different races.
"Wow," Kasumi said out loud, stating what everyone was thinking.
The people in the hall looked over and saw Shepard. They stopped what they were doing and immediately went into a military stance and saluted Commander Shepard.
"At ease," Shepard said to the room.
They all went back to work going back and forth moving gear and equipment, and readying the Normandy retrofit.
"This is overwhelming," Miranda said. "This technology is amazing and seeing these new races..."
"Agreed," Mordin said. "Shepard, might I be able to speak with some of your scientists?"
"Of course," he said.
In the corner of her eye, Miranda saw something move by quickly. She turned and saw an insectoid alien stacking crates next to the dockyard. Miranda's eyes widen. "C-Commander, is that a... Rachni?"
"Yes." Shepard whistled to get the Rachni's attention.
The Rachni turned and saw Shepard. It bowed before him, let out a roar and then went back to work.
"These were the race that my people beat into extinction?" Grunt thought out loud.
"Yes, they were."
"How do you have Rachni here?" Miranda inquired. "The only Rachni I've heard of were the clones Cerberus had in their possession. The Queen on Noveria was killed."
"Actually the Council covered up what really happened on Noveria."
"Which was?"
"I let the Queen go."
"Big risk to take," Mordin mentioned. "Past with Rachni was... problematic. Would've handed her over to the Council."
"Well, the Queen was thankful for my mercy and declared her support for the Reaper war. Tali, Garrus and I ran into her representative, an Asari, on Illium who told us as much. I directed her to one of my operatives so we could get a conversation going between my people's government and the Rachni."
"Commander?" a voice called out.
Shepard turned around and saw a pair of Praetorins rolled a table with a body on top.
"We have Xiltro's new body ready."
Green electricity jumped from Shepard's omni-tool and leaped into the new body. The body looked greatly different from Xiltro's original body. Since Xiltro was a construct agent, he needed to be convincing to blend into society. He had to look like he was in his later middle age in order to be convincing that he had years upon years of experience.
Xiltro sat up on the table and stretched. Cracks came from his joints. "It feels good to have a body." He jumped off of the table. Xiltro looked to Miranda. "I'm hoping you're not going to shoot me in the neck again."
"Not planning to," she replied.
"Good." Xiltro looked back to Shepard. "Commander, the Ministers are going to want to speak to you right away."
"You're right," Shepard said. "They are not going to be happy about current events."
"Commander, we can take everyone to the places they want to be on the station," one of the Praetorins said. "You can find them after your meeting."
"Thank you. Garrus, Tali, Xiltro. Please come with me."
VVVVVV
"This is an outrage!" the Praetorin Minister yelled.
Shepard, Tali, Garrus and Xiltro stood in a small dark room. Holographic projectors gave shape to the Ministers. The projectors were far more solid than what the Council used. The Ministers only recently read through Shepard's report about what happened in the Bahak system. Their outrage was not over Shepard's actions. It was over the Alliance's actions.
"After all you have done for this galaxy and now they want to put your through a military tribunal? You had no other choice but to destroy that relay to hinder the Reaper's arrival. For all intents and purposes, you saved billions through your actions."
"The Batarians won't see it that way, and the Alliance doesn't want a war with the Batarians. Admiral Hackett said he will try to delay the Alliance, but they are going to call for me to come to Earth and explain my actions. I've read some Intel on the Alliance from the Shadow Broker base. They wanted to take me in since I came back to life. Hackett and Anderson were the only ones who've been holding them back. After the events of Bahak, even they can't stop the Alliance. The Brass will came me in. If I don't go in, they will declare me an enemy of Humanity and blame everything that happened in Bahak on me: An 'Alliance traitor' and 'Cerberus operative.' After that our chances of gaining support in the Reaper war will be reduced to nothing."
The Ministers were quiet. They processed Shepard's words.
"You speak truthfully," the Tia'Zu Minister admitted.
"But we still don't like the idea of throwing you to the dogs," the Exion Minister added. "This trial is a farce."
"You could reveal yourselves," Garrus suggested.
"If we reveal ourselves now, when the Alliance thinks Shepard destroyed a system needlessly, the Alliance might believe that Shepard was ordered by our galaxy to do so to set the stage for a large scale invasion by us," Xiltro explained. "Going to this tribunal is our last chance to get them to see reason. Which is why I would like to request to join Shepard on Earth as a witness. I would be able to provide the evidence Shepard needs to increase his chances of convincing the Alliance of the Reapers' existence and his own competence."
"Shepard, what do you think?" the Rasitian Minister asked.
"I agree with him. Might be able to convince. Of course this will be our last chance."
"And then we would have no choice but to reveal ourselves. This galaxy has dithered for far too long."
VVVVVV
Shepard entered the medical ward. He approached the desk and asked the receptionist, "Has the procedure ended?"
The Rasitian nodded with a smile. "The procedure was successful and he's currently in room 102 recovering. He requested a room with a view."
"Thank you." Shepard walked towards the room she mentioned. He gave the door a light knock.
"Come in."
Shepard inside and saw Thane standing next to the window staring outwards at the rest of the station. The fleet was visible from the window. Shepard walked up next to him.
"It is quite a sight," Shepard said.
"Indeed. Even the Citadel doesn't compare to this view."
"How are you feeling?"
"Chest is a little sore, but I've haven't been able to breathe like this in years."
"I'm glad we were able to help you with your Kepral Syndrome, Thane."
"It's interesting. Last several years I have been faced with the reality that I wasn't going to see the end of next year. Now... Now I have the chance to live a full life."
"You'll be able to be there for your son."
"Yes."
"So what are you going to do with your life now?"
"Before I was involved in the Reaper conflict, my life had little to no meaning. That has changed. I have some contacts that may be able to provide support in the war, but... it will require that I leave the Normandy."
"I understand. Though I suggest you be sure to rest up before heading out."
Thane chuckled. "Of course. I'm going to meet up with Kolyat first. Let him know our mission was a success and get him up to date about the current situation. Having someone inside of C-Sec may prove to be useful to your cause."
"Well, I wish you luck on your endeavors."
VVVVVV
Shepard entered inside the temple. The structure was not meant for religious services, but as a place for meditation, reflection, and to honour the ancestors of the various races of his galaxy. Artwork decorated the walls along with stands with sculptures of famous ancestors on top. There were about a dozen individuals meditating. Off to the side, Samara was in meditation. A ball of dark energy floats in front of her as she was in her trance. Shepard walked next to her and sat down.
"Shepard," she said. "I've actually wanted to speak with you for a while now."
Samara's tone was very neutral. It was difficult to discern if she was going to say something positive or negative.
"It's about Bahak, isn't it?"
"Yes."
Shepard bowed his head, sadly, preparing to hear her declaring how evil he is according to her code.
"You did the right thing."
Shepard looked up and was shocked to hear that from her.
"Contrary to what you may believe about the Code, it is not all black and white. I know you had no other choice but to destroy the Alpha Relay. I've known you long enough to know that you are pure of heart. I've asked around about your exploits before coming to our galaxy. I know that the Bahak situation wasn't the first time in your life you had to make a call of that magnitude. I just wanted you to know that you are innocent in the eyes of the Code." Samara looked around the temple. "This place is peaceful and beautiful. How long have these structures been part of your people's culture?"
"Thousands of years," Shepard replied. "These temples are meant to allow a person to reflect on themselves and current events. We also use these buildings to honour our ancestors."
"This place reminds me of the Temple of Justicars on Thessia. I'm sorry to tell you that I will be returning there soon. I have to notify the Justicar Order of the blight that has entered our galaxy."
"I understand."
"But know this... When the time comes. When you need the help of the Justicars... We will be there for you."
VVVVVV
Shepard was on his way to the shooting range. Zaeed was moving in his direction. "Zaeed."
"Commander," he said while nodding. "Just letting you know I'm heading out. Your... friends gave me quite a compensation for my services."
"Where are you going from here?"
"With the money your Order paid me, I'm starting a new merc band. I'm hoping it'll be ready for when the time comes to fight these Reaper bastards. The galaxy being destroy isn't good for business. Anyways, I doubt it would look too good to have an infamous mercenary in your company when you go to court on Earth."
Shepard held out his hand. "It's been an honour."
Zaeed grasped his hand and shook. "The honour is all mine." Zaeed continued towards the dock yard.
Shepard reached the shooting range and saw Grunt and Jack unleashing hell on their targets. The range used holographic targets, similar to Pinnacle Station. The targets were mostly Husks and, at the request of Jack, Cerberus agents. Jack looked back from the range and saw Shepard walking towards them.
"End simulation," Jack called out.
The holograms blinked out. Jack and Grunt put their guns away.
"I hope you two are enjoying yourselves," Shepard said.
"Hell yeah," Jack replied. "We haven't had a good fight since the assault on the Collector Base. And your Rak'en friends were kind enough to set up some Cerberus targets for us. That's always fun."
Shepard noticed that Jack had some fuzz on her head. "I just noticed," he said while waving his hand over his head. "Though you liked your haircut."
"I did, but I guess I thought it was time for a change. You're going around to see who's staying right?"
Shepard nodded.
"I'm staying," Grunt stated. "You're my Battlemaster and I doubt that I'll find a better fight back on Tuchanka."
"An organization whose purpose is destroying Cerberus?" Jack said. "Like hell I'm jumping the boat. I'm in."
"That's good," Shepard said. "You are both excellent warriors. And good friends. Which makes this hard to say, but... I'm going to have to ask that you both stay here while I go through the tribunal."
"What the fuck?" Jack yelled. "So we're supposed to just stay here while the Alliance put you through a trial?"
"It doesn't seem right to abandon you," Grunt added.
"I'm not just targeting you two, either," he said. "The only ones coming with me are Normandy crew such as Joker. I fear that if I take anyone of you with me, the Alliance will try to detain them. And Jack you do have a criminal record."
"They can try and detain me," Grunt growled while slamming his fists together.
"Is your Quarian girl staying here?" Jack asked.
"I haven't told her yet, but yes," Shepard answered.
"She's not going to be happy."
Shepard leaned against a wall and sigh loudly. "Oh yeah. She is likely to kill me. I just wanted to make it clear that this decision is to stop the Alliance from keeping you all detained, not because I would not stand by your side. I'm proud to fight alongside the two of you."
"Likewise, Shepard," Grunt concurred.
VVVVVV
The day felt like it was going on for a long time. Every squad member went all over the station, making it difficult to reach them. Close to half his day was gone just to speak with half his ground team. Shepard entered Administration where Jacob and Miranda were doing random jobs.
"You're just in time, Commander," Jacob said. "Miri and I are finishing things around here."
"You two have been keeping yourselves busy."
"Just a lot to do," Miranda said while placing the last stack of digital documents on a desk. "This place is amazing. The technology, the construction, and how it works."
"I wanted to speak to you two about your future," Shepard said.
"I figure you would come by eventually," Jacob said. He rubbed the back of his neck. "I received an offer from the Alliance to return. I thought you could use some inside the Alliance who knows how to fight Reapers. Teach other soldiers how to deal with Husks and whatever else the Reapers can throw at us."
"That's good thinking. It would be a big help for the Alliance."
"I'm glad you're okay with this. I was worried you would have felt betrayed, considering that the Alliance is going to put you."
"I'm not going to hold it against you, and I do agree with your reasoning." Shepard looked to Miranda who pulled out a document to review. "Miranda?"
"If you don't mind, I think I'll stay here," Miranda answered. "I think I would be able help the Guardians by providing valuable Intel on Cerberus and support. Now if you're wondering about who would be your second-in-command, Garrus will be staying."
"Speaking of Garrus, can you tell me where he is?"
"He's keeping an eye on the Normandy's retrofit."
VVVVVV
Shepard entered the shipyard and saw Garrus leaning against the railing as he watch the Exion workers below take the Normandy apart and replace her technologically inferior equipment with up-to-date technology.
"It appears her retrofit is well on its way," Shepard said while walking up next to him.
"Yeah," he said. "They sure do work tirelessly. I think they've been working three days straight now."
"Exions don't really need to sleep or breaks. They are greatly responsible for why we were able to build up a fleet this large in just twenty years."
Garrus was wearing his new armour set that the Guardians customized for him. The armour was mostly chrome coloured.
"I see that you got your new armour."
Garrus pushed himself away from the railing. He spread his arms to display his armour. "I'll admit that the Guardians know style. This armour is very nice and apparently can resist most kinetic and energy attacks according to the Exion engineers."
"Being a Guardian has its perks."
Garrus turned his attention back to the Normandy.
"They repainting it?" Garrus asked.
"Yup. The ship will be painted in Guardian design."
"Won't the Alliance question the design of the ship or try to repaint it with their own stripes?"
Shepard laughed. "They can try to repaint it, but EDI or Xiltro will stop them from getting, even, one paint bucket near the Normandy. And I'll just claim it's an independent ship design. Miranda told me she's staying at this station to give support to the Guardians against Cerberus. Meaning I need a new second-in-command. Interested?"
"Do you even need to ask me?"
"Right, there's something else..."
VVVVVV
Legion was speaking with several of the Exions. He was learning about their history. It was a "What If" scenario for what could have happened between them and the Quarians. Legion turned to face Shepard.
"Shepard-Commander. We have been inquiring about the history about the Exions. It was given us insight and perspective."
"Well I hope it does. Not all organics fear AIs. My people welcome the Exions as soon as they came into existence."
"Yes. And your two races worked together towards a future. One that has made both of your races stronger."
"Makes you wonder if the same could've happened between your people and the Quarians."
"A possible outcome. Another possible outcome was that it would incur the wrath of the galaxy races for their fear of AIs."
"Right."
"Speaking with the Exions has push our consensus in a new direction. We have come to the conclusion that not only is peace with the Creator race is possible. It is preferable."
"I'm glad to hear it. What do you plan to do about it?"
"We plan to return to Rannoch and spread this information with the rest of the collective. We believe they will also reach the same consensus. All you need to do is contact us and we will answer. Peace is possible."
Shepard held out his hand and shook Legion's hand. "Been an honour fighting by your side."
VVVVVV
Shepard's day was getting close to ending. He reached the second last location he needed to be. This time was the science lab. There Mordin worked tirelessly to learn all he could at the Guardian labs. Shepard has never seen him so enthusiastic.
"Professor," Shepard said as he entered the lab.
Mordin looked up from his desk. "Ah, Shepard. Good to see you."
"I see you're enjoying yourself."
"Yes. So much insight that your people offer. So much knowledge. Trying to take in as much as possible. Though off topic. You're here about where I'm heading to. Yes? Thought it over. The best place I can be is back on Sur'Kesh. With the research from Maleon along with the knowledge from this facility, I can cure the genophage."
"What changed your mind about the genophage?"
"You did. I've spoken to others around here. Learn about the effect the Cerberus glitch had on your people. Gave me a new perspective. Along with meeting Wrex. Very different from most Krogan. One of the outliers I've mentioned before. He can lead the Krogan down a path that we have hoped for. Wanted to thank you. For bringing me on this mission. For bringing me into this world. Never thought I would ever see anything like this. And now... Now I can be at peace with myself."
"You sure your government will be okay with this?"
"Won't let them know full on. Just that I'm back doing research. Have connections within STG who can help me in this endeavor."
"I'm going to miss having you on the team, Professor, but I know how important this is."
"Yes. Glad we could have this talk. I know you'll be victorious during the trial. Best of luck."
VVVVVV
The day finally comes to a close as Shepard makes it to his quarters where his Quarian lover waited. The room was simple 8x8 room with a bed and desk. The one wall was just one large window that viewed space. A cover could slide over the window in case of attack to prevent a stray blast from hitting the room. Tali stood next to the window staring outwards.
"Hey, love," he cooed.
Tali looked away from the window. She wore purple nightwear pants and shirt. She smiled brilliantly.
"I heard you had a long day," she said.
Shepard walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. He rested his head on her shoulder. Tali reached up and stroked his cheek. "Yeah. Everyone is going their own separate ways."
"I'll be staying here," she said.
"Along with Garrus, Jack and Grunt."
"It's a start of a team," she shrugged. Tali looked back out the window. "This place is amazing. Very well design and makes a great use of space."
Shepard kissed her on the cheek. Tali giggled and kissed him back.
"I-I sorry to say this, but I want you to stay here while I head to Earth."
"What?" she yelled while turning around, almost pushing him away. "Why?"
"I've already mentioned this to Jack, Grunt and Garrus. I fear that the Alliance will try to detain you all just for working with me, and I don't want that to happen. I want as few as people as possible for the Alliance to get their hands on."
"You're worried to Alliance will detain us?"
"I know they will."
Tali shook her head. "This- This doesn't seem right. You were there for me when I was on trial for treason. It only seems fair that I'm there for you when you're on trial for treason."
"In that situation we didn't have to worry about the Admiralty Board detaining our ship and imprisoning our crew."
Tali hung her head.
Shepard swayed with her. "Hey, hey, hey," he cooed. "Not even the Alliance will keep me from you. I promise you that."
Tali turned around in his arms. She smiled. "And you always keep your promises."
Shepard leaned forward and kissed her lips as the stars moved by the window. While the trial will be on Tali's mind, she will enjoy her time with him now, and will wait for him to come back. Always.
VVVVVV
I'm a Spectre without a mission. This was the prevalent thought in Ash's mind. When on Shepard's crew, they had missions lined up left and right. Every day was doing something to improve the state of the galaxy. Since she was granted Spectre status, she has yet to be given any mission to do, nor any leads to assist against the Reapers. Though it was still a great honour considering her family history. Her family was so proud to her that she was inducted into the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance.
All she has been given was who she would like to request to assist her in her missions. It didn't take her to long to pin down which soldier she would want to fight beside. Ash gave the name: James Vega. He used to be a part of her squad on Eden Prime but was reassigned to a new Rapid Response Base out in the Kepler Verge. The guy was a good soldier and excellent with an assault rifle and sniper rifle.
Ash's omni-tool beeped with a message. She looked at it and saw it was from Councilor Udina. Ash sighed in annoyance. She had no idea why Anderson resigned from his post, but as soon as he did the Alliance posted who they really wanted as the Councilor. The guy was an unbearable ass to deal with.
Agent Ashley Williams,
I request that you open a communication link with me immediately.
-Councilor Udina
Ashley got up from her bed and walked over to the holographic communicator. She opened the comm link to Udina. Just seeing him made her want to punch him in the face.
"Yes, Councilor," Ash said.
"We have a mission for you," Udina said. "Strictly confidential."
"And the mission, sir?"
"We need you bring in a rogue Spectre."
Ashley felt he stomach knot from those words. She knew who he was talking about, but was hesitant to ask. "Who is the Spectre?"
"Commander Shepard," he replied in annoyance. "I know you two have a history but I expect you to do your job."
"What is he being charged with?"
"It might be easier to say what he isn't being charge with, but... Association and conspiring with a known terrorist organization. Involvement in the destruction of several ships in the Terminus. Giving shelter to criminals. Conspiring against the Council. Criminal negligence. Theft. Murder. Killing a Spectre."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Ash interjected to stop his lines. "He killed another Spectre?"
"Yes. A Spectre named Vasir. We know Shepard was involved in her death and a building bombing on Illium. But the crime the Alliance wants to charge Shepard with in the destruction of the Bahak system."
"I'm sorry, sir, but did I hear that right? Destruction of a system?"
"Yes."
"Wait! Bahak. I heard about it in the news. You're saying Shepard is responsible? For destroying an entire star system."
"According to what we have. His actions have pissed off the Batarians. They want blood and we have to capture Shepard, put him before a military tribunal as fast as possible to avoid a war with them. He needs to pay for what he has done."
Ashley couldn't get over the idea of Shepard killing hundreds doesn't even come close to what he would ever do willingly. "Councilor, with all due respect, I know Shepard. He would never do this of his own free will."
"If he's innocent then he'll have no problem answering for what he has done in front of a military tribunal on Earth." There was a strong amount of sarcasm in his voice. "The Alliance will send him a message to come, but we find it unlikely he'll respond and come. When that happens, you need to hunt him down and take him in. Alive. We want to avoid a war with the Batarians and if Shepard is dead then we lose that chance. Are we clear."
"Yes... Councilor."
"Good." His holographic image blinked out.
Ashley felt stupefied. Around 300, 000 Batarians were killed when that system was destroyed. There's just no way Shepard would... Though... There was no way Shepard would join Cerberus. But what if what Xiltro said is true. That he wasn't working for them, but was trying to destroy them from the inside. Ashley punched the wall.
"Goddamn it, Commander. What are you doing?"