Commander John Shepard

The Normandy and her crew had remained at the Citadel to aid in the reconstruction efforts, but we wouldn't, couldn't, be staying for long. We were still getting reports of Geth poking around our space that needed to be wiped out. And we still had a funeral to attend. I had provided a full report of both Illos and our encounter with Saren, including the recordings from our suit cams, to both the Council and the Alliance. As for the Citadel itself, bits of Sovereign were everywhere. Just absolutely everywhere, and that's ignoring the structural damage suffered by gunfire rather than exploding ships. Geth, Reaper, or Council races. I'm mostly glad that Mom's ship wasn't among the wreckage.

Hackett had some other information come to him that was quite interesting. The task force I'd later be leading against Cerberus had already found, and followed up on strange leads. A listening post in Alliance space had gone silent, and thanks to sightings of a Cerberus ship, they investigated, and found Rachni. When I first heard that nugget of information, I thought the Queen had betrayed me. But, later in the investigation, it was confirmed that the ship containing those Rachni had left before I arrived on Noveria. Anyways, they brought the listening post back online, located a distress call in a neighboring system from another Alliance team, one watching for Geth and pirates, and found more Rachni. They had even made a nest in a mine. The team took casualties, but rescued the remainder of the Alliance team, and learned that an automated supply ship had snuck the Rachni off. They followed its trail to an idle, inert transport ship, expectedly, overrun with the bugs. Armed with flamethrowers and riot shields, they cleared the ship out, and learned that Cerberus had purchased them from Binary Helix to use as soldiers. Obviously, it went wrong. It may be a dead end, for now, but we're learning more and more about them.

Now, we were en-route to Sirona. Ashley's home world. Where her dad is buried, where her family lives. At this point, it may go without saying that they were willing to invite the ground team, and myself. It would be a small service, but still that of a soldier. I'd be in my dress blues, as would Kaidan, Garrus had picked up his old formal attire, Liara didn't own anything more formal than dresses that are ill suited to funerals, but one of the ship crew had lended Liara her own dress blues. Tali obviously couldn't wear anything formal over her suit, but I had checked with the William's family, it would be alright. One of the reasons it was such a concern, was that Kaidan, Garrus, Liara, Tali, and myself would be carrying the casket from the Church and to its final resting place, right by her father. The only closer spot to him was reserved for her mother. Wrex was also helping move the casket. In his armor. I was afraid that must be an issue, but Wrex explained, to both myself, and Ashley's mother, that when a Krogan wears armor to the funeral of a comrade, which they rarely hold such ceremonies anyway, it means they're honoring the dead. An honor guard, of sorts.

Once the casket is placed, the priest would speak, he would finish, and then I'd fold up the flag, and present it to Ashley's mother. I don't believe I'd be giving a speech, or anyone, for that matter. But that of course doesn't mean I, and likely a few others, would still take the time to speak with her family. It wouldn't be fun, but… well, it's something that we have to do. At least our victory proves she didn't die in vain.

Commander John Shepard

"It's not right that it's empty…" Kaidan muttered. "I mean, I know there's not a body left to recover, but, still… It just feels wrong, an empty casket." The casket was a light brown, stained wood, currently draped in the Alliance's flag. Some Marines from Earth opt to have the flag of their birth country on it instead, or the Colonial ones, the Colonial flag. But Ashley? Her and her family give everything to the Alliance. It makes sense she'd want this.

"Yeah. Feels like there needs to be… something in there," I answered quietly. A side door opened, one of the Alliance soldiers here for the funeral stepped into the church. It wasn't a large one. Just a small and humble church for a relatively small town on one of the Alliance colonies.

"It's time." I nodded, and together, Kaidan and I took the front, Garrus and Liara the middle, Tali and Wrex, the back. We lifted the casket onto our respective shoulders, though Wrex held it a bit lower, so that the smaller of us, Tali and Liara, would still be carrying it. The soldier opened the main church doors for us. Noise greeted our ears on this sad, sunny day, in this green field lined with tombstones. The noise, was from a bagpipe, soon joined by others, and small drums. Amazing Grace. I think Ashley would be happy to have this be one of Earth's military traditions that the Alliance obliged her with. We followed the path that had been mapped out for us quietly, stoically. Garrus, Kaidan, and I were military. We were disciplined to be at least relatively stone faced for this. Wrex was just Krogan. Liara and Tali tried, but Liara didn't have the benefit of the mask. For me? It helped to just hum, very quietly, of course, along to the song. I may not have all the words memorized, but it's rhythm is rather iconic, and easy to follow. How sweet the sound…

We were coming up to her final resting place. Her family, and a few friends waited, standing a few feet in front of the grave. The priest stood besides, opposite of where we'd be coming from. While the Alliance procession, the bagpipes and drummers, stood just behind the grave. Black dresses and gowns, black suits and ties. We reached the first of the riflemen holding older rifles in their arms. Made of wood and metal, still firing old fashioned bullets, not mass accelerator rounds. There were three on each side, and at the end, each would ready their rifle, and fire three shots each into the air. I looked back at the family. The mother was crying, as was the youngest sister, Sarah. Abby and Lynn were holding it together. At least, on the outside. We reached the end of the march and lowered the casket in place. Once the priest finished, the casket would automatically be lowered into the ground. As we stood back at attention, Amazing Grace came to its close. After a brief pause, the priest, an older man, began.

"We are gathered here today…" I couldn't help but trail off. Not away from the funeral, of course not, but to my own thoughts. About her, about this. If I had told her when we first met that a Turian, Quarian, Asari, and Krogan would be helping carry the casket at her funeral, she'd probably have felt insulted. Or just thought I was making some really bad joke. Of course, I still remember how she acted around the non-humans at first. But that's not important anymore. She came around, she saw things differently. She became friends with them. She grew as a person. That's what's important. Then she gave her life for the mission. Gave her life for the Galaxy. I'm proud to have called her a part of my crew. A friend.

"We can take solace knowing she has found her peace." the Priest ended. That was my cue. Kaidan helped me lift the flag off the casket and fold it. Once finished, I took it, Kaidan saluted, and I stepped towards Ashley's mother. With tears lessening, she accepted the flag. My left hand moved to the top of the flag, and her hand, to gently pat it, my own silent condolences until we could speak later. She understood, took the flag, and held it close. I returned to position, and attention.

"Present, arms!" One of the marines shouted. They turned, readied their rifles, aimed them skyward. Three sets of shots rang out. The marines returned their rifles to their shoulder. The casket began to descend. We stood, waiting, until the casket was fully lowered. The soldiers began to take their leave, remaining in formation.

"Hard to believe she's really dead," Kaidan murmured.

"Were it so easy…" I whispered back.

Commander John Shepard

We had spent the last two weeks following scout reports on Geth both within our borders, and right against them, still just barely in the Terminus. Most of our time was being spent in the traverse, however. So far, that was the one and only order, a standing order, from the Council. Understandably, this task was also taking priority in the Alliance as well. It is their own borders after all. Though I can't shake the feeling that my squad and I are just turning into overkill against them. There's fewer and fewer outposts, and they're becoming less and less defended. I suppose it helped that I have still been in contact with the task force going after Cerberus. They were searching, but it seems the organization was laying low.

Parliament had accepted Anderson's appointment to the Council, though a small faction had advocated for Udina to take his place. I think my recommendation and description of him however, discredited him. Parliament was mostly just trying to write up just how a Human Councilor would have Authority over the Council. Each race seems to do it differently. For the Asari, all she does is represent the will of her people and further their interests. She hardly influences her own government more than having her own opinions be valued. Whoever holds the Salarian's seat is also the head of one of their political parties, but for the Turians, whoever holds their seat works closely with the Primarch. In the Hierarchy, while the Primarch holds more Authority, the Councilor isn't that far behind. Still, as is obvious, each race's government has to follow the same rules and laws set by the Council as a whole.

As for Anderson himself, he was, at the moment, focusing on aiding reconstruction of the Citadel and Colonies that had been attacked during the Campaign against Saren. But he was also advocating for the Alliance to make up for the losses sustained by the fifth Fleet, something Hackett and other Military leaders were readily accepting, and there were also the additional ships that would be required to add to the Council fleets.

He had also told me personally that he planned to push hard for the construction of more ships for our navy, and a strong recruitment drive. He thinks they can use our victory against the Geth to inspire more to take up arms. Finally, he also explained that soon, he would start talking to the other Councilors about Humanity's place in the treaty of Farixen, which limits the number of Dreadnoughts the races can all maintain. The limits are all relative to the Turians, as the hierarchy is generally seen as Galactic peacekeepers, and the largest contributors to the Citadel defense fleet, for every five Dreadnaughts they construct, the other races with a seat are entitled to three. Obviously, that's the Asari, Salarians, and now us. Meanwhile, the other races, for every five Dreadnaughts the Turians have, are entitled to a single Dreadnaught. This includes every Council race, the ones that hold an embassy on the Citadel. They are required to sign for their place. This means that the Batarians and Quarians are not bound by the treaty. The Batarians by choice, the Quarians, a technicality as they were forced off the Citadel. The Krogan technically aren't bound by the treaty either, but they're already not allowed a navy, and don't even have the means to support one either.

Anderson wants to debate that, as the treaty was established before Humanity was on the Galactic stage, and like the Turians, we are a relatively militaristic society. Not as devout in it as the Turians, but certainly more so than the other Council races. He wants Humanity to hold the same place in the treaty as the Turians, and he believes that both contributing plenty of ships to the defense fleet, as well as the actions of both myself and the Alliance, especially during the battle of the Citadel, will help his case. He doesn't expect it to happen anytime soon, but he thinks he can make progress.

As for the crew, the day after the wake we held for Ashley after the funeral, Wrex announced that he was going back to Tuchanka. To try again. I offered for us to bring him there ourselves but turned out he already had arranged transport. I remember we clasped one another's forearms as he was leaving, wishing for me to hunt well. I had that Krogan's respect, and he had mine. He somewhat grudgingly accepted a hug from Tali, and even ruffled her… helmet? Hood? Telling her to remember what he taught her. And I was pleasantly surprised to see Garrus and Wrex also clasp forearms like Wrex and I did. Showing mutual respect between the two.

I had asked for Hackett to start looking around for some potential additions to the ground team. I was running low after all. At least Garrus, Tali, and Liara were staying around for now. Though Tali may well be taking her leave sooner rather than later. I may have been dreading the day. I suppose it just means that it's a good thing I haven't done much thinking about feelings. It would just make it that much worse. I sighed, rubbing my face as I sat in my quarters. I was armored, the others were armored as well, but not waiting in the Mako, or even the cargo bay. Not just yet. There should be a Geth outpost in this system, we were just looking for it. Maybe I should go up and see what-

The ship rocked violently.

Tali' Zorah

I need to go back to the Fleet soon. But I don't want to leave. I don't want to leave Shepard. I can't tell him, I need to let go, but I can't leave either. It's like I'm paralyzed with indecision. Maybe I should just follow the advice Ashley gave me, see what happens. But I can't not return to the Fleet either. I just can't abandon my people. I was waiting in the cargo bay for word on a mission, and, so, I pulled out the shotgun Shepard had given me. Something to remember him by…

I'll just think about it more later.

The same Ancestors damn thing I've been telling myself for two weeks.

The ship rocked violently, and alarms blared.

"What was that?!" I exclaimed.

"All crew, brace for impact! We are engaged with an unidentified vessel!" one of the ensigns in the crew spoke out on the intercom. Garrus, Kaidan, Liara and I ran to one of the grips attached to the sides of the elevator, stumbling as the ship rocked again. And then again. The others secured their helmets in case there was a hull breach. We were hit yet again just as Liara sealed hers and grabbed hold again. A hole appeared in the side of the cargo bay, but fortunately, on the opposite side. Our backs were to a wall, and the breach was on the other side of the elevator. Emergency systems quickly engaged to cut off the breach with weak kinetic barriers.

"I'm going to find Shepard!" I told the others. Already letting go to get to the elevator.

"Don't worry about him, he'll be fine," Garrus reassured.

"I don't care, I'm going," I shouted back, the elevator closing and going up. The alarms were still blaring. The elevator soon stopped, showing the crew level. There was smoke, and everything was lit by crimson emergency lights. I heard an explosion, and a scream. I heard fire. The way around left was blocked by debris, so I ran right, heading towards the sleeper pods. I saw Shepard trying to work a console, fixing wires and cables. Fully armored, and with his helmet on. Sealed. Good.

"Fire suppressions shot to hell. Trying to find some sort of workaround," Shepard called out through comms. The ship rocked yet again.

"Shepard, what's going on?" I questioned, grabbing hold of my pod.

"Don't know much more than you, but they detected us through our stealth drive," he revealed. "I already launched a distress beacon. All hands, abandon ship! I repeat, abandon ship!"

"No! I am not leaving my baby!" Joker exclaimed.

"Damnit, Joker, that's an order!" There wasn't a response. "Shit. Tali, go get to an escape pod. I'll get Joker, and then I'll join you all."

"I'm going with you," I persisted.

"Tali, I'll be fine," he reassured.

"I won't leave you…" I was on the brink of tears. He wrapped me in a hug.

"Tali, I promise you, I will be just fine. I just need to get Joker's bony little ass out of here. No one left behind," he whispered. He squeezed. I took a deep breath.

"Ok… Ok. I'll get to a pod."

"Thank you." I turned, glancing back, as he fiddled with a few more wires. I ran to follow the others to some of the escape pods on this deck. There, Chakwas. I climbed into the pod, the last one in. It was full now, and we launched. The Normandy was burning. The most advanced ship I had ever seen, going up in flames. And the ship destroying it? Massive. Seemed to use rocks as part of its armor. But I couldn't get a good look at it. Nor was I really trying. I saw other pods disengage, and we linked comms.

"Come on, Tali. Tell me you got out of there," Kaidan spoke, trying to find me.

"I'm here. In a pod with Dr. Chakwas. Shepard's going to get Joker, and then use the pod at the bridge," I explained.

"Good to hear. Garrus, Liara, Adams, and I are safe and sound." Kaidan informed. Good, that's good. Now, just to wait for Shepard…

"Come on… come on…" I murmured to myself. Oh no… the strange ship is turning around, and its main weapon, I assume, is starting to charge up. Glowing. It fired, impacting the ship by the bridge.

One more escape pod launched out.

"Shepard! Thank the Ancestors! Are you alright?"

There wasn't a response.

"Shepard! Please!"

"Is anyone there?" Oh no… no, no,

"We… we got separated by that last beam. I was in the pod, waiting for him, but… he launched it. He's still on board."

"Turn this thing around! We have to-"

The Normandy exploded.

"No! No! Keelah! He could still be out there! His suit was sealed, he could still be alive! We have to find him," I urged, banging against the viewport.

"I'll search for a signal. Matthews, pilot this shuttle around," Chakwas stated. Come on, come on, come on!

"Crew…" Shepard spoke quietly into the comms. Breathing slowly. "That last blast knocked me drifting and uh… I hit my head. Really dizzy right now… And uh… might have broken my air supply. I'm running on fumes here. Planets getting real close. I-"

"Shepard no! Just hold on a little longer! Please! We're coming! Where are you!" I demanded.

"Tali? Heh… I don't have that time. And uh… I just want you to know that… uh…" his words were being spaced a lot. "I…"

It went silent. I fell to my knees. Shepard was gone.

Tali' Zorah

A relatively large assembly of people were gathered in the large room. This was Arcturus station. A military and political core of the Alliance. We were all here to say our goodbyes. I was broken. I was barely eating. Barely drinking. He was gone. He'd be alive if Joker hadn't tried to stay. A sentiment the pilot clearly feels, given he's only left the bar when Chakwas had to drag him out. I don't even know if I think Joker deserves to feel that way. Most Quarians would hold the same kind of commitments to their ship, and that should be respected.

But on the other hand, if not for that commitment, the man I have-had… feelings for is gone. And everyone's feeling it. Garrus is getting angry again. He lost a lot of friends when the Citadel was attacked, and now Shepard. Liara is getting quiet again, keeping to herself again. Honestly, I'm doing the same. Kaidan just seems… lost. Wrex couldn't make it, unable to leave his clan after just returning to it and reclaiming his position, but he had sent a message. Condolences, and the desire that if we ever find out who was responsible, we let him know. It seems we're all splitting up, going our separate ways after this. Shepard would find that sad, and that makes me feel even worse.

Anderson, despite being a Councilor now, had arrived a day after we had. The man was heartbroken. But I remember that when he came to see us, he hugged me, said he was sorry, and that I meant a lot to Shepard. I suppose I'll never know if it was the same way between us. Shepard's mother was already here when we arrived, as she was stationed in the Fifth Fleet around Arcturus anyway. We hadn't spoken to her yet. What could we say? What could I say? I just looked down at the floor and bottled it all up. After this, I need to return to my people, I can't let myself be a waste by allowing myself to feel this. I looked back up, just feeling… numb. Dead. I looked around at the large crowd. Soldiers, Alliance personnel. All these people admired him. I wonder what he'd think of knowing so many came to say farewell. No, stop it, Tali. You must stop thinking like this or you'll be a burden to the fleet.

Another empty casket rested on this raised platform. His crew, his friends, were allowed up on the platform to be close. The casket was wrapped in two flags. That of the Alliance, and a red, white, and blue flag, decorated with stars, representing the Earth country his parents were from. He was proud of both. The casket itself was on a conveyor belt, leading to an airlock. The casket would be gently released into the vacuum of space, an endless, undisturbed rest. Several ships orbiting Arcturus had their weapons pointed at the massive star, they would discharge their weapons into the star, much like the Marines at Ashley's funeral.

I heard a sniffle, looking to the side to see Shepard's mother, Hannah, wipe away another tear. Poor woman. First, she lost her husband, and now, her only child. I… damn it, I'm doing it again. I need to stop.

Admiral Hackett cleared his throat. He would be speaking first. Then Anderson, then Shepard's mother, and then, the casket would be released. I tuned out the Admiral's words. I couldn't allow myself to listen. No more tears, Tali. Father would demand you to be strong, to not cry, to not be so shaken up by the death of this… amazing man. Ancestors… why can't I stop?

A tear streaked down my face. And the floodgates opened.

I turned off my helmet's audio emulators, no one would hear me. And so long as I controlled my shaking, there wouldn't be any visual hints. This continued for what felt like years, until finally, struggling to remain strong, though not without tears of her own, Shepard's mother finished. A lone marine readied a brass instrument and blew into it. I did not pay attention to it. I couldn't. I just watched through tear-filled eyes as the casket entered the airlock, the atmosphere within decompressed, and it was allowed to drift out of the station. A large monitor showing the Alliance ships discharge three sets of three rounds. Straight to the sun. As soon as people began to leave, I hurried out myself, and went straight to my temporary quarters. I sobbed, curled up in my bed for a while longer. Once I had nothing left, I took several deep breaths, and made a call.

"Auntie Raan, I'm… I'm ready to come home."

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Alright! This is the end of ME1! The funeral stuff in both ends of the chapter I had researched for, while also did some "head canons" for how the Alliance handles them. After all, union of all nations earth side, but have all the authority space-side. So, plenty of influence from other nations. Hence bagpipes with amazing grace for Ashley, both because I just couldn't get that specifically out of my head, and it fits her as it's churchy. For Shepard, a bugle playing the same song they do in American soldier funerals. Also, yes, the conversation between Kaidan and Shepard at the very end of Ashley's funeral was a reference to the end of Halo 3. I regret nothing. As for next uploads, for ME2, there won't be one Friday, Monday, or the following Friday. I should be able to get a chapter out the Monday that follows that, but don't be too surprised if not. Don't worry though. ME2 is what I've really been waiting for. Anyways, hope you guys enjoyed, and I'll see y'all in "two years"