Chapter 14: Pending Meeting

The Citadel, crown jewel of galactic civilization, connected to a number of mass relays leading to various parts of the galaxy, made it the biggest hub of activity for all species under the Council's rule. The station, housing millions of people, one could find any type of personality, activities, cultural exchanges, lifestyles, etc. You could start your touring one of the wards and by the end of the day, you would not have traveled a quarter of that ward.

Today, three friends were making their way towards the Presidium for an important meeting with the Council. Usually, the three friends stayed together, side by side, but today, one of them stood slightly behind, observing their surroundings, leaving the other two to enjoy their talk.

"It's true, they were talking about fish in a very serious way," said Shepard.

"You know, now that I think about it, I never bothered to see if there were fish or not in the Presidium lake," wondered Tali.

"Well I hate to break to you but, unfortunately, there are no fish in the Presidium."

"Really? A few wouldn't harm anyone."

"At least we have some of them in the Normandy," commented Shepard.

"I know but, that's in your room, it's not for everyone to see."

"You're always welcome to it," said Shepard with a smile, with Tali responding in the same way and continued walking. After a few minutes, Tali noticed Garrus' absence in their conversations.

"You feeling okay, Garrus? You've been quiet this whole time."

"I'm fine. Nothing to worry about. I just noticed that certain people woke up with more spirits today and I have been wondering why," he sarcastically answered, almost sure of knowing the reason. Tali and Shepard looked at each other briefly.

"Oh, uh... came up with anything yet?" asked Shepard while moving his head slightly to the sides, as if saying don't spill it, which Garrus caught.

Took them long enough. "I have my theories, but I'll wait a little longer. Don't want to put some pressure on them," mocked Garrus.

"Ok... something I should know?" asked Tali, curious by the men's words.

"Just a little game Shepard and I been playing. You wouldn't like it," answered Garrus.

"Uh-huh."

"Come on, let's not leave Anderson waiting any longer," ordered Shepard who quickly began walking away. Tali gave a dubious look at Garrus before catching up with Shepard. Garrus shook his head, smiling, and quicken his pace.

"This meeting would be more productive if Udina was to join us," said Teevos, the asari Councilor.

"My advisor is unavailable. As Councilor, I represent the voice of humanity and the Alliance. Shepard will be here any-" was saying Anderson when the doors from his office opened. Surprised but expecting the person behind them made him smile as he saw Shepard, well and living, accompanied by familiar faces. "Commander. We were just talking about you," he said as neutral as possible, hiding his joy from the Council. Shepard equally smiled, extending his arm towards his old captain and friend.

"It's been a long time, Anderson. I hope the last couple of years have treated you right."

"There have been some rough spots," said Anderson in a somewhat slow deep tone. "It's good to have you back."

"It's quite a surprise seeing you here," said Sparatus, the turian Councilor.

"We've heard many rumors surrounding your unexpected return. Some of them are... unsettling," said Valern, the salarian Councilor.

"I'm aware of those rumors. I don't like them either but... they hold some truth to them," accepted Shepard.

"We called this meeting so you could explain your actions, Shepard," said Tevos, the Asari Councilor in her, usual calm tone. "We owe you that much. After all, you saved our lives in the battle against Saren and his geth."

After all these years they still... forget it. "Where would you like me to start?"

"The last thing we knew was that your ship was attacked by an unknown force and that you were declared KIA," said Sparatus, "But apparently that wasn't the case."

"You're correct Councilor, my ship was indeed attacked, and though I didn't exactly die I wasn't alive either."

"Could you elaborate more on that?" asked Tevos. Tali observed Shepard's face. He did not show any expression of pain or sadness but he knew that inside, talking about the attack on Normandy and his death was not an easy topic or something he would like to remember, even less to explain it to the Council, but the situation demanded it even if it was unpleasant.

"When the enemy attacked, I got spaced and my suit malfunction, depriving me of air, causing me to lose consciousness."

"A prolonged state without oxygen can lead to a quick death. How did you manage to survive?" asked Valern.

"Cerberus managed to recover me and put me in intensive care these two years, hence my absence. And before you ask I don't remember anything during those two years since I was in some kind of coma. So if you're wondering about Cerberus's whereabouts, there's nothing I can provide."

"So it's true you're working with them," said Sparatus.

"There's a reason for it. But to make things clear, I'm not working for them entirely. They're just funding my mission. Otherwise, I wouldn't be accompanied by my old friends as you can see," said Shepard as he stepped to the side, letting the Councilors get a clear view of Tali and Garrus, who nodded in good faith.

"Hmmm, yes, Cerberus isn't really fond of aliens as far as I remember," commented Valern. "What is this reason you speak of."

"The enemy that attacked my crew and ship? It was the Collectors. I'm sure you're aware of who they are."

"A species rarely seen throughout the Terminus Systems, according to our reports," said Tevos.

"Correct. The Collectors are abducting human colonies in the Terminus. Worse, we think they're working for the Reapers. My team and I already fought them once, back in the human colony of Horizon. I brought information regarding them," said Shepard, sharing the information through his omni-tool. "I was hoping you could lend some aid to the cause."

"The Terminus Systems are beyond our jurisdiction," Sparatus spoke first without much thought. "Your colonist knew this when they left Council Space."

"You're missing the important part, Councilor. The Reapers are involved," Anderson remarked.

"Ah, yes. Reapers," said Sparatus. "The immortal race of sentient starships allegedly waiting in dark space. We have dismissed that claim." Before Shepard could object, Anderson placed a hand on top of his shoulders.

"Shepard, no one else encountered the hologram on Ilos that told you the truth about the Reapers. Only you and your crew ever spoke with Sovereign. I believe you, but without evidence from another source, the others think Saren was behind the geth attacks." The last sentence was said only for both of them to hear.

"You really think Saren was capable of doing this alone? A single person, convincing a whole army of geth?" asked Shepard towards the Council.

"We know Saren was a compelling and charismatic individual. He could have found a way to convince the geth that the Reapers were real... just as he convinced you," said Tevos.

"It was part of his plan to attack the Citadel. The Reapers are just a myth. One you insist on perpetuating," added Sparatus.

"We believe that you believe it, but that doesn't make it true."

"Then head to Ilos and scan Vigil, the prothean AI," suggested Shepard. "There is also what's left of Sovereign. It's obvious the technology is more advanced than ours."

"The hologram on Ilos is no longer functional," said Valern. "And we have found nothing to suggest that Sovereign was not a geth creation."

"The geth are capable of remarkable technological achievements. This is probably why Saren recruited them," said Tevos.

"Tali, you know the geth more than anyone in this room. Could the geth have built something like Sovereign?" Shepard hoped that with Tali, as a quarian, her word would carry some weight in his favor.

"I-I admit that the geth are... capable of achieving technological advancements," she said nervously at first. "...but not on a large scale like Sovereign. My people have been studying them for a long time since our exile and we have noticed advances, but they are really improvements in their own systems, which is not so different from what we have done over the years. They would not classify as something new in itself," she explained and paused momentarily, letting her words sink in.

"Would Saren be capable of convincing the geth to work for him?" asked Anderson, not wanting the Council to quickly evade the facts.

"No. The geth would never listen or cooperate with an organic. Some of my people have tried and failed. Something else forced them to cooperate and leave the vale, and for that to happen it must have been something similar to them but with much more power."

"Which leaves the only option you all want to deny. Sovereign is a Reaper, which is capable of indoctrinating people and machines such as the geth, manipulating them to do their bindings. The Reapers are the ones who brought the Protheans to extinction and the same thing will happen to us if you keep cowering in fear of the truth," warned Shepard. The Councilors remained silent, except for one.

"Listen to yourself, this Reaper theory proves just how fragile your mental state is. You have been manipulated, by Cerberus and, before them, by Saren," said Sparatus, tipping the glass of water.

"I kept Saren from conquering the Citadel! I sacrificed human lives to save this Council! You accepted my findings before but because of fear, you're going to deny my words and credibility, again? If I knew this was going to happen maybe I should have left you to di-"

"We are in a difficult position, Shepard," interrupted Tevos before he could finish his sentence. "You are working for Cerberus..." Shepard gave a daring eye to the Councilors. "...an avowed enemy of the Council. This is treason, a capital offense."

"That's too far!" exclaimed Anderson. "Shepard is a hero. I'm on this Council, too, and I won't let this whitewash continue." Once again, the room remained in silence for a moment.

"Maybe there is a compromise," said Tevos in a calm manner. "Not a public acknowledgment, given your ties, but something to show peripheral support. Sparatus." The turian Councilor hesitated to speak.

"Shepard, if you keep a low profile and restrict your operations to the Terminus Systems, the Council is... willing to offer you reinstatement, as a Spectre," he said, almost like an order.

"Reinstatement?" asked Shepard, lifting an eyebrow. "Will I need to start filing reports?"

"That won't' be necessary. This is a show of good faith on our part," said Valern, knowing very well what Shepard was referring to.

"What about the human colonies?"

"As we stated before, we cannot become involved in an investigation regarding the missing colonies in the Terminus Systems," disclosed Tevos.

"But Spectre reinstatement shows our support of you personally," added Valern. Shepard sighed.

I guess that's all I can ask, he said to himself. "Then I accept your offer, Councilors."

"Good luck with your investigation, Shepard. We hope for a quick resolution... and a quick end to your relationship with Cerberus," said Tevos, ending the meeting. Their holographic image faded away.

"Well. That went better than I expected," said Anderon, letting his stress out.

"At least I got my Spectre status back and I'm free to roam around," said Shepard.

"You realize the Council's offer is just symbolic. They won't actually do anything."

"Well, they didn't offer help before so it won't be much different now. I just hope being with Cerberus won't cause problems, although surely there have already been."

"I'll try to keep them off your back. Shouldn't be too hard as long as you keep to the Terminus Systems."

"Ever since Shepard recruited us it's been the only sector we've been on along with the Attican Traverse," said Garrus joining the conversation.

"Vakarian, nice to see you're doing well. The same goes for you, Miss Zorah. Sorry I didn't acknowledge you both earlier."

"No need to apologize, Councilor. We knew the importance of the meeting," said Tali.

"Thank you for understanding. And please, just Anderson between us. No need to get all formal."

"Will try," agreed Tali. The doors to the office opened once again.

"Anderson, we need to talk about- Shepard!" exclaimed Udina, surprised, as if he was seeing a ghost along with unwanted guests. "What are you doing here?" he asked with clear annoyance.

"Suprised? I just stopped by to see how Anderson was doing," he answered with a smirk.

"You don't have to cover for me," said Anderson. "I invited Shepard here to speak with the Council. We just finished our meeting." Udina's eyes widened.

"You what? Councilor, do the words political shit-storm mean anything to you?"

"You know I don't deal in politics, Udina. But if it makes you feel better, the Council reinstated my Spectre status. They're just happy I'm staying out in the Terminus Systems." Udina placed a hand under his chin.

"Yes... I can see how that arrangement works best for both sides. But you really shouldn't have taken a step like this without consulting with me first, Councilor."

"I don't answer to you, Udina. Why don't you go to your office and think about that for a while," countered Anderson with a militaristic tone.

"Of course, Councilor," forcibly replied Udina. "Good day to both of you," he finished, leaving the premises.

"Sorry about that," apologized Anderson. "Udina's never gotten over the fact that I got the Council position instead of him. Sometimes I need to put him in his place."

"I never like him anyway. Political asshole," expressed Shepard.

"More like a bosh'tet," murmured Tali.

"With all due respect, sir, why keep him around?" asked Garrus.

"He's got his uses," said Anderson as he started walking towards the office balcony. Shepard and company followed behind. "And if you want something done on the Citadel, he knows who can make it happen. Plus, he's always happy to attend all those formal diplomatic functions I can't be bothered with," he finished explaining, leaning on the balcony border.

"How have the last couple of years treated you?" asked Shepard, leaning next to him.

"Serving on the Council isn't how I planned to spend my twilight years. Sometimes it feels like I'm just beating my head against a wall. Knowing the truth about Sovereign is brutal. It's nightmare stuff. Can't blame others for not wanting to believe it. But I know how important it is so I keep trying. Fight the good fight, right?"

"I know I put you on the spot but you can always step down and join me on the Normandy. You will always be welcome to her," offered Shepard, causing Anderson to chuckle.

"Thanks but I'm too old to go racing across the galaxy. Much as I complain, I got an important job to do here."

"I hope that includes punching Udina," said Shepard, with both sharing a laugh followed by an exchange of conversations about the state of the Citadel and what Anderson and the rest been doing these past years. The conversation then transitioned to a question Shepard wanted to personally know about. "I met Ashley on Horizon. She said she was looking into Cerberus. Anything you might know about that?" Anderson looked away for a moment before answering.

"I do. I was the one who approved the mission. We had to find out if they were behind the missing colonists. I couldn't tell anyone without compromising the investigation. I'm sorry," he apologized.

"So in other words you were spying on me?"

"We didn't know about you at the time. And I wouldn't have told you if we did. What if the Illusive Man was manipulating you? Lying to you? The report actually confirmed your story. I still don't trust Cerberus, but they were right about the collectors abducting the colonist."

"You don't trust me now that I'm with them."

"I do trust you, Shepard. You're a hero in my books and a proud soldier of the Alliance despite what others might say. I'm sure that joining Cerberus wasn't your choice. I'm also sure that you'll blow them to hell once you end your mission." Shepard smiled, nodding at Anderson.

"Well. Guess it's time I leave the station. Don't want to keep the Council, uncomfortable."

"Of course. Wish I could do more to help, but if you ever want to talk, I'll be here."

"Thanks."

"Just do me a favor and be careful. You can't trust Cerberus."

"I'm well aware of it. That's why I brought people I can trust," said Shepard as he looked at Tali and Garrus, both standing next to each other, proud to follow Shepard wherever he goes.

"That you do. Keep him safe will you?" asked Anderson in a joking manner with a bit of seriousness.

"Will try but no promises," replied Garrus. "Seeing as he always jumps first it's hard to keep him in check."

"Wanna look on a mirror?" countered Shepard.

"Yeah, well, that was once. Compared to all the ones you had, this is nothing."

"See you around, Anderson," said Shepard his goodbyes, walking away from the Anderson.

"Wait, Joh- um... Shepard, aren't you forgetting something?" asked Tali. The stutter from saying Shepard's name caught the attention of the three men. Shepard raised an eyebrow, confused. "The box? The one you prepared for..." added Tali.

"Right," said Shepard, reaching for a box in one of his armor compartments.

"You didn't have to buy me a gift," said Anderson.

"Wish it was one," replied Shepard, handing the small box to Anderson.

"What's this?" he said as he began observing it.

"The missing tags from the original Normandy crew. Admiral Hacket asked me to collect them." Anderson looked at Shepard and placed a hand over his shoulders.

"It shouldn't have been easy. But the families will appreciate this. I'll make sure they get to them." Shepard nodded and without more words, he, Tali, and Garrus left the presidium. Nothing you've been through has been easy, John, but I'm glad you have good people by your side. Especially someone with whom you can open up.

"You feeling okay?" asked Tali once outside the office. Shepard nodded slow.

"I'm good, don't worry," he said while giving Tali a reassuring smile.

What makes them think I don't hear a word they say? wondered Garrus. "I don't know about you but this meeting left me with some hunger. Mind if we stop for some food before we return to the Normandy?" he asked.

"As long as it's sterilized," added Tali. "Been waiting to eat something more than paste."

"I know a place that sterilizes food. Serves for both dextro and amino species."

"Works for me."

"No objections here," added Shepard.

"Good. Right this way then," said Garrus, and so, the friends boarded a cab that would take them back to Zakera ward, as the restaurant was located there.

"Something on your mind?" asked Tali towards Shepard as he saw him lost in thought. He shook his head.

"I was really hoping the Council would lend more than reinstating me as Spectre but, should have known better they would be stubborn as usual."

"Yeah well, when we finally kick the Reapers out of the galaxy I'm sure you'll be able to make all the demands you want," commented Garrus.

"Easier said than done," said Tali.

"Never said it was going to be easy, but I'm sure will manage."

"And by manage, you mean barely getting out alive of near-death situations?"

"That's what makes it better. Hell of a story will have to tell when we grow old."

"Still waiting for the movies?" asked Shepard, recalling the time they spoke after saving the Citadel.

"Sure am, might as well appear as cameos," replied Garrus, leading to a brief silence in the cab. "You ever miss those talks we had on the elevators?" he suddenly asked.

"Oh no, here we go," murmured Shepard.

"No," curtly answered Tali.

"Come on, remember how we'd all ask you about life on the flotilla? It was an opportunity to share!" insisted Garrus.

"This conversation is over."

"Tell me again about your immune system," kept mocking Garrus.

"I have a shotgun," warned Tali.

"Maybe we'll talk later," said Garrus, causing Shepard to look at Tali with a small smirk who responded by shrugging while maintaining her head high as they made their way to their destination.

"Good choice in food Garrus. It was really good," said Shepard as he leaned back on the couch. After ordering the food, the three of them agreed to eat inside the Normandy but it was Shepard who decided that it should be in his room so that the three of them could chat without being interrupted or questioned by Garner about the food.

"I told you I had good taste."

"I believe you now."

"It's going to be hard to eat paste again after this," said Tali, placing her drink down.

"We should have taken the desserts," said Garrus.

"They were quite tempting. But I'm full. I don't think I would be able to take another bite."

"Guess I'll have to do with the ones I brought with me from Omega. You're welcome to them if you want some Tali."

"Thanks for the offer Garrus, but I'm good for now," she answered.

"Your loss. So what's the plan now. What's our next move?"

"The Illusive Man hasn't said a thing but I expect he will sooner or later. In the meantime, we head back to the Terminus and keep searching. See what we find on our own."

"Back to staying low then," said Garrus as he stood up, picking his food tray. "Any news on when we're getting those new cannons I suggested?" he asked while dumping the leftovers in the trash.

"Oh, I forgot. Miranda told me they already got them. Just need to say the word to dock and get them installed."

"Perfect. With those installed the Normandy is going to have one hell of a punch."

"How about you Tali? How's your research going?"

"I think I figured out what we can use to give the Normandy better shields. I'm just waiting for the schematics to be sent to me."

"That sounds useful. Let's hope they send them to you quickly."

"Well then, if there's nothing more to share, I'll take my leave," said Garrus, already walking towards the exit.

"You're leaving?" asked Shepard.

"I left some things unfinished when we left for the meeting. If you're going to stay Tali, make sure you ask Shepard about his favorite store on the Citadel," he said, exiting Shepard's quarters.

Oh you didn't, said Shepard to himself.

"Favorite store on the Citadel?" asked Tali, curious to know the story behind those words.

"It's uh... It's silly, don't listen to Garrus."

"That's two times you both tried to evade one of my questions today. You had me interested but now you got my attention. So, favorite store on the Citadel?" demanded Tali.

"It's nothing, really." She crossed her arms. "Fine, I'll tell you but I need you to answer me something first. It has to do when we were with Anderson," said Shepard. Tali knew this question would come up.

"Is it about when I almost called you... John?" she nervously asked. John smiled, he loved when Tali got nervous.

"I'm not mad, Tali. I just want to know why did you stutter, that's all."

"Well, I uh...," Tali started to fiddle with her hands. "I know you said that you wanted me to start calling you by your name but, it's just that, I-I wasn't sure if you meant just when the two of us are alone or in general so..."

"Do you want to call me John only when we're alone?" Tali looked away.

"I, know, calling someone by his or her name is pretty normal but everyone knows you as Shepard and I feel that if I call you John in public people will start..." John grabbed one of her hands.

"I don't care what opinion strangers have of me. I only care about my friends, and yours," he said, giving a small squeeze to Tali's hand. "But if it makes you feel better, how about you call me John when we're alone or surrounded by friends and Shepard on any other occasion. Does that sound better?" This was one of the things that Tali loved about John. His sincerity and his genuine concern for her. She slowly nodded.

"I can work with that," she softly replied. John then noticed her eyes shifting to a different expression. "I still want to know your favorite store."

"You're not gonna drop it, are you?" Tali remained silent. John sighed. "It was back when we recruited Kasumi. We were having a look around the stores..."

Author's Note:

Hello everyone! Merry Christmas! (and or Happy New Year depending on when you're reading this). Hope you have/had a good time eating/drinking/time spent, etc with those you could.

Last chapter of the year. Hope you like it! Thanks for the continuous support! Cheers to all of you! You're awesome!