London, Earth, 7th January 2187 CE

A few days after Shepard was pulled barely alive from the rubble and debris of the London battlefield, Admiral David Anderson's body was recovered. He too displayed significant injuries, but a post-mortem examination determined that his death was caused by internal bleeding compounded by a gunshot wound to the abdomen. The catastrophic blunt force trauma visible was the result of the fall from the Citadel following the destruction of the Reapers and was received after his death.

Once she was able, Shepard had dictated a preliminary report to the Council and Alliance Command on the events that took place in the Citadel during those climactic few hours, she was interviewed and exonerated of any responsibility for David's death.

He was buried in London with full military honours a month later, with representatives from each of the Alliance governments in attendance. All the Council members were present and non-council species from the allied forces also sent delegations. Despite protestations from her doctors and crew Shepard was also there to bid farewell to her friend and mentor, albeit in a wheelchair and using an oxygen mask. Just before the coffin was lowered into the waiting grave, Ana removed the mask and was helped to her feet by Ashley and James so she could salute the man, that had in many ways, acted as a father figure to her during her formative years and beyond. He had been a friend of her parents and was there for her mother and Ana when her father was killed in action.

The coffin had been draped with two flags; the first being the Human Systems Alliance and the second was the ensign of the Council Spectres. Days before the funeral Shepard had received a communication from Councillor Tevos to inform her of Anderson's posthumous induction into the Spectre ranks.

Shepard,

In recognition of Admiral Anderson's exemplary actions and his sacrifice during the Reaper war, the Council decided to act on your petition and re-examine Saren's report. Submitted after Anderson's evaluation mission, forensic analysis revealed both data and video recording inconsistencies, a result of manipulation of the evidence by Saren.

Therefore, both the testimony and rejection of the application has been rescinded. As a result, the Council are pleased to inform you that David Anderson will be added to the role-call of Spectres, having reviewed his background and subsequent Alliance service record we are satisfied he would have filled all necessary requirements to be inducted into this organisation.

We hope you are recovering well and look forward to seeing you in due course when you able to attend the Citadel Tower.

May the Goddess's blessing be with you,

Councillor Tevos

Once the gunfire from the salutes had faded away Shepard was formally presented with the carefully folded Spectre flag from David's coffin, the presiding officer had attempted to give her the Alliance flag too, but she had refused with a shake of her head and indicated the blonde woman to her right.

"This should go to Kahlee Sanders please Lieutenant, she also bears his loss," Ana stated.

The marine saluted smartly, pivoted on his heel and marched the few steps to the Grissom Academy Director, he presented the triangular package to her then stepped back and saluted, "Ma'am".

"Thank you, Lieutenant, and thank you Shepard," She looked across at Ana and smiled at her through her tears.

The funeral was followed by a small gathering of Anderson's closest friends. Ana had been permitted to attend for a short time only before having to return to the hospital. Under the observant eyes of both her mother and Karin Chakwas she tried to eat a small amount of food, she was pushing the remains around the plate when Kahlee approached her and asked quietly, "How did you know about us?"

"He mentioned it during a vid call when he gifted the place to me and we um, found some of your personal things in the apartment," Ana blushed.

"Ah, that explains that then," Kahlee laughed while blushing herself now, "He did ask me to move in with him you know? But he was hardly ever there until his appointment as Ambassador, but by then I was at the Academy with little spare time. We did manage the odd weekend together but we always thought we'd have more time to work it out," she smiled sadly and added, "He was always very proud of you Ana, he was just sorry your dad wasn't there to see the woman you've become and what you've achieved".

"He was all the father I needed him to be after dad died. David stepped in to help my mom when he could, he cut me slack and brought me into line when necessary," Ana smiled, "He supported me when I decided to enlist but never influenced my decision".

"I'm glad you were there with him at the end Shepard."

"I begged him to hold on but I think he was just too tired and badly injured even for his stubborn streak. We talked about the future and family but he just slipped away, I think he'd found peace at the end."

Kahlee covered Ana's hand comfortingly and squeezed gently, "I need to go back to the others now Shepard, perhaps we can keep in touch and raise a glass or two to David when you've recovered?"

"I'd like that Kahlee, then we can swap some outrageous stories about him," Ana agreed without hesitation, smiling at the thought.

"Until later then Commander," Kahlee hugged Ana goodbye.

Shepard looked over her shoulder, "Mum, Aunty Karin?"

The two older women stopped mid conversation and her mother replied, "Yes dear?"

"I think I'm ready to go back to the hospital now if that's OK?"

"Of course it is sweetheart, coming Karin?"

The white haired doctor smiled at her friend and nodded, she moved closer to Ana and started to push her wheelchair towards the door.