Notes:

CGC - Center for Galactic Cooperation

RCS - Reaction Control Systems

SILC - Synthetic Intelligence Life Codes (previously known as Geth)

XO - Executive Officer

The Cost of Victory

Normandy SR2, Phoenix Massing, At Large – 4 Jan 2189

SILC repair platform Technikus had led his team of rescue and repair platforms deep into the machinery spaces of the Spectre vessel Normandy, with the main goal being to restore directional maneuverability to the stricken vessel. During their initial damage survey, they discovered that only two of the several chill-tanks had survived unscathed and remained full of fuel – but the piping connecting them to the reaction control systems (RCS) had been severely damaged. Only the emergency fuel shutoff valves had kept the essential fuel from being unintentionally discharged into the void of space.

They had worked quickly, salvaging the good sections from all the damaged piping to assemble a single new pipeline to reconnect the RCS with the necessary fuel. Once the temporary repairs were complete, Nik analyzed the piping running from the chill-tanks to the RCS central distribution node one last time before pressurizing the system. Satisfied, he called the ship's pilot over the emergency comms channel. "Jeff Moreau-Flight Lieutenant. This is SILC platform Technikus. You may refer to me as 'Nik'. SILC repair platforms have installed a temporary fuel pipeline for Normandy's reaction control system." Nik paused for a moment, then continued. "My attitude sensor detects Normandy is still on an uncontrolled trajectory. Please restart the ship's flight computer at this time. This should initialize the automatic attitude control programs to stabilize the ship's trajectory."

It took several moments for Joker to respond. "You've got it… Nik." Joker called up a pair of haptic interfaces and restarted the ship's flight computer; after directing it to halt the ship's tumbling roll, he said, "Nik, flight computer has begun stabilizing the ship. Have you met up with our damage control teams since you boarded?"

"Negative, Moreau-Flight Lieutenant. We have not met any ship's crew." The pause was not long enough for Joker to ask the question that burned in his mind as Technikus continued, "As soon as the gyrations have been controlled, SILC cruiser Xi-rho-tau will approach and dock with Normandy to make final repair arrangements."

"How long do you think it will take to make repairs to our main drive core?"

"That is beyond our capabilities here in the void. Normandy requires the services of what Humans refer to as a space dock… a shipyard. SILC cruiser Xi-rho-tau will escort Normandy to such a facility." Nik paused for a moment, then said, "We are currently securing loose debris to prevent further inadvertent damage."

Joker didn't have snappy comebacks for any of Nik's comments; he knew they were in some seriously deep shit. Since intership comms were still down, he had not heard from Cortez or the teams since Adams had overridden the main computer core to allow access to the flight deck.

Have you?…" Damn. Do I really want to know? "Nic… You said you haven't met any crew… but have you found any bodies? Our engineers, Donnelly and Manos, would have been working in the engineering control section above the subdeck where that missile struck."

"Negative, Moreau-Flight Lieutenant. We have not come into contact with any organics…" Technikus paused briefly as the Consensus considered the new information. "… but we understand their importance to you. As the Normandy's trajectory is being stabilized, we will direct our efforts towards accessing the eezo core and control section, in an attempt to locate your missing crew."

"Thank you, Nik." As the comms fell silent, Joker suddenly realized he had never felt so alone in his entire life. He had grown up isolated, compliments of Vrolik Syndrome, but since he had joined the crew of the Normandy, he had become quite accustomed to Edi's constant presence. Accustomed, hell. You love and miss her, you idiot. Edi had left to accompany Greg Adams in his efforts to get past the damaged sections and Joker hadn't heard from her since. Bet they had to crawl through the access tubes, came the unexpected thought, making him grin.

Almost immediately, he remembered Edi's joke during the Collector Campaign, when he had to crawl through those tubes himself. She was yanking my chain, saying she enjoyed seeing Humans on their knees. I wonder if I should remind her… The thought trailed off as he also remembered what she had done when he had performed a cold restart of the computer at the end of the war. I'm still not totally convinced she was joking about her superiority!

Moreh, Phoenix Massing, At Large – 4 Jan 2189

Hearing Hailot Jatok's call for aid, Moises looked to Daeto. "Telas. Give me a ship-wide broadcast channel. Now!"

After making a few keystrokes, he nodded to the Spectre as her omnitool chimed. "Attention, all Moreh personnel. This is Spectre T'Dura, representing the Galactic Council. Admiral Daro'Xen is dead. Your primary Bridge is destroyed and Turian Blackwatch currently holds the Secondary Command Center. Those of you who remain loyal to the Council but were forced into servitude will be pardoned if you stand down immediately, return to your quarters and lock your doors. Your fight is over. Just to be clear, any continuing the fight will be summarily executed without hesitation; we will not be taking any prisoners. This is nonnegotiable and the countdown begins now."

Terminating the broadcast, she looked at her squad and directed, "Kaddi… You're with me and we're going to the main Bridge on Deck 1, right now. Captain Tanni. You are in charge of this position to ensure my orders are followed. Lock down any or all doorways, hatches and emergency bulkheads as required to prevent hostile Quarian movement. Understood?"

Livos looked at her and answered with a quick nod. "Go. Help Shepard and her squad… No more die today, Spectre. Not one."

Shepard groaned, feeling like a heavy weight was sitting on her chest. Her eyes opened slowly, and she recognized the rather large hand of Grunt… pinning her in place. She attempted to glance around, wanting to check on the rest of the team, but a firm hand was gripping her chin, keeping her from moving her head.

"Hold still." T'Dura was also sitting next to her, using a small stitching wand from an emergency medical kit to close a huge gash across her left eyebrow. "That was stupid, Shepard. You should have executed her and been done with it. Your sense of honor was used against you and almost got your whole team killed. You're young and you'll learn… As a Spectre, sometimes you have to do such things to keep others safe."

"Humans have an old saying… hindsight is 20/20."

"Which is as antiquated as your kindness to an enemy; with the weapons now available, you can no longer take those risks." T'Dura sat back on her haunches and added, "That's all I can do for you, here. We need to get you to your Doctor Yandle, as you have a severe head trauma that he must attend to. Honestly, I am rather surprised you are awake so soon."

"That's because my Battlemaster is Urdnot… and tough, as any Krogan should be." Grunt flashed her a huge, toothy grin. "Heh, heh, heh… No Quarian will ever kill her that easily!"

"Easily?" T'Dura looked at the young Krogan in disbelief. "That blast completely destroyed the Bridge… and picked up every one of you and threw you across the room like you were nothing more than a children's toys!" She shook her head and turned to the Drell who had accompanied her. "Kaddi… Can you please call for an evac shuttle from the Knight Shade?"

Looking back to Shepard, Moises smiled. "Don't get me wrong. You did good, Spectre, but you're done for the day. I'll send a report to the Council… then, Captain Vidinos and I will handle the clean-up operation here. Hopefully, with both Xen and Gerrel dead, the rest will stand down and we can hand the whole mess over to the surviving Quarian Admirals and the Council Fleet."

"Thanks, Mo." Shepard sighed softly and closed her eyelids against the overly bright Bridge lighting, which was hurting her eyes. "I am a bit the worse for wear at the moment, so I'm quite content to return to my own ship. Will you see the rest of my crew safely back to the Knight Shade when you're done here?"

"Absolutely, Spectre Shepard." Moises smiled and very gently squeezed her shoulder. "I'll escort them home personally… and see you back to Thessia before we part ways."

Liara and Derek met the shuttle as soon as it landed touched down within the Knight Shade's hangar bay. Liara sighed in happy relief as the door opened to reveal an upright, walking and talking Samantha Shepard. She had felt it through the link, but her siame tended to hide things from her that she knew would upset her, so she always felt better when she could see for herself.

Stepping out carefully, Shepard accepted Liara's assistance to help steady her. Squeezing Liara's arm in a gentle, silent hello, she looked at Derek and said, "Just a sound rap on the old noggin, Doc. I've got a concussion… pretty bad one, based on the scans." She felt Liara's loving warmth spread through the link as she added, "So, I'm happy to submit myself to your care and let Spectre T'Dura finish clean-up on the Moreh. She's quite capable, and I'm sure the Council isn't going to sit idle for long, not with military ops drawing to a close. I'll need to be ready to go when the call comes in, asking me to report to the Destiny Ascension."

Destiny Ascension, Tassrah, The Phoenix Massing – 4 Jan 2189

Matriarch Lidanya stood on the Bridge and glanced at her communications officer, Sheya Selasia. "Do you have the necessary frequencies plugged in for the full fleet broadcast?"

"Yes, Matriarch." The technician offered up a grin. "Both the Citadel Fleet and the entirety of the Quarian Heavy Fleet will hear the wonderful news we have for them."

Her eyes shifted to the Defensive Systems Coordinator. "Keep our barriers and shields at full power, Ryana. What we are about to say may not sit well with the Gerrel loyalists, so we'll need to be prepared for however they may respond." She huffed out a little laugh. "That's why I prebriefed all our Captains first… so they don't do anything stupid."

"Ready when you are, Matriarch."

Lidanya gave a nod. "Waiting on the green, Shey." As the broadcasting light shifted to a pale green, the Matriarch began. "Attention, all Quarian vessels. This is Matriarch Lidanya, Captain of the Destiny Ascension and Commander of the Council Fleet. You are ordered to immediately cease all hostile actions and stand down. We have taken control of both the Neema and the Moreh. Both Admirals Han'Gerrel and Daro'Xen are dead. You all know Spectre Shepard talked Admiral Gerrel down from disaster during the War for Rannoch… Now, the SILC Fleet once more stands in a position to destroy you, this time with the blessing, and assistance, of the Galactic Council and its Fleet. All those who immediately stand down within the next few moments will be pardoned in full; those who do not, will be destroyed… in full. There is will be no negotiations. and There is no middle ground. Stand down and be pardoned… or continue this ill-fated quest and die. Either choice is your right as free citizens, but please… I urge you all to make the correct decision and stand down. The Migrant Fleet and Rannoch need you… We need you. Lidanya, out."

The Matriarch stood on the Bridge, shoulders squared, and hands clasped tightly behind her back as she stared out the forward viewscreen. She breathed a heavy sigh of relief, and a thankful smile slowly spread across her face as weapons fire trailed off to nothing and barriers and shields began to wink out across the entire field of combatants within her view; even the remaining three Andromeda Initiative vessels, the Nalotir, Sondaj, and Nyocha, disabled their stealth drives and appeared before them. She bowed her head and whispered softly, "Thank the Goddess. Peace has hope once more."

Normandy SR2, Phoenix Massing, At Large – 4 Jan 2189

Edi – by dint of bracing her foot against the bulging access door – had been able to peel one of the five panels far enough out of the way to enable Greg Adams to shine a hand-held light further around the control compartment. He had shouted Donnelly's and Mano's names a number of times as the team continued their attempts to get through the hatch; utilizing a hydraulic spreader was beginning to slowly achieve results when Edi once again demanded quiet.

After listening intently for several seconds, she faced Greg Adams and Steve Cortez. "I know we have been boarded by SILC repair units, Sirs, and I just heard a partial conversation from a unit named Technikus." She paused for several more seconds, then continued, "It would appear they were able to complete a temporary repair to the fuel piping; the flight control sub-functions have been re-initialized, allowing the RCS to regain control of Normandy's directional stability."

Greg was encouraged by her report, asking, "What about other functions, Edi? It would be nice to have artificial gravity again."

"I believe the SILC platforms are only here to stabilize the ship so it can be rigged for towing. More extensive repairs may have to wait." A loud clanging sound, followed by the clatter of several heavy grates, interrupted her. "They are very close."

Nik, with the help of two of the accompanying repair platforms, used the augmented strength of all their mechanical platforms to shove upwards against a buckled deck grate, jammed in place by the displacement of the adjacent panels. As the trio were unable to hold onto the grate from underneath, the instant it was free from the adjacent panels, the nearly weightless panel flew upwards, only to be halted with a loud, ringing sound as it hit the overhead panels in the eezo core chamber. Rebounding away, it spun as it descended back to the deck, dislodging several of the nearby grates with a clatter of metal-on-metal.

Nik climbed into the darkened compartment and moved forward, towards the damaged bulkheads of the control compartment. He was at the end of the passage when he abruptly stopped. A Human body was lying against the bulkhead, eyes open and staring into the dark. His head was resting at an odd angle; Nik accessed Consensus knowledge of Human anatomy and quickly concluded this man had suffered a broken neck. Directing one of the two units that had accompanied him, the pair gently picked up the man's body and moved him out of the path they would no doubt be using for the next several hours.

Moving in order to cast his lights about the darkened compartment, he spotted another body lying in a crumpled heap adjacent to the port side access hatch. Directing the other two units, he had them relocate the man's body adjacent to that of the first man. He would leave it to the Human crew members to identify them. He then moved to the starboard side access hatch, beyond which he could detect voices and see moving shadows cast by work lights.

Keying his transmitter, he said, "Moreau-Flight Lieutenant. I am standing within the engineering controls compartment." Before Jeff could ask, Nik continued, "We have found two crewmen… unfortunately, both are deceased." As he waited for an answer, he tasked the other platforms with getting the damaged door sections removed so the Humans could enter.

"Well, that's just fucking great, Nik!" Joker answered angrily, upset by what he considered to be a heartless delivery of the sad news. They're not Edi, asshole. They don't have the emotion algorithms she does. He took a calming breath before continuing, "Sorry about that… just not the news I was hoping to get. How in Hell am I supposed to relay that info to the damage control teams who have been working their asses off all night to get to those guys?"

"I will inform them for you, Moreau-Flight Lieutenant. They are working directly outside the damaged starboard access hatch."

"Thanks, Nik." Joker leaned back in his chair. Gabby's five or six months pregnant!… how in fucking Hell is she supposed to deal with this? Got through the entire war in one piece, only to kicked in the gut by the damned Quarians! Our fucking allies! Shit!

Edi and Greg were surprised when the door segments began to be peeled back away from their position outside; even with Edi's head's up regarding the SILC approach, Greg actually jumped at the sight of Technikus' work lamps and the sound of his voice. After speaking with the repair unit, Greg was inundated with a nearly overwhelming sense of guilt.

Edi could see the change in his attitude but decided to not comment. She knew he would have been in engineering with his crewmen, so most likely would have died alongside them. She returned her attention to the destroyed hatch as the last major segment was pulled free. She stood aside as Adams and Cortez brushed by Nik to inspect the damages and see to their crewmates.

Edi addressed Nik, saying, "Thank you for assisting us today. Have you categorized the damages to the ship? Will we be able to proceed to a repair facility under our own power?"

The SILC platform inspected Edi for several moments before responding. "Enhanced Defense Intelligence unit combined with a Cerberus created synthetic infiltration unit. Known by organics as Edi. To answer your inquiries, yes… and no. We have ascertained the damages to the engineering section. The cumulative effects of the explosion are too severe for a temporary repair to be of any use. This vessel will need to be escorted to a nearby repair facility at a velocity substantially less than FTL."

Destiny Ascension, Tassrah, The Phoenix Massing – 5 Jan 2189

"Spectre Shepard." Tevos' worried smile gave way to a genuine grin as the woman – looking quite refreshed – walked into the Council conference room under her own power. "It is very good to see you recovering so quickly. We were… concerned when we heard what transpired."

Shepard had to work at concealing her smirk, knowing there was no 'we' about it. Tevos had personally been anxious about her well-being and had contacted Liara on her private channel multiple times over the previous day to check on Samantha's progress. "Thank you, Councilor, but I assure you I'll be fine. A bit tired, yet, but healing nicely." She suddenly grinned and added, "But, then again, perhaps I should complain about how bad I feel. It might get me an extra week or two off."

"Ah, very good. Sense of humor indicates you have recovered well, Shepard." Valern actually sounded pleased. "We have much to tell you, and there is much work yet to be done, so your health is definitely a priority, in order for you to continue monitoring this situation."

"Situation? I thought we were almost done here, and the politicos would be taking over." Shepard cocked an eyebrow and queried, "What situation, exactly, will I be monitoring?"

Eri'Addan stood and dipped his head toward the Spectre. "The required… military action… has caused significant changes in leadership, Spectre Shepard. To lose two Admirals at the same time is not something we've experienced in modern history. Not since the Morning War, which none of us here now were alive to witness."

"And how does that affect me?" Shepard felt a little twinge of suspicion tickling the back of her mind… and it was most definitely her sixth sense, not Liara. "You certainly can't expect me to serve as one of your Admirals until replacements…"

She trailed off as Eri began to chuckle. "No, Shepard. I have too much respect for you to expect you to play politics within the Quarian Flotilla. Admiral Tali'Zorah, however…"

"What do you want with Tali?" Shepard's brow knit in consternation as she waited for an answer. "She's a key member of my crew."

"Admiral Xen is dead. Even if she were not, at the very least, she would be stripped of rank and declared outcast." Eri shrugged. "Who better to take over Special Projects than Tali'Zorah vas Rannoch? She most certainly has the qualifications… and she has more than proven her dedication and faithfulness to the Quarian people… not to mention she is currently an Admiral without a home in the Fleet. This… deficiency… must be rectified, but we cannot do so as long as she remains a member of your crew, or a member of any Spectre crew."

"I thought she took temporary control of the Neema with Len'Dazza as her XO?" Shepard shook her head. "Perhaps my head injury was worse than I was told, because I'm a bit confused here. How can she be assigned to the Moreh, if she's on temporary duty aboard the Neema, while still holding a full-time assignment to the Knight Shade?"

"There's absolutely nothing wrong with your cognitive abilities, Shepard…" Councilor Addan chuckled quietly. "… because you just summarized our current dilemma, perfectly."

Tevos now covered her own smirk before commenting, "I believe the Spectre is being purposely obtuse, Eri, because she knows exactly what you are asking of her…" Tevos' smirk vanished, to be replaced by a sad frown. "… but the idea of losing yet another member of her crew, as well as the companionship of a very dear friend, displeases her greatly."

Called out on her reluctance, Shepard cast Tevos a scathing glance before blowing out a heavy sigh. "Well, shit." In resignation, she admitted, "So, you really are saying you want me to release Tali from her current position, so you can make her the head of Special Projects. Admiral Tali'Zorah vas Moreh." She shook her head, continuing sadly with a shrug. "I can't say no." She then shifted her attention to cast a telling glance at Councilor Addan. "But, neither will I force her from her position on the Knight Shade if she wants to stay on my crew. I'll need you and all of the current admirals to be there when we speak with her about this."

"Agreed." Addan never hesitated in his response. "I have great faith she'll see the benefit to her people. She may be reticent, but in the end, she will take the position."

Neema, Phoenix Massing, At Large – 5 Jan 2189

"Shepard! It's good to see you!" Tali walked over quickly, barely allowing the Spectre time to get her bearings as she stepped off the shuttle before wrapping her in a tight hug. Shepard, surprised as always by the strength in the slight Quarian's arms, enthusiastically returned her intimate greeting.

"Good to see you too, Tali." Her commander smiled warmly and added, "I hear you were integral in Ashley's plan of attack on the Command Bridge."

"My participation was highly overrated…" Tali waved a dismissive hand as she continued, "All I did was hack a few systems and move some air around. Nothing I haven't done a thousand times before." She let out a derisive snort and continued, "It's not like I did any fighting. Ashley wouldn't let me, telling me how angry you would be if she allowed me to get hurt. 'Let me'? Please! I'm not some lost young pilgrim anymore!"

"No, you most definitely are not." Shepard drew a deep breath and sighed before continuing, "Which is exactly why I'm here. A shuttle will soon be headed in this direction from the Ascension… Is there someplace a group of, say, eight or ten could meet?"

"Well, yes," Tali answered, before asking in a suspicious tone. "What's going on, Shepard?"

"Two admirals are dead, Tali…" Shepard met her eyes and continued, "That inbound shuttle will be holding transporting the Quarian Councilor and what remains of the Admiralty. They are headed this way to resolve those vacancies and get you off this ship."

"There's more to it than that," Tali cocked her head to the side. "Which you aren't willing… or aren't allowed… to talk about yet; not until they get here."

"You're on the right track with the latter, Tali." Shepard smiled at her Quarian sister and prodded, "Come on. Show me where we can gather a large group and we'll get it set up for the business at hand… picking the next Captain and XO for the Neema."

"By the Ancestors!" Tali rolled her eyes in frustration over the seemingly wasted of the last previous three hours. "Len and I had already started this… and now we have already gone through all this! Are you seriously going to insist we start from scratch… again?"

"Just stop it… all of you." Shepard, who was acting as moderator, had been trying to stay out of the actual discussion of names, but was had finally fed uphad enough. Her head throbbing, her gaze wandered the table as she continued, "This petty bickering is insane. I seriously don't see the need to go through every one of the names… again. You made a list… then cut quite a few from that list and debated pros and cons of the remaining prospects pros and cons for hours… and now you want to go back to the full list and start fresh… with a new set of criteria? Tali and Len were the ones here when all this crap went down! Their original recommendations are still on the table, so why can't you simply trust their judgement?"

"It's not that simple, Shepard! Whoever we pick will…" Zaal'Koris started to object, but Shepard's icy glare caused him to immediately trail off into an uncomfortable silence.

"It is that simple, damn it! The merits of each candidate are relatively equal… if there were stand-outs, either good or bad, you would have either picked or rejected them already and the decision would be made." The scathing looks each person received from the Spectre's glacial-green eyes had them dipping their heads in either embarrassment or shame as she continued, "That tells me all the remaining prospects are acceptable, so, we're going to bring someone in and interview them. If they pass muster, give them the damned job! Done!" Her disgust showed in both her words and her tone. "This isn't the only task I have to accomplish before I can get on with my real job! Your vacillation is unbecoming of the Admiralty! For Gods' sake, make a decision!"

"You are right, of course." Shala'Raan bowed her head and sighed. "And we have yet more to discuss, even after the new command chain is decided for the Neema."

Shepard fell silent, glancing around the table and glaring at its hesitant occupants until Zaal'Koris finally acquiesced, growling out, "Fine. We'll do it your way, Shepard… but so help me, if this forced decision results in things going sideways…"

"You'll fire them and hire someone new. Simple as that." Shepard shook her head in disgust. "By the Gods! How in the galaxy has the Migrant Fleet survived all these yearsdecades?"

In a chastising tone, Tali simply said her captain's name, "Shepard…" but it was enough to make the Spectre momentarily drop her eyes in remorse.

Bringing her eyes back to her little sister, she murmured, "I'm sorry, Tali. I'm beyond tired and I have a splitting headache." She sighed in exasperation before taking a sip of water from the glass in front of her and setting it quietly back down on the table. "Let's get this done before the Destiny Ascension leaves for the Widow system without us."

The first person invited into the room was Captain Zeto'Ara vas Neema, the previous Operations Officer, who spent most of the conflict under house arrest with his wife, after refusing to fight against either the Council Fleet or his own people. Following only a single round of questioning, he was surprised to be offered the position of Admiral of the Heavy Fleet. "How is that possible? I was part of the rebel forces! How can you possibly trust me with this promotion?"

Raan was the first to speak. "Because you weren't part of the rebellion… you refused to fight. Yet, for some reason, Gerrel did not have you charged with treason and executed… and he was never known for leniency. That speaks highly of your skill and tells me that he wanted your abilities available after the war… badly enough to risk keeping you alive." She paused and smiled. "It certainly does not hurt that Len'Dazza speaks quite highly of you… including information regarding your frequent, and very public, arguments with Admiral Gerrel. That you were willing to risk your position and possibly your life with such vocal opposition to Gerrel's stated policies…" She paused a moment and looked directly into his eyes. "That is a brand of courage we desperately need in the Fleet right now, more than ever."

"I believe that to be the case as well, Zeto." Zaal'Koris nodded his agreement with Raan's assessment. "There is also the fact that we have known you for a long time and have never questioned your loyalty; you have always put the Flotilla before yourself. We need to rebuild the trust of the people… and you already have that trust aboard this vessel, which means you are the obvious choice."

Councilor Addan cleared his throat and asked, "Assuming you are willing to take the position, who on you staff would you trust as your XO? We have a list… but I would like to get your input before we reveal our current list of choices."

Zeto stared at the councilor in shock for a moment, blinking a couple of times in surprise. "This is all happening rather fast for me… give me a few moments to think." He stood and lowered his head, staring at the deck as he paced, rather slowly, back and forth in the conference room. "Yes." He suddenly stopped and looked at those still gathered at the table. "Dani'Razo would be my first choice."

Koris looked at his omnitool and reviewed his relatively short. rank-ordered list of remaining candidates. "Razo is not my top choice but, if you want him, he is acceptable to me. Raan?"

"I hold no objection, though my vote is biased." Raan actually smiled. "You should all know Dani started on the Tonbay. I've known his parents for a very long time… and known Dani since the day he was born."

Shepard, wanting to speed the approval, simply asked, "Does anyone object? Councilor? Tali or Len? He wasn't your recommendation…"

Len shrugged. "Maybe not, but he was in our top three, so… if that's who Admiral Zeto'Ara wants, that's who he gets. Mission complete." He sighed in relief and started to stand. "If we're done here, I've got things to do."

"Not quite yet, Len…" Shepard also stood, simply to stretch. "But I do believe we could all benefit from a quick break… and reconvene in fifteen?"

Shepard stared at the table, looking forlorn as Tali responded, "What?" Her voice squeaked in protest. "No… I can't! I'm working with Shepard…"

Shala'Raan smiled, speaking in her lilting accent. "Which is an assignment that can be changed, Tali. This is what you live for! Look at what you've accomplished! You may be our youngest admiral, but you're also our most brilliant mind! You need to do this… for yourself… and for our Fleet!"

"But Auntie 'Raan…" Tali stopped, glancing around at all the earnest faces looking back at her… all except Shepard. It became immediately obvious that not only had her commander and friend known this was coming, but that she fully expected Tali to say yes to the offer. Suddenly, Tali knew she had to take the job, whether she wanted to or not, and somehow knew Shepard would be disappointed in her if she did not. She didn't feel ready, but a little voice in her head told her it would all come out alright. These people were looking for her to lead Special Projects into the future and, with Xen dead, Tali couldn't honestly think of anyone else she could recommend other than herself. With a sigh and a shake of her head, she finally agreed. "Fine… It is my duty to the Fleet, so I will do it if I must."

Tali pushed back from the table and rose from her chair, walking around until she was standing next to Shepard, laying a hand on the Spectre's shoulder before adding, "I do have conditions, however."

The sense of relief that had filled the room only a moment before evaporated like a puff of smoke on the wind. Shepard stood up and turned to meet Tali's gaze, a tentative smile appearing on her face before she asked, "And what would those be, Admiral Tali'Zorah vas Moreh?"

"That you also release Len'Dazza from your service, so that I may have him as my XO." She paused a moment and quickly added, "And Medica! As she is linked to me in ways immeasurable."

The smile faltered, only for only a moment, as Shepard regrouped. "I should have anticipated both of those, I suppose."

"Yes, you should have, Captain." Tali's brow had risen in surprise and she laughed quietly. "That you did not tells me you are still tiring easily… and haven't recovered fully from your head injury, as of yet."

Shepard chuckled, "So, you're purposely taking advantage of me while I'm weak?"

Tali's soft laughter became louder and she hugged her captain, even as both struggled to not tear up. "Absolutely, Shepard! And I'm going to use that advantage to extract yet one additional promise from you before we part."

"Oh?" The corner of Shepard's mouth tweaked up into a reluctant smirk. "What else other injuries are you going to take frominflict on me while I'm down?"

"That if I ever get myself in a jam, no matter when or where, that you will always be the first one to rush to my aid." Tali forced a smile onto her face. "Because there is no one I will ever trust more with my safety…" a brief pause, then a whisper for Shepard's ears alone, "… or my life."

"That's a deal, Tali." Shepard squeezed her one last time and stepped back. "But I know you won't ever need me again, because you're loyal and brilliant… and obviously the right person to take Special Projects into the future, Admiral Zorah. You'll have an entire fleet at your command… and I have complete faith in you, and your abilities."

"And that has always been your greatest gift to me, Shepard… since the first day we met. But I am compelled to point out that you're wrong about one thing." Tali smiled as tears finally escaped and trickled down her cheeks. "No matter what you think, I will always need you. Your advice and friendship, your… faith… in me… your love. Always."

"Then I will do my best to always be available for you, Tali." Shepard dipped her head a moment and then looked back at the others, who were all trying to ignore the very personal moment between the Spectre and their newest leader of Special Projects. "As for the rest of us, I do believe we are finished, so meeting adjourned?

It was a question, but one answered only indirectly by statements of relief and the shuffling of chairs as people pushed them back to stand up. Addan, however, was not quite done yet. "Shepard. If I may?"

"What else could you possibly need right at this moment, Councilor?" Shepard turned to him, obviously tired and ready to be done for the day.

Addan let out a little huff and smiled. "Never mind. Go back to the Knight Shade and rest. The Destiny Ascension will be heading out, returning to Widow, shortly after we return with the shuttle. The rest of the Council wanted a full debrief… but I'll inform them they have to wait a few days… That you'll come see us after you get home and settled back in. How's that?"

Smiling briefly in thanks, Shepard nodded and shook his hand. "That would be very much appreciated, Councilor. Tell them I'll be there first thing Monday morning, a week from today. It'll take me at least that long to fully recover… fully and get all the reports written up. Only then will I travel back to the CGC… but don't expect us to stay more than a day." Her mood suddenly shifted to one much more somber. "I imagine Liara and I will have a number of funerals to attend, on Thessia, Earth, and Tuchanka, which we'll need to take care of before I plan any farther than that."

"Ahh. Yes. There is that, isn't there." Eri shook his head sadly. "I truly am sorry… we all lost people in this one." He sighed heavily. "Do you have the final tally of those lost?"

Shepard frowned and opened her omnitool, searching for the latest numbers she had gotten from Liara. "Eight on the Destiny Ascension, four from the Normandy, four from Aralakh Company and two from the Knight Shade for a total of eighteen friendlies from the infiltration ships. Then, there's the two Admirals and their Bridge staffs… and Tali and Zeto'Ara now have the task of putting together their numbers."

"Only eighteen?" Addan's face lit with a broad smile. "That is less than we anticipated…" Eri was quickly silenced by a scathing glance from the Spectre.

"That's rather short-sighted, Councilor." Shepard's mood had shifted suddenly from tired and sad to angry and resentful. "That number doesn't include the ship-to-ship combat, where both sides lost whole entire ships while Ashley and I fought to take down the rebel leaders. Crews are still salvaging escape pods, but I'm pretty sure not everyone managed to escape their burning ships. Roster checks and final figures are still being collected, but my guess? Lives lost in this rebellion will be in the thousands, Councilor."

Shepard turned in disgust and walked away, Addan listening to her last words as the door to the conference room started to open for her departure. "I just hope the end result lasts long enough to be worth all those lives."

"Me too, Spectre." Addan called out one last time as Shepard left the compartment. "Oh… I almost forgot! Matriarch Lidanya requested you stop by the Destiny Ascension and see her before we leave the area."

Without turning around, Shepard waved an acknowledgement as the door closed behind her, Addan barely hearing her response. "When you get there, tell her I'm on my way."