W.i.t.G
Hey guys! Me again!
I just wanted to start off with this little author's note as I, once again, want to say a massive thank you to those of you who have reviewed and have messaged me. Along with those of you who have simply been viewing the story. You're awesome too! So keep the reviews and stuff going people, if you don't like something, or are completely confused at my actions, tell me! I won't be able to help share the crap in my head if you guys don't ask for it!
Anyway, just to recap, Shepard and crew had landed on Eden Prime and shit hit the fan. The beacon had pretty much mentally raped Shepard's mind. Nasty I know.
Just to let you know, Saren used a concussive blast on Nihlus instead of a regular round as he was going to capture Nihlus, and have him serve Sovereign, two indoctrinated Turian spectre's... It would have been a nasty combination.
Back to the story...
Ashley mentally slapped herself, for the fiftieth time, in the space of ten minutes.
'How the hell could I be so stupid?!'
'W-What if... What if I've gotten him killed?!'
The ice cold, vice-like grip of guilt that surrounded her heart, tightened ten-fold.
She had killed Commander Shepard.
She had killed the Alliance's hero... Her hero.
She felt like she would be sick at any moment.
'Please God. Don't let him die. He saved me! You sent him to protect me! You can't let him die!'
And yet, God remained silent to her pleas...
Ashley mentally slapped herself again for letting this cluster-fuck occur. She sat on the edge of a bed in the infirmary on the Normandy, leaning forward, hoping that the commander would rise from the dead, just by her look alone.
It was to no avail.
After the beacon had exploded, and Ashley had picked herself up off of the floor from the brutal shove by Shepard, the two Alliance marines hesitantly approached their unconscious commander. The beacon had completely splintered, with shards disappearing in every direction, and the emerald green glow of the beacon, the same glow that had drawn Ashley towards it, like a moth to a flame, was now extinguished.
Dull, cracked and lifeless, the beacon was now only fit to be an over-sized novelty paper weight.
Kaidan had radioed the Normandy, informing the captain that Shepard was injured. The response from the captain was immediate, but subdued. They were under strict orders to prep the commander for extraction, when the Normandy came around, even if that meant carrying the man.
They did have to carry their commander in the end after all, into the Normandy's open cargo bay.
'He's a heavy son of a bitch as well...' Ashley thought with a hint of a smile on her lips, her once radiant features were contorted into a grimace as she continued to will the commander back to life.
They had carried Shepard into the med-bay, in which the surrounding crew were stunned and shocked to see the hulking man, their hero, their lion in such a state. Doctor Chakwas had immediately set about preparations once she had been informed about the commander's condition. A bed was already prepared, with the necessary medical equipment for any standard operation, standing by at the ready. Once the Doctor had removed Shepard's armor, and he was situated on the bed, clad in only his t-shirt and shorts, she set about inspecting the various, recently inflicted wounds on his body. He had a small hole, just below his left shoulder, where a round had pierced his armour, and had passed cleanly through. He also had minor cuts and burns on his body, which were quickly remedied by an application of medi-gel.
Ashley couldn't also help but notice how well built the man truly was. It was fair to say, her mind began to wander slightly. It was strange for Ashley to be having such thoughts, but she simply shook them off as being a result of a stressful experience. She found peace and comfort when she viewed his form, as if he was a lighthouse in a perilous storm.
After that, she had exited the med bay, at Captain Anderson's request. She met up with Lieutenant Alenko, and the duo made their way to the comm room. Once they had informed Captain Anderson what had happened, the Captain dismissed the Lieutenant, leaving Ashley to the demise of a severely pissed off Captain Anderson. She didn't feel angry, or sad; only guilt. She deserved what was going to come at her, all of that and more.
For she acted a fool, and got another man killed. A very important man.
However, the Captain didn't shout or scream, or even raise his voice. No, he simply asked Ashley to stay on the Normandy as another member of the ground team, as well as telling her it wasn't her fault, and that she couldn't have known what was going to happen.
Ashley simply stood, her mind drawing a blank. She had been mentally preparing herself for a massive barrage of questions as well as being reprimanded by a superior officer, but instead she had been invited onto the Normandy and treated as if she were already a part of the crew. With the briefing over with, Ashley had returned to the med bay, where she could keep an eye on Shepard.
'It'll be a fun ride, as long as you wake up.'
Again there was nothing.
With a heavy sigh, Ashley leant backwards from her position, and closed her eyes. The fatigue and shock of the whole ordeal was only just beginning to set in.
It was then, a slight moan escaped Shepard's lips. A joyful and blissful sound to Ashley's ears, as she shot back up to regard her commander.
Another moan, and Shepard began to jostle on the bed, seemingly uncomfortable in his current position.
'He's alive! Thank you God!' relief flooded over Ashley like a tidal wave as the man she had thought dead by her actions, began to stir.
His stirrings and moans however, were too quiet or small for Doctor Chakwas to notice, as she sat on the other side of the room, monitoring the still unconscious Nihlus.
Ashley jumped up from her seat on the edge of the bed, her fatigue and shock completely forgotten, as she remarked with a joyful tone, "Doctor Chakwas! The Commander's waking up!"
Shepard slowly opened his eyes, not quite open enough to reveal he was fully awake, but open enough for him to gain a sense of his surroundings.
'White walls, and lots of medical equipment. I must be somewhere safe at least... I'm on the Normandy. Makes the most sense.' With the realisation that Shepard was in safe surroundings, he allowed his eyes to fully open. Turning his head to the sides, he first spotted a bed that was occupied by a very familiar Turian.
Nihlus.
'At least they got Nihlus out safe.' Shepard's attention was then drawn to the attractive but yet still bouncing woman on his right hand side, practically bursting with what appeared to be happiness and relief.
"Oh thank God! You're awake!" Shepard pushed himself up from his prone position on the bed, so his back was against his pillows. Ashley looked like she was going to pounce on him.
That, got Shepard worried more than anything.
Instead of pouncing, she simply leaned over to Shepard and gave him a soft hug, silent sobs racking her body once more. With her face buried in his chest, only a muffled reply was heard by the incredibly confused commander. "Thank you. Thank you Lord almighty..."
Chuckling, the commander glanced once more around the room, to notice Doctor Chakwas was stood close by, a grin on her face. She began walking towards the commander once the Gunny had released him. Her next words were laced with the finest form of humour, that only age can grant, "If you think I'm going to give you a hug commander, you're sorely mistaken I'm afraid. You're just not my type."
With a shake of his head, whilst still quietly chuckling, the commander leaned over the edge of his bed and placed his feet on the ground. Doctor Chakwas had decided that a minute was enough time before she asked her questions, with her usual soft British tone:
"How are you feeling Commander? Are you experiencing any discomfort? Pain? Nausea?"
"I'm fine Doctor, really. What about Nihlus? How's he doing?" the commander asked, not caring for his own well-being at the present moment.
Both women just laughed at their commander's antics. He had survived a fifty thousand year old beacon exploding before him, saved a colony from certain destruction, and his first thoughts were of somebody else. Chakwas answered in a comical tone, "He's fine Commander. He's just sleeping off the shock he endured. But I'm examining you, remember? Now, are you feeling well? I noticed a lot of strange brain activity as you were sleeping, common to that of intense dreaming..."
"I'm fine, I think... I'm a little bit tired, but that's usual. As to the dreaming... I have no idea what I saw. Death. Destruction. Synthetics... It's all one massive blur to be honest, Doc." Shepard said whilst nervously rubbing the back of his head. Suddenly, Shepard bolted up and began trying to get out of his bed, his voice taking on a panicked tone. "The beacon! What happened to the beacon on Eden Prime?!"
It was Ashley who answered next, her voice taking on an extremely guilty tone. "It was, destroyed Commander. I'm sorry! I really am! I didn't mean to get too near it! It's my fault that the beacon exploded... And I'm, really, really sorry." She finished meekly.
Shepard's response was immediate, but his reply was completely unexpected. "It's not your fault Gunny. You couldn't have known it was going to blow. And I'm guessing I have you, along with Alenko, to thank for bringing me back to the Normandy."
With a smile on his face as he addressed her, he simply offered her a salute before continuing. "If it wasn't for your efforts, I would be dead back there. Thank you, Gunny." And with that statement, and Doctor Chakwas' look of confusion, Shepard finally got out of his bed, before moving towards the med bay door, still clad in his shorts and t-shirt. He let the door close behind him as he made his way into the mess hall; forgetting all about his near death experience by simply 'walking it off'.
For the second time in less than a day, Ashley was at a complete loss for words. The Alliance's hero had forgiven her stupid actions. He was even thanking her!
"Doctor, what just happened? Do you think we should go after him?" Ashley asked after her brain began to work again.
"Well... I believe the commander just excused himself from my med bay. And no, there's no point. The man's too headstrong; he won't come back in here to rest. If I could hazard a guess, I would say that he's probably going to go and find Captain Anderson now. I better get a report written up and add it to his medical records. He's going to need a new folder if he keeps this up." Turning to face the still perplexed Gunny, Doctor Chakwas simply smiled, and continued, "Don't worry. The commander doesn't hold any grudges. His past record shows that. If he's forgiven you, don't question his judgement." With that, Doctor Chakwas simply walked back to her desk, on the other side of the room.
'Well... This should be good fun explaining this one to the family.' Ashley thought, as a smile stole its way onto her face.
Outside the med bay, the commander was greeted with cheers of approval and relief by the crew members waiting outside. As the commander moved towards the bridge, the crew's morale improved drastically. They didn't know the commander personally, but his actions made him a legend in the Alliance. If he died... It would have been fair to say that life would have become a little bit more bleak. Simply because: legends don't die. They live on, through the worst of it all and come out the other side smiling.
Climbing the stairs towards the bridge and passing through the door, the commander nodded to the saluting Alliance marines and continued on his journey to the cock-pit. As he was moving along, Navigator Pressly, an elderly officer, smiled and saluted the semi-naked commander. Shepard simply laughed and saluted back, as he moved towards where Joker was sitting. As he approached, he could over-hear two distinct voices in the cock-pit: one was Lieutenant Alenko, and the other was Captain Anderson. Slowing his walking speed, and allowing his steps to become silent, Shepard stood behind the two oblivious men, who were too engrossed in conversation to notice Shepard.
Captain Anderson was speaking to Kaidan first, "Lieutenant, have we had a report from Doctor Chakwas yet. Last time I spoke to her, she admitted that it was going to be close. Do we know if Shepard's going to wake up? It's vital he stays alive." Worry and concern tinged Anderson's words, like words a father would speak about his injured child.
Kaidan simply shook his head as he addressed his superior, "We're not sure Captain. Doctor Chakwas hasn't sent a report yet."
The lieutenant's omni-tool conveniently chimed at that moment, notifying him of a new message, "Wait a minute... What's this?"
Both men leaned in to view Kaidan's omni-tool, before Shepard's voice snapped them both to attention. "I think you'll find the report just says I'm awake now. Nothing interesting." They turned around to see a semi-naked Shepard, standing before them with one of his classical shit-eating grins on his face, as he lazily saluted.
Both men stood in shock at the sight before them; whereas behind them, Joker spun around in his chair, and in classical sarcastic Joker fashion, he simply said, "Nice one commander... Looks like you've broke them now."
Shepard merely laughed before he stood normally and smiled at the men before him, who now both had massive grins on their faces and were more visibly relaxed. It was Alenko who spoke first: "You do like to make an entrance, don't you Shepard? Sneaking around, scaring poor Joker over there."
A snort of contempt could be heard behind them, before Alenko continued, "But I have to say, it's good to have you back up and about, sir." It was Captain Anderson's turn to speak now, "Yes Shepard, I have to agree with Lieutenant Alenko here; you always were one for grand entrances. Reminds me of a time when you made a fool of yourself trying to dance in a bar with an Asari dancer..."
The men in the cock-pit simply laughed at the comment as Shepard's face turned beetroot red.
It was true, Shepard couldn't dance whatsoever. It was the only skill he couldn't seem to master.
As the laughter died down, Anderson turned serious as he addressed Shepard, "But seriously Shepard, how are you feeling? Alenko told me about how the beacon exploded. And after seeing the state your armour's in, I'm surprised that you're up so soon."
"I'm fine, really. I just keep seeing these really strange images when I close my eyes," Anderson visibly tensed at this, but let Shepard continue, "I keep seeing gore, murder, death and destruction, synthetics slaughtering innocents... It's not pretty, but I'll be okay."
Shepard seemed physically tired by the end of the explanation, but he perked up when he asked his next question to Anderson, remembering what his captain had said previously. "Hang on a second... What's wrong with my armour?! How long have I been out?!" Shepard inquired quizzically, as a look of confusion crossed his face.
It was Kaidan that answered this time. "Your armour is pretty much shredded Commander. You could still wear it, but it wouldn't help you in a combat situation. And to answer your second question: you've been out for seventeen hours."
'Seventeen hours?! It's been that long?!' The commander let out a sigh before he addressed his captain, "Are we heading into more combat Captain? If so, I'll try to squeeze into some standard armor."
Chuckling at the mental image of Shepard trying to put on armour two sizes too small, Anderson tried to maintain his serious edge, "I'm afraid not commander. We're heading to the Citadel. We're going to try and gain a meeting with the Council."
'The Council... The big-wigs of the Galaxy. Those who believe themselves to be higher than the rest. Power and arrogance. What a combination...' Shepard bitterly thought, as a frown creased his features.
Seeing the change in mood, captain Anderson began to explain his reasoning: "We're going to the Citadel because the mess we're in Shepard is huge. Things don't look good. The Geth have practically declared war on the Alliance; the beacon has been destroyed, and the addition of Saren into this mess, has only made things worse." Anderson practically spat Saren's name out with such venom and rage that Shepard couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as to where such an explosive reaction had come from.
'I wonder why the Captain's so hostile towards this Saren.' Shepard thought, as he tried to remember anything he could about Saren.
He only knew of him because of Nihlus' outburst before Shepard had rushed ahead, but Anderson's anger at saying his name... It suggested they had past experience.
Shepard couldn't help himself. His curiosity had gotten the best of him; he had to ask: "Captain, do you?-"
Before Shepard could finish his question however, Joker, who had turned around when he wasn't being consulted on anything, now spoke up, addressing captain Anderson, "Captain, we're nearing the Mass Relay. ETA to the Citadel: 40 minutes. I'll see if I can get it done in 30."
'Thanks for that Joker. Impeccable timing as always.'
"Fair enough Joker, take us in smoothly, and once we're in range, get Citadel control on the comms." Anderson had completely ignored Shepard's question to respond to the pilot. Shepard didn't know if it was by sheer coincidence, or if the captain was trying to hide something.
'Guess I'll have to ask later.' With a sigh, Shepard ceased his desire to question Anderson.
For the time being.
Anderson then turned back around to Shepard, a humorous smile on his face. "Your armour's in your locker Shepard. Put it on, and get back up here. We don't want the Council meeting the 'man of the hour' half-naked." With a chuckle from everybody else in the cock-pit, Shepard left to go and put some 'decent' clothes on.
As he was walking towards his locker, he ran a hand through the black stubble that had gotten a lot longer than he remembered in a long time. Shepard decided to have a shave as well; he was going to make sure he looked presentable enough for some of the galaxy's most powerful individuals.
Fully suited, with his weapons attached, and his usual appearance in place, Shepard made his way back into the cock-pit.
The Normandy had already left FTL and was now slowing down as it approached the gigantic Citadel, the throne of power of the galaxy. Shepard could only stare in awe as he witnessed the sight.
The large station; its five white gleaming arms, open and inviting against the mixture of blues, blacks, pinks and purples of the Serpent Nebula; Widow to be precise. It was definitely a sight to behold.
The other members in the cock-pit seemingly agreed with Shepard's thoughts. It was simply beautiful.
Except for Joker.
He looked like he couldn't give two shits.
'He's probably seen too much of space to get this feeling any more. Poor bastard...' With a chuckle, Shepard glanced around the cock-pit, trying to gauge everybody's thoughts.
Kaidan was stood near Ashley, pointing out into the Nebula, as if trying to capture the stars with his finger and Ashley was childishly grinning as she viewed the swirls of colours and the large ships of the Citadel Defence Fleet that were passing by. Anderson, however, was just like Shepard.
Both men simply stood looking out of the view-ports, smiles on their faces, as they viewed the wonders of the galaxy.
Ashley piped up from her position next to Alenko as a gargantuan vessel glided past the approaching Normandy, "Look at the size of that thing! It dwarfs anything the Alliance has!"
Kaidan merely chuckled as he viewed the sight on Ashley's face, before answering her unspoken question, "The 'Destiny Ascension'. Flagship of the Citadel fleet. She's definitely a lot bigger than any of our dreadnaughts."
Joker added his own thoughts into the mix at this point as he spun around in his chair. "Size isn't everything you know."
Laughs broke out in the cock-pit as everybody regarded Joker's stoic face. It was Ashley that spoke first, "Why so touchy Joker?". A vicious grin was plastered on her face as she teased the pilot.
Joker snorted and then defensively replied, "I'm just saying you need fire-power as well! It's no good being that size if you can't deal some serious damage back!"
Kaidan was next to comment on the pilots defensive tone, "Joker, look at the size of the main armament on the Ascension. It could rip through the barriers and shields of any ship in the Alliance. I don't think fire-power is a problem."
Shepard decided to join in on the good natured banter in the cock-pit. "Come on guys, leave Joker alone... It's not his fault he can't compete with the Asari. It's just what he was given to begin with." Raucous laughter broke out once more in the cock-pit as Joker's face went as crimson as a blood-red tomato at the comment.
Joker however, didn't let the conversation go without him getting the last word in, "Come on Commander! I can take the crap from the ground-pounders, Lieutenant Serious and Gunnery Chief Psycho, but I can't compete against the Alliance's hero! It would be devastating for humanities morale if the Lion of Elysium was put down by a humble Flight Lieutenant!"
Shepard simply chuckled before he replied, "The day that happens Joker, is the day I run around this ship bare arsed with my dick swinging!"
Everybody smiled with mirth, as the pilot simply nodded his approval from his seat. Once a comfortable silence began to settle, he swivelled back to face the controls.
Coincidentally, the comms in the Normandy suddenly came to life the moment the conversation had ended: "This is Citadel Control. Alliance vessel, state your purpose and approach vector."
Joker replied in a lazy tone, as if he was too tired to bother with such trivialities; "This is the SSV Normandy requesting permission to dock."
"Stand by for clearance Normandy", There was a pause before Citadel control answered, "Permission granted Normandy, sending the coordinates for the docking bay now. Citadel control out." The comms cut out at that final statement, but Captain Anderson filled the void soon thereafter, "Bring us in Joker. Nice and slow."
The Captain also hurriedly added, "Oh! I forgot to mention as well; when Nihlus wakes up, send some marine escorts from the ship with him. Just to be sure."
Joker's response was calm and collected, as if he was reciting his alphabet, "Aye aye Captain. Marine escorts to go with the Turian spectre. Gotcha."
Anderson, Alenko, Williams and Shepard began to walk towards the airlock as Joker answered to the calls of the comm system.
As the airlock eventually cycled and opened to the awaiting Citadel, once the Normandy was secure, the next sound, Shepard was to remark some time later into his life, was one of the most annoying sounds in his life.
"Captain Anderson and Commander Shepard are ashore. Navigator Pressly has the deck."
The Presidium was a calm, serene and tranquil place with luscious scenery as far as the eye could see. Many different races from across the Galaxy strolled around on the Presidium: Elcor, Volus, Asari, Turian, Salarian... It was a comforting sight to the four humans as they ventured towards humanities embassy.
What they didn't expect however, when they entered the office of humanities ambassador, was to see said ambassador in the middle of a heated discussion with three holograms; namely that of an Asari, a Turian and a Salarian.
'They must be the Council' Shepard pondered, 'These are supposed to be the representatives of peaceful solutions?'
Shepard could only mentally note how strange the situation was as he watched the human man in front of him, go red with pent-up rage.
"This is an outrage!" roared Ambassador Udina. Despite the presence of the three most powerful members of the galaxy, humanity wasn't going to take it lying down.
"The Council would step in and offer assistance if the Geth attacked a Turian colony!"
'Have to give the man credit; at least he can shout at the Council.'
The four humans moved into the room, and seated themselves on different couches, adjacent to the entrance of the office. It was a strange sight if Shepard had ever seen one. An Alliance Captain in his dress uniform, two Alliance soldiers, clad in their respective armour's, and then there was Shepard. A tank on legs in a place of peace and prosperity, as they watched humanities ambassador give both barrels to the Council.
It was the Salarian hologram that spoke first, the one that looked like an over-sized frog, with a voice dripping with contempt, "The Turians don't establish colonies on the borders of the Terminus Systems, Ambassador."
It was the Asari hologram that spoke next, the blue-skinned 'woman' kept her voice calm and tranquil, as if she were speaking about something as trivial as the weather, "Humanity was well aware of the risks when you went into the Traverse, Ambassador."
Udina was still visibly fuming as he tried a different approach, "What about Saren?! You can't just ignore a rogue spectre! He tried to destroy a human colony along with the Geth!" Thrusting a finger at the Council and stepping forward, Udina bellowed, "I demand action!"
It was the Turian hologram who spoke up now, his voice was as cold as ice as he glared at the human ambassador, "You don't get to make demands of the Council, Ambassador." The way the Turian Councillor spat the word 'ambassador' made Udina recoil as if physically hit. He had just been reminded of his position, and to who exactly he was screaming at.
The Asari spoke up now, following on from her Turian colleague, "Citadel Security is investigating your charges against Saren. We will discuss the C-Sec findings at the hearing, and not before."
With that final statement, the holograms of the Council flickered and vanished, preventing Udina from firing back up again.
Udina turned around at the end of his conversation to face the soldiers who had waited patiently for him. With sarcasm drenching his words, Udina uttered a simple statement, but it was spoken as if he was itching for more confrontation, "I see you only brought half of your crew with you, Anderson."
The captain just stared back at the shorter man, face impassive as if to show that Udina's attempts at provocation had not worked.
His reply was as civil as the experienced captain could muster, "Just the ground crew from the mission on Eden Prime, in case you had any questions. It also looks like you've gained an audience with the Council."
"I have. It was difficult, but they have allowed us a short amount of time to present our case. However, I read in the reports that there was a Turian spectre on Eden Prime as well. Where's Nihlus? Is this another Turian you've let walk all over you?".
Anderson visibly tensed at Udina's comment, but Udina simply carried on, "Nihlus survived an attack by Saren, therefore he's a key witness. Where is he?!" Udina said with barely concealed impatience.
"Spectre Nihlus doesn't want any part of the situation, he wants to remain anonymous. If he speaks out about Saren, he could well be permanently excluded from the spectre's, or worse..." Anderson stated in a slightly irritated tone.
Udina was starting to get on Anderson's nerves; that much was apparent to the other Alliance personnel in the room. They'd been speaking for less than two minutes and Shepard could already see a fight beginning to commence.
With some reluctance, Udina gave a heavy sigh, and continued. "Fine, fine... Nihlus is saving his own plates and scales. What evidence have we got then?! We can't very well go to a Council meeting without any bloody evidence! It would be publicly humiliating!"
"You have the reports of three reliable Alliance soldiers who were on Eden Prime; in addition to Shepard's report on his vision he experienced. That, should be plenty. Besides, if there's any evidence that C-Sec can come up with before the meeting, it'll only strengthen our case." Anderson explained; although he sounded fairly unconvinced at his last statement.
Udina instantly picked up on his lack of certainty, "C-Sec is not going to be able to do anything! The Council don't like having their best agent accused of treason! They're going to do everything in their power to lock everything away!"
Shepard decided it was his turn to join in now. "It's not an accusation Ambassador. Saren intended to detonate nuclear devices on Eden Prime! I had to defuse the fucking things. I know how guilty he is!" Shepard was allowing his pent-up rage to filter out now.
Udina simply smirked at the angry behemoth in front of him. When Udina spoke next, if it wasn't for the fact that discipline had been shoved into Shepard, he would have knocked the smaller man down in one punch, "Settle down Commander... You've already jeopardised your candidacy for the spectre's. If we had the beacon left intact then maybe we wouldn't be stuck in this situation. Incompetence however, seems to be rife at the moment."
'You arrogant son of a bitch! I should make you swallow those shit-chiglets you call front teeth right now!'
Captain Anderson, realising that Shepard was bristling with anger, placed a hand on the commander's arm, in an attempt to prevent the inevitable explosion of anger. Ashley and Kaidan, who had previously tried to blend into the background, now shot forward in Shepard's defence. Udina simply stood, smirking at the armoured titan of rage in front of him, not intimidated in the slightest.
It was Anderson that answered for Shepard, "The beacon exploding wasn't Shepard's fault! Nobody knew what was going to happen if it was activated. It's not fair to blame anybody; least of all Shepard for that!"
Udina, leaning back on one foot with his arms crossed over his chest, his face stoic once more, addressed Captain Anderson. "I see. Come with me, Captain. We have much to discuss before the hearing." Turning to face Shepard, who had only calmed down slightly, he continued, "And Shepard? Once you've calmed down some more and recollected yourself, meet us at the Citadel tower. I'll make sure you have the correct clearance to reach the top level."
And with that, Udina walked away, beckoning captain Anderson to follow him.
Once both men had left, Shepard sighed and turned to face his squad. They were both burning with rage at the treatment of their commander at the hands of someone like Udina. It was Ashley who spoke up first, "And that, is exactly why I hate politicians! Arrogant sons of bitches! You should have knocked him on his ass, commander!"
'Ashley... That is probably the smartest thing I've heard in the past twenty-four hours.'
Kaidan felt similar feelings. "I don't know how you did it Commander. I think I would have lost it."
Smiling at the loyalty shown by his squad members, Shepard silently beckoned them to follow him as he moved towards the exit. As he approached, he simply said, without turning around, "Trust me guys, I was pretty close to making his pearly white teeth his next meal..."
Ashley barked out a laugh as Kaidan simply chuckled, a small grin placing itself on the young marine lieutenant's face.
This wasn't loyalty you could buy. This was loyalty you had to earn.
Shepard hadn't had much chance to earn it yet, but he damn well knew he was going to try.
As the trio moved out of the elevator, towards the Council platform, they noticed two Turians were stood arguing at the top of a flight of stairs.
A young Turian, clad in dark blue armor, was arguing with an older Turian clad in dark red armor.
As they approached, they could just make out the conversation between the pair.
"Saren's hiding something! I just know he is. Give me more time. Stall them!" The younger Turian was saying to the elder, quite loudly in fact.
The elder Turian simply stood there in amusement and incredulity, "Stall the Council? Don't be ridiculous Garrus! Your investigation is over. There is no evidence that Saren was going to destroy that Human colony!"
With that statement made, the elder Turian turned about face and walked away, leaving the now fuming younger Turian to stand alone in the Council chambers. Shepard smiled when he heard the younger Turian mutter under his breath, "Of course I haven't found anything on Saren. It's all Spirits be damned 'classified'! Incompetent sack of Varren shit..."
Shepard then saw that the Turian had noticed Shepard's presence and had begun to move towards him. As soon as the Turian was close, Shepard stopped in his tracks, allowing the Turian to introduce himself:
"Commander Shepard?"
Shepard nodded, and the Turian continued, "I'm Garrus Vakarian."
The men exchanged a handshake, before Garrus continued once more, "I am... I was, the C-Sec officer in charge of the investigation into Saren's actions."
Shepard simply smiled as he replied, his anger from the conversation with Udina now dissipated after walking though the scenery of the Presidium. "I heard. I'm guessing that was your superior?"
With a nod from Garrus, Shepard continued, "Sounds like all the evidence has been locked away then..."
With a sigh, Garrus replied, "I'm afraid so. All of the available evidence was labelled as part of a spectre investigation, so C-Sec can't touch it. I apologise Commander." Garrus finished as he bowed his head in what appeared to be shame.
Shepard simply laughed, causing Garrus to look up in confusion, "It's alright Garrus. it's not your fault. That's just how politics works: 'lock it away before it can be used'. It doesn't matter either way to me. I'll stop Saren. No two ways about it." Shepard stated, causing Garrus to swell with hope.
'This human's going to do what needs to be done. I wish I could say the same...' Garrus thought as he watched another human move up to the side of the commander, ready to speak.
"Commander? I believe the Council's ready to see us." the human said, causing the commander to simply nod and smile at Garrus, "Well, back into the pan we go... Wish us luck Garrus!"
As the trio of humans moved ahead, Garrus shouted back to the commander, "Good luck Commander! Maybe they'll listen to you!"
Captain Anderson was stood at the base of the stairs waiting for the commander and his entourage. As soon as he approached, captain Anderson began, "Come on! The Council's already in session!"
The trio of humans hastened their speed as they climbed up the stairs, eventually to stand on a platform across from another elevated platform which housed the three different Councillors.
Councillor Valern, the Salarian representative, Councillor Tevos, the Asari representative, and Councillor Sparatus, the Turian representative.
'At least Avina was useful for something...' Shepard thought as he remembered questioning the Citadel's VI on the Presidium ring.
However, off to the side of the Council's platform was a twenty foot hologram of the 'Turian of the hour'.
'Saren. He looks a lot more... Metallic up close.' Shepard silently remarked as he viewed the hologram, noticing the metal plates attached to certain parts of Saren's body.
The Asari Councillor began, "The Geth attack in question, is a matter for some concern. But... There is nothing to indicate that Saren was involved in any way."
"The investigation by Citadel Security turned up no evidence to support your charge of treason." The Turian Councillor further elaborated.
Udina fired up at the mention of this, "We have an eyewitness who heard Saren say he was going to destroy Eden Prime with nuclear weaponry, in addition to trying to kill a fellow spectre!"
The Salarian now spoke up, "We've looked at the evidence Ambassador, and your eyewitness account is inadmissible. Unless they step forward to be put on trial, their account stands for nothing in this meeting."
"I resent these accusations!" Saren interrupted, "I have no need to destroy a Human colony and I would never kill for the sake of it."
"You despise Humanity! You tried to destroy Eden Prime!" Captain Anderson bellowed.
"Ah! Captain Anderson! Why is it, you are always involved when humanity presses false charges against me?" Saren said, sarcasm dripping from his words. Saren's eyes landed on Shepard next, "And this must be your protégé! Commander Shepard! The one who allowed the Prothean beacon to be destroyed..."
'How the hell does he know about that?!' Shepard silently fumed next to Anderson.
Anderson was the one however to ask the question, "How did you know about the beacon?! That was classified!"
"As a spectre, I may request to view the information and reports submitted after a fellow spectre on the mission was injured, as apparent in the Citadel Council regulations for spectre operations, section 17, paragraph 12, subsection B."
At the mentioning of 'regulations', the heads of the Councillors merely nodded, as Saren continued "However, I was thoroughly unimpressed with the reports submitted about Eden Prime. But then again, what more can you expect from humans..."
"You lying bastard! That is bullshit and you know it!" Shepard roared, his anger finally brimming over.
"Your species needs to learn its place, Shepard!" Saren snarled, "You're not ready to join the Council. You're not even ready to join the spectres!"
Shepard snarled with rage at Saren's comment; his anger had already poured over the edge, and Saren was just adding to the inferno raging in Shepard's heart.
Udina came to the rescue however, before Shepard did something he would probably regret. "He has no right to say that! That's not his decision!"
For the first time, Udina didn't seem that much of a dickhead to Shepard.
Councillor Tevos raised a hand as she began to speak, hoping to quell the argument, and prevent any more shouting, "Shepard's admission into the spectre's is not the purpose of this meeting."
Saren growled back, his tone dark and menacing, "This meeting has no purpose! The humans are wasting your time Councillors, and mine!"
"Stop hiding behind the Council, you fucking coward!" Shepard barked, his passion still burning strongly.
"Shepard! Control yourself!" Udina bellowed as he began staring down the man next to him.
'Nope, Udina's still a dickhead. A bonafide dickhead.'
It was Councillor Tevos once again, positioning for peace, "Silence! The pair of you! If you do not act with respect towards one another, this meeting shall be finished! Am I understood?!"
Both sides were silent.
"Good. Now is there anything else to add to this hearing?" Tevos said, her voice still remaining calm and tranquil.
"There's one more thing; Shepard's vision. It may have been from the beacon." Anderson stated.
Saren merely laughed, his tone condescending, "Are we allowing dreams into testimony now?" He spread his arms out wide, "How can I possibly defend my innocence against dreams and wild speculations?!"
'You need some innocence first you slimy fuck.'
"I agree," Stated the Turian Councillor, "Our judgements must be made on the basis of solid evidence and facts. Shepard's vision, does not constitute as evidence."
Tevos then spoke, "Have you anything more to add, commander Shepard?"
"No."
'What's the fucking point?'
There was a momentary discussion between the Councillors, their audio devices muted, as not to give away their verdict just yet.
Finally, Councillor Tevos spoke once more, "The Council has found no evidence of any connection between Saren and the Geth attack of Eden Prime. Ambassador, your petition to have Saren disbarred from the spectres is denied. This meeting is adjourned."
"I'm glad to see Justice was served." Saren mocked, before his hologram blinked out of existence.
'Don't you worry you son of a bitch', Shepard seethed as he marched down from the podium he was currently on, 'Justice will be served. With my boot so far up your arse, you'll taste metal till the day your miserable existence ends!'
So there we go! Chapter 3!
I was going to try and do more in this chapter, but my word count would have been ridiculously high, so I thought I might as well split it up into separate chapters.
Chora's Den and Tali being saved shall be next however!
Did you like this chapter? Are you liking the story thus far?
Tell me in the reviews! or PM me!
Cheers!