Commander John Shepard
Holy shit, it really did happen. Is this some fever dream? I've got my arm around Tali, on the sofa in my quarters, she's leaning her head against my shoulder, and we've officially entered a relationship. Officially.
"I uh, feel like I should… do, something, but I don't know what."
"I-I'm not sure you should be asking me that. I don't exactly have experience," Tali awkwardly chuckled.
"Hm, I've had some small relationships, but none really like this."
"Well… what would you normally do?"
"Something a bit more difficult in this case scenario," I scratched the back of my head.
"I… think I have an idea."
"Yeah."
"We could… do that anyway? On the mask?"
"Only if you want to."
Tali turned her head, and there was more awkward chuckling. From both of us.
"Screw it," I muttered. I pulled her forehead to me and gave a small peck on her visor, just where her forehead would be. I opened my mouth to say something, but the intercom went live. Chakwas.
"John, I'm sorry to interrupt, but if you're to fully recover from the procedure before your meeting with the Council, it would be wise to undergo surgery immediately."
"Surgery?" Tali asked, concerned.
"To get rid of these scars for good. It's apparently some minor implant rejection. Only cosmetic, though. Still, want to look nice for the Council, right?"
"Oh, right." Tali sat up straight. "I suppose I should go down to engineering, then."
"Sure, sure. I'll head down to the med-bay."
Commander John Shepard
My face still feels a little numb, but thanks to a good look in the mirror, all hints of my scars from the cybernetics were gone. And, not to mention, Tali had come in to check up on me. But that was yesterday. Spending what time was left with a meal, and some drinks with Garrus, though Tali is still preferring water, for now, then eventually separating as she went to a sleeper pod, and myself towards my quarters. We'd be arriving at the Citadel in a few hours now, but I wasn't quite ready for breakfast. I figured I should do some research. Learn what the word has been on me largely, but additionally the Alliance in the past two years.
Nothing surprising with the Alliance. Integrating itself as a Council race and the political debates surrounding how best to manage that, and it's forces still being spread thin. They're putting a lot of money into both recruitment efforts and the bolstering of fleets. As well as the ever-present expansion.
As for myself? I had become a bit of a poster boy. My likeness was being used calling for those who want to "be like me." And fight for Humanity, so on, so forth. Honestly, that is to be expected. I died in the service, gives the Alliance the ability to do so. Also, not surprisingly, I couldn't find any official reports quoting me on the Reapers. Just, scarce conspiracy sites. And the information there had been so butchered I barely recognized it as describing the Reapers. Then I saw a link that made me laugh my ass off. The eighth and tenth links on just the first page of search results with my name?
COMMANDER SHEPARD XXX
Wow. Just… wow. I had to click on it, just to see how bad it was. See who they're trying to pair me with. Let's see, my stand-in? Easily a roided up airhead of a man with muscles he'd have only gotten through plastic surgery and cosmetic implants. He was completely bald compared to my shave, and barely a hair on his face. It's also got 'me' in a cheap, knock-off N7 armor. The kind kids probably wore for Halloween that year. Ah, time for the 'lady' to come in. Ah, an Asari. Go figure. I rolled my eyes, chuckling. It's always the Asari, I swear. Obviously, it was meant to be Liara, but they wouldn't legally be allowed to use her name. So, they half-assed that too. Larira T'Bone'i.
Fucking hell they aren't even trying. Wait, did the guy really just fucking say "We'll bang, ok?" Why do they even bother having dialogue or build up to porn? Just skip to the sex or the stripping, that's all anyone watches it for. Alright, clicking off. And, in some very morbid curiosity, let's see what else they stick me with. Playlist of Commander Shepard XXX. I'm not sure if I should be flattered or not. So, Commander Shepard in an Asari gangbang, Commander Shepard in a human AND Asari gangbang, Commander Shepard fucks Ass MILFiams? Alright, fuck these guys. Really. Commander Shepard in Human gangbang. Commander Shepard gets revenge for First Contact War in rough sex with Turian slut? I've always been more softcore. Commander Shepard brutal fuck with Batarian whore for Elysium? Alright, seriously, fuck off. Commander Shepard gets some Tail'Whora? Oh, and there's one where it's all three of the women with me at the same time. Welp, there's the gay porn of me, just going to skip over that. Krogan female? Fuck no, not something I ever want to see. Moving right on. It's just getting worse. Every other species out there is in this playlist. At least once. Even a gender bent me. Hm, wonder why they chose a redhead. Our eyes aren't even the same color. Hers are green, mine are blue. Even the man had blue eyes and the same color hair.
Clicking off. I can't take it anymore. I got onto the extranet hoping to learn more about the last two years, and I think the only thing that sticks, ok, bad word choice. The only thing that's staying in memory, is the porn. My terminal was pinged from a message. We were out of FTL to discharge the core, so if anytime would have us receiving messages, this would be it. And this one was… from the Migrant Fleet? Subject: Transfer Request Approved. At least there's that. I opened the message. This should get my mind off that filth.
Commander Shepard,
Per Tali'Zorah vas Neema's request included with her data delivery from Haestrom, the Admiralty Board has approved her transfer to your command. She has been informed that additional duties to the Migrant Fleet may still be necessary on occasion but has been given extended leeway to determine when her mission with you is considered complete.
This choice was hers, but your role as de facto captain during her pilgrimage may have caused her to be more susceptible to your requests. The Admiralty Board trusts that you will treat your new crew member with the respect due to an honored member of the Fleet. Should any harm come to her due to negligence on your part, this board will take severe and appropriate action.
Admiral Rael'Zorah
A letter from her father? This is the first correspondence I've had from him. I think they deserve a reply. I got to work, and then checked back over my final draft.
Admiral Rael'Zorah and the rest of the Migrant Fleet Admiralty Board
I am grateful for your approval in Tali's transfer and thank you all for the trust placed upon me. You have my word that not only will Tali be given the respect her status in the fleet deserves, but also, and more importantly, the respect I reserve for my closest friends and confidants, which I am proud to count her as through the friendship I built with her and several other crew members during the campaign against Saren. I immediately saw fit to assign her as chief engineer aboard my ship as well as restoring her position among my ground team. She will have the freedom to freely choose from any and all top of the line weapons and armor we have available for her own use. As for missions for the Migrant Fleet, I would be happy to aid Tali in these missions assuming there aren't any mission-critical matters that absolutely cannot wait. I'm sure you understand if there is a need for short delays.
Additionally, seeing as Admiral Rael'Zorah is Tali's father, and that Admiral Shala'Raan is viewed as an aunt by Tali, I find it only right to ensure that the Migrant Fleet is aware of what precisely my mission entails, as well as both the reminder and reassurance that I provide all my crewmembers the choice to resign themselves from this mission at any time.
The Collectors have been kidnapping entire Human Colonies in staggering numbers, and my team has confirmation that the Collectors are agents of the Reapers. The same sentient machines behind the Geth attacks two years ago. I understand if the Migrant Fleet views the threat of the Reapers with skepticism, and thus I will move on to more details of this mission. Our goal is to stop these abductions by building a team of the best of the best. Prior to Haestrom, we were already successful in halting one abduction while it was in progress, and are scouring the Galaxy for intel that could provide us both knowledge as to why the Collectors are abducting humans, as well as a safe means of passage through the Omega-4 relay to put an end to their threat. If you are, again, understandably hesitant to allow Tali to embark on this mission, I warn that I find it highly likely that the Collectors will not stop with Humanity.
Thank you for both your time and one of your most valuable citizens. This is not the first time you have aided me; thus, I am eager to return the favor in the future.
Commander John Shepard
That seems good. Maybe I'll run it by Tali fi- The door to my cabin opened, revealing, who'd have guessed? Tali.
"Shepa-" she stopped herself. "Er, John? I just got a message from the Migrant Fleet."
"So did I. Just finished drafting a reply in fact. Was going to run it by you," I gestured at the terminal screen. She stepped forward and read over both the message from the fleet and my draft.
"Oh. And here I was afraid I'd have to write a message that my father would find acceptable. This is actually very good."
"I can be diplomatic when I need to be. Bet if I really tried I could've run Udina out of being ambassador two years back. So, what did your message say?"
"Mostly the same. Simply change the wording so that it's a message to me and not you, and you've got everything significant in mine," Tali shrugged.
"Nothing… fatherly? From him?"
"I'm used to it, John," Tali sighed.
"You shouldn't have to be. Want to join me for breakfast?" I got the sense Tali grinned under that mask. Her hand found mine, grabbing it, my ring, middle, and index fingers between her two fingers, her thumb between my index and thumb, and her… pinky? Between my own and my ring.
"Gladly."
Commander John Shepard
"Citadel Control this is the SSV Normandy SR-2 requesting docking clearance," Joker began. There was a noticeable pause.
"This is Citadel Control requesting a repeat of your ID, we do not copy." A human female voice answered. Hm, guess humans are getting more integrated into official Citadel official services.
"Repeating last for Citadel Control. This is the SSV Normandy SR-2." There was another pause.
"Solid copy. Enter a holding orbit along the forty-eighth orbital clearing"
"Solid copy. Entering orbit," Joker responded. "Think we've surprised them," he chuckled, turning back to glance at me. I was busy looking through the viewport, watching the Citadel Defense Fleet ships in the distance. The ones I could see at least. Even the Destiny Ascension. I just don't want to see any of those ships start coming our way.
"SSV Normandy, this is Citadel control requesting identification of your Captain." Joker glanced at me for approval. I nodded.
"Citadel Control, this is SSV Normandy responding. The ship's commanding officer is Commander John Shepard. I repeat, our commanding officer is Commander John Shepard."
"Solid copy. Hold position, you will be escorted by the frigates THS Rocam and the SSV Stalingrad to Presidium C-Sec priority docking bay three. You are not to be detained but your ship will be under surveillance, and a security detail will be brought aboard to investigate your vessel. If you have questions I will transfer you." I spoke up.
"Citadel control, this is Commander John Shepard of the SSV Normandy SR-2. We understand the reasons for the security and expected this response for our arrival. We will comply."
"C-copy that, Normandy. Stand by for a transmission from C-sec." There was another pause, a few minutes longer.
"Normandy, this is Executor Pallin. Commander, do you read?"
"I read you, Executor."
"Hm, sounds like you, alright," the Executor murmured. The Normandy began to move, escorted by the two frigates beside the ship. "The Council was promptly alerted to your… resurrection, by Captain Hannah Shepard a week ago, as well as the report from Commander Kaidan Alenko the following day. They're requesting to meet with you immediately in a private conference room. Admiral Steven Hackett will be joining you thanks to insistence both by him and Councilor Anderson, in addition to your own request. Finally, the Council asks that for the moment, your presence remain quiet. Upon docking, myself and Spectre Jondum Bau will escort you to a C-sec transport to the Council chambers. You will be unarmed, and your crew will remain on board your ship."
"I understand, but I must call something into question. This sounds like my crew and I are indeed being detained."
"Commander Alenko's report states that you currently have allies with a known terrorist organization, as well as claiming uncertainty into his own judgment on this matter. It's only thanks to Councilor Anderson that I have not been instructed to put you in cuffs. What happens next depends entirely on your meeting with the Council."
"Understood. I'll be waiting," I answered.
"Not the warm welcome I was hoping for," Joker remarked. "You know, I wonder just how much of the suspicion and hostility to Cerberus is all because of the reports you left about them."
"Or they've done more disgusting shit since last time," I countered.
"Yeah but I don't like thinking about that if I don't have to," Joker shrugged. I got onto the intercom. We were nearing the Presidium.
"All hands, listen up. We're about to dock at a C-Sec docking bay on the Presidium. The Normandy will be under surveillance and a security detail will be coming aboard to investigate the ship. EDI, you shall act as a VI, and your existence kept as nothing but. However, you all will be fully cooperative. Even you, Jack, if need be. Garrus, I want you to meet them and answer all their questions. If there's anything you can't answer, see if Miranda knows. Miranda, you will provide those answers."
"Within reason, Commander. I am part of your crew but still loyal to Cerberus. I cannot simply-"
"Fine, fine. I'll accept your limitations," I cut off.
"Finally, I must ask why this duty is being assigned to Vakarian and not the ship's XO."
"Because Garrus used to work at C-Sec. There's a chance he might know the officers who come aboard, that'll only make things easier," I explained.
"Don't worry, Shepard. I'll keep them happy," Garrus responded.
"I know you will, bud." Only a few minutes later, the Normandy came into dock. I was in formal wear, and both Garrus and Tali were by the airlock with me. I might have caught her looking me up and down. I smirked and puffed myself up just a little.
"Spirits, I can hardly believe you both," Garrus chuckled. Tali looked down, wringing her hands awkwardly. "Oh come on, that wasn't being critical," Garrus remarked. "It's just funny seeing the great Commander Shepard puffing himself up as his girlfriend ogles him over like a bunch of trainees."
"I wasn't-" Tali began. Garrus chuckled.
"Come on, your eyes glow, I can see them move."
"He's got you there," Joker called out from his seat in the cockpit. "And, fair warning? Docking tube's attached. Give your goodbye kisses." I didn't look at the pilot, I just lifted my middle finger in his direction.
"I'll be back in no-time," I reassured. The airlock was beginning its sequence and shortly opened to reveal a few C-sec officers. A Human male with a Turian female and a Salarian in tow.
"Chris. Septila, Omor. Long time, no see," Garrus remarked. The three of them were caught by surprise.
"Vakarian? Where the hell have you been?" Septila exclaimed.
"Around. Some Vigilantism here and there. Till Shepard found me in a tight spot."
"While I would be happy to catch up, I am afraid we have a job to do first," Omor, the Salarian, spoke up.
"Right, right. Go ahead, Shepard. I'll take it from here." I nodded and entered the airlock, the door closing behind me after the officers passed by. As the airlock went through yet another cycle and opened, there were the familiar faces of both Executor Pallin and Jondum Bau. And a few other C-sec guards on standby. Already looking amongst one another after seeing me, murmuring to one another.
"Commander. This way," Pallin began. I followed, already able to see the shuttle adjacent to our ship.
"Good to see you again, Commander Shepard. Remember you performed well on Pinnacle station. Good to see we did not lose a good Spectre."
"So it seems," Pallin muttered.
"I understand your concern, Executor. No one in this galaxy has more reason to hate my temporary… allies, than myself. They'll never turn me." The door to the shuttle opened and we entered. Pallin and I sat, Bau remained standing.
"Bau, if I remember right, there was a Turian Spectre at Pinnacle. Rix? I think? Heard he was leaving the Spectres. That happen yet?"
"Leaving the Spectres, yes, he's officially out. But you might remember the Spectres are not the only thing he is leaving. He will be leaving with the Andromeda Initiative in two months' time. Will miss him. Humble voice of reason within Spectres," Bau answered.
"A whole 'nother Galaxy. Still have a hard time imagining it."
The rest of the shuttle ride was in silence, and before long, it stopped. We were after all already at the Presidium. We entered the next airlock, and exited into the hallways of the Citadel Tower. Ahead was a door with armed guards outside. That must be the conference room. The guards stood at attention, and to the side.
"The Council requested that Spectre Bau listen in for input when necessary. And security. I'd also be watching over if not for the fact I have much important business. Behave yourself," the executor warned, full of suspicion.
"I'll be a good boy, Executor. Don't worry."
"Human humor. Never understood it," Bau remarked. "Shall we?"
"Lead the way," I gestured. Bau nodded as Pallin wandered off, shaking his head and muttering. The door opened, and the first three faces I saw were the same councilors as two years ago. Sparatus, Tevos, and Valern. Finally, the backs of two other men. Both humans. Both male. Both, familiar. Both turned to face me.
"Dear god, it really is you." David stood and beelined for me, wrapping his arms around me. "I couldn't believe it when Hannah told me. Still can't."
"It's damn good to see you again, David."
"You have no idea, son. No idea."
"Gentleman? I'm sorry to interrupt, but there are many questions that need answering," Tevos gently spoke up. David began to part.
"Er, right. Let's get started." David sat down, and I took the seat between him and Hackett.
"I knew it was not wise to trust Anderson's judgement here. He is too close to Shepard." Sparatus grumbled.
"Yet he also knows the man well, and is an excellent judge of his character," Hackett pointed out.
"The Admiral makes a point," Tevos nodded. "Now, Commander, please explain the events of your supposed demise on the original Normandy."
"Honestly? From what I can tell, same you'd have seen in any report. I died."
"You can understand why this is so hard to believe, given you're sitting right in front of us," Valern stated.
"Enough of my body was apparently left intact. I'm sure you've already read in the reports that Cerberus spent two years and a few billion credits rebuilding me, and more importantly, that my relationship with them is fragile at best and temporary."
"Everything was in the reports, Commander, this is true, but we would much rather hear it from you than to read," Tevos explained. I nodded. "Now, why did they rebuild you?"
"Certainly not just to see what would happen, I've caused them enough problems in the past. Turns out, desperation of a kind. I'm sure you've also heard about the missing human colonies. Even before Kaidan's report?"
"We had. Too sparse and random to warrant the Council's attention, as well as outside our space," Sparatus answered.
"Like Cerberus told me. Part of the straining circumstances that put me in the truce with them. Admiral Hackett, they also told me Alliance forces were too thin to respond as well. My own research supported this but I would appreciate official confirmation," I requested. Hackett took off his cap and ran it through his hair, either annoyed or uncomfortable.
"That also is true, Shepard. I sent Alenko to Horizon as soon as we received that tip to get to the bottom of the abductions. See if I could use what he found to convince the Alliance to make a move."
"Which all leads to why I didn't immediately return here and start a manhunt for both Collectors and Cerberus. They offered to bring me to Freedom's Progress to prove the abductions, and it was proved to be the Collectors who were responsible. We saw video recordings. With the proof, Cerberus made another offer. The ship you see docked at C-sec, the crew within, dossiers for the ground team within, and intel. My only responsibility is to stop the abductions. Nothing more, nothing less. Cerberus knows better than to try and give me orders. So far, at least."
"And when they do start giving you orders?" Sparatus questioned.
"I tell TIM, The Illusive Man, to go fuck himself." I answered. The Councilors glanced amongst themselves.
"Moving on, why did you not contact the Council sooner?" Valern asked.
"I would have been here sooner, but I had time sensitive recruitments to fulfill. Professor Mordin Solus was in a plague zone on Omega. While he was able to cure the plague, we arrived just in time both to help him distribute it and prevent Vorcha from destroying the districts life support. The Vorcha themselves proclaimed that they were doing as the Collectors said, in exchange for strength. Second, Garrus Vakarian was being hunted by mercs and needed my aid quickly. Seeing as he was an old friend, I couldn't delay. Jack and Grunt were both under threat by the Blue Suns, then Horizon happened. And after that, I had to go help Tali'Zorah on a mission she was undergoing for the Migrant Fleet, and she agreed to rejoin me after the mission. This was the first opportunity I had," I explained.
"Commander Shepard, I must ask. While it is curious that the Collectors have been targeting humans, and while they are advanced, the abductions have both so far been small enough, and the Collectors themselves mundane enough, to where the resurrection of one man seems impractical. There must be more."
"Cerberus apparently thinks I'm some sort of symbol for humanity. They're also aware of the coming war, and for some reason or other, think I'll be important for it. My investigations have been able to prove several interesting facts so far. The Collectors are personally interested in me, targeting and communicating with me directly on the battlefield, interested in anyone associated with me, and, as we encountered Husks on Horizon, they are working for the Reapers."
Sparatus scoffed.
"Ah, yes, Reapers," he put both his hands in the air and bent both fingers twice in rapid succession. Really? Fucking air quotes? "The race of sentient machines hiding out in dark space. I thought we had dismissed that claim."
"That's still up for debate," Anderson retorted.
"I'm well aware you've stomped those warnings into the mud since I've been dead. Has anyone been to Illos since my death? Talked with Vigil?"
"The VI in your suit recordings was not functional on our recent expeditions," Valern explained.
"Figures. Would this do anything for you? What if I told you I never killed Saren?"
"Are you saying you let that traitor live?!" Sparatus exclaimed, and there was a surprised look from Bau. Not to mention everyone else in the room, save Anderson.
"Not saying that either. I talked him down and he resisted the indoctrination long enough for one last act. Putting a bullet into his own skull. Few minutes later, Sovereign took control of the Cybernetics he implanted in Saren's body and used his body like an undead rag-doll. The man was already dead and gone, it was just a shell that we put down. Dig through the logs for that." The Councilors were muttering amongst themselves.
"Look, I didn't come here to warn you all about the Reapers again. I'm here because I'd rather explain everything in person than let rumors set in. I came here to see an old friend, and I came here to see if the Council would be willing to provide any aid against this threat. They won't stop with Humanity."
"Well said, Commander Shepard," Bau nodded. "Councilors, I would like to add my own input. Regardless of the Reapers, aiding and legitimizing Shepard's mission will only be of benefit. Ending a threat before it grows bolder and stronger, preventing further loss of life. Reintroduce Human Spectre, calming Alliance from searching for new candidate. Show council races that Council cares for its citizens, no matter size of group."
"And what of his connection to Cerberus?" Valern questioned. "We cannot show Council support of that organization."
"Council aid of Shepard means less aid he requires from Cerberus. Further, until the 'truce' is terminated, can remain mostly silent on matter." The Council were mulling it over, and Hackett spoke up.
"Shepard, the report from your mother claimed that you would eventually be going through the Omega-4 relay, correct?"
"Yes, sir. Right now, all we've got is Cerberus' word that they're looking for a way to make the journey safe."
"If it is a matter of the relay itself, perhaps further study of the other relays might yield clues to whatever technology or programming make the relay so hostile," Valern theorized. "We could assign a science team."
"I still find the Commander's mind to be in question. Reapers, pfah."
"May I remind you, Sparatus, that Shepard saved not just your lives two years ago, but every life on the Citadel? And just recently stopped the Collectors from completing their abduction? Alenko can confirm that his memory is intact, I can already attest to the fact he's still the same man I knew two years ago."
"I agree, Anderson," Tevos responded. "In favor of reinstating Shepard's Spectre status?" Valern and Anderson both gave their support. "Let the record show the vote has passed, three to one." Sparatus grumbled. "Commander, we welcome you back into the fold of the Spectres. You will find yourself with the same benefits you once had. However, given the sensitive situation of your current allegiances, we do request you keep a low profile and to conduct as much of your business as you can within the Traverse and Terminus systems."
"I can agree to that. Thank you, Councilors. I'm not about to let Cerberus use me as a poster boy."
"We will also assign a Science team as Councilor Valern suggested, and will keep you posted on any developments. And while we cannot provide a permanent stream of credits for your mission, so long as we are all in agreement, we will keep you posted on missions the Council may require of you and will provide payment upon accomplishment. Payment equal to that of a Spectre's paycheck.
"Fine, make him work for his title back," Sparatus muttered as Valern and Anderson nodded in agreement of Tevos' addition.
"How frequently would you like updates?"
"Only after missions we assign or when you deem necessary. You will, for the most part, be operating outside of our fold," Valern answered.
"Are there any other matters to address?" Tevos began.
"Only some matters I wish to discuss with Admiral Hackett," I stated.
"Then seeing as the Council's business here has concluded, I call this meeting adjourned, and we shall take our leave. Good luck, Commander. And we hope for a swift end to your relationship with Cerberus."
"That makes two of us," I remarked. Aside from David, the Councilors stood from their seats and left, followed by Bau.
"Shepard?" Hackett raised his brow.
"I was hoping we could talk about my status with the Alliance. I'm aware my death might cause some issues there, and even more, considering my ship isn't technically Alliance either."
"Bureaucrats and bookkeepers won't like it, but I'd certainly approve of an immediate reinstatement into our ranks and official restoration of your rank. Something I'm sure will go far more smoothly with our Councilors support?"
"Which you will have, of course," David added.
"Thank you, sir."
"That being said, it'll probably help to pull the same move the Council did. Throw some odd jobs your way that we would question doing officially, or would lack the time to respond for. It might be that for a time, you'll technically be listed as a freelance," Hackett warned.
"I'll be happy so long as the Alliance will have me. I bleed blue, sir."
"I know you do. Now, before I go and start making the necessary calls, Commander Alenko's still on the Citadel. He thought he'd stay and see what happened."
"I'd like to arrange a meeting with him."
"I'll pass it along," Hackett nodded. "Good luck, Commander."