Systems Alliance Parliamentary Elections: The Progressivo Societas party won 63% votes in the Parliament, with party leader Sonia Kolosov becoming the next Prime Minister of the Systems Alliance. The Conservitas Unitas won with 31% of the votes, the remaining 6% going over to the Terra Firma party.

The Terra Firma party declared that despite their low number of seats in the Parliament, they will still continue to push their agenda of distancing humanity from galactic politics, citing the Citadel and the other race's apparent idleness during the first days of the invasion as proof of their incompetence and complete disregard for humanity.

London, Earth
June 8, 2187

Shepard never had the opportunity to attend the state funeral that Admiral Anderson had received. He planned on visiting his mentor's resting place once he was discharged from the hospital, but the numerous meetings and official businesses that he had to attend prevented him from continuing with his plans, until today.

After laying a wreath of flowers onto the headstone of his fallen comrade, Shepard said a prayer before deciding to speak to his friend, even though he may not hear him anymore, "I hope you're happy, wherever you are right now." Shepard began.

"Remember our last conversation, the part where we talked about settling down?" Shepard looked at the sky as he said this, "I said that I probably won't be good at it, but then I reunited with Liara only to find out she was pregnant with my child."

"I never expected to be a father, probably because I didn't grew up in, what most would call, a normal family. My dad died in a ground battle against Batarian raiders, and while I love my mother dearly, we never really got along until now. I never had a father-figure to emulate from, until you came into my life." the soldier began tearing up, "At first, I expected you to act like most COs in the navy, gruff and professional, but then you showed me compassion, and concern. I became your protege, and you became my mentor, but we became more than that, I saw you as a father figure while you saw me as a son, you became someone that I could follow in their footsteps."

With tears running down his cheeks, Shepard touched the headstone of his former mentor. "Thank you, Anderson, for.. everything.." he said before a comforting hand placed itself on his shoulder, he looked around to see his lovely bondmate, Liara, whom he had married a few months ago and had just given birth to their daughter, Benezia.

"I never knew him that much, but from what I saw between you two... he was a great man." the asari said as she pulled Shepard into a comforting embrace, "He did everything just to give us all the chance to live in peace."

"I know, I just hope wherever he is, he's putting in a good word for us.." Shepard said as they walked back to their skycar.

Geneva, European Union
July 27, 2187

For the first time in a hundred years, the Citadel Council were the ones who decided to visit the government of a Council Race. The remnants of the Alliance Garrison tightened up their security in the event of any violence that could break out, as human opinion of the Council dropped immensely during the initial days of the Reaper invasion.

Shepard and his crew were invited, for the event was also their awarding ceremony. Most of the crew were dressed in their formal wear, with Shepard and his fellow human crewmates wearing their dress blues, Garrus in his armor, Javik still wearing his somewhat elegant combat armor, and Liara wore her usual lab coat armor while holding their daughter on her arms, but to Shepard's slight dismay, the engineering crew, Tali and Joker were absent, according to Admiral Hackett, they had a classified assignment.

The event began following the tradition for most human formal military events, with the anthems of the Systems Alliance, Turian Hierarchy, the Armali Republic, and the hymn of the Citadel Council being played, combined with 21-gun salutes and a fly-by made by a squadron of F-61 Trident fighters.

Afterwards the Prime Minister gave a speech, one that emphasized the sacrifices of those who fought in the war. With Admiral Hackett, praising the crew for their bravery, efforts and sacrifices. With ambassadors from the Turian Hierarchy and the Asari Republics giving their respective speeches of thanks.

The Councilors spoke next, with Valern and Sparatus apologizing for their indifference and disbelief to Shepard's claims about Sovereign, and Tevos giving a message on how the idea of galactic unity became a reality and that it should continue even with the lack of a common enemy.

"May the crew of the SSV Normandy, step forward please." Admiral Hackett said, as the crew stepped forward they were approached one-by-one by the officials, the crew were awarded with the Star of Terra, the Palladium Star, the Nova Cluster, the Star of Sur'Kesh and the Rose of Thessia.

"Due to your bravery and sacrifices, you have been given the highest honors that each race could provide. In the dark night, you became our sole ray of light, the symbol of hope, and unity." Councilor Tevos said, "May the races of the galaxy always remember your deeds"

After a few more hours of speeches, parades, and treaty signings, the ceremony came to an end. As they prepared to leave, they were approached by Admiral Hackett along with Rear Admiral Shepard.

"Commander, if you would come with us, the Alliance has something to give you." the Admiral said as he gestured to a shuttle that just landed.

As the crew made their way to the shuttle, they were surrounded by crowds applauding and cheering them, some even threw petals of flowers at them, and others simply took pictures of the heroes as they passed by.

Alliance Dockyards EU-44, Earth

As the crew exited their shuttles, they began walking to the direction where Admiral Hackett and Rear Admiral Hannah Shepard were heading, as they looked around they saw new frigates being constructed, however they noticed that most of them had similar features to the Normandy-class frigate. "Admiral, these ships look similar to the Normandy." Shepard wondered, the Admiral simply gave a small laugh.

The doors to one of the docking bays opened to reveal the Normandy in all her glory, the Silaris armor glimmering the metallic gray colors of the frigate.

The crew looked in awe as they realized what was going on, Admiral Hackett immediately came up to the Commander.

"The Alliance has reinstated you command of the Normandy SR-2, we've have it repaired, resupplied and cleaned up for you.." the Admiral said, "Welcome home, Commander."

As the airlock doors of the frigate opened, they were greeted with the faces of Joker, the Engineering crew, Specialist Traynor and Tali.

Traynor spoke up first as she approached the Commander, "Commander, it's an honor to be back at your side again." she said as she and the engineering team saluted.

"Traynor, you decided to stay?" Shepard asked, "Of course, after serving with you guys I felt that the lab jobs didn't have that same excitement as they used to." the specialist replied.

Engineer Adams became next to speak up, "I believe you've seen the frigates under construction?" he asked while pointing to the adjacent drydocks, "The Alliance has officially began constructing 12 new Normandy-class stealth frigates. The other prototype got destroyed during the war though.",

Afterwards Joker slipped into the conversation, "Yeah, but those new frigates won't see the same action that ours had seen, they probably won't get a pilot better than me and they won't have an AI like ours." the pilot said.

Shepard was confused when he heard Joker talk about the AI, the way on how the pilot said it made it seem like that EDI was back online, "What do you mean when you said: 'they won't have an AI like ours', Joker?" Shepard questioned as Joker simply gave him a smile, "I think it would be better to see it for yourself." he said as he walked back to the Normandy.

Rear Admiral Hannah Shepard approached behind him and gave him a pat on the shoulder, "Well, son, guess you'll be back into your little adventures once more. Just try not to get spaced like last time." his mother said, "And besides, I think you're gonna have two reasons to make sure that doesn't happen again." she added as they looked towards Liara and the child she was carrying, the two Shepards smiled at each other and hugged for while.

"Looks like your daughter is going to be a spacer, like you did." she said, "And John.." the rear admiral gave a salute, "I'm proud of you." the Commander smiled as returned the salute as he walked to his ship.

As he entered the CIC, he saw the crew saluting him, "It is an honor to be with you guys again. This time perhaps we'll finally get a normal routine around here." Shepard said as he returned the salute. The crew immediately returned to their posts as the Normandy began take-off procedures, with Shepard going back to the cockpit.

Once he entered the cockpit, he was shocked to see the robotic body that was sitting in the co-pilot's seat. "EDI, is that you?" Shepard asked in confusion, the metallic platform stood up, "Yes, the Crucible blast simply deactivated most synthetics, it only took a few months before a research team and Tali found a way to reactivate me and the Geth." the AI said before Joker slipped in, "And don't you worry about a thing, Shepard, the Geth won't try to kill you in revenge for nearly killing them." Joker humored.

EDI smiled at Joker before looking back at Shepard, "I believe that you should check on Executive Officer Williams." EDI said, "And Shepard, welcome back home." Joker said as Shepard left the cockpit to check on his new Executive Officer.

Shepard entered the crew deck, like the rest of the Normandy, the area was now clean and organized, the tangled wires and cables were properly hidden, and most of the exposed exhaust vents were covered.

As he made his way to the mess, he saw Ashley speaking with James, the latter noticing him immediately, "Hey Loco!" the marine greeted as the two stood up from their seats.

"James, how's it going?" Shepard said as he shook hands with the marine, "Doing great, I just completed N7 training, and while one of the Admirals offered me to be part of a N7 Squad that was going to be stationed near the Terminus, Admiral Hackett also gave me the choice of becoming the Marine Lieutenant of the Normandy's new marine detachment. I chose the latter, because being with you guys, felt like family." Vega said, while Shepard nodded a smile.

"So I believe you're the ship's new XO?" Shepard asked Ashley, "Well, the brass seems to prefer having their human spectres on one ship, and besides atleast I get to be in command whenever you're ashore." Ashley said, while Shepard simply chuckled.

"But you do realize that there probably won't be a lot of reasons for me to be ashore anymore, right?" Shepard humored back, "Well, better to be second-in-command than being not-in-command at all, sir." Ashley said.

Shepard checked on Dr. Chakwas, who was more than happy to be back in the ship she called home, and to be with the people she considered her family, they discussed about their new lives after the war, afterwards he checked on Garrus in the main gun room, apparently Tali was also there, with the two arguing about shotguns and rifles, with Garrus later joking about 'calibrating' Tali.

Afterwards he went back to his cabin, where he was greeted by his bondmate and their daughter, "I guess being a spacer runs in the Shepard family?" Liara jokingly asked as the commander sat beside her, "Yeah, I guess. But we could settle down on Thessia when I retire." he answered back.

"The question is, when will you retire?" the asari questioned, "Hopefully before I reach a hundred." Shepard said as the two began reminiscing about the past.

"Normandy is now in flight, preparing to leave the Earth atmosphere in a few minutes. All hands stand-by and probably hold on to something." Joker said through the intercom as the Normandy began exiting the planet's atmosphere. After exiting the atmosphere, Shepard was able to see from his window the beautiful blue marble, the same sight that began his journey.

Normandy SR-1, Sol System
2183

'I'll make the call', the very words that began it all. Lieutenant-Commander John Shepard was transferred from his post as Marine Lieutenant of an Alliance vessel stationed in the outskirts of Alliance territories to the new prototype ship, the ship that the Turian Hierarchy and the Human Alliance jointly built.

"Normandy beginning flight to the Sol Relay, all hands please stand-by." the pilot said through the intercom as Shepard looked over the great blue marble, birthplace of Humanity. It had been several months after he was transferred to the prototype ship, the first few months involved a shore-leave on Earth, a briefing of his assignment, and meeting with Captain Anderson, the CO of the ship.

"Sub-light travel achieved, all hands please be alert for any updates" the frigate's VI updated everyone. Shepard began walking away from the view, as he walked to the frigate's cockpit he was greeted by many of its crew members.

As he reached the cockpit, Shepard was greeted with the sight of the Charon Relay, the relay that began Humanity's entry into the galactic stage, and unbeknownst to him, the great journey he was about to embark.

"Charon Relay is in range, acquiring approach vector." the pilot said as the frigate began its adventure.

Normandy SR-2, Sol System
Present Day

"Commander, Admiral Hackett is requesting for you on vid-comm." Specialist Traynor informed the commander as he passed by the CIC. As the Commander entered the comm-room, he was greeted by the holographic projection of the Admiral.

"Staff-Commander Shepard, I believe this is usually the part where I give you an assignment or inform you of developing events." the Admiral remarked, "But right now, I think you've earned the time to take a look at the new era you've ushered in for us."

"I do believe I need to be 'put in the loop' about the events that took place, sir." Shepard said as he looked at the Admiral, "I've sent a report to your extranet address, and I believe that the Codex is being updated to include the events that took place during your coma." the Admiral answered.

"I believe that's all I have to say right now, Commander. Hackett out." the Admiral said as his holographic project dissipated.

As Shepard went to the frigate's cockpit, he was greeted by Joker's voice, "So Commander, any specific place you want to go?" Joker asked, "Just roam around the galaxy for a while, Joker." Shepard answered, "Really? No missions to take you to?" Joker questioned, "Yep, Hackett gave us the time-off to roam around." Shepard said.

"Well, just tell me if we have to deliver you to a diplomatic mission, stop some raiders or pirates, visit a friend, or maybe call-up the Council just to hang up on them?" Joker humorously said as he went back to piloting the ship.

The Commander went to the mess hall for some grub, while eating, Shepard read through the numerous news articles, Alliance, and Council Intel about the events that took place when he was out cold. While most of the news were optimistic about the situation, there were some headlines that got Shepard's attention:

'Sur'Kesh on the brink of civil war', 'Batarian Free States clash with remnants of the Hegemony', 'Minor Republic on Thessia collapses into civil war', 'Alliance commences surgical strikes on pirate bases', 'Cerberus remnants still at large' and 'Krogan Clans on the brink of conflict'.

"Shepard, you seem troubled." Liara said from the opposite side of the table while watching over their daughter on the floor who played with her toys, "I just read the news, it seems a lot of people followed war with more war." Shepard told the concerned asari, "You shouldn't worry about that, besides look at the bigger picture: people are rebuilding and fighting for change." Liara assured him.

"I don't know, sometimes that change could cause more misery than hope." Shepard told her, "And you think that someone should guide them into the right path, you keep thinking that you should be the one guiding them." Liara frowned as their conversation became sour.

"I never said.." Shepard tried to calm her but was interrupted, "Ever since we fought Saren, and the Reapers, you felt that it is your moral obligation to lead people!" the asari accused.

The two remained silent for a while, the silence only being interrupted by the ship's engines and their daughter's voice, until Liara spoke up, "It's true that you should be leading people into the right path, but that was the past, you must accept the fact that the galaxy might no longer need you anymore." Liara said, her anger turning into sadness, "The fact that you could now spend the rest of your life with us... in peace.."

Shepard immediately sat beside her and pulled her in for a comforting hug, "And happiness..." the man finished as he kissed the asari's forehead, "You're probably right, Liara, the galaxy no longer needs me." Shepard apologized.

The Asari looked up at her bondmate, her sadness and anger from earlier now gone, "Besides, you're forgetting that your bondmate is the most powerful information broker in the galaxy." the asari said, hoping to forget the argument they had earlier, "I guess you're right about that one." Shepard smiled at the asari. Both parties were thankful that it was nighttime for the Normandy as it prevented most of the crew from seeing their argument earlier.

"Well, it only took a few months for you two to argue like a true married couple." a familiar voice came from the med-bay, the two in question turned around as they realized who it was, the good Doctor Chakwas, who was cradling a baby asari in her arms, "But the next time you argue, keep an eye on your child." the doctor said as she handed the infant back to Liara.

As the couple went back to their cabin, the two lay on the bed with their infant daughter in the middle, before they drifted to sleep they watched the scenery that the window provided, the endless expanse of stars. "There's no place I'd rather be right now, Liara" Shepard said before they drifted to sleep.