EPILOGUE:

Garrus waited outside the Council's chambers, smoothing down his shirt for the umpteenth time as he waited for them to summon him. His head was spinning with everything he wanted to say, but it was the same speech that had been circulating through his brain for two years. Ever since his request for an audience had been approved a month ago, he had finally allowed himself to hope that he might be able to go back to Earth soon. Sending messages took some of the edge off, but he longed to see Shepard again, to hear her voice. He wondered if she'd let her hair grow out, or if she still liked to wear it up in that red piece of cloth she had the last time he'd seen her.

He was jerked out of his reverie by a turian guard opening the door with an echoing thud. "The Council will see you now."

Garrus stepped inside and took his place at the central podium that had been set up for him and addressed the Council members each in turn.

"Garrus Vakarian, we have received your requests," Councilor Tevos began, "your numerous requests for a review of the human's progress. To be honest, we find your interest in uplifting a land-bound species quite puzzling."

"Indeed," intoned the turian Councilor, Sparatus. "Your commanding officers have noted your academic interest, however your reports carry with them an enthusiasm one would expect from someone personally invested in the decision." He stared down at Garrus with hard eyes.

"I have, in the course of my studies and my work aboard the Fearless, grown to appreciate the humans for their many merits. I believe they would make an excellent asset to the galaxy."

The Councilors spoke with him at length, and then amongst themselves. They seemed interested at least, which was more than Garrus had dared to hope for.

"First contact has not yet been established," said Councilor Valern in his usual somewhat dismissive way. "I propose we meet one-on-one with a member of their species to confer with them how best to proceed, should we decide to initiate contact."

"Perhaps one of their dignitaries?" Tevos suggested.

"Perhaps," Sparatus said. "We'd need someone with knowledge of their culture who can gauge the humans' reaction."

"And won't react negatively to the presence of aliens," said Valern.

Garrus tried not to smile too widely as he cleared his throat and got their attention. "If you'll excuse the interruption, Councilors, I think I might know just the person you're looking for."

~End~