Disclaimer: Bioware owns Mass Effect and its characters. All I own is the OC's and changes in the plotline.

POV Garvil

I leaned against one of the walls in the CIC with my eyebrows raised when I saw Liara return from Noveria. I had known that Shepard took her and Jentha along, but I wasn't expecting Jentha to return in binds and biotically paralyzed. Liara shook her head at me when I gave her a questioning look, basically telling me to save what I was going to say. I shrugged and simply waited until the two women disappeared into the elevator for Shepard to show up.

It took several minutes, but he showed up at last. He looked exhausted after the mission, and could only manage a small grin when I smiled at him. I walked with him to the mess hall, where we both tore open a can of military rations.. He sat down roughly in a chair with a groan, while I sat across from him.

I was slightly surprised when he began talking to me. "Marcus, I'm not sure I can take much more of this."

I stared at him with a shocked expression on my face. "Commander? What do you mean?"

He sighed and put his can down, staring me directly in the eyes. "This whole Saren business. I've had to make a lot of hard decisions today. I'm getting tired."

I put my hand on his. "Commander, you're the only one that can pull this off." He looked up at me with an unreadable gaze. "Look at what you've already done. You saved Liara and me from a crumbling ruin, saved a colony from both the geth and the thorian, defeated Benezia, and helped everyone with their own problems. How many other people can do that?"

He sighed and leaned back in his chair. "It's not easy, Marcus. It could easily have been Ashley who was in my position. She was the one who initially activated the beacon."

I stood up roughly, making him jump. I towered over him, not giving him a chance to recover.. "That's bullshit and you know it, Shepard. There's one thing you have that I've yet to see anyone else have. No one else I've ever been under the command of has the fire that makes people want to follow you into hell itself. That's why you're here, not because of some bullshit beacon. We're getting close to the end of this, Commander. If you can't make it to the end, maybe you should give up command of the ship, give up your spectre status. If you can't get to the end, then you should give up humanity's best chance to make a good impression on the rest of the galaxy."

Shepard's mouth was slightly agape by the time I finished my speech. I sat down, giving him a deep stare. He looked down and sighed. "You're right. I'm sorry. It's what happened on Noveria that has me on edge. Marcus, Jentha attacked me after we killed Benezia." I reeled backwards. Assaulting a commanding officer was grounds for immediate termination. He looked up at me and stood up as well. "We're going to the Citadel. The council hasn't been biting about sending help with us to Ilos, so I want to see what I can do in person."

I bit my lip nervously. "Shepard. Can I make a request?" He nodded. "When we go to Ilos, I want to be there."

He took a deep breath and sighed. "Are you all right Marcus?"

"I won't let my personal feelings get in the way of the mission. Besides, Commander." I crossed my arms and grinned. "I haven't truly proved myself like everyone else has."

He chuckled and clasped my hand. "All right. You got it."

At that moment, Joker came over the intercom. "Uh, Commander. The Council just sent a message. They're ready to fight back against Saren."

Shepard's eyes went wide as he activated his omni-tool's transmitter. "Excellent. Joker, get us there quick. I want the Normandy in the front of the fleet."

"Aye aye, sir."

Shepard sat down with a big grin on his face. I smiled as well as I followed suit. This is it, I thought, and the weight of it truly hit me. We're on the final legs of our mission. The Council's going to go to Ilos and race Saren to the Conduit.

Kaidan walked up to us from the stairs, taking the seat next to me. "This is it. The Council is finally taking action."

Shepard laughed. "We're going to the Citadel right now. Hopefully we can do more than just get the Council to go to Ilos. This isn't actually even close to over." His entire demeaner suddenly changed. He stood up. "This isn't over until the Reapers are defeated. Saren's not even a small fraction of the true threat."

He walked away before either of us could respond, leaving his untouched can on the table. I shrugged when Kaidan looked at me, so he simply shook his head and left as well. I grabbed my own can and hurriedly ate the rest of it. When I finished, I grabbed the other unopened can and placed it back in the cupboard.

I sat thinking about what Shepard had said about the reapers, completely lost in my own thoughts. I didn't even notice anyone was approaching until I heard her clear her throat. I shook my head to clear the confusion as I processed that Tali was in front of me, but then I smiled. "Hey Tali. What's up?"

She rubbed her hands together nervously. "Marcus, I've been thinking."

I nodded expectantly. She appeared to be stuck in her own thoughts. "I... I don't think it can work."

I raised an eyebrow. I had a feeling that might be the answer, but it stung all the same.

"I care about you. Really, I do. It's just..." She sighed. "I'm going to the Migrant Fleet when we're done with the mission. There's no guarantee I'll ever be able to leave, and no one from any other species is allowed to live on the flotilla. I can't waste your time." She choked up, and stood before I could even respond.

"I'm sorry," Tali said before running back where she came from. I grabbed the back of the chair and stood up, reaching a hand out. "Wait! Tali!" It was too late, she had already vanished.

I sat back down rubbing my temples. Why does everything always have to go wrong? I thought bitterly, thinking about everything that had happened since I joined the Normandy. As if in answer, I felt a slight throb go through my body. I flinched at the pain my nerves was sending through, but it didn't last much longer than the initial wave.

I need sleep, I said to myself. I'll think about everything when we're on the Citadel.

POV Shepard

I stepped out of the Normandy alongside the rest of the squad. I decided to give everyone shore leave for the duration of our stay here, to give everyone a rest from constantly risking their lives. I went down the elevator first with Tali, Garvil, Kaidan, and Jentha. Jentha was still binded, but I untied them when we reached the bottom. I crossed my arms as she rubbed her wrists, giving me a menacing look.

I rolled my eyes. "Get out of here." She complied, scowling. We walked towards the elevator into the wards, but we were stopped by what looked like a reporter.

She smiled as she stopped in front of me. "Khalisah bint Sinan Al-Jilani, Westerlund News. Would you answer a few questions for our viewers?"

I crossed my arms in suspicion. "What kinds of questions?

"People back home have heard a lot of wild stories about you, Commander. I can give you the chance to set the record straight. What do you say?"

I folded my arms behind my back professionally. "So long as you understand that I may not be able to answer some of your questions."

She didn't back down. "I'm sure our viewers will understand." She activated her omni-tool and activated her camera drone, causing a light to shine in my face. I didn't blink.

"Humans have been trying to get the respect of the galactic community for 26 years. With that in mind, what are your feelings on being the first human spectre?"

I smiled before answering. "The spectres represent the best every species has to offer. To be among them is a great honor."

She raised an eyebrow. "Some have said that your appointment is the Council 'throwing humanity a bone.' Have you encountered any situations where the Council has asked you to place its needs before Earth's?"

I sighed inside. I wasn't liking where this interview was going. "The Council is concerned with the needs of the whole galactic community. We're part of that community now. Our needs are on their agenda, but we're one of many."

The reporter was starting to appear frustrated. "You really do believe that, don't you?"

I nodded without hesitation.

"You've been given command of an advanced human warship for your missions. Is there anything you'd like to say about it?"

I had to tread carefully here. "The Normandy was co-developed by both human and turian engineers. Its designs incorporates many innovations." I knew my next sentence would annoy her more. "All of which are classified, I'm afraid."

I was correct. "So the turians have knowledge of the Normandy that is being kept secret from the Alliance public? Do you think it was appropriate to hand the Alliance's best warship over to the Citadel?"

I couldn't stop myself from sighing in annoyance. "I wasn't aware it was 'handed over' to anyone. I'm in command, and I'm still human, at least last time I checked. Same goes for my crew."

She turned to Tali. "You travel with a Quarian, Commander?"

I nodded. "Tali'Zorah nar Rayya has been an excellent addition to my crew. I'm not about to decline assistance from anyone just because they're not human."

The reporter started becoming red in the face. "One last question, Commander. Rumors back home say you're tracking a 'Rogue Spectre' named Saren. Do you have any comment on this?"

I stared directly into her eyes as I answered. "All you need to know is that I work to benefit every species in the galactic community. Including humanity." The light from the drone turned off as it powered down.

She smirked. "Don't worry, we'll find out. The eyes of Earth are on you, Commander. Don't let us down. Thank you for your time, Commander Shepard." With that, she turned and walked away.

"Shepard, thank you," Tali told me after the reporter was out of earshot. "I wasn't expecting you to say something like that."

I smiled. "I was only speaking the truth."

At that time, Wrex, Liara, and Garrus had appeared in the elevator as well. I stepped forward and turned to everyone. "All right. You guys are free to do what you want. I'll call you guys up when we're ready to leave. Don't go too far away, I expect everyone to be here within an hour of my call."

Everyone nodded, so I dismissed them. Kaidan and Marcus stayed with me, wanting to watch me attend the Council. I smiled at the two, then led the way to the Council.

POV Garvil

Udina was already addressing them. Kaidan and I stayed back while Shepard walked up to Udina's side.

Udina turned and addressed him. "Good job, Shepard. Thanks to you, the Council is finally taking real action against Saren."

The Asari Councilor nodded. "The Ambassador is correct. If Saren is foolish enough to attack the Citadel, we'll be ready for him." She looked at the Turian Councilor.

He nodded and continued the speech. "We have significant patrols to every mass relay linking citadel space to the terminus systems."

Shepard stayed silent for a second. "What about Ilos? The Conduit? You're not doing anything about it?"

The Salarian Councilor had the answer to this question. "The Mu Relay is the only way to reach Ilos, and it's deep within the Terminus Systems, Commander. If we send a fleet there, the only outcome is full scale war."

Udina turned to Shepard before he could respond. His voice carried warning. "Now is the time for discretion, Commander. Saren's greatest weapon was secrecy. Exposed, he is no longer a threat. This is over."

Shepard stepped forward and raised a fist. "Don't you see what you're saying? If Saren finds the Conduit, we're all screwed! We have to go to Ilos!" My eyes widened at the thinly veiled passion in his voice.

The Turian Councilor saw this as well, and sighed in exasperation. "Ambassador Udina, I think Commander Shepard isn't going to let this go."

Udina shook his head and turned towards Shepard again. "There are serious political ramifications here, Shepard. Humanity has made great gains thanks to you, but now you're becoming more trouble than you're worth. Until further notice, you're grounded. We've locked out the Normandy's primary systems."

I couldn't help myself. Stepping forward, I shouted, "You bastard! You'd sell us out for your damned politics?"

Udina calmly responded, "You all have done your job, now let me do mine. It's time for you and your team to leave, Commander. This no longer concerns you. The Council can handle the rest, with my help of course."

Shepard lowered his fist, still shaking with rage. Calming his face, he slowly turned and walked back to us. He stopped when he took a single step past us. "Marcus, that wasn't necessary. Please don't do that again." His voice was monotone, which I assumed was the only way not to straight up shout at me. He said no more as he walked out of the Citadel tower.

I sighed deeply and walked towards the entrance as well. Kaidan was at my side. I looked to him and saw his blank face against my own. Shaking my head again, I told him, "Son of a bitch."

He chuckled. With nowhere else to go, I decided to return to the Normandy. Either way, I wasn't in the mood to go sightseeing.

I found Shepard in the mess hall, putting his armor back into his locker. He saw me approach and slammed the door shut, leaning against it afterwards. He looked up at me in defeat.

I took a deep breath. "Shepard, I can't believe they'd do this to you. After all you've done, they'd just sell you out like this. The Council owes you everything, and yet they ground you when you become inconvenient."

He sighed. "While the Citadel's sitting with sticks up their ass, Saren's on the search for the Conduit. I did all I could, Marcus. They're going to hand Saren the Conduit and doom us all."

I folded my arms. "And what are you going to do about it? You're just going to sit here, accepting defeat so easily? You're just going to turn your back in what you believe in, the entire reason we're here?"

He stood up. "I'll figure something out. We're not out of this yet."

I put my hand on his shoulder. "Shepard, you've done more for me than anyone I know. I'm with you until it's all over. Whatever you need me to do, I'm there."

He smiled and brought me into a hug, then began laughing. "After all the problems you've had when you first joined the crew, now you're the one reminding me of what I'm fighting for. I appreciate it."

I drew away, chuckling. "Funny how that happens, isn't it. I don't regret ever joining you, Shepard, despite what I may have said at any point before."

Joker interrupted our conversation on the intercom. "Um, Commander? Anderson wants to meet you in Flux. Says it's important."

"On my way Joker," Shepard told him. He turned to me and grinned. "Looks like he might have a way to make it happen. We're not done yet. Gather the crew, I have a feeling we might be able to leave soon."

I saluted, something I only rarely did with him. His grin only grew as he returned it. Without any hesitation, I exited the Normandy.

POV Shepard

I walked into Flux, alone. I found Anderson sitting at one of the tables, waving me over. I sat down in the chair opposite him.

"I'm glad you came, Shepard. I heard what happened."

I slammed my fist into the table. "They pulled me off the mission, just like when they forced you to give up the Normandy."

He shook his head. "I know, I'm sorry. I wanted to warn you, but there was no way to get a message through before you docked. I know you're pissed off right now, but you can't give up. They all think it's over, but we both know it's not. If Saren reaches the Conduit, it's all over for us. You have to get to Ilos, stop Saren from using the Conduit."

I sighed, rubbing my temples again. "There's only one ship that can get me into the terminus systems undetected, and she's grounded"

Anderson smiled. "Citadel Security powered down all the Normandy's primary systems. But. If we override the ambassador's orders, you can get them to bring the Normandy back online. You can be in the terminus systems before anyone even knows you're gone"

I raised my eyebrows in surprise. "What would happen to you? If we leave with the Normandy, you're the one left with the blame."

He shook his head. "If Saren finds the Conduit, life as we know it is over. The reapers will destroy us. Humans, Asari, everybody! You're the only one who can stop them, Shepard. I'll do whatever it takes to get you back on the Normandy and onto Ilos."

I shook my head. "Stealing the Normandy is mutiny. What if the crew won't help me?"

He smiled again. "The ship is yours, Commander. The crew will follow you to the ends of the galaxy. We both know that."

We both stood up and shook hands. "I won't forget this, Captain. Thank you."

He continued with, "I can unlock the Normandy from one of the consoles in the Citadel control center. You'll have a few minutes before anyone knows what happened."

I shook my head. "That's a restricted area patrolled by armed guards. If there's any less dangerous options, I want to hear them."

He nodded. "Ambassador Udina issued the lockdown order. If I can hack into the computer in his office, maybe I can override it."

I turned. "You'll have a better chance with his computer, Captain. Marcus should have everyone on the ship by now. Whenever you're ready."

He nodded, giving me a grin. "Good luck, Commander."

I nodded and jogged out of Flux, returning to the Normandy.

I stood behind Joker ten minutes later, waiting for the override command to kick in. Marcus was behind him as well, standing with his arms folded.

We waited nervously, Joker giving us quirky smiles every few seconds as a reassurance. Finally, after what seemed like hours, the terminal powered up.

I smiled. "Joker, get us out of here, on the double. Send us on the fastest possible course to Ilos."

I turned to the CIC, but first to Marcus. He gave me a knowing grin, one that gave me hope that maybe. Maybe.

Maybe, we can still do this.