Chapter2

Contact

As the Normandy careened towards the Citadel, Lieutenant James Vega pondered the implications of what they were about to do. Shepard had been declared KIA according to Admiral Mikhailovich, who had also instructed him to relieve Lt. Commander Williams of command. More than perhaps anyone except Ashley and Garrus, James wanted Shepard to be alive. But he knew that the grim reality was that Shepard had likely died in the act of saving the galaxy. He also knew that he had orders from Admiral Mikhailovich. Something about that guy just rubbed him the wrong way. It was almost as if he were gleeful to declare Shepard dead. But orders were orders, and aside from personal hopes and general dislike for Mikhailovich, there was little reason to disobey this one.

Of course, lady or no, if Williams resisted, she wouldn't go down easy. Ashley Williams was the second human Spectre and had served alongside Commander Shepard longer than anyone else on board, except maybe Garrus Vakarian. He also knew that she had scraped and fought for her rank and likely should have been promoted to full commander. Vega was as tall as Shepard and outweighed the Commander by a good forty pounds, none of it fat. But when they had boxed, he remembered how effortlessly the Commander had handled him. Ashley wasn't Shepard, but he knew better than to underestimate her. And if Garrus decided to interfere, things would get real ugly. Vakarian had sustained some serious injury, but he had fought through the collector base after taking a slug in the gut. If he decided to rise to the occasion to aid Ashley, the potential for serious casualties on board, including Vega, was increased substantially. After the battle for Earth, that was the last thing the Normandy crew needed.

Dr. Chakwas looked over Garrus' wounds. He was recovering nicely. Tough bastard, she thought. Most soldiers, Human or Turian, would be bedridden after what he'd been through, but Garrus was up and "fit for duty." She had to laugh. He said it so matter of factly. Fit for duty may have meant 'I feel great' or it may have meant 'I feel terrible but I'm on duty anyway.' He didn't seem to be in any serious pain.

"Well Garrus," she said, "you certainly seem to be fit for duty as you say you are. Just take it easy. Your armor was trashed and there will definitely be some lasting scars from this."

"If I ever see my date from shore leave again, maybe she'll be impressed," he said matter of factly. "Honestly, Doctor, I think we have more important concerns right now."

"Yes," she said. "Commander Shepard. I understand we're going after him."

"Yes," he replied, "and not everyone is on board. And it could get ugly."

"You don't seriously believe…," she began.

"Oh, I don't believe," Garrus said. "I know." He paused to let it sink in. And sink in it did. Dr. Chakwas knew that Garrus was very astute to military matters and if he thought that there was dissention in the crew, then there was dissention in the crew.

"But Shepard came for the crew," she said. "He saved us when we were held captive on the collector base. The crew should be prepared to take any measure to go back for him."

"No," said Garrus, "he didn't save 'them.' He saved Donnelly, Daniels, you and a Cerberus crew. Except for Donnely, Daniels and you, none of them are a part of this crew."

That was a sobering thought, but Garrus was right. She had not thought of that wrinkle.

"Let's just hope things don't come to a head," he said as he stood up. "But if they do, my loyalty is with Lt. Commander Williams."

"Shepard came for me," said the doctor. "I will support any decision to return the favor."

As Garrus walked out to resume his post at the forward gunnery, Dr. Chakwas hoped against hope that things would work themselves out peacefully.

But Garrus did not resume his post at the forward gunnery. Instead, he took the elevator up to the command deck. He remembered the arched staircases on the Normandy SR1. Much better design, he thought. Stairs don't malfunction during combat the way elevators do, though it always puzzled him as to why the SR1 had staircases from the command deck to the crew deck, but an elevator to the engineering deck. He suspected that it was one of those compromises resulting from the ship being a joint Turian and Human venture. He wondered which species was responsible for the elevator.

The doors opened and Garrus stepped onto the CIC. The crew still took note of him every time he appeared on deck. Garrus was a striking figure. While he was tall and avian, marked with the tattoos of his people and scars from his battles, it was his demeanor that made everyone take notice. Garrus had the demeanor of an admiral and was nearly as decorated as Commander Shepard. What's more, he had been through it all. Garrus had been on board to take down Saren, stop the collectors, and finally, to fight the Reapers. His time on Omega as the vigilante Archangel, while not common knowledge, was known on board the Normandy. Garrus was as professional as they came. Even Ashley didn't get that kind of respect from the human crew, and she got a lot of respect. Only Commander Shepard was regarded more highly on board the Normandy than Garrus. He marveled at the similarities. Were they on a Turian vessel, their roles would be reversed, but he and Shepard would quite literally be viewed with more respect than anyone else in the Turian military. Of course, Krogan weren't singing battle songs about Garrus, but he was just fine with that.

The Turian veteran made his way around the CIC and up to the cockpit where Joker and Ashley were in conference.

"I don't like it," said Ashley. She turned as Garrus entered, and said, "Garrus."

"Lieutenant Commander Williams," he replied. "Flight Lieutenant Moreau."

"What's with all the formality, Garrus," asked Joker incredulously. "You put that stick away now that the Reapers are gone?"

"Yeah, Garrus," Ashley chimed in. "What's up?"

"Just making sure to remind everyone who's in command of the Normandy and that you are the ranking Alliance officer and a Council Spectre," he replied. "And reminding them of Joker's rank in case anyone gets any ideas about who outranks whom."

"Yeah, I'm getting bad vibe from some of the crew over this," observed Ashley.

"Yes," replied Garrus, "but I'm with you regardless, as are Liara and Tali. If it all goes to hell, I've got your back."

"Yeah, let's hope that it doesn't," said Joker. "I've had enough of things going to hell to last the rest of my life. I still don't know if my family made it to safety. It would be nice if there were no more casualties."

"That it would," said Garrus. "That it would."

Vega wrapped up his work out. Working out always helped him to think, but aside from having worked his body as much as was prudent, he wasn't coming to any conclusions. He walked across the shuttle bay to Esteban "Steve" Cortez's station. Esteban and Vega went back a long way, and this mission had practically made them brothers. Esteban had always been cool headed and thoughtful in his decisions and James Vega could use some of that.

"Yo, Esteban," he said as he swaggered over. "You got a minute?"

James Vega was a hulking brute of a man. Esteban had never met anyone so bulked up in his life. In spite of his preference for men, he just didn't find anything about Vega attractive. Vega's often immature behavior didn't help, though he did look at Vega as kind of a little brother.

"What's eating you, James?"

"How'd you know?" Vega looked puzzled.

"It's in your body language," Esteban explained. "It's like you're walking to your own execution." "What? Me? Nah," James could have sworn he'd swaggered. "But seriously, that isn't all that far off, amigo."

"What do you mean?"

"Ngyah. I've been 'ordered' by Admiral Mikhailovich to relieve Lt. Commander Williams from her duties and confine her to the brig."

"No way! You're not going to do it, are you?" Esteban could not believe it. This was worse than he had thought. Much worse.

"I don't know," replied James. "You don't just disobey a direct order from an admiral. Not without consequences. He said Shepard has been declared KIA and that under no circumstances are we to go to the Citadel. I want to go try to rescue the commander, but I also don't want to disobey."

"You know she won't back down," said Esteban. "And you know Joker and Garrus will back her up. Dr. Tsoni and Tali will too. You're a tough guy, James, but Williams is top end, and except for Shepard, I wouldn't bet against Garrus, not even on you."

"Because he's a Turian?"

"No, James," said Esteban, shaking his head. "Because he's Garrus. Shepard and Garrus? They're in a different league. Even Lieutenant Commander Williams isn't in their league. Not even close. And she's a Spectre!"

"Dude, I'm N7, like Shepard!" James puffed out his huge chest as he said this.

"No, you're not," said Esteban. "You've been recommended to the N7 program. Shepard graduated from it. Then held Elysium during the Blitz, took down Saren, and the collectors, cured the genophage, united the Turians and the Krogan, united the Quarians and the Geth, thwarted a political coup, faced down Leviathan, united the galaxy, took down Cerberus, and killed Kai Leng and his goons, all as a prelude to taking out the Reapers. Nobody's like Shepard. Ashley and Garrus are as close as anyone gets."

James couldn't argue with that.

"What about Javik? He knows this is loco," said James. "I could probably get him to back me on this."

"Doubtful," said Esteban. "Javik just gave his word to Ashley. Besides, I'd still bet on Garrus. He was in the Turian equivalent of the N7 program and… well, he's Garrus." He paused and then continued. "Look James, this crew just went through a meat grinder and watched their civilization unravel before their eyes. Dividing them and pitting them against each other is not a good idea. And when it backfires, it will backfire in your direction. Not a pleasant thought."

"So what should I do?"

"Follow your conscience," replied Esteban.

"My conscience," he said flatly. "The last time I followed that, I saved one Asari, one team mate, and myself and a whole lotta people died. For nothing."

"That was a long time ago, James," said Esteban reassuringly. "Shepard helped me to put my past behind me. To have hope again. You're lucky. You've been on missions with him. He never took the easy way. Did he?"

"Never," said James. "He took the high road every time."

"And it cost him," observed Esteban. "But that didn't stop him."

"Thanks amigo," said James. "That helped. More than you know."

James made his decision. Now it was time to do it and take whatever came his way afterwards. No matter what it cost.

Commander Shepard had rested long enough. If he didn't act soon, he would be in danger of bleeding out. He had to find medi-gel and he was pretty sure he could find some on the station. The Citadel was too big for the Reapers to have completely repurposed everything. He began trying to free his legs when he heard footsteps. Someone was climbing over the debris and making their way towards him. He zeroed in on the sound and turned, pointing his gun in the direction of the sound. He heard the telltale sound of an environmental suit. Volus.

"Commander Shepard," came a familiar voice. "Fancy meeting you here."

"Barla Von," said Shepard, lowering his weapon.

Barla Von, a Volus agent for the Shadow Broker, had survived the Reaper capture of the Citadel and its destruction in the firing of the Crucible. He had to laugh to himself. Barla Von had no idea who the Shadow broker was, while Shepard was close personal friends with her. Von helped Shepard to free himself and gave him a much needed dose of medi-gel.

"Thanks," he said as he stood, removing his shattered armor. "How many others survived?"

"Not many," replied Von. "Not many have the skills to outwit the Reapers, but there are some small enclaves.

"Yeoman Kelly Chambers," Shepard said with some urgency. "Do you know if she lived?"

"Thankfully," replied Von, "she is resourceful and managed to hook up with some C-Sec people under Commander Bailey."

"Bailey is alive!" Shepard breathed a sigh of relief. Kelly and Bailey were good friends. "And what about the Council?"

"The Council escaped on board the Destiny Ascension," replied Von.

"Thank Heaven for that," said Shepard. "I wouldn't want to have to break in a new Council."

The two made their way to where Admiral Anderson lay. He was cold to the touch, but he looked peaceful. Shepard was in no condition to carry a two hundred plus pound soldier, but he wasn't going to leave his old friend. He found the strength and threw the slain admiral over his shoulders.

"Let's get him to Huerta Memorial," said Shepard.

"What then?" asked Barla Von.

"Then we get to my apartment."

"Your apartment?"

"Yeah," said Shepard. "Weapons, armor, and more importantly, food and water, enough for a month."

Ashley sat in Shepard's quarters. She needed the privacy that his large cabin offered and she needed to be close to him. Even if he was not on board, he was more 'here' than he was anywhere else on the ship. She sat at his desk. Her picture looked back at her. She smiled through tears as she looked at it. It was an old picture, from right before they stormed Saren's complex on Virmire. She was wearing her old white and pink phoenix body armor at the time. As Shepard had simply called out, "Say Tennyson," and snapped the picture, she wore an uneasy smile. Simpler times, she thought. Kaiden had not died, Cerberus had not shown how utterly depraved humanity could be, and the Reapers were only an explanation to the Prothean extinction. It was her first ship board posting. It was the mission that began to break the old Williams curse.

She had fallen in love with Shepard the moment she laid eyes on him. Now, she carried his child. The thought made her smile broadly. Shepard had made sure that their child would be brought into a galaxy free of the threat of the Reapers. A united galaxy that was no longer trying to tear itself apart. She idly thought of Shepard's now mythic popularity with the Krogan and wondered if her child would grow up with a Krogan playmate. She desperately wanted Shepard to see their child grow up. John, not Shepard. If he is alive, she thought, then we'll marry. Then I'll be Shepard, too.

She imagined meeting Admiral Hannah Shepard, John's mother. The thought was daunting, as she was not only the mother of the man Ashley loved, but a highly decorated Alliance admiral, likely second only to Admiral Hackett at this point. Alive or no, she didn't want to face Admiral Shepard without having gone to the Citadel to bring him back.

Looking around the room, Ashley saw Shepard's old dog tags and the N7 breather helmet he wore during the destruction of the Normandy SR1. She picked up the helmet and looked it over. Badly damaged, but intact. Probably the only reason they were able to resuscitate him, she thought. Returning the helmet, she sat on the bed. If I'm going to pray for his safe return, this is where I'll do it, she thought. And with that, she dimmed the lights and settled in for an hour of prayer and meditation.

James Vega took the elevator to the CIC. He'd waited a few hours after talking with Esteban to think things through, but it was now time to act. He noticed people looking at him. Not like they looked at Garrus or Shepard, though. It was more that his presence was out of place. That, and he was in his body armor with his full complement of weapons. He made his way to the cockpit where Garrus, Ashley, Joker, and Liara were.

"Is there a party going on?" He tried to lighten the mood a little.

"You tell me," said Garrus. He sounded like a C-Sec interrogator the way he said it. So calm and cold as he offered you the opportunity to incriminate yourself.

"If there is, don't you think you're a bit overdressed?" Ashley didn't seem the least bit intimidated as she made the observation. "What's on your mind, Lieutenant?"

James collected himself for a moment. "Lt. Commander . . . I've got orders from Admiral Mikhailovich to relieve you of command and to take the Normandy back to the rendezvous point."

"That bastard," spat Ashley. "I met him back when we were going after Saren. The man is a complete ass."

"Yeah, that was my read as well," replied James.

"James, please," said Liara emphatically, "Don't do this."

"You know I'm a soldier and I'll do what I have to," he replied. "But doing the right thing is more important than just following orders. Let's go get Shepard."

"Damn straight, marine," said Ashley, shaking Vega's hand firmly. The tension that had hung over the crew lifted. The Normandy was united again.

"Let's bring him home," cried Liara.

"Oo-rah!" James raised his fist, smiling broadly for the first time since the Battle for Earth.

With the mood now festive, only Joker noticed Garrus' hand release its grip on the wicked knife sheathed at the small of his back. Vega would have been dead before he hit the floor if he had not backed down. The thought sent shivers through Joker. What scared him even more was that Shepard was equally capable of doing exactly the same thing. Had Ashley not backed down during Councilor Udina's coup attempt, Joker had no doubt that Shepard would have killed without a second thought. And he loved her. He did not think Ashley had it in her. He wondered if she really had it in her to be a Spectre.

Edi lay on a shelf in the Normandy's AI core. The blast from the Crucible had washed over the ship and Edi went offline. Tali sat and looked over the stricken android. Edi was perfectly shaped in the form of a human female. With her shades of silver and gray, she was strikingly beautiful. But both Edi's android form and her main processing hardware contained Reaper technology. Tali figured that this was why the Crucible had affected her. She knew that the body and the hardware were damaged, but if the memory was still good, then there was a chance that Edi could be resuscitated. Finally, her ability as an AI tech and all of her work on the Geth could be for something constructive.

"Don't worry, Joker," she said aloud, "I'll get her back for you."

Shepard and Barla Von had made their way to Huerta Memorial. They were not sure what they would find, and were surprised to see that the door's electronic panel was lit up and active. Two C-Sec agents stood guard.

"Shepard!" Jordan Noles face lit up. Her partner, a Turian officer, opened the door.

"Good to see you, Noles," replied Shepard with a smile.

"Commander Shepard," said the Turian cheerfully, "Gallus Cloelius, Citadel Security. We met when the Council was trying to release Jonas Sideris."

"Glad we nipped that in the bud. Good to see you again," Shepard shook his hand. "Glad you made it!"

"As am I," said the Turian with a laugh.

They brought the admiral inside and laid him on a gurney and covered him. As they entered, the others inside stood, amazed that Commander Shepard had just walked through the door. Noles threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly.

"Shepard? Is that you?" The rough, gravelly voice could only be Commander Bailey.

"Bailey!" Shepard was glad to see him. As he looked around, he saw Dr. Chloe Michel and Kelly Chambers. "Dr. Michel, Kelly," he exclaimed.

The two women ran over and hugged him. Kelly kissed him on the cheek.

"We feared the worst," she said. "I am so glad you're alive. The Reapers…. they're dead…. right?"

"As a doornail if the Crucible worked the way it was supposed to," replied Shepard.

"Well, as soon as it fired, the whole station rocked," said Bailey, "and all those Reaper forces we were fighting just fell dead at our feet. You did it, Shepard."

"We did it," he corrected. "The galaxy united. Every one of us. We did it. Time to rest."

And with that, he collapsed.

Dr. Michel got to work immediately. Shepard and Garrus saved her life three years ago. Time to return the favor. Shepard was in bad shape; very bad shape. He had suffered severe burns, had multiple gunshot wounds, had been struck by falling debris, and had done all this while fighting through Reaper forces. Barla Von's application of medi-gel had stabilized him, but he had then carried Admiral Anderson's body all the way to Huerta Memorial. Shepard was dehydrated on top of it all.

"Shepard's endurance is legendary," said Barla Von. "It's easy to see why he is so formidable. A lesser man would have given out long before now."

Dr. Michel had to agree, though she could not engage in conversation as she worked. Kelly sat and held the commander's hand as Dr. Michel worked. Bailey shook his head.

"I'll be damned," he said. "Never thought I'd live through this, let alone see Shepard again. And now the Citadel is parked at Earth's doorstep. Maybe things really are darkest just before the dawn."

Shepard awoke to the sound of quiet sobs. He could feel his right hand being held. The hand that held it was soft and small. Feminine. He opened his eyes and saw Kelly Chambers keeping vigil. She looked frail and haunted. The Reapers taking the Citadel must have brought back all of the horror she experienced at the hands of the Collectors. He wondered if she would ever be the same again.

"Kelly," he said softly as he sat up.

"Shepard," she cried, throwing her arms around him again. He held her as she began sobbing and crying uncontrollably.

"It's okay, Kelly," he said reassuringly. "The Reapers are dead. They'll never come back. Ever."

"It . . . it was worse," she sobbed. "So many dead… turned into monsters…. If it wasn't for Tactus . . ." She could not continue and broke down. Shepard just held her.

"She's had it rough," came a Turian voice. Shepard looked up to Tactus, the Turian who oversaw the refugee camp. "I managed to get her to safety. If only I could have gotten more…"

"Good to see you again, Tactus," he said. "Thank you for saving her. I owe you."

"None of us would be alive to have this conversation if you hadn't seen this through," he said. "Myself and some of the Turians in the camp joined up with Citadel Security. We managed to get here for medical supplies, those damnable things on our tail the whole way. Then the station shook and they were gone." He shook his head and laughed. "Hard to believe it's finally over."

"You have no idea," said Shepard. He stood slowly, scooping Kelly up in his arms as he rose. "Time to get moving," he said. "If my apartment is intact, I've got over a month's worth of food and water, plus my weapons, armor, and omni tool. I may even be able to raise the Normandy from there."

"By the Spirits! Shepard!" Another Turian voice. "I knew those Reapers couldn't stop you. Maximus Domitius. I outfitted you when you went after the Collectors and you gave me quite the endorsement!"

"Always glad for another friendly gun," said Shepard with a smile.

"Commander Shepard," came a third Turian voice, this one female. "Garrus… is he okay?" It was Aeliana, the Turian lady that Shepard had introduced Garrus to on shore leave.

"So far as I know," replied Shepard. "I had he and Williams picked up by the Normandy before I hit the Citadel."

"Good," she said. "I had hoped to see him again."

"Yeah, same here," Shepard laughed. "Now, let's get out of here and make it happen."

With their wounds tended, Shepard and the survivors from Huerta Memorial made their way to his apartment. He hoped it had survived. Not only would it be a difficult trip with the Citadel in ruins, but the possibility of roving gangs existed as well, and all Shepard had was his pistol. Most denizens of the Citadel were unfamiliar with the staircases and footpaths that served as alternate routes to the elevators and sky cars. Thankfully, Barla Von knew them all. They brought what food and water they could, which was wise, as it was slow going with wounded people. It took them a full day just to get out of the medical and sciences district. Shepard had carried Kelly much of the way. Her legs gave out after a few hours, so he simply scooped her up and carried her, slowing down his normally brisk pace. Their travels came to an abrupt halt in what was now truly evening. The Presidium had always had artificial daylight, but with most of the station without power, light came from Sol. Thankfully, the Citadel was positioned just right for a semblance of actual daylight. In the waning light, Shepard's group came upon a group of five Blue Suns mercs. They were armed and armored, and overall looked healthy. They were a rough looking bunch, but they were focused on a pile of wreckage. One of them spotted Shepard's group and hailed them.

"Give us some help!" The request seemed genuine, but Shepard put Kelly down and went ahead. He summoned Bailey, Noles, and Tactus, motioning for the rest of the group to say back.

"Friend or foe?" Another merc seemed more cautious of the newcomers.

"I'm Commander Shepard," Shepard stated bluntly. "If you're smart, you're friends."

"By the spirits!" A Turian Blue Suns merc sounded very pleased. "We can really use your help!"

"What's the trouble?" He approached cautiously. Bailey went over to see what they were looking at.

"We need a doctor," replied the merc. "And some help with lifting. There's people alive behind all this."

"Holy shit, Shepard," came Bailey's voice, "he's right!"

"Come on," Shepard ordered. "Let's help them out."

Shepard organized the two groups into heavy lifting of large wreckage and clearing of smaller debris. In spite of his injuries, Shepard was still able to muster the strength to work lifting large sections of the walls and ceiling that had fallen. They had finally cleared much of the large pieces and only one large chunk remained. He could hear the ragged breathing and soft sobs of the people trapped in a pocket underneath. It's a miracle, he thought. He squatted down, wedging his hands underneath, and began lifting. He stood straight and pushed what had been the floor from the level above off to his right, and then leaned down and took a hand that had appeared in the opening.

"Help us," came a weak pleading voice.

"You're safe," he said. "I'm Commander Shepard. And we're getting you out of here."

Carlota Williams and her daughters had found themselves pinned under rubble as the Citadel crumbled around them. They lay for several days in a dark hole. They were nearly out of what little water they happened to have; one small bottle that Sarah had happened to have on her. The Williams women were nothing, if not resourceful, but they were at the end of their resources. They were overjoyed initially when a group of people heard them crying for help, but then the five couldn't get them out. After over a day of trying at that! She was amazed that Blue Suns mercs were so charitable, but then the war had changed everyone. When evening came, Sarah was fading in and out of consciousness. They thought for sure that they were going to die in this hole when suddenly, they heard a deep voice barking orders and debris and rubble started moving. It seemed that another, larger group had come and they were able to move the rubble. Finally, the last big piece was lifted by a man in a badly damaged Alliance uniform. "Help us," she said weakly.

He reached a hand down and said, "You're safe. I'm Commander Shepard. And we're getting you out of here."

A miracle, she thought. To think that Ashley's lover was here to rescue them. She said a silent prayer of thanks. She and her two older daughters moved Sarah to the front. Sarah was barely conscious, but she was able to reach out to him. He took her hand and lifted her out, two people who looked like doctors taking her. One by one, he pulled them each from the rubble.

"Ashley Williams," she said, frantically. "She's my oldest daughter. She served with you. Is she . . .?"

"I made sure that she got off of Earth aboard the Normandy," he said. "I'm going to try to reach her when we get to my apartment. I have communications equipment there that can reach the Normandy, not to mention food and water."

"My prayers are answered," she said. "Thank you."

Surprisingly, the Silversun Strip was largely intact, though empty of any inhabitants. His apartment had the three things Shepard wanted most right now: whiskey, a shower, and a bed. They found food that was still good and all of them ate. The Turians were very thankful that Garrus was Shepard's best friend; the apartment was stocked with dextro based foods as well. Shepard took Kelly to one of his guest rooms and laid her down on the bed. He had carried her the entire way. He took off her shoes and pulled the covers over her, tucking her in.

"Rest easy, Kelly," he said softly, kissing her cheek.

Shepard had been an only child, but he could have picked out a kid sister, Kelly would have been her. He then went to his terminal and sent off a message to the Normandy. He wasn't sure they'd get it. After a glass of whiskey, Shepard took a shower and finally lay down on his bed. For the first time in a long time, he could go to sleep without wondering about what horrors the Reapers were inflicting upon the Galaxy.

Ashley stood at the CIC on the raised platform with the galaxy map. So this is what it's like, she thought. She hated it. It should be Shepard here. What's more, Ashley was infantry. She didn't know the first thing about commanding a frigate. So far, she'd simply done her best to remember what she'd seen Shepard do. Thankfully, the crew had been very helpful, and were experienced enough to translate what she wanted into appropriate action. Specialist Samantha Traynor had been very helpful to her and knew Shepard's routines well enough to write her up an outline on bridge protocol.

"Let me say, Lt. Commander, it is my pleasure to serve under you," she said. It was somewhat awkward. Traynor seemed to be trying overly hard to please Ashley. She had been nervous enough under Shepard, but now a new commander that she wasn't used to and being on a mission against orders seemed to have made her even more nervous.

"Thanks, specialist," replied Ashley. "I couldn't do this job without you."

Suddenly, the com line chirped.

"Incoming message on one of our top secret channels, ma'am," said Specialist Traynor animatedly. "And I think you'll want to take this one."

"Patch it through, Specialist," she said.

"Patching it through, ma'am," she replied.

"This is Lieutenant Commander Ashley Williams of the SSV Normandy," she said sternly. "This is a secure Alliance com channel. To whom am I speaking?"

"Ash," came Shepard's voice. "you made it!"

"Shepard?!" Ashley was stunned more from shear surprise than anything else. "You're alive!"

"Of course I am! Didn't you get my message?"

"No," replied Ashley. "The com buoys have been overloaded. I.. I still can't believe you're alive! I prayed, harder than I've ever prayed for anything in my life."

"No way I was going to let Harbinger keep me from seeing you again," he said. "And I knew someone was watching out for me. No way all of this would have come together otherwise. Next time you're in prayer, send my thanks."

"You're the first person I've heard acknowledge that," she said with a smile.

"We talked about that back when we first met," he said. "Anyway, I'm at the Silversun dock. Can the Normandy swing by for a pick up? I've got survivors, some wounded. Kelly Chambers, some Turian military, along with Dr. Michel, Bailey and some C-Sec officers. And.." He paused for a moment. "The four Williams women."

"Oh, thank God!" Ashley clasped her hands together and looked skyward, tears of joy streaming down her face. "How is Admiral Anderson?"

"He..." Shepard paused again. "… didn't make it."

"Aye, aye, Skipper," she replied softly. "On our way."

She turned to Traynor.

"Specialist, raise Admiral Hackett if you can. Tell him we've got Shepard."

"Yes ma'am!"

Admiral Hacket sat in the conference room aboard the Cruiser. He was with what was left of the Alliance Parliament and the newly elected prime minister, Dominic Osoba.

"Normandy is en-route to the Citadel to sweep for survivors and to confirm the status of Commander Shepard," said Admiral Hackett.

"Why send the Normandy?" one of the members asked. "She's too small to transport any great number of wounded."

"Because," Hackett said sternly, "with the relays down, she's the only damn ship fast enough to get there in time to save anyone at all."

The members of parliament began to debate among themselves, but Prime Minister Osoba put a stop to it.

"God speed to her," he said. "I pray that the Commander is alive."

Just then, the intercom paged them.

"Incoming message for Admiral Hackett," came the voice of the communications officer. "It's Lieutenant Commander Williams of the Normandy."

"Patch it through," said the Admiral.

"Lieutenant Commander Ashley Williams reporting, sir."

"Report," said Hackett gruffly.

"Sir," she said, her voice heavy with emotion, "We've made contact with Commander Shepard! He's alive!"

The room erupted in jubilation.

"I knew you'd bring us the good news, Williams," he said with a smile. "Hackett out."

Hackett had already dressed down Mikhailovich privately. Now it was time to publicly serve him some crow, courtesy of a soon to be two time Star of Terra recipient.

Admiral Hannah Shepard received an urgent hail from Admiral Hackett. She headed to the vid-com and tuned him in.

"Admiral Shepard," he said as his image appeared before her.

"Sir," she said, saluting him.

"We may have people asking, 'which one?' fairly soon," he said.

"I don't understand, sir," she replied.

"Lieutenant Commander Ashley Williams took the Normandy and mounted search and rescue mission to the Citadel," he explained. "Commander John Shepard is alive and well, and waiting for us there. I'm issuing a general order to the fleets to head to earth, but I wanted to give you the news personally. Thought you'd like to know. Hackett out."

She breathed a huge sigh of relief. As much of an honor as it is to have your son die saving the galaxy, it is both an equal honor and a much happier scenario to have your son save the galaxy and return home.