Shepard's eyes shot open. The blinding light of the med-bay didn't exactly help improve his thunderous headache. He heard various voices around him, the mumbling sounds starting to slowly making sense to his aching ears.
He could only make out distant shapes in the room, his vision still blurred from being unconscious so long.
"He's awake, Captain Anderson." Shepard recognized Dr. Chakwas' calm sounding voice.
Sitting up his vision slowly began to restore itself.
"Why is it so bright in here...Jesus," he said, scrubbing a hand down his face.
Chakwas' smiling face slowly revealed itself in front of his face. "Welcome back to the land of the living Commander?" she said. She placed her hand against her forehead to check his temperature.
Shepard swore he heard slight relief in her voice. "Yeah...thanks."
He pushed himself up to the side of the bio-bed, trying to get his head straight. Another figure loomed in the back, watching carefully. Shepard rubbed his eyes again, he felt a mixture of fogginess and annoyance.
What the hell happened down there? The beacon started glowing, the green aura seemingly reacting to organic stimuli. Chief Williams got...pulled toward it...
Fuck...why can't I remember anything?
As Shepard tried to clear his head, Anderson approached him. "How are you feeling Commander? he asked from the foot of the bio-bed.
"Brilliant...thanks for asking. Feels like a Krogan stomped on my head." Shepard got on his feet, eye-level with Anderson.
Chakwas exited the room. Leaving the two alone. Her skills were not needed anymore. She had actually felt some sadness when Shepard came in on the gurney. Having seen his skills in salvaging something from nothing on the battlefield, she admitted that she had gained a great deal of respect for him, and his uncanny ability in combat.
"At least you're alive Commander. I need to know Shepard." Anderson stepped closer. "What happened down there? Did you recover the beacon?"
As if Anderson's words flipped a switch in his head, all the memories came flooding back to him. He winced as the pieces fitted themselves together in his head.
He couldn't remember seeing certain things. They still seemed blurred in his mind...painfully blurred. He closed his eyes for a few seconds before opening them. The blurriness slowly vanished, easing the pain in his head.
"Shepard..." said Anderson.
Shepard scratched the back of his neck. "I...the mission went awry pretty much straight after we landed planet side. We encountered a number of drones...they got Jenkins."
"Jenkins' death will be dealt with...but right now I need to know about the beacon...Nihlus," Anderson sighed. Wondering how things went as wrong as they had.
"We headed to the spaceport...heading after the last known location of the beacon. We found Nihlus dead when we arrived. One of the dockworkers..."
Anderson listened intently as Shepard recalled the events from his head. It was worse than he first thought. Not only had the beacon been destroyed and a marine lost.
Nihlus being killed by another Spectre, and not just any Spectre...Saren Arterius. The most ruthless man Anderson ever had the displeasure of knowing. There would be nothing to gain from bringing up his history with Saren now, but Shepard deserved to know about it eventually.
The vision worried him. Great machines. Geth...he couldn't be sure. Even Shepard seemed to have trouble recalling the images he saw.
At least it explained the unusual brain activity Chakwas spoke about.
"This is bad Shepard." Anderson leaned against Chakwas' desk. "Saren is a Spectre like Nihlus. He's worse...much worse. He is cold, ruthless and efficient. And he hates humans."
"What about the geth?" Shepard asked. "How could a turian control the geth? If I remember correctly...that didn't work out so well for the quarians."
Anderson nodded in agreement. Saren on his own would have been bad enough...with the geth at his back the damage he could deal to the galaxy wasn't even worth contemplating.
Anderson knew stopping Saren would be an uphill task.
"I'll forward this to the council...they need to know."
Shepard chuckled, the small hint of bitterness easily detected by Anderson.
"They'll just laugh their asses off. One of their fucking poster boys against a reckless marine with a vision that he can't even make sense of." He laughed again. "Yep...fucking brilliant plan Anderson," he said with sarcasm dripping from his voice.
"We have no other choice Shepard." Anderson stepped toward him. "You have no idea what Saren is capable of."
Shepard glared at Anderson. "No I don't...and why should I give a shit?"
"Because we'll...I'll need your help to stop him," Anderson sighed.
"Look Anderson," Shepard walked toward him. "You know I'll help you. In fact...I'm probably the only person who can stop him if he's as bad as you say he is."
Anderson nodded in agreement. "You're right Commander. I've set a course for the citadel. Get some sleep...we'll be there soon."
Shepard stopped him as he began to leave. "Sir...chief Williams. What happened to her?"
Anderson inclined his head toward Shepard. "She gave me her report and Kaiden recommended we allow her to join the crew. I agreed... so she is a member of the Normandy now. She will assist you on the ground...I hear she's quite capable of handling herself."
Shepard smiled lightly. He would take as many good soldiers as he could. After seeing the size of that monstrosity on the horizon on Eden Prime. Fuck he would take every available soldier in the galaxy if he could...including the terminus systems.
"She is. Definitely a wise decision."
Anderson left the med-lab. Silence greeted Shepard again as he sat back down on the bio-bed.
God he hated the med-lab...on any ship.
He recalled his first visit to one. A knife wound to the hip that hurt like hell. The bastard mercenary who did it had heated his blade. When it came into contact with his skin...it cut through like butter, stripping the flesh away easily. Still, it didn't stop Shepard from tearing the mercs eyes out as he stuck the blade in him.
The med-labs were better than the shit he used to visit...a crazy old man with a penchant for causing more pain than curing it.
He could still recall the foul-smelling room he used to receive attention in. The stench of rotten corpses. Some just left to decompose next to the wounded. A nightmare...but he never had anywhere else to go.
Shepard laughed bitterly. He suddenly needed to quench his thirst. The only answer... a strong cup of coffee. Perhaps two.
Shepard leaned over the balcony in the presidium. Words couldn't do justice to the pure beauty of the citadel. The giant space station contained some of the most picturesque scenery Shepard had ever gotten the pleasure of seeing.
He may have been cold and ruthless...but he still appreciated beauty when he saw it. A shame he saw it far less than he would like.
The ocean blue water ran in the lower valley, far below where he stood. The perfect clear blue sky above his head. It always felt like a perfect human summer here. The various species of flower ran along the riverbank. Blue, orange and red colours seemed to light up the light green field.
Down in the wards, it appeared like any other space station Shepard had visited. The hustle and bustle of people visiting, exploring or hustling. The constant shoving, shouting and queuing...the endless queues. He had only wanted a bottle of water, he found himself queuing for what seemed an eternity.
Every window you looked out of, sky-cars and the distant tower blocks shone through. The districts stood proudly, endless strips of black towers going on for miles.
Up here...Shepard liked it. It felt like a needed change of pace from the dirt and dust filled battlefields accustomed to him. The noise levels were also lower here. A more family orientated area compared to the gang ridden wards. The presidium also happened to belong to a council that Shepard detested.
Three people pretending to serve the interests of every species when really they couldn't give a flying fuck as long as their species got what it needed. Shepard hated politicians.
"This is such bull Commander," Ashley said. She leaned back on the rail next to him.
"Yeah," Shepard sighed. Straight to business as usual. Why can't people talk about other shit?
"What do you think? You know of the council situation." Ashley watched Shepard run his hand along the rail in front of him...carefully considering his answer.
Shepard looked a lot different to what she expected. His features were strong and sharp. His eyes were dark...very dark. She often felt the need to look at the floor when he made eye contact. She could tell he looked after his body...even when hidden under his alliance regulars. The muscles rippled in his arms as he leaned over the railing.
She noticed the tattoos that adorned his forearms and felt herself wondering what inspired them. She would bet money that there were some interesting stories hidden there. The only thing she didn't like...his hair, both on his head and face. It made him look scrubby and dirty in some respects...hiding some of his natural features from plain sight.
"What do I think?" Shepard smiled. Ashley came back to reality, blushing from her staring being noticed.
"Yes Commander. I mean...it's pretty stupid that we're forced to wait this long when Saren is doing...God only knows what."
Shepard caught the annoyance in her voice. "I agree...but we can't do anything about it," he said, returning his gaze back to the valley below.
"So..."
"So we wait. I'm enjoying the peace and quiet...maybe you should do the same."
Ashley frowned at his sudden change of mood. His face didn't show the flippant tone in his voice.
"Commander," she said before wandering away.
Shepard quietly wondered why he even bothered attending this complete waste of time. Ambassador Udina, a man he didn't trust as far as he could throw him, spoke for him to the council.
So what if he didn't keep his explanation politically correct. Why the fuck should he care?
Saren loomed over them, like some sort of towering demon looking down on them. Judging them.
Shepard knew how this would turn out as soon as the hologram appeared. Like he told Anderson, the word of the council's poster boy versus his word. Yeah...really good fucking idea.
The few words he did say obviously had no impact on the council's decision. Udina stormed past him, looking like a child who had his favourite toy taken from him.
Anderson shook his head in regret as he followed after the ambassador. Shepard held his tongue as the council left their podiums, returning to wherever they deducted their obviously more important meetings.
"How did it go Commander?" Ashley asked as Shepard reached the bottom of the stairs leading from the council chamber.
"Great," he said sarcastically. "The council think I'm crazy...Udina is a sulking baby and Anderson is the third guy know one cares about. Jesus...sounds like another shitty boy band."
Ashley stifled a laugh at Shepard's sarcastic humour. "Not all bad then," she said smiling.
"What about Saren, Shepard?" Kaiden asked, joining the pair.
"Don't worry about him...I've dealt with his kind before."
Shepard continued on after Udina and Anderson, Ashley and Kaiden close behind. Shepard strolled casually through the citadel tower, running his eyes over the various flower collections and running waterfalls that adorned the place.
From a distance, it looked like any other communication room...albeit on a giant scale. From a closer perspective...it's qualities stood out to the naked eye.
Anderson and Udina stopped near the elevator.
"I knew we shouldn't have brought you Anderson." Udina stabbed Anderson in the chest with his finger. "You have too much history with Saren," he finished.
Shepard reached the pair, an amused look spread across his face. "Well that went fantastic...any other bright ideas Ambassador."
"Be quiet Shepard...jar-heads like you should never be allowed near hearings of this importance," Udina stated as he glared at Shepard.
"Stop Ambassador before you hurt my feelings." The tone of Shepard's voice caught everyone off guard, sounding high-pitched and almost feminine.
Ashley and Kaiden smiled at the floor as Shepard mocked the Ambassador in front of them.
Udina let out a frustrated growl. "Watch yourself Commander...you may have a reputation among the alliance but up here that doesn't mean anything."
Shepard's smile didn't leave his face as Udina stormed off into the elevator...his face looking as red and bright as a tomato.
"Cunt," Shepard said under his breath as the elevator left the tower.
"He may be hard on you Shepard...but he has a point." Anderson sighed loudly...this whole ordeal had become impossibly frustrating.
"I didn't get the point," Shepard said. His smile disappeared, replaced by his usual impassive face.
"Never mind now. We still need to stop Saren." Shepard nodded in agreement.
"Any leads on where to start?" Shepard asked.
He knew exactly what Anderson had in mind. Saren had allies...he never made mistakes but some of them might. A mistake could lead to evidence. Evidence could turn the council to their favour.
"A man may know a lead in the lower wards. Go to Chora's Den. Speak to a man called Harkin. He's C-Sec, actually he was the first human who ever joined them. Now he's a drunk and a repulsive pig...but he may know where to start. That's our only option right now." Anderson headed into the elevator.
"And good luck Shepard..." he shouted back as the elevator left.
Sheppard ran hand through his facial hair.
"Wild goose chase it is," Shepard said as he armed his pistol.
"Let her go." Shepard kept his weapon fixed on the thugs head.
"Fuck you...give us-"
The thug collapsed to the side, dropping the doctor to the floor.
A turian emerged from behind a wall to his right. The blue uniform he wore shouted C-Sec.
"Dr. Michel Are you okay?" The turian helped her to her feet.
Shepard gave the all clear and strode towards them. "Nice shot."
"Thanks...bastard needed to be taken down. Name's Garrus."
Shepard nodded, holstering his weapon.
"So doc...what exactly did you do to piss these deceased gentlemen off so much?"
Dr. Michel shook with fear as Garrus released her hand.
"I...it must have been for the quarian."
"Quarian...I don't imagine you see many of them on the citadel," Shepard stated.
"No...she'd been hurt. She had information on some turian... a Spectre named Saren I think."
Shepard silently thanked the doc for her excellent memory. They had a lead.
"This quarian must have some dirt on him...where is she now?"
"A volus told her he would help her...Barla Von," she said, regaining some of her lost confidence.
"Thank you Dr. Michel," Kaiden said. "This helps us greatly...any information regarding Saren brings us one step to stopping him. You may have just helped save hundreds of lives," he finished, flashing her a friendly smile.
"Alright Barla Von...who sent the thugs?" Shepard asked, pointing his gun with one hand at the body beside him.
"Fist...he's the owner Chora's Den."
"Well we better go see him then."
The group turned to head out...
"Hey wait," Garrus said stopping them. "I'm coming with you."
Shepard turned, his eyes dark and unreadable. "Who the fuck are you again?" he said lowly.
"Look...Saren is a disgrace to my people. I want to help you take him down. You've seen that I know what I'm doing. I have as much as right as you to stop him."
"I'm missing something here. Why would you know about Saren?" Shepard asked.
"I investigated him...but he was a Spectre so it was all brushed away by the bureaucrats." Garrus' voice took on an angrier tone.
Shepard's mood relaxed slightly. "Fine...you can prove yourself."
Shepard walked back to the others. "Ash...go back to the Normandy."
"But Commander I-"
"That's an order Williams," he stated firmly. A brief flash of anger in his eyes caused her to hold her tongue.
Ashley nodded. Sighing she left the med-clinic.
"Right Garrus. You're up."
Shepard exited the elevator, walking in to the C-Sec office. People littered the place, working on various cases from all areas of the gigantic space station. It really amazed Shepard how all the entire space stations security resided itself to this small open space. Bad planning in his opinion.
Striding downstairs to the weapons officer he looked down at the turian behind the desk.
"Need anything?" the turian asked placing a data-pad down on the desk.
"This." The turian's eyes widened with surprise as he saw the strange-looking weapon on the desk.
"I've never seen anything like this before," he said, eyeing it cautiously.
"They're pretty popular on Earth...in certain places at least. Could you run a trace for me?" Shepard wandered around the small room, inspecting pictures that lay scattered on various desks.
"Certainly...but I must ask why?" The turian picked up the large spiked baton. Running his fingers over the long-pointed spikes, he realised how sharp they actually were.
Like small knives sticking out. Definitely a nasty weapon in capable hands.
"It belongs to an old...acquaintance of mine." Shepard smiled at him. "I wish to return it to him...personally of course."
"I'll get it done ASAP."
"I appreciate it," Shepard said as he walked out the small room.
Shepard heard a low grumble as he re-entered the main open area near the elevator. A deep voice spoke from around the corner.
As he turned, he stifled an amused laugh at the sight before him. At least five C-Sec officers trying to calm down a krogan...a big one.
Two words stood out among the rest. Fist and Wrex. His interest piqued, he casually walked over to the arguing group.
"I don't care Wrex...you're not seeing Fist. Now calm down." The poor man visibly struggled to avoid the massive krogan's arms as he turned to face the approaching person.
"Great...another human." His deep voice seemed to echo in Shepard's ears. "You hear to tell me I can't visit Fist either. I'd like to see you try to stop me."
"No...I'm here to ask if you'd like to help me take him down."
The group surrounding Wrex became silent. Shepard shot them all a disapproving look causing them to leave the pair.
"Who are you then human?" Wrex eyes the weapons Shepard carried. "You have enough firepower to destroy an entire planet...so you're not C-Sec."
"Commander Shepard of the SSV Normandy." Shepard casually introduced himself. "And I need Fist alive."
Wrex laughed aloud at Shepard's words. "Is that supposed to impress me?...Commander. I have a contract for Fist. I intend to fulfil that contract. If you get in my way...I may not be so nice."
Shepard produced a set smile. He already liked Wrex's attitude.
"I tell you what Wrex. You help me get the answers I need...then I'll let you do what you need to do."
Wrex remained silent for a moment. Shepard smiled as Wrex burst out with another deep, bellowing laugh from his stomach.
"I like you human. Deal," he said as he held out his giant hand.
Shepard took it and kept his grip firm. He knew how people like Wrex operated. You prove yourself to them and in return get their respect. If Wrex became an ally he could become a much-needed resource at Shepard's disposal.
In truth he couldn't give a rats ass whether the krogan lived or died. Still his help would be much appreciated either way.
"I suggest you talk Fist...I'm not in the waiting sort of mood." Fist fearfully crawled back toward the wall as Shepard stalked toward him.
"I..."
"Get up." Shepard grabbed him by the neck and hauled him to his feet.
Fist visibly shook with fear as Shepard circled him with his weapon.
"So...the quarian," Shepard said quietly. "If you talk I promise I won't hurt you." Shepard placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"I set up a meeting. She had information on Saren. He paid me to set her up. Well...she paid me too but he paid better. It's in the lower wards...it's happening now. You can still make it."
Fist spoke so fast Shepard had a difficult time understanding him. So much for the hardened club owner that everyone talks about.
"Thank you for the help," Shepard said as he holstered his pistol.
Fist relaxed slightly. The loud unmistakable click of shotgun sounded throughout the room.
"But you said..."
"I said I wouldn't hurt you," Shepard said by the door. "Him...I don't think so."
Shepard left the room, Garrus following behind.
The loud bang of the shotgun echoed in the club as the pair walked side by side.
"That wasn't right Commander. You should have let him live," Garrus said. His initial thoughts about Shepard were changing.
"And why's that Garrus?" Shepard asked, not slowing down.
"He had a right to a fair trial."
Shepard stopped suddenly causing Garrus to almost fall over his feet.
"A fair trial," Shepard said.
Garrus noticed his tone had changed. His face still looked arranged and calm but his voice sounded almost croaky.
"He had a right to-"
"He didn't have a right to shit Garrus." Garrus' mouth snapped shut as Shepard's eyes darkened, staring at him. "He tried to play the big boss and got in over his head. He'd rather let his men die like rats while he cowers in his fucking office like a little girl," Shepard hissed.
"Shepard...I..." Garrus stuttered.
"Well fuck him...and fuck you if you think he deserved respect. Now let's get this shit over with."
Garrus stared after Shepard as he marched on. Wrex slapped him on the back as he strode past him, quickly catching up to Shepard. He snapped out of his little trance, readying himself for what awaited them in the lower wards.
They finally reached the lower market. Shepard took cover behind a stack of boxes near the top of the stairs. At least he had the advantage for once.
A quarian stood in the middle of a group of men. Shepard could see her becoming agitated before a loud explosion sent the turian splattering into the nearest wall.
Shepard nodded to Garrus. Garrus took aim with his sniper rifle, covering Shepard and Wrex as they moved down the stairs. He spotted a hidden enemy, waiting to pounce on the pair as they reached the bottom.
His sniper rifle barked midst the sounds of explosions and gunfire. He landed the kill shot just below the eye, giving the wall behind a fresh crimson paint job.
He took aim and took another down with two accurate shots to the body. Ghostly silence fell over the market.
"We're all clear down here Garrus." Garrus heard Shepard shout to him.
"Thank you...I owe you my life...um..."
"Commander Shepard. And you are?"
"Tali'Zorah nar Rayya."
"You seem to be pretty popular with the locals," Shepard joked. "What's a quarian doing in these parts anyway?" he asked as he holstered his lancer.
"I was on my pilgrimage. I found information on a Spectre named Saren. Fist...that bosh'tet..." she spat in anger.
"Well Fist isn't a problem anymore. What information?" Shepard asked.
"I took a memory core from a geth on Eden Prime. I managed to scan it before it self-destructed. It contained an audio file. A man named Saren and another person...an asari I think."
Tali felt quite intimidated by the three men in front of her. All three seemed to dwarf her, she felt like a child again.
"This could be fucking useful," Shepard said, more to himself than anyone else. "I need that information Tali'Zorah nar Rayya."
Tali nodded in agreement.
"You've seen the evidence...there is no way you can disprove that Saren is a traitor." Tali closed the audio file and stepped backwards.
"This new information is disturbing...reapers...I have never heard of such things." The salarian councillor's eyes remained hidden under his hood.
"That other voice...the female...it belongs to a powerful matriarch. Matriarch Benezia. If Saren has brought her to his cause...she could be a very powerful ally. She has many acolytes that follow her."
The regret in Tevos' voice told Shepard that Benezia could be a significant problem.
The councillor's exchanged a momentary glance with one another. The asari Councillor Tevos and the salarian Councillor Valern appeared to reach an agreement, much to the obvious disapproval of turian Councillor Sparatus.
"Very well...we agree that Saren must be stopped. We will strip him of his rank as a Spectre and remove his funding and all resources at his disposal." Tevos spoke for the council with obvious pride.
"And then what?" Shepard ignored Udina's disapproving look and walked to the edge of the podium.
"We need to stop him permanently...you really think that not being a Spectre or having access to Spectre resources will stop him?"
"We have stripped Saren of his rank, name and respect...that makes him just a rogue agent on the run for his life," Sparatus said.
"That isn't good enough...you know he is hiding in the traverse...send your fleet in," Udina shouted.
"A fleet cannot track down a single man," Valern replied calmly.
"You could secure the entire region. Stop the geth from attacking anymore of our colonies," Udina said.
"Or start a war with the terminus systems. You see..." Sparatus said. "Petulant revenge like this is why humanity will never be on the council...you disregard the safety of every other race to further your own goals."
"Fuck you...Councillor." The whole room fell silent. "You've been dogging me since the first meeting. If it were not for soldiers...you wouldn't be sitting up there talking down to us. Humanity saved Eden Prime...not the council. Cowards like you send soldiers like me to their deaths so you can continue sitting on your little podiums." Shepard's voice took on a darker tone...near threatening.
"I agree with Shepard...I'm tired of this council and its anti-human bull-"
"Ambassador!There is another solution...a way to stop Saren without the need for armies or fleets." Tevos interrupted Udina, trying to calm the situation.
Shepard saw people gathering on the balconies above eagerly watching them.
"No it's too soon. Humanity is not ready for the responsibilities that come with joining the Spectres."
Shepard saw a chance for smoothing political bullshit when he saw it. Udina's irritable voice proved his fears.
"Is this the council's decision?" Udina asked.
More people gathered on the balconies above, their eyes still transfixed by the spectacle below them.
"Commander...step forward." Tevos activated her podium. Valern mimicked her actions.
Sparatus shook his head in disapproval before doing the same.
Shepard felt very annoyed that he didn't get a say about joining the Spectres. Fucking Udina and his political agendas.
"It is the council's decision that you be granted all the powers and privileges of joining the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance branch of the citadel," Tevos said tapping her podium.
"Spectres are not trained but chosen. Individuals forged in the fires of battle...individuals whose actions raise them above rank and file." Sparatus tapped his podium.
"Spectres are an ideal, a symbol. The pure embodiment of courage, self-reliance and determination. They are the right hand of the council; instruments of our will." Valern tapped his podium.
"In other words...another lackey at your disposal. Thanks Udina you prick," Shepard thought.
"Spectres bear a great burden. Their one purpose...to preserve galactic peace and interest. They are our first and last line of defence. The safety of the galaxy rests on their shoulders."
"Who the fuck writes this bullshit," Shepard thought.
"You are the first human inducted into the Spectres Commander. This is a huge honour for you and your people." Tevos smiled at the clapping crowd, looking the epitome of calm and collected.
"Huge honour for Udina maybe," Shepard thought as the crowd began cheering.
"So...I guess I'm being charged with tracking down Saren," Shepard stated.
"Yes...this concludes this council."
Shepard rolled his eyes as the councillor's departed the tower. He turned to see Anderson smiling at him.
"Congratulations Commander," Anderson said proudly.
"Yes Commander...now it is up to you to stop Saren by any means necessary. Are you up to the task?" Udina asked folding his arms.
Shepard glared at Udina. "What do you think?"
Udina nodded in acceptance. "Very well Shepard. Anderson...I'll see you in my office. Due to past instances...while Shepard is chasing Saren you will be helping me."
A confused expression crossed Shepard's face. "Wait what? The Normandy is Anderson's ship."
"Not any more...she belongs to you now Commander." Anderson patted Shepard on the arm.
"I could do with your help Anderson?" Shepard said. He didn't take his eyes off Udina until he disappeared from his vision.
Taking a soldier from his men is the worst possible punishment bestowed on a marine.
"The Ambassador is right. I have too much of a history with Saren...plus I'm getting old. You can do this Commander...I know you can."
Shepard sighed deeply. He ran a hand through his thick head of hair.
Looking at the floor he nodded then raised his eyes to meet Anderson's. "So...any leads?"
Anderson handed Shepard a data-pad. "Everything you'll need is on their Shepard. I'm leaving it to your discretion to decide where to start."
"I can't say I'm looking forward to this," Shepard said sarcastically.
"At least you'll get to see the stars again Commander," Anderson said, trying to lighten Shepard up.
Shepard merely nodded in response. He looked at the floor momentarily before standing to attention.
Both men saluted one another before sharing another nod.
Anderson's eyes showed concern. "Shepard...you sure you can stop him? He's one tough son of a bitch."
"To catch a killer you need to send one," Shepard said. "I can't think of many better than me."
Shepard smiled and walked toward the airlock of the Normandy.
Anderson entered Udina's office slowly. Udina leant over the railing facing the outer presidium at the back of his office. Anderson fell in beside him on the railing.
"This is a huge honour for humanity Captain. I hope we've made the correct choice." Udina sounded troubled in his convictions.
He had wanted a human on the Spectres but someone like Shepard...some people don't deserve the right or honour to join such a prestigious organisation. A loose cannon in the alliance didn't bare the same responsibility as a loose cannon representing the whole of humanity.
"It is Ambassador. Shepard is the perfect choice...in my eyes the only choice," Anderson said.
"If the decision to choose the first person to represent us in the Spectres fell to me...my choice would not be him," Udina said apprehensively.
"There isn't anyone more capable, adaptive or courageous in the entire alliance. He's the best soldier I've ever seen Ambassador."
Udina looked at Anderson. His face and posture displayed his belief in Shepard's abilities more than his words ever could.
"Trust me when I say...he is the last person you would want as your enemy."