Well I figure its time to expand the story's character arc and bring in a few others. Thought this would help expand on Shepard's character and personality, plus explain his anger towards the Alliance.
Even though he woke up spooning with Miranda, Robert Shepard knew that even a morning "workout" wouldn't brighten his outlook of the day. He had to go meet with Admiral Anderson and Councilor Udina. This could end badly he thought to himself. It was his first time meeting with Anderson since giving the Collector Base to Cerberus. He was already branded a traitor to the Alliance and the Council and has been accused of Treason. First, for allowing the old Council to perish during the Battle of the Citadel. Two, for working for Cerberus, an avowed enemy of the Alliance and the Council, oddly enough though you would think Udina and his new all human council would like the ideals of Cerberus' Pro Humanity outlook.
After forcing himself away from the sleeping Miranda, Robert showered and got dressed and armed himself. Assuming that wearing armor would send the wrong message, he dressed in his new black Cerberus embroidered jacket, even though wearing Cerberus gear would possibly raise some suspicion. He decided to go with the Carnifex, figuring if things went south he could easily go head shots only, plus he would have backup. As he prepared to leave his cabin he turned to Miranda, clad in her black, skin tight uniform. "You clear on the plan Miri?" "Yes, I go in with you maintaining a calm disposition, but prepared to draw my pistol if they attempt to apprehend you or fire on you." "Exactly, hell, your the strategist in this relationship, you know what to do."She looked at him with her predator stare, and wrapped her arms around his neck and teased him saying "Is that why you love me?" He looked into her eyes, grabbed her by the waist, and pulled her closer to him, pressed his lips to her ears and whispered "its one of the many reasons." She smirked seductively and said "Is that so?" as she leaned in to passionately kiss him, as he clenched her firm ass. As he broke the kiss he said "we'll finish this tonight, provided we don't die in a hail of rifle fire." She playfully smacked him in the chest and said "if you get yourself killed, ill bring you back just so I can kill you myself". Robert smirked as his lover jokingly threatened to kill him. As Robert noticed the time he said"I need to go brief Garrus and Thane, ill meet you at the CIC in 'bout 20 minutes."They kissed one last time as they left the Cabin.
Miranda got off at the CIC, while Robert went one floor lower to the Crew's Quarters. He first went to Life Support to brief Thane. When he entered the room, Thane was checking his Predator heavy pistol and his Viper Sniper Rifle. Robert briefed him on the three sniper perches that he was to use to provide sniper fire if need be. "Understood Shepard, I wish you luck, and sincerely hope my skills are not needed today." "Me either Thane, but if these Alliance pricks try anything I want you to put a round in their heads, understood?" "Of course Shepard."
Next, Robert went to Rear Batteries to meet with Garrus. When he entered Garrus was checking his Incisor Rifle. "Gotta say I'm surprised Garrus, you aren't in the middle of calibrations" said Robert in a sarcastic tone. "Well Shepard, someone has to keep things running while you're upstairs getting your, as you humans call it, afternoon delight" said Garrus in a joking tone. With most people Robert would have snapped their necks by now, but Garrus and him went way back, so he laughed and said "well I have proven that women like scars, whats your excuse?" Garrus jokingly retorted with "well mind you most of those women are Krogan. Anyways when are we heading out Shepard?" "In about fifteen minutes, I just need to brief you on your set of three sniper perches." As Robert gave him the locations Garrus concurred with their strategic placements. "Those damn politicians better not try anything stupid, I sniped out one son of a bitch on the Citadel, I'm willing to kill some more." Robert nodded his head in agreement and said "Just what I like to hear, just don't get trigger happy, I'd like to finish this day without gunfire and body bags." Garrus looked surprised "Gotta say Shepard, that doesn't sound like you." Shepard agreed and said "Not saying I wouldn't like to put two in Udina's face, but its a fight I'd rather not have to deal with." Garrus nodded his head and said "Fair enough, won't let you down Shepard."
Twenty minutes later
As the four stood in the security scan in CSEC, Robert reflected on his past with the Council.
"Do you enjoy committing genocide Shepard?"
"Depends on the species...Turian."
"The council was always holding us back, when I saw an opportunity to get rid of them, I took it."
"Good God Shepard, how can you even say that?"
"Don't act so surprised Captain, we all know its true. Sacrificing the Council assured our victory over Soveirgn, the end justifies the means. Humans understand that, thats what makes us stronger than the others."
"The Galaxy needs leadership, real leadership! When a crisis hits we can't be paralyzed by debate like the old Council. The new Council must rule with a single voice, assembled by one species alone, humanity!"
"The rest of the galaxy isn't going to back down just because we tell them to, we will need the fleets to bring them in line."
"Given all that you have done, the Alliance will want to know who you think our Chairman should be."
"Your politicians, you figure it out, I'm going to go find a way to stop the Reapers!"
Ten minutes later
When Robert and Miranda entered the Presidium, they moved forward towards the Human Embassy, as Garrus and Thane followed soon after to move to their perches. As Robert and Miranda entered the Embassy they noticed two Alliance Marine guards standing outside who shot cold looks at Shepard, obviously saying traitor. As Robert approached Anderson he noticed Udina and his all human council present via hologram projectors. Admiral Anderson and Robert shook hands and exchanged minor pleasantries. Anderson ended by saying "I'm sorry Shepard, I did everything I could."
Udina started when he boldly began with "Shepard, its good to see that Cerberus allowed you to come here, even if it's under observation by your...handler" as he shot a cold glance at Miranda. She seemed to not be affected by him, used to typical insults from the Alliance. Robert glared at him and angrily boasted "I asked her to come, don't flatter yourself that your collective examination of my actions is worth a damn." Udina sneered at Robert as Anderson shook his head in frustration. Anderson turned to Robert and said "Commander, to be frank, you have a choice, its us or them." Without hesitation Robert said "Them, I may not agree with all of Cerberus' policies, but they make a hell of a lot more sense than the Alliance. The Alliance left me and my crew out to dry, as did the Council. Cerberus brought me back, gave me back my ship, and gave me a crew and near unlimited resources to save the Galaxy, and all they asked for in return was to halt the Reapers. Tell me, who would you side with. The room went silent.
Udina broke the silence. "Shepard, due to your actions, this Council in association with the Alliance strips you of your rank as a SPECTRE, along with all your privileges, and your rank of Lt. Commander, and finds you guilty of Treason for working for Cerberus. However, in recognition of your actions against Saren, we sentence you to to 80 years in maximum Alliance prison instead of execution. We also demand that you receive psychiatric treatment due to your "hallucinations" of Reapers. Anderson simply stood there. Almost in an instant a squad of Marines swarmed the room, all with rifles leveled at the Robert and Miranda. Miranda went for her pistol but Robert ordered her to stand down and with a nod she understood the plan. Robert looked out the balcony, gave a double nod, and said "unfortunately, Councilor, I do not intend to go to prison" as both he and Miranda stepped out of the way as sniper shots filled the room, causing several heads to explode. As the corpses hit the ground Robert ordered Miranda to use her omni tool to block all communications.
Robert shot a glare at Udina and approached his hologram. "Shepard do you have any.." Robert cut him off and said "Shut up, im here to get what I want, and we can use some of your political bull shit to call it a negotiation." Udina stayed silent for a few moments then cautiously said "What do you want out of this?" Robert crossed his arms and said "I'll make it clear, I hate the Alliance for leaving me for dead, The new council is an insult to humanity, and I'm not fond of you ignorant, corrupt, politicians, with your collective heads shoved up your collective asses. Here is what I want. First, an honorable discharge from the Alliance, cleared of all charges, second, I want the Alliance and the Council to stay the hell out of my way." Udina scoffed at this. "And if I refuse?" Robert sadisticly grinned and said "I reveal everything you have done to seize power, without formal election , along with every other dirty little secret you have, combine that with every non-human species on the citadel hating the Council, you will all be overthrown, and executed...slowly." Udina didn't doubt that Shepard could have this information, so he reluctantly said "The Council agrees to your terms, but be warned, if we see you or your crew in Citadel Space, we will shoot on sight." After some further delegations Robert turned and shot a cold nod at Anderson, and left.
One hour later
The Illusive Man impatiently waited for Robert to make contact. He had been even more valuable then he expected. Perhaps this was the beginning of a powerful partnership. He had expected Shepard to do his part in saving humanity then try to return to the Alliance. However, in addition to giving the Collector Base to Cerberus, he also helped prevent a massive fallout with Project Overlord by keeping Dr. Archer's brother under Cerberus care. He was truly a vanguard for humanity.
When Robert and Miranda arrived via hologram they briefed The Illusive Man on the mission, which pleased him. "The fact that The Alliance and The Council gave in to your demands proves that they are weaker than they are trying to let on, and while your bluff was risky, it showed that they know how easily they can be crushed. Well done. " Robert took a step forward and said "As much as I hate to say it, we need the Council around to maintain a level of stability. They will continue to slip up, dismissing credible threats, looking over facts, etc. When me, my team, and Cerberus crush the Reapers, the Galaxy will know who is willing to take action, and will demand new leadership, leadership that I believe only you are qualified to provide." The Illusive Man, in a rare moment, seemed somewhat surprised and said "Well Shepard, I'm glad that you recognize a secure future for humanity." Robert crossed his arms and said "I'm no politician, nor would I want to be, I'm a soldier, I will lead the war against the Reapers, but humanity needs a leader, who is willing to do what is necessary to defend it and its interests. You lead with politics, I lead on the war front." The Illusive Man stood and walked towards Robert. "we have a deal Commander. I will continue to forward you missions when needed and when the time comes, we will destroy the Reapers." Robert nodded his head and ambitiously said "Lets hope they hurry, I'm anxious to get started" and the transmission cut.
As Robert turned to walk towards Miranda she said "Why couldn't we have recruited you earlier" sarcastically. Robert laughed and said "You know, this conversation sounds familiar." She rolled her eyes at him and said "You are definitely a great asset to Cerberus, and to Humanity" as she approached him seductively. He grabbed her, pulling her close to him and sarcastically said "Now I see, that's why you started sleeping with me, to maintain my loyalty to Cerberus." She smacked him playfully in his chest and said "Sounds like we are losing your support, maybe I need to correct that." Robert picked her up and said "That's highly recommended Ms. Lawson, at least on my part." The two collapsed on the table in the center of the Comm Room.
After an hour of 'regaining his loyalty' they rested on the floor. Robert laughed once he regained his breath and said "Well, first the engine room, now the Comm room, where are we going to mess around at next, the mess hall, hell maybe we can get Garrus out of the Rear Batteries next time." She looked at him and rolled her eyes sarcastically. As Robert began to get up Miranda said "We should probably make an appearance before they deem us MIA." Robert looked at her with lust and said "I propose a compromise." She looked to him with intrigue and said "Well now...Commander...what would that be?" He grabbed her, pulling her close to him and said "We make our appearances, then meet up in my quarters for dinner, wine, and some...'extracurricular activity'" She wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered into his ear "Its a date."
