Weeks later, the Council summoned her, Udina and himself to a meeting. He was early, Shepard was late. Whatever the Council needed to see the three of them for, it was best if any possible suspicion of his relationship with the Commander was quietly dissuaded from thought. However, the Council had not yet arrived. Anderson took the opportunity to try and get any information on the meeting from Donnel.
"What's all this about?" He asked gruffly.
"No need to get worked up, Captain. I'd like to end this meeting with all my teeth still in place." Udina answered bitterly.
Anderson was finding it nearly impossible not to grin at the comment. Instead he pointed a finger in Udina's face.
"You should thank me for what I did! If the Normandy was still grounded we'd all be dead right now."
"I understand, Captain. You did what you had to do. That's not why you're here..."
Udina trailed off as the Council walked up, escorted by armed C-Sec officers. They immediately noticed Shepard's absence. The turian Councillor began showing signs of agitation, a quality that seemed to be aggravated any time Shepard was involved. That was about when she decided to show up in newly polished battle armor.
"Ambassador, Captain, Commander Shepard." The Asari Councillor greeted each of them with a nod. "We have gathered here to recognize the enormous contributions of the Alliance forces in the war against Sovereign and the geth."
"Many humans lost their lives in the battle to save the Citadel." The Salarian Councillor continued. "Brave and courageous soldiers who willing gave their lives so that we - the Council - might live."
"There is no greater sacrifice," The Turian Councillor added, shaking his head. "We share your grief over the tragic loss of so many men and women."
Shepard glanced slowly over at him, her doubtful thoughts of the turian's likely disingenuous words was hardly hidden in her eyes. He couldn't say he didn't agree with her, but now was not the time to express it.
"The Council also owes you a great personal debt, Commander." The asari said. "One that we can never repay. By defeating Sovereign, you have saved billions of lives. You have the courage of your convictions and a ruthless determination to succeed. Through your actions, you have become a symbol of everything that humanity represents."
"Your species has an indomitable will." The turian said. This time his words sounded genuine. "A fierce, savage spirit that will not bend or yield. We used to believe this made humans stubborn, even dangerous."
"But now we understand that these traits are what make you strong." The salarian interjected. "There are dark times ahead! The Council needs humanity, and it's strength."
"As the Alliance Ambassador," Udina took the chance to speak up. "I accept your offer. Humanity will join it's strength to yours. We will take our seat on the Council."
"We will need a list of potential candidates." said the salarian.
"Given all that has happened, I'm sure your recommendation will carry a great deal of weight, Commander." The asari commented. "Do you support any particular candidate?"
Shepard seemed a little stunned. Her body language changed for a second to the more vulnerable side of her that few knew existed. He would support whoever she nominated, simply because he would likely agree with her. He had no worries about her choosing Udina. She hated him probably more than he did. Trying to guess who she might pick, in the back of his mind he hoped it wouldn't be him. Or if it was, that it was for the right reasons.
"We need someone with the courage to stand up for what he believes in." Shepard responded. "Someone like Captain Anderson."
Her eyes nominated him before her words did and he knew she was going to pick him. So far her reasons were sound, but he couldn't help wondering if it was also her way of keeping him safe from the battle field. It would be an honor either way to be the first human Councillor. Saren wasn't here to take it away from him.
"Him? You must be joking!" Udina scoffed. "Anderson prefers to let his fists do the talking!"
"Only with you, Ambassador! Only with you."
David took pride in the fact that he delivered the line strait faced with his hands clasped behind his back. No regrets. Absolutely none.
"Are.. you.. sure about this, Commander? The Captain's a soldier, not a politician." Udina said, putting on his 'nice guy' face.
Anderson had every confidence that Shepard could see right through the mask, and he was pretty sure she still carried a grudge over Udina's political shove when he betrayed her trust in front of the Council and grounded her vessel. No, Udina was a fool. He knew his Sonya. She would rather feed him to a pack of varren then endorse him for an office that put him in the public eye as an example of humanity.
"We've already got too many politicians on the Citadel." Shepard answered. David was proud. Donnel crossed his arms. "The Captain would be perfect for this job."
"I think it's an inspire choice." The asari Councillor said. "The Council would open him with open arms, should he accept."
"I'm honored, Councillor."
Anderson spoke up at once. This was it, then. This would begin a new path down the road of politics. It ought to be entertaining, to say the least. An honest man in an illusionist's world, where everything was smoke and mirrors and the goal was to see beyond the fog and distorted images. Welcome to the circus and don't forget the peanuts. But there was a good side too. He may actually accomplish something within their ranks. Do the things that needed done. Make some positive changes and help move civilization of all species forward and together, beyond the big top.
"As humanities representative, I'll do everything within my power to help the Council rebuild.
"Sovereign's defeat marks the beginning of a new era." The turian Councillor began. "For both humanity and the Council."
Shepard looked at him then, as if she expected him to say something. He was not a politician, but he knew better than to upset the delicate balance that had just been set. He knew this just as he knew that she would say it herself when he did not, but she could afford it.
"Sovereign was only a vanguard. The Reapers are still coming. Hundreds of ships, maybe thousands. I'm gonna find some way to stop them!"
Shepard turned and left. That surprised him, and he turned to watch the head strong woman walk away with all the conviction and purpose of a warrior. He not only loved her, he admired and respected her. Her boldness steeled his own resolve. Taking a step to stand where she stood, he faced the Council as a man ready to move humanity forward.
"Shepard's right. Humanity is ready to do it's part. United with the rest of the Council, we have the strength to over come any challenge. When the Reapers come, we must stand side by side. We must stand against them as one!"
His hands had become animated with his speech. Perhaps he had a passion for the goal of unity he had not fully realized. It seemed his lover knew him better than he knew himself.
"And together, we drive them back into dark space!"
Captain Anderson reclasped his hands behind his back, straitening his posture and puffing up his chest. He would not back down, even though he knew the Council discredited the idea of the Reapers. He hoped that they would find the evidence they needed among the debris. A Reaper had just knocked on their door step. They couldn't ignore that.