Chapter 6

Commander Shepard stared through the skylight that hung above his bed, his eyelids struggling to remain open.

"It's so easy to tell when you're anxious."

Liara's voice caressed his ears as it drifted over from the couch. The asari wore a gray nightgown lined with a black trim and held a datapad at her side, having paused whatever work she was finishing up before she would be content to sleep. Shepard let out a long, deep sigh and shifted his gaze from the ceiling to Liara.

"Is that so?" Shepard pushed himself up to a sitting position, leaning his back against the headboard of his bed.

Liara smiled and set her tablet down before rising to her feet and coming to sit next to him on the sheets. "You can save the galaxy three times over... but you have trouble sleeping before a meeting with the Council."

Shepard chuckled and shrugged. "Well to be fair I didn't sleep well before Ilos either... or the Omega 4 relay... or Cronos..."

Liara placed her hand on his cheek. "Like I said. It's easy to tell when you're anxious."

He looked to her and returned her smile. Shepard leaned toward her and planted a gentle kiss upon her forehead before digging his elbows into the mattress and sliding back into the position he had been laying in previously, resuming his gaze through the skylight. Liara brought herself down next to him, laying on her back as she stared into the black abyss as well.

"You've talked to the Council before... why are you so worried now, Shepard?"

The commander remained silent as he contemplated the question. It was certainly a legitimate one. "I'm not quite sure. I've made a lot of decisions that the Council didn't approve of. I doubt those decisions will be a small factor in the summit."

Liara gently took his hand. "What's been done is done. And whether they look upon your actions with disdain or praise is irrelevant given what you've accomplished with them."

Shepard smiled softly at her words and rolled his head to the side, looking to her eyes. "Thanks, Liara. I hope they feel the same way."

Liara looked back to him and grinned. "Me too. But they are politicians. They're going to have something to complain about."

Joker hummed quietly to himself as he set the Normandy on an approach vector to the Citadel. He had seen a few vids of the station already and he could tell that the destruction was far less severe than it had been after Sovereign's assault. Even so, he was eager to get onto the station personally and see the rebuilding process for himself. Suddenly an unfamiliar male voice rang out from the communications console.

"SSV Normandy this is Citadel Control, please transmit all security clearance packets."

"We're having a great day, thanks for asking." Joker released the button that had opened his mic and glanced over to EDI who had already finished transmitting the data. "How hard is it to hire somebody that sounds happy to talk to you?"

"Cleared. Please proceed to docking bay D-24. Welcome back to the Citadel, SSV Normandy."

Joker's cocky smirk returned to his face as he kicked the Normandy into gear and piloted the craft toward her standard berth. As the ship passed into the open arms of the Citadel a set of footsteps approached the cockpit. Shepard, standing in his full dress uniform, halted behind Joker and put a hand on his chair, leaning into it as he looked out the forward viewports. He caught a glimpse of Earth through the Citadel's extended arms.

Joker glanced over his shoulder. "Wow, full dress, huh? I don't know if I've ever seen you in the full getup, commander."

Shepard shifted uneasily and glanced back down to Joker. "Well if I'm representing humanity I might as well look presentable."

"Fair enough." Joker slowly brought the Normandy in to the docking bay and began the auto-docking sequence.

Shepard straightened himself up and ran a hand down his sleeve. "Well here goes nothing. Someone enjoy their shore leave for me because I don't think I will."

Joker's chair spun to face Shepard as he prepared to leave. "Oh don't worry about that one Shepard. I've already got my dancing leg-braces set out."

Shepard rolled his eyes in amusement and turned to the airlock. He tapped the disembarkation sequence on the control panel and stepped inside. The familiar hiss and mist of decontamination proceeded before the hatch finally opened and Shepard was able to step onto the Citadel. He looked down to the floor and smiled. Shepard began his walk through the relatively empty docking terminal only to stop at the sound of an unusual click. He turned and scanned the seating and viewing area. Just as he had dismissed the noise and begun to resume his walk a voice rang out from the rafters above him.

"Boy, Shep, you're looking rather sharp!"

Shepard looked up to see the dark hooded figure and unmistakable, devious grin of Kasumi leaning against a support column some fifteen feet above him. "Well, Ms. Goto, I've actually got an event I'm attending that requires a certain level of class."

Shepard grinned as Kasumi gracefully leapt down from her perch with a quiet 'oomph' and stood before him. "I think I was there the last time you had to wear something this fancy. Didn't that turn a little... violent near the end?"

"If you're implying that a gunship might try to mow me down at a Council summit..."

"No implications at all, Shep! But you can't deny that you do have an uncanny knack for attracting unwanted gunfire." Kasumi crossed her arms, still grinning.

Shepard chuckled lightly and shook his head. "You know me too well, Kasumi." He nodded toward the elevator. "I'm headed to the Council chambers for a meeting. Got time to walk with me?"

"Well I had time to stalk you up until now, didn't I?" Kasumi turned and walked toward the elevator doors, Shepard hurrying to catch up and walk at her side. "A meeting with the Council, huh? Sounds important!"

"Right now I'm hoping the importance is being blown out of proportion." The doors to the lift opened automatically as Shepard and Kasumi approached them. "I've had plenty of meetings with the Council and I'm sure you don't want to hear about the boring details of this one. I'd rather talk about why you were stalking me."

The thief and soldier entered the elevator car and Shepard tapped a button on the control console. Kasumi leaned against the back wall casually and defensively crossed her arms. "What? A girl can't keep tabs on old friends? Very precise and particular tabs?"

Shepard raised an unamused brow and Kasumi laughed, shaking her head. "Relax, Shep. I just wanted to catch you before you blasted off on another great adventure. I... I want to get your opinion on something."

The elevator chimed and the car came to a stop, the doors sliding apart to reveal the Citadel Tower. Various scorch and explosion marks on the normally light and pristine walls and floor made it obvious to any passerby that a significant gunfight had occurred recently. Shepard was impressed that C-Sec had seemingly managed to keep the tower out of the hands of Reaper forces. The two exited the elevator and began a slow paced walk up the fights of stairs leading to the Council's chambers.

"Well? I'm listening." Shepard looked over to Kasumi with a smile.

Kasumi let out a soft sigh. "I got a... job offer. Some people in the Alliance kept a deserved eye on me while I worked gathering information on the Crucible. Apparently they were impressed."

"A job offer, huh? You're gonna have to be more specific than that." Shepard smirked as they slowly ascended toward their destination.

"Well... let's just say it's in the field of espionage." Kasumi looked to Shepard with uncertainty. "Do you think I should do it? I mean... a big paycheck and loose interpretation of the law sounds pretty nice."

Shepard stopped and turned to Kasumi as they reached the top of the stairs. "If you think it'll make you happy I don't see why not. Did you have other plans in mind?"

Kasumi shrugged and averted her gaze almost bashfully. "Well... there was one thing I thought might be nice. A lot of places that held precious valuables are in ruins now. I think galaxy could use someone with the skills to retrieve them."

Shepard smirked. "So you want to be a treasure hunter?"

"If you want to make it sound trivial, then sure," Kasumi retorted.

"I was only joking, Kasumi. That sounds like a fantastic idea."

Kasumi's lips curled back into her nearly persistent beaming smile. "You think so? I mean... there's so much that needs to be done to get the galaxy back on track. I don't want you to think I'm just fooling around when there's work to be done."

"There are a lot of people that don't have a place to go home to. Entire planetary populations. Recovering something they once held dear might give them some much needed hope."

Kasumi nodded. "Thanks Shep. I think I've made up my mind." Kasumi held out her hand. "Good luck in your meeting, Councilor."

Shepard let out a groan and took her hand, shaking softly. "If no one ever calls me that again I can die a happy man."

"Heh, fair enough, Shepard."

He smiled as he released her hand. "Don't be a stranger, Kasumi."

Kasumi gave a Shepard a playful wink just before a ripple appeared around her and swept her out of sight with a blink. Her voice rang out from invisibility, the sound drifting down the stairs they had climbed. "I'll be sure to write! Now quit procrastinating and get to your meeting!"

The commander entered the Council chamber feeling a sense of elation that seeing a good friend always brought. The speaking platform appeared empty. As did most of the hall. As he observed the empty chambers he could hear an approaching figure from his side. Shepard turned to see an unarmed turian C-Sec officer come to a stop and salute.

"Greetings, Councilor Shepard. I am Sergeant Varin Callurnis. It's an honor to meet you." The officer had a sense of professionalism about him that often showed in turians, especially those in uniform.

Shepard mentally winced at the 'Councilor' title but returned the greeting with a smile. "The honor is mine, Sergeant."

The turian nodded once in acknowledgment. "The Council meeting will be held in the private chambers. If you would follow me I will escort you there."

Shepard nodded and the two set off toward the many offices that surrounded the main chamber. "I wasn't aware the Council had private meeting chambers."

Sergeant Callurnis nodded once again. "They are reserved for exceptional instances. In this case the Council would rather meet in private given your temporary membership."

The commander followed Callurnis up a set of stairs and around a corner to a nondescript hallway. "It's nice to know they're not setting their hopes on my permanent tenure."

The two reached a door at the end of the hallway and Sergeant Callurnis leaned forward, allowing a retinal scanner to quickly authenticate his identity. The door chimed softly and parted to reveal an office of similar style to those of the embassies with a large meeting table in the center of the room. A floor to ceiling window spanned the entire length of the far wall, offering a view of the arms of the Citadel stretching out from the station's center ring. Shepard took a few steps into the room with Callurnis sealing the door behind him.

The asari councilor, Tevos, sat at the rectangular table at the center of the room tapping away at a datapad. She looked up as Shepard entered and quickly diverted her attention to him. "Councilor Shepard, you're right on time." The asari stood and made her way to meet him.

Councilor Sparatus, the turian, was also seated as Shepard entered and followed closely behind Tevos as she approached him. The salarian, Valern, was talking on a personal communicator by the window but quickly ended his conversation and joined his colleagues. The three veteran council members stood across from Shepard silently for a moment before Tevos bowed her head honorably.

"It is a pleasure to see you, Shepard." As Tevos spoke Sparatus and Valern mimicked her bow to a lesser degree.

Shepard, slightly unsure, bowed his head in return. "It's an honor to be here, Lady Councilor."

Councilor Sparatus chuckled. "No need for formalities, Shepard. We're out of the public eye to ensure you don't have to deal with that pressure."

The commander smiled appreciatively. "Thank you, Councilor Sparatus. I wasn't expecting that kind of consideration."

"The Council would also like to personally thank you, Shepard." Tevos smiled softly as she spoke. "We and the rest of the galaxy owe you more than we could ever repay."

Valern grunted and crossed his arms. "Yes, well. We have a meeting to attending to, haven't we?"

Councilor Tevos glanced to Valern with a look of slight irritation before nodding and turning to the table behind them. "I suppose so. We have important issues to discuss."

The three males followed her to the table and situated themselves around it evenly. Sparatus cleared his throat and nodded toward the asari. "I believe the Council agreed on having Tevos lead the summit. Shepard, do you object?"

Shepard shook his head and shrugged. "Just proceed as you'd planned. I assume you know more about this process than I do."

Tevos nodded and slid a finger across her datapad. "Right then. We only have a few issues we'd like to discuss with you, Shepard. The first and foremost is that of the permanent human councilor position. After the affair with Councilor Udina your embassy appointed a temporary member by the name of Dominic Osoba."

Shepard put his hand to his lip ponderously and slowly nodded. "The name is familiar. I think I've heard it around."

Sparatus gave a nod. "He has served admirably so far. With you and your embassy's permission we would like to induct him as a permanent member of the Council."

Shepard tried his best to hide his relief. "If you think he's doing a good job then you have my support. May I ask why he's not here?"

Tevos nodded and made a few quick taps on her datapad as she took notes. "Of course. We have important issues to discuss with you specifically."

Councilor Valern immediately spoke after Tevos had finished her statement. "And a single representative from each race is a core principle of the Citadel Council."

"Understandable." Shepard looked around the table. Tevos had finished her notes and was now waiting to speak once more.

"Well, if that is settled we should move along to the second issue." Tevos sat across from the window, looking out to the Citadel arms as she spoke. "The Council is debating the course of action to take regarding the Citadel itself." She shifted her gaze back to her peers. "Given the station's recent relocation there are many politicians, some in this room, who believe the seat of the Council should be moved."

Valern quickly interjected as her thought came to a close. "The very appeal of the Citadel as a hub of governance was due to its isolation from any civilized homewords."

Shepard quickly cut off Valern before he could continue. "Do we know how the Reapers were able to transport the Citadel so quickly?"

Sparatus sighed and shook his head. "We are currently investigating their methods. At this point we only have the ability to make sub-FTL, inner-system adjustments."

"What are the options you're considering?" Shepard looked to Tevos.

"There has been suggestion of moving the Council's seat to a colony world, perhaps one untouched by the Reaper invasion." Tevos eyed Shepard curiously for his reaction.

"With all due respect, councilors, the Citadel is a valuable asset. It has stood as a symbol and center for galactic civilization for too long to be simply abandoned. Have you considered using the local navigation to relocate the station near the Charon Relay?" Shepard glanced around the table, worried he might be speaking more than was anticipated of him.

Sparatus nodded with consideration. "We had discussed it. It does mean, of course, that many people will assume the Alliance has a responsibility to protect the Citadel."

"Does the Alliance not already hold that responsibility?" Shepard perked a brow. "If the station is confined to the Sol System for the foreseeable future the Alliance is going to be protecting it just by virtue of the location."

Councilor Tevos nodded. "What you say is true, though this responsibility is still technically unofficial. We have decided that if the Council is to remain in the Sol System, it would be in our best interest for the Alliance to donate a substantial force for amalgamation with the Citadel Fleet."

His fellow councilors looked to Shepard for a response that took a brief moment to prepare. "In the after-action report I read concerning the battle it appeared as though the bulk of the Citadel Fleet was still intact..."

Sparatus leaned forward, his fingers lacing together. "Shepard you've been to Palaven, Sur'Kesh and Thessia. Our people need those ships in their home systems working relief if we ever want to rebuild our homeworlds."

"Please, Shepard. Humanity has proved itself to be a loyal and generous member of Council governance." Councilor Tevos paused briefly. "This act can only strengthen galactic stability."

Commander Shepard took a deep breath and shook his head. "I'm not in charge, you know. The final approval will have to come from Alliance brass." He let out a sigh and nodded. "But I'll see what I can do. The galaxy needs the foundation that the Citadel provides."

Valern spoke kindly for the first time since Shepard had arrived. "Thank you, Shepard... we are aware how much the Council has asked from you and humanity."

"Humanity has just as much interest in the well-being of the galaxy as we do in ourselves." Shepard turned his attention to Tevos. "I'll contact Admiral Hackett after the meeting and see what I can do."

"Excellent. We will discuss and work on the amalgamation process with Councilor Osoba." The asari tapped away at her datapad once more. "Our last point of interest is that of galactic security." Tevos gave a sideways glance to Shepard as she spoke.

Shepard had anticipated the pleasantries to be stripped away eventually.

Tevos turned her full attention to Shepard. "The Council cannot and will not deny what you have accomplished in your service to the galaxy, Shepard. We are also willing to admit that we were tragically wrong in our dismissal of the Reapers. However, we cannot ignore some of your recent actions."

Councilor Sparatus spoke up with a tone of accusation. "Shepard our intelligence indicates that you personally enabled the geth in achieving true intelligence."

"And a cure to the genophage? Shepard, the salarian people understand that the ends often justify the means, but unleashing the krogan horde? Madness." Valern spoke with a potent mixture of fear and anger.

Shepard attempted to subdue his irritation as he responded. "Excuse me, councilors, but considering the hoops you forced me to jump through in order to save this damned galaxy I think I deserve some trust in my decisions."

"No one is doubting your intentions, Shepard." Councilor Tevos spoke calmly, attempting to ease the rising tensions. "But on a historic basis I don't think it's unfair for the Council to challenge your judgment."

"Well unfortunately doubting my judgment can't change what has already been done. The geth and krogan have earned the chance to redeem themselves. They cooperated in the fight against the Reapers and they'll cooperate in the reconstruction." Shepard looked around the table with fierce determination in his eyes.

Valern narrowed his brow. "And what makes you so sure of this?"

Shepard met Valern's gaze with his own and leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "Because now they have leadership."

"The geth have never required 'leadership' to function cohesively. That doesn't change with intelligence," Sparatus chimed in.

Tevos sighed and raised her voice to quiet her colleagues. "Councilors, please." She looked around the table as the three others quieted down. "Shepard is right. There is nothing that can be done short of full scale war to reverse his actions. And the Goddess knows the galaxy does not need more war."

"We need to keep tabs on them," Valern stated bluntly.

Shepard let out a light sigh and sat forward. "Let me go to them first. The last thing they want is a Council investigation team showing up and knocking down their doors."

Tevos eyed Shepard curiously. "And by, 'going to them,' you would..?"

"Make sure they're on the right path. Show them that just because the Reapers are gone doesn't mean our solidarity has to go with them." Shepard looked to each of the fellow councilors, waiting for one to reject his offer.

Tevos looked to Valern and Sparatus, the latter two giving a begrudging nod. The asari turned back to Shepard, straightening up before she spoke. "Alright, Shepard. If you can visit the homeworlds and report your findings we will take them to heart no matter their implications. However I also believe the council should appoint a committee to observe geth and krogan actions following your own investigation."

The commander nodded in agreement. "Fine. So long as the committee doesn't overstep their authority."

"The Council will respect the rights of the geth and krogan," Sparatus pledged, "You have our word."

Valern reluctantly nodded in agreement. "Fine, fine. But if evidence arises implicating malicious intent from either group we cannot ignore it."

Tevos began tapping away at her datapad. "Agreed." She finished her notes and looked around the table. "If there are no other issues, councilors, that brings us to the end of our meeting."

The four councilors looked to each other and, upon seeing no objections, stood and converged at the end of the table. They each exchanged small bows and parting pleasantries between one another.

Shepard looked down at the dress uniform he donned, eager to change back into his casual fatigues. He turned his attention to Councilor Tevos as she began to address him. "Shepard, the Council thanks you for your presence and cooperation."

The commander smiled and looked to each of the councilors as he spoke. "Honestly it wasn't as bad as I was expecting. I'll be sure to contact Admiral Hackett immediately."

"Thank you, Commander Shepard." Shepard smiled a bit more as Sparatus once again referred to him by his rank. "And please contact us once you have reached Tuchanka and Rannoch."

"Of course." Shepard nodded once more to the councilors. "If we have nothing further to discuss..."

"You're free to go, commander," Tevos said.

Shepard turned as he was dismissed and walked to the exit. The door slid apart automatically as he approached it allowing him to begin his walk down the long hallway. As he walked his personal communicator chimed softly and he glanced to the screen which now displayed a message from Kaidan.

Hey Shepard, meet me at the Spectre offices if you have a second.

Commander Shepard closed his comm and set a new mental waypoint as he continued his walk out of the Council offices. He had assumed going into the meeting that he would walk out with another assignment one way or another. He was still a Spectre, after all. However, he was looking forward to this one; Tuchanka and Rannoch were waiting. And so were a few other locations of personal interest.

Author's Note

Well there we are. I probably should have waited until I was less exhausted to proof-read/edit but whatever! Feel free to leave a review!