The Citadel was quiet. James hated it.
He had thought about going with Shepard to check up on Major Alenko, but he had never really liked hospitals. They reminded him of his mother near the end of her time.
James decided to go check out the Presidium like Esteban suggested, that's were he headed.
'Might as well. I could tell him how it's like.'
But walking through the Presidium Commons, browsing it's local shops, and seeing all it's residents didn't make Vega feel any better. The Citadel was quiet, like the Reaper threat was all just some sort of dream.
He hated it. The Reapers were here, and they couldn't try running from it for long. They would come for them soon.
So he decided that maybe he should check on Shepard and see how she was fairing with the Council.
"The Council said they aren't going to help out. They're too worried about their own home worlds to realize that if we don't work together, there won't be anyone to save. The device is over their heads. At least Admiral Hackett is forming people to help build it."
"Thanks for the update, doc."
"Please, it's Liara."
"Ok, Liara..."
"Try enjoying yourself on the Citadel, Lieutenant."
Liara left. Shepard stepped up beside him shortly afterwards.
"Hey Commander. Liara told me the Council isn't interested in helping us."
"Something like that."
"Why would they? Look at this place! There's no war here! People are whispering about it, but they don't really believe it."
"I take it this is your first time here... with all the elites of the galaxy."
"I've been to the Citadel, but never up here on the Presidium. It's... not right. It looks pretty. Calm and peaceful, but it's not right. It's all just an illusion."
"It was peaceful... once"
"But was it? I mean, when push comes to shove, they're just gonna turtle up... hoping it doesn't hit them too. They'd rather believe this than face the truth."
"I can hardly believe it myself. Like everything back on Earth was some kind of nightmare."
"Yeah. That's what I hate most. It's like this place wants you to forget that."
"So, you still want to go back to Earth?"
He thought about it.
"Hell yeah, but..."
"But?"
... however, they won't be able to fight this war on their own. We needed to work together. Plus, it's clear that he was needed away from Earth for a good reason.
"You were right. So was Anderson. We can't stop them alone. Besides, looks like you're gonna have your hands full convincing these pendejo politicians to help us, and I'm up for it; whatever it takes."
"Glad to hear it."
Vega looked at Shepard. Not just to talk, but actually LOOK at her. Man, did she have a smoking body under the armor. Why hadn't he noticed before? He shook the thought off.
"I'm gonna head down to some of the lower levels, where they keep it real. You got some spare time, you should come and find me."
'Oh, that kind of sounded stupid...'
Shepard smiled, and then winked.
"Maybe I'll do that."
He smiled back.
'Glad she caught that. I'd have really looked like an idiot if she hadn't!'
Vega left Shepard standing there. He took one more glance at her before he climbed into the elevator and closed the doors.
