Unending
The team stood in the Presidium, surrounded by C-Sec officers. After what happened, they waited anxiously for whatever was to happen. There was a ding and the three councilors stepped out of the elevator. They stood in front of the team and looked at them. At first no one said something.
"Where's Councilor Anderson?" Ashley asked after a moment of silence. The councilors exchanged glances with each other.
"Anderson is busy with other matters," the Salarian Councilor said. Ashley shifted uncomfortably at that statement. She did not want Anderson punished because of them.
"We're here to discuss the events of the past few days," the Asari Councilor said. Everyone on the team exchanged glances with each other. They knew that they had to face the charges sooner or later.
"Your actions over the past few days have come to our attention," the Turian councilor. "We are aware of what you have done to stop Sovereign from invading the Citadel once again." Everyone was surprised by what the Councilor just said, exchanging stunned looks with each other.
"You broke many rules and regulations to stop Sovereign's return and another geth invasion of the Citadel," the Salarian Councilor continued. "You risked your name and lives to save the countless ones living here."
"No one can ever repay you for what you have done," the Turian Councilor thanked. "Twice now you have saved countless lives living on the Citadel. You have done what is necessary to protect everyone, despite the risk to you and your future, much like your Commander Sheppard."
"And while we all grieve for his death," the Asari Councilor continued. "In a way, he has never left us. His spirit rides with you, always."
"Sheppard will not be forgotten," the Salarian Councilor added. "Your actions reflect everything he stood for."
"Sheppard would be proud of each and every one of you," the Turian Councilor finished.
"Thank you, Councilors," Ashley said gratefully. "But, what about Sovereign's body? Its advancements might help us in both medical and biotic research." Ashley looked at Tali and Wrex.
"The body is a monster," Tali said. "It may hold the key to strengthening my people's immune system, but it was at too high a cost. Too many have died because of this thing. I say we destroy it." Wrex nodded with a grunt of agreement. The body might also be the cure for the genophage, but Wrex agreed. It was at too high a cost.
"The Council agrees," the Asari Councilor said. "Sovereign and the other seven genetically modified bodies are being collected as we speak."
"How do you plan on destroying it?" Garrus asked.
"Their bodies and any data relating to them will be disposed on a cargo ship on a collision with a red giant," the Turian Councilor explained. The team exchanged glances with each other.
"Thanks to you, Sovereign has been stopped once and for all," the Asari Councilor said. "And, we will make sure that this monster never returns." Sovereign and the nightmare will finally end. Ever since the beginning, Sheppard's team has always dreamed of when the nightmare would finally end. They just never imagined it would be like this.
The team met again, several minutes after the meeting with the Council. They all looked at each other, wondering about the future.
"So what happens now?" Ashley asked sadly. "Sovereign's dead. Bane's run off."
"I have to return to the Krogan homeworld, Tuchaka," Wrex said. "I need to find a way to unite my people against the genophage."
"How are you going to unite Krogan?" Garrus asked.
"They need something to believe in," Wrex explained. "Once they realize that we can still thrive and prosper despite the genophage, more will come."
"You're going to have a tough time starting a new Krogan clan," Ashley commented.
"I've already started one," Wrex replied, motioning at the group of Krogans standing behind him. Those were the same Krogan Wrex found on the Destiny Ascension.
"The Council is granting me special passage back to the Migrant Fleet," Tali said.
"You can finally go home," Ashley said.
"It's strange," Tali commented. "Now that I have the chance to return to my people, I do not wish to."
"What about you, Liara?" Wrex asked. "Going back to look at Prothean rocks?"
"No," was Liara's response. "I still do not believe Sheppard is dead, and I will keep looking for him."
"You have to let him go," Garrus said. "We all do."
"How about you, Sidonis?" Ashley asked. "What you plan on doing?"
"I don't know," Sidonis said truthfully. "After what happened I don't C-Sec wants my help anymore."
"I don't think they want any of our help anymore," Garrus added.
"I don't think the Council will let Joker fly anymore," Tali reminded. They all laughed at the thought. They were not sure, but it might be the last time they will ever laugh with each other.
"Actually, Sidonis," Garrus started. "I was thinking about heading to Omega. Maybe you'd like to come along."
"Omega?" Sidonis exclaimed in disbelief.
"What you hope on doing there?" Liara asked.
"Omega's littered with gangs and criminals," Garrus explained. "And, there's no red tape to hold me back. It's the perfect place to go."
"I could use a little more adventure," Sidonis said excitedly. "Count me in!"
"That's it?" Ashley asked. "We finally stop Sovereign and we're all splitting apart?"
"That's the way it has to be," Wrex grumbled. "One small thing brought us all together and without it we have to go our separate ways."
"Will we ever see each other again?" Tali wondered. It was only then they realized that after that day, they might never see each other again.
"I hope we do," Garrus said, even though he did not believe they would.
"It was an honor fighting alongside every one of you," Wrex said.
"I'm staying until after Sheppard's memorial. Maybe you guys like to come to." They all nodded in agreement. They all needed to say goodbye to Sheppard one last time.
The official memorial started few hours later. Every surviving crew member of the Normandy was there. They all watched and remembered their former commander. Sheppard's team watched near the front. Everything reminded them of Sheppard. They watched the twenty one gun salute. Each shot reminded them of the battles they have been through together. It also reminded them of how they will never fight those battles again. They will never be able to share any more moments with their commander. Later on, the team went up to Sheppard's empty casket to pay their final respects.
Ashley walked up to the casket and put a rose on it. She remembered how they first met. She remembered Eden Prime and how Sheppard saved her from the Geth. She remembered the laughs they had on the Normandy. She remembered talking about her family with him. Ashley will never get to do any of that again. Sheppard was more than her commander, he was her friend. Ashley has lost so many friends in battles, but Sheppard was special to her. Her heart felt heavy in her chest, almost as if it was filled with stones. She knew, as much as she hated it, she had to let him go.
"Bye, Sheppard," Ashley said. She walked past and let Garrus walk up.
Garrus put his rose on Sheppard's casket. He thought about what Sheppard said. Sometimes things needed to be done for the sake of the people. Sheppard has taught him a lot since their fight with Saren. They were a good team. Nothing could replace Sheppard of what he has done for Garrus. He just wished he got a chance to thank Sheppard for everything. They were teammates … friends … brothers in arms. Sheppard had become like a brother to Garrus. Garrus was determined to change for Sheppard. He wanted to be what Sheppard wanted him to be. Garrus felt as empty as Sheppard's casket. Whatever he does, wherever he goes, Sheppard will be with him.
"Thank you, Sheppard," Garrus whispered.
Liara walked up to the casket and placed her rose with the other two.
"I'll find you, Sheppard," she said under her breath. "I promise." Sheppard was there when no one else was. Sheppard was there to save her from the Geth. Sheppard was there to comfort her when her mother died. Sheppard has been there for her every step of the way and she never got a chance to repay him. Now, Sheppard was gone when she needed him most. Liara felt as if her heart was trying to leap out of her throat. Every heartbeat hurt. She will find him, and she will find a way to repay him for all that he has done for her.
Wrex walked up to the casket and put down the rose. It seemed strange for a Krogan to put down a rose, but Wrex did not care. Sheppard was not just some human looking for a thrill. He respected the Krogan and what they had gone through. Sheppard made sacrifices for the Krogan, sacrifices no one else would have made. Sheppard gave Wrex a purpose when he was hired to help fight Saren. Even with Sheppard dead, the commander left Wrex a purpose. Sheppard gave Wrex something to live and fight for. This was something Wrex would always be thankful for. Wrex felt nothing but rage. Death had taken a dear friend from him, but he had no way to exacting revenge on death.
Tali walked up to the casket and placed her rose. She looked at the casket through her helmet. Sheppard was not like most humans. He respected Tali and treated her like an equal. She was not just some vagrant to him. She was his friend. Tali did not feel that her words could ever properly thank him. She wondered if Sheppard ever really knew how she felt for him. Sheppard saved her from Saren's agents and he helped her complete her pilgrimage. Tali has watched him do things men could only dream of. She has watched him for so long, but she knew he would never see past the veil that covered her face. Tali felt hollow and cold for she knew she would never have another chance with Sheppard again.
"Goodbye, Sheppard," she said quietly. Tali began to walk away with her friends, but everything suddenly became dream-like. Everything was blurred. She felt like she was floating, but she kept walking like nothing was wrong. The colors began to smear over each other as everything turned black in her head. What was happening? There was only one explanation. People always say that a person's life flashes in front of their eyes when they come close to death. Tali did not know if that was true, but her life was definitely flashing in front of her eyes. Everything was pitch black. She could feel a massive weight on her chest. Where was she? Last she remembered, she was on the Presidium at Shepard's memorial; that was two years ago though. Tali has moved on, returned to the Migrant Fleet, and finished her pilgrimage. Tali's eyes flew open. She remembered now. She was on the Collector Base. The Human-Reaper, what happened to the Reaper? Destroyed. She remembered now. She and Shepard just destroyed the Human-Reaper. Sovereign's return, Sheppard's memorial, everything that had happened was a memory from two years ago. She looked up and saw Shepard rush over to her and, with a groan, lift a piece of debris off her chest. Suddenly, Shepard's radio crackled to life.
"Do you copy?" Joker said in panic over the radio as Shepard helped Tali to her feet. The young Quarian quickly exchanged glances with Garrus, who was standing a few feet away from her. "Commander! Come on, Shepard, don't leave me hanging! Do you copy?"
"I'm here, Joker," Shepard said through his radio. "Did the ground team make it?" Joker gave a sigh of relief at the sound of Shepard's voice.
"All survivors on board, we're just waiting for you," Joker replied. Shepard smiled and turned to his squad. They did it. Shepard's smile disappeared when he heard an ominous fluttering noise. He turned around and saw the thing he dreaded…Seeker Swarms. The Collectors had found them. Shepard and his squad turned and sprinted down the hall, the Seeker Swarm flying after them.
"HUMAN," Harbinger's menacing voice echoed. "YOU'VE CHANGED NOTHING. YOU'RE SPECIES HAS THE ATTENTION OF THOSE INFINATELY YOUR GREATER. THAT WHICH YOU KNOW AS REAPERS ARE YOUR SALVATION THROUGH DESTRUCTION."
Shepard and his squad just sprinted through the halls of the Collector Base, not looking behind them, not for the Seeker Swarms, and not for the mob of Collectors shooting at them. Explosions thundered the halls of the base as the squad finally saw a familiar sight…the Normandy. The massive ship appeared at the edge of the ledge in front of them, ready for pickup.
The door hissed open, revealing Joker, with a gun, who began blasting at the Collectors chasing Shepard and his squad. Debris dropped from the ceiling from the explosions as Tali and Garrus jumped onboard the ship. Joker kept shooting as a massive piece of debris crashed onto the ledge in front of the Normandy, leaving a gaping pit between the ship and Shepard. Sheppard was definitely not turning back to face the Collectors, his only hope of living was to jump the gap. If he does not make the jump this will be his last mission. He began sprinting faster and faster; he watched as the ledge drew closer. His heart raced as he raced closer to the ledge. Finally he reached the ledge. The Commander put every last ounce of energy as he sprinted up the ledge and leapt. Shepard flew across the gap, his arms flailing from the leap. With a thud, Shepard grabbed the edge of the Normandy, but was still hanging off the massive ship.
Tali covered her face as a bullet ricochet on the wall nearby. That was when he saw Shepard desperately trying to hang on. Tali looked at Shepard, then at the Collectors shooting at him, and then back at the Commander. She lost him once; she was not going to lose him again. Forgetting about the Collectors, Tali leapt out of her cover, ignoring the bullet that grazed the side of her suit and the bullet that hit her in the leg. Tali grabbed Shepard's hand helped him climb onboard the Normandy. With everyone on the ship, the door slid closed. The Normandy's engines roared to life.
Shepard and his squad followed Joker as he limped into the cockpit, where EDI's voice crackled on the intercom.
"Detonation in ten…nine…eight…"
"I get the gist of it EDI," Joker said as he jumped into the pilot's seat and took control of the ship. "Hold on!"
The Normandy zoomed out of the Collector Base, which began to go up in flames. As the Normandy flew into the distance, the base began to fall apart and explosions began to engulf the base.
Inside the Collector Base, the Collector General was at a control panel desperately trying to save his precious base.
"YOU HAVE FAILED. WE WILL FIND ANOTHER WAY." The Collector General looked up at the yellow hologram of a Reaper hip in front of him. It was closing its arms. "RELEASING CONTROL…" He watched helplessly as the hologram faded away. He could feel Harbinger's power leave his body. He reached towards the empty space where the hologram once stood, almost begging it to come back, but it was gone. The Collector General just stood there, staring, unsure of what to think. The General sadly looked at the control panel. The Human-Reaper was destroyed, Harbinger has abandoned him, and his precious base was about to be destroyed. As he turned to face an oncoming wall of fire, he knew that there was only one thing left to do…die.
With a bang, the Collector Base turned into a massive fireball that sent a shockwave out into space, disintegrating everything in its path. From the flames emerged the Normandy. The proud white ship flew out of the blast range, and, with a bang, entered FTL, flying out of the range of the explosion. The Collector Base was destroyed and the nightmare with it.
The Illusive Man sat in his chair, furiously puffing on his cigarette. There was a click and Shepard's hologram appeared in front of him.
"Shepard," the Illusive Man glowered darkly. "You're making it a habit of costing me more than time and money."
"Too many lives were lost at that base," Shepard snapped. "I'm not sorry it's gone."
"The first of many lives. The technology from that base could have secured human dominance in the galaxy, against the Reapers and beyond!"
"Human dominance?" Shepard asked suspiciously. "Or just Cerberus?" Hearing this, The Illusive man stood up.
"Strength for Cerberus is strength for every human," he said. "Cerberus is humanity. I should have known you'd choke on the hard decisions; too idealistic from the start!"
"I'm not looking for your approval!" Shepard said angrily. "Harbinger is coming, and he won't be alone. Humanity needs a leader who's looking out for them. From now on, I'm doing things my, whether you agree or not!" The Illusive Man stormed up to Shepard's hologram.
"Don't turn your back on me, Shepard!" The Illusive man fumed. "I made you; I brought you back from the dead!" Shepard was done listening to this guy.
"Joker, lose this channel," Shepard said flatly. There was a click and Shepard's hologram faded away. The Illusive Man just stood there for a moment, staring at the black plate where Shepard's hologram once stood. Then, he sat back down in his chair and continued puffing on his cigar. Jacob…Miranda…now Shepard. They all left, leaving The Illusive Man with nothing. There will always be another operative, another mission. Another day, another time, another place, no matter how hard anyone tries, Cerberus cannot be stopped, will not be stopped. The Illusive Man smiled at the thought as he stared into the blue sun.
It was over. The Collector Base has been destroyed and every one of his crew as survived and, more importantly, every member of his team survived. Shepard walked into the cargo hold, where his squad had gathered. The Normandy was riddled with holes, but shields had been put up to prevent depressurization. It looks like even the Collectors could not stand up to the Galaxy's best. Shepard saw his squad working among the piles of crates. Shepard looked at them, each of them: Legion, Jack, Garrus, Grunt, Mordin, Jacob, Miranda, Thane, Zaeed, Kasumi, Samara, they had all survived. As Shepard walked over to a gaping hole in the wall, he saw Tali emerge from the piles of debris and walk over to him.
"It's over," she said, putting her hand on Shepard's shoulders. The Commander just shook his head.
"It's not over yet," he said. "Harbinger knows that the Collectors failed, that means the Reapers know, and that means they're coming."
"Well, whatever happens, we'll be ready," Tali said optimistically. Shepard simply smiled at her.
"I know we will, Tali," Sheppard said. "And when this is over, I'll convince Legion to give you back the home world, I'll build you a house. But, whatever happens, I'll never leave you." If it was not for her helmet they would have kissed right there. Sheppard wrapped his arms around her as the two of them stared off into space. Tali was right. No matter what happens, no matter what comes, no matter what the Reapers throw at them, they will face the unknown future…together.
Dark Space: the empty void beyond the galaxy. The blackness of space made it look empty, but there was more in there than it appeared. From the darkness, a massive Reaper ship appeared, its yellow eyes gleaming wickedly, followed a huge fleet. Hundreds of thousands of ships emerged from the black void with thousands more following. The Reaper Fleet has awoken from hibernation. All life in the Galaxy is now at an end. The Cycle of Extinction shall begin again.
They're coming.