Councillor Anderson was looking a little older than his years since the return of the Reapers. He was happy to see Nihlus alive, but worried about how it would effect Shepard. When she assured him everything was okay, he didn't press her. She was grateful for that. She couldn't imagine trying to explain to her 'father' what was going on in her love life. She wasn't ashamed, but she didn't think he would be quite that understanding. It was best if he didn't know the details.
"Captain Shepard, it's good to see you and your crew are well." The asari Councillor greeted her as she centered herself to them."And Spectre Kryik, also returned from the dead by the hand of Cerberus. As you can imagine, we have questions." She paused before moving on. "The repairs to the Normandy will take some time, but we have every confidence that we can get you back in the sky soon. We found no bugs or tracers on your ship. Have you truly cut ties with Cerberus?"
"They don't exactly know it yet, but I have." Shepard answered.
"We still try to work with them, Captain. We don't need to get on their bad side."
"But that doesn't mean we trust them." The turian Councillor added. "They're primary interest remains the survival of humanity. If that mean sacrificing the rest of us, I don't believe they will hesitate."
"I agree," said the salarian Councillor. "We have to insure the survival of all races, not just humanity."
"If you're doubting my resolve to save as many as possible regardless of species, I've got news for you." Shepard responded hostilely.
"Relax Shepard, no one here is accusing you of anything." Anderson said.
He was on the panel this time around. It was difficult for her to address him this way, but it had been of her own doing. She would just have to deal with that.
"Yes, we're all aware of your pioneering efforts in the realm of inter-species 'harmony'." The turian Councillor stated with his usual animosity.
"It's a credit to Garrus Vakarian as well." The asari Councillor added.
Both the turians behind her swelled with pride within their armor. Her relationship with Nihlus had been more discreet than her relationship with Garrus and apparently remained unknown to the Council, save Anderson, but it was a trivial matter to argue about, so the four of them let it slide.
"My personal life really isn't relevant or any of your business, Councilors." Shepard touted, eyeing both of them.
"We simply want to keep a watchful eye on all fronts. These are delicate times. If Cerberus has anterior motives for accommodating your request we need to know." Councilor Tevos explained then turned her attention to address the turian. "Nihlus Kryik; another Spectre from the Normandy returned to life by Cerberus. Tell us, why did the human-centric organization resurrect you?"
Nihlus and Sonya exchanged glances. Does it even matter anymore... He could see no reason to continue to hide their past. "I will defer the first part of that answer to Shepard," he half-bow to the council and held his hand out to the captain.
Shepard cleared her throat. "On my mission to stop the Collectors the original orders were to destroy the base. At the last moment the order was changed. I agreed with the condition that The Illusive Man would use his resources to bring back Spectre Kryik as he did me."
"How valiant of you." The turian Councillor seethed, openly doubting her. "Why did you make such an arrangement?" The turian Councillor asked.
Shepard's eyes narrowed at him.
"The point is the technology was saved as was the life of the Spectre." Councillor Anderson interjected, trying redirect the conversation.
"I agree with him in this matter." The salarian added. "Her reasons are not as important as the result."
"You should learn to take me at my word, Councillor. Perhaps if you had listened in the first place we wouldn't be in this mess!" Shepard shot back.
"You had no evidence to support your claim. We couldn't send fleets off into Terminus space on the word of one crazed human and a few of her loyal crew!" The turian said, talking over the asari attempting to defuse the situation.
"Why did you make me a Spectre if you thought I would be un-trustworthy?" Shepard goaded him.
Nihlus shifted his weight. "Because I was her bond mate," he interjected directly.
The room fell silent. Everyone but Councilor Sparatus stared at them in shock. The turian counselor glared.
"And you hid this from us?" he sneered, "Is that how you earned your recommendation for the Spectres, Shepard?"
"My relationship with the Commander had no bearing on my recommendation. She earned her place through skill and valor! She is honorable." Kryik boldly defended her.
It warmed her heart to hear him say she was honorable, even after what he felt was a betrayal. Against all odds he was noble and he was proud. It was why she loved him so deeply.
"I should challenge you to a duel for even suggesting such slander!" he growled at the councilor with bared teeth.
"You think you could take me, boy?" Councilor Sparatus growled back, "Have at me!"
"Enough! Please!" The asari shouted. Shepard wasn't the only one with a turian mate. "This isn't getting us anywhere. Shepard proved herself worthy of the position with or without his recommendation. It's no longer relevant. Let's set personal issues aside and focus on what's important today." She shot the Sparatus a sharp glance.
To Shepard's surprise the turian councilor backed down. Nihlus eased back and the room quieted.
Tevos huffed and smoothed out her dress, composing herself. "Right now the only thing that matters is getting a prototype of the technology Cerberus found in the Collector base so we can launch an organized counter offensive that might actually work with minimal casualties. We've lost enough lives for centuries of war."
"She's right." Anderson added. "We won't win this if we're fighting among ourselves."
"I'll stay on good terms with Cerberus, but don't say I didn't warn you, again, if they do something underhanded." Shepard said, clasping her hands behind her back.
"Nihlus Kryik, under the circumstances we have chosen to uphold your Spectre status. We could use a man like you in command of one of our ships." The salarain Councillor offered.
Nihlus held his cool, but deep inside he was panicking. He didn't want to leave her; he only just got her back, but he could do good things as the head of his own ship. If he lost her, died again or she did, it would surely be the end of him. He needed time. It always came down to that. No time, too much time. Never the one you need.
"I'll need to consider that." He answered.
"Consider quickly, Kryik. We may not have..."
"Time." Kryik interrupted Councilor Valern. "I am acutely aware of the problem."
"The Normandy should be ready in a few days. Until then, try to get some rest. You'll need it." Councilor Anderson advised.
"There are rooms available for you and your crew in the barracks. They are comfortable and private." Tevos informed them.
"Thank you Councillors." Shepard nodded.
The Council nodded back and dispersed. Anderson stayed and waited for the others to be out of ear shot before he approached Shepard and greeted her with open arms. She accepted the embrace. Then Anderson turned to Nihlus and offered his hand. Nihlus took it respectfully.
"It's good to have you back." Anderson said.
"Thank you sir." Kryik nodded.
David turned back to Sonya, clearly worried, but trying to grin through it. "You and your husband my use the spare room in my apartment if you want. It's a little roomier than the barracks will be, and homier." David offered.
"Thank you, but I think I should stay with my crew." She told him.
"I understand. Well, at least come by for dinner. I've found a few recipes that are turian friendly." David said and smirked at Garrus.
Garrus just nodded. It wasn't his place to inform the Councillor of the complications, and if Shepard didn't feel like telling he wasn't either. David picked up on his hesitation. He wasn't a stupid human, not by far. He knew about her and Nihlus. The invitation was a thinly veiled attempt to find out what was going on now that he was back.
"What's going on?" David asked Sonya, raising a brow at her. "How are you two handling the return of Nihlus?"
"It's kind of hard to explain." Sonya shrugged. She was talking to her 'dad' now, not the Councillor or her old Captain.
"Try me." David said and crossed his arms.
"Perhaps we should talk about this somewhere more private." Nihlus offered, joining the conversation.
"Looks like we're taking up that dinner invite after all." Sonya sighed.
"Fine with me." David said. "Follow me. I'll put on some tea."