"Admiral Tali'Zorah vas Normandy, please step forward."

"Lieutenant General Garrus Vakarian, please step forward."

"Captain James Vega, please step forward."

"Clan Leader Urdnot Grunt, please step forward."

The Council was in session in the Citadel Tower, and unlike most sessions, an audience was present in the balconies. Members of every Citadel race, including the geth, were present. The former crew of the Normandy stood before the Council. A frantic movement in the balconies above caught Garrus' attention; out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Liara waving enthusiastically Standing next to her was the perpetually-stoic Javik, who nodded approvingly, hands folded neatly behind his back.

Councilor Tevos began to speak. "It is the decision of this Council that you be granted all the powers and privileges of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance branch of the Citadel."

"Spectres are not trained, but chosen," Councilor Esheel continued. "Individuals forged in the fire of service and battle, those whose actions elevate them above the rank-and-file."

"Spectres are an ideal, a symbol," Councilor Quentis continued. "The embodiment of courage, determination, and self-reliance. They are the right hand of the Council, acting for the greater good."

Councilor Lawson spoke next. "Spectres bear a great burden. They are protectors of galactic peace, both our first and last line of defense. The safety of the galaxy is theirs to uphold."

"You're the first krogan Spectre, Urdnot Grunt," Councilor Wrex said, pride creeping into his deep baritone. "You're a credit to your clan and your species." Grunt nodded.

"And you, Tali'Zorah vas Normandy." Councilor Raan did not try to hide her emotions like her krogan colleague. "You are the first quarian Spectre. Your quarian brothers and sisters on the homeworld could not be more proud."

"Members of our galactic civilization. I present to you, Spectre Tali'Zorah vas Normandy! Spectre Garrus Vakarian! Spectre James Vega! Spectre Urdnot Grunt!" The crowd erupted into applause.

"This meeting of the Council is adjourned." The Councilors turned and left, and the new Spectres grouped together, exchanging long-awaited greetings and congratulations.

"Grunt!" Wrex was walking briskly toward the group, and he forcefully shoved him. "Congratulations!"

"Thanks, old man." Grunt gave a throaty chuckle. "Someone had to make the krogan look good."

"Great to see you two up three up here as well."

"Wrex, how's it going?" Garrus asked.

Wrex sighed. "Same old political BS that I was dealing with before, only now I've got slightly more pull. But enough of that, tonight's not about business, is it?"

"Hello, Councilor," James said. Miranda was walking up to them.

"Oh, James, you shameless flirt. How many times has that bit worked out for you?"

"Enough that I keep tryin'."

"Well, congratulations, all of you."

"Thanks, Miranda," Tali said.

"Why are you still in a suit, by the way?" Garrus asked. "I thought the geth made them unnecessary."

"We are not fully able to deal with contact with so many different species," Admiral Raan said as she walked up. "We must wear them when we travel from the homeworld."

"Auntie Raan!" Tali gave Shala a hug.

"I'm so proud of you, Tali'Zorah. We all are."

"Uh, don't look now, Sparky, but that Prime is heading straight for you," James said.

"Maybe he just wants an autograph," Garrus said. "Anyone got a pen?"

"Tali," the Prime said. "Congratulations." He held out a hand, which Tali shook.

"Wow, maybe he really did want an autograph."

"Sorry, this is my assistant, Xorel'Zorah vas Rannoch."

James raised an eyebrow. "Zorah? He your brother?"

"Well, he is technically part of my family now, so he's taken my family name."

"Great, when's the wedding?"

"Very funny, Vakarian."

"Hey Javik," James called out. Javik and Liara were approaching, having finally navigated their way through the crowds leaving through the balconies. "Tali's adopted a geth. What do you think of that?"

"You are mistaken. Creator Tali'Zorah is not my mother. Geth do not reproduce sexually as organics do." James burst into laughter. "Oh. That was… a joke."

"I have come to terms with the way you interact with synthetics, hum- James. I would not have made the same decisions in my cycle, but you have proven that you can make your own choices."

"Yeah yeah yeah, we get it, your cycle was the best, ours sucks," Wrex interrupted. "Now let's go get drunk."

"You know what?" Miranda said. "Kaidan got Shepard's apartment, then he gave it to me when he moved back to Earth. We could all go to the bar, then head back there to catch up? I haven't seen any of you – besides the Councilors, of course – since the last time we were all there."

"Sounds like a plan," Garrus said. "Maybe I'll see if I can get a hold of Zaeed. We can finally get those fortifications done."

"Not a chance, Vakarian," Miranda chuckled. "Anyway, he's back on Earth. Last I heard he was trying to protect people from looters."

"Esteban and Sam are back on the ship, taking care of some things," James said. "I could tell them to meet us at Silver Coast? Everyone in?"

"I appreciate the offer, truly," Shala said. "But I wouldn't want to intrude. And besides, I have some calls to make to the Admiralty board."

"Oh," Tali said. "Maybe I should go too."

"No, Tali'Zorah, you go enjoy yourself. You've earned it."

"Thanks, Shala."

"Of course."

"What about Joker and EDI?" Liara asked. "Come to think of it, I didn't even see them here."

"Uh, I don't know where they got to," James said. "But I'll give them a call too. What about Primey here?" Xorel stared at him through his three lenses.

"I, uh, hope that nickname's okay," James said, backing away instinctively.

"I have no issue with the hypocorism of this platform model."

"Well… great."

"I'm sure you and EDI would have something to talk about, at least, seeing as you can't get drunk," Garrus said. "But EDI does a mean impression of a drunk person. Maybe she can teach you."

"Enough talking, let's get going!" Grunt said, pounding his fists together. "My livers aren't going to destroy themselves!"