A/N Politically based chapter in this one, I think I've kind of got it right here. I'll let you guys be the judge of that though.

31st December 2189 – Crucible pulse + 3 years and 3 months

"The celebrations in human space for the beginning of a new decade are currently overshadowed by the events over the Batarian home world Khar'shan. Now there is hostile stand off between what remains of the Batarian army against a far larger Alliance fleet, this is of course a result of the revelations of a series of raids against the Alliance to steal weaponry and supplies over the previous year."

"The Admiralty board has issued statements regarding their actions, making it plain that they will not tolerate these actions and take them as a declaration of war against the Alliance by the Hegemony under Councillor Balak. Whilst an immense Alliance fleet has arrived in the Batarian home system our sources tell us that they have not yet engaged one another. Currently there is a tense stand off."

"The Council has issued a statement that it does not condone the actions of either the Alliance or the Hegemony and is planning to intervene before either forces engage each other. Councillor Shepard has issued his own statement that he didn't defeat the Reapers for anyone to go to war with each other once more and will personally handle the situation. Find out more as it happens on the Battlespace."

"Yep, you got that right Diana," Shepard rolled his eyes as he finished his glass of water. "God I hate doing this."

He turned to his right as the door to the Normandy's lounge opened with a hiss, Miranda entering alongside Ashley. Shepard hadn't been keen on Miranda being with him in case things went south, but she had insisted on accompanying him. Elizabeth wasn't here however, she was back at home with his mother. Probably enjoying herself, unlike Shepard.

"Where have you two been?" Shepard flicked the vid-screen on the wall off as he questioned them with a grin.

"Captain Williams was just showing me the retrofits to the Normandy's previous retrofits," Miranda smiled. "I'm impressed."

"Yes, well it's not only Cerberus who can build a ship," Ashley held her hands up as Shepard raised an eyebrow warningly. "What, that's a compliment to the designer of the SR-2 – even if they did work for Cerberus."

"Ash..."

"Fine, sorry Miranda," Ashley looked a bit sheepish. "You know what I meant."

"It's fine, Shepard's being ridiculous as per," Miranda turned to him, nodding her head at the glass. "I hope you haven't been drinking too much, you may regret it if you have."

"No, it's just water."

"Skipper, we better get going."

"Right you are," Shepard rose and followed Ashley out of the room to the elevator, Miranda wrapping an arm around his waist and following on. "Are you guys ready?"

"Yep, got a squad hidden in the War Room just in case. We'll be able to stop any fights from either side – though I reckon it's more likely to be Balak that flips out first."

"Ashley, bear in mind we have to be impartial on this," Shepard pressed the button for the CIC on the panel. "The Normandy and it's crew are a SPECTRE ship on Council business today, not an Alliance vessel. We are here to prevent a war and therefore must be objective, whether we like it or not."

"I know, we all know what's at stake," Ashley dropped her voice. "Though I can't say I like it."

As the elevator opened they headed towards the bridge, Shepard returning Traynor's rather enthusiastic hug on the way. The three stopped just behind Joker's seat, Shepard clapping the pilot on the shoulder.

"Everything good up here Joker?"

"Aye Shepard, just about to exit FTL over Khar'shan now," Jeff looked around at Shepard with a wry grin. "So tell me, how are you planning to stop this war? You stopped the Morning war by shouting, and you prevented another war with the Krogan by chilling with a giant worm and curing an incurable disease. After some shouting, of course."

"Technically Jeff the Genophage was neither a disease nor incurable, and a Thresher Maw is not a worm," EDI corrected him from her co-pilot's seat before turning around to face Shepard as well. "Though I am intrigued as to your plans."

"Well I'm going to try shouting first, and if that doesn't work I have a little surprise for everyone."

"Hmm, I shall spend some time guessing," EDI cocked her head to one side. "I do believe I have located your surprise, though I hope it will not need to be deployed."

Shepard nodded solemnly. "So do I."

There was a few seconds pause before Jeff spoke. "Leaving FTL in three, two, one..."

There was a jolt as the Normandy rapidly slowed, causing Shepard to lose his balance for a few seconds. Miranda held him in place, though he shot out his arm to steady himself and brushed it against Miranda's backside by accident. She shot him a mischievous grin that caused him to go a little red before turning to regard the situation ahead of them on the display panels.

Khar'shan was behind by a small defence ring of Batarian ships, maybe thirty or so in number. They were in tiny formations that could easily be overwhelmed, but it was clearly the best they could do with their small numbers. The Alliance fleet outnumbered them almost five to one and contained all six of the Alliance dreadnoughts that had survived the war. The entire fifth fleet was here, alongside elements of the third and sixth. It would indeed be a short war.

Miranda shot Shepard another grin before whispering to him. "Someone's getting in the mood, I always thought impossible situations were a turn on for you."

Shepard leaned into Miranda, whispering to her. "That was an accident Miri, and no impossible situations aren't the biggest turn on in the world."

"Oh? But I thought you were into a bit of PDA?"

"Seriously Miri, I should probably concentrate," Shepard looked up to see the others watching them with knowing grins. "Erm...yes. Right, Jeff lets pick up the Alliance Admirals first, Hackett said they would send a shuttle from the Everest."

"They've already sent through confirmation codes and are on their way."

"Fantastic."

Ashley folded her arms. "And Balak?"

"He's a little trickier," Shepard sighed. "He'll only come on board if we fly right next to his command ship in front of it's primary cannons, he won't go any where near the Alliance fleet or get on a shuttle."

"What a jerk."

XXXXXXXX

"Councillor."

"Admirals," Shepard nodded at the four Admirals who entered the Normandy from their command ship, Hackett being the one who greeted him. He recognised Admirals Carnelli and Jenkins from his various dealings with the Alliance over the past few years, and he begrudgingly noted Mikhalov's presence. "Come aboard."

Mikhalov raised an eyebrow. "Permission to come aboard our own ship?"

"It's not your ship Admiral," Shepard had been expecting a statement like that. "It's been under SPECTRE operations since the end of the war under SPECTRE Williams, and today it is a diplomatic vessel under the command of the Council. Despite any Alliance crew, you have no influence today."

"But..."

"No," Shepard cut Mikhalov off straight away. "This has to be a neutral ground. Now, SPECTRE Williams will take you to the War Room where the Council is waiting for you."

"What?" Carnelli raised her eyebrows in surprise. "The Council is here? I thought it was just you."

"This is a major diplomatic incident, and potentially going to be a war," Shepard noticed Miranda subtly positioning herself within earshot and eye line. Jeff was just next to her, trying to listen in with his not quite so keen senses. "No decisions could be made with just one Councillor, especially if that one Councillor is a human – regardless of how objective I am."

"Makes sense I suppose," Admiral Jenkins looked at Ashley with an enthusiastic smile. "So I guess you should lead the way SPECTRE Williams."

Ashley lead them off with a bit of a grimace though Hackett and Mikhalov stopped to look around at the two trying to look casual at the entrance to the bridge.

"Miss Lawson, it's good to see you." Hackett smiled genuinely before moving on. Mikhalov gave her a scowl before looking at Jeff.

"Flight Lieutenant, you are still on our payroll. I do believe that pay is for flying the ship, not sticking your nose in where it's not required. Dismissed."

With that Mikhalov gave Miranda another venomous scowl before spinning on his heels and strutting off. Jeff didn't even bother to make a salute and Miranda shocked both Jeff and Shepard by raising a hand a waving it whilst mouthing the word 'wanker' at him. Jeff doubled over with laughter whilst trying to hobble back to his pilots seat whilst Shepard raised an eyebrow at her.

"That was rather unexpected Miranda, I do believe that's the first time I've heard that word from you."

"What can I say?" Miranda raised her own eyebrow with a challenging grin. "I reserve that word for very few, deserving people."

XXXXXXXX

"Balak."

"Shepard," Balak gave him a very curt greeting as he stepped into the airlock, followed by two other Batarians. "Lets get this over with, I don't want to leave my people for too long."

"I understand," Shepard nodded as he gestured for them to follow, heading through into the CIC. He gestured to Balak's companions. "And these are?"

"My top lieutenant and the highest ranking civilian official left of the Hegemony."

"Right," Shepard lead them through the scanner, he ignored the fact that Balak was in fact carrying a pistol as he knew an entire armed team was within the War Room. "Lets go."

As they entered the War Room Shepard noted a shift in atmosphere, everyone immediately stopped talking. The other Councillors were on the one side of the holographic display with the Alliance Admirals on another side. Balak chuckled rather darkly.

"Nice to see we still shock people into silence."

There wasn't a reply from anyone beyond a series of glares, prompting Shepard to whistle lightly.

"This is gonna be a fun day..."

XXXXXXXX

"Councillor Balak, the bottom line is that we have already tried to provide your species with whatever assistance we can spare," Tevos was one of the few in the room who hadn't completely lost her temper, and she surprised Shepard with how calm she was as she spoke. "Of course taking matters into your own hands is one thing, but the fact that you have attacked the Alliance is not acceptable. Neither is utilising illicit cloning methods to stabilise your populations."

"I know your damned opinions, but why are we the only ones receiving threats and repercussions?" Balak threw his hand out towards the direction of the Alliance Admirals. "They're the ones who have brought a fucking invasion fleet to the remnants of a dying civilisation!"

"Watch your tongue Batarian!" Mikhalov bitterly shouted back at Balak, pointing an accusing finger at him. "You murdered Alliance soldiers, took our property, it's an act of war regardless of your situation. And to be frank, most people would be glad to see the back of your race!"

At that there was a huge uproar. All three Batarians began to shout curses in return whilst Mikhalov continued his rant and Esheel and Sparatus decided to drag themselves into the row along with two more of the Alliance Admirals. Wrex, Raan, and the Geth Councillor seemed to not know where to put themselves and had backed away from the argument whilst Tevos had her head in her hands, clearly at a loss of what to do. Hackett, the only one of the Admirals not to be shouting, came to stand next to Shepard.

"This is a nightmare."

"Oh, you think?" Shepard gave the man a disapproving look. "Should have thought about it before you approved a retaliation strike."

"They deserve some discipline for what they did Shepard, but this is ridiculous. And a waste of time."

Shepard was about to reply when he felt a tap on the shoulder. He turned around to see EDI who leaned in to whisper to him.

"Councillor, the Alliance ships have moved into attack formations and their communications have trebled in the last few minutes. Miss Lawson and myself have concurred that they are about to initiate an attack."

"Shit!" Shepard moved forwards to the display, thumping his hands down on the table and shouting. "Shut up the lot of you!"

He was amazed that it did work, he had half expected to have had to ask Wrex to silence them. He gestured to EDI.

"EDI, bring up the display."

Immediately a holographic image of the ships above Khar'shan appeared in front of them, indeed showing the Alliance ships to be moving. Now the Batarian fleet was reacting, moving into what defensive positions they could.

Balak began to stammer, raising a finger at the Admirals. "You...you..."

"Don't even start Balak," Shepard cut him off sharply with a warning glance. "Joker, move us into position between the two fleets, right in the way of their guns, and let them know we're here," Shepard changed over the comm channel, communicating to another ship. "Matriarch Natala, diplomacy is failing, can you join us?"

"Moving through the relay now Councillor."

Before any of the assembled Councillors or Admirals could question what was happening a whole series of new ships became visible on the diagram, heading towards the stand off. The Destiny Ascension, accompanied by the Nefrane and Cybaen, assumed defensive positions around the Normandy, whilst a pair of fleets manoeuvred themselves to surround the Alliance and Batarian ships. The Turian section of the fleet alone outnumbered the Alliance, and once the Geth, Salarian, and Quarian ships were also accounted it was clear that Shepard had the upper hand. The Batarians and Alliance were separated by two solid walls of ships.

"Now then, I'm getting a little fed up of this," Shepard began to pace, speaking in a low and rather threatening tone. "Actually I'm getting very fed up."

"Tell me about it." Wrex nodded sympathetically from across the room, though Shepard ignored him.

"Here's what's going to happen, I'm going to dictate to you guys how this is going to play out. And you're going to listen," As Mikhalov opened his mouth to object Shepard shot him a venomous glare. "And that is because the Council has more ships than either of you, and I think it's about time the Council nipped this in the bud."

"I agree," Tevos nodded. "Councillor Shepard, what are your propositions?"

"Firstly, Balak that cloning equipment goes back today along with that trio of frigates – no excuses," Shepard looked over at Esheel. "Councillor Esheel, can you arrange for your best genealogical and social scientists to work with the Batarian authorities, help them begin to rebuild their numbers? That would be a legal way, and more morally sound if you ask me."

"I'm sure that can be arranged."

"Perfect, though that will not be happening here – there's no way the Alliance and Hegemony can coexist with their space next to one another peacefully," Shepard looked over at Wrex. "Wrex, the Krogan can have all systems that belong to the Hegemony for your expansions, as long as you can keep control over the Krogan all that way from Tuchunka."

"We'll make it work Shepard."

Balak scoffed at him. "What? You cannot take our planets from us! They are ours!"

"Unfortunately Balak, the Council can and it will," Shepard sternly addressed the Batarian. "This is for your sake, I don't trust the Alliance not to attack you when the Council is busy elsewhere."

"So where the fuck do we go then?"

"The Asari Republics has gained many new star systems from the Terminus systems over the past couple of years," Shepard looked over at Tevos. "Could you gift a few systems to the Batarians? It would allow them to start afresh far away from any human authorities."

"I think that will work," Tevos nodded. "We can discuss and decide between our races which systems to settle them in, which would suit the needs of the Batarian people the most comfortably."

"Great, and Sparatus could negotiate with the Volus. Maybe you could ask them to initiate a similar economic program as they have done with the Krogan with the Batarians."

"Of course, and perhaps my own people could work with the remains of the Batarian military, rebuild their security forces."

There was a silence around the table as everyone took in the ideas. The silence was rather nice for Shepard after two hours of continuous arguments, though Balak broke it rather soon.

"I don't know, this would be a lot for my people to take in. We have little left, but at least we can say we have Khar'shan. If we abandon it..."

"Balak listen to me," Shepard took on a much kinder tone. "On the Council we all realise the struggles your people face, but you aren't the only ones. Other races like the Elcor completely lost their home world, they had to move to an Asari star system as well but they're making the most of it."

"I see," Balak looked down. "I guess we don't have any choice in the matter."

"You do have a choice, but if you want to remain here you can't come running to the Council for help every time you have a spat with the Alliance," Shepard tried to give a reassuring smile. "It's your decision though."

"Can I have some time to talk to my people?"

"Of course," Shepard nodded. "We can take you back to your ship now. Ashley, can you escort Balak and his men to the bridge for disembarkation? EDI please make for the Batarian command vessel."

A series of affirmations greeted Shepard as Balak left. A series of amazed expressions were given his way by the remaining politicians and Admirals in the room. He shrugged at them.

"What?"

"Nothing...It's just...Nothing," Tevos chuckled. "I'm sure you get more done on your own in three minutes than the rest of us put together in the past two hours. Goddess, It's actually rather shameful for us."

"Well, you just have to be a bit more decisive I guess," Shepard shrugged again before turning to the Admirals. "You'll be escorted off ship soon Admirals, and I ask that you order your fleets back to Earth ASAP."

"Of course Councillor," Hackett nodded. "And our apologies, but this had to be done."

"Well you don't have my apologies at all," Mikhalov snorted. "You're letting those Batarians get away with murdering our troops, you're taking their side over your own."

"Excuse me?" Shepard took a couple of steps towards him, lowering his voice. "All I'm doing is preventing you from finishing the Reapers genocide of a species. I'm very much on your side, you have no idea the repercussions the Council would bring to bear on the Alliance if you had of initiated an attack today, they would've thrown the book at you."

"I don't believe that..."

"Councillor Shepard speaks the truth," Sparatus cut in, attempting to diffuse the situation. "The Batarians committed crimes yes, but you have no right to punish them for it and the Council will not stand for another war. If the Batarians agree, Shepard's deal stands."

"Thank you," Shepard turned around. "Now if you excuse me, I wanna go do something a little more fun now."

XXXXXXXX

"So I said to him – 'Shepard, you've got a hamster on your head' – and he just looked at me with an expression as if to say – you've finally gone crazy," Miranda fought to stop from bursting out into fits of laughter as she retold the story. "And he turned and walked from the room into the mess hall with the damn thing on his head!"

"How the hell did he have a hamster on his head?" Ken had a completely confused expression on his face, mirrored on the faces of Chakwas, Cortez, Gabby, and Adams.

"Well, you know Kasumi?" They all nodded. "Well she was following him around with her cloak on and had nicked the hamster from his room, strapped a tiny mass effect field generator to it's underside, and was hovering it above his head!"

The others all burst out into laughter at the image, Miranda joining them. As she poured herself a glass of water to wash down the wine she had a rather sobering thought. It was weird to think that she, Miranda Lawson, was making a group of people around her genuinely laugh. Five years ago this would have been a ridiculous scenario to the old Cerberus bitch. She would have simply said for it to be impossible.

Now though, it wasn't such a ridiculous thought. She was a completely different woman in many ways. She had a daughter, a household to run, a normal job, and of course Shepard. Yet new Miranda still had some old Miranda in her, the looks of course, but the drive and intelligence was still there. And it was all Shepard's fault of course, though Miranda didn't blame him one bit. She had never been quite so happy.

"Miranda?" She spun around to her name being called by doctor Chakwas. "Are you all right? You went rather quiet there."

"Oh," She had completely lost track of time in her thoughts. "No, I'm fine."

Chakwas gave her a knowing grin. "Missing him already?"

"Ha," Miranda gave her a dry grin in return. "Though I do wonder if he's killed them all yet, they've been at it for hours."

"No, I haven't killed them all!" Miranda turned around at the triumphant like claim as Shepard entered the lounge bar. "Though I nearly bloody did."

"So Shepard," Cortez grabbed a beer from the fridge and handed it to Shepard. "Another war ended by shouting?"

"Actually yes," He sat down on the barstool next to Miranda and handed her the bottle with a kiss. "Can you open this please darling, Jeff said EDI broke the bottle opener yesterday, though he never said how."

"Ugh, fine," Miranda rolled her eyes as she took the bottle from him. She placed the top on her bottom row of teeth and yanked upwards, tearing off the bottle cap in on quick fluid motion. Ken had his eyes open wide with amazement, most men did at that old trick. "What? It's not that difficult to do."

Doctor Chakwas tutted at her. "It's awful for your teeth though Miranda."

"It's fine for me, you would not believe how strong my teeth are," Miranda sighed. "Thanks a bunch to my bloody father and my genes."

"Thank you Miri," Shepard gave a grin to Ken. "You should see this other trick she can do, she pute the bottle between her..."

"Stop right there!" Miranda gave him a playful slap, she knew exactly where he was going with it. "Now, seeing as you haven't killed them all – what's going on?"

"I ordered the Batarians are being moved to Asari space where they're far away from the Alliance and the other species can help them rebuild," At the incredulous looks from everyone else he grinned. "So, EDI said you were talking about the time Kasumi put the hamster on my head?"

Miranda shook her head. "I swear you've gone mad with power babes."

A/N The image of a hamster on Shepard's head popped into my head the other day, not quite sure why to be honest...

As ever, please read and review.