When Fates Collide

Chapter 14

~ ~ The Council's Consigliere ~ ~

"Joker, patch me through to the council. I have good news to report."

Mirroring the navigator's enthusiasm the pilot returned, "Aye Aye Sir!"

A tired Shepard was about to leave after giving Presley her mission report to change out of her borrowed N-7 armor when Presley stopped her. "Shepard, I'd like you to stay if you don't mind. The council might have additional questions about the mission."

A slightly stunned Shepard replied, "Of course" as she stepped next to the acting commanding officer.

Joker called out on the overhead, "Patching you thought to the council in three minutes LCDR. Would you like me to include Ambassador Udina on the call as well?"

With a sideways glance to the N-7 armored soldier next to him, the officer reported back, "No Joker, that won't be necessary."

A small grin of respect swept across Shepard's face knowing that Presley was not a lapdog of Udina's: he was his own man. She stood a little taller by his side when the holograph of the council appeared.

Flickering before them was a three dimensional holograph of the three most powerful aliens in the galaxy. In the middle stood an asari, she was most likely the peacekeeper and was the first to speak. "LCDR Presley of the Normandy, I was informed you had good news to report." As the navigator started to speak it became apparent that the aliens had suddenly taken notice of who was at his side and what she was wearing. They whispered amongst themselves until the turian counselor huffed while gawking at her, "N-7 indeed."

Appearing before the humans, the Citadel Council stood. An asari in the center of the trio seemed slightly smaller and thinner than most asari Shepard had seen. Her slender body was completely covered by an exquisite dress where even the collar seemed unusually high for an asari. The only exposed skin was from her jawline up and her delicate hands. She certainly didn't dress like the late Matriarch Benezia. In fact, she was the most conservatively dressed asari Shepard had ever laid eyes on. The marine briefly wondered, perhaps it's her affluent position that influences her attire.

Upon the asari's face were strange looking markings. They appeared to be white but because she was in holograph form, it was hard to tell for sure what color they were. The ancient tribal paint or tattoos resembled short brush strokes that started at her jawline, exaggerated the outside of her face, encircling her eyes and extended out to the tips of her crest.

To the asari counselor's right was a tall turian who stood erect with his hands behind his back. Shepard instantly recognized his posture to be that of a military background for sure. The proud turian's face was adorned with the same tribal looking markings down to his mandibles, although his were thicker, longer fluid stripes. The look greatly increased his intimidating appearance, had Shepard been susceptible to such things.

On the asari's left, was a thinner, taller gentleman. The salarian was encased within a shroud, his head covered by its hood. Also standing tall with his arms crossed like he was rapidly processing everything his eyes saw. His mind seemed to be racing the second the meeting started. The large round pupils scrutinizing every morsel of the humans in front of him, particularly the female marine; Shepard again would have felt a bit small if she had in fact cared. The men that flanked either side of the asari both stood posturing defensively as if waiting for something bad to happen. Only the asari in the middle stood in a relaxed open stance.

Without faltering in his decision to have Shepard present, Presley puffed his chest out a little more and announced, "Yes counselor I do." The Navigator dressed in his official Alliance Officer's uniform confidently reported, "We were able to retrieve information discerning that Saren is working with the Geth and is trying to bring about the return of the Reapers, proving Saren has gone rogue."

Shooting another sideways smile at the woman on his left, the Alliance Officer continued, "I would also like to add that obtaining this information would not have been possible without Shepard's help."

The mock commander glared at the navigator as she had not been expecting the compliment. The council members again whispered amongst themselves in skepticism of this new information.

"Saren is after something called the conduit. He believes it will bring about the destruction of the universe. He has done and will do anything to obtain it." In a well-rehearsed tone, the Alliance man continued, "He found the coordinates of the Mu Relay on Noveria by using Matriarch Benezia to search the mind of the Rachni Queen. It also seems that Saren's ship gives him the ability to control minds. That is how he was able to control…"

Presley looked in the asari matriarch's direction knowing they must have been at least acquaintances in asari politics, "the great Matriarch Benezia into doing his bidding. That is how he got her to forcibly meld with her own daughter. He is very powerful and his influence is absolute."

Shepard could have sworn she heard a deep throated grumble from the back of the asari's throat.

The turian located on the asari's right broke the silence and in a demeaning tone asked, "Wasn't it an unnecessary risk bringing the matriarch's daughter and a human felon onboard the Alliance's best vessel not knowing their allegiances?" He snorted, "They could have sabotaged the Normandy."

The third to speak was the salarian councilor, who displayed the same matching white facial markings of his two counterparts remarking, "It did pay off in the long run. They now have not only the Mu Relay coordinates but they were able to save Zhu's Hope settlement as well. This should be considered a great success." The alien's insect like eyes opened and closed faster than Shepard could even count. Given his position on the asari's left, he seemed to be the analytical thinker of the group.

Shifting unsettlingly the turian flared his mandibles, pointing his finger at the humans and spat at the one wearing the N-7 Alliance armor. "That doesn't excuse his careless decisions. We could have lost the best ship in the Citadel Fleet because of that savage soldier."

It became blatantly clear the turian was not only the muscle of the group but also the council's resident hot head.

Ignoring the turian's cutting statement, the acting commanding officer went on. "Shepard was also able to retrieve the Cipher from the Thorian on Feros. This key will allow her to unlock the Prothean visions trapped inside her mind. We are very close to stopping Saren and none of it would have been possible with Shepard's help."

To the humans' astonishment, the asari matriarch's harmonious voice announced, "Yes, we have been keeping a close eye on Shepard's presence every since she came aboard the Normandy. I must say Lieutenant Commander Presley; she is making remarkable strides for your species. She is quite resilient. She will be a formidable ally in deed."

The asari then addressed Shepard directly, "On behalf of the Asari Republics, I would like to personally thank you for saving Matriarch Benezia's daughter; Doctor Liara T'Soni."

The human was taken aback by the personal thank you as she awkwardly returned, "You're welcome. I believe Doctor T'Soni's contributions to the mission are of the upmost importance."

"Of course they are." The counselor nodded with a small smile that barely extended beyond her lips, "Do keep her safe Shepard. She offers many great things to come for her people."

Feeling a little uncomfortable like she had just been lectured by Liara's mother, Shepard shuffled her feet before resuming her staid pose; it did not go unnoticed by the eyes of the asari counselor. "I'm sure you two will make an impressive force to be reckoned with," chimed the matriarch confidently.

Shepard was positive her words were laced with an alterative meaning.

The salarian's eyes flickered several times before addressing the female human again, "Speaking of Doctor T'Soni, perhaps you should exploit the opportunity to meld with her. She should be able to provide additional information only her years of studying the Protheans' civilization could render."

Upon ending his statement, the asari counselor smirked in a curious manner; like she had manipulated the salarian, unbeknownst to him, into suggesting that. The smile did not go unnoticed by Shepard, who now felt as though the asari had another, as yet unknown, agenda.

Speaking to the two humans, the asari announced, "This is all the information the council needs to disbar Saren from the Spectres, but it will take time to process this information."

Completing her train of thought, the turian counselor continued, "LCDR Presley return to the Citadel for further instructions. We will concentrate the Citadel's fleet."

Unexpectedly furthering his statement, the asari added, "And we would like to have the Normandy leading the charge."

Upon this statement, both the turian and the salarian glanced over to the asari making it obvious they had not been consulted in that decision prior to the vid com.

Snapping too, LCDR Presley saluted. "Aye, Aye Ma'am!"

Watching the woman clad in the N-7 Alliance armor remain stoically motionless, the disgruntled turian blasted, "What Shepard, you're too good to salute your superiors?"

Before the growl inside of the rogue soldier erupted, the asari counselor offered a saving grace, "I believe she is only borrowing the officer's uniform. She isn't officially part of the Alliance fleet. Not to mention, I don't believe she considers us her superiors."

"That is no excuse. Humans need to know their place in the galaxy; she is no different," sneered the agitated turian counselor.

The blue skinned woman calmly stated, "That is not the purpose of this meeting."

A silent nod of respect was exchanged between the two former human enemies as their common goal to save the galaxy brought them together as allies.

Snarling, the turian huffed and flared his mandibles. The salarian also looked strangely at the asari as his eyes flickered open and closed several times before she finished. "That will be all; Citadel Counsel out."

The hologram dissipated and Shepard released a deep breath, "Boy, am I glad that is over."

The acting commanding officer, announced over the 1MC that transmitted about the entire ship, "Attention Normandy crew! This is the acting Commanding Officer Presley. Thanks to the information Shepard retrieved for us, we have been instructed to return to the Citadel and lead a fleet to take down Saren. That is all, Presley out."

Awkwardly Presley asked, "What do you think the counselor meant when she said that you and Liara would be an impressive force to be reckoned with? She's a scientist, she doesn't even have any fighting experience besides chasing off a small band of pirates and a few indigenous life forms."

Baffled, the exhausted woman stroked the back of her neck before she hesitantly answered, "I have no idea."

%%%%%%%

"Yes, Dr. Chakwas you wanted to see me?"

Setting down her datapad, the good doctor stood and addressed the man in front of her, "Oh good Presley, I'm glad you came. I need to discuss something with you."

Offering the Alliance Officer a seat across from her desk, the doctor continued in her normal authoritative tone. "Let me get to the point. I'm not very comfortable using my medical lab as a holding cell for our guest. I know she doesn't exactly belong in the brig; isn't there somewhere else we can put her, Lieutenant Commander?"

It wasn't like Dr. Chakwas to use titles. Heck, Presley had even heard the good doctor address a room full of admirals by their first names. She was a doctor first and an upstanding Alliance Officer second. The fact that she had used his title sent a momentary trickle of fear down the man's spine. Tugging at his collar, the man answered, "I will see what I can do, Commander."

Her face revealed a warm smile, like a sweet grandmother who had just made a batch of homemade cookies, "Very good then." Dismissing the man from her medical lab, instead of the other way around, the doctor stood and motioned the man to the door, "Thank you again for coming by."

The man stammered, "Yes Commander. Have a good day."

%%%%%%%

"Are you sure about this?" asked the former alliance soldier, not quite on the outskirts of the Alliance but not exactly buddy-buddy with them either.

"Tali assured me she was able to override the control panel for the Captain's cabin. You will be locked in here every night and a guard will be posted outside the door, for appearance sake of course."

"Of course," echoed the woman.

Again looking about her new quarters in complete astonishment, the mock commander asked, "Why haven't you moved into these quarters? You're the acting CO. You have every right to this cabin."

Internally grateful for the comment, Presley stated, "You know, I'm happy with my small stateroom. Besides, I would just have to change places again once they assigned a new CO & XO which I assume they will do once we return to the Citadel."

Flopping down on the brown leather couch, Shepard stated, "Well ok! I'm not one to refuse a comfy setup." Her hand caressed the leather couch, "This is even nicer than Saren's stateroom."

%%%%%%%

As the elevator drifted down to the cargo bay, it was Shepard's opinion that watching paint dry would be more exciting than the dull ride between floors on the ship. When the door finally opened she felt like a wild animal being released from her cage, God I hate that elevator, she mulled.

The woman wearing her borrowed battle dress uniform, affectionately named BDUs, strolled into the large engine room. An officer quickly approached her. "Hello there!"

Caught off guard by his pleasant demeanor, her mood still reeling from the elevator ride, Shepard retorted, "Hello there." but he seemed like an awfully cheerful fellow and she quickly forgot about her aggravating circus ride.

The man introduced himself, "I'm Lieutenant Adams."

The seemingly non-interested woman replied, "Um... I'm..."

The man finished her sentence, which earned him her undivided attention, "Shepard. I know."

Shooting the man a sideways glance she asked, "How did you know?"

"Well as the Normandy's Chief Engineer, it's my business to know who is on the ship."

A smile swept the young woman's face. "I see." Giving the man her full attention, the former marine asked, "Do you know where I could find a quarian down here?"

The man laughed as he answered, "Oh, you mean Tali?"

He pointed to the far side of the room where the young woman stood with her back turned to the duo, "You know, she sure asks a lot of questions."

Embarrassed, the former officer offered, "I'm sorry. I'll speak to her if you'd like."

The man's laugh deepened as he countered, "Oh no! She is amazing! She's incredibly intelligent. I'm glad she's onboard. She already knows more about the Normandy's drive core than half my men down here."

Proudly beaming in the quarian's direction, "Give her a couple of weeks and she'll know more about this system then I do."

Nervously Shepard asked, "That doesn't bother you?"

If the man was trying to conceal his smile he was failing miserably, "No, are you kidding? She's a genius, not to mention a breath of fresh air. I am honored to be working with her. Thank you truly for saving her life Shepard"

That awkward feeling was sweeping the soldier again, "Um... you're welcome."

Staring at the young engineer's back, Shepard added, "She really is something isn't she?"

Adams looked over his shoulder at a flickering light on his control panel. "Well, I won't keep you. I have some things that need attending to. Ships don't run themselves."

The man paused before he turned to leave and once again looked in Tali's direction, "Well that is until Tali figures out a way to make it so."

The woman's eyes widened with her own sense of pride, "Exactly."

The marine's boots clanged on the floor's metal grating as she walked over to the quarian, who was so engrossed in whatever she was doing, did not hear Shepard approach, "Excuse me, Tali?"

Instantly bringing her grinding to a stop, the hard working alien answered in her normal cheerful tone, "Oh hello Shepard. I didn't see you there. How are you?"

Scratching her eyebrow Shepard snickered, "If I had banged on the floor any louder you and everyone else would have thought a krogan was attacking."

The quarian not getting the reference only cocked her head to the side without uttering a word.

Shepard trying to change the subject declared, "Ok! Look Tali, I wanted to first say how sorry I was about my driving back there on Feros. I didn't mean to scare you so bad."

The quarian relaxed her posture and whimsically informed her squad leader, "It was actually quite fun, if at times I hadn't thought we were really going to die."

The marine choked out a cough then turned it into a small laugh, "Gee thanks, I think."

The quarian became excited as she asked, "What's the next thing?"

A sudden look of confusion covered the redhead's face, "What next thing?"

Slightly confused herself, Tali explained, "Well Shepard usually when one says 'first,' that implies that there are other questions or concerns coming. I was just asking for your next objective."

The marine again laughed as she leaned against the engine room's guard rail. I've got to remember I'm not dealing with walking trash cans anymore, "Of course Tali; how silly of me? I also wanted to thank you for joining me on the mission. Your skills with a rifle are superb."

Knowing that the quarian was blushing or turning whatever color quarians turn when they blushed, Shepard allowed Tali to soak up the compliment, "Thank you Shepard."

The younger woman paced excitedly, "It was an honor and a pleasure to fight by your side. I would never know of such adventures back on the flortilla."

Stopping her pacing directly in front of the former Alliance soldier, Tali declared, "Shepard, I will proudly go where you go. Fight those you fight and follow your orders to the best of my abilities. You have my word on it."

The surprised soldier took a moment to speak before she took hold of the quarian's shoulder, "Thank you Tali. I'm proud to have you on my team."

%%%%%%%

After Shepard and Tali had chatted for some time, the soldier learned of life back on the flotilla, of its government and quite a bit about the quarian's and geth's history. For a brief moment she almost felt sorry for the walking trash cans, but it was only for a split second before she returned to her senses. Exiting the engine room so Tali could continue her diagnostic checks, the former marine decided to check in with the other squad members in the cargo bay.

The former marine walked into the seemingly empty cargo bay and a bout of relief washed over her, not seeing the ornery gunny chief. Shepard stepped in front of the elevator and pressed the call button, when behind her she heard a turian voice shout, "That's right! Read them and weep! Read them and weep!"

Moving around the mako the soldier saw two men hovering over a small make shift table with various symbols and numbers on it. Coughing loud enough to gain their attention, the former marine interrupted their little shenanigans, "Is that legal on an Alliance vessel?"

Garrus tried to hide the game, while Wrex slowly lowered his cards to his side but it was obvious what the two men were doing. Shepard melted into her bad ass stance and took on a stern tone as she barked, "I'm pretty sure the Alliance will deep six your ass if you get caught playing that onboard."

A horrified turian rubbed the back of his neck as he searched for an excuse. The larger than life krogan added, "Come on Shepard, no body's reported you for that thing you try to pass off as driving. Cut a guy a break."

Garrus' shoulders slumped as his body posture went limp, resigning himself to his fate, "You aren't going to tell on us are you Shepard?"

The woman's stern façade instantly changed as she reached for a small waste bucket and turned it into a seat next to the board game, "Not if you spot me 50 credits. I am so gonna smoke both your asses."