When Fates Collide

Chapter 21 - Citadel

You Can't Stop Fate - Part 3

Early the next day, inside the cherry blossom plaza, Ambassador Donnel Udina stood before the citadel council pleading his case against the human in his charge. In a calm octave, the man dressed in his prestigious long white tunic stated, "Shepard should be sentenced to death for her actions against the Alliance Systems. It is absolutely unforgivable how much of a menace that derelict of a woman has been."

Bewildered at how easily humans turned on their own kind, the asari counselor deliberately inquired, "Ambassador was Shepard not previously considered one of the Alliance's elite? A lieutenant with the N-7 special forces, I believe?"

Turning his head to the side, the human diplomat pretended that her words were rolling off his back as the dominant female figured continued, "Did she not in fact, sacrifice her own life to save hundreds of others?"

"Lies! All lies!" blasted the man, showing his true emotions for the first time.

Unperturbed by Udina's outburst, Matriarch Tevos calmly asked, "So you will not release her then?"

Scoffing at the absurdity of their request, the human emissary shot back stronger than he should have, "Absolutely not!"

Quick to the facts, the salarian impassively stated, "We thought as much."

All of a sudden, behind the aggravated human representative stirred a commotion. Turning around, Udina's breath escaped him as he watched his prisoner being paraded into the plaza, escorted by not one, not two but three spectres. "This is an outrage! What is the meaning of this?" Udina cried out at the shock of seeing Shepard waltzing into the flowery courtyard.

Smugly returning the ambassador's defiant glare, Shepard revealed in the despicable man's astonishment…. Damn that look was almost worth the beating. Priceless!

Almost everyone in the piazza was stunned to see not only the famous human female in person but also despite how badly she had been abused, she was still walking tall. Udina's personal guards immediately reached for their weapons when the asari spectre's body created a biotic barrier around Shepard.

The turian and salarian spectres were already in attack mode with weapons locked and loaded, "I wouldn't do that if I were you" warned the turian councilor cloaked in a brightly colored blue tunic, "There is a reason they were appointed spectres."

Reluctantly, Udina wordlessly motioned his entourage to stand down. The asari spectre glared at the human ambassador as she continued to lead the trio of spectres towards the councilors. When they reached the platform Udina was preaching on, Shepard's bodyguards motioned her to move forward to be present during the proceedings.

A pit of anger growled deep within the soldier's chest as she walked of her own free will towards the human ambassador standing near the end of the stage. Even the turian spectre mused, if looks could kill.

Living nearly a thousand years herself, the asari councilor quickly recognized the hate behind the woman's emerald eyes as she watched the woman's hands ball up into tight fists. Knowing the kind of wrath that was about to be unleashed from the human soldier, the asari matriarch interrupted the attack by firmly calling out, "Shepard!"

Absentmindedly projecting her fury at the beckoning asari, Shepard glared at the woman towering above her. In a softer, but still authoritative voice, Matriarch Tevos stated, "Shepard as a human, you still fall under the Alliance Code of Justice." the feminine tone melted into that of a concerned parent, "It would not be in your favor to act against the human ambassador."

Despite the rage boiling just beneath her skin, the human quickly remembered how Matriarch Benezia would have handled such a situation. Standing down, Shepard relaxed her fist and recalled the great leader's words,

Patience and strategy Shepard…Nothing beats a well laid out plan. Stepping away from the ambassador, the soldier sneered under her breath, "You can expect me to do you serious bodily harm the next time we meet."

The former rogue soldier had not even reached the other side of the podium before Udina began lambasting her again with outlandish accusations. Rolling her eyes, Shepard stood erect with her arms folded over her chest while her legs were squared beneath her shoulders, diligently deflecting the verbal assault. Glancing between the two humans, Tevos could not help but think of Shepard as the quiet, but obstinate child to Udina's sanctimonious elder, as the man piously ranted about the soldier's transgressions. The redhead stoically waited until the man had no choice but to stop his tirade, as his need of air took precedence over his need to disparage.

As the man impatiently filled his lungs, Shepard seized the opportunity to dispense, in her opinion, some much needed advice, barking in retaliation, "You know what your problem is? You talk too damn much!"

"Can you not see what I am talking about? To extend carte blanche of the galaxy to this vile abomination would further entice the leaches of her ilk to join in her disregard for the laws of our societies and perpetuate pandemonium throughout the universe."

Being an educated woman from a proud military family who often rubbed shoulders with admirals, Shepard detonated a small amount of rage, "You can kiss my ass, Udina!" retorted Shepard.

Despite the importance of the proceedings surrounding the Council, the distinguished turian councilor leaned over to the councilor Tevos and conspiratorially whispered, "Hey didn't his mother run off with a turian?"

Glancing back at the nosy turian, Matriarch Tevos smirked and replied, "I heard it was an asari."

The councilor's attentions were brought back to the human's turbulent argument by Shepard's warning to Udina, "If you really knew me, then you would know not to question my resolve"

Wanting to move the proceedings along, the turian Councilor, Valern, roared at the galaxy's bickering newest species, "If you two are finished – we actually have business to discuss!"

As precise as a well rehearsed ballet, the asari immediately picked up where Valern left off, "We are here to discuss the proposed immediate execution of Katherine Shepard former N-7 Lieutenant of the System's Alliance."

Hearing the words 'immediate execution' didn't sit well with the former soldier as she turned back and menacingly glared at Udina. She knew he was out for blood but sudden death blew her away. The befuddled woman instantly wondered, what the hell did I ever do to that asshole?

"She's a traitor to her kind!" was Udina's validation to the Council and response to Shepard's thoughts.

Eagerly maneuvering the human delegate right into her planned strategy, Matriarch Tevos stated, "I'm glad you brought that up Ambassador Udina."

The matriarch glanced over to the salarian councilor giving him silent praise for his hard work before she continued, "It wasn't easy getting the batarians to cooperate, much less provide the council with official statements. However, they claim that Lieutenant Shepard willingly surrendered in order to exchange her life for hundreds of others."

Although Shepard's heroic actions were finally being openly discussed, hearing her previous title of Lieutenant was painful; sounding like fingernails down a chalkboard as it was repeated time and time again.

"Do you deny these claims ambassador?" ribbed the turian council.

Instantly, the human diplomat whined, "Lies, all lies I say! You can never trust the word of the batarians!"

With a sideways tilt of his head, the salarian councilor remarked, "Interesting. Perhaps this will change your position ambassador. It took some extensive investigating but the council was able to locate some very interesting documentation on Lieutenant Shepard; very interesting in deed. What is your position on filing falsified reports?"

Worried about the direction the meeting was rapidly taking, the human ambassador dropped his head like a child being scorned. Frowning under his lowered head, Udina annoyingly gritted his teeth, planning his rebut.

Knowing the incendiary power of the information about to be released, the asari councilor gave a subtle nod to the asari spectre, putting the commando on notice to be ready to summon her barrier and keep Shepard from killing Udina. Tevos's melodic voice then filled the plaza, "In fact, our records indicate that even her mother, Captain Hannah Shepard currently of the Kilimanjaro, was ill-informed as to the actual events that occurred on Elysium."

To their surprise the soldier held her tongue, only flexing a little as she clenched her jaw. As fluid as trained dancers, the councilors started the second act of their ballet, "It was also discovered that your office purposely covered up the entire event; including logging her death into the Alliance's database." picked up counselor Valern from the matriarch.

Lifting his head to protest, the ambassador was swiftly intercepted by the salarian councilor, "Our findings show that your office was made perfectly aware that Elysium was on the edge of the Verge. You ignored the fact that hundreds of humans would become a potential risk of being attacked. Yet, you signed off on the project, despite that the settlement was currently in hostile batarian space. The original report, not what you submitted to the alliance after the Skyllian Blitz, states, Project Elysium was sanctioned by one Senator Donnel Q. Udina."

Driving their superiority even further, the turian chastised, "Sounds like someone tried covering up a huge mess; now didn't they? Was there really that much profit to be made by selling out your fellow humans, Udina?"

Astonished by what she heard, Shepard cut loose, "You dirty bastard! You sold me out to save your ass from political suicide! And you call me scum? How could you? How can you stand there and justify selling out an alliance officer?"

Without recanting a single accusation, Udina retorted, "You should've died that day, Shepard. You should've never lived after what those batarians did to you. But no, you stubborn bitch, you couldn't even die correctly!"

Flabbergasted by the ambassador's admission, Shepard seethed, "You have no idea what it takes to get the job done! No idea what they really did to me! No idea how I never gave up hope until...until..." She couldn't say the words...not those words, not here, not now... no, she would not look like a pathetic whimpering kid crying for her mommy...only to find out now ...I never had a chance... "My hope was misplaced by my faith in my own people...how could you?"

Quelling their dispute, Matriarch Tevos interjected, "Ambassador Udina, as confirmed by the batarian's testimonies: Shepard is correct." Both humans stared at the asari councilor, dumbfounded by her blunt statement, which effectively brought their conversation to a close.

"Shepard, please step forward." Willing, for now, to lose the battle but not the war; the former alliance officer obliged the asari's request.

Standing before the council, Shepard suddenly felt the magnitude of the moment; the penetrating stares of not only the council but everyone in the courtyard evaluating her every breath. Standing attentively, she dipped her head in respect and acknowledged the three leaders, "Council."

Without hesitation, Matriarch Tevos succinctly announced to all within the great plaza, "We the Citadel Council, hereby officiate you, Katherine Jane Shepard, as a member of the Citadel Special Tactics Reconnaissance: Spectre." The councilor's proclamation reverberated throughout the official hallows.

Udina immediately shouted his objection to the promotion, "You can't do this!"

The asari spectre smiled momentarily, seeing the human female's advancement had angered the male human. Matriarch Tevos rebutted Udina's plea, "Where you have offered the Alliance's help; you have provided no results.

The Salarian councilor continued, "You have the most advanced ship in the galactic fleet, however at your request, Captain Anderson returned to the Citadel where you erroneously grounded him; demanding he was responsible for the deaths of Spectre Nihlus and the Normandy's executive officer, Commander Gerrad.

The asari matriarch again voiced, "Thus far in only a few short weeks, Shepard has accomplished more to track down Saren, than your people have done in the last 7 months."

Focusing on the astounded female, Tevos continued, "She has assembled quite a team. Now that she is a Spectre and since the Normandy was officially funded by the Citadel Collation Group, I herby commission her under the command of Commander Shepard."

Udina turbulently shouted, "SHE IS NOT an Alliance soldier anymore!"

The turian deafeningly retorted, "Correct! She is now a Commander for the Citadel Council! Her official title will be Galactic Commander Shepard – Spectre."

A smirk slowly painted its way across Shepard's face as she silently paid homage to her former asari 'shipmate', Patience does pay Matriarch Benezia.

Udina again offensively raised his voice in great protest, "You can't do that! She has committed offenses against the Alliance."

Not appreciating the blatant disrespect to the council from the human ambassador, the turian counselor slammed his fist against the podium, "It is you who have committed offenses against the Council! You take our funded, state of the art vessel, remove your captain, fail to produce Saren and want to murder the one person who actually has a chance at stopping him! Udina you are the fool!"

Shepard concluded her thought as she peered up to the asari councilor, well laid out plans indeed...

Pulling her back into the moment, councilor Valern chastised Udina in front of everyone present in the courtyard, "If you are the shining example of your species; it is a wonder you ever made it past the closest moon without killing yourselves."

Shepard stared in awe at the turian councilor while she stifled a laugh within her throat.

The human ambassador, feeling more than his pride slipping away refuted, "This is an outrage! I won't let you interfere with human relations."

Belatedly realizing no one had asked Shepard yet what she wanted, Matriarch Tevos called out to the former rogue soldier, "Shepard, if you survive this mission, you will be pardoned for your past misdeeds. Take the Normandy, her current crew and find Saren Arterius. Stop him at all cost. Is that a mission you can handle?"

Feeling the weight of hardship and years of guilt lift off her shoulders, the veteran soldier cleared her throat and addressed each of the council members. "I will succeed or die trying."

More than pleased with the day's events, the asari councilor concluded, "Very well. This meeting is adjourned."

Udina's face was a bright shade of red as he belted, "This is absurd! I won't let you get away with this Shepard, if it's the last thing I do!"

Shepard turned around and professionally melted into a parade rest, "You're a bean counter Udina and I'm a Spectre now. How good are those odds?" Taking a step closer to the man, making him jump, Shepard recalled her previous warning, "Remember what I said back on the ship… how Fate has a funny way about her? I might not be the one pulling the trigger but I guarantee; I will be there when you take your last breath Udina."

Defiantly the woman continued, "You've clearly been briefed on me; how far do you think I'm willing to go on this?"

The man stepped back as fear blanketed his face. The newly appointed Spectre knew she had driven her point home with the pain in the ass ambassador and knew she wouldn't be bothered by him or his people anytime soon.

She went to take her leave, glaring directly at the hypocritical politician and dangerously close to striking him. Feeling like a mother hen, the asari councilor again hailed the human female, "Shepard!"

The soldier so tauntingly close to getting revenge, turned towards the councilor painstakingly slow and annoyingly answered, "Yes?"

"Need I remind you that you are now a Spectre and as such, are now responsible solely to the order of the Citadel Council? You answer to the Council and no one is above us. Is that understood?"

It took only a moment before Shepard smirked bowing her head, "Yes Councilor."

Shepard straightened up and began to saunter down the platform. Udina, feeling a false sense of security over what the matriarch had just declared was caught totally unawares for Shepard's clenched fist as she sucker punched him while walking past, sending the man speedily to the ground and knocking him out cold. The forceful strike granted her yearning revenge a slight reprieve.

Shaking her stinging hand, Shepard coyly announced, "Something about that just felt really good."

Observing the unsolicited act of violence before them, the turian councilor leaned over to Matriarch Tevos and chuckled, "You know you provoked that?"

Tilting her head in amusement, the asari looked at him with an innocent expression on her face before she softly whispered back to him, "Perhaps."

Laughingly the turian exclaimed, "Peace loving asari, my talons."

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Just outside the Citadel Council's hall of justice, the small battalion of spectres came to a halt. Curiously, the three senior Spectres looked around before the asari spoke, "Shepard this is where we part ways."

Confused Shepard asked, "Why? Don't you have to train me or something?"

The salarian informed the new recruit, "Spectres are not trained, but chosen." as his eyes flickered at the gawking stares around them, "Besides, we are drawing unnecessary attention to ourselves."

Laughing amusingly at the human's enthusiasm the turian spectre added, "By all accounts, seeing two Spectres together is extremely unusual. Spotting four on the same station, at the same time? Well, to put it mildly, it could send shockwaves of panic throughout the galaxy."

"On that cue, I will take my leave. Shepard it was a pleasure seeing your induction into the Spectres; although confusing as I hadn't received your background files but nevertheless, interesting. My own initiation wasn't nearly as theatrical, however, salarians are not into dramatics; anyway, good day to you." As the salarian spun around and disappeared among the crowd forming around them.

Not another second passed before the turian spectre turned to the asari spectre and offered a tilt of his head in respect. Facing the human, he expressed his congratulations by also nodding as he said, "Spectre."

Quickly catching onto to his meaning, Shepard grinned and returned the turian's nod, "Spectre." The human watched the turian leave but he did not disappear into the crowds like the salarian. Instead, he marched right down the middle of the corridor forcing the other patrons to get out of his way. The gesture compelled the newly appointed commander to chuckle, which made her wince as she gripped her tender ribs.

Looking back at the asari escort Shepard couldn't help feel she was stalling. Suddenly, Shepard heard a very familiar voice behind her, "Shepard."

Spinning on her heels, the redhead was almost brought to tears; today is just filled with surprises, isn't it?

Whirling around to leave the asari spectre provided her last bit of instructions, "Shepard you are to remain on the Normandy until further orders."

At first Shepard scowled thinking she was being punished again until the spectre kindly added, "To get some rest. The council will be in touch." The smile between them warmed Shepard's heart …it sure does feel good to be on the right side of the law again.

Winking at the human woman the asari asked the human's new guardian, "Do you think you can handle her from here?"

"I think I can handle this one." was the playful reply.

Just a few steps away from the two humans the asari reinforced her final instructions, "Make sure she rests Captain Anderson."

A proud smile smothered the man's face as he clung to Shepard's shoulder directing her towards the Normandy, "Aye, Aye Spectre."

%%%%%%%

Chief Williams stood by the elevator to the Normandy, waiting for the outcome of her mock commander's appearance before the council. At the sight of the two famous humans approaching, her eyes bulged and her mouth dropped open, stunned to see her squad leader not only free, but walking and talking to the highly decorated Captain Anderson.

Upon hearing the captain casually speak to the redheaded woman, "Shepard after you" as they entered the lift; the brunette almost had a stroke when she caught Shepard's reply to the captain's polite request, "Dave."

Astonished Williams asked, "You two know each other?" As she joined them for the tortuously slow ride to the Normandy's berth.

Captain Anderson was the first to speak, knowing the hard ass soldier wouldn't, "Shepard was supposed to be my protégé. She was the best in her class and had it not been for that damn attack on Elysium, she'd probably be the Alliance's best officer."

Rolling her eyes Shepard quipped, "You always had big dreams for me didn't you Dave."

Making a snarky retort the man said, "That's Captain Anderson to you…. That is, as long as you are wearing these dog tags anyway."

Shepard was startled by the distinguished officer's statement but before she could question what the senior officer meant; Anderson threw a pair of shiny new ID tags at her, "I believe these are yours."

Shocked, Shepard looked down at the shimmering objects in her hand:

Shepard, Katherine Jane

Galactic Commander – Spectre / Alliance N-7

Property of the Citadel Council

ID# 5923-AC-2826

Seeing the pride swell in the young woman's chest Anderson joked, "If you had any more titles, you'd need a bigger tag…as it is, it barely fit" as they shared a good laugh, Captain Anderson put his arm around his favorite protégé's shoulder and started walking down the docking bay, "You know kid; I never did give up hope for you."

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A/N: Due to everyone, myself included, playing Mass Effect 3; further chapters will be temporarily delayed. I will pick up as soon as I can rip myself away from the Xbox! Cheers and thank you for reading.