His head was swimming. The sensation was more seasick than pleasant. Carefully, he opened his eyes, only to be rewarded with a vague blur. Shepard blinked to clear it.

"Doctor? Doctor Chakwas? I think he's waking up." It took him a moment to recognize Ashley's voice. Slowly, the medical bay was coming into focus. He sat up. His head felt like it was about to fall off.

Doctor Chakwas walked into view. "You had us worried there, Shepard. How are you feeling?"

"Minor throbbing. Nothing serious." He rubbed his forehead. It was fading. "How long was I out?"

"About fifteen hours. Something happened down there with the beacon, I think."

"It's my fault." He glanced over his shoulder to see Ashley who looked like a woman beating herself up. "I must have triggered some kind of security field when I approached it. You had to push me out of the way."

The memories were starting to return. "You had no way to know what would happen." Ashley gave him a nervous smile.

"Actually, we don't even know if that's what set it off," said Dr. Chakwas moved so she could peer into his eyes. "Unfortunately, we'll never get the chance to find out."

Ashley walked over to join them. "The beacon exploded. A system overload, maybe. The blast knocked you cold. The Lieutenant and I had to carry you back here to the ship."

"Appreciate it." He nodded to Ashley.

"Physically, you're fine." Doctor Chakwas set her scanner down. "But I detected some unusual brain activity. Abnormal beta waves." She folded her arms. "I also noticed an increase in your rapid eye movement, signs typically associated with intense dreaming."

"I saw—" The images that had flashed had been nightmarish. Worse than usual, and certainly more alien. "I'm not sure what I saw. Death. Destruction. Nothing's really clear."

"Hmmm. I better add this to my report. It may—" She cut off at the sound of the door opening. "Oh, Captain Anderson."

"How's our XO holding up, Doctor?" Anderson walked up to where he was sitting on the hospital bed.

"All the readings look normal. I'd say the commander's going to be fine." Doctor Chakwas nodded.

"Glad to hear it. Shepard, I need to speak with you." Anderson looked around the sickbay. "In private."

"Aye, aye, Captain." Ashley saluted. "I'll be in the mess if you need me." Doctor Chakwas followed him out.

Anderson looked him over. "Sounds like that beacon hit you pretty hard, Commander. You sure you're okay?"

The dizzy feeling had gone, and was slowly being replaced by regret. Jenkins had been killed down there. "I don't like soldiers dying under my command."

"Jenkins wasn't your fault." Anderson immediately shook his head. "You did a good job, Shepard."

In a good job, everyone made it home. He sighed, then frowned. "Chief Williams isn't part of Normandy crew."

"I figured we could use a soldier like her. She's been reassigned to the Normandy." Anderson was watching him for a reaction.

The real question is what was a soldier like her doing someplace like Eden Prime? "Williams is a good soldier. She deserves it."

"Lieutenant Alenko agrees with you. That's why I added her to our crew." Anderson nodded.

He looked down, then shook his head and clenched his fists. "Intel dropped the ball, sir. We had no idea what we were walking into down there. That's why things went to hell."

"The geth haven't been outside the Veil in two centuries, Commander." Anderson held up a hand. "Nobody could have predicted this."

Shepard took a few deep breaths. They helped. A little. "You said you needed to see me in private, Captain?" He'd been sent to pick up a beacon, and had apparently ended up destroying the thing. And a council Spectre was dead. Things do look good for him.

"I won't lie to you, Shepard." The captain dropped the formality. "Things look bad. The beacon was destroyed and geth are invading. The Council's going to want answers."

"I didn't do anything wrong, Captain," said Shepard honestly. "Hopefully, the Council can see that."

"I'll stand behind you and your report, Shepard." Anderson nodded. "You're a damn hero in my books. That's not why I'm here. It's Saren, that other turian." Anderson turned around, and paced a few steps. "Saren's a Spectre, one of the best. A living legend. But if he's working with the geth, it means he's gone rogue. A rogue Spectre's trouble. Saren's dangerous. And he hates humans."

"Why?"

"He thinks we're growing too fast, taking over the galaxy. A lot of aliens think that way. Most of them don't do anything about it." Anderson turned back towards him. "But Saren has allied himself with the geth. I don't know how. I don't know why. I only know it had something to do with that beacon." He frowned. "You were there just before the beacon self-destructed. Did you see anything? Any clue that might tell us what Saren was after?"

Nothing that didn't sound crazy. If it had been anyone other than Anderson asking, he might have denied it completely. "Just before I lost consciousness, I had some kind of vision."

"A vision? A vision of what?" Anderson started pacing again.

Shepard leaned against the hospital bed. "I saw synthetics. Geth, maybe. Slaughtering people. Butchering them."

"We need to report this to the Council, Shepard."

Shepard raised an eyebrow. "What are we going to say? I had a bad dream?"

"We don't know what information was stored in that beacon. Lost Prothean technology? Blueprints for some ancient weapon of mass destruction? Whatever it was, Saren took it." Anderson faced him, staring him in the eye. "But I know Saren. I know his reputation, his politics. He believes humans are a blight on the galaxy. This attack was an act of war!" He approached, leaning on the hospital bed just a couple feet from Shepard. "He has the secrets from the beacon. He has an army of geth at his command. And he won't stop until he's wiped humanity from the face of the galaxy!"

Shepard nodded in agreement. "I'll find some way to take him down."

Anderson shook his head. "It's not that easy. He's a Spectre. He can go anywhere, do almost anything. That's why we need the Council on our side."

Shepard nodded. "We prove Saren's gone rogue and the Council will revoke his Spectre status."

Anderson nodded. "I'll contact the ambassador and see if he can get us an audience with the Council. He'll want to see us as soon as we reach the Citadel." He took a deep breath, then shrugged his formality back on. "We should be getting close. Head up to the bridge and tell Joker to bring us in to dock."

"Yes, sir."

"I'm glad you're okay, Commander. The crew could use some good news after what happened to Jenkins," said Ashley as soon as she saw him.

"Jenkins was a valuable part of this crew."

"Part of me feels guilty over what happened. If Jenkins was still alive, I might not be here."

"You're a good soldier, Williams. You belong on the Normandy."

Her smile was bright. "Thanks, Commander. I appreciate that."

"Things were pretty rough down there." She'd lost her whole squad. "Are you okay?"

"I've seen friends die before. Comes with being a marine. But to see my whole unit wiped out…" She looked down. "And you never get used to seeing dead civilians. But things would have been a lot worse if you hadn't shown up."

"We couldn't have done it without you, Williams."

She lifted her head. "Thanks, Commander. I have to admit, I was a little worried about being assigned to the Normandy. It's nice when someone makes you feel welcome."

He'd seen her in a fight. She was brave, tough and skilled. "I think you're going to fit in here just fine, Williams."

"Thanks, Commander."

Shepard soon reached the cockpit and Joker turned and smiled.

"Good timing, Commander. I was just about to bring us to the Citadel," he said. "See that taxpayer money at work."

They soon dropped out of FTL and they're coming into view was none other than the Citadel which was located in the middle of a nebular. It was a marvellous feat of engineering with five masses arms that were attached to a circle with a tower in the middle.

Ashley and Kaidan came up to the cockpit and saw the Citadel coming into view. Patrolling around it were several hundred ships of different makes, but Ashley had her sights set on one enormous asari dreadnought.

"Look at the size of that ship!" said Ashley.

"The Ascension," said Kaidan. "Flagship of the Citadel fleet."

"Well, sizes isn't everything," said Joker.

"Why so touchy, Joker?" Ashley teased.

"I'm just saying that you need firepower, too."

Ashley looked at him as if he was crazy. "Look at that monster! It's main gun could rip through the barriers of any ship in the Alliance fleet."

"Good thing it's on our side, then," said Kaidan.

After they got clearance to land Anderson ordered Ashley and Kaidan to join them as they left the Normandy and made their way to the embassies.

They arrived to find Ambassador Udina deep in argument with the council. "This is an outrage. The Council would step in if the geth attacked a turian colony!"

The Salarian Councillor's voice held more than a small amount of condescension. "The turians don't found colonies on the borders of the Terminus Systems, Ambassador."

The salarian's when amphibious species were considered some of the greatest scientific minds the entire galaxy. There were fast and energetic, but one of the major downside was that they had a short lifespan, most in live past 40.

The Asari Counsellor tried to sound soothing. "Humanity was well aware of the risks when you went into the Traverse."

Ambassador Udina lowered his head belligerently. "What about Saren? You can't just ignore a rogue Spectre. I demand action!"

"You don't get to make demands of the Council, Ambassador." The Turian Councillor shook his head.

"Citadel Security is investigating your charges against Saren." The Asari Councillor's voice was firm. "We will discuss the C-Sec findings at the hearing. Not before." She reached forward to touch something out of sight, and the holographic representations of the councillors vanished.

Udina turned towards them. "Captain Anderson. I see you brought half your crew with you."

"Just the ground team from Eden Prime. In case you had questions."

"I have the mission reports. I assume they're accurate?"

"They are." Anderson nodded. "Sounds like you convinced the Council to give us an audience."

"They were not happy about it. Saren's their top agent. They don't like him being accused of treason." Udina gave Anderson an accusatory look.

"Saren's a threat to every human colony out there," said Shepard. "He needs to be stopped. The Council has to listen to us!"

"Settle down, Commander." Udina glared at him. "You've already done more than enough to jeopardise your candidacy for the Spectres." He shook his head. "The mission on Eden Prime was a chance to prove you could get the job done. Instead, Nihlus ended up dead and the beacon was destroyed!"

Anderson immediately stepped forward, holding up a hand. "That's Saren's fault, not his!"

"Then we better hope the C-Sec investigation turns up evidence to support our accusations." Udina gestured sharply. "Otherwise the Council might use this as an excuse to keep you out of the Spectres." Udina jerked his head. "Come with me, Captain. I want to go over a few things before the hearing." He looked back at Shepard. "Shepard—you and the others can meet us at the Citadel Tower. Top level. I'll make sure you have clearance to get in." Udina walked away.

Ashley watched Udina leave. "And that's why I hate politicians."

The Council chambers were the usual overwrote political affair. The tree in the centre of the chamber gave it an open air feeling. As they walked up the stairs they saw two turians were arguing at the top of the stairs. One wore a C-Sec uniform. The one in civilian clothes didn't need the uniform.

"Saren's hiding something. Give me more time. Stall them." The one in uniform was all but shaking his fist.

"Stall the Council? Don't be ridiculous." The other one, the boss one, shook his head. The mandibles clacked slightly. "Your investigation is over." He waved a hand as he walked away.

The C-Sec officer started to walk away, and noticed them coming up the stairs. "Commander Shepard? Garrus Vakarian. I was the officer in charge of the C-Sec investigation into Saren."

"Who were you just talking to?" Shepard asked.

Garrus sent a glare at the other turain's direction. "That was Executor Pallin, head of Citadel Security. My boss. He'll be presenting my findings on Saren to the Council."

"Sounds like you really want to bring him down," Shepard noted.

"I don't trust him," said Garrus plainly. "Something about him rubs me the wrong way. But he's a Spectre; everything he touches is classified. I can't find any hard evidence." He shook his head angrily.

"I think the Council's ready for us, Commander," said Kaidan.

"Good luck, Shepard," said Garrus stepping aside to let them pass. "Maybe they'll listen to you."

Shepard had his doubts.

Anderson was waiting for them. "The hearing's already started. Come on."

They followed him up the stairs. Shepard felt a moment of annoyance when he realised Saren was only present in holographic form. Udina was arguing with the Councillors. And losing. Pretty much as expected.

"The geth attack is a matter of some concern," said the Asari Councillor. "But there is no nothing indicate Saren was involved in any way."

"The investigations by Citadel Security turned up no evidence to support your charge of treason," said the Turian Councillor.

"An eyewitness saw him kill Nihlus in cold blood!" said Udina furiously.

"We've read the Eden Prime report, Ambassador," said the Salarian Councillor. "The testimony of one traumatised dockworkers hardly compelling proof."

"I resent these accusations. Nihlus was a fellow Spectre. And a friend." Saren's hologram glared down at them.

"That just let you catch him off guard!" said Anderson angrily.

"Captain Anderson. You always seem to be involved when humanity makes false charges against me." Saren unfolded his arms he then looked at Shepard's direction. "And this must be your protégé, Commander Shepard. The one who let the beacon get destroyed."

"The mission to Eden Prime was top-secret," said Shepard narrowing his eyes. "The only way you would know about the beacon was if you were there!"

"With Nihlus gone, his files passed on to me," said Saren and Shepard could have sworn that he was smirking. "I read the Eden Prime report. I was unimpressed. But what can you expect from human?"

"Saren despises humanity," said Shepard looking to the Councillors. "That's why he attacked Eden Prime!"

"Your species needs to learn its place, Shepard. You're not ready to join the Council. You're not even ready to join the Spectres!"

Udina immediately leapt back into the fray. "He has no right to say that! That's not his decision!"

The Asari Councilor turned and looked up at Saren. "Shepard's admission into the Spectres is not the purpose of this meeting."

Saren waved dismissively. "This meeting has no purpose. The humans are wasting your time, Councilor. And mine."

"Saren's hiding behind his position as a Spectre," said Shepard. "You need to open your eyes!"

"What we need is evidence," said the Salarian Councillor tiredly. "So far, we have seen nothing."

"There is still one outstanding issue: Commander Shepard's vision," said Anderson. "It may have been triggered by the beacon."

Saren sneered. "Are we allowing dreams into evidence now? How can I defend my innocence against this kind of testimony?"

"I agree." The Turian Councilor shifted his weight. "Our judgment must be based on facts and evidence, not wild imaginings and reckless speculation."

"Do you have anything else to add, Commander Shepard?" The Salarian Councilor asked blinking his large eyes.

"You've made your decision. I won't waste my breath," said Shepard."

A couple small glanced were exchanged by the Councillors, but they didn't bother to discuss anything. Which just proved his point. The Asari Councillor spoke. "The Council has found no evidence of any connection between Saren and the geth. Ambassador, your petition to have him disbarred from the Spectres is denied."

"I'm glad to see justice was served." Saren's hologram vanished.

"This meeting is adjourned."

Udina immediately began chewing them out. "It was a mistake bringing you into that hearing, Captain. You and Saren have too much history. It made the Council question our motives."

Anderson rolled his eyes, and turned towards Shepard. "I know Saren. He's working with the geth for one reason: to exterminate the entire human race." He gestured. "Every colony we have is at risk. Every world we control is in danger. Even Earth isn't safe."

"Tell me about this mission between you and Saren," said Shepard.

"I worked with him on a mission along time ago. Things went bad. Really bad." Anderson closed his eyes and looked back at Shepard. "We shouldn't talk about this here. But I know what he's like. And he has to be stopped."

"What's our next step?" Shepard asked.

"As a Spectre, he's virtually untouchable. We need to find some way to expose him." Udina tapped his chin.

Kaidan spoke up. "What about Garrus, that C-Sec investigator? We saw him arguing with the executor."

Ashley nodded. "That's right. He was asking for more time to finish his report. Seems like he was close to finding something on Saren."

"Any idea where we could find him?" Shepard asked.

"I have a contact in C-Sec who can help us track Garrus down," said Udina. "His name is Harken."

"Forget it." Anderson shook his head at Udina. "They suspended Harkin last month. Drinking on the job. I won't waste my time with that loser."

"You won't have to." Udina folded his arms and glared at Anderson. "I don't want the Council using your past history with Saren as an excuse to ignore anything we turn up. Shepard will handle this."

Shepard straightened. "You can't just cut Captain Anderson out of this investigation."

"The ambassador's right." Anderson held up a hand. "I need to step aside."

"I need to take care of some business." Udina nodded. "Captain, meet me in my office later."

He brushed by Udina as the man walked away before turning his attention back to Anderson. Anderson sighed. "Harkin's probably getting drunk at Chora's Den. It's a dingy little club in the lower section of the wards."

"Maybe there's another way to find evidence against Saren." Playing cop wasn't exactly one of his specialties.

"You should talk to Barla Von. Over in the financial district. Rumor has it he's an agent for the Shadow Broker."

"The Shadow Broker?" Ashley raised an eyebrow.

"An information dealer. Buys and sells secrets to the highest bidder. I've heard Barla Von's one of the top representatives." Anderson clasped his hands behind his back. "He might know something about Saren. But his information won't come cheap."

"Our ambassador doesn't seem to get along with the Council," Shepard noticed.

"He's just frustrated," said Anderson defensively. "The Council's always preaching that we need to be a particle at a community. But for them it's a one-way street. They want us to expand the settle on unstable regions like the Skyllian Verge and the Attican Traverse.

But when we run into trouble, they don't want to help out. Everyone knows it's a matter of time until we get a seat on the Council. The ambassador just think it should happen sooner rather than later. And I agree."

"Maybe they'd let us join the Council if we were more willing to cooperate with other species," Shepard suggested.

Anderson nodded. "Of course they would! If we did everything they told us to, they'd love to have us on the Council. But it wouldn't be much of a deal for us. I understand their side. They don't want us dominating the Council. It's funded on cooperation alliances. But we have to look out for own interests, too."

Shepard nodded. "I should go."