In the Council Chamber Shepard found an Alliance Rear Admiral, he appeared to be having problems.
Once the admiral saw him, he nodded in recognition. "Congratulations on becoming the first human Spectre, Commander. I'm certain you'll be up to the challenge."
"I appreciate that," said Shepard shaking his hand.
"My name is Admiral Kahoku," he nodded. "It's about time the Alliance got one of their own in with the Spectres. We need people like you to deal with our… problems."
"Is something wrong, Admiral?" Shepard frowned.
"I'm getting stonewalled by bureaucratic assholes," Admiral Kahoku grumbled. "Nothing new. Maybe you can help me, Shepard. One of my team was investigating some strange activity in the Traverse. We lost contact yesterday. Now I can't get clearance to check it out—suddenly it's a restricted area. But that doesn't apply to you, Shepard. Spectres can do anywhere they want. You can find out why my team dropped out of contact."
"I'll find them, Admiral," Shepard assured.
"I appreciate that, Commander. I was running out of options. I'm going to stay here and see if I can find anything out through official channels. Although my breath, though."
Before leaving they made contact with man who was looking for any information on his brother, who was a captain of the ship that went out in the Traverse. Shepard assured that you locate his brother ship and see what happened to him.
Before they reach the elevator Shepard turned to look at Garrus, Tali and Wrex wasn't far.
"You don't have to come with me," said Shepard.
"I can use a break away from the Citadel," said Garrus.
"And I promised you my help," said Tail.
"I'm in," Wrex said from where he was standing.
Shepard raised an eyebrow. "You are?"
"Tired of the Citadel." Wrex shrugged. "Too much white."
Shepard thought having other races among the crew would be refreshing and might provide new insight to their cultures. Also you will need all the help he can get in that men skilled soldiers and experts in all fields and they all qualified.
Wrex and Garrus went to take care of their own preparations, while Shepard dealt with his unfinished business on the Citadel. The reporter was absolutely ecstatic about the OSDs. In the office next to Udina's were a volus, who didn't care much for humans and an elcor, who was very polite.
The elcor were large species that walked on all fours for they are evolved in a highly gravity world. A single form their world could be lethal in fact and as such they were very slow. They also had to explain how they felt since they often talk to their own kind with pheromones.
The elcor was dealing with a client, who was complaining about the Consort for spreading his secrets. The Consort was an asari who offered personal services as well as entertainment and conversations, but she was most known to everyone for the advice she gave.
They went over to visit the Consort to sort this mess out, but she was so busy that it actually took months. Fortunately, it appeared that she had taken quite a bit of interest in Shepard and asked to see them.
"That's quite close enough, Commander," she said as he entered the room. "I've heard a great many things about you since you arrived here on out Citadel.
"What exactly do you do?" Shepard enquired.
"That depends on your needs. I offer advice to some, comfort to others." She then turned to face him. "I have a certain problem that could use your expertise."
"Maybe I can help."
"I have a friend. Septimus, a retired turian general," she said as she walked over towards him. "I won't disclose the details, but he wanted me to be more than I could be. We had a falling out. Now he spends his days in Chora's Den drinking and spreading lies about me."
She then brushed her hand against his cheek. "If you would ask to see him as a fellow soldier, I believe he will listen to you and that the matter be."
"What exactly do you want me to tell him?"
"Appear to a sense of honour. Remind him of his position as a general." She then leaned in close and whispered in his ear. "If you can convince him to stop spreading lies about me, I would be very grateful."
They met the general at Chora's Den and just as the Consort said, he was drinking.
He looked up and saw Shepard and grew suspicious. "Commander? Hmph. What do you want?"
"What's bothering you, General?" Shepard asked crossing his arms.
"I seen a lot of horrible things in my days and there's one woman in this damn galaxy that helps me forget it," he grumbled.
"So if you feel that way, then why spread lies about her?" Kaidan asked.
"'Cause she rejected me," he said slamming his hand on the table. "Me! Septimus Oraka, general of the turian fleet!"
"I think I can see why you're upset, but spreading these lies won't make it better," said Shepard.
Septimus sighed and looked up at him. "Look, kid, I appreciate what you're trying to do, but don't waste your time."
Shepard placed his hands on the table and looked at the old general's face. "General, did you ever win a battle by moping in a bar?"
"Ha, war!" he said leaning back in his chair. "That's what it feels like all right. How did it come to this? So, you think it's that easy? Just straighten up and act like a general?"
"I don't think it could hurt," said Kaidan.
"Huh. Maybe you're right, Commander," Septimus nodded. "Sha'ira's worth the effort… even if she won't have me back."
"This is no place for someone of your stature, general," said Shepard.
"All right. I'll go to her… after I've had a cold shower," he nodded. "Or two." He then looked up at Shepard. "Say, your bright kid. Would you be interested in earning a few extra credits?"
"Would you want me to do?"
"There's an elcor diplomat out there who believes Sha'ira gave up his secrets."
"Why does he think that?" Kaidan asked.
"Because I told him," he sighed. "Look, I just need you to convince him of the truth."
"What makes you think he'll believe me?"
"You'll bring him improve." He then handed Shepard a datapad. "Take this datapad. It shows where I got my info. It will exonerate Sha'ira and convince the elcor."
"Who I taking it to and where is he?"
"His name is Xeltan. He's an elcor diplomat. He's over in the embassy complaining about Sha'ira." He then grabbed his drink and lifted into the air. "Well. Here's to soldiers acting like soldiers." He then looked back at Shepard. "Thanks, Commander. You know… you might make a good general yourself one day."
After Shepard gave the datapad to the elcor diplomat he returned to the Consort.
"Commander. I recently received a lovely note from Septimus. Thank you for speaking to him," she said gratefully. "Even the elcor diplomat has withdrawn his campaign against me."
"It was my honour to aid you."
"You are too kind, Commander," she smiled. "But I would not expect you to help me out of the kindness of your heart. I also have one more thing to give you, if you are interested."
"I'd be honoured."
"I offer a gift of words. An affirmation of who you are, and who you will become… I see your skin, tough scales of any turian. Unyielding. A wall between you and everyone else. But it protects you, makes you strong. It is that strength that people are drawn to. It is why you lead, and others follow, without question. You will need that leader in the battles to come. This may be who you are, but it is not who you will become. It only forms the basis of your future greatness. Remember these words when doubt descends, Commander."
"You have quite a gift, Sha'ira," said Shepard.
"Thank you," he smiled. "Not everyone appreciates it as you do. Never underestimate the power of words." She then handed him an amulet. "Here, Commander. In light of your efforts with the elcor ambassador, I would like you to have this small trinket."
"What is it?"
"A small mystery. I have never learned its use or purpose, but I sense it is time for me to pass it on. And now, I must ask you to leave. I have done everything I can for you."
They were now making their way towards the docks, but on the way Shepard was stopped by a blonde haired young man, who looked extremely excited when his eyes fell upon him.
"You're Commander Shepard, the hero of Eden Prime! I am honoured to meet you!" he said practically jumping up and down.
"Nice to meet you," said Shepard shaking the man's hand. "And you are…?"
"My name is Conrad. Conrad Verner. They say you killed more than hundred geth on Eden Prime!"
Shepard shrugged. "I spend most of my time trying to stay alive and help the colonists."
"Hey, I know you're probably busy, but you have time for a quick autograph?" he asked nervously.
Shepard nodded and Conrad had him me datapad for him to sign. "Anything for a fan," he said and handed it back to him. "Here."
"Thanks. I really appreciated. My wife is going to be so impressed! I'll let you get back to work, but next time you're on Earth, I'd love to buy a drink! Thanks again!"
Udina and Anderson were waiting for them at the docking bay. And there was definitely some tension. Udina nodded when he approached. "I've got big news for you, Shepard. Captain Anderson is stepping down as commanding officer of the Normandy. The ship is yours now."
Anderson folded his arms, and nodded to Shepard. "She's quick and quiet and you know the crew. Perfect ship for a Spectre. Treat her well, Commander."
"I'll take care of her, sir," Shepard assured.
"I know you will, Commander."
"I want the truth. Why you stepping down, sir?" Shepard frowned.
"You needed your own ship. A Spectre can't answer to anyone but the Council. And its time for me to step down."
"Come clean with me, Captain. You owe me that much."
Anderson sighed. "I was in your shoes twenty years ago, Shepard. They were considering me for the Spectres."
Shepard's eyes widened. "Why did you ever mention this?"
"What was I supposed to say? 'I could've been a Spectre but I blew it'?" he said angrily. "I failed, Commander. It's not something I'm proud of. Ask me later and I'll tell you the whole story. For now, all you need to know is I was sent on a mission with Saren, and he made sure the Council rejected me. I had my shot. It came and went. Now you have a chance to make up for my mistakes."
"I won't let you down, sir," Shepard assured.
Anderson and Udina then filled him in with leads that the Council had given them. Noveria, Feros, and Matriarch Benezia had a daughter somewhere in the Artemis Tau cluster. A daughter that specialised in protheans. "Artemis Tau sounds like the place to start."
"It's your decision, Commander. You're a Spectre now. You don't answer to us." Anderson nodded.
"But your actions still reflect on humanity as a whole. You make a mess and I get stuck cleaning it up." Udina glared.
"I'll try not make things any harder for you, Ambassador," Shepard promised.
"Glad to hear it, Commander," Udina nodded. "Remember: you were a human long before you were a Spectre. I have a meeting to get to. Captain Anderson can answer any questions you might have." He stalked off.
Shepard told the aliens where they could settle in, then headed up to the cockpit. Garrus had to pull Tali along when the quarian kept stopping to look at various displays. A lot of the crew turned to stare as they passed.
"I heard what happened to Captain Anderson. Survives a hundred battles, and then gets taken down by backroom politics." Joker glanced over his shoulder. "Just watch your back, Commander. Things go bad on this mission, you're next on their chopping block."
"Captain Anderson should be the one in charge," Shepard sighed. "It's like I'm sealing the ship from him."
"Yeah, the captain got screwed. But it's not like you could've stopped it. Nobody's blaming you." Joker looked up at him. "Everyone on this ship is behind you, Commander. One hundred percent." He pointed. "Intercom's open. If you've got anything you want to say to the crew, now's the time."
He stared at the intercom then leaned forward. "This is Commander Shepard speaking. We have our orders: find Saren before he finds the Conduit. I won't lie to you, crew. This mission isn't going to be easy. For too long our species has stood apart from the others. Now it's time for us to step up and do our part for the rest of the galaxy! Time the show them what humans are made of! Our enemy knows we're coming. When we going to Traverse, Saren follows will be waiting for us. But we'll be ready for them, too. Humanity needs to do this. Not just for our own sake, but the sake of every species in Citadel Space. Saren must be stopped, and I promise you all… we will stop him!"
"Well said, Commander. Captain would be proud."
"The captain gave up everything so I could have this chance. We can't fail."
"Yes, sir!"
Shepard then went to check on Ashley, who was modifying her shotgun. She was still suffering the loss of her squad and blamed herself for their deaths. Shepard tried to point out that it wasn't her fault, but she wasn't convinced.
He then went up to see how Garrus was settling in.
"Thanks for bringing me on board, Commander." Garrus straightened up from where he'd been examining the mako. "I knew working with a Spectre would be better than life at C-Sec."
"Have you worked with a Spectre before?"
"Well, no." Garrus's mandibles clicked slightly. "But I know what they're like. Spectres make their own rules. You're free to handle things your way." He gestured. "At C-Sec, you're buried by rules. The damn bureaucrats are always on your back."
"For the most part, the rules are there for a reason."
"Maybe. But sometimes it feels like the rules of only there to stop me from doing my work." Garrus threw up one of his hands. "If I'm trying to take down a suspect, it shouldn't matter how I do it, as long as I do it. But C-Sec wants it done their way. Protocol and procedure come first. That's why I left."
"So you quit because you don't like the way they do things?"
"There's more to it then that." Garrus started unpacking some of his gear, checking over his armour as he stowed it into one of the lockers. "It didn't start out bad, but as I rose in ranks, I got saddled with more and more red tape. C-Sec's handling of Saren was typical. I just couldn't take it anymore. I hate leaving…" He unpacked a sniper rifle.
Shepard moved in to get a better look, and Garrus offered it to him. The scope was oriented differently than what he was used too. "I hope you made the right choice. I hate for you to regret it later." He peered through the scope, and realized it must be designed to work with the visor Garrus wore over his left eye. It would be interesting to see how it functioned in the field. He'd always found the eyepieces more trouble than they were worth. He offered the rifle back.
"Well, that's sort of the reason why teamed up with you," said Garrus packed the rifle away carefully. "It's a chance for me to get off this the Citadel, see how things are done outside C-Sec. Either way, I plan to make the most of this. And without C-Sec headquarters looking over my shoulder, well, maybe I can get the job done my way for a change."
"If getting the job done means endangering innocent people, then, no," said Shepard firmly. "We get the job done right, not fast. Got it?"
Garrus looked taken aback. "I wasn't trying to—I understand, Commander."
When he tried to talk to Wrex, he discover that the krogan wasn't in a talkative mood. In fact the conversation went downhill the moment they began to discussing turians and Shepard half fear that he might throw Garrus at the airlock.
He then decided to see how Tali was doing in the engineering. Adams actually found her impressive and he was happy that she was working in engineering. She waved when she saw him enter. "Your ship's amazing, Shepard. I've never seen a drive core like this before. I can't believe you were able to fit it into a ship this small." She waved towards the engine. "I'm starting to understand why humans have been so successful. I had no idea Alliance vessels were so advanced."
"The Normandy's a prototype. Cutting edge technology." He nodded.
She ran a hand along one of the consoles as though it were a work of art. "A month ago, I was patching a makeshift fuel line into a converted tug ship in the flotilla. Now I'm sitting on board one of the most advanced vessels in Citadel space." She made a sound somewhere between a purr and a sigh. "I have to thank you again for bringing me along. Traveling on a vessel like this is a dream come true for me."
Her enthusiasm was almost infectious. "I had no idea you found ship technology so interesting."
"It comes with being a quarian." She examined one of the readouts. "The Migrant Fleet is the key to the survival of my people. Ships are our most valuable resource." He listened as she went on about her people for a while. It took some time before he got around to his reason for locating her, and asked her about the geth. Unfortunately, she didn't have a lot more information to offer than what was available on the extranet. Recovering the memory core seemed it had a lot more to do with her knack at engineering rather than special quarian knowledge.
It did sound as though she could make herself useful as part of his crew. And after listening to gush some more about her pilgrimage and what coming along meant to her... If he made her leave now, his entire engineering department would mutiny.
Shepard stared at the communication unit for several seconds before answering. "Just heard the news. Congratulations," said Hackett.
"Thank you, sir," Shepard saluted.
"You've taken the first steps of humanity, Commander make us proud," said Hackett. "I'm just letting you know that I might very well send assignments your way. Now that you've joined the Spectres you have access to different parts of the galaxy that we can't reach."
"Understood, Sir."
It wasn't long before Shepard got another message this time from an old friend. He hadn't seen Rick Ryder for a long time ever since he took part in the N7 program, but he heard that he got promoted.
"Hey, John," said Rick. "Just saw you on the news, first human Spectre, hey."
"Is that a hint of jealousy?" Shepard smiled.
"Maybe a little," Rick shrugged.
"Where are you serving now?"
"In the fifth fleet under the command of Admiral Hackett, in fact I'm on his flagship and I've made second lieutenant."
"You've earned it," said Shepard. "I know you had problems with your uncle's illegal work and all."
Rick nodded. "It's my cousins, I'm more worried about, they were just recruits when all this happened."
"I'm sure they'll be fine."
"I don't know what you're doing, John, according to the Admiral it's classified when I asked, but I've got a hunch that has something to do with Eden Prime," said Rick. "Well, whatever you're doing I wish you the best of luck."
"You too," said Shepard.