"Ah yes, Kaidan did mention you were coming."
The group stood before the new Asari Councilor, Justicar Samara. She sat beside her daughter, Falere, and was wearing a velvet red gown. It's been years since the Reaper War, but she didn't seem to have aged a day.
"Samara, good to see you." Grunt said from the back. The krogan had remembered his time with her, during the battle with the Collectors many years ago.
Samara smiled, "And you, Grunt. You have grown well. You were only seven days old when Shepard and I rescued you from Okeer. And yet, here you are still full of spirit."
Grunt laughed, "And you… I remembered you used to be ruthless. You killed because you were following your code. What changed? All of the sudden, you've become a Councilor."
"I have left my Justicar Code. Times are rather different now. The other Justicars have left as well, and have decided to settle their lives in peace. Although I believe there are still many injustices left in this world, I have decided that in being Councilor, I can settle these disputes without resorting to bloodshed. That is why I accepted the position."
"And I believe you would do well with it, Samara." Liara said, "Your wisdom would be a good addition to the Council."
The Justicar smiled, "Kaidan, Tali and Mordin are wise enough as well." She stood up, and Falere followed. She hugged her daughter goodbye, smiling at her before turning to them. "I am ready to go."
"Samara, there is something we would like to ask." Tristan said, and Samara looked at him and smiled.
"Ah, you are Kaidan's son, correct?" Tristant nodded, and Samara touched his face, "You have your father's hair, as well as his spirit. I can sense it. What is it you would like to ask me?"
"We received intelligence that there was a hidden Cerberus base here. Any idea how it happened?"
Samara shook her head, but it was Falere who answered, "This Monastery is small, and the outside has many dangers." She said, "Although, we did have a meteor land a few years ago, it shook the whole monastery. It happened thirty two years ago, I believe. We couldn't venture to the area as we Ardat-Yakshi are not allowed outside, so we never knew what it was."
"Why do you ask, son of Kaidan?" Samara said.
"My name is Tristan, Councilor Samara." He said as he bowed slightly, and Samara returned it with one of her own, "Liara has detected an energy signature here, deep underground. We're going to investigate it."
Samara looked a little concerned, "Cerberus? In Lesuss? It's impossible." But she shook her head, "Shall I accompany you to the area?"
Tristan waved off the offer, "There's no need for that, Councilor. We'll do it. Besides, you need to get settled in the Normandy." He looked back and mentioned to the crew. "Jarred, Amira and Grunt… you're with me. The rest of you, accompany Councilor Samara to the Normandy. Make sure she's comfortable."
"Thank you, Tristan." Samara smiled again as they left. Tristan radioed Edison, "Edison, we're taking the shuttle and head to the Cerberus base, think you can pick up Councilor Samara?"
"Aye, aye, Commander." Edison's voice said through their earpiece. And soon enough the Normandy hovered over them.
Samara smiled, "I have missed this vessel. It has been many years."
"Admiral Tali'Zorah told us that you used to reside at the Starboard Observation. You're welcome to stay there again if you'd like." Jarred said from behind her.
Samara turned to Jarred to smile at him, "That would be lovely… oh!" Her eyes widened at the sight of Jarred. "Oh!"
Jarred bowed his head, and Samara smiled, "I see now." She said and reached out to Jarred's face, pulling his face towards her. "I know who you are."
Falere and the other crew were looking at him strangely now, and Jarred's voice dropped a whisper. "Councilor Samara… please…"
Samara read Jarred's face, and immediately understood. She nodded a little, "You are destined for greatness, young one." And she walked to the Normandy.
Jarred coughed, "Let's get on with the mission, shall we?"
Tristan came forward and patted Jarred, "He's right. Let's move out."
The four of them headed back to the shuttle, and Jarred looked back at the Justicar. She was standing on the Boarding Dock of the Normandy, smiling at him, as if she knew something. When their gazes met, Samara smiled even more, shaking her head a little, before climbing up the ship.