Chapter XVIII

London was starting to look like the city it once was. All of the debris had been cleared out and new construction was underway everywhere. The Anderson memorial had been a top priority and was completed a week earlier than expected. It was a beautifully built park with a central plaza large enough to accommodate a few thousand people. Today, the area of the ceremony was already filled to the brim. The attendees were mostly military, politicians and dignitaries, but many civilians had ventured to the big city for this memorable occasion. Due to tightened security, only invited members of the press were given access to cover the event. Everyone had to pass scanners to get into the plaza. Even Liara, Kaidan and Shepard had to go through security before quickly taking their seats on the stage beside the rest of the Normandy's crew.

The ceremony started with the unveiling of the Anderson monument, a stoic statue of the man in Alliance uniform. Kelly Sanders, per Shepard's insistence, had been invited to speak first. Her speech was personal and moving. Everyone had fallen silent at the raw emotions of her words.

Admiral Hackett spoke next, "To the women and men, soldiers and civilians, who put everything aside to defeat the Reapers: this plaza is also dedicated to you. I would be amiss if I did not give a special salute to the crew of the Normandy. From its very beginning, the Normandy and the people in it were in the thick of it all, pursuing our common enemy until the very end. I am here today to present to its crew the gratitude they truly deserve."

One by one, every crew member of the Normandy, both alive and deceased, were immortalized with their names ceremoniously placed around the Anderson monument. Hackett continued by handing out to every non-Alliance member of the Normandy SR-1 and SR-2 the newly created Anderson Star, awarded to non-Alliance soldiers who distinguished themselves by exceptional cooperation with allied forces. Then, the Normandy's Alliance soldiers received their commendations and promotions. Flight Lieutenant Jeff Moreau and Lieutenant James Vega received the Star of Terra and the Arcturus Ribbon for their role in the success of the war. Chief Engineer Adams, Doctor Chakwas, and Samantha Traynor received the Naval Cross for their dedication to their respective fields. Promotions were given to Engineer Daniels and Engineer Donnelly who both became Operations Chiefs, and Lieutenant Steve Cortez was promoted to Flight Lieutenant. Kaidan was awarded the Arcturus Ribbon and given his promotion to General. Shepard, already recipient of every existing medal and commendation, was promoted to Rear Admiral.

When Shepard was introduced to give the final speech, the attendees rose up and roared with glee. As she slowly took centre stage, Shepard scanned the crowd for any possible disruptions, any sign of violence, but there was nothing. The mood was light and cheerful. She collected her thoughts and focused on the reason they were all there.

"Admiral Anderson was a true hero, not only because he fought with everything he had, not only because he lead by example, but because he never expected praise or reward in return. He was a mentor to many, knowing when to push and when to let go. Without him, most of us would not be here today, including me. I will honour you, David, by striving for peace, fairness and cooperation. For those who still think that we can continue exploring the galaxy without allies, may I remind you that the Reapers were defeated because we worked together. United we stand strong, divided we will crumble." As Shepard took a pause the plaza erupted with cheers and applause. When the crowd had quieted slightly, she stated a thought and a solemn wish. "This monument also commemorates all the lives we lost, organic or not. May we never forget them. " Again, the crowd rose to their feet and roared into cheers and applause.

After the ceremony was over, the festivities continued, though Shepard was not in the mood for a celebration. The message from Praxidikai had shook her, but for her crew's sake, she would put whatever feelings she had aside.

When she was recovering at the hospital months ago, reading the thousands of well wishes she received, it became clear to her that she meant much more to people than what she saw herself as-a mere Alliance soldier doing her duty. Shepard represented the best of humanity; she gave people hope and purpose. Shepard also realized that she couldn't be that person forever, that some day, she would have to simply be Liv Shepard again. She couldn't think of being anything other than a soldier, but if her role and position were to change-as it presently was-and she could no longer do what she loved to do, then maybe it was time to do something else. A quiet life as a civilian might not be that bad. And yet, maybe, she just had too much time on her hands lately to think about these things.

The following morning, the crew was invited to Kaidan's family home for breakfast. It was nice to be amongst friends once again and feel no immediate threat looming upon them.

"Hell of a party yesterday," exclaimed Garrus. "You humans sure know how to celebrate."

"Yeah, that we do! I think Vega is still out there celebrating," replied Shepard jokingly. "Where's Tali? Did she party too hard?"

"No, she's coming. She's bringing a surprise for someone," whispered Garrus with a grin while looking at Joker, who was deep in conversation with Adams about the Normandy's optimum navigational settings.

"What!? She did it already?" asked Shepard.

Garrus nodded with pride.

"That's amazing."

"She spent more time with her than she did with me. I was starting to get jealous," said Garrus jokingly. "But seriously, it kept her from thinking too much of Rannoch."

"I know how much she wanted to be there for the construction of their new city," returned Shepard.

"Now with most of the comm buoys working, she has been able to participate in some of the planning," replied Garrus.

"That must be encouraging," said Shepard as they were alerted that someone was at the door. Kaidan went to invite the new guests in.

From the monitor, Kaidan saw Tali with some other woman wearing a very shiny suit. Kaidan couldn't recognize her because she was behind Tali and had her back to the camera. He nonetheless opened the door for them.

"Hello, Major Alenko!" said Tali's friend now facing him. Kaidan's jaw dropped realizing who she was.

"Kaidan is a General now," Tali corrected her companion.

"Huh...Shepard!" called out Kaidan, in awe. "You better come over here."

Tali seemed tired, but their was a levity to her that Kaidan hadn't seen in a long time. He suddenly woke up from his daze and warmingly welcomed them both. From where they stood, no one else could see who these people were. Although the sound of Kaidan's voice was calm, there was a hint of urgency. Shepard immediately rose up to walk over to the entrance. Others, noticing a disruption, followed her. With a steady pace, Shepard turned the corner of the hallway into the foyer where the guests were waiting.

"EDI!" cried out Shepard and hugged her readily. Shepard had forgotten how cold EDI's body could be-it was all metal after all-but she didn't care.

"Hello, Commander!" replied EDI, hugging her back. "It's nice to see you."

When they pulled apart, a handful of people had gathered behind Shepard, astonished to find their old colleague and friend alive.

"EDI? Is that really you?" asked Joker as he made his way to her through the crowd.

"Yes, Joker, it is really me!" answered EDI.

The little group of onlookers happily retreated to continue their breakfast feast with Tali, leaving Joker and EDI alone in the hallway.