Well here it is. The last chapter... for the first part of the trilogy. I got to say I'm a little disappointed in the lack of reviews. You know a 'It was good' would go a long way with me whether its guests or members.
This chapter may be shorter than most and for that I'm sorry.
Recap: Everyone heard the explosion and turned to look out the window just in time to see Sovereign's debris floating towards the Chambers. Shepard looked at his team quickly still in his form.
"GO!" He roared before everyone ran for it. The debris crashed into the room which could be seen by all outside in orbit.
Now
It had been an hour before anyone could get to the Council Chambers. The emergency lights had come on in the Tower with the alarms still blaring. The elevator worked which was good. David Anderson came out dressed in his dress blues uniform with several C-Sec officers behind him. The second they stepped out, they were met by a cloud of smoke before going further in. They were in shocked awe at the destruction the room had taken.
Sovereign's debris, an incredibly small portion of the Reaper, filled the room, covering most of it. Some of the trees had been smashed by the rubble while others were still on fire. Parts of the Reaper were still powered up somehow but they ignored it. This was the place where the team was last seen and heard.
"Spread and search for them! Make sure all seven are accounted for!" Anderson ordered. The C-Sec agents nodded and scoured over the room looking for any signs of life. Their omni-tools activated the flashlight feature since the room was considerable dark. Anderson joined in to after a few minutes of waiting. He had spent a majority of his time before the attack sitting in a prison cell. When the attacked he was let out and given pistol. He helped Citadel Security get the civilians away from the geth while taking a few out himself. After more than an hour of being under siege, some crazy biotic came destroying geth, laughing like a maniac and wielding a piece of rebar that had been fashioned into a sword.
The biotic had told him that Shepard and his team made it onto the station and were on their way to stop Saren at the Tower before the biotic went to find more geth to kill. So here Anderson was after having changed, leading a rescue team of people who had kept him in a cell previously, sifting through rubble trying to find the team that saved their lives.
"Captain Anderson! We found some of them! In here!" One of the agents said detecting two life signs. The agent began to move the rubble away with Anderson helping him. Once some of the rubble was cleared they've found them. It was the turian, Garrus Vakarian, and the asari, Liara T'Soni.
"We got four over here!" Someone shouted further away from them. The quarian, Tali'Zorah, was the first to come out followed by Ashley Williams. Next came Kaidan Alenko followed by the krogan, Urdnot Wrex. Everyone gathered before Anderson, clutching their sides, arm or torso while others were limping. Everyone was fidgeting and were looking around rapidly as if looking for something. Sensing their growing worry, Anderson spoke.
"Take it easy... it's over. You're safe now." His words did nothing as they kept looking around more and more frantically before they looked down to the ground sadly. That was when he noticed they were short one person.
"Where's Shepard?" He asked, thinking what they had thought. Tali shook her negatively before all of them looked to where Council's Podium was. Anderson looked where their line of sight was and frowned. The entire area where the Council's and Petitioner's Podiums were was completely crushed and covered by rubble. No one could've survived that. Not even Shepard. Anderson felt sadness believing what they believed.
Shepard was gone. Dead. The galaxy had lost another good person among countless others today. Anderson began to usher everyone to nearest clinic. As they walked away, Ashley supported Liara. Both looked over their shoulders in sadness at the heap of rubble that had buried the man they loved before continuing on.
Shepard gasped in pain. It was dark at the moment, save for blue lights around him. He couldn't move his left arm so well and he was having trouble breathing. Not only that but his head was hurting and he wanted to puke. During the fight with Sovereign, his helmet had been destroyed somehow so blood was trickling from his head too. The pain in his torso was bad. It felt like someone was sitting on his stomach. He started to recognize his surroundings. The familiar dark purple metal and the wires. He was under some part of Sovereign that crashed into the Tower. He felt around his limbs. Everywhere was sore but not painful like his ribs and arm.
"I-Isaac. Y-You there?" He called out hoping his best friend was okay.
"Yes, Shepard. I'm here. Don't move around so much." Shepard stilled.
"Why?"
"From your suit's scans, you've got a few broken ribs and your left shoulder is dislocated. I can't do anything about your shoulder, but I'm applying some medi-gel to help alleviate the pain from your ribs."
"Okay. Give me the run down on my suit. What kind of damage am I facing with it?" Isaac paused for a moment before answering.
"Your suit is mostly damaged. Your modifications to it have also been quite damaged. The VI in your medical exoskeleton has been knocked out operating capacity hence why I'm operating it to give you your medi-gel. Your shield interface has been rendered nonfunctional. Your armor itself is cracked and broken in several places. I would avoid walking out in an airless, zero gravity environment while still wearing this if I were you. Shepard smirked as the pain faded down to a tolerable level.
"Right, thanks." He used his biotic pulse ability. He found everyone in a group further away from him. Unknown to him, his eyes glowed with a circuit pattern again. He could see where his friends were now. He focused on his power and felt come out. Electricity arced of him briefly before his biotic aura enveloped him. The electricity disappeared as he used his biotic powers to blast the rubble off of him. The meat parts flew away and crashed with bang as he felt the power leave him. His sight returned to normal, noticing that he was right at the edge of the garden that was directly under the podiums. He climbed up the rubble and ran to them.
Anderson was helping Tali who was limping to the elevator. The team of C-Sec agents were there helping everyone else, making sure they were walking properly or trying to help with some medi-gel. That was when Anderson heard something shift behind all of them. Anderson turned around and saw a figure in the distance jump down. He stopped walking and stood looking for any sign of the figure.
Everyone else noticed Anderson's behavior and looked where he was looking. Hope rose in some of the Normandy team, believing that Shepard might be alive. That was when the figure came running up on one of Sovereign's smaller limbs. There on top of it was Shepard. He was bloody, burned a little, clutching his ribs and his arm hung loosely. But there he was alive and grinning. He walked up to them with his grin still on. Everyone was smiling back at him.
"You didn't think that'd put me down, did you?" He asked jokingly.
"Damn, Shepard. You give everyone a hard time don't you?" Anderson replied back with a smile of his own. Shepard was about to say something before his body felt heavy and the back of his head burned. The world span around as his feet tilted back. The last thing he saw was Anderson reach for him before all became black.
Shepard woke up in a very familiar place. The ground was dirt and grass. There were giant trees reaching ever so high and it was night time. This was his inner world. He looked up and noticed that the moon was full now. Still blue but was now radiating a blue aurora borealis.
"You did it. I knew you could." His mother's voice came from behind him. Shepard turned around before he was engulfed in a hug. She was smiling proudly at him. He smiled back at her as he returned the hug.
"I didn't do it alone." Hannah merely kept smiling at him as she let go and backed away from him.
"I know. You have your friends who helped you, not to mention the crew of your ship." John looked up at the moon.
"So what exactly is this power?" He asked as he looked back at her. Hannah shook her head.
"I'm afraid I do not know the specifics of it. What I do know is how you acquired it." He looked at her expectantly.
"When you change, your eyes change with you." John nodded.
"I know. My eyes glow white." Hannah shook her head at his answer.
"No, that has changed now that you can control it. Your eyes don't glow white anymore. The irises change now. They take a light blue circuit pattern now instead. Not only that but during the fighting, your translator was damaged." John raised any eyebrow at the translator part.
"So?" Hannah eyes narrowed at him. John realized that he had missed something, but what?
"Sovereign destroyed your translator when he sent all of you back with that red electric pulse. And when you transformed your non-human friends spoke to you in their native language." John's eyes widened.
"Which I understood instantly without a translator. I never really bothered to learn other languages since I got that translator." John finished wondering how it was possible.
"I've only seen one other individual have these traits John. And that was your biological father. This power of your's originated from him. At least partially anyway." John nodded before frowning. Hannah smiled at him knowing what he was thinking.
"Don't think this means you and he are alike. You both do bear some similarities, but more than few differences too. You both are charismatic, ingenious and care about people in your own ways. But unlike him, you include everyone, not just humans. He uses his resources and power to raise humanity alone, to disrupt balance. You try to keep the balance in your own or try to raise everyone. While he cares about results, you care about what it took to get those results." Her words helped John somewhat before he remembered something else. Hannah noticed his somber mood as the smile on her face became neutral.
"You really intend to go back, don't you? To Omega?" John nodded.
"Even knowing that there are multiple ways for the Reapers to come back?" John looked at her.
"She's my daughter." He replied softly.
"A daughter who would call this galaxy home. This galaxy that the Reapers will destroy." John looked down at his feet. This had occurred to him on the way to the Citadel Tower during the battle. While the Citadel relay could be a gateway for the Reapers to come through, it wasn't the only way. Hiding out in dark space didn't mean they couldn't move through it to come to the galaxy. Merely take longer before the invasion began.
"Just because you may become a father doesn't mean you can abandon your duty." John looked up at her. Duty? Hannah nodded to him as if reading his mind.
"The Reapers stand for everything you oppose, son. I know you can't walk away from the threat they pose." John knew her words were true.
"Just because I'm going to look after my daughter, doesn't mean I won't stop fighting the Reapers or at least find a way to prevent them from returning." Hannah frowned.
"You may find that things are not going to be the way you think. Especially regarding your child." John's eyes narrowed at her.
"What do you mean?" Hannah sighed already able to tell where his thoughts were going.
"The child is your's, but... something has happened while you were away. Liselle and Aria will still be there, but do not expect a happy reunion." She said looking away. John was about to demand more answers from her before the area became foggy.
"It would appear our time is up. Cherish the people close to you, son, and the time you spend with them. They are the most important things in life to us." With those words, Hannah Shepard disappeared from view.
"Wait! What do you mean? Mom!" John called out before everything went white.
Shepard's eyes opened up before he squinted them shut. The light was blinding. He tried to move but his body was still sore. His arm was much better as he was able to move it, but his ribs still hurt. He opened his eyes in stages, adjusting to the light. Once they had done so, he took in his surroundings. He was in a hospital room, laying in hospital bed obviously, clad in a hospital getup. Where a wall probably should have been, was instead a window that overlooked the Presidium. Wasn't much to look at considering he could still see cleanup crews. He turned his attention to the rest of the room. The room held all kinds of medical tech that he wouldn't see in a clinic. Advanced operating equipment, heart monitors and scanners. Tables and trays containing medicine, drugs and whatever else they have in a hospital. He looked at his left arm and saw that they attached an IV to him. He flexed his hand to see if his omni-tool came up. It did so thankfully.
"Isaac, you there?"
"Welcome back to the world of the living." Isaac whispered back. Shepard gave relieved sigh. It would have been hell if anyone took his omni-tool with Isaac still inside. Before anything else could be said, the door opened. A doctor walked in before stopping staring at him in shock. The doctor was someone he didn't think would be in the hospital with him, but in all honesty he'd rather not have it anyone else save Dr. Chloe Michel.
"I expected you to wake up earlier, but I must say I'm shocked at your recovery Shepard." Dr. Chakwas said before taking up the datapad by his bedside.
"Hey Chakwas. So whats going on? Why are you in the hospital?" Chakwas glanced at him before going back to the datapad.
"Considering the damage the station took and how many wounded we have coming in, all medical officers whose ships had no wounded were ordered to help assist in the medical facilities here on the station. The clinics on the wards can only take so many and the hospital is filled to the point where we must put people on the floor. And seeing as the Normandy was one of the ships with no wounded onboard, I was called to help here, at Huerta Memorial Hospital."
"In the hospital? Where just so happen to be?" Shepard asked suspiciously. Chakwas smiled at him.
"Captain Anderson remembered your aversion to doctors but had believed you might trust me took look over you given our time together. Not only that but my skills were much more needed in a hospital over one of the clinics. The more seriously injured are transported here hence why I'm here." Shepard nodded seeing the logic.
"Anderson was right about that I guess. You're one of the few doctors I'd trust. What about my team? How are they?"
"They are fine. They were here. Treated and mended. You were in far worse condition than they were. Now they are out helping out wherever they can with the clean up. The other doctors tried to tell them they needed to rest in their beds, but they just mumbled about other people needing it more. That was when they left, though not before checking on you." Shepard smirked at their logic. That was his team. Could never really sit still. And he couldn't either. Shepard got up and dangled his feet over the side.
"Well, I can't let them do all of the work. When can I go?" Chakwas gave Shepard a tired look as she set the datapad down.
"When I say you can." Shepard gave her an annoyed look. Chakwas placed her hands on her hips.
"Glare at me all you want but you won't be leaving. You might leave sooner if you be patient. You'll be out of here faster with my permission over another doctors. I know all about your healing abilities but you still need time to recover."
"I know what my injuries were, Chakwas. They've been healed mostly except for my ribs, which are still feeling sore. My concussion's gone, my shoulder isn't dislocated and my ribs aren't broken anymore."
"They are still cracked though. Those weren't the only injuries you had, Shepard. You also had some second degree burns and a third degree one right where your bio-amp was." Shepard immediately felt the back of his head and felt a rough scarring right where his bio-amp was. Wait a minute.
"What do you mean was?"
"Your bio-amp had been badly damaged in the fight and when you overused it, it burned out. Almost to the point of burning itself out of your head." Shepard felt for it again.
"Don't worry, we replaced it with a newer one. The same type and make of it." Shepard nodded in appreciation.
"We also replaced your omni-tool." Shepard's eyes looked at her in confusion before looking at his hand.
"Your previous ones were also badly damaged, we replaced them with one since we only had the one on hand. The strangest thing happened though. When we removed it, everyone's omni-tools flared to live for a moment before they turned off and once we replaced it, the omni-tools flared again before your new one flared and shutdown along with everyone else." Shepard fought the smirk that was forming on his lips. Sounds like Isaac jumped into everyone's omni-tools before jumping into the new one for him.
"You wouldn't happen to know anything about it, would you Shepard?" Chakwas asked crossing her arms.
"I have a personalized VI that I made. It was installed in my omni-tools and is set to attack anyone who removes them from me. It must've let you off once it noticed you placed a new back on me." Shepard partially lied. Chakwas looked at him for moment before letting it go. After a few moments of silence, Shepard asked again.
"So can I go?" Chakwas glared at him causing him to be quiet. That was when Hackett walked in along with an Alliance Intelligence officer. Hackett acknowledged Chakwas' presence before looking at Shepard.
"Shepard, I'm surprised you're awake. How are you feeling?" Shepard was about to say something before he caught Chakwas' stone cold look.
"Can't complain." He said simply. Chakwas' look turned into a neutral one before she left at Hackett's order.
"Shepard, I"m going to be frank with you, we've lost a lot of good men and women today. But we could have lost so much more if you hadn't been here. The Council and the Alliance would like to commend you for your achievements." Shepard looked at him confused.
"Okay, you're welcome?" Hackett almost smirked at Shepard's obvious confusion.
"There is an award ceremony that will be happening soon. Everyone would like you to be there." Shepard almost wanted to say no and just leave. But he couldn't exactly do that without making himself look bad in front of a huge portion of the galaxy. Shepard then looked at the other person Hackett and brought in with him.
"Okay I understand, but what's his deal?" He gestured to the man. He was in an Alliance officer's uniform holding a datapad. The Intelligence officer came up to him and shook his hand.
"Mr. Shepard, I'm Staff Analyst Brunson. Admiral Hackett has ordered me to make a profile of you now that we have this chance." Brunson grabbed a seat and sat down while Hackett remained standing. Shepard looked at him bewildered before turning to Hackett.
"Why are you guys making a profile on me?"
"We must make a profile on you so we can have necessary data should we ever need to contact you for your services." Hackett explained. Shepard looked at him with narrowed eyes for moment before sighing and looked at Brunson.
"Okay, ask away." Brunson nodded.
"Okay, here is what we have on you so far-
Name: John Shepard
Occupation: Spectre Inductee of the Council and Ghost of the Terminus
Background Information: Born and raised on Mindoir until age 11. Disappeared for 5 years until settling on Omega at age 16.
Known battles: Repelled slaver invasion on Elysium, Survived thresher maw massacre on Akuze, Ruthlessly destroyed slaver in the Siege of Torfan, took charge in the Battle of the Citadel." Shepard raised a brow at that. That's what they were calling it huh? Fitting. Brunson continued on.
"Known Aliases: Ghost of the Terminus, Lion of Elysium, Butcher of Torfan, Sole Survivor of Akuze.
Personality Traits: Cunning Tactician, Charismatic, Renegade Paragon," Shepard looked at Hackett questioning who shrugged at him, " Dog of War, a Geth Hunter and a known Completionist."
"Completionist?" Shepard asked.
"Someone who tends to go above and beyond in their mission." Brunson explained before continuing. "That is what we have on you. Now I'm going to ask you some questions. First one, where were you during those 5 years?"
"All over. I was being trained by a mercenary. Learning how to use guns. Soldier training, really." Brunson typed it into the datapad, nodding.
"Interesting. Okay, second question. Where did you receive your training in technology and biotics?"
"My training in tech was partially my mother and mostly me figuring it out and experimenting."
"How old were you?"
"Ten." His answer made both men look at him in shock before Brunson looked back at his datapad.
"Alright, and your biotics?"
"Happened after Elysium. Ended up getting Aria T'Loak of all people to teach me." Hackett shook his head still having a hard time believing that Hannah's son was taught by one of the most powerful asari in the galaxy. Brunson was worse, almost startled by the man sitting in front of him.
"Very well. Lets get to your skill set and class, shall we? First, what class would you say you're in?" Shepard thought about it for minute. Brunson, believing Shepard was trying to remember the classes decided to help him.
"Soldiers deal primarily in weapons, engineers deal in tech, adepts obviously do biotics, infiltrators go in-between soldier and engineer, sentinels go in-between engineers and adepts, and vanguards go in-between adepts and soldiers."
"Is there an 'other' option on that?" Shepard asked sheepishly. Brunson looked at him confused while Hackett actually smirked.
"Pardon? No, we don't. No one has ever been more than the last three."
"Well, I am." Brunson looked at him skeptically.
"Really?" Shepard nodded.
"Yes."
"So you're saying that you have the abilities have a multi-class person?" Shepard nodded again.
"Okay, what would you call this 'multi-class'?" Shepard grinned at the name.
"Juggernaut." At their curious looks he explained. "I thought it over and realizing that I fit all of the criteria for all the classes, I decided to take the name Juggernaut for mine. It fits to me." Brunson merely typed it into the datapad.
"Any expertise in a particular weapon?"
"All of them. I've been trained in all of them and use all of them at least once in a mission." Brunson shook his head at him. Weapons Expert: The combined expertise of all weapons including assault rifles, snipers, shotguns and pistols.
"Do you specialize in any technological abilities?" Shepard grinned.
"All of them." Brunson's eye twitched.
"Again?" Shepard nodded. Brunson put in Tech Specialist: The combined specialization in all tech abilities including hacking, damping, overload, sabotage, first aid, and neural shock.
"Dare I ask about your biotics?" Shepard merely smiled at him. Brunson merely put down Biotic Mastery: Mastery of all biotic abilities including stasis, warp, singularity, lift, barrier and throw.
"Any allies you wish to talk about?"
"My team." Brunson put down their names. And beside their names he put their class, for Kaidan and Ashley, or their species, Liara, Wrex, Tali and Garrus.
"Any other things we might need to know?" Shepard thought it over.
"I've got enough money of my own to be considered rich and I'm an official scholar considering I got most of the galactic codex memorized." Brunson nodded.
"If you were in the Alliance Navy, we'd have to call you an N7 Elite with everything you have, Shepard. Staff Analyst Brunson, I believe we have everything we need."
"Yes sir." Brunson said before leaving. Hackett made for the door before standing in it.
"Shepard, I almost forgot to say, thank you for helping with that hostage situation, the deal with 'Lord' Darius and that mess with the biotic extremists and the scientists."
"No problem, Hackett. Happy to help." Shepard replied before looking out the window. "Oh and Shepard?" He looked back at Hackett.
"Your mother would be proud of the man her son grew into." Shepard smiled at the praise Hackett gave him as the Admiral left.
"I know." He said before laying down.
Soon enough, Shepard was let out of the hospital. His weapons and armor were returned to him, cleaned and repaired. Shepard had those put into a case alongside his duffle bag for when he would leave. He ran into his friends who let him know they were relieved to see he was ok. Ashley and Liara kissed him in public, much to the shock of the group.
After near constant questioning by the men of the group, Shepard caved in and told them about what happened while Tali interrogated Liara and Ashley about it. Shepard could still feel the jealous glares boring into his back.
Some time later, he was all dressed up on a stage in the Presidium which had been cleaned up first, listening to a speech given by Councilor Tevos. He was sitting next to the entire Normandy crew with Joker on his side.
"I told you I didn't want a medal anymore." Joker said. Shepard remembered the conversation they had earlier in this crazy journey, just after they picked up Liara.
"All I did was mention you. I said nothing about medals. And what are you complaining about? You got to dress casual for this." Shepard whispered back making the pilot snort. It was true. Everyone else on the crew, non-humans included, had to dress up. Even Wrex! Tali's state of dress was a more lightly colored suit but it wasn't that different form her normal suit from what he could see. Everyone in the Alliance was wearing their dress blues which was Pressly's casual attire anyway. Wrex, Garrus and Shepard were wearing black and white versions of elegant clothing for their respective races. Wrex's and Garrus' still looked like it could be used for armor but from the expressions on their faces, Shepard could tell they weren't happy. Shepard was wearing black and white evening wear. He felt a little vulnerable while wearing this. All he had to protect him from a sniper was a basic barrier. No more armor. Though he wouldn't admit it, these clothes felt nice and smooth. Very comfortable.
Hearing the audience clapping he noticed the awards were finally being called out. Thank God. He had managed to hold it together for the speech and now they were at the last part of it. Shepard briefly looked over the audience and saw the stand with cookies and snacks on it.
"Hey," He lightly brushed Joker's elbow who looked at him. He subtly nodded over to the table which Joker noticed. "That right there is probably one of the main reasons why everyone is here. They know we want cookies, and they hold them till after the speech." Joker chuckled a little and agreed with him on that, right before he was called. Shepard waited patiently for his turn. Eventually Joker came back and his name was called.
"John Shepard." The audience's claps had died down at his name. Everyone was quiet. The speaker looked at him and Shepard saw the multiple medals beside the asari. His eyes widened briefly at them before going back to Anderson who had approached him. He began picking up the medals as Shepard straightened his posture slightly.
"For the Battle of Eden Prime, the Council awards you the Medal of Distinguished Service." He pinned a purple star on his breast. The star itself held a silver that was surrounded in a bronze circle which was held by a silver wreath.
"For your actions on Feros, the Council awards you the Medal of Heroism." He pinned a blue star surrounded by silver. It was similar to the first one save the circle was silver now.
"For your deeds on Noveria, the Council awards you the Honorarium of Corporate Service." The medal was the same as the previous save for it was gold this time with the star and wreath remaining the same.
"For your services on Virmire, the Council awards you the Merit of the Council Legion." The medal was different from the previous ones. This one was the symbol for the Council bathed in silver.
"And for your role in the Battle of the Citadel, we award the Medal of Honor." The medal was a green upside-down star. Under it was a ring made out of white metal with a small silver star at the top of it. Emboldened on the green star was a silver arch holding three stars under it. It was surrounded by ring of silver stars as well.
"The Alliance Brass has seen fit to give you some extra awards as well." Anderson spoke as another Alliance officer came and handed a box. Anderson opened the box which showed three more medals. Anderson smirked at Shepard's deadpanned expression and Shepard knew why. Pressly had mentioned that Anderson had many medals. So many in fact, that they could melt them down and make a statue of him.
"For helping the Alliance with several missions and helping us expand our resource options, we award you the Medal of Exploration." This time the medal was a four pointed gold star with the emblem of the galaxy on it.
"For the battles that were put into on our behalf, we award you the Medal for Distinguished Combat." The medal was by far the most morbid one yet. It was similar to the Medal of Honor save for the fact the main star was red, the star above it was black and instead of a silver arch with three silver stars, it was a silver star. Cool. Then Anderson brought out the final one.
"For your continued persevering through these trying times, we award you the Medal of Valor." This one was Shepard's favorite by far. It was similar to the Medal of Distinguished Combat, but more elegant. The main star was blue with a gold edge. The star on top of it was a pearl and the skull was surrounded by ten stars. For each medal given, the audience applauded. Shepard noticed that he had been given more medals than any of his team. Wrex hadn't gotten any medals because he told them he hadn't needed any. Tali got a few and said she would proudly have them on display in the Flotilla. Garrus and gotten some from his government, like Ashley and Kaidan did and also Liara.
Afterwords, everyone was allowed to go as the Award Ceremony ended. Shepard had returned the suit he was given before switching with an off-duty spacer uniform, his usual civilian clothing when on Omega. He had all of his armor and weapons in a black case, ready to be given back when he quit being a Spectre. Before he could make his way to the C-Sec Requisitions officer, he was called by Anderson to come to a meeting. Shepard walked over to where in the Presidium Anderson hold told him to come to, duffle bag slung over one shoulder while his other hand held the case by the handle. Impressive considering how heavy it was. He came to an area that had multiple Spectres. All of the others gave him nods of respect to which he returned while some also gave him looks of confusion, taking meaningful glances at his outfit and possessions. He saw Anderson and Udina there in front of the Council. So this was where they had set up. The Chamber were still in the middle of reconstruction so he wondered where they were deliberating the galactic issues they were presented with. All of them looked at him and he could tell that they had already guessed what he was up to.
"I see you were already on your way out." Udina said first.
"Not before I returned these back," Shepard lifted the case up before lowering it, "and formally resigned. Wouldn't want to have another round of galactic manhunt." The Council looked at him before someone spoke up.
"Keep them." Sparatus spoke bringing everyone's attention to him. "You may go back to the Terminus with your Spectre status active as well, Ghost. We can trust you with that considering what's happened." Everyone was shocked that Sparatus was the one saying it, and willingly too. Tevos and Valern nodded in agreement.
"I... Thank you Councilors. I appreciate it." Shepard said back. Anderson smiled at him while Udina's scowl went away. At least Humanity's First Spectre wasn't going to leave his service anytime soon.
"Now with that out of the way. Ambassador. Captain. Ghost." Tevos said getting to theater at hand. "We have gathered here to recognize the enormous contributions of the Alliance forces in the war against Sovereign and the geth." Valern picked up after her.
"Many humans lost their lives in the battle to save the Citadel, brave and courageous soldiers who willingly gave their lives so that we-the Council-might live." Sparatus continued for him.
"There is no greater sacrifice, and we share your grief over the tragic loss of so many noble men and women." Shepard looked down. He had heard that they had lost 8 Alliance cruisers with a combined crew of 2,400. He memorized the names of the ships so that he wouldn't forget them. Because it was his order and decision that got them destroyed. He won't carry that weight though. They made the choice, not him. And in doing so, they saved countless lives. Tevos got his attention as she began talking.
"The Council also owes you a great personal debt, Ghost. One we can never repay. You saved not just our lives, but the lives of billions form Sovereign and the Reapers." He saw the slight wink she gave him and he knew she had been on his side from the entire beginning. He also knew Valern had been to, if not just for the sake of caution.
"Shepard, your heroic and selfless actions serve as a symbol of everything humanity and the Alliance stand for." Sparatus picked up after Valern.
"And though we cannot bring back those valiant soldiers who gave their lives to save ours, we can honor their memories through our actions." Shepard's eyes narrowed slightly. Was this what he thought it was?
"Humanity has shown it is ready to stand as a defender and protector of the galaxy. You have proved you are worthy to join our ranks and serve beside us on the Citadel Council." Shepard's eyes widened. So it was. He knew that eventually Humanity would be given a seat, but... never this early. He didn't think he'd live to see the day. Now here he was right at the declaration. He looked to his left and saw Anderson had a somewhat shocked expression to which he covered up quickly. He looked to his right where he saw Udina had a pleased look on his face. Chances are the politician was expecting this all day today.
"Councilor on behalf of humanity and the Alliance, we thank you for this prestigious honor and humbly accept." Shepard could tell the Councilors saw through that easily. While it was pretty and humble, Shepard could detect the slight lust for power in it. Not good. He looked over to Anderson and saw the same look that had to have been on his own face. he turned back to the Council.
"We will need a list of potential candidates to fill humanity's seat on the Council." Valern said. Okay, they would play it smart, but unfortunately Shepard knew who was already at the top of the list. Udina's smug look confirmed it all. That was when he caught Tevos' gaze on him. He could see by the subtle smile she had a plan in mind.
"Given all that has happened, I am sure your recommendation will carry a great deal of weight,Ghost. Do you support any particular candidate?" Tevos asked bringing all attention to Shepard. Clever girl, so that was her plan. Bring an outside, but still close, party in. Shepard looked up in thought. He realized that both Udina and Anderson were on that list. He thought about the pros and cons. Both men could bring humanity a great amount of prosperity. But Udina would obviously be thinking of humans first and foremost. That is an ambassador's job, not something any Councilor needs, in Shepard's mind. Anderson would be fair. He was someone who would keep all the problems and threats to all races in mind and react accordingly.
"We need someone who will look after all the races protected by the Council. Someone who has the courage to stand up for what he believes in. Someone like Captain Anderson." Shepard said looking at the man in question. Anderson looked at him with a bewildered look before nodding to him with determination. Unknown to him, Tevos had a smile near imperceivable smile on her face. Valern and Sparatus also silently agreed with Shepard's choice. Valern because he knew Anderson would be fair and help maintain balance while Sparatus agreed because it would be best to have another military man on the Council over another politician.
"Him?" Udina asked as if insulted. Shepard looked at him with a neutral expression. "You must be joking. Anderson prefers to let his fists do the talking." Shepard smirked at Anderson knowing what he meant.
"Only with you, Ambassador. Only with you." Anderson said back with some amusement. Udina looked at Shepard.
"Are you sure about this, Ghost? The captain is a soldier, not a politician." Shepard looked at him neutrally before smirking.
"This is just my personal opinion Udina. We've already got too many politicians on the Citadel. The captain would be perfect for the job. Besides, I'd rather have the captain on the Council over any politician I know. But that's just me." Before Udina could retort to Shepard's jab at him Tevos cut in.
"I think it's an inspired choice. The Council would welcome him with open arms, should he accept." She said looking to Anderson. Anderson straightened, putting his hands behind his back.
"I'm honored, Councilor. As humanity's representative, I'll do everything in my power to help the Council rebuild." The Councilors nodded while Udina crossed his arms annoyed.
"Sovereign's defeat makes the beginning of anew era for both humanity and the Council." Sparatus spoke. Shepard, feeling the time for the conversation to end spoke.
"Don't start patting yourselves on the back just yet. Sovereign wasn't alone. He was only a vanguard. The rest of the Reapers are still out there. Their fleet is coming. Hundreds of ships, maybe thousands. And I'm going to find some way to stop them!" Shepard said before leaving. Anderson looked after him for a second before turning to the Council.
"Shepard's right. Humanity is ready to do its part. United with the rest of the Council, we have the strength to overcome any challenge. When the Reapers come, we must stand side by side. We must fight against them as one. And together we will drive them back into dark space!" Anderson said as Shepard walked away not looking back.
Shepard was out by the docks, waiting for the next cruiser to take him to nearest port which would take him to the Terminus. He figured he couldn't ask the Normandy Crew to take him to Omega personally. They'd deserve a rest.
"You know, I think your crew would deserve a goodbye first, Shepard." Anderson said coming up beside him. Shepard sighed.
"Yea, I know." The two sat there in silence for a few moments.
"I told them about you. Told them you'd probably not want to take advantage of their time." Anderson replied.
"Really?" Anderson nodded. "What did they say?"
"They asked if I could go get you and send you to them. That the Normandy wouldn't be right without having one last ride with her 'temporary commander'. Said they'd take you wherever you want to go, one last time. Gunnery Chief Williams and your asari friend seemed insistent on it." Shepard chuckled which made the older man chuckle along with him.
"I should have one last ride with them." Shepard said as he got up. Anderson got up with him.
"I'd join you, but unfortunately someone recommended me as a possible candidate for the Council." Shepard laughed at him.
"Yeah, but in all actuality I do believe you'd be better than Udina. Can't have humanity take a lot after being given so much so recently."
"Thank you for that. Now go, join your crew." Shepard walked to the Normandy's dock.
"Oh Shepard?" Shepard turned around to look at Anderson.
"I've gotten a request to ask you to go to a Council training facility out in Argos Rho. They've requested you and your team specifically to demonstrate how a team should perform during a firefight. Could you do it as a favor to me?" Shepard looked at him before groaning.
"Okay, give me the coordinates." Shepard said as put his case down to handle his omni-tool.
"Already gave it to Joker." Shepard's eye twitched.
"You already knew huh?" Anderson smirked at him.
"I believed you would." Shepard laughed as picked up his case before Anderson began to walk away.
"Hey, wait!" Shepard called making Anderson stop and look at him.
"What's facility called." Anderson grinned already thinking of what Shepard was going to fight against.
"Pinnacle Station." Shepard nodded and continued to the Normandy.
After making it back, and having to be lectured about giving a real goodbye, Shepard told Joker to head for Pinnacle Station. This would most likely be his last fight with his friends for a long time so he'd enjoy the time he has remaining with them before parting ways. The Normandy, with all her crew accounted for departed from the docks and left the Citadel.
At the docks, a lone figure stepped out from behind the crates. He wore heavy crimson mercenary armor. His face was masked completely with only two blue sockets in the mask to help him see. He held his hand up to his ear pressing for communications to come on.
"Captain Balak." There was nothing at first but then someone answered.
"Yes? What have you learned?"
"The Ghost has left the Citadel."
"Did you place the tracking beacon on his ship?" The mercenary nodded unconsciously as he answered.
"Yes sir. I did. You'll be able to find him after he exits the relay network."
"Excellent. Report back for further orders. Congratulations on your promotion, lieutenant."
"Thank you, Sir." The batarian mercenary got into his ship and left the Citadel intent on being part of Ka'hairal Balak's scheme.
Well after a year, this story is over. So some of you were wondering about why I hadn't included the DLC's for the first game. Well now you know. In all honesty I hadn't expected this chapter to exceed 4,000. This was a pleasant surprise. I sincerely hope all of you who have been patient with me and been following this from the start have enjoyed this. Now I want to give a personal shout out of thanks to all who commented, and yes even the one flamer that happened.
So first to all anonymous guests who posted something, Thank you very much! It helped keep me going.
To all of you who went by name: You get to written inside the Chapter itself! So I give my personal shout-out of thanks to:
Kaiya Smith
Kitari
Hyper xRecon
Suqu124
The Dead Romantic
Blazeknight26
Michae1ange1o
dapmitidp (John Pinette is still awesome.)
Cerberus013
T-Biggz (Thanks for the continued support with DA:O Prequel as well.)
darkerego
NoOneInParticular17(Hope you came back to see the end)
cainchaos
Gillespie
firestarter09
Cf96
Redcollector
knightwolf20x
BROOD WARRIOR (Gives bro-fist)
Adjuster
Firespark15
omega shadow's
Delta8
Broconi
GoldenMauser30 (Thank you for tips and thoughts. Hope to see more of them later on.)
duke drake
scream sky
Omegas Prime
Thank you all for your support through this. Hope you loved this!