Just a heads up to my readers: I have a couple of very full weeks coming up, so I won't be able to sit down and write. As soon as life gives me a break, I will post new chapters of the Omega Chronicles. I want to thank you all for reading my story so far and I hope you will enjoy the new chapters once they're up. :)
Omega Chronicles -24- Pomp and circumstance and threats
Captain David Anderson was standing in a rather rigid posture on the balcony of the Human Embassy office on the Presidium, his hands clasped behind his back, his shoulders straight and strong. A dark grey column of smoke, rising lazily a few hundred meters away, was the focus of his eyes, but not his mind.
He had listened intently as Gunnery Chief Ashley Williams had answered some of his questions regarding the report she had handed in in the previous hours.
Behind him, Lieutenant Alenko was looking at the Chief with suspicion on his face. "You're speaking of them as if they were your... friends, even more than just comrades. You've been with them what, three days? Four? Come on, you can't possibly, rationally feel that way. I understand the impetus of the moment, and the traumatic experience of the battle against Saren, but that's gone now, you need to put your feet back on the ground."
Williams had small balls of fire burning deep inside her eyes. Somehow the words of Alenko sounded like an insult to her. "You weren't there, LT. And I'm not some sort of fresh recruit that can be swayed by the actions of one field day in forming my opinion of a person or a group. I am an NCO and veteran of the Systems Alliance, and I will not have you question my capacity of evaluation, -or- the veracity of my report."
Kaidan raised his hands in an attempt to dial the aggressiveness in the conversation down a notch. "Whoa. Ok. No, of course I didn't mean to say your mind was clouded or brainwashed or anything. I'm just saying that the short time you have spent with them can't possibly be enough for you to be 'on their side', so to speak."
"I don't know about you, but as far as I am concerned, some people wear what they stand for right across their chest. It's easy to see what a person is made of, especially when there are bullets flying at them." The Chief didn't seem inclined to back down, her voice still low and hard.
Anderson finally spoke. "What you are saying is that these people are, in your eyes, the 'good guys'. They are not, Williams. You need to remember that no matter what happened here, or along the way to get to where we are now, for all intents and purposes: they are still criminals."
Ashley walked around the Captain, in order to be able to look him in the eyes as she replied. "And you need to understand that their actions, and the motives behind them, are as far removed from crime as it can get. Saints they are not, granted, but they are far from being the 'bad guys'. You can't pigeonhole people as easily as you are trying to do here." She suddenly seemed to remember who she was talking to, and added hastily. "Sir."
The older officer stared at her for a few long moments, weighing her words. He had a deep crease between his eyebrows, a sign of concentration and concern. He took his time before replying. "I have read your report. Three times, actually. I am not convinced yet. In any case, this is out of our hands now. The Council will meet today to recognise their actions in defending the Citadel. And yours too. Dust off your Dress Blues and be at the Tower in three hours."
As he was turning to go, the doors to the office opened and the Human Ambassador walked in.
Anderson disliked Udina by default, he was slimy and devious like all politicians and he probably did not have an honest bone in all of his body. The fastidious tone of his voice did not help either.
"Ah, Anderson. Did you brief the young woman?"
Ashley shot him a look aimed at pulverising him on the spot. He didn't even acknowledge it and went on. "This is turning out to be a huge event, apparently. All pomp and fanfare. It will be the perfect opportunity for humanity to stake a claim at becoming part of the Council, so I need you and your people to be spotless and flawless. Don't let me down."
The Captain walked in front of him on his way to the doors, his words betraying his irritation. "You needn't worry about us."
With Williams and Alenko right on his heels, he stormed out.
"There, you look positively dashing." Liselle took a couple of steps back to admire her work.
Jack's lips were twisted downwards in a very unhappy expression. She hated that she had to dress up for the occasion, but Shepard had been very clear that she wouldn't be allowed out of the ship without a somewhat proper attire. Certainly more proper than the tiny leather harness she usually wore on top of her tattoos. The biotic had replied that she did -not- want to be out of the ship, and even less so to meet with those stuck-up assholes that formed the Council, but the Commander had given her a scorching look and a direct order and she had finally capitulated to the bleak reality: there was no way she could get out of this.
On top of that, Liselle had insisted on helping her find some clothes to wear. Upon her refusal to go shopping, the Maiden had accepted the challenge and had gone by herself. Jack had been quite impressed that it had only taken the young Asari an hour or so to come back, her arms full of bags, carrying four or five different outfits.
One worse than the other, in the eyes of a more and more frustrated Jack.
This was the last one, and she had no hope of it being any better than the previous ones.
She looked down and her eyes went wide. It took her a moment to scan all of it, since she was adamant she did not want to use a mirror, ever.
The black boots were gleaming in the artificial lights of the crew's quarters, they rode her calves up to her knees, their laces tied all the way up. The rest of her legs was covered by a skin tight pair of dark burgundy pants that stopped just below her navel. Her midriff was exposed for a few inches, and her chest was hugged by an impossibly soft and equally as snug light grey tank top. Her shoulders and arms were comfortably fitted by a short leather jacket, as black as the boots, its lines simple and yet quite flattering to her slim and agile figure.
Liselle was standing in front of her with a hopeful look in her eyes and a small, encouraging smile on her perfect lips. Given the utter failure of the previous outfits, she was almost afraid to ask. "So...?"
Jack was actually surprised at how she was instinctively liking it. She hadn't worn anything but her trusty baggy pants and old boots for so long now, that they had become a second skin to her. This looked so different, and yet, somehow, it felt as comfortable as if she had been wearing it for years. She felt at ease in it as she was stretching her arms and bending her legs to test the give of the different fabrics. She walked around the room for a few seconds to see if the boots had any intentions of giving her blisters, and she found that the leather felt nothing short of luxurious around her feet, and sturdy at the same time.
She raised her face to stare at Liselle, who was by now clearly holding her breath. She smiled. "This will do."
The Maiden let out a laugh of genuine relief and in the spur of the moment she literally jumped into Jack's arms yelling. "Yesss!" Her arms wrapped around the biotic's neck and her legs were swaying with happiness.
Jack had to strain to hold on to the Asari, a half shocked look on her face at the unexpected intimacy of the gesture. She stumbled backwards and was thankful to find that the bulkhead was not far behind as her body half leaned, half swatted against it.
Their faces were suddenly only an inch apart and they found themselves looking into each other's eyes for a few seconds that felt like an eternity. A faint blush appeared under their skin, and Jack slowly but surely let Liselle's body slide down.
As her feet reached the floor, the Maiden's arms disentangled from behind Jack's neck and her hands lightly glided on her skin as she retreated from the embrace, her eyes looking down, a confusion of feelings in her head.
Jack's arms took a moment longer before leaving Liselle's waist, the loss of contact so puzzlingly unwelcome, her mind racing to places she did not want to see or be.
They spoke at the same time.
"Shit. Shit. I..."
"I'm sorry. That was..."
They both stopped.
Their eyes came up to meet in a silent glance that was inexplicably not awkward at all.
Jack found it in herself to give the Maiden a small grin. "I have to go..."
Liselle reached out and took her hand, she squeezed it gently and let their fingers entwine. "I know..."
The biotic reluctantly let go of her soft blue hand and made her way to the doors. The Asari's voice made her stop for just a moment. "Jack." She turned around. "Good luck out there. Try to enjoy yourself."
Her reply was typical Jack. "Like fuck I will." Then she quickly added in a softer tone. "Thanks for the clothes. They're cool." She nodded her goodbye and walked out.
Putting on her leather jacket and tying her boots felt good. The familiar motions were helping Shepard come back to her everyday life ever so slightly. She got up from the feet of the bed where she was sitting and walked to the small en-suite to give herself one last look-over. She took the time to wash her face with cold water, her hands casually brushing through her short dark hair. She stopped to look at herself in the mirror. The red, deep scar that ran vertically through her left eyebrow, her eye, and halfway down her cheek was still such an alien feature on her face. Mordin had told her that it could heal completely if she treated it, he had even offered to surgically remove it, but she had refused. She had never had a scar removed from her body and this would not be the first. It would just add to the collection.
The wound sustained by her eye had been worse than expected, and the Salarian doctor had been forced to implant an artificial eye on her. It had been relatively easy to find one at the Citadel clinic, and the operation had been quick and smooth. He had performed it while Shepard had still been asleep, recuperating from the gruesome battle against Saren. He had told the human that he could tweak the colour to match her other eye, but again, she had refused. Shepard felt that it would be like trying to pretend that nothing had happened, to somehow hide and push the memories away. She would never accept that. She knew perfectly well that the person she was today was the result of all that she had had to live through. She had no intention of hiding it or pretending to be something she was not, someone she was not. So now she was staring at her new eye, marvelling at the hues of blue and grey of the iris, encircled by a thin, definite black line all around it, marking a stark separation from the very natural looking white of the eyeball.
She saw Aria walking in and standing behind her, her arms enveloping her waist, her blue lips placing a soft kiss on her neck, her eyes locked on the human's in the mirror. Her gloved hand came up to her face and her fingertip traced the scar lightly. Her voice was low and felt like velvet. "It suits you."
The Commander replied in a somewhat cold tone. "It better. It'll be there as long as I live."
She turned around in the Queen's loose embrace, leaning against the basin, her hands cupped her beautiful face and without invitation she kissed her, hard, almost angrily. Aria reciprocated for just a few seconds, letting their tongues play and their teeth bite and tug each other's lips, not too gently. Then she pushed her back, slowly but firmly. "You have an appointment to keep. I'm sure the celebration cannot start without you."
Shepard looked at her with a bitter expression on her face. "You know I'd rather not."
The Asari grinned. "I don't recall giving you a choice, Commander."
The human retorted as the back of her fingers was sweetly caressing her bondmate's cheek, letting out a long sigh of mock surrender. "You don't need to. I always choose you anyway."
The artificial atmosphere inside the arms of the Citadel made it look like a wonderful day of sunshine, with just a few white, fluffy clouds hanging around in an otherwise pristine blue sky. After being in the dim lights of the Inanna for the past 48 hours, this was almost blinding to Shepard. She was pleasantly surprised to find out that her prosthetic eye was actually adapting to it faster than her natural one. The miracles of modern medicine. She slightly shook her head as she and her team were making their way to the Tower. As they approached the elevators, now back to fully functional, she heard a familiar voice calling her from behind.
"Shepard! Wait up!"
She turned around to see Williams quickening her pace to catch up with them. She looked dapper in her Dress Blues, her luscious hair freely flowing around her shoulders, the Commander almost didn't recognise her at first. She commented with a friendly smile. "Well well. You clean up good, Chief."
The young officer snarled back. "I have to. Orders." She looked around Shepard as her eyes spotted Jack. "Look at you, though! You look great!"
The biotic shrugged the compliment away. "It's all Liselle's fault. Fuck knows how she did it."
Garrus interjected in an ironic voice. "Oh, I know how. -She- has good taste, baldie."
Jack's comeback was instantaneous. "Unlike you. You look like a failed mutated eagle trying to fit in a tuxedo."
The Turian looked down at his clothes. "This is not a tuxedo! I'll have you know this is a great example of Turian's renowned tailoring."
Williams laughed and shook her head as they were stepping inside the elevator. "I'm always kind of expecting them to start yelling at each other things like 'You're a nincompoop!' and 'Well, then you're a knucklehead!'"
Shepard smirked as the doors were closing. "Keep hoping, I'm sure it won't be far."
The Chief had an honest smile on her face. "I know this may sound silly, but I've missed you guys."
There was a relaxing moment of silence among them, and it felt like being home.
"Quickly, quickly, they're about to get here!" Udina was directing some people to one side or the other of the area where they had built a small stand for the ceremony. The Petitioner's platform was still under reconstruction and they had had to make do for the occasion.
Everybody rushed to where they were supposed to be as the three Councilors walked in and stood at their marks, looking around to make sure that all was in place. Then they all turned their heads towards the elevator as they saw and heard it come to a stop. The C-Sec guards just outside it stood at attention as they let the small group pass.
The Commander let out a short, caustic comment under her breath. "As much of a narcissist as I am, I fucking hate this. Let's get it done and go home."
Williams sneered. "I couldn't agree more."
They made their way to where they saw Captain Anderson and Ambassador Udina standing, right in front of the Council. As they straightened up, the Asari Councilor started her speech in a clear, pleasant voice.
"Ambassador, Captain, Shepard. We are gathered here today to recognise the enormous contribution of the Alliance Forces and of Shepard's team in the war against Sovereign and the Geth."
The Salarian Councilor took it from there. "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."
It was the Turian that went on. "There is no greater sacrifice, and we share your grief over the tragic loss of so many noble men and women."
The Asari interjected. "The Council also owes you a great personal debt, Shepard. One we can never repay. You saved not just our lives, but the lives of billions from Sovereign and the Reapers."
The Salarian seemed eager to add more. "Shepard, your heroic and selfless actions serve as a symbol of everything Humanity stands for."
The Commander was just about to explode then, trying hard to bite her tongue in order to stop letting out a scathing retort, in front of all this hypocrisy and rehearsed, meaningless, diplomatic nonsense. She drew more patience from her innate self control and the many years spent around the Alliance brass, she took a long breath and she exhaled it slowly. A fake, superficial smile graced her lips.
It was the Turian's turn again. "And though we cannot bring back those valiant soldiers who gave their lives to save ours, we can honour their memories through our actions today."
The Asari was the one to bring in the grand finale. "Humanity has shown that 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."
It was all Udina was waiting for. He barely gave her the time to finish her sentence before jumping in with both feet. "Councilor, on behalf of Humanity and the Alliance, we thank you for this prestigious honour and humbly accept."
The Salarian Councilor cut him off a bit brusquely, raining mercilessly on his parade. "We will need a list of potential candidates to fill Humanity's seat on the Council."
The Asari was right behind him with her own comment. She looked at Shepard and spoke to her directly. "Given all that has happened, I am sure your recommendation will carry a great deal of weight, Shepard. Do you support any particular candidate?"
She was thankful for the opportunity to throw a bit of a jab, they had presented it to her right on a silver platter after all.
"I'm not sure Humanity is as ready as you would like them to be. But since you have already made that decision... I will be damned before I promote a politician to do a politician's job." She took a moment to look at every one of the Councilors, she could see the sudden unease in their eyes and the fear of whatever else was going to come out of her mouth. She didn't care, and she went on.
"I'm quite sure the better man for the job would be Captain Anderson, here. At least he has an idea of what needs to be done, and I'm sure the many years in the military have given him enough discipline to stick to his job ethic."
The flabbergasted look on Udina's face was priceless. Anderson was taken equally, completely by surprise.
The Asari Councilor cut it short. "Very well. The Council would welcome him with open arms, should he accept."
The Captain stood at attention, a touch of pride in his stance. "I'm honoured, Councilor. As Humanity's representative, I will do everything in my power to help the Council rebuild."
"We have also convened that your officer, Gunnery Chief Ashley Williams, has excelled in her efforts to protect us all." The Asari Councilor's hand came up to invite Williams to step closer and she went on. "You have proven to be all that a Spectre should be, and therefore this Council has decided to induct you in the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance branch of the Citadel. From now on you are the right hand of the Council, an instrument of our will, our first and last line of defence. Congratulations."
The Chief had a surprised look on her face, she turned to see what Anderson's reaction would be. The Captain smiled at her and nodded his approval.
The Turian Councilor brought it all to a very welcome end. "Sovereign's defeat marks the beginning of a new era, for both Humanity and the Council."
Shepard couldn't help herself. "You have understood nothing. Just as I expected. Sovereign was only a vanguard, as both Saren and the Reaper itself clearly stated. The other Reapers are still out there, dormant, but they won't sleep forever. And once they wake, we will all have to fight. We need to find a way to stop them. This was just the beginning."
The Councilors shared a few looks among them, then the Salarian addressed the Commander in a slightly annoyed tone. "We will mark your words, and think of a solution, of course."
His words stank of lies. Shepard unceremoniously turned around and started walking away.
Anderson was right behind her and grabbed her elbow, stopping her in her tracks. She turned around to face him. He spoke in a deep, fast voice. "I don't know why you put me up for this job, but I know it's going to be a nightmare. Nevertheless, I -will- put all of myself into it. The last time we spoke I left with you an open invitation to come back to the Alliance. I know now you will probably never accept it. It's a pity, really. We could use someone like you. Not just humans, all of us. If you are right about the Reapers, there's no telling if we're ever going to be really prepared for an attack on such a scale."
They got interrupted by the Asari Councilor, who was now standing behind them, a few paces away. She caught the Commander's eye. "Please excuse me, Captain Anderson. Shepard, I need a word with you in private. Walk with me?"
Shepard gave one last look at the Alliance officer and joined the Asari as she started walking towards the back of the Tower. "I've heard enough condescending crap for today, Councilor...?"
"Tevos."
"Councilor Tevos. So I'd be grateful if you could keep this short."
"I'll do my best." Tevos stopped next to what once must have been a lovely patch of green grass, now a black, burnt pile of soot. "I can smell Asari marking hormones on you. Although I am not familiar with this particular... scent. I must then assume that you are bonded to one of us. I don't see an Asari with you today, so I must also assume you are eager to go back to your bondmate by now."
The Commander grinned. "And you would be right in both assumptions. Neither of which have anything to do with what you want to talk to me about, though." She took a step forward, blatantly entering the Councilor's personal space. Her eyes were locked on the Asari's. "Get to the point."
Tevos didn't move an inch, in fact, she didn't even blink. "It's quite a simple matter really. We all know who you work with, as if the deep red mark on the back of your jacket wasn't a clear enough giveaway. I was quite sure that Aria T'Loak would not be showing her face here today, so I find myself in the position to have to ask you to relay a message to her."
Shepard was getting aggravated by all this beating around the bush. "I'm not a fucking mailman."
"Neither am I, and still, I am giving you this message. It is not from me, and I am -not- implicated in it in any way." She paused for a moment, allowing this last notion to sink in. Then she added. "There are a few Matriarchs who are... concerned with Aria's involvement in any activity outside the Terminus Systems. They would like for her to consider restricting said activities to a bare minimum. I'm sure Aria will understand the necessity to avoid stepping on the feet of a powerful enemy."
The Commander couldn't believe her ears. She found it impossible to contain her anger anymore. "The -only- reason why Aria got involved was to save the collective ass of the galaxy, including the wrinkled ancient butts of those Matriarchs. They should try to keep that in mind the next time they feel like making conceited threats." Her voice was a low hiss as she put her face a short inch away from the Councilor's.
Her words were still hanging in the air between them as she felt a sudden sharp pain behind her left eye. It was so intense and abrupt, she fell on one knee, her hand coming up to shield her face, a moan of distress escaping her throat. "Ungh!"
In the fraction of a second, Tevos was kneeling right next to her, her hand on the human's shoulder in a kind, reassuring gesture, her calming voice speaking softly to her. "What's wrong? How can I help?"
Just as it had come, the pain disappeared, leaving Shepard confounded and upset. She didn't like this at all. She made a mental note of not letting her emotions get the best of her again as she accepted the sustaining arm of the Councilor to get back to her feet. She was surprised by the sympathy and solicitude shown by the Asari. She realised she might have misjudged her horribly. She offered her apology. "I... thank you, Councilor. I'm sorry. I know you're just a messenger. I shouldn't have reacted like that towards you."
Jack, Garrus and Williams, having observed the scene from a distance, were immediately at her side. The Turian's hand took the place of Tevos' in supporting the Commander as Jack was making sure everything was all right. "What the fuck happened Shepard? Are you ok?"
The Councilor took a step back and her intelligent eyes quickly examined the scene. "You have very loyal team mates, Shepard. It is a rare thing these days."
Williams replied to her in a no-nonsense tone. "We are her -friends-. And as far as you useless politicians are concerned, you should address her properly. It's Commander. And she was the one that chose -you- over the hundreds that died. -She- made it so that you could stand here today, instead of lying in an anonymous metal coffin. Show some respect."
Shepard was stunned that Williams would use her ex military rank and read it for what it was, a statement of respect. She was touched by it. She put her hand on Ashley's forearm in a pacifying way and interrupted her nonetheless. "It's ok, Williams. The Councilor was just trying to help me, and I'm sure she didn't mean any discourtesy."
Tevos seemed impressed for a moment, then her diplomatic facade was back. "Of course I didn't mean any disrespect. I think you better get yourself checked, although it's probably just your body adapting to your new bionic eye... Commander. And I better be going as well, there are many things that require our attention as we start rebuilding, as you can imagine. Don't forget the message, please. Have a good day." She started walking away, but stopped after just a couple of steps, she turned back and looked at the Commander, a spark in her fascinating grey eyes. "And for your personal knowledge, we Asari don't wrinkle as we age."
A small, friendly smile played on her lips for a second before she nodded her goodbye.
Standing in front of the short bridge that led to the entrance of the Inanna, Shepard was exchanging the last few pleasantries with Williams before embarking. "It's time for us to go, Chief. I'm grateful I had you with me in this war. You're certainly as deadly a soldier as they come. And I know you will make for an epic Spectre."
Williams almost blushed as the realisation finally dawned on her. "Me. A Spectre. Wow. I think it'll take a while before I can come to terms with that."
Garrus looked at her with pride in his eyes as he shook her hand. "As you humans say, go and kick some ass, Chief."
Jack echoed his sentiment. "Yeah. And don't take any shit from anyone. Especially the fucking Alliance."
Ashley smiled back at the two of them. "Don't be strangers, ok?"
Then she did something unexpected. She stood at attention and saluted Shepard. "Commander. It was an honour to fight at your side. If you ever need anything, you can count on me."
Shepard nodded and smiled. "Thank you, Williams. I'll remember that."
They all turned and entered the Inanna.
Shepard walked to the CIC and opened her comm to the pilot. "Relan, set a course for Omega. We're going home."
The Lystheni sounded delighted. "Gladly, Sir."