Author's Note: I had hoped the Citadel would only have taken two chapters. It took three. Enjoy, and please leave a review and let me know what you think. - TLC
Chapter Eight
"You're not making my life easy, Shepard. Firefights in the wards? An all-out assault on Chora's Den?" Udina was sneering as he scolded the Commander without turning around. Shepard sighed loudly and rubbed the back of her neck as she stretched. "Do you know how many – Who is this?" Udina asked when he finally turned around and Anderson walked over from the balcony. "A Quarian? What are you up to, Shepard?"
"My job, Ambassador. I'm making your day. Meet Tali'Zorah nar Rayya, she has information linking Saren to the geth," Shepard said placing a comforting hand at the top of Tali's back as she introduced her. Anderson's face lit up, as did Udina's. Kaidan stood slightly behind Shepard to her right, letting his COs discuss the data.
"Really?" Udina asked. "Well, in that case, maybe you'd better start at the beginning, Miss…?" Udina was clearly unsure what to call her and Kaidan enjoyed his discomfort.
"Tali is fine," She confirmed, Udina apologized, stating he doesn't have the opportunity to meet many Quarians, and asking why she had left the flotilla. "I was on my Pilgrimage. My right of passage into adulthood. It is a tradition among my people. When we reach maturity, we leave the ships of our parents and our people behind. Alone, we search the stars, only returning to the flotilla once we have discovered something of value. In this way, we prove ourselves worthy of adulthood. It could be resources like food or fuel. Or some type of useful technology. Or even knowledge that will make life easier on the flotilla. Through our pilgrimage, we prove that we will contribute to the community, rather than being a burden on our limited resources," She was rambling nervously, her hands twisting in front of her. Shepard turned to her, and got her attention by looking in the general area of her eyes.
"Tali, tell us what you found," She entreated, her tone soothing and gentle. Tali nodded. Kaidan watched as just that gentle prodding from Shepard, and the way she spoke to the skittish young Quarian, gave her the courage she needed.
"Right, sorry," She nodded gently towards Shepard, and steeled herself as she stood straight and turned her attention back to Udina and Anderson. "During my travels I began hearing reports of geth. Since they drove my people into exile, the geth have never ventured beyond the Veil. I was curious. I tracked a patrol of geth to an uncharted world. I waited for one to become separated from its unit. Then I disabled it and removed its memory core," She stated this like it was an every day occurrence, a simple task. After Eden Prime, Kaidan knew otherwise. Between what they had witnessed in the alley, and the ease with which she spoke of disabling geth convinced Kaidan she really could handle herself.
"I thought the geth fried their memory cores when they died, as a defense?" Anderson asked, honestly intrigued.
She spoke, her tone firm and knowledgeable, and if not for her youthful innocence and eagerness to impress, her tone could have been considered condescending, but it wasn't, "My people created the geth. If you're quick, careful and lucky, small caches of data can sometimes be saved." She activated her omni'tool as she spoke, "Most of the core was wiped clean, but I was able to salvage something from its audio banks.
She played the recording, and Kaidan watched as Shepard and Anderson locked eyes, their gaze intense and angry, while in contrast, Udina's eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning, "Eden Prime was a major victory. The beacon has brought us one step closer to finding the Conduit." It was definitely Saren's voice.
"And one step closer to the return of the Reapers," A second voice added before Tali closed her 'tool. Kaidan couldn't see her face, but her stance betrayed her pride, and Kaidan was glad they'd given her the opportunity to contribute.
"That's Saren's voice. The Council has to accept this as proof he was involved in the attack," Anderson stated, finally turning his gaze from Shepard and looking to Udina. Udina admitted he didn't recognize the other voice on the recording, but that wasn't the point. They had Saren.
"He said Eden Prime brought him one step closer to the Conduit. What could that be?" Shepard asked, her voice sounded distant, and her brow creased. She looked to Anderson.
"I bet it has something to do with the beacon," Anderson replied, watching Shepard work through it. "Some kind of Prothean technology."
Shepard turned back to Tali, "Did the geth have anything on the Reapers?"
"According to the memory core, the Reapers were a hyper advanced machine race that existed fifty thousand years ago. The Reapers hunted the Protheans to total extinction, and then they vanished. At least, that's what the geth believe," Tali answered with a slight shrug.
"Sounds a little far-fetched," Udina commented snidely, but Kaidan was watching Shepard react. Her face blanched, and her eyes closed. She slowly turned away from Anderson, Udina and Tali, and was facing Kaidan with her hands up on her forehead. He took a small step forward, and when she opened her eyes and looked to his, for the first time since he'd met her, and for only an instant, she looked scared.
"I understand it now," She whispered and Anderson placed his hand on her shoulder. She turned to look at him. "The vision from the beacon. I saw the Protheans being wiped out by the Reapers."
"The Council is just going to love this," Udina stated, rolling his eyes and scrubbing a hand over his face.
"The geth revere the Reapers as gods, the pinnacle of non-organic life. They believe Saren knows how to bring them back. That's why they're following him," Tali added and Kaidan noticed Shepard's hands tremble before she fisted them at her sides. He wondered just how affected she was by the beacon, and he swallowed the guilt, again.
"The Reapers are a threat to every species in Council space. We have to tell them," Shepard insisted, her voice firm and demanding.
"Well, no matter what they think about the rest of this. We have the proof we needed. Well done, Commander," Anderson said, clapping her on the shoulder again. Udina and Anderson left to arrange the meeting with the Council, and Shepard turned to Kaidan. Any trace of fear or doubt was gone from her.
"We should follow, be there when they're ready for us," Shepard said to Kaidan as Tali stood off to the side of the room.
"What about her?" Kaidan asked gesturing to the Quarian.
"My name is Tali!" She snapped, and Kaidan immediately offered his apologies. "Commander, you saw me in the alley. You know what I can do, let me come with you," She suggested, her vibrating voice pleaded.
"It's not up to me," Shepard insisted, "It's Captain Anderson's ship, but I'll certainly vouch for you, if you're sure." Tali took her hand and insisted she was. "Let's get to the Tower." While they made their way over to the Citadel Tower for their next meeting with the Council, Shepard turned to Tali, "What about your pilgrimage?"
"The Pilgrimage proves we are willing to give of ourselves for the greater good. What does it say about me if I turn my back on this? Saren is a danger to the entire galaxy. My Pilgrimage can wait," She answered, and Kaidan realized he would vouch for her, too. Shepard seemed to have a magnetism about her, a way to attract the best people – or maybe she just brought the best out of the people she met.
They reached the Tower a bit quicker this time since they had been there before. They met Anderson in the same place as before, and he led them back up to the Council. They were just finishing listening to Tali's recording of Saren, and Kaidan couldn't help but feel smug as he watched Shepard stare down all the Councilors as Udina threw the evidence at them.
"This evidence is irrefutable, Ambassador," Sparatus stated went the recording had finished, "Saren will be stripped of his Spectre status and all efforts will be made to bring him in to answer for his crimes." The Turian Councilor punched a few buttons on the console in front of him.
Tevos spoke then, "I recognize the other voice, the one speaking with Saren: Matriarch Benezia." Her tone betrayed her surprise, and Shepard asked her to elaborate. "Matriarch Benezia is a powerful biotic, and she had many followers. She will make a formidable ally for Saren." She was assured yet anxious in her statement.
"I am more interested in the Reapers. What do you know about them?" Valern asked, bringing their attention to him for the first time in this meeting.
Anderson answered, "Only what was extracted from the geth's memory core," He repeated what Tali had informed them before. "We think the Conduit is the key to bringing them back. Saren is searching for it. That's why he attacked Eden Prime."
Valern asked if they had any clues as to what the Conduit was, and Shepard's hands clenched and flexed open at her sides, her anxiety and frustration mounting, "Saren thinks it can bring back the Reapers. Regardless, of what it is, that's bad enough."
Sparatus shouted, "Listen to what you're saying! Saren wants to bring back the machines that wiped out all life in the galaxy? Impossible. It has to be. Where did the Reapers go? Why did they vanish? How come we've found no trace of their existence? If they were real, we'd have found something!"
Shepard spoke low in response, "The geth believe the Reapers are gods, and Saren is the prophet for their return. I tried to warn you about Saren, and you refused to face the truth. Don't make the same mistake again."
Tevos spoke up, "This is different. You proved Saren betrayed the Council. We all agree he's using the geth to search for the Conduit, but we don't really know why. The Reapers are obviously a myth, Commander. A convenient lie to cover Saren's true purpose. A legend he is using to bend the geth to his will."
Shepard's voice was hard when she spoke again, "Fifty thousand years ago, the Reapers wiped out all galactic civilization. If Saren finds the Conduit, it will happen again."
Sparatus spoke this time, "Saren is a rogue agent on the run for his life. He no longer has the rights or the resources of a Spectre. The Council has stripped him of his position."
"That's not good enough!" Udina shouted, his outrage making him shake, "You know he's hiding in the Traverse! Send your fleet in!"
Valern snapped back, his voice cool in stark contrast to Udina's, "A fleet cannot track down one man."
"The Citadel Fleet could secure the entire region, keep the geth from attacking any more of our colonies," Udina was insistent.
"Or it could trigger a war with the Terminus Systems! We won't be dragged into a galactic confrontation over a few dozen human colonies!" Sparatus replied, his anger matching Udina's.
Shepard was barely audible when she spoke, it forced everyone to be silent in order to hear her, "Every time humanity asks for help, you ignore us," The Councilors exchanged looks between themselves while she spoke, "It's just like Mindoir, silly humans… setting up colonies on the edges of Citadel space… we hadn't been out here that long then, I get that. You couldn't know if we would last. But now? We're either a part of the galactic community, or we're not. You have to make that decision, and goddamn it, its decision time. With or without your approval, with or without your help, I am going after Saren," Shepard declared, fire in her eyes.
Tevos stared at Shepard, openly appraising the human before her before. "There is another solution," Tevos started after a silent moment, "A way to stop Saren that does not require fleets, or armies." She looked at Sparatus as she finished speaking.
"No! It's too soon! Humanity is not ready for the responsibilities that come with joining the Spectres," Sparatus insisted, his voice outraged.
Shepard's voice was surprisingly resigned when she spoke again. She shrugged, "You don't have to send a fleet into the Traverse and the Ambassador gets his human Spectre," A soft chuckle accompanied her words, "Everybody's happy." Kaidan had the suspicion not everyone was happy with this development, and he found himself once again wishing he could read her mind.
The Councilors looked to each other before Tevos spoke, "Commander Sloan Shepard, step forward." She looked to Anderson, who let a small, proud smile spread on his face, and she mirrored it, though it lost some of its confidence, before stepping up to the end of the walkway. "It is the decision of this Council that you be granted all the powers and privileges of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance of the Citadel."
"Spectres are not trained but chosen. Individuals forged in the fire of service and battle, those whose actions elevate them above the rank and file," Valern added, his tone firm and commanding ringing out through the large open space.
"Spectres are an idea, a symbol. The embodiment of courage, determination and self-reliance. They are the right hand of the Council, instruments of our will," Tevos continued, her voice softer but no less authoritative.
"Spectres bear a great burden. They are protectors of galactic peace, both our first and last line of defense. The safety of the galaxy is theirs to uphold," Sparatus finished, he sounded proud of the words he was speaking, but still unsure of Shepard.
"You are the first human Spectre, Commander. This is a great accomplishment for you and your entire species," Tevos reminded her, as if that was necessary.
"I'm honored, Councilor," She answered with a gracious nod, though Kaidan didn't believe her words, and he watched Anderson watch her. He hoped Anderson wasn't pushing her into this as a way to live vicariously through her. Shepard deserved better than that.
"We're sending you into the Traverse after Saren. He's a fugitive from justice, so you are authorized to use any means necessary to apprehend or eliminate him," Valern commanded, ensuring she understood the scope and the tools available to her to ensure success.
"I'll find him," She promised, and those three words were the most convincing words she'd spoken since they'd decided to make her a Spectre.
"This meeting of the Council is adjourned," Tevos stated, and the Councilors descended their positions and disappeared into rooms behind their raised platform.
Shepard looked a little shell shocked when she turned to face them again. She took a step closer and Anderson reached out and shook her hand, the grin had grown, "Congratulations, Commander." She nodded staying silent.
"We've got a lot of work to do, Shepard. You're going to need a ship, a crew, supplies… Anderson, come with me. I'll need your help to set all this up," Udina stated before walking away from the group, Anderson turned on his heel and followed Udina.
Kaidan thought about offering her his congratulations, but when he saw her expression, he decided not to, "Not even a thank you from Udina." Kaidan commented, and she looked to him when he spoke, like she'd been woken up.
"What did you expect from a politician?" She asked with a shrug before pulling up her 'tool and he assumed she was sending a message to Garrus and Wrex to meet at the Normandy if they still wanted to come along. It struck Kaidan again, then, she had no family to contact and share this news with. It was such a blunt contrast to his own life, it was hard to imagine. Shepard advised Tali to go gather her things and to meet them at the Normandy's docking bay.
This left Shepard and Kaidan alone as they made their way to the docking bay. It was a comfortable silence as they made their way through the Presidium. "Are you ready for this, Alenko?" She asked without looking at him.
He had to admit he was caught off guard by her question. He looked at her, and her eyes were bright as they locked on his. He knew he could tell her he was ready, but when he looked at her, his answer suddenly wasn't that easy, "Is anyone ever ready for something like this?" He asked and she laughed softly looking down to their feet as they walked.
"Good, I was afraid I was the only one with doubts," She answered, her hands were folded behind her back. "Think they bought it?" Her words surprised him; he'd certainly bought it, and he told her as much. She graced him with her rich, full laugh and placed her hand on his arm as they reached the elevator that would take them to the docking bay. He couldn't help but smile back. The stepped onto the elevator, and Kaidan looked to her.
"Commander," She cocked her head and looked up at him sideways, "If there's one thing I believe, after these last few days, it's that if there is anyone who can do this. It's you. I'm just glad I get to watch, and maybe help," He said simply and was pleased when she gave him a full smile.
"Thanks, Alenko. We'll get it done. I'm just glad Anderson is still Captain," She said as the doors opened and they stepped off the elevator. Garrus, Tali and Wrex were standing near the Normandy's airlock, where Udina and Anderson were waiting for them.
"I've got big news for you, Shepard!" Udina shouted as Shepard and Kaidan made their way over. Kaidan stopped short, and let Shepard move forward as he took, what he was feeling more comfortable considering, his spot slightly behind her and to the right. "Captain Anderson is stepping down as commanding officer of the Normandy. The ship is yours now," Udina announced, and his heart dropped for her after her confession in the elevator. He watched as her shoulders fell, like the wind had been let out of her sails, for just an instant before she stood ramrod straight.
Her eyes went to Anderson when he spoke, his voice thick, "She's quick and quiet and you know the crew. Perfect ship for a Spectre," Anderson couldn't hide the naked pride in Shepard's new title. "Treat her well, Commander."
"I'll take good care of her, Sir," She promised softly.
"I know you will," Anderson replied, and held her gaze. Kaidan felt like he was intruding on a private moment. It wasn't sexual that's for sure, there was none of that tension. It was almost familial. He wondered just what role Anderson had played in Shepard's life.
"Well, Commander, I'll forward the leads we have to the ship," Udina stated and Anderson reminded her she was a Spectre now, and didn't answer to Udina or the Alliance, not directly. The anger in Udina's eyes was not easily hidden, "Right but your actions still reflect on humanity as a whole. You make a mess, and I get stuck cleaning it up."
She turned her heated stare to the Ambassador, "I'll do my job, Udina, and you do yours."
"Just remember, you were a human long before you were a Spectre, I have a meeting to get to. Godspeed, Commander," Udina turned and stalked off the docking bay.
Kaidan watched on as Shepard turned back to Anderson, "I want the truth, Captain. Why are you stepping down?" She asked, and Kaidan turned his back to the conversation, allowing them a modicum of privacy.
"You needed your own ship. A Spectre can't answer to anyone but the Council, and it's time for me to step down," Anderson insisted. "Saren's gone. Don't even try to find him. We know what he's after: the Conduit. He's got his geth scouring the Traverse looking for clues."
"David," Shepard scolded, and the use of the Captain's first name made Kaidan pause. He was stunned. "I asked you for the truth. You've never lied to me. You've never hid behind the company lines with me. Don't start now."
He sighed audibly, "Honestly? No, this isn't how I pictured my career coming to an end. Pushing papers really isn't my thing. But you're the one who can stop Saren. I believe in you, Sloan. If that means I have to step aside, so be it."
"I don't have to like it," She whispered, and Anderson chuckled, and pulled her in for a hug. "I won't let you down, Sir," She said before pulling away from him. She stood at attention and saluted him. He returned the salute. "I should go," She said and he nodded. She called out to the aliens at the end of the bay, "This ship is leaving in five with or with out you," She walked away from Anderson and as she passed Kaidan she added, "Let's do this, Alenko."
As Kaidan and Shepard waited for the decontamination scans to complete, he watched her in his periphery. She stood stone still, eyes on the floor with her back straight and her hands fisted at her sides. Her jaw was clenched and he almost thought he saw tears in her eyes. The scan completed before he'd worked up the nerve to break the silence. Once on board, she turned left and went to the cockpit and Kaidan went right to his station to try to process everything that had happened today as he prepped his terminal for launch. He knew it would take longer than a couple hours for everything that had happened to sink in. He was distracted when Shepard's voice rang out over the comm.
"This is Commander Shepard speaking. We have our orders: find Saren before he finds the Conduit. I won't lie to you. This mission isn't going to be easy. This began with an attack on a human colony in the Traverse. We know Saren won't stop there. His geth armies aren't going to stay on the far fringes of Citadel space. Our enemy knows were coming. Where ever he searches for the Conduit, we'll be there. We will hunt him to the very ends of the galaxy and bring him down. Humanity needs to do this, not just for our own sake but for the sake of every species in the galaxy. We will stop him."