Chapter II: Welcome to the Citadel

Medical Bay, Normandy SR-1

2183.12.9- 08:00:00 AM GST

Visons of death and destruction plagued Shepard's mind. The images were of a group of machines practically slaughtering Prothean soldiers as they ran away in terror.

Alex suddenly woke up. He wiped off some of the sweat on his brow. What in the hell was all that? Then the throbbing sensation suddenly hit him. My head. What the fuck is going on with my head?

Ashley noticed he was up. "Doctor Chakwas! Doctor Chakwas! I think he's waking up."

Doctor Chakwas quickly moved to Alex and helped him stand up. "Commander, are you alright?"

Alex shook his head. "I'm fine. What happened?"

Ashley spoke up, "That weird beacon entrapped you in some sort of green energy field and then just exploded. The lieutenant and I caught you and brought you aboard the ship."

Alex then gave her an affirmative nod. "I appreciate it Williams."

Ashley shook her head dejectedly. "Sir! If it hadn't been for me, you wouldn't have been put in that situation."

Alex shook his head at her with a groan. "Williams. You were in danger. As your commanding officer, it is my duty to ensure my men make it back safely from every mission. You know the Alliance motto. No man left behind. I'm just glad you are safe."

The corners of Ashley's mouth curved into a small smile. I was worried that he'd reprimand me. I'm so used to getting pushback for the slightest mistake. She gave Alex a warm smile. "Thank you, Commander!"

Alex gave her a small grin and nodded. Ashley felt herself blush a little bit. He really is as brave as the holonets made him to be.

Suddenly, Captain Anderson walked into the medbay. "How's our XO holding up Doctor?"

Doctor Chakwas gave the Captain a curt nod and answered. "Physically Shepard is fine. However, I detected some minor anomalies in his brain activity." She turned towards Shepard. "What happened to you down there, Commander?"

Shepard began rubbing his temple nervously. "That beacon transmitted images in my brain." "None of them were clear. I saw death and destruction."

Captain Anderson gave Alex an understanding nod. "Unfortunately, we can't go back and run tests on the beacon. It self-destructed once it gave Shepard the message."

Alex let out a frustrated grunt. I have wanted to study a ruin for years. So close. "Shame." "There is so little known about the Protheans. The find of a century."

Captain Anderson put his hands behind his back. He then eyed both Ashley and Doctor Chakwas and spoke in a calm tone. "I'd like to speak to Shepard alone."

Ashley gave the Captain an affirmative nod. "Of course, Captain!" "I'll be in the barracks if you need me." She then walked out of the medbay.

Doctor Chakwas gently placed a hand on Shepard's shoulder. "Please inform me if your condition gets any worse Commander."

Alexander gave her a nod. "I will Doctor." "Thank you." Doctor Chakwas nodded at him and left the room. Alexander then turned his attention to the captain. "So bad news huh?"

Captain Anderson only nodded at him. "I'm afraid so Shepard. Nihlus is dead. Saren has gone rogue and allied with the geth, and the beacon was destroyed."

Captain Anderson grit his teeth. "Both Ambassador Udina and the Council are going to demand answers. I managed to get Ambassador Udina to get us an audience with them." Alex merely nodded back at him. Well, we have managed to get an audience at least. "Who is this Saren character? The dockworker who saw Nihlus get killed noted that he was the one who shot him in the head." David Anderson let out the deep breath he had been holding in. "Saren is a turian Spectre who has a deep hatred for our kind. He believes humanity is gaining too much power and influence in the galaxy. If he was involved in the attack on Eden Prime, then he has something nefarious up his sleeve. He must be stopped Alex."

Alexander stood up and saluted. "Yes sir!" His voice then faltered. "I'm sorry Captain. I lost Jenkins and Nihlus down at the colony. I don't like losing comrades. Reminds me of what happened on Akuze. I swore to my squad I'd do better."

Alexander's right fist tightened for a moment.

David eyed his protégé for a moment. He put a hand on Shepard's shoulder. "Don't even believe that for a second. You did the best you could Alex. From what I learned from Lt. Alenko, Cpl. Jenkins ran in and caused his own demise."

Alexander only nodded back at him. Anderson sighed and continued, "As for Nihlus, none of us knew Saren would be there leading the geth. None of this is your fault Alex. You understand?" Alex shook his head and nodded, speaking in an irritated tone, "Yes sir."

Captain Anderson smiled at his protégé. "Good! Now our plan is to try and convince the Council of Saren's treachery. We should be getting close to the Citadel."

A voice rang over the comm. Commander Shepard. Captain Anderson. We are nearing the Citadel. Captain Anderson nodded at Alex. We are on our way Joker.

Pilot's Seat, Normandy SR-1

2183.12.9- 08:10:00 AM GST

Commander Shepard and Captain Anderson both reported the pilot's seat. The Normandy SR-1 was currently flying through the Citadel locks.

Joker then opened the comm channel. Citadel Control, this is the Normandy SR-1. We are coming in over.

Ashley and Kaidan were staring in awe at the Citadel fleet. One ship caught their attention.

Ashley pointed to that one. "Look at the size of that dreadnaught." "It's main gun could rip a hole through the entire Alliance fleet."

Kaidan shuddered for a moment. "Good thing it's on our side then."

A light beep indicated the response.

Normandy, we read you. You are clear to land in Docking Bay 18. Patching you through to an Alliance operator over.

The Normandy SR-1 then landed in place.

The docking bay locks then attached themselves to the nimble ship.

Captain Anderson turned to Alex. "Let's go Commander! Gunnery Sgt. Williams and Lt. Alenko, you are coming with us. You can help the Commander answer any questions that the ambassador has."

Both Williams and Alenko nodded and saluted the Captain. "Yes sir."

Systems Alliance Embassy, Presidium, The Citadel

2183.12.9- 09:00:00 AM GST

Donnel Udina twisted in outrage. He pointed a finger accusingly at the projections of the Council ambassadors. "This is outrageous! The Council would step in to help if the geth attacked a turian colony!" Ambassador Tevos spoke in a gentle, yet stern tone. "That is because the turians don't establish colonies on the edge of the Terminus Systems. Humanity well knew the risks when it desired to do so."

Donnel felt his eyebrow twitch. Smug bitch.

Ambassador Sparatus continued, "We will discuss this more at the hearing." The projections of the council then faded away in a flash.

Ambassador Udina then slammed a fist on his console. Damn them! Captain Anderson, Commander Shepard, Lt. Alenko and Gunnery Sgt. Willams all then walked up to him.

Donnel Udina crossed his arms behind his back and turned towards them. His tone was one of bitter disappointment. "So, I see you brought your entire team with you Anderson."

Captain Anderson gave the man a curt nod. "Just in case you had any questions about the attack on Eden Prime. I brought the entire ground team."

Ambassador Udina did not change his expression and put two fingers under his chin. "I have the mission reports. I assume they are accurate."

Anderson gave the ambassador an affirmative nod. "They are. It seems you got us an audience with the Council."

Ambassador Udina let out a frustrated sigh. "They weren't happy about it. Saren is one of their top operatives. They don't like that he is being accused of treason." Alexander Shepard squeezed his knuckles until they were white. He spoke urgently. "I understand that they are wary of the charges!" "But I have firm evidence that Saren killed Nihlus at the spaceport! He led the geth army in search of the beacon and tried to blow the entire colony! He's a danger to humanity and to the galaxy as a whole!"

Donnel Udina waved him off and let out a frustrated sigh. "Commander please!" You have already done more than enough to jeopardize your candidacy for the Spectres!"

Alex eyed the man with rage in his eyes. What a fool! He will not even let me explain! Captain

Anderson jumped in for him. "That was Saren's fault! Not his!"

Ambassador Udina closed his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "It doesn't matter now. We have to go meet the Council. Commander, have yourself and your men meet us at the Citadel Tower. Come with me Captain."

Ambassador Udina and Captain Anderson then walked out of the ambassador office.

Ashley let out a sarcastic grunt. "And that's why I hate politicians."

Lt. Alenko turned towards her and nodded his approval. Alexander merely sighed as he rested a hand against his face. This is great. I don't even know if the Council will listen to me.

Citadel Tower, Presidium, Citadel

2183.12.9- 09:15:00 AM GST

Commander Shepard, Lieutenant Alenko and Gunnery Sergeant Williams stepped off the elevator to the Citadel Tower. As they walked around the circular platform in the middle and towards the stairs leading up to the Tower.

They saw two turians arguing with one another. One had light gray skin and donned dark blue armor. The other donned black and red armor and had black skin. There were white markings on his face. The blue-armored one stated emphatically, "Just give me more time!I'm sure I can find something on Saren by then! Stall them!"

The dark-skinned one just shook his head at him. "I'm sorry Garrus. C-Sec has ordered the matter closed for now. That is final." Garrus's mandibles twitched with frustration. Executor Palin then walked away from the fuming turian. Shepard raised an eyebrow at this. He turned towards Ashley and Kaidan. "Seems like we aren't the only ones investigating Saren." "Let's see what he knows."

Ashley frowned. What good intel could we possibly get from a turian? For all we know, he is working with Saren! They are alike! The three of them approached Garrus.

Alex removed his helmet.

Garrus took notice of the three of them. He specifically had his eyes on Alexander. His tone raised in wonderment. "You are Commander Alex Shepard, right? The lone survivor of Akuze. Also a noted scholar and one of the System Alliance's foremost experts on alien cultures. I've read a bit of your paper on turian culture. I-I was impressed by how much you knew."

Ashley stared at the Commander in awe. He's an expert in alien cultures! Why would he bother to learn that garbage?

Alexander crossed his arms at the turian and gave him a half-smile. "Glad my reputation precedes me." He then outstretched his hand towards Garrus.

Garrus outstretched his forceps and shook it. "A true honor Commander. Not many humans take the time to study cultures alien to them." He then added dryly, "Especially not turian culture."

Alex let out a small chuckle. "The war between our peoples is over.I figure this galaxy is big enough for both of our people. Understanding the differences between our cultures will only lead to peace in the utmost future. What's your name soldier? You don't look like typical turian military."

Garrus let out a small chuckle. "My name is Garrus Valkarian. I'm an officer with Citadel Security." His tone suddenly got more hopeful. "I-I was hoping to speak with you Commander." "I was put in charge of C-Sec's investigation against Saren. I heard about what happened on Eden Prime and was cleared to start an investigation on his activities."

Alex raised an eyebrow at the mention of the investigation. Finally. Hopefully, he has something. "Saren is a fellow turian." "I'm surprised you'd investigate one of your own."

Garrus shook his head. His mandibles twitched in frustration. "Saren has a lot of questionable activities in his Spectre file. His methods are…not advisable. I don't trust him. There have also been rumors going around that he killed a fellow Spectre on Eden Prime. As a military man, I understand that sometimes lives have to sacrificed. But Saren took it too far. He killed one of his fellow comrades…one of my people... on Eden Prime. That is a line you don't cross."

Alex gave the man a mere nod. "Did you find anything interesting in your investigation?"

Garrus let out a frustrated sigh as he shook his head,. "I'm sorry Commander. A lot of his activities and missions are classified information. I've tried to gain access to them, but I've only received tidbits of data here and there."

Alexander tightened a fist. Damn it.

Garrus spoke again. His tone turned bitter. "I hope you can get through to the Council."

Alex gave the turian male an affirmative nod and shook his forceps. "I will do my best Garrus. "Oh, and just call me Alexander. I like to be more informal with my friends."

Garrus's mandibles twitched in relief and he shook the Commander's hand. "Of course, Alexander!"

Commander Shepard then turned to Ashley and Kaidan. "Double time it!"

The turian C-Sec officer watched the Commander and his squad walk away in wonderment. He is different than most humans I've encountered. Not a single death stare.

More chapters coming up!

Read and review!