About an hour after Ellen and the other privates, together with the Special Forces team, had returned to the SSV Rome, they were summoned to the Commander's quarters.
"Privates," he greeted them with a nod as they saluted. "I've received orders from High Command to advance the 231st Platoon by one pay grade. Lieutenant Higgs has reported that you've performed excellently during the recent operation. As a result, you are the first to receive a promotion. Congratulations: Corporal Webber, Private First Class Zhao, Corporal Harlow, and Private First Class Brown."
The Commander's gaze lingered briefly on the small group. "Your team assignments will remain unchanged, so your operational roles won't be affected for now. In the coming weeks, our officers will evaluate your comrades in more detail to decide who else qualifies for a promotion. Feel free to spread the word—let them know their effort won't go unnoticed."
"Thank you, Sir," they all said almost in unison, their voices tinged with a mix of pride and surprise.
Ellen couldn't suppress a wide grin. She had secretly hoped her performance would soon be recognized. Her mother Maya Webber, who once explained the promotion system over breakfast, had said that in the lower ranks, promotions often came down to consistent performance and time served—assuming, of course, one didn't screw up along the way.
The Commander leaned back slightly, folding his arms across his chest. "The Special Forces team is currently in the officers' lounge, celebrating the success of the mission. You're welcome to join them. I'll stop by later once I've wrapped up for the day." His gaze shifted to Alex, and a knowing smile spread across his face. "And Private Zhao—if there's any of that liquor left that you smuggled aboard, why don't you bring it along? I hear it's an excellent vintage."
Alex Zhao turned pale. "Uh, Sir, I—"
He waved her off with a faint chuckle. "No need to worry, Private. I'm more impressed than upset that you managed to pull that off. This stays between us."
Ellen had to bite back a laugh as she caught the look of pure horror on Alex's face. Alex turned to her for answers, but Ellen simply shrugged. However the Commander had found out, he seemed more amused than angry.
"That will be all. You're dismissed," he said curtly, already turning his attention to a datapad.
The group left his office, and not long after, they joined the festivities in the officers' lounge. The mood was lively, and the celebration stretched late into the night.
When Ellen and Alex finally stumbled back to their cabin, most of the crew were already fast asleep. Ellen collapsed onto her bed, tired and slightly buzzed, and fell asleep instantly.
The next morning, she was jolted awake by the Commander's voice blaring over the ship's comms.
"Good morning, Marines! I trust most of you had a pleasant night and are ready for today's agenda. The Special Forces team has received orders to report to the Citadel immediately. And as luck would have it, the SSV Rome is due for a full inspection. To be precise, we'll be docking at the Citadel in an hour, thanks to our pilot pulling an overnight shift."
The Commander paused briefly before continuing in a more commanding tone. "The inspection will take about fifteen hours. During that time, you are free to spend your downtime as you see fit—but mark my words, if I catch anyone in Cora's Nest, there will be hell to pay!"
Ellen blinked groggily, taking a few seconds to process the announcement. A shore leave on the Citadel? They'd had so few chances to leave the ship up until now. The idea of free time, especially on one of the most fascinating stations in the galaxy, was more than a little tempting.
By the time Ellen finally mustered the energy to hop into the shower, most of the others were already done, and only Ida and Casey were still in the process of getting dressed.
"Hey, Ellen!" Casey called out. "Want to hang out with Ida and me? I've been to the Citadel before and know a few spots that are great for browsing and relaxing."
Ellen smiled and nodded. "Sounds good to me."
A short while later, the SSV Rome docked in one of the Citadel's landing bays, and the crew disembarked in small groups.
The Citadel was the beating heart of the galaxy—a massive space station and sprawling city in one. Comprised of five kilometers-long arms, it was home to millions of individuals from all walks of life and every known species. It was also the seat of the Citadel Council, the galaxy's governing body, comprised of representatives from the three most powerful species: the Turians, Salarians, and Asari.
"Hey, El," Alex said as they passed through a security checkpoint manned by C-Sec, the Citadel's police force. "Are you coming to Flux later? It's this new club that's supposed to be amazing. Most of us are meeting there tonight."
"Sounds great," Ellen replied. "What are you up to until then?"
"Not telling! Have fun with those two!" With a cheeky grin, Alex joined Olivia, Lauren, and Norah as they boarded an elevator at the far end of the C-Sec station, disappearing from view.
After a thorough check by a tall Turian officer to ensure neither Ellen, Ida, nor Casey had anything illegal in their possession, the trio stepped into another lift. They descended several levels, finding themselves in a section of the Citadel that looked much like the upper levels at first—cold steel walls and floors, lifeless and industrial. Aside from a few Salarians, there wasn't much to see.
That all changed the moment they navigated a few winding corridors and stepped through a door that led outside. A bustling, vibrant street stretched out before them, glowing with holographic billboards and filled with people from every species imaginable.
"Where exactly are we?" Ida asked in awe, her gaze fixed on a massive red creature floating effortlessly through the air. "And… what is that?"
"We're in the lower districts of the T'rana Promenade," Casey explained with a small laugh. "It's a hidden gem for tourists who want to explore off the beaten path. And stop staring at that Hanar—it's rude."
But Ellen and Ida couldn't help it; the sights were mesmerizing. Everywhere they looked, they saw bizarrely dressed figures and shops unlike any they'd ever encountered. Like a seasoned guide, Casey led them expertly through the crowd.
They stopped at a tall column displaying a monitor that showed dates and times from across the galaxy—including Earth's. The display read March 21, 2183. Ellen paused for a moment, a thought stirring in the back of her mind. Something significant was approaching. Then it clicked.
"Alex's birthday is in two days," she said, surprised. Time aboard the ship flowed differently, and it was easy to lose track of such things. She'd nearly forgotten her own birthday back in October.
Casey smiled. "Then we should definitely get her something while we're out here."
"Any ideas?" Ida asked, scanning a map of the nearby shops.
Ellen joined her, her eyes landing on a store specializing in gear for Alliance Marines. She remembered how Alex always appreciated practical gifts—or good liquor—and figured they'd probably find something fitting there. She tapped the store's location on the map with her finger.
"We should check that place out."
"Perfect," Casey said with enthusiasm. "It's at the end of this street, so we can browse a few other shops along the way." She took the lead, her pace energetic as they set off down the lively promenade.
Hours later, they walked past the storefront of the equipment shop, its windows showcasing various displays, and stepped through a wide door into the store. The bright sales floor was spacious, filled with displays of armor, weapons, modifications, and other useful gear.
"Ah, Marines," said a busy Salarian from behind the counter. His dark brown horns framed a beige face, his enormous, dark eyes gleaming with energy. The suit he wore bore a striking resemblance to Alliance uniforms but was adorned with gold and black accents, giving it a more flamboyant appearance.
"Welcome to my shop!" he continued, speaking quickly as he approached them. "How can I assist you? Perhaps a knife that cuts through any armor with ease? Or a pill that keeps you full and sharp for three days straight?"
"Thank you," Ellen replied, her attention caught by something in the display window. It was perfect for Alex. "Could you show us the scopes compatible with the Avenger assault rifle?"
"But of course. I have just the thing."
Ida gave Ellen a nod. "That's a great idea—she'd love that."
"Exactly!" Casey chimed in from across the store, where she was inspecting a selection of armors. "She's always complaining about how inaccurate that rifle is."
The Salarian disappeared into the back room briefly, returning with a metallic case. He set it down on the counter and slid the lid aside to reveal a sleek, white scope nestled in black foam. Carefully, he picked it up.
"This model doesn't just fit the Avenger assault rifle; it's also compatible with sniper rifles and pistols. Its magnification, automatic targeting, and range adjustment are truly exceptional. And for the price, it's a best-seller here. Go ahead, try it for yourself."
He retrieved an unloaded assault rifle and attached the scope with practiced ease before handing the weapon to Ellen. She took it and peered through the scope. To her amazement, she could clearly see a man standing far outside the store eating something—every crumb on his chin was visible.
"This is incredible," she said, passing the rifle to Ida and Casey so they could take a look.
"How much is it?" Ellen asked, turning back to the Salarian.
"Only 1,000 credits," he replied. "But since today is such a momentous occasion for humanity and the Alliance, I'm offering a ten percent discount."
Ellen considered it. Even with the discount, it was a steep price. But she rarely spent her paychecks and knew Alex would be thrilled with the gift. It would be worth it.
"We'll split it three ways. That'll make it manageable, right, Ida?" Casey said with a grin. One by one, they handed their credit cards to the Salarian, who hummed a little tune as he scanned them.
"Why is today so special?" Ida asked as he carefully packed the scope back into its case.
"You haven't heard? Just an hour ago, the Citadel Council announced that Commander Shepard has been inducted as the first human Spectre."
Spectres—short for Special Tactics and Reconnaissance—were elite agents selected from various species and operating directly under the authority of the Citadel Council. Their primary mission was to maintain peace across the galaxy, though their methods often courted controversy. Some Spectres were infamous for abusing their power, leaving devastation in their wake. Despite the mixed reputation, the fact that humanity had finally earned a place among their ranks was monumental—a milestone in humanity's ongoing struggle for respect in the galactic community.
Ellen was intrigued. She wondered who Commander Shepard was and made a mental note to look them up on the Extranet at the earliest opportunity.
With their purchase complete, Ellen, Ida, and Casey left the equipment shop and headed toward Flux, where they planned to meet up with the others.
The Flux was a club with two levels. Upstairs, a casino buzzed with activity, where a group of Krogan were loudly arguing over a game. The lower level featured a dance floor, scattered tables, and a long bar. Ellen, Ida, and Casey found an empty spot, but no sooner had they sat down than Casey jumped up again.
"Damn, I forgot to grab something. Order a round for us; I'll be back soon!" she called out, darting through the crowd toward the exit.
"Casey really can't sit still for long," Ida remarked, signaling a server to bring two bottles of Earth beer.
Ellen chuckled. "No, and staying quiet isn't exactly her strong suit either." She didn't mean it harshly; Casey and Alex often chatted animatedly during missions, as long as the situation wasn't critical. "But when it counts, you can absolutely rely on her," she added with a smile.
Ida nodded. "That's true. So, how did yesterday's mission go?"
Ellen gave her a quick rundown, briefly mentioning her promotion as well. But just as she finished, the atmosphere in the club chatter and laughter in the Flux died down abruptly, like a wave retreating from the shore. Ellen glanced up, startled by the sudden hush, and noticed that nearly everyone's gaze had shifted toward the entrance. It was as if an invisible spotlight had been switched on.
"Look," Ida whispered, pointing toward the door.
Ellen's gaze landed on a woman in an Alliance uniform standing hesitantly in the doorway. She seemed overwhelmed by the sudden attention. Before Ellen could process what was happening, three more women stepped in behind her, gently encouraging her forward. Ellen recognized the familiar faces of Alex, Olivia, and Lauren—accompanying a very different-looking Norah.
Ellen's breath caught.
Norah's blonde hair gleamed under the club lights, styled in loose waves and swept into a casual braid over one shoulder. Her usually understated features were highlighted by a touch of makeup that made her look more mature and confident. Alex, Olivia, and Lauren had clearly spent time on their own appearances as well, but Ellen's eyes were glued to Norah. She had to clear her throat to regain her composure.
"You're already here! Where's Casey?" Alex asked, glancing around.
"She went to grab something. I'll go look for her," Ida said quickly and left the table.
Lauren checked a clock near the bar. "Well, the shops are still open, and Olivia and I wanted to browse a bit."
Olivia hesitated for a second, then caught on and nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, exactly!"
With that, they disappeared too, leaving Ellen alone with Norah.
"You look … good," Ellen finally said, awkwardly fiddling with the label on her beer bottle. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Norah pause, then respond to the compliment with a skeptical glare.
"Very funny," Norah muttered, her voice tinged with irritation. "I don't even know why I let Alex talk me into spending a whole day in a salon."
Ellen, caught mid-sip, nearly choked and started coughing before managing to catch her breath. When she finally stopped sputtering, she laughed.
"Norah, everyone turned to look at you when you walked into the Flux!" she said, trying to reassure her.
Ellen wasn't entirely sure in the dim lighting, but she thought she saw a faint blush creep up Norah's cheeks.
"Well, at least you seem to have had a good day," Ellen added.
"Oh, absolutely," Norah replied with biting sarcasm, but her tone softened as she continued. "Actually, it wasn't so bad. It was nice to spend time with them off the ship for a change. For once, we weren't just talking about the next mission."
"What did you talk about?" Ellen asked, curiosity getting the better of her. She felt like she'd finally recovered from the initial shock of Norah's transformation, even though the fluttering in her stomach told a different story.
"Oh, you know. Home, men, wome—uh, what's on the menu here?" Norah said abruptly, clearly hoping Ellen hadn't noticed her sudden topic change. Ellen decided to let it slide as Norah flagged down a waiter to order a cocktail.
"By the way, congrats on the promotion. Alex mentioned it," Norah said casually.
"Only mentioned it? That doesn't sound like her."
"Okay, she may have announced it about ten times," Norah admitted with a smirk.
Ellen giggled. "Honestly, it's not that big of a deal. They're promoting a lot of people in the next few weeks."
"Maybe, but still—cheers to you, Corporal Webber. No one deserves it more … except maybe me," Norah teased, raising her glass in a toast. Ellen clinked her beer bottle against it with a grin.
"Thanks," Ellen replied.
Before long, most of their squad had arrived at the Flux, taking over large sections of the bar and dance floor. John strolled over to their table, leaning on it with his trademark cocky grin.
"Eli, you look fantastic tonight. How about you dance with one of the guys while I keep Ellen company?" he asked with a wink.
"I don't think so," Norah said sharply, rising from her seat. "I need some fresh air." She muttered the last part so softly that Ellen barely caught it before Norah disappeared out the door.
John let out a laugh. "She's so uptight."
"Just leave her," Ellen snapped, her patience with John officially spent. As Norah disappeared from view, a tight knot of unease settled in Ellen's chest. This couldn't be how things ended. She stood abruptly, leaving John without further explanation. She knew she had to act—now, before Norah put even more distance between them.
She found Norah just outside the Flux. When Ellen reached her, Norah turned around, startled.
"Want to take a walk?" Ellen asked hopefully. "Maybe head back to the Rome?"
Norah hesitated, then nodded, and they began walking toward the docks together.
"John seems to get on your nerves," Ellen said, testing the waters for the conversation she knew they needed to have.
Norah sighed. "It's not him exactly … more like the idea of him."
"You do know there's nothing between me and him, right?" Ellen asked, her heart pounding so hard she wondered if Norah could hear it. If Norah did have feelings for John, Ellen was prepared to help, even if it hurt her to see them together. After all, Norah must have gotten dressed up for John, right? "Really, if you need help with him, I could talk to him—"
Norah stopped abruptly and stared at Ellen, confused. "Ellen, do you have any idea how clueless you are sometimes?"
"What do you mean?" Ellen asked, thrown off guard.
Norah rolled her eyes, stepped closer, and kissed Ellen softly on the cheek. Ellen froze. When Norah pulled back, Ellen felt heat rushing to her face, and her hand instinctively touched the spot where Norah had kissed her.
"Oh," Ellen finally managed to say, her brain scrambling to catch up with what had just happened. The idea that Norah might feel the same way had barely crossed her mind, and now she wasn't sure how to process it.
Norah grimaced. "Yeah. Oh." She looked equally flustered.
They resumed walking, the silence between them heavy with unspoken thoughts. They were nearly at the Rome when Ellen finally found her voice again.
"I'm surprised. I really thought you were into John," she admitted.
"I'm not. And, for the record, I thought you were into him," Norah said, still staring straight ahead as if she couldn't bring herself to meet Ellen's eyes.
Ellen took a deep breath and let her fingers slide into Norah's hand. "I'm not."
"Oh."
They both burst into laughter, breaking the tension, and walked the rest of the way to the docks in contented silence. When the Rome came into view, Norah gently pulled her hand away, glancing at Ellen with an apologetic look.
"Regulations," she murmured.
Ellen shrugged, smiling to reassure her. "Nobody really takes those seriously. We can get some tips from Alex."
"What are you going to tell her?" Norah asked.
"For now? Nothing. We haven't broken any rules … yet," Ellen replied, her tone playfully defiant. Norah accepted the challenge, placing a hand on Ellen's neck and pulling her in for a kiss. It was everything Ellen had imagined—both exhilarating and grounding. She wrapped her arms around Norah, deepening the kiss until they broke apart, breathless, foreheads resting together.
"We should head back before someone sees us," Norah whispered with a sigh.
"Then let's go," Ellen agreed. They separated and walked side by side toward the Rome, their steps lighter than before.