Sorry for the delay… I wanted to have this out earlier and I was pretty much finished but just wanted to add to some of the dancing. As I was putting together the new section and rearranging the rest of the event, I suffered through the sudden loss of my dog. Some of you may not understand but I had him for years and love him like a child. He helped me get through my recurring depression and I sometimes wonder what would have happened if I hadn't had him then. I'm still devastated but I know I need to get back into what I love doing and not live in the past. I'm sorry I haven't been able to keep up with everything for you all.

I am sorry for the length between posts for this one big event. As I said before, I had changed the guest list causing me to put in a few more scenes so now it is a little longer. Now the entire thing will be a total of four maybe five chapters of 'standard' length, where before it might have been two slightly longer chapters. I hope you enjoy. Thank you all for sticking with me and thank you for reading/following/favoriting and reviewing.

**You'll see a part in here with dancing that references a time for a song. The particular song I chose has the drama that would fit the couple and, though a little out of place, it is my story and it is in there. The song is "You Don't Own Me" by Grace ft. G-Eazy (the vevo video on youtube is the particular version I had up watch?v=8SeRU_ZPDkE ). I do recommend the Lesley Gore version but it doesn't quite have that tension that is needed. Anyway, listen to it or don't, but I hope I managed to translate it well enough.

Chapter 53

She shivered, shrugging his hand off as she turned to face him. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"Embracing the harmony that exists between all species," he waved his hands in a dramatic fashion before dropping them to his sides and snarling like he needed to cleanse his mouth from the distaste the words had put there. "You know I came to see you and only you. I needed to make sure you were okay after being around all those degenerates."

"Really? That's your excuse? You're checking up on me? They're all more trustworthy than you. They haven't sabotaged a mission or tried to kill me –"

Leng rolled his eyes as she spoke, then interrupted, "I didn't try to kill you. I was trying to make you open your eyes. And just give them time. I'm sure one will stab you in the back."

"Like you did?"

"Don't exaggerate. I didn't stab you in the back."

"Fine, my leg."

"But it wasn't your back."

"And you shot me in the chest."

"More like your shoulder."

"And arm."

"True," he shrugged.

"My other leg."

"Also true but…" he leaned closer, coming so close to her face that he could have easily kissed her before she could react, "I don't remember seeing any of those scars," he winked.

He was making her angry and keeping herself under control was getting harder and harder. She tried to side step him but he put his arm on the bar, blocking her. He was going to keep her trapped there; unable to escape unless she caused a scene. She took a deep breath to calm herself.

"Are you trying to leave me? Again?! Gah! My cold, dead, blackened heart." He clutched his chest with his free hand before reverting back to his usual, dark demeanor. He peeked over his shoulder at her table, "I see your team is over there. Well, some of them. I doubt any of them would recognize me right away, especially in this fancy attire," he looked down tugging on his jacket with one hand as if he needed to adjust his look. "They will think you are talking with just another admirer. You always seem to have plenty of those, don't you? It will be a while before your crew 'rescues' you." He ran a hand from her elbow up to her shoulder then down her back, moving closer to her in the process.

At that moment, she regretted having an open back dress and took a sip of her drink as an excuse to step out of his touch again. The line his finger drew felt like a burning cut under her skin. She was barely able to see around him at her table and saw John glance in their direction but looked away, not sensing her need or even appearing to see her.

"You know we could always ditch this place. Go back to your ship, or get a room, maybe even find a closet somewhere. Remember training?" he smirked at her obvious discomfort.

"Given the chance," she smiled, trying to hide the agitation she felt from the watching eyes, "I would kill you where you stand."

"Why wait?" his voice grew darker, "There should still be some good knives at the tables, maybe break your glass on the bar and shove it into my throat." He gripped her wrist that held the drink, as if he were daring her to do it but knowing that she was bound by the social contract to put up with him, he smirked at her. He stepped closer to her, placing a hand on one of her hips, squeezing tightly and pushing her so the edge of the bar pressed into her back. "Nice dress," he looked her up and down, "But I do wish you had worn the dress the Illusive Man had ordered. That one was very sexy, but not as hot as the one I had in mind."

She glared at him and tried to push his hand away but he gripped tighter, pressing so hard she wondered if she would bruise. "Don't act like you have any fashion sense."

"I don't claim to. But I had found this little red number. Mmm… you would have looked so good in that."

She hated that smirk, it was once something she had loved about him but now she saw it for what it was and the malicious intent it held. She wanted to slap him, shove him, anything to get away from him and to make him stop touching her, but she was stuck. When he released her and backed away, she was confused, but relieved, until her savior made herself known; Jane wasn't sure if she was in a better situation.

"Jane, sweetheart, I was just coming over to your table," Hannah said. She looked at the man Jane was speaking to, "Oh, hello. And who is this young man?"

"A friend of Commander Shepard's from a long time ago," Kai Leng said, turning up the charm in his voice. "We first met in boot camp," he smiled a dazzling smile at both Shepard women. "Kai Leng, pleasure to meet you, Captain Hannah Shepard."

It took everything Jane had not to punch him.

"Oh?" Hannah exclaimed, her face lighting up and looking between the man and her daughter. "And are you still in the Alliance?"

"Sadly, no," he actually looked remorseful, surprising Jane. "But, I was fortunate enough to be recruited for head of security and intelligence at a very prestigious company. I keep telling Jane that we are always looking for individuals with her expertise but I'm afraid she is just too bound to the Alliance. But can you blame me for wanting to steal her away?" he chuckled, turning slightly towards Jane and touching her arm near her elbow; his fingers brushed against her skin, his thumb grazing her in an affection way before he dropped his hand.

Jane glared at him while her mother wasn't looking and barely changed to a humble smile when Hannah did focus on her.

Hannah hadn't missed the flirtatious touch from Leng towards her daughter. "Well, I guess I can't be too upset that she is in demand but I am glad to hear that she is still loyal to the Alliance," Hannah glanced at Jane before looking back to the man. "And I suppose you went into security so you could have a more stable life for your family?" she felt like she knew the answer, but wanted to hear it from him all the same.

He gave a light chuckle as if he were embarrassed, "I'm not married, ma'am."

"Oh?" she said in false surprise and her eyes flicked over to Jane who was giving her a pleading look. "Well, it would be a shame if a handsome young man like yourself waited too long."

"Heh, I suppose not," he faked embarrassment and smiled the award winning smile before glancing over at Jane in time to see her roll her eyes.

"I'm sorry for so rudely interrupting the two of you. Was it another recruitment attempt with Jane before I arrived?"

"Just catching up and I was about to – " Jane tried to answer 'leave' but was out voiced by Leng.

"No ma'am, I had asked Jane something else. And she was just about to give me an answer."

"An answer to?" Hannah hardly tried to cover her excitement. Maybe Jane had finally come to her senses and started dating someone, realizing that she wouldn't live forever.

"If she would care to dance," Leng extended his hand and gave a slight bow as he did so, smiling at Jane, knowing that, once again, she couldn't say no and if she did, she wouldn't get away with it.

"And I was going to say thank you but I really must get back," Jane took a step away but was halted by her mother grabbing her elbow.

"Nonsense! Of course you have time. The night has only just begun." She took the drink from her daughter's hand and put Jane's now empty hand into Kai's. "Oh, Jane, whiskey?" she whispered, "You could have a little class and drink champagne or at least wine."

Jane ignored the criticism of her drink and looked at her mother, trying to plead with her eyes that this was a bad idea. She could feel Leng squeeze her fingers too tightly and tug. "Mom, please, this isn't…" she whispered. For once in your life try to understand what I am trying to tell you!

"Shush! Go dance with him. It won't kill you."

"Thank you, Captain Shepard. I think we both know how difficult Jane can sometimes get." He smiled as Hannah chuckled with a nod and waved them away. Kai escorted Jane out to the center of the room. When they were out of ear shot, he pulled her closer, whispering, "And you never know. Maybe I'll just get that itch."

"You're such a bastard."

"Technically, orphan. But who knows, probably a bastard too. But that may be the nicest thing you have said to me in recent years."

"Why did you even ask me to dance? Just to get me away? You don't even know how."

The floor had cleared out slightly, giving them plenty of room. He raised their joined hands and give a flick of his wrist while lightly pushing. Jane could tell what the movement was and begrudgingly gave a spin, almost sarcastically, then another when his hand insisted. Just as she was coming back around, he stuck his foot out in her way so she would trip. Her fall was halted as he caught her and went into a dip, which he expertly brought her out of too. When he returned her upright, he brought her close to his body. The shock was plain on her face. "A long time ago, I had learned for you."

Kai took Jane's hands in his, raising his left outward and placing Jane's left on his shoulder before sliding his hand along her back. "Come on now, Janey, you know how it goes. I saw you earlier."

She rolled her eyes and readjusted so she was in the correct form. "What kinds of dances do you even know?"

"Hmm… how about a foxtrot, Viennese waltz fusion?"

"Do you realize the amount of finesse that requires?"

"You realize I'm an assassin, right? You underestimate me, Janey. Finesse is what I'm about."

Thane looked over, noticing more people heading out to the dancefloor but none seemed to be entering it. He stared, leaning back to try and see through the crowd. Blond hair flashed, prompting him to keep his attention there, then he saw the glimmer of Jane's dress, confirming his thoughts. He stood, now able to see a slightly clearer picture of the two, "Who is that with Shepard?" he asked, studying the man. From what he could see, the two were an amazing pair. One by one, the table stood to look at who Jane was dancing with, including Joker. When Thane looked at his companions, he at first saw confusion but Miranda and Garrus's faces held a different expression.

Miranda's jaw dropped, "Ho-ly fuck… What is he doing here?"

"You know him?" John asked.

"You do too. He works for Cerberus. Kai Leng."

John was about to respond but stopped when he saw how tense Garrus was as the turian began to stalk from the table.

"You can't," Miranda said to Garrus.

John stepped in front of his friend, "She's right, you can't."

Garrus glared at both humans, "He tried to kill her the last time they met. Am I just supposed to wait until it happens again?!"

"He can't do anything here and neither can you," Miranda said matter-of-factly. "Think about it, what would you do? Attack a human at a human hosted event? That would look great. Besides, him choking her was probably his idea of foreplay anyway."

Garrus growled, his anger focused on Miranda too.

"I don't think that helped," Joker said.

Garrus stood helplessly aside. They were right. Unless Leng did something threatening, Garrus couldn't interfere and right now they were just dancing. They were amazing really… which only bothered him more. They practically owned the dancefloor, their prowess intimidating the other dancers and attracting an audience.

Kelly watched wide-eyed at all the reactions. She wished she had gone with Chakwas to get dessert now. She tapped Jacob on the shoulder, "Do you know who Leng is? I've never met him."

"I've met him but, uh, let's talk about it over there." Jacob took Kelly's hand walking off to the side. When they were far enough away, he let go of her, "Something seems really off with Leng. He's really intense and from what Miranda has told me, detached from… people. The only other thing I know is that he is pretty xenophobic and, from their reactions, has some bad history with Shepard."

Kelly looked over at the dancefloor and saw the pair moving. Shepard was bent backward, supported by one of Leng's arms. He brought her up slowly, moving her against his body in a sensual way before moving her back down and up in a circle in beat with the music. "I don't know how Shepard is able to hide what she's really feeling right now. She can be so closed off yet open at the same time. It's like the Alliance has allowed her to perfect her outward image while containing everything else deep down."

"More like forced her to perfect it. Her family, the Alliance, and being the first human Spectre isn't very forgiving."

As Kelly watched, she saw another movement from the crowd and saw Chakwas waving her down. Getting Jacob's attention they went over to join the doctors.

"Do either of you know who that is?" Karin asked as they approached.

"Kai Leng, apparently," Kelly answered.

"Oh, so that's him. Well, he's not bad looking."

"You know of him?" Jacob asked.

Karin shook her head, "Not really, Shepard only ever mentioned him once and it was by accident – I had gotten her drunk. She didn't seem too fond of him."

Jane was vaguely aware that they were attracting an audience. It seemed like the floor was too open for them to be moving as much as they were but she didn't have time to focus on the audience. She hated to be seen with him but what could she do? Leng was better prepared than she thought he would be and he was keeping her on her toes both figuratively and literally.

In their dance frame they moved around the dancefloor in large circles, Leng giving her a little spin to accent the music [~0:53]. On the last notes of the chorus, he lifted her slightly, pressing down on her hips so when she landed she lowered into a split. The music had slowed, allowing him to slowly pull her up from her lowered position, her toe lightly dragging behind in a dramatic fashion. One of his hands flattened on her stomach, pressing into her as he stalked around her with grand steps matching the beat. Jane acted the part, putting on a show as if she wanted to be there.

He leaned in close, his chest pressing against her back as his hand ran up her side, encouraging her arm to arch up for his hand to follow the movement and clasp her hand. They moved as one, in sync with the music. As the music increased in tempo, their gestures became grander. Leng spun her out before snapping her back to him so they could move through the chorus like they had before.

In the final rounds of the chorus, he changed up their steps, alternating between short, quick lifts and turns. As he brought her close, he whispered an instruction to her, and though she was hesitant, the next time she came close to him, he slid his arm down around her waist while holding her right out and lifted her. He could feel her legs pose and he smiled at her compliance with what he had told her. He set her down but kept her moving, a quick spin here, and sharp turn there, a short dip to one side then the other and in the final notes, he slowly lowered her into a dip. One arm supported her as the other moved up her side to cup her face so she couldn't tilt her head away as he brought his face to hers. His forehead touched hers, his nose brushing hers, his lips fractions from hers.

The music finally stopped and Leng brought her upright, loosening his grip on her. He stepped back, still holding one of her hands and kissed it, bowing as he did. She held back the urge to rip her hand from his, slap him, and storm off; instead putting the energy into a curtsy.

"Until next time, Shepard," he said before releasing her hand and disappearing into the crowd.

It was only when he was walking from her that she realized people were applauding the performance. She smiled and dipped her head in various directions and mouthed 'thank you' as she backed towards her table. In her last step before entering the crowd, she saw the lens of a camera floating nearby and hated that their dance had been part of the broadcast. She had forgotten that had been part of the deal with the night. When she made it back to the eerily silent table, she sat down, taking a few deep breaths to ease her anger and frustration.

Miranda was the first to speak, "Soooo… I'll be the first to step on the landmine. Despite who it was with, your dancing was amazing. I had no idea he could dance like that."

Everyone turned to stare at her.

"What?!" she said in a shocked tone, "It's true!"

"She's drunk," John muttered, "Let's give her a break."

Jane sighed, "Thank you, Miranda. No, it wasn't ideal but I didn't really have a choice."

"Why not?" Joker scoffed, "Turn him down, who cares?"

"My mother."

"Oh… Yeah, never mind, you were screwed."

Jane leaned back in an unladylike way, slumping in her chair as she tapped her fingers on the table, "Can we just move on? I really don't want to dwell on this the entire night."

"Let's check out the shows. See what those are like. Give this place a rest," John suggested.

"You can but how about you wait until after I am introduced to everyone," Hannah said coming up to the table from behind John. "John," she said coolly, even for her, "good to see you."

"Yeah… same," John muttered, barely turning in his chair to greet her. He looked over to see Jane jump, quickly trying to straighten her posture before their mother noticed even though they all knew she had. Wondering how much his mother would critique his sister, he turned to look at Hannah and saw her mouth forming a firm line, a look they had seen frequently over the years when she saw something they were doing that she didn't like.

A long silence followed, the tension between John and Hannah filling the space around the table. No one was sure what to say, even Jane. Some relief came when the rest of their group rejoined the table.

"Shepard! That was some crazy dancing out there! Who knew there would be someone else here able to dance like you and Thane," Kelly had said as she came back to the table, looking down at the food she carried. "We also thought everyone should try…" her voice drifted off as she saw the looks on everyone's faces. Her eyes got big as she tried to finish her sentence, "should try some of these desserts… um, hi."

"Hello, dear," Hannah smiled.

"Thank you, Kelly, that was very nice of you," Jane answered.

"Well, we – uh – didn't know what all of you might like so between the four of us we tried to get a sort of sample… table. Sorry, Garrus, we couldn't find the dextro desserts."

Garrus wasn't sure if he should answer since the elder Shepard was around but figured it couldn't hurt and being sociable would be better than dwelling on what he was thinking, "I would be surprised if there were any. Turians never had desserts until we were introduced to the idea by other species. As I understand it, humans and asaris are the ones who have the taste for them."

"Well," Jane said taking the plate with a soufflé on it, "trust us humans, you are missing out." She smiled forgetting her company but her grin quickly faded when she saw her mother glaring at her with a slight head tilt. "Right…" she pushed her plate away, "Mom, let me introduce you to everyone. Not everyone from the crew is here but, uh, starting with a new face, this is Miranda Lawson, my second-in-command," Jane saw Miranda stand, starting a chain reaction with everyone else. Miranda gave a nod trying to look through her alcohol-induced gaze.

Hannah held her hand out to shake Miranda's since she assumed she had never been military and saw the moment of hesitation from the brunette. "Nice to meet you, Lawson." She studied the woman, wondering if there was an unspoken connection between Miranda and John or if it was just by chance they were sitting together.

"Nice to meet you too, Captain Shepard."

"Dr. Mordin Solus, our resident scientist and part of the ground teams."

"Solus, nice to meet you. Have I possibly heard of your work before? Your name is familiar."

"Perhaps. Once worked with STG. Started doing independent work after."

"Hmm, yes, I think it was from your STG work though I don't know any specifics. I'm sure they were disappointed to lose you," Hannah finished her sentence and looked at Jane. To someone on the outside, it would appear that she was waiting for the next introduction but Jane could tell it was because her mother's words were a dig at her 'leaving' the Alliance.

"Dr. Karin Chakwas, our medical officer."

"Good to see you again, Captain," Karin said.

"You know you don't have to address me by 'Captain'. We'll have to catch up later tonight, Karin."

Jane and John looked at each other, wondering if that meant bad news for them. Jane continued with the introductions, "Jacob Taylor, you met earlier, he's on the ground team and the Armory Officer."

"Hello again, Jacob, and if you don't mind me saying, you look like you were once Alliance."

"I was, ma'am, but overall the life didn't fit me."

"Yes," she said, "it certainly doesn't suit everyone."

John rolled his eyes, and motioned at Jane to move the introductions along.

"Yeoman, Kelly Chambers."

"It's an honor to meet you, Captain Shepard," Kelly started, "I heard that you are Captain of the Kilimanjaro now. A new ship; that must be exciting." As the words came out she realized why the captain had taken over command and wanted to smack her head into the table. "I can see that Shepard must take after you with her commander skills."

If she were phased by the comment, Hannah didn't let it show, "Thank you, Miss Chambers. The Kilimanjaro is a great ship."

"Thane Krios, part of the ground team and…" she looked for the best way to say 'assassin' but couldn't find the words. Her mother continued for her.

"Ah, yes, you were out dancing with Jane earlier. For a long time I thought Jane had wasted her time with those lessons."

"Thank you, Captain Shepard. Your daughter is quite extraordinary. She is the one who makes me look excellent because her skill level exceeds mine."

Hannah nodded, giving a small approving smile. He was no officer in the Alliance but he was charming.

"Thank you, Thane," Jane said quietly. She glanced at her mother who dipped her head indicating for Jane to continue. "Of course we have Jeff Moreau, our pilot."

"Ah, yes, Mr. Moreau. The Alliance was disappointed to hear that we lost you as a pilot. When I found out I would be in command of the Kilimanjaro I wanted you."

"You're too kind, ma'am." Joker smiled uncomfortably and looked at Garrus, hoping to deflect the mother Shepard onto the unsuspecting turian. Mothers had always made him feel uncomfortable.

"And Garrus Vakarian, ground team."

"Captain Shepard," he greeted.

Hannah studied him for a moment, "Ah, yes, Vakarian, I remember you. You worked with John in C-Sec before you joined Jane. After what happened before was it a hard decision to rejoin her crew?"

He was taken back by her question, confused by what she meant or what she was possibly trying to get from him. "Not at all. I was honored that she found me worthy enough to join her crew again. I was more than happy to come back."

"Hmm… would I be wrong to ask if there was more to it?"

Garrus hesitated again, wondering if she could see through him like Jane could, "The Shepards did bring me back from the brink of death."

She nodded, studying the turian. There was something else that she was missing, some bit of history that wasn't being said. When Alenko said he wouldn't join Jane again, she had thought it was his allegiance to the Alliance; yet, Moreau and Chakwas had left for her daughter. Alenko had seemed a little bitter, almost broken. For Vakarian to so eagerly join Jane again, there must be something more; or perhaps it was just his turian sense of duty and loyalty. She couldn't be sure… yet. "I'm glad my children were there for you. You seem to be a valuable asset to her team."

"Thank you, Captain."

Hannah looked around the table, "It is very nice to meet all of you. I'm sure you and your other teammates make a well balanced team."

"And John was a big part of interviewing and selecting the team members," Jane said, earning a hard look from her brother.

"Did he," Hannah said as more of a statement than a question, "Well, good work, John." She walked over to Jane, standing between her daughter and Garrus. Looking at the table again she gave a small wave, "At ease," she smiled like she had just come up with a good joke. Everyone but Jane sat down but no conversation had begun. She pulled Jane two steps away from her table but still far enough away from other party guests. "I guess my taste in dresses was not to your liking."

Shepard looked down at herself, taking a quick breath before a long exhale, "The dress was beautiful but I didn't feel like it was the right choice… for me."

Hannah nodded but Jane could tell that it wasn't in approval, "This one is very nice. It certainly makes you stand out, in a good way." She eyed Jane's hair and makeup, touching Jane's chin to turn her head slightly to see her profile. She dropped her hand, "And you look beautiful."

Jane heard the words but the effect was muted by her mother's criticizing stare. She had seen that look many times. Her mother would say one thing, but believing her words wasn't always possible. This wasn't the only time her mother made her feel like she was being appraised for sale. "Thank you, Mom."

"And why didn't you ever tell me about that man, Kai Leng? What was his training in the Alliance? Did you ever date? What is his background?"

"God, Mom… I didn't tell you about him because he isn't a good guy." Jane hoped her mother would drop it but knew she was a stubborn woman and continued to look expectantly. Jane sighed, "As he said, we met in boot camp, both trained on Terra Nova, and were part of a few missions together before he was transferred. He was infiltration. And we didn't really date."

"And his background?"

Jane tried not to roll her eyes, "Orphaned. From Earth. Japanese and Russian heritage."

"Are you pushing him away because I am tired of having a single daughter? Really, Jane, you must get over that. So, shame on me for wanting to see you happy with someone and maybe start a family. You don't have forever."

Shepard didn't take her eyes off her mother but, in her peripheral, saw Garrus twitch his head towards them. "Then let me find someone in my own time. You can't set me up with someone. Pretty much no one does arranged marriages anymore."

Hannah chuckled, "Well, a mother can try."

It sounded like it should be a joke but Jane had a nagging feeling this wouldn't be the last time the issue would be brought up; not by a long shot.

"Alright, I will leave you and your crew," she stepped closer to the table, "It was very nice to meet all of you and those of you I have met, it is good to see you again. I hope you will all take care of my children," she looked around the table with a smile, ending on John. In her attempt to hide her pain and guilt, she came off cross. She began to walk away and paused at her son, touching his shoulder and giving it a light pat before walking away.

Jane sat down, letting out a sigh of relief that one more hurdle of the night had passed. Her mother wasn't impressed – she knew that – but she wasn't sure if the woman had been disappointed.

"That didn't seem to be too bad," Joker said, giving a shrug. He saw the glares from both John and Jane, "Or not."

"I mean, I guess it was fine," John begrudgingly agreed, "It definitely could have been a lot worse."

Anderson quietly joined their table, leaning in next to John, "By the tone, I'm going to assume you are speaking of your mother." He smirked when John jumped, not ready to see another guest at the table. He saw Jane stand, giving a salute and straightened, returning the salute. "At ease, Shepard. I was going to come over earlier but I saw Hannah here so I thought I would wait until she left before worrying you with two guests at the table. I know your mother can be… trying," he smiled. The rest of the table stood, ready for introductions – again.

Jane tried to hide her smile but it slipped out for a second anyway, "Sir," she greeted.

"Sorry about that, sir," John said, a little embarrassed.

"No need to apologize, son. Chakwas, Moreau, I see that you two found your way back to Shepard again. I didn't realize this is what you had in mind for your time away from the Alliance."

"Well, Anderson," Joker said, lacing his fingers together, "I thought long and hard about it and decided to go hiking, rock climbing, base jumping, running with the bulls, and wrestling with a krogan but I realized flying was what really spoke to me… um… sir." Joker tried to stay casual since he wasn't under Alliance command, but he just couldn't keep up his confidence.

"Good to hear that you got out there and lived life, Joker," he winked, "But I hope we can get you back when we get Shepard back. You too, Chakwas."

"We'll see, Anderson. Shepard and the Alliance are usually a bit of a health hazard. Although… maybe we can turn it around after this."

"And Vakarian," Anderson greeted Garrus, "It's good to see you again. Last I heard, you had gone missing on everyone's radar. Not an easy feat."

Garrus shook Anderson's hand, "I suppose not, Councilor."

"I'm sorry I couldn't do more for you back then. I know politics didn't make the transition easy for you but we were all disappointed to not have you as a Spectre. Top of your class, breaking the in-training sniping record, high recommendations from all of your instructors, I bet it was hard for you to leave that behind."

Garrus glanced at Jane then John. It wasn't hard for him. He had never regretted his decision, especially now that he was back with Shepard. The main reason he had joined to become a Spectre was so that he could partner with her and return to the Normandy. When that was no longer an option he didn't want a life serving the Council. But there was no way he could say any of this at the moment, "Yes, sir, it did take some thought."

"Well, if you ever reconsider, we could get you back in. If you decide it is right for you. I don't want to pressure you though. But, seeing you here with the Shepards certainly brings me back to those early days," the corner of his mouth quirked up, remembering an 'easier' time.

"Thank you, Councilor."

"Alright, Shepard, tell me about your crew."