Mass Effect - A Hero Rises Ch. 23

Book 2, Chapter 4 -- Citadel

*****

I honestly thought our ship would have been fired upon immediately after exiting the relay, the giant space station known as the Citadel lying off in the distance. But the Illusive Man must have used his connections, as although we couldn't use Alliance shipping lanes and docks, we were allowed to proceed along civilian shipping lanes, eventually docking in an area of the Citadel I certainly wasn't used to.

Once the ship docked, Miranda approached me with a datapad on which there was the rota of staff who would remain on the ship, the rest being given time off the ship. Very few had a chance or had wanted to leave the ship on Omega, and since I didn't know how long we'd be on the Citadel, I figured a few hours for most people wouldn't do any harm.

So the crew were now anxiously waiting to leave the ship as it docked, hearing the pressure equalise and the door ping to let us know it was now safe to leave. "Do I have to stand here and give you all a speech about behaving?"

"No, sir," was the immediate reply.

"I am aware of the organisation we are all here representing in one capacity or another. No matter what your core beliefs, be aware that Cerberus is not popular in these parts. So try not to draw attention to yourselves. It would be best if you avoided wearing any clothing with the symbol, though it is your choice as to following that advice or not. Other than that, the rota has been sent out and you know when your shifts are. Otherwise, you are free to come and go as you please, but be ready to depart at a moment's notice in case something goes wrong. Understood?"

"Yes, sir."

"Okay. Then enjoy your shore leave. Try not to come back bloodied, bruised or blind drunk."

I stepped to the side as the crew walked off in pairs or small groups. Zaeed was still dressed in his armour, suggesting he'd take a look around, as he'd only ever transited via the Citadel, never stopping for longer than a couple of hours. Miranda would remain on the ship, so Jacob was taking the opportunity to get off the ship, taking my advice by wearing casual clothing. As for Garrus, he would be joining me in heading to see whoever would be willing to see me. I wasn't hopeful but I figured having an ally who had been at my side while taking down Saren couldn't hurt.

"Well, at least they let us dock," he stated as we walked away from the ship.

"I was still expecting to be blown out of the sky. I mean, the ship's got a massive Cerberus logo on it. Someone, that someone being the Illusive Man, has definitely pulled some strings, spread a little influence."

"Or they've heard you're back and want to hear your side of the story?"

"Or I'm walking into a trap, I'll be arrested, interrogated, and the Collectors will continue to do as they please until someone finally listens to me."

Heading into the embassy area, somewhere more familiar than the docks where we had landed, there were small signs of the carnage that had taken place two years ago but there was no real surprise to see the Presidium and the Citadel Tower had been repaired first. I'd noticed on the flight in the reconstruction taking place along the Wards. Guess that was always going to take time, but still, no surprise the Council would focus on themselves first.

The receptionist was definitely taken aback when looking up from her screen to see me standing in front of her. Asking who was in the Alliance embassy, she said Captain Anderson was in though Councillor Udina was not at his desk. "That's fine, I'll speak with Anderson for now."

"I'll let him know you're coming."

"Oh, I'm sure he already knows I'm here."

Walking into Udina's office, whether it was still the one he used, Anderson was wearing Alliance blues, and I could see the Council had already convened, noticing the turian, asari and salarian councillors, or their holographic forms anyway. Anderson turned and actually seemed pleased to see me. "Shepard, good to see you!"

I'd always respected the man, and though there wasn't a salute, he offered his hand, which I accepted. "It's been a while. sir. I hope you're doing alright."

"There have been some rough spots, but it's good to have you back."

The Council wasted no time getting down to grilling me. No surprise there. Councillor Valern was the first to turn the screw. "We've heard many rumours surrounding your unexpected return. Some of them are... unsettling."

"We called this meeting as soon as your ship arrived through the relay, so you could explain your actions, Shepard," Councillor Tevos added, "We owe you that much. After all, you saved our lives in the battle against Saren and his geth."

I sighed immediately, sharing a glance with Garrus, who shrugged his shoulders helplessly, as if to say 'I told you so'. As for Anderson, he didn't look my way, so I looked back at the Council. "So what I've been told was true. Look, you know, I know, Saren wasn't the one commanding the geth. It was the Reaper, Sovereign."

"Ah, yes. Reapers," Councillor Sparatus status, mocking me with air quotes, "The immortal race of sentient starships allegedly waiting in dark space. We have dismissed that claim."

"How can you dismiss a claim when parts of the Reaper landed all across the fucking Presidium?" I retorted.

"Shepard, no-one else encountered the hologram on Ilos that told you the truth about the Reapers," Anderson stated, "Only you and your crew every spoke with Sovereign. I believe you, but without evidence from another source, the others think Saren was behind the geth attacks."

"Have you even spoken to Liara T'Soni about all of this?" I asked all of them, "Unless you think she was full of shit as well. Or how about Urdnot Wrex? Even Garrus here could have told you all about the Reapers. Are you calling them liars are well? Or insane? Trust me, I've heard the stories."

"The Reapers are a myth, Shepard," Sparatus retorted, "One that you and your followers keep perpetuating."

"Has anyone even investigated the millions of bits of Sovereign that fell onto the Presidium? You cannot honestly believe it's a geth creation?!"

"We do not believe it is anything except exactly that," Valern replied.

It was like talking to a brick wall. In fact, worse than that, it was like speaking to Saren. I almost believe for a moment that the fools had been indoctrinated themselves. The evidence had been as clear as day. Anyone who thought Sovereign was anything but a Reaper was deluded.

"The geth are capable of remarkable technological achievements, Shepard. This is probably why Saren recruited them," Tevos added.

Then Sparatus came at me hard. "This Reaper theory proves just how fragile our mental state is. You have been manipulated, by Cerberus and before them, by Saren."

"Fuck you, Councillor. I kept Saren from conquering the Citadel and the Reapers from flooding through and destroying the galaxy. I sacrificed human lives to save your sorry arses. I should have just let them burn this whole sorry place to the fucking ground. Morons, absolute fucking morons. You know what? I'm done here."

I was about ready to go when Tevos then issued a veiled threat. "We are in a difficult position, Shepard. You are working for Cerberus, an avowed enemy of the Council. That is treason, a capital offence."

"That is too far!" Anderson shouted, even catching me by surprise, "Shepard is a hero. If Councillor Udina were here, he wouldn't let this whitewash continue."

I didn't believe that for a second. I'd made an enemy out of Udina long ago. He'd love nothing more than throwing my sorry arse to the wolves. So I looked at Garrus. "Garrus, am I working for Cerberus?"

"No, Shepard. Not as far as I know. Am I?"

"No, you're not either." I looked back at the Council. "Whatever gave you the idea that I'm working for Cerberus?"

"The fact you have been seen in the company of their operatives," Valern replied.

"Merely assisting with an issue on Omega."

"And the fact you have arrived at the Citadel on one of their ships," Sparatus added.

"Merely providing transport for me to go from Omega to here." They knew it was bullshit, so did I, Garrus and Anderson. "So I guess I'm not getting any help from you again then? Should have fucking known this was a waste of time. Come on, Garrus. I've got other fish to fry. At least I don't have to waste..."

"Before you go, Shepard, perhaps you should hear me out," Tevos stated, "Maybe there is a compromise that this can work. We cannot give a public acknowledgement, given your ties, but something to show peripheral support for what you are doing."

Now it was my turn. "What, you mean the thousands upon thousands of human colonists that are being kidnapped by a race called the Collectors, that once again the Council is refusing to lift a finger to help with? You did the same when Saren was running riot and now you're doing the same again, sitting on your hands, doing fuck all to help," I laughed before adding, "And this time, we're even a member of the fucking Council and still you won't do a damned thing to help out. I mean, fuck me gently, what does humanity have to do to actually get help from people they call allies?"

Tevos then offered an olive branch. "If you keep your activities restricted to the Terminus Systems, the Council is willing to offer you reinstatement as a Council Spectre."

"This is a show of good faith on our part, Shepard," Valern added. I looked at Sparatus, who remained silent. I had a feeling he didn't agree. And then Tevos added more about the Council not able to get involved, the usual bullshit I heard from them when Saren was attacking human colonies. But apparently giving me my Spectre status was a show of support. One man and one ship, just like before, instead of sending a fucking armada to deal with the problem.

I glanced at Garrus. "What do you think?"

"Well, throwing it back in their face probably won't do us any good, though I can understand the feeling of wanting to tell them to go fuck themselves."

"It is tempting."

"Shepard," Anderson warned quietly, "Take the offer, otherwise you will be persona non grata, and the Alliance will involve themselves."

"I guess that's a second not so subtle warning," I muttered before I sighed. "Very well. I thank the Council for their offer and I accept your proposal." I might be hot-headed at times but I'm not an idiot, and I didn't need the Council as enemies, as they'd definitely send a Spectre after me. Probably more than one, to be honest.

"Thank you, Shepard. While you insist you are not working for Cerberus, it is clear that you are working alongside them during this task. We can only hope your relationship with them will end quickly."

"You and I both, ma'am. But it's a means to an end."

The three holographs blinked out as I found a chair to finally sit down in, Garrus taking one of the chairs next to me, as Anderson sat behind the desk. "You realise it's just symbolic. Council won't do a damned thing."

"Long as they don't get in my way, Anderson, I honestly don't give a shit. But staying on good terms will have a benefit in the long run. What about the Alliance?"

"Now that you're a Spectre, their options are limited. If Admiral Hackett doesn't already know you're back, I'll let him know immediately. You'll always have an ally in him. I'm sure others will be glad to hear of your return. We'll try and keep the Cerberus link under wraps, but it's going to be difficult."

He was interrupted by the sound of Udina's voice as he walked through the door into the office. I spun around in my chair and made sure I had a grin on my face as he glared daggers in my direction. "What are you doing here, Shepard?"

"Shooting the shit with an old friend, getting things sorted. Just had a meeting with the Council as well. Didn't get what I wanted but could have been worse."

Udina saw red about that, mentioning things like a political shit-storm and moaning about being stabbed in the back. I just looked at Garrus and rolled my eyes. Udina and Anderson had a tit-for-tat, which I didn't get involved in, except when he threatened to sack Anderson. "Oi, this man was just doing his job and he's got a win for all of us. So pull your head out of your arse, Udina," I warned.

He glared at me again before he gave it some thought. Then he mentioned one or two other things, particularly about keeping his distance, then he chose to piss off, much to my enjoyment. Anderson then filled me in with what I'd missed, particularly on the Citadel, but it was what I'd heard from Garrus and Miranda. Losing nearly an entire fleet hadn't helped the Alliance, and they were in the middle of building up that fleet, while moving the others around. With the Collectors on the rampage, it was more a case of where would they strike next, and moving fleets around wasn't an easy job. And they couldn't go leaving other areas undefended, particularly along the frontier. It all made sense, but it was still annoying.

"How long are you staying on the Citadel?" he finally asked.

"No idea. Not long probably. I have a feeling I won't be particularly welcome for the time being."

"You know I'd like to help but my hands are tied. Udina will certainly be watching me now after the stunt we've just pulled. But I'll keep in contact, best I can."

I rose to my feet, Garrus doing the same. "It was good to see you, sir. I'd fill you in with more of what happened, but I could be here all day explaining."

"Short story, Shepard."

"I was pretty much dead. Cerberus retrieved my body, spent billions putting me back together, I woke up maybe a week or so ago. The Illusive Man has given me a ship, staff, credits, guns, armour, possible recruits, and a mission to stop the Collectors. If the Council won't, and the Alliance can't, then I'll do what I need to do." I paused before asking, "How long did the Alliance search for my body?"

"A week at most."

"And the Council?"

"They didn't."

I scoffed. "Typical. Save their arses and don't even have the decency to look for my body."

"There's a statue of you on Elysium if you want to go see it. Think one or two other worlds were thinking of doing the same thing."

"His ego is big enough, Anderson," Garrus joked.

"Keep it up, funny man, and I'll be locking you in the front batteries." I paused. "No, that's no punishment. You'd fucking love it."

Anderson escorted us to the door, shaking hands again, offering me a final good luck, before Garrus and I headed back out into the middle of the Presidium. "Shepard, if you don't mind, I'm going to go see Chloe. How long will we be here?"

"Long enough for you to get laid and spend the night. Go have some fun, Garrus."

"And what are you going to do?"

"See an old friend."

I watched Garrus walk away as I headed towards the nearest taxi rank. Heading towards one of the Wards, it was good fortune I remembered her address. I didn't think she'd be home but I'd attempt once and then just return if she wasn't. Getting out of the taxi, I walked into the foyer and straight for the lift, taking it up to the floor. Her door hadn't changed so all I did was knock. I knocked again twice more but there was no response, so I headed downstairs towards the nearest coffee shop.

While I was there, Miranda sent me a message. A simple 'Read this please', opening the attachment to see another dossier. Kasumi Goto. Professional thief. On the Citadel. Meet her at the docks. Checking the time, I figured my old friend was going to be at least a couple more hours, so I caught a cab back to the docks and checked the dossier again. It mentioned I'd need a password. Fuck, that's all I need. Cloak and daggers.

Wandering around aimlessly, the only way I knew something was amiss was when a nearby advertisement started talking to me. Walking towards it, the face of a hooded woman appeared. I could only see lips with a purple marking and rather pale skin, but the rest of her face was in shadow.

"Commander Shepard. Enter the password and receive a free gift!"

I really felt like telling her this was stupid, but I said, "Silence is golden."

"Good to finally meet you, Commander Shepard. I'm Kasumi Goto. Big fan of yours."

I looked around and saw a woman up on the next level, in the shadows. I knew it was her but looked back at the screen. "What's with all the sneaking around? You're not the only one looking at a world of trouble with all this."

"I'm the best thief in the business, not the most famous. Need to watch my step to keep it that way. I also needed to make sure this was legit. And you're definitely him."

"How can you be so sure?"

"There's an aura about you, Shepard, like you've seen things no-one else has seen. Plus, I had a picture of what you looked like. You're him, so don't worry."

"Okay, there's got to be a catch. You won't be working for free. And Cerberus would have to have offered you something to join up."

"You're right, Shepard. Short version, they were looking for me, I trailed them to find out why, they explained the missions' importance, and it came with a serious signing bonus. I have a thing I need help with, which I can explain to you later, so I made the deal."

"Okay, I'll ask about the thing later. Do you need anything before going aboard?"

"Nope, just wanted to meet and greet before we left." And, with that, the screen went blank and before I knew it, she was standing next to me. She was short, only about five-four, five-five at most, slim, but clearly athletic considering she must have jumped down from the walkway above. Her face was still covered by the hood. "Well, you're more impressive from down here, Shepard."

"I seem to make an impression most of the time."

"When are we leaving?"

"Tomorrow morning, Citadel time. If you have stuff that needs taking aboard, you're free to take it on. Otherwise, you can come and go as you please but just be on the ship when we leave."

"No worries, sir," she replied, a mock salute in my direction.

I couldn't help laugh as she was clearly going to be a lot of fun. She didn't seem to have any luggage but assumed it might be nearby. Checking the time, it was starting to get late, so I grabbed a taxi and headed back to the same Ward as earlier, and took a seat at the same coffee shop, enjoying two drinks before the person I wanted to see appeared. I watched her disappear so figured I'd give it at least a little time before I just showed up at her door. I had a third coffee, thinking the caffeine was going to keep me awake all night, before I paid the bill and wandered across towards the building.

I was standing in front of her door a couple of minutes later, knocking lightly. "Coming," I heard a voice shout from inside. When she opened the door, I think she nearly passed out from the shock.

"Hello, Emily," I said softly.

I think she went between wanting to burst into tears, slap me, or give me a hug. Thankfully she went with the last option, practically jumping on me, arms and legs wrapped tightly around my body as I walked inside, knocking the door closed with my foot. "I can't believe it!" she cried, leaning back so she could meet my eyes, "I've heard the rumours. Your name is being talked about by every station on the Citadel and back on Earth. The man who came back from the dead." She then seemed to realise I'd carried her into the living room, so she finally unwrapped herself so I could place her on the ground. "It's been so long, Shepard. How long have you been back?"

"I woke up around a week ago. I only got back to the Citadel today."

"You want a drink or something?"

"I've just had three coffees."

"Oh, I'm talking alcohol, Shepard. Want a beer or something?"

"That I'll definitely accept." I took a seat on one of her couches, relaxing immediately, as she returned with a bottle of beer for me and a glass of wine for herself. She sat next to me, rather close, so I figured she was pleased to see me. "Though you were going to give me a good old slap when seeing my face."