The Citadel Council & Spectre

Comms/holograms talking

[Biotic abilities]

1st POV

Normandy Med-bay

My head is killing me. The bright lights hurts my eyes, where am I? Wait tis feels like a soft bed so this must be the Normandy. Man I knew the visions were gunna be bad, but that was unreal! hearing a groan I look left and see my lovely wife Natasha who looks like she's in pain probably feeling a migraine like me. When she opens her eyes she looks at me and gives me a weak smile that I return.

"Doctor? Doctor Chakwas? I think they're waking up." I hear a voice sounding like Kaiden talking.

I groan and sit up in bed while Nat does the same.

Holding her head she groans again. "And they're ears are also sensitive to yelling." She go up and went to my bed to lean on my back. Throwing her commander persona away. I love how I can get her to act this way. Doctor Chakwas walks up to us and Kaiden stays behind crossing his arms with a worried look on his face.

"You had us worried there, spartans. How are you both feeling?" Chakwas asked concerned.

Rubbing my forehead I respond. "Like I took a krogan punch to the face."

Nat just shook her head. "How did we get here? How long were we out?

"About fifteen hours. Something happed down there with the beacon, I think." Chakwas answered her back.

God dam! 15 hours, It felt like the beacon forced visions in our minds a couple minutes ago at least that's what it felt like to me.

"It's my fault. I must have triggered some kind of security field when I approached it. Chief you had to push me out of the way while the commander tired to do the same to you but by then you were both stuck." Kaiden apologized

"You were careless. I get it ancient alien technology, you probably felt like that old holovid Indiana jones but remember never approach the unknown unprepared it can kill you especially in this line of work. Aside from that all's forgiven." I told him hoping he doesn't take it to heart. 

"He's right Kaiden, It's fine. Now where's the beacon? What happened to it." Nat asked and reassured him.

Kaiden walks Infront of the bed. "The beacon exploded. A system overload, maybe. The blast was strong enough to knock to spartans cold. Williams and I tried to carry you both back to the ship but with your armor and well weight we had to land to Normandy close and get a couple extra hand to bring you here."

Yikes I forgot that me and Nat weighs a lot more now. "We appreciate it" I thanked the man. He nods.

"Physically, you're both fine we more than fine given your Spartans and all. But I detected some unusual brain activity, abnormal beta waves. I also noticed an increase in your rapid eye movement, signs typically associated with intense dreaming." Chakwas gave us the run down.

"Those weren't dreams, they were nightmares. Nightmares that felt so real to the point that it could take us out." I said thinking about all the pain I felt. I felt someone take my hand and looked to see Nat giving me a small but loving smile but got serious and told Chakwas.

"No not nightmares. I saw-- we saw. Death. Destruction. Nothing's really clear." She foretold

"Hmmm. I better add this to my report. It may-- Oh, Captain Anderson." We all  turned to him walking in.

"How's Our Spartans holding up, Doctor?" Anderson asked

"All the readings look normal. I'd say they're going to be just fine." Chakwas told him.

He smiles, happy to know we're fine. "That's great to hear. Rogers, Shepard I need to speak to you-- in private."

Getting the signal Chakwas and Kaiden move to leave.

"Aye Aye Captain, I'll be in the mess if you need me." He salutes and leaves with Chakwas.

After making sure the rooms empty Anderson faces us. "Sounds like that beacon hit both of you pretty hard. Commander, Chief are both of you sure your alright.?

"I'll live." Nat honestly said.

"I'm fine the headache went away." I told the Captian.

"I wont lie to you both. Things look bad. Nihlus is in a coma. The beacon was destroyed and the geth are invading. The council's going to want answers." Anderson told us and I'm shocked. I didn't think Nihlus would be put in a coma I just thought it was some head damage. Hopefully my helmet cam video will be enough to get the council support.

"We did everything we could. I hope the council will see that." Nat said. 

"And even if they didn't I took a video on site showing everything that happed so they can determine with their own eyes." I hope they see our side of things cause I did change something big. Nihlus is still alive.

"I'll stand behind both of your and your reports. With that and your footage it should answer their questions. Shepard, Rogers Your're dammed heros in my book. But that's not why I'm here. It's Saren, that other turian." Anderson admitted

"Sarens a Spectre. A living legend, if he's working with the geth. It means gone rouge. A rouge Spectre's trouble. Saren's dangerous, and he hates humans." Anderson hatefully spite out.

"It doesn't matter if he hates humans. He was about to kill a Spectre, a fellow turian at that. He's after something big." Anderson nodded at my words.

Nat spoke up. "He didn't come to Eden Prime because he hates humans."

"You're right. Saren has allied himself with the geth. I don't know how. I don't know why. But it had something to do with that beacon. Both of you were there just before the beacon self destructed. Did you see anything? Any clue that might tell us what Saren was after?" he asked.

"He's after what ever we saw in that vision. Before blacking out I had a vision or to be more precise the beacon showed me one, too which I assume Natasha also had?" I asked her, she nodded at my words and looked to Anderson.

Anderson looked intrigued. "A vision?  A vision of what?"

"I saw synthetic's, geth. Killing humans, butchering them." Nat told him

Eyes wide and shocked Anderson said. "We need to report this to the Council Shepard."

"What are going to tell them? Me and Ryan had a bad dream. They already look at humanity like fools this will make it worse." She scoffed.

"We don't know what information was stored in that beacon. Lost Prothean technology? Blueprints for some ancient weapon of mass destruction? Whatever it was, Saren took it. But I know Saren. I know his reputation, his politics. He believes humans are a blight on the galaxy. This attack was an act of war. He has the secrets from the beacon. He has an army of geth at his command. And he won't stop until he's wiped humanity from the face of the galaxy!" He exclamied.

Nat looks at him. "I'll find some way to take him down." She promised.

I stand up off the bed and infront of Anderson. "He has geth so what! Me and Natasha are Spartans! We've defied the odds before and we'll do it again. I missed once." I form a fist and look at him directly in the eye. "I won't miss again." I promised him and myself.

Anderson was taken back by our conviction but shook his head. "It's not that easy. He's a Spectre. He can go anywhere, do anything. That's why we need the council on our side.

"We prove Saren's gone rouge and the council will revoke his Spectre status." she told him.

"I have video evidence, they'll have to believe us." I said hoping the Council aren't as short sited as the game since this is real life now, my life.

"I'll contact the ambassador and see if he can get us an audience with the Council. He'll want to see us as soon as we reach the citadel." We should be getting close head up to the bridge and bring us in to dock." Anderson ordered and we saluted as he left the Med-bay.

When he left I turn to Natasha and lean my head on her shoulder. "Ughhhh. There not going to believe us. I hate dealing with politics"

Nat chuckles and pats my head. "Oh stop being such a baby. What could go wrong we have video evidence so they have to believe plus Nihlus is in a coma not dead that has to count for something. And you shouldn't complain, you got to use the sword you have been dreaming about since we were kids. what did you call it in your notes the godslayer blade so cute." She pinched my cheek. 

I groan louder and peck her lips. Getting up and stretching. I walk to the door and leave with Nat following. Leaving we see Kaiden at the mess hall and nod at him walking towards the cockpit.

"First never say what could go wrong I've shown you enough holovids to show you the consequences. Second your not wrong, hopefully Nihlus wakes up soon to ease their minds. Third  it was amazing my sword cuts through almost anything plus anything it can't cut through I just power it up with with [Nova] And slice everything diced in my path. Lastly I'm not cute Spartan killing machine." I huffed and nodded at Presley passing by.

"Sure keep telling your self that hun, lets just forget the times I've saved your ass on the field." She teases me. 

Glaring back, I corrected her. "Excuse me I think you did your math wrong I've saved you way more times than you THINK you saved me." 

She laughed. "Agree to disagree Ryan agree to disagree. Also I forgot to tell you. Jenkins requested a transfer. I think almost dying showed him that he's not ready for the front lines."

Now that is shocking I figured if he survived he would just get some training or at least not be on the ground team, but transferring. 

I blinked questioning. "Wait if you were knocked out like me how did you hear this?

"Oh that easy I woke up a bit before you hearing him talk to Chakwas like a therapy session than I went back to sleep." She told me.

I just shook my head as we pulled up to the cockpit seeing Joker in the pilot seat. 

"Good timing Chief, Commander I was just about to us in to the Citadel. See that taxpayer money at work." Joker said. And with that we look at the screen and see the mass relay, I've seen it once before but it really is breath taking. I really got to get Cath to find a way to get to farther with out the mass relays just incase they do get busted.

The Normandy approached the side of the relay as blue strands energy connects to the ship before jetting us at FTL speeds to the citadel mass relay. The Normandy shows up in a pink nebula. Cruising through this beautiful space until the Normandy gets into range of the Citadel. Its gigantic like almost planet size.

Ashley rushes next to us and Kaiden gets to his station. "Look at the size of that ship." Ashley said looking out the side window. Natasha doing the same.

"The Ascension flagship of the Citadel fleet." Kaiden named that monster of a ship

"Well size isn't everything" Joker said.

Ashley looked at him smirking. "Why so touchy Joker."

"I'm just saying you need firepower too." Joker defended

Shocked at his words Ashley exclaimed. "Look at that monster! It's main gun could rip through the barriers on any alliance fleet."

"Good thing it's on our side than. Kaiden said and boy that is a scary thought being against that ships guns. But don't worry the Normandy will become a monster in the future Ill make sure of it. That reminds me I wonder If Cath got around to making that special thing I wanted, hopefully she did. 

"Citadel Control, this is SSV Normandy requesting permission to land" Joker said as he piloted the Normandy through different ships and dreadnaughts.

"Stand by for clearance, Normandy." said Alliance Tower. 

The Normandy got close enough to the Citadel to see the lights of the station that never sleeps.

"Clearance granted. You may begin your approach. Transferring you to an alliance operator." Said Alliance Tower.

I stand right behind Joker taking in the view. "Roger, Alliance tower. Normandy out." Said Joker.

"Normandy, this is alliance tower. Please proceed to dock 422." Alliance Tower commands. As we head over to the central ring docking bay. Coming in closer The Normandy begins to decelerate and we pass by the light screen blocking space from inside the dock. Coming at a complete stop the magnetic docking clamps attach to the wings of the ship and the loading bridge comes down connecting to the ship entrance.

Timeskip 30 minutes later

"This is an outrage! The Council would step in if the geth attacked a turian colony!" Ambassador Udina yelled looking at the holograms of the council he's talking to thorough the link.

"The turians don't found colonies on the border of the terminus systems, Ambassador." Said the Salarian Council member Valern.

"Humanity was well aware of the risks when you went into the Traverse." The soft voiced Asari Council member Tevos said.

"What about Saren? You can't just ignore a rouge Spectre. I demand action!" Udina demanded.

"You don't demand action of the Council, Ambassador." Spoke the Turian Council member Sparatus.

"One our Spartans the highly respected Master Chief himself has provided video proof of Saren's betrayal." Udina said.

"Yes we have recived the footage. We are not saying we doubt Master Chief just making sure this is true. A Spectre going rouge is no small matter." Said Valern

"Citadel Security isinvestagating your charge against Saren. We will discuss the C-Sec findings at the hearing. Not before." Tevos boldly said as the comms system deactivated.

Udina turned around looking at all of us before landing his eyes at Anderson.

"Captain Anderson, I see you brought half your crew with you." Udina said giving us the side eye.

"Just the ground team from Eden Prime. In case you had any questions." Anderon stated.

Udina crossed his arms. "I have the missions reports and body cam footage. I assume they're accurate." He snarked.

"They are. Sounds like you convinced the council to give us an audience." Anderson commented.

"They were not happy about it. Saren's their top agent. They don't like him being accused of treason. Why do you think there taking so long to take his status away even with video proof." Udina spitefully said.

(I changed my mind so now both Spartans Ryan and Natasha are taller due to the Spartan II program. Ryan Full armor Stands at 7 feet and with out it he's 6 feet and 10 inches while Natasha is 6 feet and 11 inches with armor with out it she's 6 feet and 7 inches. When ever Spartans have armor on the citadel or places like that they will have full Mjolnir armor but the helmet hanging on the upper middle of their back between sniper and assualt rifes.)

I walk next to Anderson looking at Udina. "Saren's a threat to every human colony out there. If they don't stop him, I will!" Covection leaking out my tone.

"Settle down, Chief you've already done more than enough to jepardize your candidacy for the Spectres. All the time and money the Alliance put into making you and the Commander Spartans and look what happens with you two on the job. The mission on Eden Prime was a chance to prove you could get the job done. Instead, Nihlus ended up in a coma and the beacon is destroyed!" Udina rose his voice at the end. 

Before I could defend my self or strangle the man Nat patted my shoulder shaking her head. 

"That's saren's fault, not theirs!" Anderson defended us.

With his hands behind his back Udina says. "Then we better hope the C-Sec Investigation turns up evidence to support our accusation's. Otherwise the Council might use this as an excuse to keep you out of the Spectres. Come with me Captain I want to make sure we have everything before the hearing. Shepard you - Rogers and the others can meet us at the Citadel Tower. Top level. I'll make sure your have the clearance to get in." Udina and Anderson walked away to his office as Ashley shook her head.

"And that's why I hate Politicians." She spoke.

"You and me both Ashley you and me both." I agreed.

Natasha came up behind me and started pushing me towards the skycar shuttles. "Come on I know you hate them but the sooner we get there the faster we can track Saren down." And with that we all make our way to the shuttle terminal. Walking past different species and enjoying the beautiful scenery the Citadel has to offer.

Crossing over the bridge I see some fountains and a couple trees. I look up at the artificial sky as I wonder allowed. "I know its all fake but it really does take your breath looking at all of this. It all seems so peaceful the Citadel really is a work of art." It truly is unfortunately I can't even remember how it got here since I honestly am forgetting a lot details about the mass effect games since I fully woke up. I only remember some of the first game and a little of the second. Well its not to bad since my existence has already changed the timeline so I guess we'll see as we go.

As Natasha calls for skycar on the terminal Kaiden said. "Well Chief rumor has it that even the Council doesn't know who built the Citadel. Just found here and contuited from there." Well that's interesting. 

A skycar was summoned and we all hope in. Honestly never liked the design off these I hope I can get and designs my own one day. I should be able to since I've been saving credits. We arrive at the tower and exit the car. Going up the elevator and out we find two Turians arguing. Oh It's Garrus and someone else.

"Saren's hiding something! Give me more time. Stall them." Garrus said. 

The other turian shook his head. "Stall the council!? Don't be ridiculous! Your investigation is over, Garrus." And he walked away as Garrus turned to us.

He bowed his head a bit. "Master chief, Commander Shepard? Garrus Vakarian. I was the officer in charge of the C-Sec investigation into Saren." I swear I am loving be called that.

"Anything we should know about?" Natasha asked.

Crossing his arms he spoke. "Saren's  a Spectre. Most of his confidential are classified and I couldn't find anything solid. But I know he's up to something. Like you humans say, I feel it in my gut."

"Trust that feeling Garrus It's saved my ass more times than I can count." And honestly it true.

"I think the Council is ready for us Commander, Chief." Kaiden says as we start to walk to their chambers. "Good luck, Spartans. Maybe they'll listen to you."

We move past many Council races and u the stairs. I see nice trees in fall colors. Walking up more stairs we meet Anderson halfway. "The hearing's already started come on." Anderson said.

We get to the meeting room and hear Councilor Tevos Speaking. "The geth attack is a matter of some concern. But there is nothing indicating Saren was involved in anyway the video you sent us was lost." 

What how was it lost there's no way unless..... Saren. He has to have someone the inside of C-Sec.

"The investigation by Citadel Security turned up no evidence to support your charge of treason." Sparatus said.

Udina wasn't having that. "An eye witness saw Saren attempt to kill Nihlus in cold blood!" Udina yelled.

"We've read the Eden Prime report Ambassador. The testimony of one traumatized dockworker is hardly compelling proof and as Nihlus is still in a coma injured from the battle there, as Saren reported." Valern concededly spoke.

"I resent these accusations. Nihlus was a fellow Spectre. And a friend." Sadly said about Nihlus.

"That just let you catch him of guard!" Anderson yelled at Saren.

"Captain anderson. You always seem to be involved when humanity makes false charges against me". And these must be your protege's Humanitys Spartans, The legendary Master Chief and Commander Shepard. The ones wholet the becaon get destroyed." Saren said.

I stare at his hologram. "The mission to Eden Prime was top secret. The only way you could know about the beacon was if you were there!" I accused him.

"With Nihlus out of commission the mission files were sent to me. I was unimpressed but what can you expect from humans.?" Saren hatefully spat.

"Saren despises humanity. That's why he attacked Eden Prime!" Natasha said to the Council.

"Your Species needs to learn its place, Shepard. Your're not ready to join the Council. Your're not even ready to join the Spectres" he said.

"He can't say that! YOU DON'T GET TO MAKE THAT DECISION!" Udina yelled.

Tevos looks at Saren. "Shepard and Rogers admission into the Spectres is not the purpose of this meeting."

"THIS MEETING HAS NO PURPOSE! The humans are wasting your time Councilor, and mine." Saren ruefully said.

"You can't hide behind the Council forever!" I spitefully told him.

Captain Anderson brought us back on track. "There's still one outstanding issue: The Spartans Visions. It may have triggered by the beacon."

"Are we allowing dreams into evidence now? How can I defend my innocence against this kind of testimony?" Saren asked.

"I agree. Our judgment must be based on facts and evidence not wild imagining's and reckless speculation." Sparatus spoke once more.

"Do you have anything else to add, Spartans?." Valern asked.

"No" Natasha said with a angry tone.

"You've made your decision. I won't waste my breath." The words maliciously came out of my mouth.

All the Councilors look at one another and Tevos spoke. "The Council has found no evidence of any Connection between Saren and the get. Ambassador, your petition to have him disbarred form the Spectres is denied."

"I'm glad to see justice was served" Saren bowed and his hologram deactivated.

As I was furious with the Council decision and annoyed that I would have to find and rescue Tali, I was about to turn around and leave when Councilor Valern spoke again. "Now that Saren is gone the Council revoke Saren's Spectre status and find him rouge. Spartans your mission is to find Saren and stop him from what ever it is he's trying to achieve."

WHAT! I'm so confused. I look around to see Natasha and the team confused too. But Udina, Anderson and the Council look like there smirking.

Natasha looks at Anderson and demanded. "Sir what's going on!?"

Anderson now had a full blown smile on his face. "Well Shepard you see when you and Bradley were both out cold. I saw the footage Bradley took and new that this could change everything. So I sent it to the Council and Udina using a secure line just in case Saren decided to mess with it. After that the Council contacted me and told me they had C-Sec start an investigation. To which Garrus Vakarian found a female Quarian on the run from Sarens assissans."

Sparatus took over from there. "The quarian Tali'Zorah was than saved by said assassins by Garrus and she showed him a audio recording of Saren and his traitorous plans. He was about to bring her to us when a Krogan bounty hunter Wrex, to whom I've heard you know then came to Tali because he was on a bounty after Fist since he betrayed his employer for a payout by Saren. He killed Fist and is now after Saren.

Oh yeah Me and Nat both met Wrex some time after the blitz when the batarians put out a bounty on us since we possed to much of a threat to them. But when we met Wrex and I fought him hand to hand and won he let me go saying Im to dun to kill and something about honor. The batarians dropped the bounty after hearing I beat someone of Wrex a high level bounty hunter krogan. We talk every now and then.

Tevos Spoke once more. "With all this evidence the Council immediately revoked his status privately and only told the involved parities to put on an act in case of Sarens spies being in the Citadel. After that we decided to have a public hearing to buy you and your team more time. Saren thinks he safe until he tries accessing files only Spectres can and when he does we may even have a location from what terminal he used."

"The audio recording say's that Saren's after the reapers but seeing as that's impossible we can only assume Sarens gone made after getting with the geth so you must make haste after him. We can't send fleets after him since he would be in the know. So Capitan Anderson has spoken up and given his ship The Normandy to your team. You two are now the Capitan and so to speak vice captain of the Normandy Spartans Ryan Bradley and Natasha Shepard. After that we decided to have Nihlus retire when ever he awakens and since we have two spots open and you two are responsible for making this possible, step forward Commander Shepard and Master Chief." Valren said.

My thoughts are moving at light speed right now but to summon it all up the Council is actually some what competent and have the following evidence plus adding what  I remember, Saren betrayed the Shadow Broker to cover up the Eden Prime attack.

Fist betrayed the Shadow Broker for a huge payout from Saren.

The Shadow Broker sent an assassin [Wrex] to kill Fist for his betrayal.

Fist set Tali up with Saren's assassins to retrieve the geth data.

And with all of that happening the Council deciding to have us clean up there mess since Saren was their agent any way we step foreword.

"It is the decision of the Council that you both be granted all the powers and privileges of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance branch of the Citadel." Tevos said.

Crossing his arms Valren spoke. "Spectres are not trained but chosen. Individuals forged in the fire of service and battle; theise whose actions elevate them above rank and file."

"Spectres are an ideal, symbol. The embodiment of courage, determination and self-reliance. They are the right hand of the council, instruments of our will." Tevos said

"Spectres bare a great burden. They are protectors of the galactic peace, both our first and last line of defense. The safety of the galaxy is theirs to uphold." Sparatus spoke.

"You are the first human Spectres, Spartans. This is a great accomplishment for your entire species." Tevos said.

"I'm Honored Councilors." Natasha bowed.

"As am I." I also bowed

"Since every Spectre has their own personal ship in their name and you two work together we have put the Normandy in your name no one can take the vessel away from you. good luck on your hunt Spectres." Valren said and finally the hearing was done. 

Before I could walk away my omni tool comes to life with a message from Cath and a photo. The message just so congrats and I got your message. Scrolling down the photo I see that My personal skycar/shuttle has been made and delivered to the Normandy hanger next to the Mako. Its basically a flying black tank I can use on missions to travel around on the planet and even space when I dont want to throw up my lunch if Nat is driving the Mako plus I wont be squished. That right I got Cath Lab to build me the one and only Batman beyoned Batmobile from the animated series. I showed the show to her a while ago since I found some holovids for it and when I asked her if she could make me one she said its child's play.

(Ryan's personal Shuttle/sky car image here)