Accompanied by Anderson, Udina, and several high-ranking Alliance staff, the group—including their temporary allies Garrus, Wrex, and Tali—makes their way toward the Council.
Udina's staff has already prepared the evidence and sent it ahead. The Council responded by immediately expressing their willingness to hear Shepard out.
As they arrive, all three members of the Council are already present, looking worried, eagerly discussing amongst themselves.
Udina, a little smug, plays the tape again for the Reapers. "You wanted proof?! There it is!" he says aggressively.
The Turian Councillor, Sparatus, responds in a serious tone, "This evidence is irrefutable, Ambassador. Saren will be stripped of his Spectre status, and all efforts will be made to bring him in to answer for his crimes."
Tevos, the Asari Councillor, chimes in. "I recognize the other voice—the one speaking with Saren. How could I not? It's Matriarch Benezia. Exactly as your initial message claimed, Ambassador. It looks like your Lieutenant was right. It looks like our Matriarch has admirers even amongst you humans."
She then looks towards Alex, her left eye slightly closing. Alex rubs his eyes as he looks at her expression, unable to believe what happened.
Did she just wink at me?!
"She is obviously working with the Geth! She is just as responsible as Saren," Shepard says.
"Matriarch Benezia is a powerful biotic—one of the most powerful, even among our most elite biotics. She also has many followers. She is not just a leader, but almost a religious symbol for our people. She will be a very formidable ally for Saren. I warn you not to take her lightly," Tevos says, her expression turning back to a solemn one.
Valern, the Salarian Councillor, brings up the topic of the Reapers.
Alex listens, but his thoughts race, rethinking his passive approach, unable to come up with a good decision on how to proceed.
Do I intervene? No. That would radically change things to my disadvantage. Plot knowledge is my biggest cheat. If I change the story by mentioning easy, low-hanging fruit like the role of the Keepers or the Citadel itself—including the tiny Mass Relay in the middle of the Presidium—things might get complicated… No, I have to ride this rollercoaster without derailing it. I can slightly alter the course where I see immediate benefits with no risks, but I can't afford to radically change the overall story. As far as I know, the System will never allow for that to happen in missions with a clear pre-established path. Even if I manage it, the price and unpredictability will not be worth it.
As Shepard, Anderson, and the Council argue back and forth about them, Valern says, "The Reapers are obviously just a myth. A convenient lie to cover Saren's true purpose. A legend he is using to bend the Geth to his will."
The system will not allow me to change this entire world just with my knowledge. Even attempting it might cost me. I need to be realistic and seek smaller, more realistic victories where I can find them. Anyway, are they finished already? This Council is as useless as they come.
Finally, things heat up as Udina demands, in an almost commanding tone, "You know Saren is still hiding somewhere in the Traverse! Send in your fleet!"
"A fleet cannot locate a single man," Valern states. Sparatus immediately adds, "It could, however, trigger a war with the Terminus Systems. We won't be dragged into a galactic confrontation over a few dozen human colonies!"
"Every time humanity asks for help, you ignore us!" Shepard says forcefully.
Udina, to Alex's surprise, shouts in response—his passion shining through. "Shepard is right! I'm sick of this Council and its anti-human bias!"
Wasn't this guy supposed to be the calm voice of reason? What a foolish diplomat. He is losing it.
"Ambassador, calm down. There is another solution—one that doesn't require fleets or armies."
Sparatus instantly responds, "No. It's too soon. Humanity is not ready for the responsibilities that come with joining the Spectres."
Shepard stares him down. "It was a Turian Spectre who betrayed this Council, and it was a human who exposed him. I've earned this!"
…To be perfectly honest, it was a Quarian who exposed him—and a Krogan and Turian who led us to her. We were like three steps removed from exposing Saren, just depending on others. Well, I'd better not say that out loud.
The Councillors exchange looks.
Tevos, with a slight smile, begins to speak. "Commander Shepard, step forward."
"It is the decision of the Council that you be granted all the powers and privileges of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance branch of the Citadel."
Valern continues, "Spectres aren't trained, but chosen. Individuals forged in the fire of service and battle. Those whose actions elevate them above the rank and file."
Tevos continues: "Spectres are an ideal. A symbol. The embodiment of courage, determination, and self-reliance. They are the right hand of the Council— instruments of our will."
Sparatus adds, "Spectres bear a great burden. They are protectors of galactic peace—both our first and last line of defense. The safety of the galaxy is theirs to uphold."
Finally, Tevos concludes: "You are the first human Spectre, Commander. This is a great accomplishment for you and your entire species. We are sending you after Saren. You are authorized to use any means necessary to apprehend or eliminate him."
When this Asari plays nice, I'm beginning to like her. She's kinda hot…
Shepard, nodding at them, says, "I am honored, Councilors. I won't let you down. I will produce results."
"Before we send you on your way, Shepard," Sparatus adds, "we were impressed by your drive—to go up against bad odds, to make hard decisions, never losing sight of your goal. Your actions during the events on Eden Prime and your role in obtaining this evidence have proven that."
"We trust in you. That is all for today. This Council session, and the continuation of the trial of Saren Arterius, are now concluded," Valern says, ending the meeting.
"Congratulations, Commander," Anderson says, shaking Shepard's hand.
"We've got a lot of work to do, Shepard. You need a crew, a ship, and supplies. It's your duty to catch this bastard Saren and deliver humanity's justice to him!" Udina adds.
Anderson nods. "I'll help you set all of this up for the Commander, Ambassador. Shepard—you might want to head down to the C-Sec Academy and speak to the Spectre Requisitions Officer. He has special supplies available only to Spectres. Don't worry about the cost—I'll be transferring you a large chunk of credits from the Normandy's budget. That should last you a while. You may also want to talk with your new friends and comrades, see what their plans are. Either way, you need to leave as soon as possible. Make your preparations now, I don't think you'll be able to constantly return to the Citadel when you're in the mood; this is serious. We'll stay in contact."
I miss game logic, where you could explore the galaxy at your own leisure… obviously, this won't be the case here!
Anderson and Udina then quickly leave, leaving Shepard alone with her team.
"Congratulations, Commander," both Kaidan and Ashley say with a smile, looking proud and elated.
"You are something special, Shepard," Wrex adds.
Garrus also speaks with a grin. "It's an honor to be the first of your species selected to be a Spectre. Despite my… issues with the Council—and Spectres, for that matter—I think you deserve it, Shepard."
Shepard steps forward, looking at Alex with a grin. "Jealous, Kerber? Were you intending to become a Spectre yourself? Did I snatch away your dream?"
"I'll pass. You can be the Council's personal mercenary," Alex smirks, slightly offended by Shepard's haughty attitude.
"And what does that make you? Aren't you under her command?" Tali asks, visibly confused.
"..." Alex shrugs his shoulders, suddenly realizing the implication.
Finally, Shepard's face changes into a more serious one, placing her hands on Alex's shoulders. "Let's get shopping. I'll buy you something nice as a reward for claiming all the credit. I appreciate what you did."
"Okay, great!" Alex says, unable to suppress a smile, despite also being a bit embarrassed by Shepard's motivating words.
"So simple…" Ashley comments, shaking her head. "Though I can understand your interest. I'm interested in equipment solely made for Spectres myself!"
"I wouldn't be so hopeful! Remember, until just now, Spectres never included humans. What kind of equipment are you expecting? You should opt for weapons or the newest omni-tools and biotic amps," Garrus reasons.
…Shit… he's right! Maybe… a weapon? Since I don't actually use any Tech skills, nor have access to biotics, I don't even have a real choice! I need to come up with a good reason. Too bad I spent all my resources on my [Brawler-Pistol]. That thing is honestly a beauty. I don't think what Shepard would offer to buy me is necessarily better than Light-Purple quality. Maybe Purple at best. This would be a minor upgrade, at most. I can't even use any other weapon type. And it'd be weird for me to request one. Let's just wait and see….
"Before we go, I'd like to say that it was a team effort that made this possible. You all helped me out… I don't know what your intentions for the future are, but I'm grateful to each of you," Shepard says in a rare solemn moment, dropping her confident front.
"Don't get all sentimental on us, Shepard. This has just started!" Wrex says. "I intend to finish the job and stick with you until we've hunted down Saren. I told you earlier."
Garrus looks a little unsure, but then speaks up. "I will also follow you, Shepard. This incident has shown me the futility and uselessness of C-Sec. I need a new path… and I might as well start by finishing something C-Sec couldn't."
"I want to learn more about the Geth… it could help my entire race reclaim our homeworld. If Saren has some way to control them—or knows how—I need to at least try to obtain that information," Tali explains, clearly determined to stay as well.
"Looks like all these aliens want to stay," Ashley mutters silently.
Kaidan looks a little embarrassed but clearly doesn't share Ashley's concerns at this point.
"Okay, however, don't forget who's in command. Let's move on, then!" Shepard says.
The group quickly moves toward the C-Sec Academy, asking a few nearby guards for the way to the Requisition Officer.
They soon arrive in a rather small office, surrounded by various weapons, armors, and specialized equipment.
Alex looks around in confusion as multiple workers of all races carry wares into the store.
Shepard approaches the man in charge, sitting behind a desk. "Is this a bad time? I'm Commander Shepard—the newest Spectre."
"Yeah, I thought it was a joke until Council member Sparatus called me personally. We're bringing in as much official armor for various races as we can, as well as weapons and gear. The Council told us to accommodate you the best we can. Looks like your task is very important," the officer, a stressed-looking Turian, says.
"So you guys offer equipment made for humans as well? How?" Shepard asks, obviously curious.
"Yes. Spectre gear consists mostly of specially modified gear from large companies. We only use the highest-grade available military equipment. We keep armor and weapons from every major manufacturer around. Luckily for you, most of our modifications can be quickly applied to any gear. It was a rush job, but feel free to buy whatever limited supplies I can offer, best equipment you'll find on the Citadel, I promise you," the officer replies.
"Come around, everyone… looks like only I have access to the terminal. The Captain let me use a special account, but it only has a couple of million inside it. That may sound like a lot, but as far as I can tell, it won't be enough to buy everything… make a choice. Kerber, you did a good job, so you get first pick. What do you want? You're only good with pistols, right? I can also offer you an omni-tool or one of those modified armors. The armor looks pretty decent and even has room for high-quality mods, though the price-tag makes me want to reconsider using that amount to buy a new house instead. I honestly don't think you'll find better stuff around," Shepard states.
[Secret Quest Discovered
Mission: Help Shepard by making it through Eden Prime safely and expose Saren by rescuing Tali'Zorah nar Rayya, without relying on Admiral Anderson's backup Evidence
Reward: Depending on your Contribution, Shepard will distribute a different amount of Credits to your share of the reward.
Time Limit: —
Failure: No Reward]
A secret quest? Anderson's backup evidence? So even if I hadn't rushed ahead, we'd still have somehow exposed Saren, even without Tali. I wonder at what price, though….
No choice here. My [Brawler-Pistol] is more than sufficient—I don't even use it unless I have to. I don't need an omni-tool either. The only boost I care about is shield effectiveness, and that's my [Cipher Tool]'s only real function. I guess I might as well replace my budget [Gladiator-Armor]!
"Heavy armor. I can protect you guys better that way," Alex responds.
"Fine. Since you really proved your usefulness as a frontline fighter… Officer! Give him the very best one money can buy, with any suitable mod you have available. Credits don't matter!" Shepard announces, pointing towards Alex, while looking at the workers.
The officer gestures to one of his coworkers, an older male human who promptly pulls Alex aside.
"You're lucky. What I can offer you is the newest [Colossus Armor] by Kassa Fabrication. Probably the best supplier for human armor. They're also working on supplying parts to the newest N7 armor, which is still in development, and are involved in all kinds of other research," the man explains.
"Let me see, then," Alex says, unable to stay calm.
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