Mass Effect: Reaper Dreams

Deliberations In Hope

"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors."

Plato

June 17th, 2187

Gianna Parasini

Gianna's feet were killing her. Wishing that she could go back in time and slap herself silly for accepting Hackett's offer, or better yet, threaten herself at gunpoint before the fact, she ran through a ragged internal list of to do's. What was left?

Oh, yes, Miranda Lawson, that would be painless, but after that there was a nasty bit of business with Commander Ashley Williams. Gianna wished like hell the Council hadn't asked her to be present. As the Secretary General, she understood their position on the matter, even the wisdom of it, but they could hardly expect Williams to take it well. Who could blame her for petitioning the Council for an audience on the matter?

It rankled Gianna that the Batarian standing next to her, a former terrorist, was receiving better treatment than Williams, an alliance hero. Parasini had always hated politicians, now she was one of them. Worse, it was her own machinations that allowed Charn to climb into his current position. Still, she couldn't beat herself up too much; if she hadn't reached out to the Batarian when she did, she'd be a cloud of ash drifting on the solar wind with everyone else.

An internal smile materialized out of a morbid thought. Would it have been so bad, extinction? It wasn't the worst fate she could think of, at least she wouldn't be standing here at the moment with aching feet, listening to the Council drone on. At least in death, there would be no more politicians, no more wars, poverty, or suffering, and above all else, no more goddamn meetings. Maybe the Reapers had it right all along?

'God, you're horrible, Parasini,' she said to herself.

Gianna turned her attention back to the meeting, re-attuning her ears to hear the actual words instead of the usual garble-garble.

"Charn, on behalf of the Citadel Council, I would again like to extend our sincerest appreciation. Your information may have saved all of our lives," said Counselor Tevosa.

Charn bowed. "My gratitude Counselor, it was an honor to be of assistance."

Counselor Osaba, Earth's newest addition to the ruling body, spoke next. "From this day forward, let it be said that humanity extends its hand in friendship to the Batarian people. We pledge our commitment to help your fleets return to Karshan, and to restore your world. Whatever assistance you ask of us will be met with the utmost sincerity in intended fulfillment."

Gianna was scratching her head, figuratively, over Dominic's last phrase. She hoped she'd never learn to talk that way. It was annoying as hell.

Charn turned to her and extended his hand. "And thank you, Madam Secretary, for trusting me."

"You're welcome Charn, she said. You should thank Commander Shepard as well, though she isn't with us anymore. I was familiar with you because of her reports. She seemed to think that you were a reasonable man. That's why I trusted you."

Charn dipped his head in acknowledgement. "Of course," he said. "I suspect we will all be thanking the Commander, each and every day for the rest of our lives; our children as well."

A round of applause erupted from the bystanders.

Sparatus, the Turian Counselor, appreciated the sentiment aloud. "Well said, Charn."

As Charn made his way off the podium, Gianna breathed a sigh of relief. Another down, two more to go. The Council recorder made a note in her digital log before clearing her throat and calling the next order of business.