Aftermath

Chapter 9

Shepard was quiet most of the flight back to Earth. Oriana tried to engage her in conversation but Shepard stuck to few word answers and spent most of her time staring intently out of the window into space. She also rarely slept and when she did, she'd jolt awake violently, breathing hard, looking around desperately until she recognized where she was and remembered.

Post-Reaper defeat, Alliance Military HQ was relocated to the heavily damaged Citadel, which was still in orbit around Earth. As the shuttle approached the massive, ancient station Shepard leaned forward in her seat. Two of the five arms of the structure were mostly in tact. The other three, heavily damaged. Repair vehicles and equipment hovered around the decimated sections actively working on restoring the station.

Even so, the Citadel was in much better shape than Shepard would have imagined. Oriana directed the shuttle into the Alliance docking bays. Once they were docked, Oriana rose and started preparing to disembark but stopped and looked back at Shepard, who hadn't moved from her seat. Shepard was looking down at her hands, turning the Quarian face mask around contemplatively.

"Commander, are you alright?" Oriana asked. "You've been... distracted... since we left Thessia."

Shepard finally glanced up and gave her a half hearted smile. "Sorry Oriana, I know I haven't been good company. I just... have a lot on my mind."

"Of course," she said softly. "Admiral Hackett is expecting us." She motioned regretfully to the face mask. "You'll need to wear that I'm afraid."

Shepard stood, took a deep breath and donned the mask. Once in place she turned to Oriana. "Let's not keep the Admiral waiting," she said in her altered voice.

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The passages of the Alliance area of the Citadel were filled with soldiers. Most looked young and exceptionally green. Shepard noted the activity as she followed Oriana's lead. When she commented on the number and age of those around her, Oriana explained, "Alliance recruitment efforts have been stepped up since the Reaper invasion." As they entered a larger atrium, she motioned to a recruiting advertisement above them. It was an enormous image of a fallen Reaper and standing beside it with a foot atop it, rifle in the air in victory, an image of Commander Shepard. The slogan, "Join the Alliance. Join the fight for Galactic Unity."

Shepard hadn't realized she'd stopped walking until a young soldier slammed into her. The soldier mumbled apologies and moved on. Oriana touched Shepard's arm.

"What in Hannar hell is that?" Shepard demanded.

Oriana smiled placatively, "We shouldn't keep the Admiral waiting. He can explain."

Oriana led them into what was the former home of the Embassy offices, now the home of the Alliance HQ. After a quick word with the officer manning the reception desk, they were ushered into a large room. The last time Shepard had been in that particular room it had belonged to Counselor Udina. Now filled with Alliance galaxy maps and terminals, it hardly looked the same.

Sitting at the desk was a distinguished older man, his hair grey and his eyes clear blue. His face was stern, lined with years of service and marked by a distinctive scar. He stood when they entered, smoothing his dress uniform with a practiced hand. On the other side of his desk, the always striking figure of Miranda Lawson. Miranda didn't bother to stand and instead leaned back and crossed her long legs.

"Officer," he addressed the soldier who'd shown them in, "see that we are not disturbed."

The officer saluted and departed. For a moment, no one moved or spoke. Then Shepard reached up and removed her face mask and pushed back her hood. Tucking the mask under her arm, she stood at attention, saluting the Admiral.