Aftermath

Chapter 11

Thoughts of speaking in front of the Counsel kept Shepard awake that night. When her vid com beeped she was happy for the distraction even given the late hour.

When it was Liara's face that appeared, the relief she felt pricked the back of her eyes. She sank into her chair heavily. "Liara. You're a sight for sore eyes."

Liara frowned, "What is wrong with your eyes?"

Shepard smiled and waved her hand in dismissal. "Nothing, just an old human saying. It means I miss you."

Liara smiled softly, "I miss you too. Did I wake you?"

"No. I'm meeting with the Counsel tomorrow and I couldn't sleep."

"I don't think I've seen you sleep a good night's rest since we met."

"That's probably true," Shepard smiled wearily. "How are things on Thessia?"

Liara sighed, "Moving slower than I'd like but we are making some progress."

Shepard was quiet a long moment. Finally Liara said softly, "What are you thinking?"

There was too much to say really and any amount of it would only serve to make Shepard sound needy or make Liara feel guilty, so instead she said simply, "Just that I miss you and that I hope I can... see you soon."

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As Shepard was escorted to the Counsel meeting along with Hackett and several armed Alliance soldiers led by Ashley the following day, it occurred to her that she had no idea who made up the Counsel anymore. The last she knew the Salarian Delatross had been ousted by her own people after her rejection of the genophage cure efforts and Ashley had killed Udina ending his attempted coup. The Turian and Asari counselors had been alive when the final assault on the Reapers began, but she had no idea if that was still the case.

As they approached the entrance to the Embassy Tower their progress slowed. An extensive crowd had gathered, presumably for a glimpse of the Savior of the Galaxy. A force of C-Sec officers guarded the entrance and made way for their party. At the door they were greeted by a stocky officer with a crew cut that Shepard recognized immediately.

"Sorry for the commotion Admiral," the officer said in a gruff voice. "Once word got out that the Counsel was convening today I think most folks were able to guess the reason."

"Commander Bailey," Shepard said with a warm smile, "it's good to see you alive and still in charge of this place. What's left of it anyway."

Bailey returned her smile with a tight one of his own and shook her hand. "I could say the same to you Captain. We should catch up later, but for right now lets get you inside. Crowds make me nervous."

The C-Sec officers parted, holding back the throngs of onlookers so Shepard, Hackett and Ashley could enter. The Alliance soldiers remained outside to bolster the C-Sec forces.

Once the doors closed, the noise from outside was instantly gone and was replaced by the calming sounds of a nearby fountain and faux nature.

Ashley rolled her shoulders as if shrugging off the mob outside, "So this is what it's like to be famous."

Shepard shrugged, glancing back at the doors. "I guess."

"Lucky you," Ash responded sarcastically.

"Lets go. The Counsel is waiting," Hackett urged.

They walked up the steps to the dais where the Counselor podiums stood. A Salarian clerk was the only other person in the room, working the control panel. He glanced up at them only briefly as his three fingered hands skipped across the panel with efficient movements.