Aftermath

Chapter 15

The shuttle broke through the atmosphere above the northern hemisphere on Earth around mid-afternoon the next day. Shepard piloted the shuttle in over the Atlantic Ocean, it's blue-green surface glinting brightly as it caught the low winter arc of the sun.

The first sights of land were bright white cliffs, the ocean waves crashing against their base. The land beyond was green for the most part, but as they flew further inland dark scorched patches of earth became more frequent. It was clear these charred patches of earth used to be towns, some even cities, now completely destroyed, erased from existence and their inhabitants with them.

Liara glanced over to see Shepard's face had darkened considerably. Her jaw muscles bunched under the skin. Liara reached over and placed her hand over Shepard's, giving it a soft, reassuring squeeze.

Signs of civilization began to dot the ground below. Ruins of buildings mixed with new construction. Movement of vehicles, signs of life. When she'd last flown over the streets of London it had been night, deserted, lit only by gunfire, smoldering heaps of debris, and Reapers. Now flying over that same city she found it significantly changed. Survivors had rallied to the city center once the Reapers were defeated. The streets were clear of debris. People could be seen moving below. It looked like... a living city.

Shepard flew them to the Alliance headquarters for the region and landed where instructed by Alliance command. When they exited the shuttle, a young officer was waiting. He saluted sharply. "Captain Shepard, I'm Lieutenant Franklin. Welcome to London."

Shepard saluted, "At ease Lieutenant. This is Dr. T'soni," she motioned to her companion.

He turned and saluted her as well, "Of course, it's an honor to meet you both. If you'll follow me I'll take you to the Admiral."

He turned and marched them towards the entrance. Shepard rolled her eyes at Liara, the Asari smiled in return.

The halls of Alliance HQ London were pristine and teaming with smartly dressed soldiers. As they passed each stopped, snapped to attention and saluted.

"How does anyone get anything done around here with all of this saluting with every passing officer?" Shepard mumbled to Liara.

"I don't think they do it for every officer. I think they are doing it because it is you, Shepard," Liara informed her.

"Shit," she mumbled, squaring her shoulders a little more.

Lieutenant Franklin ushered them into a war room with a large center console, an image of the city rotating in the center. The table was busily attended by several other Alliance officers tapping screens or making notes on data pads. At the head was Admiral Hannah Shepard. She was pacing, hands stiffly behind her back, as she addressed someone on the vid com when they entered.

"Two more weeks is unacceptable Corporal," she was saying in a commanding voice that brokered no argument. "You'll have it done in one as initially agreed or I'll find a replacement that will."

"Yes, Admiral Shepard," the voice answered, a hint of resignation evident.

"Captain Shepard on deck!" Lieutenant Franklin announced loudly.

The entire room of officers dropped what they were doing and stood at attention, saluting.

The Admiral made her way around the table and came to stand in front of her daughter. Shepard stood at attention and saluted. "Admiral Shepard."

The Admiral answered with a perfect salute, textbook in fact. "At ease Captain," she said, her gray eyes studying her daughter. The rest of the officers continued about their business.