Lazarus Project: Mass Effect 2 (Shenko)

Chapter 43

Milky Way/Serpent Nebula/Widow System/Citadel

Earth year: 2185 CE --– August

"Councillor Anderson?" Came a female voice through Anderson's intercom.

"What is it Zarina?"

"There's an Admiral Stephen Hackett here to see you sir."

"Send him in."

"Yes sir."

Anderson rose to greet Hackett, hand extended in greeting. "Admiral." He said, taking in Hackett's worn appearance. Despite Hackett's prominent facial scar, age lines and graying hair, he still managed to convey a strong, commanding presence.

"Councillor." Hackett said, his grip firm.

"What brings you to the Citadel Stephen?" Anderson asked as they took a seat in Anderson's lounge.

"Alliance red tape and political bullshit over Shepard." Hackett said, sighing heavily.

"Shepard?" Anderson echoed. "Does this red tape also involve Shepard?"

"You might be a politician now Anderson, but you'll always be Alliance." Hackett said with admiration.

"Are you going soft Admiral?" Anderson teased.

"Don't be ridiculous." Hackett scoffed. "Seriously though, I've taken a lot of heat for Shepard's return. They want her court-martialed and brought in for questioning. Specifically, they want to know how long she's been working for Cerberus and if she really was dead after the attack on the Normandy."

Anderson waited, saying nothing.

"I refused." Hackett said, understanding Anderson's silence. "For now, it doesn't matter if Shepard is who she claims to be, or where she's been. The fact is we need her. I'm having a top of the line DNA scanner installed in your office entrance. I have the results from C-Sec, but I want to be sure."

"I understand Admiral." Anderson said, nodding. "Was there something else?"

"I heard Alenko spoke with her on Horizon. Did he learn anything other than what was in the report?"

"Just that she was leading the Cerberus ground team that stopped the Collectors. He mentioned she was accompanied by a young human female with impressive biotic powers, named Jack. Her other companion was a krogan unlike any he'd seen before and that from what he knows of krogan, this one seemed young. He wasn't sure, but he thought Jack may have called him Grunt."

"That's interesting." Hackett said, looking thoughtful. "Was there anything else? Something about the Collectors or their ship?"

"The swarms that immobilized the colonists were described as though they were programmed VI's, likely designed to target human genetics. Also, the description of the Collector ship matches the one that was given of the one that took out the Normandy SR-1."

"These swarms concern me David." Hackett said. "Is there anything else?"

"Alenko didn't handle his meeting with Shepard as well as I'd hoped. I should have known it would happen, blindsiding him like I did."

"It's not your fault Anderson." Hackett said, meeting his eyes. "We're both well aware of his history with Shepard, and you were under orders not to tell him."

"I know." Anderson said, gritting his teeth. "But I don't think he'll trust me now as much as he used to."

"I'm sorry Anderson, I know what Alenko has meant to you over the years. It's unfortunate, but these are troubled times. I'm sure he'll come around." Hackett assured him.

"Well he wasn't happy about the lack of Alliance action against the Collectors. It didn't help that he had to hear it from Shepard."

"You and I both know where the Alliance stands on this issue. We do what we can get away with to keep casualties to a minimum. But without the full support of the Alliance, our hands are tied."

"It's just so damned frustrating." Anderson swore. "Why can't they see the evidence for what it is?"

"People see what they want to see. You know that. They're scared that if it's true and the Reapers are real, we're not ready for them. Not by a long shot. I understand their fear but without proof they're out in dark space, we're at a stalemate."

"I know." Anderson sighed. "Well I suppose I should get back to it. I've got a meeting with the Council. As for Shepard, was there anything else you needed from me?"

"No. You've done what you could. I want you to know I'll be forwarding her some Alliance missions. With no Alliance presence in the Traverse, she's all we've got. Since she's not officially Alliance, she's in the best position and the best ship to get them done."

"So you're using her?" Anderson wasn't happy.

"In a sense. It's unfortunate, but if she really is Shepard, she'll want these assignments. She'll want them if she wants to stay connected to the Alliance. The real Commander Shepard won't be happy working with Cerberus and if she succeeds in her mission, she'll want to come back. Circumstances have left her few options, but if we offer the olive branch, she'll take it and be happy doing it."

Anderson looked sad. "I wish it didn't have to be this way."

"Well I've got to get going." Hackett said, getting to his feet as Anderson walked him to the door.

"I know the results of the C-Sec scan." Anderson said as Hackett reached the door. "It's just seems like such a miracle. It's hard to believe, but God, I hope it's her. Shepard's the only one who could pull off going through the Omega-4 Relay and live to tell about it."

"Shepard's the best soldier the Alliance has. Based on the initial scans, I'd bet my life it's really her."

"I hope so Admiral. God, I hope so."