Commander Shepard / Jane

Jane led her group to the Council chambers, they were a large group, and cut an intimidating path. It helped that Krogan were a race not often seen on the upper levels of the citadel unless they were working as bodyguards. Even then almost none ever made their way to the peak of the Citadel Tower. As such, many of the few important and powerful figures that moved about in this space stared rather blatantly, but none attempted to get in their way.

Shepard took point, Tali walking alongside her as the one who had found the evidence. She had brought the data core and would present it for inspection as well. Wrex Ashley and Garrus took the middle, filling a dangerous position of powerhouse fighters, while the more specialized roles of Kaidan and Jenkins filled out the back. As they crossed the room Shepard saw Anderson and Udina standing by the steps. They gave their group a nod before heading back up to the speaking platform. The Councilors were standing in position the same as before, but this time there was no hologram of Saren waiting, whether he had refused to show or hadn’t even been called thanks to the Councillors doubts, it was unclear.

“Ambassador, and company. I hope you have some actual verifiable evidence to present this time. The Council is very busy, and does not have the time to be wasted on pointless accusations.” Councilor Sparatus spoke briskly, leaving his arms crossed.

“You wanted proof, Councilors, here it is.” Udina gestured to Tali, who raised the Geth memory core, a surprisingly small and spherical tube. A few wires poking loosely from its side.

“That is Geth memory core recovered from an unmapped world near Eden Prime. It holds your evidence.”

The Asari Councilor, Tevos, raised her hand and in a flash of blue energy the core sailed across the gap that separated the group from the Council itself. She handed it off to the Salarian Councilor Valern. Who quickly scanned the device before his eyes widened in surprise. He said nothing, but quickly affixed the device to the console in front of him. Suddenly the same audio that they had all heard before played out. The voice of Saren breaking the silence, followed by the woman who spoke after him. When the audio finished playing the Council turned their backs on their group, discussing among themselves. After 3 minutes of this in prolonged silence they turned back to face our group and Sparatus spoke.

“This evidence, as well as its origins, are irrefutable. Saren will be stripped of his Spectre status and all efforts will be made to bring him in for his crimes.” Jane felt a sigh of relief move through the humans among their crew, as well as Garrus himself. She almost thought she could hear Jenkins let out an annoyed grunt, as though he was frustrated that this had worked so easily while his own audio file was denied.

“I recognize the other voice, the one speaking with Saren. Matriarch Benezia.” Shepard was surprised to hear Tevos speak, but jumped at the opportunity to gather more information on their enemy.

“Who’s Matriarch Benezia?” The question went answered quickly, Tevos giving the necessary information willingly.

“A Matriarch is a powerful Asari in the final stages of their life. They are revered for their wisdom and experience, and serve as guides and mentors for the Asari as a whole. Benezia in particular is a powerful biotic with many followers. She will make a formidable ally for Saren.” Ah, it was easy to forget given their youthful appearance, but Asari could live up to a thousand years. As a consequence they had distinct stages in their lives where cultural behaviors and practices changed as they moved through them.

“I’m more interested in the Reapers they mentioned. What do you know about them?” Valern spoke suddenly, and far quicker than his more disinterested tone had allowed earlier. He had looked lost observing the memory core in front of him, but turned suddenly to address us as his interest changed.

“Only what we recovered from the memory core. They are an ancient machine race that wiped out the Protheans. Then they vanished. The geth believe them to be gods, and Saren is the prophet for their return. We think the conduit they mentioned is the key to bringing them back. Saren’s searching for it, it’s why he attacked Eden Prime.” Captain Anderson was the one to answer, summarizing the general information they gathered. Jane noticed as Wrex gave her a confused look, seemingly surprised by the information. She remembered that Wrex and Jenkins had not been present for the explanation of the Reapers and would need to be caught up. She turned to give Jenkins a look to promise she would explain but saw him unflinching, more surprised at her sudden eye contact. He looked confused, but only after she had turned to watch him, as though he hadn't expected her to explain a threat he had only just heard of. Jane almost wanted to question Jenkins' strange reaction before her focus was called back to the Councillors by Valern’s voice.

“Do we even know what this conduit is?”

“Saren thinks it will bring back the Reapers, that’s bad enough.” Jane gave her answer matter of factly, crossing her arms over her chest as she could see the Councilors share a look of doubt.

“Listen to what you're saying. Saren wants to bring back a machine that wiped out all life in the galaxy 50,000 years ago? That’s impossible. It has to be. Where did the Reapers go? Why did they Vanish? Why is there no trace of their existence until now? If they were real, we would have found something.” Sparatus spoke loudly, almost as if denying any notion of the idea to himself, as much as the rest of us. It infuriated Jane, but she wasn’t fast enough to speak, instead it was Jenkins who once again beat her to criticizing the council.

“You're kidding. You just got done being shown something you told us wasn’t possible was true moments ago. Now you're going to deny this because what, it doesn’t make sense? You didn’t think Saren betraying you made any sense either and yet it was still true.”

“Corporal Jenkins. You seem to have a habit of interrupting this council. While your frustration with our earlier assessment is earned, this is different. Yes, Saren betrayed us, and we can agree he’s using the Geth to search for this Conduit, but we don’t truly know why.” Tevos response was surprisingly kind, but still refused to see the truth of the matter. The Reapers were real, Jane had seen them with her own eyes when she made contact with the beacon, but the Council would never accept that as evidence.

“Indeed, It’s far more likely that Saren is simply using the myth of these Reapers as a means of controlling the Geth to his own ends.”

“And if you’re wrong?! The consequences of preparing for this threat even if it isn’t real is nothing compared to what will happen if you ignore it when it is. Saren will herald in the destruction of the whole galaxy and you all will be responsible!” Jenkins was shouting, and as he finished Udina had to practically shove him away from the podium. Whispering to keep his damn mouth shut and to quit antagonizing the Council.

“That is quite enough Corporal. Saren is a rogue agent on the run for his life. He no longer has the rights or resources of a Spectre. The Council has stripped him of any authority he held in Citadel space.” Sparatus glared at Jenkins who simply fell back into line and maintained eye contact, refusing to back down even in silence. His conviction to this was strong, even if he had just heard of the threat from Jane and Anderson now. Did he really trust her beliefs that much?

“That’s not good enough, Councilor. You know he’s hiding in the Traverse, send in your fleet!.” Udina was doing some shouting of his own, but being more careful in his choice of words, refusing to outright blame the Council for any decisions. They didn’t seem to care one way or the other.

“A fleet cannot track down one man.” Valern spoke softly, once again in that uncaring tone as he instead focused on the device in front of him. It was likely that the memory core would occupy his thoughts for some time.

“A Citadel fleet could lock down the region. Protect our colonies from any more Geth attacks.” Udina was direct with what he wanted at the very least, but seemed to be making little headway.

“Or it would trigger a war with the Terminus Systems! We will not be dragged into war over a couple dozen human colonies.” Shepard realized they were losing the Council, at this rate they would settle for removing Sarens authority and keeping an eye on things. They probably wouldn’t even bother trying to send anyone after him. That wasn’t an option.

“I can take down Saren.” She spoke loudly and confidently, cutting off Sparatus who looked about ready to continue complaining about having to help human colonies, and leaving him with a look of shock

“The Commander is right. There’s a way to stop Saren without fleets or armies.” Tevos was the one to speak in agreement, confirming Shepard’s belief that she was the more calm headed of the Council, perhaps kinder as well.

“No! It’s too soon. Humanity is not ready for the responsibilities of joining the Spectres.” Sparatus tried again to deny it, but he was in the minority for once in these meetings.

“It was a turian Spectre that betrayed the Council. It was a human that exposed him. I’ve proved that I can do this.” Jane was not willing to back down. She would be the one to stop Saren, with or without the Council's approval, although she’d rather work with it. The Council took a moment to glance among themselves. Sparatus was adamant in his fury, while Valern seems uncaring for the conversation as a whole. Tevos was the only one who seemed to truly care for the situation and Shepard’s words.

“Allow the Council a moment to deliberate, we will reconvene in a moment.” Tevos spoke, and the 3 suddenly turned away from their consoles, walking together out of sight to what must be personal chambers. In return Udina and Anderson stepped back from the podium, gathering with the crew as a whole.

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“Anderson, I must insist that Corporal Jenkins receive disciplinary action, if not a full court marshall. His outbursts are far beyond what would be necessary or appropriate for one of his rank, and reflects badly on us all. Allowing him to remain unpunished will look as if we are agreeing with his insults to the Council.” Udina spoke directly to Anderson, not even bothering to acknowledge Jenkins who was standing right there within earshot. His words raised a stir among some of the crew. Kaidan and Jane of course started to protest, even Ashley herself started to speak out before Anderson spoke himself.

“Well good. I happen to agree with his choice of words against this council. Their wilful ignorance of a threat and half of our claims is an insult to us.”

“To you, Captain. An insult to you and your crew, but humanity is larger than a few men and women. Leaving a direct insult unanswered could set us back years in our push for a seat on the Council.”

“I don’t care for your personal opinion on the matter, Ambassador! How I decide to discipline the men under my command is my decision alone. I will not punish my soldiers for speaking the truth, no matter who they speak to.” Anderson crossed his arm refusing to back down, the escalation in aggression was rising and it nearly appeared Anderson was ready to fight Udina himself, but Jane could see who held the power here. In the Council chambers, in a place of government and authority, Udina held all the real power. And she could tell that he knew it too.

“Captain, if you are going to condone such actions of your men, I will have no choice but to seek disciplinary action for you as well.” Udina crossed his arms and smirked. He knew he had the Captain in a deadlock, one he would refuse to back down from. Jane could see what he was trying to do here. He didn’t care if Jenkins was punished, but he knew Anderson wouldn’t stand for it, and he wanted the Captain out of his hair. The Captain’s military career and stellar service record left him with enough influence within the Alliance and Citadel space to have more authority than the Ambassador was fine with. Jane started to see red, the recurring feeling of rage rising within her when Jenkins interrupted.

“Captain Anderson, with all due respect Udina is right.” He stepped forward, walking between the two, and giving Shepard a look. She was shocked, why would Jenkins agree with this smug bastard. When he gave her a wink she was more confused, but decided to let him carry on.

“The Council may not ask it directly, but it would look good on Udina and humans as a whole if I was appropriately punished for acting out like I did.” Udina’s smug look only grew after being told he was right. While he wanted Anderson out of the way, a situation where he was forced to bend to Udina’s request was something he could hold over him. It’s what power looked like in politics and he would accept it. Jenkins looked to see Udina’s smug expression, but didn’t look angry or bothered by the situation, in fact he smiled in return.

“That being said I know you would never want me punished for something you didn’t think was worthy of it. So allow me to provide a simple compromise.” Udina never saw the punch coming. He wasn’t a man of conflict, and the politician had no real chance to defend himself. He was knocked flat on his ass, clutching his nose in his hands as blood began to flow, splattering the top of his gaudy beige suit.

Jenkins shook his hand loose after the blow, before turning around and giving Captain Anderson a salute. “I will return to the brig of Normandy to await my transport back to the Alliance for a hearing. It was a pleasure sir.” He didn’t wait for a response, turning and marching in file away from the group, only sparing a look to the crew as he walked back, smiling this arrogant grin. Everyone was in shock, and the first to break the silence was actually Wrex.

“HA HA HA! I thought there was something about the kid I liked. That’s the Krogan way of handling politics.” He continued to laugh. Most of the crew was in too much shock to join in, Jane included. Jenkins just threw away his entire military career, for a chance to put Udina in his place. Why would he do that? He had told her directly he thought his place was serving aboard the Normandy. Kaidan and Ashley shared the same conflicted looks, it felt good to see Udina decked like that, but at the loss of a comrade and friend. Tali shared a similar look of confusion, Garrus being the only one who’s expression was close to positive, as he looked more impressed than conflicted.

“What-- He! He assaulted a public official. You make sure he gets to trial and never sees service again Anderson, or I swear you’ll join him in a military prison!” Udina had managed to get to his feet. He was still holding his nose tight, it had already begun to swell and turn purple with bruising. It was almost certainly broken.

“Of course. He’ll be properly punished under the rules of the Alliance, as a member nation of the Citadel Council.” Anderson gave Jane a look as he finished his sentence, highlighting his choice of words. The gears in her head began to turn and she realized why Jenkins might have made the choice he did. He was putting his complete faith in her, the crazy bastard.

“Good. See he does.” Udina straightened his appearance, a small application of medigel across his nose had already reduced the swelling, and he pulled a handkerchief from the pocket that cleaned most of the blood from his face, and clothes, although a small stain of red was slightly visible.

At that point they heard the slamming of a large door having closed, and turned to see the Council approach to their positions at their consoles. They looked as presentable as always, and any appearance of frustration or annoyance that had been visible on Sparatus before was missing. They all appeared wholly professional.

“Councilor’s, I just wanted to assure you that during your timely and much needed deliberation we took the opportunity to send Corporal Jenkins towards Normandy. You can rest assured that his previous outbursts and insults will not go unpunished.” Shepard had expected the Council to show signs of pleasure at this statement, approval or satisfaction. Instead she was surprised to see the Council appear show a range of emotion. Tevos appeared confused, as though she hadn’t even thought of this as something that would occur or matter. Valern seemed entirely uncaring, he looked far more focused on whatever had been discussed before and the current situation. Sparatus was the most surrpising, as he actually looked, for only a moment, angry with the news. Perhaps a better term would be insulted, but either way it was not what Shepard had expected. Given Udina’s sudden silence and awkward sputtering he hadn’t expected it either.

“Commander Shepard. Step forward.” Tevos spoke out, ignoring Udina entirely Shepard would not ignore it. She stepped forward as Udina stepped away, unsure of himself.

“It is the decision of the Council that you be granted all the powers and privileges of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance branch of the Citadel.” Tevos spoke first, revealing the conclusion the Council had come to behind closed doors.

“Spectres are not trained, but chosen. Individuals forged in the fire of service and battle; those whose actions elevate them above the rank and file.” Valern followed, a rare occasion where he spoke with gravitas and respect.

“Spectre’s are an ideal, a symbol. The embodiment of courage, determination, and self reliance. They are the right hands of the Council, instruments of our will.” Tevos once again spoke, her voice sharp with dedication to words that are not spoken often.

“Spectres bear a great burden. They are the protectors of galactic peace, both our first and last lines of defense. The safety of the galaxy is theirs to uphold.” Spartacus, though he had seemed the most opposed originally, spoke without a hint of hesitation or regret.

“You are the first human Spectre, Commander. This is a great accomplishment for you, and your entire species.” Tevos finished the speech off, showing her hand as perhaps the Council's true head, even if they claimed all positions were equal.

“I’m honored, Councilor.” Jane gave a light bow and spoke with respect. While this was the outcome she had been hoping for, part of it didn’t feel real.

“We are sending you into the Traverse after Saren. He’s a rogue agent, you are authorized to use any means necessary to apprehend or eliminate him.” Valern clarified the exact details of the mission as the Council dictated it, and Shepard realized exactly why Anderson and Jenkins seemed so nonchalant about his punishment.

“Councilors, as Spectre, does the authority to use any means necessary override any decisions made by the Alliance or humanity?” She asked the question, and they appeared confused by the sudden change of thought, but Valern took the opportunity to answer.

“Within reason, as a member nation of the Citadel the authority of the Council is law the Alliance would be expected to follow. Spectres are agents of this authority, yes.” He seemed happy to simply provide information, talking about his areas of expertise seem to be a highlight of Valern’s day.

“Then it would be possible for me to enlist Corporal Jenkins as part of my crew, in exchange for pardon of any perceived faults of past behavior.” There was silence and Jane could feel Udina’s eyes staring daggers into her back, although she didn’t much care.

“There is a precedent for Spectres enlisting criminals into service in exchange for pardons before, but the Spectre would bear responsibility for any potential future incidents.” Tevos answered, and if Shepard didn’t do better she almost thought she could see a small smile on the Asari councilors face. Jane simply nodded in thanks to the information.

“If there are no further questions we will forward any files with relevant information to ambassador Udina. This meeting of the Council is adjourned.” Sparatus ended the Council meeting, and as they all turned to leave the room was filled with an applause that broke the silence.

Shepard looked around to see that dozens of people, both human and alien had gathered around this meeting area to watch the proceeding, and even a camera crew appeared to have filmed. Looking around she could see Anderson clapping politely, and her own crew joining in the applause. Even Udina, although he appeared furious, was clapping to keep up appearances. This was a high honor, and a decision that would be felt across the galaxy. Jane took only a single moment to bask in it, before stepping down from the podium to join her crew. Her crew was all smiles, even the new members like Wrex and Tali, and their ally Garrus. Well and least she thought Tali was smiling, hard to tell exactly with the mask but her voice was cheerful.

“That was most interesting. You have been given quite the honor, the question is though, now what.” She asked, showing some genuine positivity that couldn’t help but bring a smile to Jane’s face.

“Well, she will need a ship, and a crew. Supplies. It will need to be worked out, Udina, we should get right to it.” Anderson gave the Ambassador a big smile, planting a thick burly hand on his shoulder.

“Hmph, indeed. I sincerely hope you do not plan on undermining a deserved trial Shepard. Jenkins' behavior was an insult to the Council and getting away without punishment would be a grave breach of proper etiquette.” He couldn’t help but push the issue, but Jane had more then enough of his politicking bullshit and was putting her foot down.

“I sincerely hope you don’t plan on undermining the mission of a Spectre because of a perceived slight from one of her necessary crew. As that would be directly opposing the will of the Council wouldn’t it.” She did not break eye contact with the Ambassador. Eventually, he broke first, turning away to mumble about necessary preparations and walking off with a surprisingly chipper Captain Anderson.

As they left she was alone with her crew, and they had several questions about plans, preparations and other such ideas. She had a few, the first being using their new authority and budget as Spectres to get top of the line weapons and armor from the suppliers down at the C-Sec headquarters. From there it would be to get Jenkins off the Normandy, and then meet with the Ambassador for whatever ship had been assigned to them. She could only hope they ended up with something half as good as the Normandy, given how they had gotten on Udina’s bad side. A necessary action though in her mind, it felt good to see the smug bastard put in his place. She would have to thank Jenkins for that punch later when she got the chance.