The crew quickly boards a few shuttles to ride directly toward the Citadel Tower.
On the way there, Alex suddenly feels a jolt—his strength returning, the lingering effects of [Drakul’s Vitality R2] finally fading.
Stats normalized
With his full power restored, in addition to his new ring, [Uzin’s Rage], he feels almost invincible.
The crew arrives at the tower and makes their way to the Council's audience chamber—the same one where Shepard was promoted not long ago. As they approach, they already see Udina speaking with the Council.
"Isn't this a good sign? Anderson isn't here," Alex mutters sarcastically.
Shepard glances at him, realizing he is correct, clearly annoyed that his fears may come true.
As they draw closer, the conversation becomes audible. Like before, only Shepard steps forward to stand beside Udina, while the rest of the crew remains a respectful distance behind.
Udina starts, “Good job, Shepard. Thanks to you, the Council's finally taking real action against Saren!”
Councilor Tevos of the Asari follows up, “The ambassador is correct. If Saren is foolish enough to attack the Citadel—as you believe—we will be ready for him.”
Spartacus, the Turian Councilor, offers a tight smile. “Patrols are stationed at every mass relay linking Citadel space to the Terminus Systems.”
Even from a distance, Alex can practically hear something snap in Shepard.
She erupts, her voice sharp with frustration. “You think a blockade's going to stop him? He's on Ilos looking for the Conduit right now! What are you doing about that?”
Valern, the Salarian Councilor, answers calmly, unbothered by the outburst. “Ilos is only accessible through the Mu Relay, deep inside the Terminus Systems, Commander. If we send a fleet in there, the only possible outcome is full-scale war.”
Udina turns toward Shepard. “Now is the time for discretion, Commander. Saren’s greatest weapon was secrecy. Exposed, he is no longer a threat. This is over.”
Shepard visibly reins in her anger. “One ship going into the Terminus Systems won’t start a war. I can be discreet.”
Spartacus snaps, pointing accusingly. “You detonated a nuclear device on Virmire. I wouldn’t call that discreet!”
It was Kirrahe who decided that. This Turian councilmember is the worst actor I have ever seen. What a damn hypocrite. He always complains, whatever happens!
“Your style served you well in the Traverse, Commander. We recognize that. However, Ilos requires a deft touch. We have the situation under control,” Tevos says, trying to smooth things over.
“Secrecy isn’t his greatest weapon. The Conduit is!” Shepard insists.
Valern’s tone remains eerily serene. “Saren is a master manipulator. The Conduit is just a distraction from his real plan to attack the Citadel.”
"Heh. I wonder who the true manipulator is here," Alex remarks.
“Sovereign’s the real threat! Saren’s just a servant of the Reapers,” Shepard presses.
Tevos counters, “Only you have seen the Reapers—and then only in visions. We won’t invade the Terminus Systems because of a dream.”
“Are these people demented? Didn’t we all see the damn thing on Eden Prime?” Alex mutters, this time genuinely confused.
“Commander! Keep your crew under control! Violent butchers like your Lieutenant have no place here!” Spartacus snaps, locking eyes with Alex. But when Alex returns his gaze without flinching, the Turian unexpectedly looks away.
“If Saren finds the Conduit, we’re all screwed! We have to go to Ilos!” Shepard pleads, one last time.
Sparatus, clearly growing impatient, looks toward Udina. “Ambassador Udina, I get the sense Commander Shepard isn’t willing to let this go.”
Udina steps forward, frowning. “There are serious political implications here, Shepard. Humanity’s made great gains thanks to you, but now you’re becoming more trouble than you’re worth.”
I knew it would go this way… but still, I feel incredibly enraged. Why?
“You bastard! You’re selling us out!” Kaidan yells.
Looking visibly torn, Udina steps away from Shepard. “It’s just politics, Commander. You’ve done your job. Now let me do mine. We’ve locked out all of the Normandy’s primary systems. Until further notice, you’re grounded.”
“Nobody stabs me in the back, Udina. Nobody,” Shepard whispers, her voice low and icy.
Now clearly agitated, Udina fires back, “I think it’s time for you and your team to leave, Commander. This no longer concerns you. The Council can handle this—with my help, of course.”
Without warning, Alex steps forward, positioning himself directly in front of Udina.
“Wait! Alex, don’t!” Liara calls out.
The rest of the crew freezes, caught off guard.
Alex doesn’t hesitate. He releases his Aura, locking eyes with Udina. The sheer force of it hits like a tidal wave, stunning him. Udina’s entire body begins to shake violently. He collapses to the floor in a heap, a foul-smelling liquid soaking into his robe.
“What the?! What did he do?!” Spartacus exclaims.
“Commander! Stop your soldier!” Tevos shouts.
Alex, now back in control of his emotions, lets out a short laugh. “This guy is so silly. I was just staring at him. What a pathetic clown—he pissed himself. Not like I was going to attack him. Maybe humanity should pick an ambassador who doesn’t wet himself at eye contact when speaking to someone. Sorry for the confusion.”
He quickly steps back, a flicker of nervousness rising—part of him half-expecting to get arrested for what might have looked like an attack.
Without waiting for a reaction, Alex turns and walks away from the Council chamber, the crew and Shepard slowly falling in behind him.
Alex exhales in relief.
That was close… why? Was it the ring? I guess I acted out of vengeance. I need to be careful not to lose control—especially over stupid shit like that.
Shepard walks ahead in silence, fists clenched tightly at her sides.
Without a word exchanged, the crew boards their shuttles and returns to the Normandy—now grounded thanks to Udina’s interference.
Whatever motivation had been holding the crew together seems to vanish. Everyone disperses, uncertain of what to do now.
Usually, Shepard needs cheering up around now… but who’s going to do it? Guess I better make sure that things go smoothly.
Worried, Alex makes his way to Shepard’s office, only to find the door locked.
He wanders the ship until he spots her sitting on the floor, hunched in front of her locker, staring blankly at her equipment. There’s no one else around. Her posture, her silence—it’s clear she’s spiraling.
If nobody else shows up… I guess I have to.
Alex approaches.
“You alright, Shepard? This isn’t like you. We don’t have time to waste,” he says, trying to keep his tone neutral.
Shepard gives a bitter laugh. “Time? We’ve got all the time in the world. That damn cockroach couldn’t wait to stab me in the back. You were right, Kerber. I should’ve seen it coming. Udina, the Council—they’re all the same. Petty, blind, and stupid.”
“Don’t forget arrogant and corrupt,” Alex adds, grinning.
“All true… but saying it out loud doesn’t help,” she mutters, her fists clenched again.
“Look, we can still do this,” Alex says, more serious now. “We sneak into C-Sec, maybe deal with Udina directly, and disable their lockdown on the Normandy’s systems. Worst case, I go threaten them. Might get arrested, sure—but if you stop Saren, you could always bust me out later.”
Shepard stares at him for a second, then slowly shakes her head—only to pause and consider it.
“That might actually work… but I need you for the mission.” Her voice steadies. “Anyway, you’re right. Sulking won’t fix anything.”
Alex extends a hand. She smirks and grabs it—but instead of pulling herself up, she yanks him down.
What…?
Landing on top of her, Alex tries to sit up, but she stops him, pulling him back in.
He hesitates, confused—until he sees the look in her eyes, clearly challenging him.
With a little bit of courage, he lowers his head and kisses her softly.
Despite his shock, Alex deeply enjoys the kiss and can’t get enough of Shepard, a woman capable of saving the entire universe who seemed so far out of reach that he can’t even believe it himself.
The kiss lingers longer than expected. Deep down, Alex doesn’t want it to end.
Suddenly, both Alex and Shepard stop, “Sorry to interrupt, Commander. Got a message from Captain Anderson.” Joker’s voice cuts in through the comms.
“Are you spying on us, Joker?” Shepard asks, looking angry.
“No, ma’am. Just knew you were on the ship and figured I’d pass the message on,” Joker replies innocently. “The Captain said to meet him at Flux. That club down in the wards.”
Alex sighs as he gets up and stretches out his hand again. “I guess it’s time to go. Maybe Anderson can help us out.”
“Let’s go. No need to bring the whole crew,” Shepard says, grabbing his hand and standing up.
Together, they leave the Normandy and hail a shuttle, heading toward the wards.
During the ride, Alex keeps glancing at her—more specifically, at her lips.
He catches himself and looks away. “Let’s finish the job. After that… I’ll reward you.” Shepard whispers.
“…I’m looking forward to it,” Alex replies instantly, unable to act cool.
After a short two-minute walk from the shuttle stop, they arrive at Flux. Colorful lights flash from the walls, bass-heavy music pulses through the floor, and the sound of Qasar machines buzzes beneath the chaos.
The dance floor is packed, the bar is crowded, and there’s a lively mix of patrons scattered across tables.
Scanning the club, Alex spots Anderson seated at one of the corner tables.
He and Shepard exchange a nod, then make their way over and sit down across from him.