Mass Effect: Imperial Glory

Chapter 4: Ceremony.


'These indicate normal thoughts'
This means an AI construct communicating.
'This means telepathic communication.
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Citadel Tower, March 6th, 2193.

The tower was crowded, everywhere Shepard looked he could see Officers, Senators, Imperial officials, quarians, batarians, krogan, asari, even scattered turians and salarians.

Shepard caught sight of his squad, like him in their dress uniforms, and made his way over. "Looks like the entire sector showed up for my ceremony, doesn't it?" Shepard asked.

Lieutenant Alenko replied, "They said the senate was showing up in force, and a lot of the fleet officers, but this isn't the sort of thing that happens any day either."

"True enough, I'm just glad I wasn't swarmed by politicians the second I walked in." Shepard responded. He took note of a few things: Jenkins was looking better. thankfully it seemed the man had taken his advice. Nihlus was looking distinctly uncomfortable. He assumed anyway, turian moods were difficult to gauge. Williams and Alenko were standing rather close together, curious.

"John." A voice broke him out of his reverie, he turned to greet the newcomer.

"Tali! It's good to see you here, how did everything go with the volus?"

"Inquisitor Dalton arrived early this morning and took custody, which left me able to break away and attend this ceremony. Congratulations by the way, you've certainly earned this." She replied.

"Thanks, let me introduce you to my squad, Spectre Nihlus Kryik, First Lieutenant Kaidan Alenko, Gunnery Sergeant Leeroy Jenkins, Gunnery Chief Ashley Williams, this is Princess Tali'Zorah Nar Rayya, Commander of the 4th Observation Brigade, 2nd Quarian Auxiliary Fleet." Shepard finished.

Alenko bowed, "Princess Nar'Rayya, it's an honor. We never met but I served alongside the 4th brigade during the Lystheni Purge."

"It's a pleasure Lieutenant, John, could I speak with you for a moment?" Tali asked.

"Of course. Lead the way."

As Tali lead him to a decently secluded corner of the Tower he couldn't help but study her.

She had definitely matured since he had last worked with her, the way she carried herself, her bearing was confident, professional. She moved gracefully, slyly even. The QA dress uniform she wore looked wonderful on her. Shepard found himself transfixed on her generous hips and her perfect ass. He mentally shook himself. 'I got my brains screwed out by an asari matron last night and now I can't stop staring at Tali's butt without thinking very, very impolite things.'

'If you'll forgive the intrusion Captain, I would surmise that you have fully adjusted to your Bastion implants. Your hormone levels are back to normal levels.' Wilco chimed in.

'That explains it, I've felt damn good, better than ever the last couple of days. I'm feeling all my proper appetites return to normal.'

Tali stopped, turning around and leaning against the wall, "So John, did you enjoy the view?"

"You have to ask?" He replied.

She grinned, "Nope. So, I'm sure you want to know why I wanted to talk."

"I assumed you just wanted to spend some time with me, I'm hurt." Shepard replied.

Tali leaned close and whispered in his ear, "I'll make it up to you later."

She leaned back against the wall and continued, "I've been released from my duties with the Quarian Auxilia and the Inquisition. I want to join your squad."

Shepard didn't hesitate, "You don't even have to ask that. Done."

"Good, I have some information that you'll find useful I think, Inquisitor Dalton is reviewing it now, we can meet with him later. Now though, Let's go find your squad. I think the ceremony is supposed to start soon. Lead the way." Tali finished.

By the time they made it through the crowds he could see Commodore Anderson heading toward him.

"Well Shepard, your big day, how's it feel?" Anderson asked.

"It feels good sir, it feels very good." Shepard replied.

"Commodore Anderson, It's good to see you again." Tali said.

Anderson bowed, "Princess Nar'Rayya, I didn't know you were on the Citadel, likewise."

"Shepard, Hackett wants you in one of the meeting rooms, come with me. Please excuse us Princess Nar'Rayya." Anderson said.

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'Meeting room' was perhaps not the correct term, Shepard thought as Anderson led him to the Arboretum under the main floor. As they approached the door he saw several black and gold-armored human and krogan guards lined along the entranceway. Their armor was intricate, extremely heavy. They carried heavy weapons, laser repeaters with underslung flame-pods. He noticed the Imperial Eagles on the pauldrons, and on the scabbard of the broadswords they carried. 'The Imperial Household Guard!' Shepard realized.

When the reached the door the guards stopped them, running a bio-scanner over them, confirming their identities, before unsealing the door and allowing them in.

There were two more Household guards just inside the door. On the other side of the room he saw a small group of humans and krogan, flanked by two guardsman.

High Admiral Hackett broke off from the group and walked over to them. "Captain Shepard, I was hoping Commodore Anderson would be able to find you before the crowds started swarming, come, some important people want to meet you."

He led Shepard over to the group. As they turned to face him, Shepard dropped to one knee and bowed his head, "My Empress."

"Rise Johnathan Alexander Shepard, Cousin" Empress Sativia commanded.

"My liege, it is the greatest of honors to meet you." Shepard said, rising.

"Such formality has it's place, but not here, not with one that shares blood." The Empress said.

She continued, "Meet my Captain of the Household Guard, Clovis Wolfsblood."

"Lord Shepard." Clovis greeted as the men shook hands.

"And my loyal retainer, Khan Jeris Terranblood of the Krogan."

"Shepard, you're known well among my people. They say you once slaughtered 20 iyegi bare-handed." The Khan greeted.

"I lost count around the 14th, and it was only bare-handed until I ripped an arm off of one and started using that." He replied.

The Khan let out a deep chuckle, "I like you Shepard, it's easy to tell you're related to the Imperial Family."

"Come, cousin. Sit, let us talk." The Empress commanded.

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"Empress.." Shepard started.

"Sativia cousin, please." She said.

"Sativia, forgive me but, I'm only distantly related to the Imperial Line, my family's not even in the line of succession." Shepard finished.

"Be that as it may, you still share blood, and by your deeds have earned your place in the line. You are my cousin, none shall dispute that." Sativia stated.

Shepard was stunned, "Thank you, Sativia."

"Now, to the heart of the matter. You are to be named a Spectre. You will be unquestioned and unopposed in your duties from this point on. Impeding a Spectre is the same as impeding the Empire itself, and shall bring the same consequences. You have shown time and time again you are worthy of wielding this much power. You are strong, trustworthy, intelligent, noble above all. You shall take whatever measures you deem necessary, break any law, take any action, no matter the cost, to preserve the Empire, and the races under the Imperial banner. You shall have any resource you request, any person you wish. You will act on your own recognizance, or at my direction, or that of my advisors." Sativia finished.

"For Terra. For Empress and Empire, Duty and Honor." Shepard replied.

Sativia smiled, "Duty and Honor, your watchwords. Effectiveness and Victory, your banner. Courage and Ability, your tools. You will be the first, and the greatest of the Human Spectres. Are you ready to step into this realm, Johnathan Alexander Shepard? Are you ready to assume these duties, for all of the Empire?."

"Yes." Shepard simply replied.

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"We have come here to honor one who has dedicated his life to serving the Empire, to making it safe for all races under our banner, to providing security and prosperity to all the worlds that bear the Imperial Crest! We come together to honor Captain Johnathan Shepard, to grant him the greatest of endowments: that of an Imperial Spectre." Empress Sativia said to the assembled crowd.

"Captain Shepard, step forward." She ordered.

Shepard complied.

"Johnathan Alexander Shepard, kneel."

He went down on one knee.

"Captain Shepard of the Imperial Marines, in full health, and soundness of body and mind, do you swear to obey me, to serve the Imperial Family and the Empire above all, to do whatever is necessary to ensure the safety and security of the Empire, and every world that flies our banner?"

"I do my Empress, I swear to always do what is necessary to preserve the Empire and Imperial Family, to ensure the safety and security of the Empire, and all that it encompasses." He stated.

"Rise Spectre Shepard. Rise and from this moment on always do what is right."

As Shepard rose, the cheering and applause of the crowd became deafening, he felt incredible.

"They're cheering for you, and everything you represent: the best of Humanity, our tenaciousness, our ruthlessness, our steadfast determination, our loyalty to our friends, and our grace to those we defeat. Remember this Cousin Shepard, remember the duty we Humans have to the universe. The order we must always fight for." Empress Sativia finished.

"I will Empress, I will always." Shepard replied.

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Shepard quickly and stealthily made an exit from the celebration. He found his squad waiting for him just outside the tower, along with Tali and Anderson.

"You all know me too well." He said as he got to them.

"Shepard," Anderson started, "I wanted to congratulate you, this is a huge step forward."

Shepard shook his hand, "Thank you Commodore, I appreciate it."

"I also wanted to let you know, the Normandy is yours now, you're being promoted. I'm being reassigned back to command of the Deimos. I know you'll treat her well, Commander." Anderson finished.

"I will Commodore. That was the plan all along wasn't it? That's why the crew was handpicked so well." Shepard asked.

"You've had that figured out for a while haven't you Shepard? Now if you'll excuse me, Admiral Hackett ordered I return to the ceremony as soon as you were informed. Good hunting."

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Crossed Daggers Tavern, Citadel Station Wards.

"I never heard about this place." Lieutenant Alenko said.

"You wouldn't." Shepard replied, "They don't advertise. The Ward's best kept secret."

"They cater to the Imperial Nobility, a home away from home as it were." Tali replied.

"I can tell, private rooms, the best food and drinks, discrete and out of the way. This is very nice." Alenko stated.

"So, Commander, have you picked your squad yet?" Jenkins asked.

"Yes, everyone sitting at this table." Shepard replied.

"Yes!...sir." Williams said.

Jenkins spoke, "Thank you Commander. I won't let you down."

"I know none of you will. You're all damn good soldiers. You deserve this." Shepard stated.

"It'll be great working with you Tali, I couldn't even begin to tell you the respect you and the second QAF had from our Marine contingent during the Purge." Alenko said.

"It will be wonderful working with John again, we made a hell of a team didn't we?" Tali asked.

"Haha, oh yes. I still remember the assault on Compound 7, those salarian sentries never knew what hit them." Shepard reminisced.

"Compound 7? I heard about that operation," Alenko began, "Is it true that you took out 20 sentries before they were able to sound an alarm?"

"These things always get exaggerated in the retelling. It was 11, and really, they didn't even have a tac-link, it was ridiculously easy." Tali answered.

"That's still impressive as hell," Alenko stated, "What were you using, a Laser Marksman Rifle?"

Tali smirked, replying; "Carotid, stab, rip, walk away."

The shocked looks on the rest of the tables faces were priceless, John and Tali burst into laughter.

"You slit the throats of 11 sentries before they knew what was happening? I'll make damn sure never to get on your bad side ma'am." Jenkins said, sparking another round of laughter from the pair.

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Prison Block 8, C-Sec Headquarters.

"So what is this information about anyway?" Shepard asked.

"I'm not entirely sure, It's something to do with Saren's involvement with the Geth. We ambushed a geth patrol in the Armstrong cluster and were able to pull their memory cores. The Inquisitor wanted his personal techs to go over them first." Tali answered.

They came to a bulkhead door, guarded by two Black armored Marines wearing Inquisition colors.

"Jane, is that you?" Shepard asked.

"Major Shepard, wait, it's Commander now isn't it. It is I." Lieutenant Commander Jane Warhol answered.

"I didn't know you were still with Black Squad LC, I thought you had gone into the Marine Aerospace brigades." Shepard said.

"I almost did, until I got a good look at the cockpit of those things.. so bloody small. You're here to see Inquisitor Dalton? You've got clearance, head on in. Congratulations on everything by the way, couldn't happen to a better Marine."

"Thanks Jane, take care." Shepard replied as they entered the room.

"Inquisitor Dalton, this is Commander Shepard." Tali announced as the doors sealed.

A tall robed figure turned toward them, "Very good Commando Nar'Rayya, Commander Shepard, an honor to meet you, I am Inquisitor Jerred Dalton." He said, extending his hand.

Shepard shook it, "John Shepard, Imperial Spectre."

"I have some information that will be of use for you in tracking down Saren. Come, the Tech room is over here." Dalton motioned for them to follow.

"These are my aides, Senior Technician Galor'Devon Vas Loran, and Engineer Sally Perkam."

"Commander Shepard, an honor." Galor said.

"What my colleague said, now we just finished recompiling the data from the geth memory cores." Sally finished.

"Excellent work, play the audio files you were able to retrieve yesterday." Dalton ordered.

"Playing file 27." Galor informed them.


"Are you sure this is wise? The Humans will surely retaliate, they could annihilate all our plans before we can implement them."

Galor paused the recording, "As you can tell this isn't Saren, from voice prints and the information in the geth memory core we were able to determine this is an Asari, a Matriarch named 'Benezia'.

Dalton spoke, "Resume playback."

"You assume too much of these humans, they are complacent. The Geth will slaughter them. Even if the Geth fail, they will win us the time to find the Conduit, and bring the return of the Reapers." Saren's voice.


"That is all the audio we have been able to recover." Sally said.

"The Reapers? Who or what are they, that name.. it seems familiar." Shepard asked.

Galor answered, "This is the disturbing part. The Geth believe the Reapers are a hyper-advanced race that exist to wipe out all organic life. They believe the Reapers are responsible for the extinction of the Protheans. They revere the Reapers as Synthetic Gods, and view Saren as the prophet for their return."

"That is disturbing, but it answers quite a lot of questions. Let me guess, near as we can tell the unknown ship at Eden Prime was a Reaper vessel?" Shepard inquired.

"Yes." Dalton answered.

Tali asked, "What about this Matriarch? I'm shocked that an Asari would join with the traitor."

"We don't know much, she was active in Asari affairs until right after the surrender, when she almost disappeared from public life. We do know she was considered to be a very powerful Biotic, and she had a great number of fanatical followers." Dalton said.

"I have my own contacts with the Asari, I might be able to find out something un-officially. Maybe I'll get a decent lead." Shepard stated.

"That might work Commander, the Inquisition has an appallingly small number of agents in Asari space. Of course, usually we don't need them. Regardless, best of luck." Inquisitor Dalton finished, dismissing them.

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'That was eye-opening.' Wilco stated.

'Quite, Wilco. Can you find anything about this Benezia?'

'Negative Commander, it almost seems like there has been a scrubbing of all public information on her, and the intelligence databases contained nothing we don't already know.' Wilco replied.

"You've been quiet John." Tali spoke up.

"Sorry Tali, I've been running over some things with Wilco." He said.

"Wilco, that's your AI?" She asked.

"Yes, part of the Bastion program, he's very useful. If annoying at times." Shepard answered.

'You just do this to taunt me don't you?'

'It amuses me, I need no other reason.'

"That's good. I remember when the AI program first started, most Quarians were worried that you would make the same mistakes we did, it's good to know we were wrong, you Humans truly can control your creations." Tali commented.

"Why don't you head on to the Normandy and get yourself situated Tali, I need to take care of some business here first." Shepard asked.

"Of course John, see you on the ship."

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Shepard caught up to his quarry just inside the VIP quarters section, "Lady Asalia, we need to talk."

Asalia turned to him, "Of course, my quarters are close, we can speak there."

They entered her quarters and Shepard made himself comfortable.

"I did not get the chance to see you after the ceremony John, congratulations on your new status." Asalia said.

"Thank you Asalia," He began, "I need information."

"Business instead of pleasure? What a pity. All my resources are at your disposal."

"Thank you, I need any information you can get on an Asari Matriarch, Benezia." Shepard asked.

Asalia looked puzzled, "You have dealt with Benezia before John, during your tours in Asari space."

Now Shepard was the puzzled one, "I'm relatively certain I didn't meet any Matriarchs during any operations."

"You rescued her daughter, Liara T'Soni on Renoza." Asalia explained.

"T'Soni.. I remember that now. We found that out after the patrol, but I never dealt with Benezia, or any of her agents." Shepard replied.

"That is very strange, I had assumed after that she would have thanked you personally. No matter, I do not know much about her now, she retired from politics 33 years ago. The only thing I can think of to help you is I have heard Doctor T'Soni is in human space now, digging on Therum, it's a planet in the Knossos system, Artemis Tau cluster." Asalia said.

'Therum is a mineral rich world, the colony is claimed by House Volkov. Formerly a minor noble house, Therum has made them incredibly wealthy and given them greater status.' Wilco informed.

"That is incredibly helpful Asalia, it gives me a place to start my hunt. Thank you, for everything."

"It is my honor, and pleasure John. I will attempt to gather more information from my more, clandestine sources and relay it to you. Glory and Honor Commander." Asalia answered.

They embraced, John kissed her deeply before forcing himself to pull away, "I wish I could stay with you for a time, but duty calls."

Asalia replied, "Duty above all, such is the glory of Terra. Be safe John."

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INF Normandy.

"Commander on deck!" Normandy cried over the bridge speakers as Shepard entered.

"Commander." Pressly greeted him, "Congratulations on the promotion. We've received all clearances and documents, the Normandy is yours, sir."

"Thank you Pressly, carry on." Shepard replied, moving to the Command station.

"If I may Commander, I enjoyed Commodore Anderson, but I'm glad they chose you as my Commander." Normandy said.

"Thank you Normandy, I couldn't have asked for a better ship."

"You flatter me Commander. I think I like it."

Shepard chuckled and hit a comm panel, "Alpha squad to the bridge."

He studied the Galaxy map while he was waiting for his squad to show up. The transit to Therum would require 3 days travel time. He hoped that Dr. T'Soni would be able to shed some light on Benezia's involvement. From what he knew of the young Asari he couldn't bring himself to believe she had joined with Saren. 'Wilco, give me the bullet points on T'Soni.'

'Born 2077, to Matriarch Benezia and unknown partner, train--'

Shepard interrupted, 'Skip the filler, give me from 2191 on.'

'Finished cataloguing Prothean discoveries on Renoza, filled a 6 month position at the Imperial Museum of Galactic History assisting in research of the artifacts recovered on Renoza, afterwards taking a sabbatical, location unknown. Since December 2192 has run a Rosenkov sponsored dig at a site on Therum.'

'So she's always been an archaeologist?' Shepard asked.

Wilco Answered, 'Negative, trained as a Scientist, focusing on BioTech. Also was given Commando training at a provincial academy.'

'That explains her Biotic strength. I wonder..' He was interrupted.

"Commander, you summoned us?" Lieutenant Alenko asked.

"Yes Lieutenant, I wanted you all to be here for this." Shepard opened the ship-wide comm.

"Marines and crew, this is Commander Shepard speaking. As most of you have heard, I've been granted the status of Imperial Spectre. The Empress has given me my orders: Hunt down Saren, stop him no matter the cost. I intend to find and gut the traitor. Wherever he goes, we'll follow. We will hunt him to the very ends of the galaxy and take him down. We're the best of the best, we WILL stop him." Shepard closed the comm.

"Pressly, start the readiness check and plot a course to Therum, I want to be off Citadel Station in two minutes. Squad, let's head to the briefing room."

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"So, summing this up, Saren is supposed to be the prophet of an ancient race of hyper-advanced sentient machines, who only exist to destroy all organic life, that huge dreadnought that was on Eden Prime is presumably a reaper ship, he's looking for something called 'the conduit' which he thinks will help bring the reapers back, and he has the support of some reclusive Asari Matriarch, and we're going to Therum to find her daughter on the off-chance that she'll have some information on her mother's activities. Is that accurate Commander?" the Lieutenant asked.

"You know Alenko, when you put it like that it sounds a little far-fetched." Shepard replied.

"Sounds like something out of a Sci-fi novel." Jenkins quipped.

Nihlus countered, "Yet it is the only explanation that would explain how he controls the geth."

"Never said I didn't believe it, we didn't get this far by underestimating a threat." Jenkins replied.

"Now that you all know the score, dismissed. We'll hit Therum in three days, be ready." Shepard finished.

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Shepard was thankful Anderson had his things moved into the Commander's Quarters before turning command over, right now he just wanted to crash, the fatigue of the day seeming to hit him all at once.

As he walked into his quarters he noticed the differences with the X/O's room, the Commander's room was larger, had it's own head and shower facilities, a private computer terminal, a sleeping quarian girl in the bed...

'Wait..what?' Shepard did a double take.

He walked over and sat on the covers, he saw Tali begin to stir.

"Tali, what's going on?" Shepard asked.

Tali looked deflated, "I didn't think you'd mind this John."

"I don't, not at all, but.." He trailed off.

She rose up, bringing the blanket with her, "John, I've wanted you since we first met, I've thought every single day since then what a fool I was for not telling you. I'm not expecting a declaration of undying love, I just don't want to let this opportunity pass again."

This was beyond his wildest dreams, "You might not have expected one Tali, but you might get one. I've thought the same about you. Every day I've asked myself how I could have let you slip through my grasp, I want you. I want you for my own, now and always. Is that what you want?"

An expression of purest joy appeared on Tali's face, "More than anything John, take me, please."

John swept the covering off her body, revealing it to his hungry eyes.

Her breasts were large and firm, her skin, purple and velvety, her hairless slit already dripping with arousal.
They almost attacked each other in their eagerness, Tali tore his shirt off, reaching down and unbuckling his belt before sliding his trousers and shorts down.

John kissed her fiercely, pushing her back onto the bed and entering her without any pretense.

She cried out as he hilted himself, her tunnel clenching him tightly, "Oh Tali."

"John, I've waited for this so long." she moaned out.

He silenced her by pressing his lips to hers, sliding his tongue into her mouth tasting her.
John slid his hands down, taking hold of her slim waist and beginning to thrust faster.

Their first time was over quickly, Tali's eagerness bringing them both to climax within a few minutes. They laid together, feeling blissful. John placed a kiss on Tali's forehead, "I love you. I hope you know I'm never going to let you go."

Tali molded her body even further into him, "I think I can live with that."

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End of Chapter Four.