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Upon arriving at the docking bay where the Normandy was Chessa, Garrus, Wrex, Tali, and Kaiden see Anderson and Udina standing by the loading bridge to the ship with Armstrong and Ashley off to the other side of the dock. As they step towards the group the pair of older men turn with Udina speaking up first. "Ah Shepard, We were just about to call you. Captain Anderson has stepped down so the Normandy is now yours."

Anderson crosses his arms and clearly seems abit unhappy with the decision. "She's the perfect ship for you. Quick, quiet, a skilled crew, and I know you'll treat her well."

Chessa though looked right at Anderson and it was obvious she seen through his words. "What's going on here? You're a highly decorated officer, were given command of the most advanced ship in the galaxy, and you just decide to step down? You're not fooling me. What's the deal?"

"That obvious huh," Anderson sighs shaking his head and looking down a moment. He slowly raises his gaze till it meets the felines. "You needed your own ship, and as you stated this was the best in the galaxy. It's perfect for you and your mission. Besides it was time to retire from combat." Chessa narrows her eyes staring down the captain taking the same cross armed stance. Things went silent a long moment as the pair just stare at each other before Anderson continues. "Look, I was offered to be a Spectre, and it's why I was on that mission with Saren. I was blamed for the failure of it and kept out."

"So this is all to give me the best chance to succeed huh? You're gonna become a pencil pusher so I can make up for your mistakes?" Chessa uncrosses her arms still locked with his gaze. "I refuse..." Tali, Armstrong, Ashley, and Kaiden all look surprised at this. Anderson seems abit stunned as does Garrus though both hid it well. Udina goes to speak only to be halted by an upheld paw. "Hush Udina, this is between me and the captain."

Udina's face shifted to one of slight annoyance, but Anderson broke the new silence that formed. "Commander, I might have stepped down as the CO of the Normandy, but I still outrank you. This isn't a request it's an order."

Chessa smirks and chuckles some at him. "I'm a Spectre now. You can't order me around. Though, out of respect I will accept the Normandy as mine." She turns to look over the ship's slick curved design smiling at how it seemed to be the super sports car of spaceships. "Yet, the reason is not to make up for your mistakes Anderson. I will use the Normandy to stop Saren, and show everyone that humans aren't bigots and bullies. We can and will do everything we can to help the other races and keep the galaxy safe. And what better way to do this than on the greatest ship made by not long ago bitter enemies."

Anderson nods with a smile though Udina still had an annoyed look on his face as he spoke. "Yes yes. Now that that's done we have the leads you need to follow. We have a colony in the Feros system that reported geth before going silent. Also more geth were seen around Noveria. The final lead is the matriarch's daughter. Remember, she's the voice that the councilor claimed was on the recording." Chessa just gives a small nod letting him talk. "Her name is Dr. Liara T'Soni. Our reports state she was last doing an archeological dig in the Artemis Tau cluster."

"T'Soni sounds like the best place to start. Hopefully we can get to her before Saren. Though, if Benezia isn't fully evil she could work to keep her daughter out of the conflict." Chessa brings a paw to her chin rubbing it in thought.

"Or she could be using her to help them find the Conduit." Udina chimes in. "Either way you need to find her and get all the information from her you can however you can."

"The choice is yours Shepard. We'll offer help however we can..." Anderson continues but gets cut off by Udina.

"But you still represent humans so any messes you make I have to clean up."

"Sorry Udina, but it comes with the job." Chessa adds in shaking her head abit. "I'll do what I can to not cause you too much trouble though."

Udina looks down then back at her. "I guess that's the most I can hope for. Remember: you were a human long before a Spectre or an anthro. Keep our best interests in mind. I have a meeting to get to. Captain Anderson can fill you in on any final details." With that said Udina turns and walks off.

After the elevator hisses shut and she was sure Udina was gone Chessa looks at Anderson. "Alright, now that he's gone how do you really feel on this Anderson?"

Anderson shifts abit dropping his shoulders looking somewhat defeated. "Honestly? This is a hell of a way to end my career. I hate pushing papers, but if this is the only way then so be it. I'd gladly step aside to let you go after Saren. I believe you're the only one who can."

Chessa steps forward and reaches out putting a paw upon his shoulder smiling trying to cheer her essential mentor up. "I really appreciate it Anderson, but is this really the best for you? Come with me. Serve as my second in command. Be the one that watches over the ship while I'm down on the ground."

Anderson gives a small smile but shakes his head. "Much as I'd love to Shepard I can't. It could cause problems with the crew, and I feel I could be more useful here working leads and assisting you however I can. Now let's drop this. My decision is made."

Chessa nods stepping back. "Very well, just know my offer will always be there."

"I really do appreciate it Shepard. Now then, any other questions?"

Chessa and Anderson spend a few more minutes just chatting about his past with Saren more and getting abit more information on where they were to head next. Once that was done Anderson told Armstrong, Kaiden, and Ashley to report to him for their reassignment at Udina's office if they don't go with Chessa to hunt Saren before leaving.

Now with Anderson and Udina gone Chessa turns to look at everyone smiling. "Well guess we have a ship now. Everyone that's coming with, grab your gear, and get settled on the ship. Me and Garrus will go grab the crate of stuff we just got and meet ya there." Tali, Wrex, and Kaiden all head onto the Normandy and get settled in. Chessa raises a brow as Armstrong doesn't budge and Ashley stood, but seemed to looking between the ship and the others getting on the ship.

Chess moves over to Ashley tilting her head some. "What's wrong Ashley? You seem to be debating joining us."

"Well I am. I want to, but you are letting aliens on an Alliance Vessel. To fight someone that killed our people. Should they really be there?"

Garrus raises a brow from his spot, but stays quiet letting them talk it out. Chessa though gives a sigh and roll of her eyes. "Look Ashley. I am fine with having you and Armstrong along for this, but I will not have xenophobes on my ship. You want to come then you have to get over that. This ship isn't an alliance ship anymore. By being passed onto me, a spectre, the ship now becomes part of the citadel fleet. A fleet comprised of ships and soldiers from all races."

Ashley seems to debate her options a moment before speaking up. "I want to go, ma'am. I owe it to my squad and the others lost on Eden Prime to take Saren down."

Chessa nods feeling like this isn't the last time they'll be having this talk. "Good. We'll be heading out soon. See ya onboard." She then turns to Armstrong. "You coming Armstrong?"

"No..." Armstrong states plainly as he stands up watching Ashley head onto the ship. "I signed on to serve the Alliance not the council. Sorry Shepard."

"I expected as much." Chessa smiles and extends a hand to him which he shakes. "It was a pleasure to serve with ya big guy. You take care of yourself and hope to see you again."

The large male returns the shake and smile. "Likewise Shepard, take that bastard down and show him we won't be pushed around." Armstrong then turns and heads for the elevator vanishing with a hiss of the doors.

Taking a breath she looks at Garrus and smirks. "Well, finally it's just us again."

Garrus shakes his head smirking some. "Shepard...Come on we have to get our things and finish setting up my leave from C-Sec."

"Right behind ya," Chessa moves beside Garrus as the pair get upon the elevator. On the way down she looks at the turian taking a small breath. "So um...about earlier...in the shop..."

Garrus's eyes move to the side to look at her. "You made quite a scene there. Especially with you taking your guns apart right in the middle of the room."

"Hey. I was off to the side and not in anyone's way. Besides you're the one that tackled me and had me pinned down."

"I did it because you wouldn't try on your headgear." He reaches up and taps the visor she was wearing that looked a fair bit like his.

"I was busy with my guns. You should know what it's like to play with your gun."

Garrus turns to look at her raising his voice abit. "I wasn't the one with my gun taken apart on the floor. I play with my gun when at my desk."

It was shortly after finishing his sentence that he realized the doors had opened and he had said the last bit loud enough for many to hear him in the quiet lobby of CSec. Garrus looks out from the elevator meeting the gaze of more than a handful of other officers. He brings a taloned hand to pinch between his eyes before looking at Chessa who was clearly snickering. He suddenly reaches down grabbing her arm and tugging the feline out the elevator stating abit annoyed. "We'll resume this talk in my office." Course this drew a few more looks and even a tease or joke from a few others. Chessa just giggled some as she was lead through the station.

After a few moments they arrive at the door to Garrus's office with a plaque by it carrying his name and another turian's. The other officer was inside at his desk and he looks up as the door opens to which Garrus asks if he could have a chat with Chessa alone a moment. The turian seemed like he was going to question this, but just one look from Garrus made him stand up saying he had to run some papers to Pallin anyways and quietly left.

Once he was gone Garrus moves to his desk and starts to gather things silently. Chessa moves to his desk and sits upon a nearby table looking at the suddenly quiet turian, "You alright?"

"I'm fine. I've just been embarrassed twice now in the same station on my last day working here."

"I didn't mean it, and really you were the one that almost yelled that last bit on the elevator."

Garrus sighs hard setting a bag with his things on the crate to take to the ship. "I'm more annoyed at myself for letting it get to me. You act like a kid at times, and it reminds me of my sister."

Chessa giggles hopping off the table smiling at him. "A little sibling rivalry showing through huh? Not seen her in awhile?"

He shakes his head moving over to buzz the shop keeper to move the crate to the Normandy. "Not too long. We gather at least once a year. Though I will admit you are more fun than her. Just wish you wouldn't be so childish at times."

Chessa clasps her hands behind her back and sways some upon her feet. "Comes with being a feline I've found. Easily excited, and can be abit hyper at times. I am rather agile and flexible though. Maybe after that shootout we have ourselves a little spar. After all you cheated in the store."

Garrus raises a brow at her. "How did I cheat? Besides it doesn't matter that wasn't a spar. I was trying to get you to put on your visor."

"Still doesn't matter. You cheated so I demand a rematch. I won't be the one on the bottom next time." She smirks smugly and nods at him.

Garrus shakes his head to her. "Commander I was top of my class in hand to hand combat. You don't stand a chance."

"We'll see mister top of his class. You've never took on someone that can lick her own crotch before."

This stunned Garrus a moment making him clear his throat and put a hand over his face some. "Thank you for that image Shepard...I so wanted to imagine my CO naked licking her crotch just now..."

"I can show you if you want proof."

"Keep your pants on please..." Garrus requests as he sighs and holds up a hand moving back to his desk and finishes filling out his resignation form. The shopkeeper, Tiberius, steps in and Garrus tells him to move the crate to the Normandy. He grabs his bag and looks at Chessa. "Come-on. We need to drop this paper off then we can finally get outta here."

As they step out though she looks at him frowning some, "Hey Garrus, one second."

He stops and meets her gaze, "Yeah?"

"Don't quit C-sec. Just take an extended leave for now. I think you should come back after this with a fresh mind and all."

Garrus looks at her a long moment, "C-sec isn't going to change Shepard. No matter how long I'm gone...." Garrus looks at her she looking at him with those large feline eyes making him let out a small sigh. "But alright. I'll tweak it. We still have to get a few things from my apartment so let's hurry."

The pair swings by Pallin's office to drop off his form and explain his reason for leaving. While it was questioned some due to the suddenness of it with Shepard's pull it was allowed. Then they move to Garrus's apartment in the same wards as he worked. It was a simple one room apartment, but had a decent set up fitting to a policeman. Chessa looks around before darting for the fridge. Garrus notices this and speaks up. "Careful that's all turian stuff in there."

Chessa peeks around and smiles darting back in grabbing a thing of purified water. "It's fine. The dextro thing is just a myth. Besides I'm just getting a drink and all water on the presidium is purified and filtered to be neutral."

Garrus nods moving to his dresser getting some clothes and a few other things. Chessa moves over peeking in seeing what he wore under his clothes. Garrus smirks looking at her in just a pair of shorts with no bulge in them which made her frown some. He steps towards her and takes the bottle shaking his head getting a mouthful of water then hands it back. "Heh, you can look all you want. We don't have boxers or briefs. Ours is inside so we don't need anything special to wear there. We all sort of go commando as you human's say."

Chessa frowned abit more as he takes her bottle sticking out her tongue when he hands it back. "Oh? Well maybe I'll see it one day."

"Look on the net or in a porn mag like Fornax. Faster and easier," Garrus states rather plainly.

"Feh, been there done that." Chessa shakes her head moving to look out the window. "Always wondered how they managed to get quarians and volus for it. Guess some will do anything for some credits huh?"

Garrus picks up his bag putting it over his shoulder and moves getting an M-15 Vindicator from a locked case by his bed. "Yeah. Some enjoy being exhibitionists I guess." He checks it before picking up the case and looking at Chessa by the window. She was looking out the window with her tail swaying back and forth some. The view was rather nice as one could see the nebula off to the side to where it wouldn't blind you but allowed some light into the room. It was currently bathing the feline in a soft purple light matching and blending well with her dark purple hued armor. The turian catches himself staring a moment before shaking his head and turning doing the last final checks on his apartment. "That should take care of it. Time to head out."

Chessa gets up and taps the button by the window to close the shutters and jogs to catch up with Garrus. "Coming."

She follows him out the door looking up at him a moment. "Y'know, I'm a little nervous. I've ran small teams before, but never a whole crew."

"Not as hard as you think. Most fall in line with no issues and they help others do the same. Don't worry Shepard. Things will work out fine."

"I guess you're right. You've led a team before?"

Garrus shakes his head as they load onto an elevator. "Not really. Being in investigations it's normally just me or maybe another officer or detective. Too many chefs spoil the soup as they say."

Chessa giggles at him. "You don't have to keep trying to use our phrases y'know."

"But then you wouldn't understand them," He states looking at her out the corner of his eye.

She blinks a moment looking around some thinking. "Huh...good point."

Garrus smirks and reaches over patting her on the shoulder a couple times. Chessa smiles keeping pace with Garrus as they head back to the Normandy.

Once back upon the Normandy Shepard tells Garrus to go set himself up while she speaks to Joker. She moves to the cockpit and as she enters it Joker seems to know she's near. "Hey commander, I heard about Captain Anderson. Highly decorated officer and he gets taken down by backroom politics."

"I know what cha mean, and if I don't get Saren or play my cards wrong. I could be next. Hell I shouldn't even be here. This is his ship."

Joker scoffs turning to look at her. "Okay yeah, he got screwed, but not like you coulda stopped it. Noone on this ship is blaming you." Chessa smiles abit and rubs the back of her neck feeling bad to still be kicking herself some. "We're behind you, Commander. Everyone on this ship, one hundred percent."

"Thanks Joker. Let's make this worth it."

"That's the idea. If you want to speak to the crew, intercom's open. No better time."

Taking a long breath she looks at Joker a moment before leaning forward. "Crew, this is Commander Shepard. I just want to say a few words before we get going." Her voice was abit soft as she wasn't one for being in the spotlight. "We all know our mission: find Saren before he finds the Conduit. I won't lie, this ain't gonna be easy, but we can do this." A short breath came and a slightly strong tone came through the speakers. She was being honest and had to speak from the heart. "I have a good feeling the Council just wants to sweep this under the rug. They revoked Saren's status and sent the brand new human spectre to stop it just like the human's wanted. They may not believe it, but this is bigger than just humanity. We have seen what Saren will do on Eden Prime. Saren won't stop there. Already our crew has grown with new recruits here to join our cause, and more will likely join in time. As said before, this just proves this is bigger than humanity. All races want him stopped: Human, Turian, Krogan, Quarian, Salarian, and others even if they aren't here now."

She stands up tall taking a breath and gaining a strong tone putting all she has in this speech. "We have been chosen to be the sword of justice that hunts down Saren. He knows we're coming. His followers will be waiting for us, but thanks to the Normandy he doesn't know when. In a way maybe its fate that the ship we do this on is called the Normandy. For those that don't know or don't fully recall humanity's history: the Battle of Normandy was the turning point of the Second World War. It was thanks to that the allied forces were able gain a beachhead in Normandy and eventually stop the Axis powers. Now here we are on the Normandy to make history again. We are here to show the Alliance is ready to turn the tide and prove we are ready to be a part of the galactic community."

She pauses for another breath looking at Joker a moment with a smirk. "Sorry for the history lesson, but we will stand up to that legacy that the name Normandy carries. This ship is the best in the galaxy with the best damn pilot in the galaxy, and wherever Saren goes and wherever he hides we will find him. I am honored to be here with all of you. Everyone here has earned this chance to stop a rouge spectre...no...he's not worthy of that title anymore. The man we hunt now is nothing more than a cold hearted traitorous murder and we will stop him! Not for us, not for the council, but for the others that are at risk by Saren being free, and to avenge everyone we lost on Eden Prime! Commander Anderson gave us this chance by stepping down, and we will honor that chance. Stand tall, and stand proud crew of the Normandy! We cannot and will not fail!"

With that she cuts the com and lets out a hard breath, with abit of cheering and light applause from the CIC. "Phew...that was a lot, and guess they liked it." She looks back and gives a small wave turning back to Joker.

Joker chuckles, "Abit long winded, but well said, commander. Anderson would be proud."

Chessa smiles looking at him, "Thanks Joker. Sorry if I put you abit in the spotlight there, but as I said everyone earned where they are."

Joker shook his head meeting her gaze. "Hey don't let it worry you. I know I'm the best and now the crew knows it too."

The feline chuckles reaching over lightly patting his chair, "Heh, try not to let your ego swell too much there. Don't want to pop any seals."

Chessa hangs around after looking out the viewport before moving to the window control. Her head tilts as she reads it and looking like she wanted to touch it. Joker was watching her out the corner of his eye as a gloved finger moves out to poke the button causing the shutters to close. Her ears perk up and she looks around blinking. "Cool. Auto windows."

Joker just shakes his head tapping the button on his console to re-open them. "Ya need something Shepard or just looking around?"

She turns looking at him smiling abit nervously. "Oh um...ya. Just exploring the ship. Sorry if I disturbed you." She shuffles abit before breaking the silence. "So uh how's the ship handle? Know it can't be easy given the specs."

"Yeah it takes a lot to handle her. Lucky for you I can." Joker smirks looking at her. "Balance can throw you off cause of that oversized drive core stuffed in the back. She's strong and if not careful she'll show ya just how strong."

"Guessing you've done your homework on her and she's earned ya respect. What'd you do before this? It's odd they'd give the helm of a ship to someone like you."

Joker's face narrows as his eyes meet her. "I can see where this is going. You read my file didn't you? You said yourself I'm the best so you know that. I was top in my class at flight school. Fought hard for that. Every commendation in my file was earned. Nothing was given as charity cause of my disease."

Chessa blinks looking at him. "Oh um I didn't mean it that way. I meant it by you being so young. I read your file, but I don't remember it mentioning any sickness."

"You mean? Oh...well crap." Joker sighs looking back at his console a moment. "I've got Vrolik's Syndrome."

Chessa bring a paw to her chin. "That's uh...brittle bone disease right? I thought it had been eradicated by now."

"Yeah...well...it's extremely rare now. Can't seem to lock down what causes it. Treatable, but no cure. Lucky me, huh? Basically, the bones in my legs are more or less hollow. They say my case is moderate to severe. Hell had over a dozen fractures just from being born. Hundred years ago I never would have made it. Good thing medical science turned me into a productive member of society."

"Well, if you need a hand Joker, don't be afraid to give a holler. We're all here to help."

"Thanks commander, but I don't care for sympathy. I can handle myself. I can get around with crutches and leg braces albeit barely. Gotta be careful, though as step wrong and CRACK! Like a bag of chips being crushed. I've learned to manage it though. Put the Normandy in my hands and I'll make her dance for you. Just don't try asking me to dance."

"Well let's try not to have the ship dance too much people might think you're drunk or something. Also I'll make sure we don't have too many dance parties on the ship. Rather keep you out of the med bay much as possible."

"You and me both..." Joker states turning to look back to his console.

The feline's ears drop abit not meaning the conversation to go in such a way. She decides to talk about something else. "So um, Joker...How'd you manage to get that name?"

Joker sits up some talking in a dull tone. "Shorter than saying Alliance Flight Lieutenant Jeff Moreau. Plus I like making children laugh."

Chessa crosses her arms looking at him. "Yeah a regular ol' Saint Nick...Come on what's the truth."

Joker scoffs, "Look, I didn't pick the name. One of the instructors in flight school used to bug me about never smiling. She started calling me Joker, and it stuck."

Chessa tilts her head some. "Well you seem to be in better spirits now. Why so glum while there?"

"I worked my ass off in flight school, Commander. This world won't give you shit if you go around grinning like an idiot. One year and I was the best pilot in the Academy, counting instructors, and they all knew it. One year...and the sickly kid with the creaky little legs had kicked all their asses." He smirks now looking at her. "One guess who was smiling at graduation."

"One year huh? Damn it took me at least two before I could handle a real sniper rifle." She shifts abit looking towards the CIC. "Guess I wasted enough of ya time. Sorry if I struck a few nerves there. I'll catch ya around."

"Alright. See ya," was all she got as she steps out the cockpit.

Shepard gave a small sigh looking to the hatch wondering if they had anything more to do on the citadel. Deciding they didn't she calls back to Joker. "Hey Joker take us out."

"Where to, Commander?"

"Artemis Tau Cluster likely. For now just slip us out of docking range of the Citadel coasting towards the relay. Wanna make a round of the ship and make sure everyones ready to head out."

"Sure thing commander."

The feline shifts ever so slightly as the ship disconnects from the hanger and flies out away from the Citadel. She was used to ships and been had her space legs, but the Normandy was no normal ship.