** 3rd POV **
After the Cerberus attack, the citizens of the Citadel all hovered around the holographic projections in the public areas and closely monitored the news through their omni-tool. They all wanted to know who was behind the Citadel's attack and how Cerberus managed to bypass all of the Citadel's security.
C-SEC Anchor: "Good evening, Citadel citizens, and welcome to a special broadcast of Citadel Tonight. I'm Jian Li, and we have an unprecedented, breaking story that has sent shockwaves across the entire galaxy. What you are about to hear will undoubtedly challenge everything you thought you knew about Citadel politics."
The sleek, silver screen behind Jian Li flickered, displaying a grim-faced Ambassador Udina, his image framed by a stark "EMERGENCY BROADCAST" banner.
C-SEC Anchor: "Sources within C-Sec have confirmed that former Human Councilor candidate, Ambassador Donnel Udina, was the mastermind behind a sophisticated, high-level conspiracy to destabilize the Citadel Council and seize control for his own nefarious purposes."
Gasps rippled through the thousands of comm-channels tuned in across the galaxy. On the Presidium, tourists froze, their ocular implants zooming in on the nearest display. In the Wards, shoppers dropped their datapads.
C-SEC Anchor: "For weeks, the Council has been operating under heightened security protocols, responding to what were believed to be external threats. However, thanks to the swift, decisive actions of one individual, the truth has been brought to light. We can now reveal that Commander John Shepard was the one who uncovered Udina's treachery."
A wave of relief, quickly followed by stunned disbelief, washed over the galactic audience. They knew who Commander Shepard was.
C-SEC Anchor: "Our sources indicate that Udina, leveraging his extensive political access and a network of compromised C-Sec personnel, attempted to orchestrate a coup d'état, aiming to remove the current Councilors and install a puppet regime loyal to him. Our sources indicate he had outside help from Cerberus and an illegal A.I technology. The situation was dire, with Udina's operatives mere moments from executing their final, catastrophic phase."
The screen cut to a blurry yet undeniable image of Shepard, blaster drawn, confronting Udina amid a chaotic scene. Though pixilated, the determination in Shepard's posture was clear.
C-SEC Anchor: "Commander Shepard, acting alone and against incredible odds, infiltrated Udina's hidden command center within the Citadel Tower itself. He neutralized the Ambassador's loyalists and, in a harrowing confrontation, personally apprehended Udina, saving the Councilors from certain capture, or worse."
Another image flashed, this time a blurry photo of a corpse.
C-SEC Anchor: "Udina was ultimately killed during a skirmish between himself and Commander Shepard. The Council has released a joint statement commending Commander Shepard for his unparalleled heroism."
**
The news of Udina's betrayal came as a shock to everyone in the galaxy.
The Council chambers were chaotic. Valern's usually calm demeanor was shattered, his mandibles clicking in distress. Sparatus, pale beneath his crimson scales, paced furiously. Tevos, ever the diplomat, struggled to maintain composure.
"He tried to kill us," Councilor Sparatus hissed, slamming a fist on the polished table. "He tried to deliver us to Cerberus!"
"Councilors," Nihlus spoke up. "Allow me to begin the investigation into Udina's betrayal."
His proposal was met with wary silence. A Spectre investigating a former human ambassador? The very thought was unheard of. Who would dare?
The Councilors shared a look and agreed. Nihlus began his investigation shortly after.
He moved through the Citadel, scouring every corner among merchants, informants, and forgotten functionaries. He found several secret transactions between Councilor Sparatus and Udina's hidden account. After finding evidence of the transactions, Nihlus went back to the Council and presented his findings.
"This is alarming," Councilor Tevos stated. She and Valern shared a look.
"I can't believe he was behind everything," growled Sparatus angrily. "How long has he been lying to us?!"
"The video he sent me was fabricated," Councilor Sparatus continued. "Garrus to attest to that. He verified it."
"I also want to temporarily revoke Garrus's spectre status," Nihlus continued. "Until I find more."
"We will momentarily converge," Councilor Tevos stated.
Councilor Valern and Tevos headed back to the private chamber while Councilor Sparatus stayed behind.
They returned within a few minutes.
"Upon discussing," Councilor Valern began. "We've decided to temporarily remove Garrus's spectre status and remove Councilor Sparatus until the investigation has been concluded."
Nihlus nodded and headed out. He wanted to speak to Garrus and convince him to take a vacation. Maybe he could go to another planet and hang out with his wife until the investigation was over.
He headed to Solana's apartment. It was the one place that Garrus had been hanging out lately, with their parents visiting.
The whole Vakarian family was eating dinner when he arrived.
"Nihlus," Mr. Vakarian greeted. "What brings you here?"
"Just coming to deliver some news," Nihlus replied, taking a seat at the table.
"Something about my Spectre status?" Garrus assumed.
"Temporarily revoked until the investigation is over," Nihlus stated. "You should take this time to go on a vacation and visit your wife."
"I think we should all go on a vacation," Camelea agreed. "Maybe we can plan for a proper wedding on Palaven."
Garrus stayed silent, but Nihlus could tell he was taking the suggestion seriously.
"Maybe we can plan for some grandchildren," she continued happily. "Solana doesn't even have a boyfriend. Garrus its up to you."
"Mother," Garrus said, looking embarrassed.
Nihlus glanced at Castis, who at this point hadn't joined the conversation. He looked thoughtful at the mention of grandchildren.
"I miss Mina," Solana pouted. "We should go and visit her. I'm sure she misses us, too."
"Don't worry about anything," Nihlus interjected before Garrus could protest. "I'll take care of everything here and make sure you and your wife can come back."
"Fine," Garrus agreed. "But we're looking to move into a bigger place anyway. While you're at it, sell the old place too."
"I'll take care of it," Nihlus promised.
"One with plenty of rooms," Camelea added. "We want a lot of grandchildren!"
Garrus shook his head at his mother.