** 3rd POV **
"Good evening, Citadel. I'm Kalina Sarash, reporting live from the C-Sec Concourse, where just moments ago, a scene unfolded that will undoubtedly send ripples across the galaxy." Kalina's voice was crisp, her expression a careful blend of professionalism and controlled shock.
The holographic screen behind her flickered, showing a grainy, yet undeniably real, image of Spectre John Shepard, his familiar, grim determination etched into his face, escorting a figure in a standard C-Sec prisoner uniform.
"After weeks of speculation, and a galaxy-wide manhunt that stretched from the farthest reaches of the Terminus Systems to the bustling markets of Omega, Spectre Shepard has returned to the Citadel. And he hasn't returned alone."
The camera zoomed in slightly on the prisoner. "Sources within C-Sec, who wish to remain anonymous due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, have confirmed the identity of Shepard's captive: Dr. Karin Chakwas. Otherwise known as Dr. Susan."
Murmurs rippled through the small crowd gathered outside the press barrier. Chakwas? The Alliance's beloved, steadfast chief medical officer?
Kalina pressed on, her voice dropping to a more serious, almost somber tone. "For those of you just joining us, Dr. Chakwas has been a person of interest in the investigation surrounding the late Ambassador Udina and the illegal development of an artificial intelligence. It was a scandal that rocked the very foundations of the Council, leading to Udina's dramatic, and ultimately fatal, death."
A C-Sec officer, broad-shouldered and grim-faced, stepped into view, briefly shielding Chakwas from the cameras before she was led through a secured access point. Her eyes, though shadowed, held a defiance that belied her current predicament. She didn't struggle, but her jaw was set, her posture rigid.
"The specifics of Dr. Chakwas's alleged involvement remain shrouded in C-Sec secrecy, but whispers from the investigation suggest a deeper, more insidious conspiracy than initially believed," Kalina continued, her eyes scanning her data pad. "Was she a willing participant in Udina's rogue ambitions, or a coerced player in a game far beyond her control? What role did her medical expertise play in the development of an AI deemed too dangerous for galactic society?"
Spectre Shepard, now unburdened by his prisoner, turned briefly, his gaze sweeping over the assembled reporters. It was a look that offered no comfort, no easy answers. A thousand unspoken stories lay behind those eyes.
"One thing is clear, Citadel," Kalina concluded, her voice gaining a renewed urgency. "The return of Spectre Shepard, with Dr. Chakwas in tow, marks not the end of this dark chapter, but a pivotal turning point. The true extent of Udina's machinations, and the full scope of the illegal AI project, are only now beginning to surface. And the galaxy, I assure you, will be watching."
The screen behind her showed a split image: Shepard's resolute face on one side, and the blurry, haunting image of Dr. Chakwas being led away on the other.
**
"Dad!" Galvus shouted, rushing downstairs. "You're home!"
"Gavlus, slow down," Aster called out, following slowly behind him. One hand on her back.
"I got him," Garrus said, picking up Galvus as he reached the bottom of the stairs.
"Good morning, Dad," Galvus greeted, hugging Garrus.
"Morning," Garrus greeted in return. "Take it easy on your mother; she can't move as fast."
"Are the babies almost here?" Galvus asked, watching his mother waddle down the stairs.
"A few more weeks," Garris confirmed. "Your Aunt is on her way here to help us out."
"I remember," Galvus stated. "Auntie is a doctor. Has Uncle Nihlus arrived?"
"He's on his way with Uncle Wrex," Garrus replied, carrying Galvus toward the kitchen.
"Dad, did you make Mom's banana and cream muffins?" Galvus whispered softly, glancing as his mother stopped on the steps to catch her breath.
Garrus froze. He had forgotten. Garrus quickly put Galvus down and began making the muffins. Lastly, Aster had been craving the banana cream muffins, and he had promised to make them for her.
Garrus quickly grabbed the ingredients, trying not to laugh at the ridiculousness of the situation. All of this had started when he had broken into the wrong apartment. Now his life was complete.