Sideways Part 3
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Chapter 19:
Another Lifetime
(End of Part 3)
Fandom: Mass Effect Trilogy, post-war
Pairing: Femshep/Kaidan Alenko
Rating: Mature
Available: AO3 (beginning, new chapter)
Summary:
Shepard is starting to feel obsolete with her quiet life when she wakes up in another timeline. War-torn, brutal, and speeding toward destruction, it’s a timeline formed by her renegade decisions. Despised and friendless, even the man she loves calls her enemy.
To get home, she’ll need to steal part of a dormant mass relay. Powerful enemies and dangerous secrets stand in her way, but the alternative is a fate worse than death.
“So, you won’t sign it?” Shepard said.
“I won’t sign it now,” Cicero clarified. “I recommend other species do the same. The Council acts on its own – unfettered – but the rest of us have other leaders to include and a populace to represent. Races as wide-spread and powerful as the asari, turians, and salarians need more time to consider than one day allows.”
“You just heard them say they consulted their people. You’re the only one who hasn’t.”
“I’m the only one not dazzled by your flare with a presentation or bowed down under your intimidation tactics. Once they have fresh air and some distance, they’ll see it too. I’m not saying it isn’t an impressive first draft. The time was well spent. But you can’t pressure me nor any of us here to go against our better moral judgement. Mine recommends caution.”
“The Alliance is the only one at this table actually at war with the krogan. You have the most to gain. Sign the proposal. Stop stalling and monologuing.”
Cicero interlocked his hands on the table. “No.”
“No?” Shepard echoed with heat. “You’re the only one making this treaty – the one we’ve labored over for a week to create – fail.”
“I realize I risk a slapping, but let me speak plainly, the Alliance will not sign that peace treaty.”
Shepard met Councilor Wilson’s eyes on the other end of the table. His face was puckered and red, sweat beading between his eyes, knuckles blanched from fisting the chair’s armrests.
“That’s your final answer?” Shepard looked back at Cicero.
“I don’t believe I’ve been unclear on that point.”