Too Good to be True
Arriving at the station, Shepard is escorted directly to the Council chambers. The board is pleased with all that their human Spectre has done, and they inform Shepard that they’re intent on defending the Citadel against any possible attack by Saren.
Taken aback, Shepard informs the Council that such a defensive posture isn’t enough. Saren is on his way to access the Conduit as they speak. Unfortunately, the Council has no intention of making any move toward Ilos. They reason that sending a fleet so far into the Terminus Systems would only serve to invite a full-scale war.
Shepard pleads with the Council to at least let the Normandy venture to Ilos alone. The board won’t hear of it, however. While their Spectre’s actions in the Traverse have served them well, detonating nukes within the Terminus Systems simply won’t do. Having no proof to call into consideration, the Council is unable to believe in anything Shepard says regarding Reapers or Conduits. They insist Saren is simply manipulating his rival into making a false move, and they deny the Spectre’s request.
Quick to put the matter to rest, Ambassador Udina interjects. He says Shepard has done much for humanity lately, but agrees with the Council that the journey to Ilos is completely out of the question. In fact, Udina has already ordered the Normandy into a state of full lockdown: all of her systems have been taken offline. For all intents and purposes, the Spectre has been grounded.
A New Hope
Back aboard the Normandy, Shepard has a momentary loss of control. The commander slumps down on the floor near his locker, feeling incredibly defeated. How could the Council be so blind? They’re gambling with the lives of the entire galaxy—and they’re going to lose.
Before long, a squad mate shows up to give their commander a pep talk. The squad mate offers the Spectre a hand up off the floor, and the two share an intimate moment together, gazing deeply into each other’s eyes.
The mood is shattered when Joker’s voice echoes through the ship’s comm system. He informs Shepard that Captain Anderson has contacted the Normandy and would like a word with his former XO. Joker says the captain will be waiting for Shepard at Flux, one of the Citadel’s more infamous clubs. Shepard wastes no time in assembling an away team; the captain most likely knows what’s going on and must have something important to say.