NormandySR2 Shepard quarters

A few hours after Tali Trial.

"You sure Anderson, this only happened recently" Shepard asked his old friend.

"I am sorry son. The council wants to see this shapeshifter. especially since he was the one who managed to convince the civilian populace of the Quarians to settle on a colony." Anderson said over the com channels.

"What about the other admirals? I know Hackett up to something."

"They were reluctant to say the lease, and you know Hackett. The man motto is constant vigilance. He probably wants to get an understanding of your friend."

"Of course." Shepard rolled his eyes "Alright I set a course for the citadel then and to be far, two of my companions have some business there anyway so I be killing three birds in one stone."

Anderson who is a man with dark skinned and brown eye colouring. He also wears a smart suit that carries around his authority. He is also a man that has a seat on the council. A seat that was recommended by Shepard.

"Good I let the council know of your arrival and Shepard the kids on Horizon made it, so they have a foster home here on the citadel."

Shepard grimaced. "Anderson, you know, how I feel about foster homes."

"I know son, but their only family was on Horizon, and no one wants to take them in. I am sorry it not the best but it the best we got at the moment."

Shepard nods "See you soon Anderson."

"See you later Shepard" Anderson cut the coms Shepard open his Omni-tool to call Ben up to his quarters.

A Few Hours later

"Ah man and here I was having a nice nap."

"Sorry Ben but the council wants to see you." Shepard said and Ben looked around Shepard's space.

"Nice digs by the way"

Shepard chuckles "thanks but luckily the bed more comfortable than it looks."

"I bet. So how long will we be there for" Ben asks, accepting that they are going to see the council.

"Well Garrus and Thane needs help with personal business there and we got that meeting with the council, so I say roughly 10 hours tops".

Ben groans "ah man"

Shepard turns to look at his models "hey Ben?"

"Um Yeah"

"Do you know who Eon is?"

"He here too and properly with ghostfreak isn't he" Shepard nods.

Ben groans go deep "I was wondering what paradox meant. Sorry about my outburst back in the hangar bay."

Shepard waved him off "It is no problem. You were stressed and who?"

Ben waves his hand like this paradox is not important.

"You know how I said it was my fight and mine alone." Shepard nodded. "Well Eon is an evil version of me that has the capability to time travel, maybe even travel dimensions. If he is working with Ghostfreak then we are in some deepshit" Ben said. He did not want to tell Shepard but considering what was happening. He has no choice.

Shepard had his hand on his forehead shaking it "Then we need to plan accordingly, you got an alien that can counter Eon time manipulations powers."

Ben nods "He called clockwork" He shows Shepard clockwork silhouette from the Omnitrix.

Shepard raised his eyebrow "Appropriate, but also assuming Eon is you, it safe to say, he knows your capabilities as well."

Ben nods, grimacing that fact "Same with Zs'Skayr. I should really call him that. since he was one of my Aliens"

Shepard Blanches at that "Please tell me, that a joke I remember Mordin saying that but…"

Ben shrugs "I wish I were, but yes, He was one of my Aliens. He escaped from the watch, and I wish I could show my memories of the event, but that wishful thinking."

Shepard then had a light bulb moment "I might have an idea. The Asari have this ability to mind meld, sort like telepathy through two minds, with your permission Samara can gather whatever intel we have on Eon and Ghostfreak and she can help you explain it better."

Ben thinks about it "And they will not gather any other parts if my memory's."

Shepard Just blankly stares and explains like he experience it before. "Sorry but Samara will know of your past, part of the mind meld is accepting one another and while I know that still difficult for you, its party of their process."

Ben nods grimaces easily washes his face like a face mask "Okay, but Princess has to be there, because if she is not, she just going to intrude one way or another."

Shepard smirks "please I half expect the illusive man to show up. considering you mysteries backstory"

Ben snorts "Alright when"

Shepard looks at the time "we got time to kill so how about now."

Ben snorts again "God I hope the citadel have video games."

Shepard crackles and starts alerting Samara of the plan. He also informs Miranda.

NormandySR2Port Observation deck

Everyone was there. Miranda, Samara, ship, Shepard, Kasumi (cloaked), and Ben. Ben was explaining what he told Shepard.

"Shit so we be fighting an evil time traveller version of this idiot" Miranda finger points to Ben.

"Hey" Ben shouts

"And an Alien from his own watch, which escaped." Ignoring Ben Hey.

Both Shepard and Ben nods though Ben a bit miffed about the idiot comment

Samara amused by the events "Yes, a mind Meld will help but Understand young Ben. that this process will, proceed to give you headaches afterwards."

Ben Nods "let's get this over with,"

Samara Holds Ben's Head to her own, "Relax Young Ben. Embrace eternity"

Eyes going pitch black, dark as the Sky that floats around them. Flashes of Ben's life appear in Samara Head. All sad and happy memories pour in, like a bucket pouring water. They separate.

"By the Goddess. I certainly understand your need to leave your home as it was and Alien X a creature such as theirs. All that power just with a flick."

Ben has his hands on his forehead. "At least Serena and Bellicus keep the power in check. Even if there our annoying"

Samara nods agreeing "indeed."

Miranda cuts in "who are Serena and Bellicus?"

Samara was the one who answered "The personalities that inhabit Alien X, one if full of life, compassion, and love. The other is full of Hate, Anger and Aggression. Ben Here is the voice of reason out of the three."

Miranda snorts. Ben Glares. Shepard coughs. "Well now we know the full extent of Alien X even further to the point."

Ben waves his Hands "Yeah I know, security lock remember" points to the watch.

Shepard Nods. Looks to Samara "what can you tell us about Ben foes?"

Samara nods "With Eon, there not much, other than the fact, with what you already know. That his Time Manipulations" Everyone nods

"Shiiiiip" Growls

"Down boy" Ben muttered.

Miranda raise an eyebrow.

"Ship very protective of me," Ben explained.

Miranda nods already knowing of that fact.

Samara then goes in depth about Zs'Skayr and his Adventures. From the beginning to the end. Everyone Blanches hearing the story. It was dark. Possession, control, hell it almost sounds like a horror vid.

Shepard asked, "Wait how did Zs'Skayr Escape a second time from the Omnitrix."

"Because of me," Ben answered Shepard. "Before I came here, I had to make a choice, and choice always comes at a price, letting Zs'Skayr out was that price, but also my choice."

Samara nods "You see, what Ben had to do was save as many as he can, but he could not save everyone, unfortunately. He made a deal with Zs'Skayr, He help save those people in return for freedom."

Ben carries on "He did help and kept his word. for a time, but when the time came, he left. I did not know where but at the time I could have cared less" Ben lets out a single tear.

"Shipp, shipp" snuggles into Ben's shoulder.

"Well thank you Ben, go get some rest, we still got time till the citadel." Shepard pats Ben back. Ben nods back heading to the Hangar Bay. Leaving the room in a solace state. Ship followed him.

"I need to warn the illusive man, His base was compromised by this freak." Miranda said and was about to leave till Samara called out.

"Look out for cracks in the eyes and a high dark tint of purple in the pupil, which overshadows their natural colouring. That how you know they being possessed by Zs'Skayr."

Miranda nods and leaves to inform her Boss.

Shepards Looks at Samara "They are hiding out in Omega; I have to warn Aria of the powers that freak possesses."

Samara nods "That would be wise." Her voice became Solum.

Shepard nods at Samara, knowing what awaited her at Omega. Then proceeds to leave to warn Aria.

The citadel.

After a few more hours warning both Aria and the illusive man of Zs'Skayr and Eon abilities. To say that they were mortified was an understatement. How can they fight a time traveller and a Ghost? They now At the Citadel for Shepard and Ben to speak to the council. They left the ship airlock into the wards of the citadel. They then took a skycab to the presidium and walked up to the Tower entrance. Where they take an elevator to the council chambers up in the citadel Tower.

The citadel tower.

"Ah I missed these elevators had great conversation with old friends" Shepard said to Ben.

Ben Snorts "How bored were you in these elevators."

Shepard smirk "Very. I learned a lot about Krogan reproduction. In these lifts." Ben made a gagging sound from his mouth.

They leave the Elevator heading towards the chamber. Walking forward they make it on a platform in front of the four councillors: Anderson the human councillor, Tevos the Asari councillor, Sparatus the Turian councillor and Valern the Salarian councillor. Shepard stopped in front of Ben before the proceedings started.

"Now remember these are important people Ben and not to be ignored, so no mouthing off."

Ben smirks "No promises."

Shepard Smirks back. He tried at least.

Tevos The Asari councillor speaks first "Welcome commander Shepard, it has been a while since we have been faced to face. At least this way, we will not get hanged up on when we receive a report from you every time"

Ben snorts and turns to his friend. "Dude and you said these are 'important people and not to be ignored.' Only for me to find out, you did the very thing."

Shepard spoke with a straight face "we had difference of opinion on my missions against Saran."

Anderson coughs in his fist. He says, "Quite." Anderson looks towards Be "Mr Tennyson."

Ben waves his hand "please call me Ben. I am not old yet and I am clearly not in detention. Hopefully."

Some human's chuckles in the background. The Turian Councillor Snarls. Ben notices it. He smiles back.

Anderson smirks in return. "Indeed,"

Valern stated "Mr Tennyson, my name is Valern. Councillor for the Salarian race. It has become apparent about your abilities to shapeshift. Normally I would not believe such rumours, but vids from Illum say otherwise. Can you tell us the nature of this ability and where the creatures come from"?

Ben thinks about his answer "Well it is quite simple really. I am not going to tell you." Everyone turned to look at Ben like he groaned a second head. Shepard in the background was trying not to laugh at Ben's strength to just about annoy anyone with just a single sentence. Also, he is recording this for prosperity and for Wrex. He misses Wrex.

Sparatus Growls "You dare Human. Your species is under council laws, and you will answer!"

Ben smirks "yes but you Councillors made it clear that the Terminus system is not and I believe I reside in the Terminus system. A planet called Horizon. I believe you should have the reports."

Tevos nods, speaking with a straight face "Very true Mr Tennyson and the reports are not what we expected to say the least."

Shepard rolled his eyes. Of course they are trying to dodge it. He thought.

"But your abilities are a safety concern for those who reside in council space, and we do all we can to protect them." Tavos finished.

Valern nodded arms crossed. "Yes, I for one like to know how this technology works, it has never been seen or heard before. It has not even been done before."

Ben shrugged "that because it has not, the tech used for the watch, does not exist 'yet'" Ben muttered that last part.

Valern looks at the watch in an intrigued "then how did…?" "

Sparatus Shouts out clearly annoyed by Ben work around. "Enough! We clearly do not trust this human to give us straight answers. I suggested we take the watch from him. In any case no human should wield that power in the first place"

Tevos nods "Properly a wise course of action, we need…"

Shepard interrupts "Excuse me Councillors" All four members look towards Shepard.

"Yes Shepard" Anderson quickly says before the Turian denies his say. Anderson eyed him for a bit too.

"We have a full report from Mordin Solace, who I believe the Salarian councillor is aware of due to his past in STG."

Valern nods and looks at the other council members "Yes, he is a doctor that works for STG. His word is good. Was part of a project a while back that I cannot disclosed" Valern looks at Shepard "He should not have told you either"?

Shepard nods agreeing "There was an emergency on a planet relating to said project. A scientist who was part of it, is now trying to reverse it… by force."

Valern just stares "I see. Very well let us read this report and reconvene in 10 minutes. Mordin is not one to give faulty evidence."

Sparatus sputters a "What!"

Tevos looks at the Salarian council member with some scrutiny as well. They do not want to lose the narrative here. Shepard chuckled. Anderson just smirks

Valern just nodded, staring at the other two councillors with a dare me look. "Mordin is a Trusted adviser for STG. His word is good and if he can tell us more about the watch then, I do not see the problem. It is clear to us that the human does not want to go into detail about the watch and his origins. In public I might added"

The other two council members think about that, look at Ben for a few minutes. Who looks bored being here. Both reluctantly agree for a ten-minute recess. Anderson was quiet throughout the meeting but agreed to having the 10-minute recess as well. Shepard handed off the data pad to an assistant. Who raced off to catch up to the councillors. They left through the side entrance leaving their podiums.

Ben looked at Shepard with some scrutiny "you planned that didn't you."

"Yeah, I did. I knew they would want to expose your abilities but the ramification behind it. Mordin even offered to help in any way. So, I called that in."

Ben just nods

10 minutes later the councilors returned, taking up the position on their podiums.

Tevos walks in clearly agitated. "Too everyone in the public gathering. Please move towards the council chambers exit. Thank you for your patience but we must move the proceeding to a more undisclosed setting."

Sparatus speaks up next and towards C-sec "C-Sec will escort those that are unwilling to comply."

The audience does so. Now it becomes a quiet meeting.

Valern speaks first, holding out the data pad Shepard brought to them earlier. "Please Tell me that this is a joke" holding the pad in the air wavering around it.

Ben smirks, understanding what he means "I don't know what you mean?"

Tevos ether so cheerful "Young Tennyson, do not Joke. Answer the question: are you from another universe? A universe that has over one hundred million Life forms?

"Maybe more!"

Sparatus growls. "So, you do not deny it."

"nope'" Ben said with a pop in the P.

Anderson speaks softly "The ramification behind dimension travel is…"

Valern cuts off "Staggering." He looks towards Shepard, "I understand the need now to hide this. Not his shapeshifter abilities of course but his past. Have you got the appropriate paperwork for his Identity."

Ben chimes in here "At the moment I have my name, Birthday, and my Pet. Ship."

Sparatus looked at Ben like he was stupid. "You named your pet… 'Ship'?" He quotes the last part.

Ben looks at Shepard. He nods in return. Opening up his Omni-tool. Revealing ship, transforming into a ship, and many other devices.

Tevos exclaims "By the Goddess! How does…"

Ben interrupts knowing what the question is "one of my transformations, called Upgrade, there are a race called a Galvanic metamorph. Councillor Valern has the details on the pad Shepard passed. I assume anyway. That should explain ship skill."

"It does councillor." Shepard answered, confirming Ben's assumptions.

Valern nods at the other Councillors. Confirming this also.

Tevos coughs "very well. Now that we know more about the situation, we can prepare."

Shepard Coughs "I like to put forward Ben as a candidate for spectre" He looks Towards Sparatus "This way, you have a better access to him and, you can feel safer knowing he is working for you. I know it is sudden, but it is better than having him loose."

Sparatus strokes his mandibles. Look towards the other members "I agree. While I do not like the idea of a human having that much power. Having him close to us would be more beneficial than anything else. Shepard is also right. It having loose would cause mass panic."

Ben eyebrows raised. Anderson looked at the turion councillor with a nod signifying that he agreed with the sentiment. Tevos nods also agreeing. Valern just stares at Ben for a moment but also nods.

Tevos raises her arms high. "Benjamin Kirby Tennyson. Step forward." He does so "It is the decision of the council that you be granted the powers and privileges of Special Tactics and Reconnaissance, branch of the citadel."

Valern spoke " Next" spectres are not trained but chosen. Individual forge in a fire of service and battle, those who action elevate them above the rank and file."

Tevos softly explained. "Specters are an ideal a symbol the embodiment of Courage determination and self-reliance they are the right hand of the council instruments of our will."

Anderson finishes "Spectres bear a great burden; they are Protectors of Galactic peace both our first and last line of defence the safety of the Galaxy is Theirs to uphold."

Tevos breathed in. speaking up "you're the second Human spectre Young Tennyson, Shepard here being the first."

Ben nods, bowing. In respect. "I am grateful."

Tevos nods back "good Meeting adjourned, good luck commander Shepard. The collectors are making board moves" Shepard nodded.

5 minutes later

Ben turns to Shepard "well that was stressful, it was almost like they were not going to let me leave."

? "They were not originally going to let you leave."

Both Ben and Shepard turn to see Kaiden, some grey-haired man in a white tuxedo suit and Anderson.

Shepard nods towards them "Anderson, Kaiden, Udina" He growled at that last name. "I figured that was the case. That is why I offered the spectre candidate. Ben does not like being trapped."

Ben was shocked "you mean to tell me that; they were going to lock me up on the citadel. Ha like to see them try."

Kaiden pats Ben shoulder "sorry kid but, you are an unknown to them with powers of a shapeshifter. It was expected that they wanted to keep you here for testing."

Udina nods "yes well, a power like that in the hand of a child. It is bad enough Shepard back."

Anderson and Ben narrowed their eyes at Udina "Shut it" Anderson said.

"Commander Shepard, Mr Tennyson" a clerk ran up to them. "Valern wants to speak in his chambers." The clerk looks over to Anderson and Udina "Your welcome to join them Councillor."

Anderson nods, looks at Kaiden "Keep an eye out for stragglers and makes sure, to aid C-Sec, in catching the culprit. Udina you are with me" Kaiden Nods and heads out.

Udina shouts "finally"

The clerk walks them through the inner council chambers, reaching Valern office. The clerk pressed a button.

A voice heard on the offer side "come in" They come in seeing Tevos leaning on Valern's desk and Valern sitting behind his desk.

"Ah Shepard, Tennyson, Anderson, and Udina. Welcome have a seat" They sit down opposite the two councillors.

"I first want to thank you for coming, I know you have a busy schedule with the colonies, but I want to ask first is that, is it true that you have the DNA of Turian, Drell and Quarian."

Ben Nods "by accident, the watch functions as a catalyst for DNA if they ever go extinct. Also, because I forgot to reset the settings on this thing, believe it or not."

Tevos smiles "I would like to see a transformation if possible. Sparatus would be here but there was an emergency that he needed to take care of. A Mask man has managed to attack the citadel."

Ben nods "I can do one better, look if you let me scan both of you, I be able to showcase, my DNA version of an Asari and Salarian."

Both Asari and Salarian councillors look at each other then back at Ben "I don't have a problem with that" Valern stated. Tevos smiles nodding in agreement.

So, Ben set the scan function on. A yellow beam comes out of the watch and scans both councillors.

"Alien DNA SCANN RECOGINSE" x2

"NEW DNA CATEGORISE"

Shepard leans over to Anderson, "you might want to wear sunglasses" Anderson and Udina raise an eyebrow. As Shepard turned on his tilted Lense in his helmet.

Ben slams his watch. A Flash of Green appears blinding everyone except Shepard due to his experiences with this. "Bio-Optic" shouted in a womanly voice. Instantly her hand went to her.

Bio-0tic is an asari that wears the same armour as Ben but has more of a slim figure than his human male form. Ben also feels like a tank in this form. Almost like a Vanguard of sorts. Bio-0tic skin tone is closer to blueish purple.

Tevos looks over the Asari transformation "Impressive. I can tell you that your headache that you have is because of the biotics that come with Asari DNA. We get them at the initial stages of our life."

Bio-tic looks at Tevos "So this is natural to your species. Its bloody pain"

Tevos nods smiling as she looks around the body of Bi- Optic "Indeed, you need some training to master it, but the headaches will go after sometime"

Shepard chimes in "we ask Samara when we get back to the ship. She is a Justicar helping us."

Tevos smiles at that, wanting confirmation. "A justiciar?"

Shepard nods. Tevos' smile goes tenfold. "She is a good master to learn from."

Valern smiles now "I would like to see the Salarian form now if that alright."

Bio- Optic nods. Slams the Omnitrix, down. "Intelligence," he shouted. Again, wearing the same armour but feels more lite and slimmer like he made to move fast and loose.

Valern nodes not showing any reaction. "Good, just wanted to see what you look like, now."

Ben de-transforms back to Ben and sits back down.

"Now we need to sort out an Identity for you Tennyson."

Anderson interrupts here "Councillor as the meeting was adjourned, I already have a friend of mine in the alliance to wipe up a backstory for Ben, one that related to Horizon of course. Shepard is already aware of it."

Tevos looks at Anderson with respect, "good, how long?"

Udina answered this time "not long, I would say 4- 5 hours. Our friend got started before the news of our new friend appeared."

Ben Interrupts "urm why are you helping me, I do not even know most of you. In fact, you do not even know me or trust me for that matter."

Anderson was the one that answered and leaned forward to eye Ben "Son as we mention earlier, because of your skill set we wanted to lock you up. You are unknown to us and that scared the shit out of us. We did not want to take risks with you at all."

Valern nods "Indeed that was our original plan, but when we noticed, you were not going to cooperate, we had to take things differently into account. So, when Shepard offered you Spectre status. We agreed because one, it allows us to monitor you to see you are an ally or foe. Hopefully ally"

"And two was because we did not know about your other universe. So, this give you a chance to explore ours. It is a win-win. Bear in mind young Tennyson, this is not in the goodness of our hearts but simply we need to keep an eye on you. As Anderson rightfully stated, you are an unknown and that scares us" Tevos finishes.

Ben nods and agrees. He himself was trying to get himself a life in this world but it has been difficult because of the technology being so different to the ones he used to.

Valern coughs "well we have everything covered here, please enjoy your time on the citadel Tennyson. Shepard."

Both get up from their seats and leave the council office.

"Well, that was something" Ben stated as he and Shepard head back to the wards where the Normandy parked.

"It sure was Ben. By the way, Bio-Optic? which is quite on the nose there. Why not Tendril or something. Do you have another squid like alien in that watch of yours"?

Ben shrugged "it did not feel that it fit as well. And yes, I do. He called Gax The conqueror."

Shepard stopped cold. He pauses after hearing that. He thought 'What?'