Prelude

It had been a long year. One year to the day that Shepard sacrificed herself in order to save the universe from the Reapers. Upon returning to active duty I had been quickly promoted. Within two months I had the title of Commander and within six months sI was happily married. I'd also inherited an apartment on the citadel from my former commander, which was given to her by Admiral Anderson at the height of the war. Everything seemed to be on the up even the Alliance admiralty board looked to me for advice in the troubled times that lay ahead as they rebuilt.

It was two weeks before the planned Memorial Day, to honour the sacrifice of those who we had lost during the war that Councillor Hackett sent a message asking to come to the council chambers immediately. Such an invitation usually meant that you were needed immediately and were not to delay. Since it was my day of I had to quickly get changed into dress blues, my omni-tool beeping as another message was received, this time from my wife.

Don't be too long seeing the council, we have plans remember x

Of course she knew, there were no secrets between them. Although one of these days she would have liked to have been able to tell her something first. But that was one of the reasons why I married her, some may have seen it as a flaw, but it was really part of her charm.

I'll try not to be. You know what the council is like. I'll see you when I get back x

From the apartment it would only be a quick sky car ride to the presidium and then an elevator ride up to the council chambers. And then one last security check before being allowed in to see the council. C-Sec even before the war they were an annoyance, never very good at the job but always scanning your body for weapons. You'd have thought that after the war they would have increased their training, it seemed like they would do at first. But after so much peace they had become lax in their work. At least some of them cared about the security of the citadel, Armando Bailey mainly. Speak of the devil.

"Commander, it's good to see you. No time for small talk unfortunately, the council want to see straight away."

"Lead the way Bailey."

The man hadn't changed a stickler for duty and straight to the point. Not many like him left anymore, they maybe a pain but they were definitely needed. And Bailey was a good man. Just stuck in his ways. There was no talking as he led the way towards the council chambers just a man doing his duty as always. As they approached the doors Bailey left so I could walk in alone, clearly his job was to just make sure I was heading in. The five council members were stood on their stage in the middle of a heated discussion. It was Councillor Hackett that noticed me standing there first and directed his fellow councillors. Five of the strongest races were on the council. The Turians, Asari and Salarians as is the norm. The fourth race was Humanity the second newest race to join after the battle of the citadel where the alliance fleet saved the Destiny Ascension. And the fifth race was the Quarians. After they had reclaimed their home world, their fleet was critical towards the war effort. The Councillors all figureheads for each species, none with any real power. Well apart from Councillor Hackett.

"Ahh, Commander Lawson. We've been expecting you. As your aware it's Memorial Day in two weeks and we require your services. A celebration is being held on every council world and colony and we intend for there to be a special episode of BattleSpace being aired which we would like you to be a part of."

"Seriously Hackett, you brought me up here on my day off to talk about BattleSpace. Why would I be interested in that?"

"Because Commander, we intend for you to tell the galaxy your story. Starting from the Geth incident and ending with your marriage. The galaxy needs this Commander, it needs to be reminded about its loses. You've seen it already, with the lax attitude of C-Sec, now more than ever we need a moral boost."

This was an unusual request, normally the other council members would have their own say about it, but they were leaving it all up to Hackett. Fidgeting Turians are not a normal sight even if you live on Palaven. It was a comical sight though, it was rather distracting from the conversation going ahead.

"Councillors why so quiet, what's your take on all of this?"

It was the Turian Councillor Sparatus who spoke first.

"Commander, we may not have always seen eye to eye, but we agree with Hackett. The people are becoming content with their lot in life, leaving their guard down. Just because the reapers are now gone doesn't mean anything else is out there. We can't have another war like that at the hand of the reapers. I suggest Commander Lawson that you go home, talk to your wife and let Hackett know your response in the morning."

"Dismissed Commander."

With those words I left the council chamber and headed back to the elevator with Bailey stood by it. Looked like he had something to add to the situation, typical Bailey.

"Take my advice mam, say yes."

Not a message from Bailey, not really. More a message from Hackett, telling me to follow his orders. Great more political bull. Even if they were orders I still needed to talk it through with Miri, even if she does already know. Bringing Miri's name up on the omni-tool I rang her private number. I didn't have to wait long, the one thing about Miri is that she'd always answer when I rang.

"Ash, I take it you've seen the council?"

"Just leaving the presidium now. We need to talk."

"I know. I'll be home in an hour."

"Okay, see you at home."

That hour just dragged, being left alone with my thoughts wasn't a good idea. Being a soldier I would have to follow those orders, but having to speak in front of millions across the galaxy was far more daunting then facing the reapers. Knowing that I would have to talk to Diana Allers was not going to be fun. We had been friends once, that was before she betrayed my trust and tried to sabotage my relationship with Miri. How could I forgive that and have a proper heartfelt conversation with someone I no longer trusted. Only Miri could advise me on this.

True to her word, after exactly one hour Miri walked through the door and headed straight in my direction and greeted me in a loving embrace.

"What are you going to do Ash?"

"I don't know, it wasn't a request not really. It was more like an order from Hackett. The only thing is I'd have to talk to Allers."

"That bit I did not know. Are you sure it's her?"

"Who else would it be? It's an interview on BattleSpace. They only have the one reporter. It's going to be Allers. I'm not sure I can be so open with her, after everything she did."

"You're going to have to try though. You can't really disobey an order from Hackett. I'll be there when you do it, if you need strength just look towards me."

A weak smile passed my lips which were soon joined with Miri's. I had no choice in the matter really, but at least Miri would be there for support. With my omni-tool I sent Hackett a message telling him that I'd do it. And two weeks later I was sat next to Diana Allers waiting for the show to begin.

"No hard feelings Ash. We both need to do this."

"That's Commander Lawson. Ms Allers. We're not friends so you don't get to address me that way."

With my piece said I sat and waited for the title credits to finish and get this all over with. It wasn't long before Diana Allers was introducing the program ahead, there was only one piece on the agenda and that was lucky old me. It didn't matter how long it would take to get everything out, the program was scheduled for several days with breaks in-between. It was going to be a long week. As soon as I heard my name I walked out onto the stage. No cheering or booing just silence as the people were trying to figure out who I was. As far as they were aware there was no Ashley Lawson under Shepards command. It wasn't until they saw my face they realised who I was from all the pictures and vids that were flying about. Ashley Lawson didn't exist to them but Ashley Williams did.

If you've read this far then I thank you for giving it a chance. If you like what you have read so far then please carry on reading. Any views or comments will be much appreciated as I carry on writing. If you have something that you want me to include then please suggest it.

My intention is to follow the events of Mass Effect 1, 2 and 3. Going down the route that I'm writing some of it isn't going to be canon, so bare with me.

Mass Effect is something that has been with me for a long time and is something that I'm never going to let go. With that in mind this is my contribution to the Mass Effect Universe.