Commander John Shepard was pissed. He really had to call in every patience he had left to not snap at the Council. When he heard that only concern to them was that their Spectre was rumored to be working for Cerberus he didn't said nothing, only his eyes flashed and cybernetic scars glowed harder. Fuming with anger he flipped a bird to irritated councilor advisor Udina who just walked into the chamber, when felt a hand on his shoulder. Anderson. Turning face to him, Commander saw a concerned look on his mentors face.

"Son..."

He was only man that Commander ever allowed to call him that, his real father left years ago without a goodbye. Anderson was a figure that always got to Shepard no matter what.

"I understand you're pissed. Truthfully, it bothers me with who you work with but like you said, you have no other choice. Alliance brass won't do a thing to help, only try court-marshall you to find a scapegoat for mess out there. Since Hackett got higher and I'm stuck here, there's no strong heads among any top officers" Anderson took his hand off Commander's shoulder and reached to pocket. "However, I was told to relay something to you. A message," saying this, human Councilor put something in Shepards left hand. Commanders eyes went wide for a moment, then he clutched his fist on the item.

"Godspeed son," Anderson said extending hand. "Maybe brass forgot who you are, but we didn't"

"Thank you sir. I won't make posters anymore, but I'll get it done" Shepard shooked hands with Councilor.

"All what's ever was expected of you Commander"

/.../

"What Anderson gave you?" Miranda Lawson asked when they left presidium and now walked through Wards.

"A reminder" Shepard only replied without looking at her.

"Of what?" Cerberus XO was persistent.

"Trouble" Commander sighed then took a turn and walked into one of the shops.

After making a few equipment purchases for himself and the crew along with provisions requested by mess Sargeant, Shepard stopped in front of giftshop.

"Huh, 'live animals and pets'...Aw screw it, I have a huge fish tank and no longer care about Alliance regs" Shepard let out a chuckle and walked into the store. Bought a dozen of different fish and on a whim, a little furry 'space hamster'.Rodent reminded him of a rat he used to have as a kid when he grew up on different starships.

"Wow, you really are hardcore Shep, buying fish is so manly" Cheerful chirp announced that newest recruit, a small asian thief, Kasumi Goto, decided to join instead of staying on a ship. "How was talk with head honchos?"

"Let's not go there" Shepard tried to not think about it, instead he concetrated on the task at hand, a gift from Anderson.

"Should we go back to the Normandy?" Silent all that time Garrus spoke finally. Commander doesn't looked eager, "No...I want to... Browse a little more," he said and picked up a pace aiming for another shop.

"What's up with Shep?" Kasumi wisely didn't laughed at heroic Commander suddenly nervous like a kid before first date. Garrus only shrugged. Miranda looked deep in thought.

"Councilor Anderson gave something to Shepard. Don't know what but he got nervous." She finally said in hushed voice so nearby Commander won't hear her.

"Yeah, quite a buzz killer, seconds before it he was close to shouting at the Council or flaying Udina alive" Garus chuckled, in his mind there was enticing image of this happening. Oh joy...

"All right" group heard a sigh. Shepard walked up to them. "What this little conspiracy is about?"

"I've heard you got a black mark or something 'cause you've gone from murder to sweating" Kasumi said bluntly looking at him from under her hood. Shepard only rolled his eyes.

"Ugh...fine. You'll see for yourselves. Follow me." He said and called the cab to the docks.

As they were closing to the ship, Shepard was getting nervous. He was holding in his hand what Anderson gave him. A large metal coin with an image of dagger on it. Last time he saw that coin, it was before he went to Akuze. Before all fell down.

"Commander Shepard, I presume?" A voice came from a top of a large crate next to Normandy's airlock. A man was sitting on it. Shepard stood like petrified and cursed under his breath. Him...

Man jumped down and walked closer while casually keeping hands in his pockets. Miranda glanced on him. Slim figure, longer browny hair and cocky grin on shaven face. High boots, cargo pants and t-shirt,all black. Walked confidently with eyes locked on Commander. They were steely-blue. Just like Shepard's. When he was two feets away he dissappeared. Before anybody reacted, Commander only turned around.

"That's getting old" He said smiling. Damn, this kid will never change. Just as he expected, the man was standing right behind him with sheepish grin. "Awww you gotta respect classics," he laughed. Without one more word, both man pulled into a hug.

"Nice to see you're still kicking Logan," man said to Shepard. Miranda raised her eyebrow, his name was John...

"You too Max" Shepard took a step back and turned to his team. "Guys, meet Max Shepard, my annoying little brother," upon this all jaws hit the floor.

"Whhat?" Miranda mumbled thrown off balance. No file ever said anything about it.

"I'm a... how you call it? A deniable asset at best" Max shrugged laughing. Then got absolutly serious and with formal tone spoke to Shepard, "I'm here as of direct order of supreme high command." John's smile died. "My superior officer, the same one as yours, personally chosed me to accompany you on any endavours you are embarked to and relay a message to you." Now Shepard felt tension building. He never saw Max so serious. And what kind of officer he was talking about?

"What's the message?" He was ready for a plunge.

"If you ever die again, our dear mother will pull you from hell just to kick your ass so hard that you'll be sorry for eternity." Max lost his seriousness and snapped a laugh. John just stood with his eyes almost popping from his head. "You also have to call her immediately and explain everything" The shock wore off enough for John to be able to articulate curses at Max, "You little fuck! One day you gonna give me a heart attack!" Now Shepard cried with laughter.

"I hope not, mom will kill me if I'll let you die bro," younger Shepard grinned. "Perhaps we should explain a bit to your team, they seem...lost," that prompted John to turn around to his crew. Garrus mandibles were moving like flag on a wind, Miranda's mouth was open while Kasumi had mischievious smile on her face.

"Okay guys, top to bottom, so you understand. My dear mother, who still scares the shit outta me even after all my service history, send here my illustrious brother that I haven't seen for almost a decade to help us, and make sure I won't die. Probably so my mom can choke me herself when she sees me for not calling when I got back to living. Any questions?"

They were still baffled, Kasumi's smile only widened while Max laughed. "You were always a damn bloke but that was pure art" he said patting John on his back.

"Commander, did I got that right? Alliance sended and operative for our mission?" Miranda scowled. This was Cerberus operation, not for snooping jarheads.

"Nope. You got it wrong lady." Max made a perfectly arrogant expression. "I'm here as a brother to Commander right here. I've been send by our mother. And I'm ordered to piss him off enough so he'll survive whatever he's doing and come back home." Max made a little pause. "Alliance doesn't even know officially I exist, and I don't care what the mission is. I'm in, and I answer to big man right here only," with that he pointed on John.

"Hop in Jesterhead! We're leaving in one hour" John only shrugged. Even if Max was pain in the ass, he was family, could use some trust on this Cerberus funded insanity ride.

"Got my stuff with me" Max was already holding a big duffel bag. "Just set me in somwhere and I'm ready," Miranda wanted to protest but if he could be used as leverage on Commander, he could be useful. And their team was thinned since they lost Jacob on Omega. Shaking her head she followed the rest to the ship.