There isn't much to say. Laziness. :( Well hope those who are still interested read this!


Jastis found it hard to sleep. In the years since becoming a Spartan he nearly always was in cryo when not out on a mission. So told to sleep in a regular bed, note that it was also shorter than himself so his legs hung off the end. It wasn't a perfect situation to be in but he knew he had to make the most of it. He wasn't in his armor, simply the skin suit underneath, the MJOLNIR armor being on the table across the room. Shepard told him it was one of the rooms used by a former squad mate that used to serve on the Normandy but now went on to do other things after the Reaper War.

He had to admit, the bed is certainly more comfortable than being in a cryo pod. However the sleepless rest still persists. It was rare that his mind was in such conflict with itself, he was in a new situation, one that he could have never predicted, a situation he wasn't trained to handle. From here on out he needed to improvise, something he wasn't the biggest fan of doing.

A Spartan is designed to defend the UNSC, Humanity, but this isn't the same Humanity… They don't know the truth and if they did they might throw him out. Jastis is a Spartan-II, a child soldier who has been augmented to fight the insurrectionist and covenant. They're however are NOT supposed to work with any other forces other than the UNSC, and it's unheard of doing so.

But that was back home- where Humanity is under the guise of blinded insurrectionist or the UNSC. Here neither exists and so the rules have changed and he can't keep following standard protocol. He will uphold the rules he can and disregard the ones that conflict with current objectives.

One thing however that he would need to get used to was the prospect of working with aliens, and none of the former-covenant. New species that have pre-conceived notions of this Humanity and not his own. Ones who have no idea what happened in his own dimension… A twenty-seven year long war that claimed billions of lives… They only know of what happened here.

Slowly but surely the Spartan was starting to sleep. His eyes began to flicker and close until the darkness of sleep consumed him.


January 24th, 2555 – Slip Space – UNSC Living Life – 0900 Hours

Irila woke up last. Her fellow S-IV's were already up and about doing their own things. Currently with them on the path to Earth they didn't have much to do other than lie around. Typically some would suggest going into cryo but she preferred not to. It wouldn't be that many days till they reached Earth and plus it was a time to relax and catch up on things.

Still in her under armor she sat on her bed with her personal tablet and began to read a plethora of things. At one point she was reading a fantasy novel and then quickly tabbed to current news and then to other authorized websites. She enjoyed this time of day as it allowed herself to block out her surroundings and have some personal time. However she would be lying if she wasn't thinking a bit about their commander… Spartan-015.

She respects him- they all do but she felt closer since she knew him as far as back as training when she became a Spartan-IV. Irila admitted it wasn't a loving affection she had, but even if he would deny it she considered him a friend and not just a fellow soldier. In truth she found it hard to not become friends with those around her as she feels it's easier to work with those around you if you're friends and can trust each other.

As she tried to take her mind off the Commander she turned it back to the news she was then interrupted by Jane who came walking into the room. "What cha doin?" Jane said as she looked down at the tablet.

"Just reading..." Irila replied not taking her eyes off the tablet.

Jane sighed, "Uh huh… That's boring. This is boring. L…. Let's go do something else!"

"I don't-," but before Irila could stop her Jane already grabbed her by the arm and began to drag her out of the room. Down the white halls of the Living Life until they arrived at the dining hall where the rest of the squad was. Jane waved at them and they waved back and then Jane continued to drag Irila who was attempting to read her tablet.

When they got to the table Jane sat down and reluctantly Irila also sat down. "Now Irila put that down and talk with us. More fun than… That."

"I find reading fun, just because you don't-," she was cut off by Jane.

"Don't you guys think it's just boring?" Jane spoke to the table and Irila just lowered her head onto the table as if embarrassed.

Yuri put his hands together and on the table, "Jane…" he spoke.

Jane turned her head to the large Spartan, "Yes?"

"I think you… need to calm down. A bit too hyper right now if I must say so."

Jane just let out a big sigh, "But I am so bored! I need something to do."

Morgan then decided to give a suggestion, "Why not just go into cryo then? It will be like going to sleep and waking up moments later."

"That and pain. I don't like cryo… I always feel really stiff afterwards. Not fun."

"Jane…You're quite special."

"Thank you," Jane spoke happily, ignorant at the insulting undertone of Morgan's words.

"Right…" Morgan said with a blank expression, wanting to laugh at her ignorance. "Anyway… What are we doing right now? We ate already- why not we go down to the shooting range? And well I… Go have fun."

Oren shifted in his seat and lowered his tone and turned away from Morgan, "Fair warning, you may or may not experience shockwaves from explosions from a crazy woman."

Morgan narrowed her eyes, "I am sitting right here."

"I know," he spoke with a smirk. She was across the table and she realized if she leapt he could get away.

Yuri stood up, "Well that sounds like a good idea. Irila you up for it?"

Irila lifted her head, "Sure…"

"Fun!" Jane yelled out and some of the marines and other ship workers stared at them.

Together the squad moved through the ship, it was still being fixed up after the attack and even some parts were sealed off. However the shooting range was still mostly intact. When they got there, the lights were off and no one around. Morgan grinned at this, happy that the only people who could get in-between her and her explosions were her squad who would want to be as far as possible.

Jane ran over and took out a M395 DMR from the rack and put some stun rounds in it. "Alright… Irila! I challenge you to a,"

Irila cut her off, "I'll just watch."

"Fine… Oren! Get your weapon of choice and I will challenge you to see who can get all the targets the fastest!"

Oren smirked, "You're on." He went over and got a BR85 and the two of them went to a range and Irila just sat with her tablet and watched as they went head to head through various different target patterns. Jane began to get flustered as she was losing, muttering under her breath that if it was a sniper course she would have wiped him on the floor.

Suddenly they heard an explosion and just down the range they saw Morgan experimenting with some explosives they had. Only wishing they had the same combat deck on the Infinity that allowed for so many more combinations without the repercussions. She was already planning on Captain Colvo giving her a good lecture on the cost of the explosives; however despite knowing that she continued to have her fun while Oren made a comment every so often that got a chuckle out of Jane.

Oren just let out a huge sigh and the two continued to compete. Yuri just a bit away was checking out his M247H Heavy Machine Gun for anything that may cause it to jam or malfunction. Irila continued on her tablet reading- any other day she would be joining them but she wasn't in the mood, she wanted to do something that was slower and relaxing. She didn't find firing guns to be particularly relaxing.

She brought up an opinion-piece on Spartans from apparently a retired ODST who had fought for the entirety of the war. It wasn't quite approving of the IV's. He found the idea of melding Humans with all of the augments was in a way dehumanizing them and that the UNSC was putting too much focus on them compared to the marines and ODSTs that he feels deserve more respect than any Spartan.

Truthfully she had mixed feelings on the subject and being a Spartan-IV herself gave a certain bias. On one hand she couldn't help but look at all of the good the IV's have done for the UNSC. However she could understand the fear as the idea of people becoming more machine than man and its scary and it's possible that if they make more generations of Spartans that they may make them more and more machine-like.

However at the same time, there is no evidence that it is what the UNSC is planning. She certainly herself didn't feel inhuman, she is Irila, the same Irila that was born on Earth and augmentations weren't going to change that.

But in the end, how the people will react will only change over time.


January 24th, 2191 – Local Cluster - Sol System – Hope Station – 1200 Hours

"I still think this right- however… They're going to have questions," Shepard spoke to Hackett. Spartan-015 was still back on the Normandy, Shepard had gone to Hackett early before the 1300 Hours meet up to discuss some things about their other dimension friend.

"I think that goes without saying- so I did some things this morning that officially made our friend part of the Alliance, with a name, and a background."

Shepard cocked an eyebrow, "Is that legal?"

"I wouldn't say fully but I rather do this than deal with the fallout. I am not sure they would want to know that there is another dimension with Humans. That could give people crazy ideas."

The Commander snickered at that, "Yeah we wouldn't want crazier scientist screwing things up. Again."

"Are you talking about that scientist just a year back? What his name…? Verto, I think it was. He was the Salarian that almost destroyed an entire system?"

"Yeah, the very same… Anyway can I get a sneak peek at our new soldier's info?"

Hackett quickly sent the dossier to the Commander through their Omni-tools and as they walked Shepard began to read it.

Name: Jake Alexander

Age: 28

Date of Birth: 11/05/2163 - Earth

Shepard quickly shot a question, "28? He seems older."

"I had to take a guess. How he acted seems far older but he didn't look that old- anyway it's just a minor detail. Also before you ask about the name, remember that he didn't give us his so I had to improvise in the little time I had."

Shepard continued to read, it then began to go over his fake background about how he was born on Earth, attended school in New York, graduated and enlisted into the military. However than that's when it started to get a bit weird, or at least new information that mentioned a project about a new generation of armor that would enhance the user's ability tenfold.

He quickly put it together that this was the explanation for the Spartans armor and his super human abilities. It wasn't exactly the cleanest explanation and it may lead to questions but it would be a lot easier to deal than revealing the truth. Satisfied with it, he closed the dossier and turned to Hackett with only one question.

"Think they will buy it?"

"I worked hard on that and so they better. Plus like I said before, with you supporting him they will have a hard time denying him."

Shepard shrugged not wanting to argue, "Well then think we should get back to the Normandy and to the Citadel?"

Hackett smirked, "Might be good to leave the station for a bit- but you know I will need to be back just after it ends."

He put his hand on the Admirals shoulder, "That's fine, not like we got a lead on the Outcasts from the latest mission. Damn sneaky bastards…" Shepard put his fist in the air and shook, and Hackett just laughed.

"You'll get em, not one person who can stop you."

"Yeah, well let's hope I can keep up that record."

As they walked towards the ship Hackett than remembered one more thing and stopped. "Wait, last thing," He dug into his pocket and pulled out a small chip. "I assumed he doesn't have an Omni-tool so I also did the favor of getting him a simple one."

"You're quite the resourceful man, Admiral."


Normandy – War Room – 1300 Hours

As soon as they got on the ship it left and headed towards the Mass Relay. It was then that they sat down with Jastis and explained the situation. He wasn't completely on board but he could see where they were coming from and he wasn't going to argue. Jake Alexander- the name that people will be calling him for now on.

I guess I will just have to get used to it.

Then they handed him the Omni-tool which had all of his new "personal" data on it pre-installed. After a bit of tinkering he was able to get it to work with his armor. The interface was easy to work with and he found it quite amazing and is very useful. He read over the dossier multiple times and remembered all of the information.

If he truly becomes a "Spectre," like Shepard said he is to become. Than no doubt people will read his entire dossier and bring up something. "On the project you were part of… Let me handle it," Hackett told him. "Just stay silent."

"Alright," Jastis simply replied.

"What time are we to meet with them after we arrive?" Shepard inquired.

Hackett leaned back in his chair relaxing a bit, "Not long. They're expecting us soon. I already sent… "Jake's" dossier to them, probably going over every piece of it- I am going to be blunt. It's going to be a test- A fight with words and finesse- and Shepard? It's all up to you."

Shepard smirked, "No pressure right?"

"I will aid, but your word is more powerful than mine, you're the people's savior, hero, and idol. What you say won't be questioned."

Shepard leaned forward with a smile, "Let's just hope I won't have to cut the comms with the Council- not that I will be able to. But it's a nice alternative to have. "

Jastis was sort of confused by the statement and wondered if he had talked to the Council before and hung up. That was a bit worrisome. Shepard didn't seem to be a bad soldier, in fact a great one. If he would hang up on the Council, it must mean that they must have aggravated him in a bad way. Jastis only could pray that they wouldn't be the same- or at least lenient on the new guy in town.

"What about a ship?" Shepard asked.

Jastis cocked an eyebrow under his helmet, "Am I not going to stay aboard the Normandy?"

"Waste of a Spectre, with your privileges it would be best to expand out," Shepard explained.

Hackett thought about it for a moment, "I would say it's possible they may give him a simple frigate for the time being and maybe eventually get something more comparable to the Normandy."

"Now I am interested in seeing who gets hired for that privilege," Shepard replied.

It was then that Joker came on the ships comms, "Commander, we're about to dock into the Citadel."

Without delay the three left the War Room and headed towards the front. Tali and Garrus where already up front, they wanted to see how this plan panned out personally. Once the Normandy was completely docked the five of them walked into the decontamination chamber and did the regular routine. They exited the ship and quickly got into one of the flying cars from earlier and directed towards the landing area for the Council Chamber.


"Shit forgot about that…" Shepard said as they landed.

"About what?" Tali questioned.

Shepard turned his head towards the Admiral, "Hackett- Please, Please tell me you talked to Councilor Bradley."

Hackett got stiff, "I may have briefly spoke to him…"

Jastis once more found himself in a state of confusion, something he found to be often in this dimension, "Is Councilor Bradley the Human Councilor?"

"Yeah, we mentioned Tevos, Sparatus, and Valern but Bradley always seems to slip my mind. God Damn it..."

"I am sensing some history here," Jastis said.

Shepard folded his arms, "You could say he isn't very fond of me. I sort of supported the other guy for the Councilor position and he hasn't let it go. He's quite the one for grudges."

"He isn't fond for me either for the very same reason. So how he will react to this…"

"Did you explain the full situation?"

"I may have nixed the other dimension part."

Shepard gave a sigh, "I guess we better get on with this."

They entered the Citadel Council's Chambers and began to make their way up the stairs towards the Councilors who were in position and well aware of their arrival. Shepard and Hackett would go up first and begin to speak, Tali and Garrus would stand back to watch and "Jake" would be standing ready to be called up.

Hackett and the Commander walked ahead of Jastis once they got to the top. Already the Councilors eyes were barring down at the group. He had seen images of the other Councilors but not the Human one; he was older with grey hair lines and a dull face, nothing impressive. Tevos spoke first as she always does, "We welcome you Commander Shepard and Admiral Hackett."

Shepard spotted out of the corner of his eyes the annoyed look of Bradley, "Thank you for having us Councilors."

"Right then, shall we begin with the talks about this," She spoke and looked towards the tall Human in the back. "Jake Alexander for Spectre Candidacy?"

"Yes. As the report has stated I already have fought alongside of him and he has proven to be quite the capable fighter. I believe he will be a fine Spectre."

Sparatus spoke next, "We have read the report and his file, which-," he was cut off when Bradley spoke.

"About this secret Project he was part of? Something I just heard about this morning? You would think being the Human Councilor."

Hackett then spoke up, "Sorry Councilor Bradley, we didn't believe you needed to know. It wasn't ready for the Reaper War and so far Alexander is the only one who graduated from the Project."

Bradley narrowed his eyes with distrust, "I know- I read his dossier. I just wonder why something like this would be kept secret. I have been councilor since shortly after the end of the war. Makes me wonder what else I have been kept from."

"Councilor Bradley, while what you say is fair," Tevos spoke to stop Bradley. "That is something you can discuss with the Admiral later. For now I think we should discuss whether or not Jake Alexander is ready to be a Spectre. The Third Human Spectre if I may add."

Valern spoke for the first time, "I will say that since Shepard is endorsing him that it's quite in his favor. Remember the last time we didn't listen to Shepard?"

Shepard smiled at that, finally they were coming around. It only took them years and a war to finally realize it.

"That is true," Sparatus spoke. "However Jake Alexander even with his dossier is still an unknown variable. Commander Shepard and Spectre Kaidan Alenko had proven themselves. Here were supposed to take a dossier and someone's word for it."

"That someone is Commander Shepard," Valern spoke.

The Commander sighed at Sparatus' words, "I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't believe he truly has the ability to be a Spectre. You doubted me the very same and look how I turned out."

"He also has the backing from me," Hackett added.

"Backing from both the Commander and the backing of the Alliance Admiral? That has weight to it," Tevos said.

Sparatus looked at the Spartan, "I do admit. That is certainly true."

Bradley got back into the conversation, "How about we have the Spectre Candidate speak for himself?"

Hackett turned to the Spartan and gestured from him to come up. The Commander and Admiral had to make some room as the Spartan took up quite the space. Seeing him up closer, the Council got a better look at his armor and his size. The Turian Councilor admitted it was quite intimidating; he was easily the size of a Krogan. He wondered if he was naturally that big or if it was the armor.

"I am Jake Alexander," that felt weird to say out loud. He tried to practice it in his head but saying a different name, not Jastis, Spartan, or Sierra was just wrong to him. "It is an honor to be in your presence." Jastis couldn't think of much to say that they didn't already read in the dossier. So he continued to stand there and waited for them to speak.

"We welcome you Alexander," Tevos greeted. "Let me begin with asking for your opinion if you feel that you're up to the task."

Am I? This isn't the same as being part of the UNSC- I will have to defend everyone. Humans and Aliens. Protecting Aliens… Now that would get a laugh from fellow Spartans and Marines. But… No matter what, I am a Spartan. The best of the best. Trained from young and augmented for efficiency to be the perfect soldier. I think I am quite qualified.

Jastis stood strong and spoke, "Yes. I have been trained for years and am ready for any task put in front of me. I take my job very seriously and this would be no different. To go around the galaxy and defend the weak and uphold justice- would be an honor. Commander Shepard and Admiral Hackett believe in me. I would never let them down. Ever."

The councilors, bar Bradley, were impressed with the response. Sure it wasn't the most unique response but they could tell it was genuine. Bradley simply scoffed, "I bet you do. I don't believe were actually considering this? Commander Shepard and Admiral Hackett maybe backing him up but I don't trust their judgments and even if his dossier is impressive. I don't believe it's enough."

Tevos turned towards Bradley, "Councilor, we all know your… History with the two of them and I believe you're starting to let that blind you."

Bradley angrily stared at the Asari, "Blinding me!? Such allegations. I am looking at this as any person would. I am being the voice of reason- you three…"

Sparatus chuckled, "Currently your being out of line. I suggest you calm yourself before we continue."

Bradley looked away and didn't say a word; he couldn't see that Hackett and Shepard were grinning at the display. It was perfect, more so with Sparatus speaking it, the councilor who used to be quite against Shepard himself but now could understand the Commander. They both understood that this was going through; Sierra-015 was to become a Spectre... His influence was even more than he could imagine, he would be ashamed if it didn't. He did after all help rounding up the galaxy and win the war.

Tevos looked at Sparatus and Valern and ignored Bradley. Three against one was quite cut and clear. "Commander Shepard, I do believe it's time to grant your request." Tevos touched the console, and Shepard and Admiral stepped back leaving the Spartan standing there alone.

Tevos then began, "It is the decision of the Council that you be granted all the powers and privileges of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance branch of the Citadel."

Valern then continued, "Spectres are not trained, but chosen. Individuals forged in the fire of service and battle; those whose actions elevate them above the rank and file."

Bradley with an annoyed expression on his face also continued, "Spectres 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."

Sparatus continued, "Spectres bear a great burden. They are the protectors of galactic peace, both our first and last line of defense. The safety of the galaxy is theirs to uphold."

Tevos finished, "Congratulations Jake Alexander on becoming a Spectre, may you make us proud during your stay here. Although we're not quite finished."

Jastis wasn't exactly happy to hear that but he understood. He turned to see Shepard, Tali, and Garrus giving him a silent cheer. The Spartan smiled, he was proud. He wasn't sure he truly did deserve it, but he was still believed that in pure skill, he could up hold the Spectre name.

Hackett, despite being further away than before, spoke, "Yes we still need to discuss him getting a ship and crew."

"Yes, we did in the case of this going through some ships and crew rosters…" Tevos said. "We believe that he should be given access to a new Normandy -class frigate."

Hackett was surprised; he didn't expect the Spartan would get a Normandy-class frigate this quickly. "Impressive, do you know which ship exactly?"

"A new one, it's known as The Blade. It's a nearly carbon copy of the Commanders ship with some minor changes and upgrades. Some of which the Commanders ship has gotten over the years."

Sparatus quickly sent the ship's data to the three of them, "We're quite proud of the ship and it would be best in the hands of a Spectre."

"I am honored, again," Jastis spoke once more.

Shepard walked forward, "How about the crew?"

"Most are in the Citadel at this moment but we still haven't finalized a roster," Sparatus answered.

Shepard took this chance, "May I help with that?"

"I don't see why not- your eyes may find someone we overlooked. Anyway this isn't the place to do such a thing, Commander and the Admiral if you wish, may come with us and help."

Hackett shrugged, "I think I can stay a bit longer and help."

"Well then, I do believe we're adjourned," Tevos announced.

Jastis let out a sigh of relief and turned and headed towards the group. "Congratulations Sierra-015," Garrus spoke and held out his hand. The Spartan held out his hand and shook and did the same for Tali, Shepard, and Hackett.

"Thank you all. Without any of you I wouldn't be here."

"Don't be so modest. Once you're on your ship it will be your show," Shepard spoke. "However for now… Tali, Garrus. Why don't you show the Spartan around the Citadel? No doubt he will have to return here at some point, mind as well show him the ropes while we go take care of this."

Tali looked up at the Spartan, "Sounds fun. Just don't take took long."

"We won't. Anyway, till later."

"Till later," Jastis spoke as if to reaffirm.

I am a Spectre. I fight for the galaxy, I go where most can't and can do things my way. I fear there will be new challenges to face but I won't let anyone done. I can't and I won't. Because I wouldn't just let down this galaxy but my fellow Spartans back home. I have this weight on my shoulders but I will prevail.


A new chapter! Done! I can't believe it.

Anyway I hope you enjoyed and I have begun to do a new thing in Microsoft Word. Simply I removed the word counter. I just keep writing now till I think it's ready rather than trying to padding it out to get to a certain word number point.

The next chapter will see the return of characters from the original FanFiction and the start of Jastis' Journey.