A/N: I had gotten a few reviews about how the first version of this chaper had some problems. I made the changes to help it make more sense. Heres the end of the first part of the Semper Fi series!

I don't own Mass Effect

Fate has a nasty way of telling you that certain things cannot be changed. Eric had learned that in spades since he was transported to this universe. Right now was one of those times.

The Corporal sat in the front row at Commander Shepard's memorial service with all the other surviving members of the Normandy crew. There were literally hundreds in attendence, including the Citadel council. Eric looked down the row. Wrex sat at the far end in his family armor with his head hung in respect to the fallen Commander. Next was Garrus in a formal C-Sec uniform. Then Joker, the pilot had his crutches next to him, he barely made eye contact with anyone after the attack a month ago.

Next there was Ashley, who was consoling Tali who was almost in hysterics. The constant gasps coming from the young Quarian proved that she had been sobing loudly since the memorial started.

Eric sat in the middle of the row, with Liara on his right clutching his hand. Anderson sat on his left with a look of defeat in his eyes. Everyone was hit hard when Shepard died, it was like a part of themselves died with him. Eric felt the worst. He had tried...he tried so fucking hard to save Shepard's life. But it didn't turn out that way.

He felt Liara squeeze his hand, she knew why he was feeling the way he was and tried to give him reassurance. The Commander may be coming back in two years, but that didn't take away the impact his death had now.

The memorial started with several high ranking officials standing on the large stage under the statue of Shepard himself. Saying a few words about the Commander and his accomplishments as a soldier and a person. Anderson was called next and gave a light speech of how Shepard wouldn't be forgotten, that all he fought for wouldn't fade into nothing.

Each one of the crew was called up and gave their final respects. Wrex was the shortest, but he showed more emotion than a normal Krogan would have. He had said that Shepard was a great leader, and he died a hero. Garrus went next, and also kept his speech short. As did Joker. Ashley talked about how he had saved her on Eden Prime and brought her on the crew. And she was proud to serve under him.

When Tali went up, she could barely get a sentence out without breakng down. It was obvious that she and Shepard had a very strong bond, and were very close. Liara went up and talked of how Shepard had embrassed the Goddess, and he would be in good hands and watch over them with close eyes.

Eric's name was called last, he slowly stood up and made his way to the stage. Standing at the podium and facing the large crowd, he took a deep breath. "A lot could be said about Commander Shepard. But there was so much to him that others didn't know." he gulped a little, he had never spoken on behave of a fallen soldier before, let alone one as decorated as Shepard was. "Shepard was more than just our commanding officer, more than just our leader. He was a friend, an unstoppable force that pushed us in the right direction."

The Corporal took another breath, "Shepard was like a big brother. Looking out for all of us and making sure we were okay. Throwing himself into harms way to ensure we got back safely. He treated us as family." Looking out into the crowd, he saw Liara smiling encouragingly to him.

"When I was younger, my father taught me a phrase from old Earth Marines. 'Semper Fi'...it is a latin phrase meaning always faithful, and one used by the Marines throughout history on our planet. And thats what Shepard was. He was faithful to his duty, his comrads, and his friends."

Eric's gaze turned hard, "We all gave everything when Sovereign and the Geth attacked the Citadel. And Shepard died for what he believed in. And as one who served under him, and his friend, I won't let what he fought for die with him. The Reaper threat to this galaxy still exists, and Shepard would have wanted us to fight them with everything we have."

Ignoring the shocked looks on the council's faces. Eric about faced and looked up at Shepard's statue, he snapped a salute, "Rest in peace Commander." he said outloud. "See you again in two years." He stepped off the stage and sat back down next to Liara as the service wrapped up.

X

The crew found themselves sitting around a table in the same bar they sat in six months prior after Sovereign's defeat. Only this time the atmosphere was more solumn. "Your speech was pretty good Eric." said Ashley. Eric shrugged and took a drink from his glass. They all stayed silent for a while. "We have to keep pushing forward, he would have wanted that from us." said Tali with a strong hint of depression in her voice.

"Shes right. He'd be kicking our asses if he saw us all like this." said Eric. "Then what do we do?" asked Garrus. "Fight. Keep what Shepard stood for alive and never give up." said the Corporal. "Here, here." said Wrex raising his glass. The others did the same. "To Commander Shepard." said Eric. "To Commander Shepard." echoed the others.

They stayed together in the bar for hours, talking about the good times and thinking about all they had been through together.

When they went their seperate ways, Eric and Liara found themselves sitting infront of a large window facing the Citadel's many lights. "What should we do now?" asked Liara from her place on the Marine's lap. Eric thought for a few minutes, "How about Illium? I always wanted to see that colony in real life." Liara smiled, "That sounds wounderful."

Eric hugged his mate tightly, he had two years before Shepard came back. And a lot could change in that amount of time. He wanted to make the most of what he had.

To be continued...

A/N: The first parts over. I have two others stories out and waiting to be read. 'Semper Fi: Fall of Shadows', which takes place during the two years between stories. And 'Semper Fi II' which will cover the events of Mass Effect 2. The reviews you guys give me keep my fics alive, so thanks for the reviews and see you next time!

Demon Spartan