Chapter 36

"Captain? Sir?"

Marshall turned towards the sound of the voice. "What is it, Jessie?"

"A Councilor Sha'ira wishes to speak with you."

Marshall nodded, expecting said communication since he had parted ways with the Council two days ago. "Patch her through, Lieutenant."

Jessie bit her lip. "Sir... she actually wishes to dock... and speak with you in person. She reports that she is on the asari dreadnought Destiny Manifest, waiting for permission to approach."

"She can't speak over the comm, can she?" Marshall grumbled rhetorically.

"Apparently not, sir." Jessie responded, not realizing that wasn't a question Marshall was looking for an answer to.

Marshall took a deep, steadying breath. It wasn't hard to figure out the asari councilor was playing a psychological game... trying to get him more comfortable by meeting him on his "home turf", as the saying goes. She also no doubt correctly figured that Marshall wouldn't be a total ass and turn her away.

That didn't mean he was going to make it easy, however.

"She comes alone. I will have no armed council officers on my ship." He stipulated. He doubted it would dissuade her, but he wanted to make it clear that the incursion was not forgotten.

Jessie relayed the message, and replied, "She agrees, sir."

"Very well. Let her know that her shuttle has clearance to proceed." Marshall said. "Chipper, I don't care if her shuttle is still attached to us, if any other ship makes a blatant move to breach the halo, you break off and get us the hell out of here."

"Aye aye, sir." The pilot answered.

Marshall stood, and said. "I suppose I better get changed. Let the councilor know that I will meet her shortly."

Jessie again relayed the message, minus the part about getting changed, then said, "She says that there's no need to change to formal uniform. You can meet her as you are."

Marshall frowned, wondering if this councilor ever tired of pithy mind games. "Of course. Very well then, I'll meet her at the airlock. Smoke, you have the bridge."

As promised, Councilor Sha'ira emerged from the airlock alone. If she considered the lavender full length dress she was wearing "casual", Marshall wasn't sure he wanted to know what asari considered "formal wear."

"Should my pilot remained docked, or can she return to the Destiny Manifest?" She asked with a very disarming smile.

"Whichever you prefer." Marshall said indifferently.

Sha'ira then sent away her shuttle, saying to Marshall, "I certainly don't think you're going to take me hostage."

"I'm flattered by your high opinion of me." The captain deadpanned.

"Are you always so guarded?" She asked with a hint of tease.

"Only around politicians."

Sha'ira exhaled patiently. "And exactly why I wanted to come in person, outside of official channels. I wanted this meeting to be a bit more informal."

"Is that so?" Marshall said, beckoning her to follow him towards the conference room.

As the asari took step to his right, she added, "Indeed. I am not a politician by trade, Captain, nor did I particularly want to be one. But when Councilor Tevos resigned to return to Thessia, I became the popular choice to replace her. I prefer to provide more... personal counsel. I prefer genuine decency over the sterile politeness that is required in a political arena. I believe I am capable in my role, but I do not feel its how my talents are best used."

Marshall gave nothing but a dismissive hum to the statement. He stepped into the conference room first, then as Sha'ira followed said, "Are you here to tell me your life story, then?"

Sha'ira was determined to meet Marshall's snark with equal amounts of patient grace. "No, of course not. I came here to thank you for your understanding in what must have been trying events three days ago. It's a shame that we were neverable to find out who was responsible."

Her words intentionally betrayed her correct assumption that the Iwo Jima had indeed discovered the perpetrators, and for the sake of good relations, had decided not to press the issue. "I am also glad that you seem to understand the desperation that is steadily growing within this system, and are not holding it against us."

"Contrary to what Councilor Hackett might think, I am not trying to maliciously withhold vitally helpful technology from the species moored here. But it's not my place to hand it out to whoever asks for it... especially from a man who presumes and assumes fealty due to a century old treaty."

Sha'ira leaned back against the table. "And I bet if you were to really press for an honest answer from the councilor, he'd admit that. He is new to his role... and feels he needs to assert that he is the highest representative of humanity. He certainly didn't offer any protests to the negotiation process once he had been initially chided, and he did claim to extend apologies for his behavior as well."

"He did." Marshall confirmed. "They were received. I didn't exactly feel any urge to pursue the discourse further than that."

"I feel silly, apologizing for grown men. So I won't any further." Sha'ira said with a smooth giggle. "At any rate, I suppose I should get to the real reason I am here. Councilor Rhaze says it's my greatest failing, that I will spend five minutes to say something that could be said in five seconds."

"Yes, I'm sure you're a busy woman."

"Not nearly as busy as I wish I was." She said, the innuendo distressingly clear. Sensing Marshall's distaste, she teased, "Oh, come now, we're both adults."

"Can we just get to business?"

Sha'ira laughed at Marshall's discomfort. "Very well. I came to inform you that a preliminary agreement has been reached between the Council and the Nimean Parliament. There's still a few minor details to work out, which is why a formal announcement has yet to be made, but it's all elementary at this point. In fact, Nimea Research and Development have already released what sort of hardware requirements we will need, in the hopes that we can have many of the parts ready when the actual schematics are sent."

"I'm glad." Marshall replied, letting his guarded exterior drop to extend those sentiments. "How much did my leaders fleece you for?"

"Very little, in terms of physical resources; for which I am immensely glad. One of the primary things they were interested in was a formal alliance... apparently to put political pressure on another country on Reticuli Prime, as I understand."

"Sedin. They have a list of crimes against humanity as long as my arm. The latest method my country has been using has been political alliances to pressure them into reforms, if not total capitulation."

Sha'ira observed, "You don't think that will work, do you?"

"I have my doubts." Marshall admitted. "But there has been the beginnings of change, simply from the alliance we formed with Rannoch. I guess... I don't know anymore. Three armed conflicts didn't do much to change the political environment. Maybe clever managing of diplomatic actions will do the trick. I suppose stranger things have happened."

Marshall shifted the topic back to the agreement. "You said one of the primary things. What else did my leaders ask for?"

Sha'ira grinned impishly. "For a seat on the Citadel Council."

Marshall honestly had not seen that coming. "I'm sure you took that stipulation well."

"I was not bothered." Sha'ira corrected. "Councilor Hackett was furious at the idea. I was honestly afraid for a moment that he was going to do something rash, much like he tried to pull with you. Fortunately, he quickly demonstrated the pragmatism that got him his position."

"And the other councilors?"

"Vael and Honoris didn't like the idea of humanity having two seats on what, in theory, is the highest legislative body among the developed species of the galaxy... but let's be honest... your homeworld was rather negotiating from a position of great power. They could have asked for considerably more, and we would have really no choice but to suffer it. They did not offer much more than their concerns."

"What about Councilor Rhaze?"

"Rhaze and I... have actually been entertaining a radical reform of the Council for some time. I suppose it's a nature of our lifespans; we consider and discuss at some great length how the Council can adjust and shape itself as the galaxy slowly comes back together."

"In the spirit of honesty, I had never liked how the Council made itself from the moment I had settled on the Citadel. There's really no way one representative of a species could ever even begin to encapsulate the interests and needs of an entire species. It has always made sense to me that at the very least, each planet should be able to have a voice in the highest assembly of the galaxy."

"So then what stops a species that gains a majority of seats from dominating legislation?" Marshall queried. Political theory wasn't his strong point, but he had learned enough from osmosis to hold his own.

"As if that didn't happen before?" Sha'ira replied. "It's precisely why the Council restricted itself to galactic and inter-species policy. The only thing that more bodies involved would do would be to make it harder to reach a consensus... which as far as I am concerned, is a good thing."

She pushed herself away from the table. "But that is mere theory, and there's little evidence that it will be the end result. The important matter is that Reticuli has their seat, and we will soon have the drive that will very likely save us all. There are... other things... as well, but I don't want to be the one who ruins that surprise."

"Oh, really..."

Sha'ira nodded. "It's a decision that stems from our agreement, and is part of the little details that are still being ironed out. What I will say is that your next visit to Earth, I suspect will be much more pleasant for everyone."

"I think I'll wait to make that judgment myself." Marshall replied. His guards always went up by default when someone started talking like Jonas.

Sha'ira then offered her hand, saying, "Again, Captain, I thank you for your patience and understanding. You were in a most unenviable position, and I appreciate your efforts."

"Thank you." Marshall said, courtesy requiring he return the handshake.

But as their fingers touched, Marshall found himself faced with a flash of what he presumed was Sha'ira's memory. She was addressing a different human male, offering him a "gift of words" as she put it. What surprised him was that it was a face he recognized, a face seared into his memory.

The asari councilor seemed genuinely surprised by the contact, withdrawing her hand and causing the memory to fade. "Well, this is intriguing. I can't say I've even seen a human display that particular gift. I wonder, how much did you see?"

Marshall was not amused. In fact, he was quite annoyed at what he saw, and he made no effort to hide it, either. "Enough."

Sha'ira tilted her head slightly to the left. "I see you are aware you have this gift as well."

"I am." Marshall acknowledged. "I try not to use it much."

"Then I must apologize again. I did not mean to upset you. I use the gift to get a sense of what is required of my wisdom... it would seem to have triggered yours."

"Apology accepted. And I am sorry to be so cross. This empathic connection, as my people call it, has been more of a curse than a gift in my life."

"Yes, I got that sense when our thoughts merged." Sha'ira said. "Then I suppose I do have a gift of words for you after all. Do not turn your back entirely on this unique and special gift you possess. I promise that when your last days pass, you will feel grateful that you have it."

Sha'ira's impish grin returned. "I'd offer you more, but I suspect you would decline... much like the man you saw in my memories did."

"You suspect correctly."

She moved to the door of the conference room. "Then I shall see you again soon, Captain. Until then."

That next meeting was another three days later. The Iwo Jima's crew had been beginning to wonder how long they were expected to hold position by the time the call came for Marshall's next meeting with the Council. He expressed the belief that this would finally prompt the orders they were waiting for... at least, he hoped.

It was as he returned to the Council Building, that he found he appreciated Councilor Sha'ira's "informal" visit... because he was reminded at how obnoxious clearing security can be, especially when not escorted by a councilor. It was no doubt Hackett's subtle revenge for not getting his way initially. On top of all the waiting involved; waiting at security, waiting to be informed of proper protocol by a council advocate, waiting to be presented to the Council, waiting to be acknowledged by the Council... Marshall's mood had started to sour by the time he finally stepped in front of the quintet of leaders.

There was actually an audience for this meeting, several hundred dignitaries, journalists, and observers on both decks, though specific details about number and conversation were difficult due to the theatre styled lighting shrouding the upper deck in increasing darkness.

Marshall couldn't help but make one jibe. "Councilor Vael, I must say I am somewhat surprised to still see you here."

The quarian councilor again started wringing his hands. "Senator Raan is a... very powerful personality, I shall admit. I have been granted a temporary right to continue representing Rannoch until the homeworld senate can discuss the matter in full, and send a replacement if need be."

"We have no such luxury with our newest councilor, as it was imperative that he be included in Council matters as quickly as possible." Councilor Hackett said. If he was still incensed by the decision, he at least wasn't showing it. In fact, he looked quite grim, like something else very big was on his mind.

Upon inspection, the entire Council looked distracted... something was weighing heavily on their minds, and it was clear they did not want to waste time. Sha'ira spoke next, saying, "So, without further delay, allow me to introduce our colleague from Reticuli Prime..."

Sha'ira wouldn't have needed to finish the sentence. Marshall knew the face of the man who appeared via holographic projection to the side of the Councilor's Box. Marshall knew the man quite well indeed. He had been mentor, superior, and (mostly) good natured tormentor for many years.

"Councilor Jonas Moss."

He figured he really shouldn't be the least bit surprised. The Reticulian Parliament had several political parties that had been trying to get him into the political sector, though Jonas had politely refused, preferring to throw his weight around off the record. The Parliament would have jumped on this opportunity to bring him above ground, and Jonas would not have been able to refuse such a high honor.

"Good day... Councilor." Marshall replied.

"Good evening, Captain." Jonas answered with equal lack of emotion, although he quickly betrayed his thoughts with a broad grin. "Guess they couldn't keep a bad man down forever, huh?"

Marshall shook his head. "That makes two of us."

"Councilor Moss will take part in official Council buisness by QEC until the means of transporting him to earth to represent Reticuli Prime in person are available." Councilor Hackett explained. "Which actually brings us to our first order of business. Councilor Sha'ira, I yield the floor to you, as you were the lead for these negotiations."

"Thank you, Councilor." Sha'ira said with a polite nod as she stood. "As rumor has suggested, we will soon have the means to a viable faster-than-light alternative for our various peoples. Our finest technical experts are working as hard as we can to make the designs we have been given to be a reality. A clearer timetable will be made available as we learn it. To the peoples of Sol, we only ask for your patience."

"I wish to end this Council's gratitude to Captain Brasser, of the NMS Iwo Jima. Without the bravery of him and his crew, this turn in our fortunes would likely never come. And to the Reticulan Councilor, we wish to extend our gratitude to the people of your world, for their tireless pursuit of the technology that has spared all peoples of Sol from a grim fate."

Yes, that was exactly what Jonas needed, someone inflating his ego, Marshall thought.

"I, and Reticuli Prime, were pleased to be of assistance, Councilor. We look forward to being a part of this rebuilding galaxy."

Sha'ira smiled, and nodded, then turned her eyes on Marshall, "Captain Brasser, I mean not to dally. I am sure you will have much to do in these coming hours and day, and I do not want to keep you from doing so."

Marshall wasn't sure if he liked the sound of that.

Sha'ira turned her head back and forth between her colleagues, and asked, "We are in agreement on this score, correct?"

Rhaze grunted, "You know we are, asari. Stop wasting the Captain's time, let him make his decision, and let him get to work."

Now he knew he didn't like the sound of that.

Councilor Hackett took charge of the proceedings as he and the other members of the Council stood. "Captain Marshall Brasser, could you please step forward?"

Marshall reluctantly did so, to the center of the chamber, even as his every instinct was to tell him to run the exact opposite way, screaming.

"Due to the glowing recommendation from our Reticuli Prime colleague, as well as your own demonstrated valor on Eden Prime, and your years of combat experience, it is the decision of this Council that the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance Branch of the Citadel be reopened, and that the first commission of the reopened Spectre division be offered to you."

That got the crowd buzzing, low murmurs that started drifting to the chamber floor.

"Spectres are not trained, but chosen." Sha'ira interjected, her words practiced and scripted, either reading from a prompt or reciting from memory. "Individuals forged in the fire of service and battle; those whose actions lift them above the rank and file."

"Spectres are an ideal, a symbol, the embodiment of courage, determination, and self-reliance." Councilor Rhaze then said. "They are the right hand of the Council, instruments of our will."

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

Marshall had began angrily staring down Jonas as the recital began, the new Reticuli Prime Councilor grinning like a Cheshire Cat the entire time.

Councilor Honoris concluded the ceremony with a question. "Captain Brasser, do you accept this honor and burden, and take on the title and role of Spectre of the Citadel Council?"

Marshall knew what was expected of him, even if he wasn't sure he liked it. "I am honored by this decision, and yes, I will accept your commission."

A polite round of applause followed the murmurs, and Sha'ira gave Marshall his leave. "Then I ask you return to the Iwo Jima, Captain. There is much to prepare, and we will have our first orders for you within the hour of this session's termination. You are dismissed... Spectre."