Author's Note: Yep, for this story, Kaiden is the one that eats it. Sorry Alenko lovers. If it's any consolation; I really couldn't decide, so I flipped a coin.

Chapter 37

Chipper had been the smart one. She noticed that her captain was two seconds from a nuclear level eruption the moment he stepped onto the shuttle, and had smartly kept her mouth shut; not a word passed her lips as she made the return trip to where the Iwo Jima was still holding position.

Smoke had been the not-so-smart one. News traveled fast, especially when the induction ceremony had been on live broadcast that the Iwo Jima patched into, and relayed all the way to Reticuli Prime, Rannoch, and anywhere else they had established a QEC link to. So, he couldn't help but jump to his feet and salute as Marshall appeared on the bridge, and saying with a grin, "Welcome back, Spectre Captain!"

Marshall delivered such a withering, baleful glare that any plant life in between himself and Smoke would have died in seconds. Jessie hadn't even been looking towards her captain, and felt the temperature drop on the bridge, instinctively cowering from what was certain to be a catastrophic eruption of rage.

Instead, the captain looked away, and stomped to his quarters, overriding the automatic slider so that he could slam it closed.

Smoke tentatively turned about, towards the fore of the brige, and muttered, "Okay. Not happy." Of course, it took him about three seconds to piece together why, and how stupidly he had stepped in it.

Dani shook her head rapidly as Smoke's eyes fell on her. "No way. I'm not going in there. I like living, thank you."

Hopefully he turned to Jessie. "I don't want to die, either." The comm officer declined.

Chipper cut off Smoke's thoughts before he even could begin to turn his head her way. "Don't even think about it, Commander."

Smoke sighed in resignation. He knew Ghost wouldn't actually hurt him. But Smoke also knew what tended to follow these moments of rage, and that was something that hurt Smoke in an entirely different way.

Taking a steadying breath, the commander moved towards the door to Marshall's quarters, and requested entry.

Marshall ignored the first beep. He ignored the second. And the third. And the first twenty. Smoke had gotten up to forty-two when he saw the lock notification change from red to green.

The cabin was near pitch black, even the blast shields drawn over the exterior window, the only light in the entire room coming from the console at Marshall's desk. The captain was hovering over said console, arms crossed, sneering like it had done something tragically wrong.

"The Council said they'd have their first orders for me when their session ends." Marshall explained. "So I'm waiting."

"In the dark?"

Marshall shrugged, "Never bothered to turn them on when I came in."

Smoke then did so, prompting Marshall to swivel in his chair to face him. "What do you want?"

"Ya know, usually when someone becomes the second human to be..." Smoke began.

"Third." Marshall interrupted crossly.

"Hunh. The report said second..."

"I'm sure it did, although I'm sure Jonas and the Council would love to be able to officially retcon history like that." Marshall grumbled. "The audacity of Ashley Williams to dare get between Commander Shepard and his Reticuli version!"

Smoke tilted his head questioningly. "You honestly think that's what this is all about?"

"I know that's what it's all about." Marshall snarled. "I can guarantee you it was Jonas's idea... one of the 'little things' that was squeezed into the negotiations. Reticuli Prime spectre, and who better than the man that Reticuli Prime heralds as their Commander Shepard?"

Smoke replied, "Yeah. Who better? Who else do you know go through a one year tooth and nail military campaign with a team of rag-tag specialists with barely any support outside of unofficial channels, and have all of six casualties the whole damn time?"

"Seven." Marshall corrected.

Smoke pointed a warning finger at the Captain, and said, "We are not having that discussion right now, so don't even start down that road."

Marshall huffed, but said nothing further.

"Second, who else goes onto a hostile planet, three against three fuck ton millions, and not only gets all three of them off that trap alive, but pulls ten kids out of the fire while he's at it?"

"It's all political bullshit." Marshall retorted. "There was absolutely no reason to throw that in my lap. It's another way for Nimea to apply political pressure on Sedin. Hell, Senator Raan probably had that induction ceremony streaming directly to Admiral Gerrel's office. It's all fucking political. Jonas only wanted to so that his special project could get another feather in his cap. "

Smoke slammed his hands on Marshall's chair, closing the distance and violating any sense of personal space. "No! You were Heimer Sedin's special project. Don't you dare group Jonas in with that piece of shit. I will shove those words back down your throat. Jonas treated you like a fucking son, not a human weapon, and you damn well know it."

Smoke stepped away, and threw his arms out in frustration. "I swear, every time you get something resembling a promotion, you get like this. Do you think you have legitimately earned anything in your life? When you made Black Ops Commander, what were the first words out of your mouth?" Smoke made a very poor imitation of Marshall's tenor, and said, "It's only because there is no N7 designation in the NMS."

Marshall had settled on glaring as Smoke continued, "When you made Captain, a rarity among Black Ops leaders mind you, what did you say to that?" Again, Smoke's impression followed. "I'm surprised... Shepard never made Captain. Odd that they'd deviate from the career plan."

Smoke once more leveled a finger in Marshall's direction. "No one gave you Commander. No one gave you Captain. And no one else made a career of doing what was logistically impossible so that they could hand you Spectre status!"

"You didn't see the asari councilor's thoughts." Marshall said darkly. "I did. I saw the first place her memories went once we made contact."

"So the fuck what?" Smoke replied. "Maybe something about you reminded her of the guy. Believe it or not, military field leaders with brooding psychological issues yet still do three impossible tasks before eating breakfast kinda stand out."

Anything further that would have been said were interrupted by Jessie coming over the comm. "Captain? The Council wishes to speak with you. Commander, I'm afraid to say you don't have clearance for this meeting."

Smoke grinned. "Nah, I kinda figured as much. I'm not a Spectre after all."

Marshall tried to retain his anger, but instead shook his head. "Get back to the bridge, Smoke. I'll fill you in once we're done here."

Smoke took his leave, and Marshall opened the comm. Two separate projections formed, one from Earth and the other from Reticuli Prime, encapsulating the now six members of the Citadel Council. "Greetings, Councilors." Marshall said as amiably as he could manage.

"Greetings, Captain." Councilor Sha'ira spoke. Clearly the Council on Earth decided she had the best rapport with him, and were letting her spearhead the discussion. "We apologize for the length of the delay... official business can get... drawn out."

"I still say we shoulda just told the Batarian ambassador exactly where he could shove his demands for the first fabricated drive." Rhaze grumbled.

"That is not the purpose of this meeting, Councilor Rhaze." Sha'ira reprimanded sternly. "Captain, there was a specific reason we decided to reopen the Spectre Branch. It is a bit of a long story, so please bear with us."

"Doesn't have to be..." Rhaze huffed.

"Few people still alive do not realize that Commander Shepard survived the Battle for Earth." Sha'ira said. "He survived the Crucible firing, the Citadel collapse... all of it. The only people who know or knew this served on this Council, and the crew members of both Normandy vessels."

"Why the secrecy?" Marshall asked. "One would think that the great hero living through hell would be something to celebrate."

"It was Commander Shepard's decision." Rhaze cut in, apparently worried that Sha'ira would resort to far too many words.

Sha'ira again stared down the krogan. "He had been found near death, hanging onto life with not much more than sheer stubbornness. When he recovered from his injuries, he requested that he be granted a ship and a crew of his choosing... and for the galaxy to believe that he had succumbed to said injuries. He had seen something on the Citadel, something that he did not want to scare an already wounded and reeling galaxy. From there, he took the Normandy, and those who accepted being part of his crew, and left the Sol System using traditional FTL."

"And what did he see that prompted this action?"

"It's unclear, actually. Councilor Tevos is the only one still alive from that particular meeting, and I have been unable to contact her. It was part of the reason for the delay... I was hoping to get a more accurate retelling of the meeting. It had been done off the record, and shortly after that, the official report that he had died meant that any further conversations would remain off the record, and sealed even to the current Council. But... we think we might have a better idea now. Council Moss, you may proceed."

Jonas picked up the briefing. "The pieces started fitting together once NMS shared their findings of your mission to Eden Prime with the Council. This Council knew that whatever Shepard had wanted to pursue was related to the Reapers, but not much else. We now believe that the commander saw something on the Citadel just before it fell apart that led him to believe that the Reaper threat wasn't entirely abolished... which your discovery on Eden Prime would seem to confirm."

"We were able to confirm what your leaders could only presume. The quarians you found on Eden Prime were husks. Someone has revived Reaper tech, Captain." Sha'ira said. "And we doubt Eden Prime was responsible for it. We also believe that what Commander Shepard tried to find and the revival of this tech are related."

"And we don't know what the results of this covert mission of the commander's was?"

Sha'ira shook her head. "Again, the records are sealed, and currently in the possession of retired Councilor Tevos. The only way we will have access to those records are either with her approval or her death. Unfortunately, she went on a diplomatic mission to Thessia twelve days ago... that erupted into violent conflict. She has not been heard from since."

Marshall exhaled heavily. "And you need someone, and by someone I mean 'me', to go to Thessia and either retrieve the former councilor, or proof of her demise."

Sha'ira nodded, "Yes, Captain, and why the Spectre status we granted you was crucial. Thessia commando squads have set up a blockade perimeter to contain the in-fighting. You will be able to use your status to pass the blockade and enter the district. I have already informed Major Taris T'Quel, the commanding officer in charge of containing the violence, of your impending arrival."

Jonas spoke up again, "As a matter of formality, I need to inform you that Nimea Military Services has from this point terminated your tour of duty to prevent any potential conflict of interest with your Spectre duties. The Iwo Jima has been granted to the Council for the purpose of fulfilling those duties. The current crew of the Iwo Jima needs to submit letters of intent within the next forty-eight hours informing NMS, or Rannoch in the case of Commander Dani'Arah, as to whether they wish to serve as Spectre Support Personnel, or if they wish to return to active duty with their original organizations of note. NMS will honor any letter of intent that wishes to remain under your command, under the caveat that their tour of duty will no longer end at the prescribed year, but at your discretion. Any that do not choose to continue in your service will be granted indefinite leave on Earth until means of returning to Reticuli Prime are made available."

"Your estimated time of departure for Thessia is in six days, Spectre." Councilor Hackett finally said, deliberately using the new title, no doubt to assert that Marshall was indeed now under his authority.

A subtle cough from Sha'ira prompted Hackett to add with a hint of a surly tone, "It is the decision of the Council that for the sake of ease of communication, that you will report directly to Councilor Moss, who will then keep us abreast of your progress. Good luck, Spectre. Council out."

The five on Earth disappeared from his console, but Jonas lingered. "Just like old times, huh kid?" He said.

"I guess." Marshall replied, trying not to sound bitter.

Jonas took a moment to decide what he was going to say next. "You know, I'm not blind. Not yet anyway. I could see how were staring me down at the induction, and I know why."

Marshall held his tongue. Any reply that would have left his lips would not have been complementary.

"For the record, what Councilor Sha'ira said was true. The spectre status was for expedience, rather than some suggestion by me. I know how you feel about Commander Shepard. I know how that name haunts you. If there was any alternative solution, believe me that I would have thrown it out there first thing."

Logically, Marshall knew that.

"I didn't want to say this to the rest of the Council; they were damn near spooked to all hell just getting your findings from Eden Prime. But I have absolutely no doubt that what you saw there was just the start. I'm not sure why, but I can just feel it. Someone, or something, is trying to revive that timeless nightmare, and this galaxy can't afford for its leaders to be asleep at the fucking wheel again. We need to find the source of this, and we need to stop it. Marshall... we need the best on this, and to be perfectly blunt, you're the best we got."

The newest spectre sighed. "Yeah, I know."

"Good. Now I suspect you should tell your crew about what they need to do. They've all got a big decision to make, and not all that much time to make it. Well... you can tell Smoke that I have already composed his letter of intent to stay under your command, and that he only needs to submit anything if he doesn't."

"Understood... Councilor." Marshall said, finally cracking a hint of a smile. Two could play the title game.

"Jonas out."

The comm then went completely silent, and Marshall took that as his cue to return to the bridge. Every eye turned in his direction as Smoke yielded the captain's chair, and Marshall took his place. Marshall took a moment to drink in the scene, because no matter what, things were going to change.

He then activated the comm at his chair, and said, "All hands, this is your former captain speaking."

That got everyone's attention. He held up a hand to still the questions and disbelief of the bridge crew, and once he got that silence, was able to continue. "As a consequence of my recent Spectre commission, the Nimea Military Services has terminated my commission with them. As such, I am no longer officially your commanding officer for the time being."

"All crew members will be required to submit letters of intent to their commanding headquarters. While I cannot speak for Rannoch, or the Geth... or Parnak, NMS will honor any letter that states they wish to continue serving under my command as Spectre Support Personnel. Those who do not wish to continue will have their current tour of duty deemed completed by NMS, and will be granted leave on Earth until they can be returned to Reticuli Prime. Said letters need to be submitted within forty-eight hours, or it will be assumed that you do not wish to continue. Cap... Spectre Brasser out."

Dani was on her omni-tool before Marshall had even finished his address, and was tapping her foot expectantly, eyes focused on the glowing device on her arm before it finally received the answer she was looking for. "And done!" She chirped, pleased with herself. "It's good to have a direct line to the leader of the Rannoch Senate." She then turned to Marshall and said, "Sorry, sir, but you aren't getting rid of me that easily."

Smoke grinned and asked, "Do I really need to submit a letter?"

Marshall chuckled. "Councilor Moss said he had drawn one up for you... but I'd submit one anyway, just to be on the safe side. Jonas is kinda gettin' old, his memory isn't what it used to be."

Marshall suspected that the decision wouldn't be nearly as easy for the rest of the crew, although he was definitely glad that he'd be seeing two familiar faces once the Iwo Jima took to the stars again.

By the time he retreated back to his quarters, all he wanted to do was to fall asleep and let the day end in slumber. But he also knew there was one person that would never forgive him if he did that. So, he tiredly slumped into his chair, opened up the comm, and sent out a communication request.

"Hi, daddy!"

It hurt to see her face flash up and project above the desk surface, because he knew that it would be the only way he'd see her face for an indefinite time. "Hey, kiddo. I figure you've already heard the news."

Kelsey nodded vigorously. "Uh huh! They stopped classes and held a school assembly so that everyone could watch it!"

Marshall frowned. Apparently, the only one that hadn't known it was coming was him. "Did they now?"

"They did... but... Grandpa Jonas also told me that you'll be gone longer than you were supposed to."

Marshall closed his eyes. "Looks that way, kiddo. How did Aunt Marie and Uncle Roger take that news?"

"Aunt Marie was happy for you! Uncle Roger grumped about it, but he really couldn't make too much of a fuss before Grandpa Jonas threatened to punch him in his bitch ass mouth."

"Kelsey!" Marshall barked.

"But... that's what he said!"

"I don't care! You can use that language when I'm dead, understand me, young lady?"

The girl sulked, but said, "Yes, daddy." Her mood quickly brightened however. "Oh! After watching the ceremony at school, we had a special study period where we learned all about the Spectres and what they did and how cool they were and how much of a honor it was that you were chosen!"

The frown couldn't stay put when talking with his daughter. "Yes, I'm sure you win all the 'my dad could beat up your dad' arguments now."

Kelsey scoffed at the thought. "Like I didn't before. My daddy... humanity's second Spectre!"

"Third." Marshall quickly corrected. "There was another one before me who was commissioned during the Reaper War, Lieutenant Commander Ashley Williams. She deserves to be recognized and given due respect afforded to all who assume the station."

"Oh. Okay then! You can count on me to spread the word!" Her enthusiasm turned to confusion. "I can tell Mr. Sanderson, and he can tell... whoever you're supposed to tell... I guess."

She was trying hard to cheer him up, and he figured the effort was worth acknowledgement. "That's my girl."

Her features shifted to concern soon after. "Does it bother you? Being a spectre?"

"Now why would it?"

"Because I know who humanity's first spectre was. And I know how you react when you hear… his name, even when you try to hide it. Your eyes narrow and your cheeks puff out a little. It bothers you."

Marshall ran his hand through his hair. "It's a long story, kiddo."

"I kinda know some of it. I know a lot of people talk about you like your our home's Commander Shepard. They've been really bad about it lately."

He couldn't fight back his disdain. "Wonderful."

"But you're not." Kelsey said. "You're you. You're my daddy. Remember what mommy used to say about you?"

He had tried to forget. "Yeah, I do."

"Mommy never said 'you're special because you're like Commander Shepard.' She always said 'you're special', daddy. She always believed you'd do great things, and that they'd be your great things. And I believe her. You are special, daddy, and one day, you'll see what I see, and Grandpa Jonas sees, and Uncle Smoke sees, and Aunt Marie sees... and what mommy saw."

Marshall inhaled slowly. "Thanks, kiddo. I think I needed that."

"I love you, daddy."

"Love you too, Kelsey. Be good."

"I will daddy! Kelsey out!"

Marshall slowly pushed himself out of his chair, slid out of his uniform, and collapsed face first onto the bed. Now he could sleep. He prayed it would be a dreamless one.