A /N: Hey fellas! I hope y'all had a good new year and that 2019 will treat you well! I have been planned to re write some of my early chapter, but let's see what happens.

"….Uploading 'ROM_ 4'... Please stand by….

…..Upload complete."

The illusive man smirked as the display showed the files being uploaded to all major news cooperations. This should throw Mads off, at least for some times. If nothing else, discredit him. Nothing worse than a dishonest soldier. It didn't take long for the videos and documents to get millions of views.

13/3/2186

Normandy, on route to the citadel.

Mads had yet to take his eyes of Kaiden. It looked bad, his entire face was bruised. Mads kept making sure Kaiden was breathing, but he was no medical expert by any means. There could be so much wrong. There was no telling if Kaiden had suffered internal injuries… Or something else.

"Stay strong my friend. We'll get you sorted." Mads reassured Kaiden. Even though he knew that Kaiden couldn't hear him. It felt like the right thing to do either way. Liara had stressed that they needed to go to the citadel.

Mads had ordered Joker to do as much. Not only would Kaiden get his medical help there, but they could focus on the help earth needed so desperately in these hours. These hours seemed so stressed for Mads. The things that happened in such a short time… It was maddening to think about. It was surreal. Mads knew in his heart that he had always been right… But now, he wished he hadn't been.

"Captain!" Liara shouted as she ran into the medical bay. Mads quickly turned his attention over to her.

"What?" Mads asked. His voice a bit weak after all the shit that's been happening.

"You need to see this." Liara said.

"Can it wait?" Mads asked while rubbing one his eyes.

"No, it can't." Liara replied hastily. Mads was confused, but decided it must be important. Mads followed her back into her room. He wondered what could be so important. Liara sat down by her terminal and typed in a few commands. A news broadcast appeared. Mads was in shock over the title shown at the bottom.

"Captain Romanov EXPOSED! New leaked files show the captain ALIVE 169 years ago!" Mads could hardly believe the Illusive man had followed up on his threat. This was serious. It could ruin him. It could very well take away everything.

Mads remembered the videos he shot back then. It was with a body cam, a small piece. It was a bet between him and Victor. He used to joke that Mads would become youtube famous. Well… In the end, Mads owned Victor those 20 bucks. Mads became more than youtube famous. But it wasn't just videos, it was service records, pictures, birth certificate, everything.

Mads just observed what happened on the screens. Liara was quiet as well. She knew of course. She had found out long ago, and if nothing else, she would have had access to even more information about him as the shadow broker. But that didn't matter anymore. Everyone knew now. Question was: What was going to happen now?

"Excuse me…. I have to go to my quarters… I have to-…. Think….." Mads finally said. Liara tried to stop him, but it was fruitless. Mads could have sworn people turned to look at him. Some had a look on confusion on their faces, some had a rather sympathetic look. Mads stormed into his cabin and quickly checked the liquor cabinet for anything. But he came up empty handed. Instead, he settled on taking the ashtray with him to the sofa.

Too many things went through Mads' head as he sat there. A sorry excuse for a human that had lied his way through his latter part of life. He didn't even have the guts to check the extranet for what people had to say. The only thing he wanted in that moment was Tali's guidance. She would know what to do. She had been in hot water before, but she had dodged a few bullets as well.

He felt so lost without her, it was almost maddening. He imagine her in his head telling him to get over it. Telling him he was better than this. Of course she would, she was supportive like that. As Mads sat deep in thought, he was pulled back into reality by the sound of the comms activating.

"Captain?" It was Joker.

"What is it?" Mads asked as he rubbed his temples.

"I'm… I'm sorry. I had no idea." He said, surprisingly sympathetic for someone who has the nickname 'Joker'.

"Yeah…" Mads replied.

"I assure you. The Normandy still has your back. I think the Alliance is under more fire than you are." Joker added.

"That's the last thing they need right now. It's the last thing any of us need." Mads remarked.

"That's true. But you can use this to your advantage….. Somehow. Anyway, we'll be at the citadel within 5 hours. Sit tight." Joker explained.

"Thanks Joker." Mads said.

Mads went along with the medical team getting Kaiden to the huerta memorial hospital. It didn't take long before he was cornered by journalists asking a thousand questions a minute. Liara had managed she would try to warm up to the council while Mads would try to make sure Kaiden was secure.

"Romanov! Do you have any comments on the leak?!"

"Captain, what have been the biggest shock since you woke up?"

"What are your thoughts on the program you were volunteered for?"

"NO COMMENTS!" Mads yelled as he pushed through them. He certainly didn't have time for that shit at the moment. They all tried to follow him, but he fast enough to lose them by catching an elevator just in time.

The other people in the elevator looked strangely at him. Mads straighten himself out and dusted off his shoulders. "Mr. Romanov?" A woman asked. Mads turned around.

"huh?"

"I just wanted to say... You done a lot for us. I never doubted you. Only someone as strong as you can survive this. You have my sympathy for what happened to you." She replied.

"Thanks, I think I needed that." Mads replied with a smile. The elevator dinged as it reached the hospital. "Gotta go! Stay safe!" Mads yelled back into the elevator.

The hospital wasn't overly crowded at the moment he entered. A few alliance personal was there as patients. Probably injured either on earth or one of the colonies. Mads walked up to the counter and asked for the directions to Kaiden's room. He quickly got it. But, before he could head there, he noticed Dr. Chakwas standing in the corner talking to someone.

Mads decided to quickly run by her. See what she was up to. She was even to talking to a familiar face. Dr. Chloe Michel had been the doctor he and Garrus saved three years ago... Was it really three years ago? Time didn't have any meaning anymore.

"Dr. Chakwas!" Mads called out as he came up to them. "And Dr. Michel. What a surprise."

"Good afternoon, Captain. How are you?" Dr. Michel asked.

"Less than ideal I'm afraid." Mads replied in a bit of a weak voice.

"Yes, I heard about the leaked files. For what's it's worth, I'm sorry." She said.

"Thanks. Now it remains to be seen if it ruins my career or not." Mads half joke. He knew it was a serious matter.

A message beeped on Michel's omni-tool and she excused herself away. Mads turned his attention to Chakwas. "How is he?" Mads asked.

"He is a stable condition. I don't think there is any reason for worry. But... He'll be out of service for a while. The real question here is: How are you?" Chakwas asked back.

Mads sat down on the bench nearby. "I don't know. I spent years hiding who I was, because I wanted to forget. I wanted to forget the man I used to be. I wanted to forget the people I let down. Now, all I get is... 'I'm sorry' from everyone I met. The Media is all over my ass and I'm sure people don't trust me anymore." Mads rambled on.

"Captain. I knew there was something different about you the day you stepped into my office for the first time. Regardless of what happened to you, you did more than most. You stepped up when the situation called for it. You defended and warned people. I don't think people distrust you. In fact, I think they might understand your plight more now." Chakwas explained.

"Maybe you're right... Who knows. But... What are you up to?" Mads asked.

"I'm currently stationed here. I was on Mars for a while, but I got out before... Before whatever happened there. But...-"

"But what?"

"I would like to get back to the Normandy."

Mads thought about that for a moment. He would love to have Chakwas back on the Normandy, but he didn't know if he could override whoever ordered her to be here on the citadel. No matter, he would try.

"I think you belong on the Normandy, don't you Doctor?" Mads asked.

"I would say so." Chakwas smiled.

"Then I'll take it up with the alliance officials. You have been there since the beginning." Mads reassured her.

"Thank you captain. I'll gather my stuff." She said.

"See you." Mads replied. He got up and watched Chakwas leave. "Oh Chakwas!" Mads called out quickly. She turned around.

"Yes?"

"You wouldn't be any chance... Have heard anything from Tali?" Mads asked hopefully. Chakwas had a visable smile on her face as she answered.

"I'm afraid not. She went back to the fleet. Why?" She asked back.

"It's just... I haven't heard anything..." Mads replied.

"I'm certain she'll contact you as soon as she can." Chakwas reassured him.

"Thank you. See you on the Normandy." Mads added. She nodded and went off. Mads let out a sigh and gathered up the strength to go see Kaiden.

Several doctors and nurses were tending to Kaiden. He looked like a man that had been through hell and back. "What's the situation, doc?" Mads asked.

The doctor began a long list of medical terms on Kaiden's injuries. Most of the words were beyond Mads' understanding of medical science. It was never really a topic he found interesting.

"Quit the 5 dollar words and just tell me if he will be fine." Mads finally said. The doctor looked almost offended at the statement.

"The major suffered serious injuries, but he is not in the danger zone as of now. Our scans indicate he will be fine in a few weeks' time." The doctor replied.

"Mind giving me a minute with him?" Mads asked.

"Sure? Why not." The doctor sounded sarcastic in his choice of words, but he left all the same.

"Prick." Mads muttered under his breath as the door closed. Mads sat down beside Kaiden. If one looked past all the bruises, the major almost looked at peace.

"I know things have been tough Kaiden. Believe me when I understand your viewpoint." Mads started. He was well aware the major couldn't hear him, but it felt good to say it none-the-less.

"I guess I'm not that good with words... Never have been. But, I want you to know that I love you as a brother. You were a friend when I first boarded the Normandy 3 years ago. You stood by me, even when we had to get creative and sneak our way out of the citadel. When Ashley died... When she died, we had each other... What I'm trying to say is... Please stay strong. We need you. More than you know." Mads felt good getting it off his chest, even if Kaiden would never hear it.

Mads got a text from Liara. He needed to make his way to the council. Now, it was time to sort this shit out. But, if he knew the council right, they wouldn't give him a fucking inch, even if he begged for it.

"Earth was attacked! By all reports, it faced the blunt of the attack!" Udina had liad out his position was the very start. He was finally where he wanted to be, in the councilor's shoes. Anderson had quit just as soon as a position as Admiral waited for him.

"By your reports..." The Salarian councilor clarified.

"It's true. I was there. Earth was attack, by the reapers! We neck deep in shit, and we need help." Mads replied.

"Earth is not the only place in a dire position. The reapers pressing upon our borders as well. If we lend you support of our navy and army, our own worlds would fall." The Asari councilor remarked.

"Even if we were to unite the fleets. Do you really believe we have a chance?" The Turian councilor asked.

"I may have something of interest that can change the tides. Our... 'Ace in the hole' so to speak. Liara, show them." Mads gestured for Liara to take the floor.

Liara began explaining what they had found. The councilors seemed to not fully buy it. But in this hour, this was their best chance. One thing was what good it did the Protheans, and another was the scale.

"I spoke with Hackett. He agreed to have the remains of the human fleet begin gathering resources and begin building. But, even with the humans hard at work, we still need to stand together on this issue." Mads explained.

"Look, Udina and I are far from good mates. But, I know that for us to win this war, we need to put our differences behind us and work together. Otherwise... We'll just be dead men walking." The councilors looked at each other for a moment. Silently agreeing on what to do. It was the Asari councilor that spoke up.

"We find this regrettable, but the cruel truth is that: While the reapers are focusing on earth, we may regroup and plan."

"We are preparing for a summit along our species. If we can secure our own borders, we can look towards considering aiding the human plight." The Salarian councilor added.

It was quiet for a while. They looked at each other. "Sorry, Captain. It's the best we can do." The Asari councilor finished.

Udina had his head buried in his hands. "Romanov. Please, meet me in my office." Mads nodded at his request.

"Well, that went as well as could be expected. I'll continue digging up what I can on this prothean device through my connections." Liara remarked.

"The council got a lot of talk and some nice suits! But this? I can't fucking believe it." Mads said. "Excuse me Liara. I have to speak with mr. Power hungry." Mads said as he left Liara.

"Well, I guess we are fucked." Mads remarked as he sat down in one of the chairs in the office.

"I can't believe it. Even though Humanity has a seat on the council, it will never mean anything. They are all running scared." Udiana added.

"I guess that's the way it is." Mads said with a sigh.

"They are protected their own interest. We can't eve-" Udiana had started, but was interrupted by the Turian councilor.

"We are indeed looking out for our own people." He said.

"Councilor Sparatus. I bet you feel like a grade A idiot right about now." Mads replied.

"Look, Captain. I know we don't see eye to eye on most things. But, here is an offer. I can't give you what you want, but I can tell you of a way to get it." Sparatus answered.

"Go on." Mads said.

"Our Primach, Fedorian, called for the war summit. But, we lost contact with him when the Reapers attacked Palaven. He is at the very center of these meetings. If we don't get him back, they won't proceed. I understand that the Normandy is one of the few ships that can get the Primach out safe."

"Is this helps me how?"

"I know you are skeptical, but hear me out. As the primach is one of the pillars of the summit, he will be a leading voice in deciding where the fleet shall fight, and with whom. He would be a useful ally in your bid to unite us all."

"Well shit, and I should be a politician? That's pie in the sky."

"If it gets you what you need, I would expect you to be whoever you have to be. Our latest intelligence reports that he was moved to a base on the Palaven's largest moon. This is everything I can do, the rest falls on you." Sparatus began to leave, but stopped just before heading out.

"Oh, and before I forget. The council has renewed your spectre status. Every right and privlige should be at your hand again. Good luck" And with that, the Turian councilor left.

"I guess it's better than nothing." Mads remarked.

"It's not too much. I'll talk to the others in the meantime, see what I can do to support this summit." Udina replied.

"That shouldn't be too hard. Every idiot can see which way the wind is blowing." Mads said. "I'll prepare the Normandy. Good day Councilor." Mads said as a final note and left.