Act I : VI

Citadel Docking Platforms

Slade Jordan could not believe what he was hearing, but judging by the look on the Commander's face, he was not the only one.

"She's the perfect ship for a spectre", Captain Anderson noted. "Treat her well, Commander." All eyes were on Shepard. Her radiant, green eyes were wide with shock, but for the first time Slade noticed her eyes had finally betrayed her thoughts. There was a hint of understanding in her gaze. She definitely did not enjoy the idea of taking the Normandy from the Captain, but she understood that it was indeed necessary.

"I will, Captain", she managed to say. "I promise." Captain Anderson nodded, satisfied with the answer. He then turned to Slade.

"Specialist Jordan", he started. "You have also been reassigned. I no longer require an aide, but the Normandy's commanding officer now requires a yeoman. From this point on, you will be assigned as acting yeoman to the SSV Normandy. You are technically still considered a civilian, but if you wish to officially enlist with the Systems Alliance Navy, you will inquire about that with your commanding officer. Do you have any questions, son?" The Captain had thought of everything. Again, Slade was so touched that someone else had thought of him; moreover, they had thought of him first, and prioritized him instead of themselves. Slade could not imagine how he could manage to pay back his debt to Anderson in his lifetime, but he would never stop trying. He followed Shepard's lead, understanding that there was no point arguing and that he trusted Anderson if he believed this was necessary.

"No, sir", Slade replied formally. The Captain stepped forward and put his hands on Slade's shoulders. Slade mentally recoiled at the physical contact, his heart started racing and his body began to tremble, but Anderson gripped more firmly instead of backing away.

"Listen to me, son", Anderson ordered. "I've been in the navy for a long time. A LONG time. One thing I've learned over the years is how to spot potential. I know it when I see it. I see it in Shepard. I see it in you. I wouldn't have given up the ship if I didn't believe in her, and I definitely wouldn't send you along with her if I didn't believe in you. Trust me when I say this, I know you won't believe me, but TRY. I believe in you, son. I know you have locked potential in you, and being around Shepard means you'll definitely find a way to unlock it. Always remember that everyone on that ship WANTS you to be there and NOBODY wants to see you hurt. NEVER forget that. You're not on Eden Prime anymore. Right, that's enough. Get out there and make me proud, son." Slade stopped trembling. His heart stopped racing. His mind was finally clear after going haywire for a few minutes. The only thing he saw was the man standing in front of him, who always called him "son".

You've been a better father to me than my Father ever was. And I've only known you for a few days. I'll never forget everything you've done for me and I promise I'll make you proud.

Slade noticed tears were now streaming down his face, but he ignored them. He stepped back out of Anderson's grip and saluted him, just the way that Shepard taught him.

"I won't let you down Captain." Slade swore. "I won't stop until I'm certain you're proud of me." Anderson returned the salute with watery eyes.

"I already am, son", he said. "Now get out there, and remember everything I said. Don't look back. Only forward, Slade." Slade proudly nodded and followed the group that was already heading towards the airlock. It took every shred of self control Slade had to stop himself from looking back at Anderson. He heard Shepard exchange a few words with Udina and Anderson behind his back, then heard footsteps quickly walk up behind him.

"That was a good salute", the Commander complimented. "I guess you don't need practice, maybe you just have a gift. Don't let your guard down! You never know when your commander is going to inspect." Slade smiled and rubbed his tears away with his sleeve. He was happy the Commander was not taken away from him, but was also devastated the Captain was taken.

I'm going to make you proud.