Chapter 17: Potential

"It's good to see you too, Captain," said Lieutenant Ashley Williams.

Jared didn't know what to say, but he remembered their brief meeting on Horizon for how poorly it went. Not only did he fail to save many of the colonists from being abducted by the Collectors, but he also had the same woman standing before him accuse him of betraying everything they had worked for because of his decision to work for Cerberus.

He didn't even like the organization, but there were bigger goals to be considered, and he hoped Williams had come to see that. He didn't want things to get testy. It was undeniable there were sparks there once, but whatever might have been, it was all covered up by their respective uniforms.

After an awkward moment of silence, Ashley decided to level with him.

"Look, Shepard," she began, "I have to get something off my chest. I wasn't expecting to see you at Horizon and I've had a lot of time to think about what I said. When you died the first time, none of us took it well, and I just didn't believe you were actually alive."

Shepard interjected, "It's okay. Some days, I have a hard time believing it myself."

She continued, "No, it wasn't okay. That was a bad day, but I should have had a little more faith in you. It's just the Shepard I knew would never have worked with Cerberus, would never have turned his back on his crew."

She looked up at him and said, "Jared, I saw you die."

Not knowing what to say in response to that, he tried humor, "Reports of my premature demise are greatly exaggerated." He smiled to disarm her, but it wasn't working.

Jared decided to level with her. "I don't know how much they told you, Ash, but I was very dead. Cerberus spent two years and I don't even want to guess how much money putting me back together because they thought my mission wasn't done. I didn't ask to be brought back, but I'm not going to run from the fight either."

He recounted what happened next, "I went to the Alliance and to the Council to get the support we would need to fight the Reapers, but neither was very much interested. It seems I served a better purpose as a dead hero rather than a living threat. The Council we saved almost stripped me of my Specter status, basically accusing me of having made the whole thing up."

"I never knew," whispered Williams.

"No one did. It was classified." He let out his best understanding. "Cerberus does many things wrong, and that is why I left them. However, the one thing they did right was to recognize we need to be ready for this fight and we could not wait another day. They gave me the resources I needed and helped me assemble a team to get it done."

"How does the new squad compare to the old one?"

In that moment, Shepard could not help but remember Lieutenant Alenko and the brave sacrifice he was forced to make on Virmire. He thought about how he would compare to Jack, and found the words lacking. But it was a good crew in both instances, and he found himself smiling.

"You know Garrus, Tali, and Joker already."

"How is Jeff doing, anyway?" she asked.

"You won't believe the time he saved the ship. He was actually hobbling on his hands and knees while the rest of the crew was abducted. Somehow, he made it to the computer core and gave EDI the control she needed to regain the Normandy."

Ashley laughed hysterically saying, "I would pay to see that. He must be insufferable now!"

"Of course, there were no witnesses as our strike team was ashore at the time, so I'm sure he embellished just a little bit," related the Captain.

"We have a good team, Ashley. It is different, less by the book, but as talented as you will ever meet. That said, with the Normandy coming back into the Alliance fold, we are going to need a strong command staff who are used to dealing with challenging situations."

Putting her hands on her hips, she said, "Well look who sounds just like a recruiting poster now, Captain."

She said, "In all seriousness, I'd love to join you Shepard, but the call isn't mine to make. You know that."

She stopped for a moment, as if hesitating what to say next, but then saying, "The Alliance has been training me for a special counterinsurgency team, recognizing my experience with other species could give me an edge. I haven't been told all the details yet, but it seems very high level."

Nodding his head, Shepard said, "Well, maybe the Admiral has some questions he can answer for the both of us."

They walked the short distance to Admiral Hackett's office and arrived just as the Admiral came into the room. "Captain, Lieutenant, thanks for coming so promptly."

Ashley formed stiffly for a salute, saying, "Sir."

Forgetting himself, Shepard remembered to do likewise after a moment's delay.

Hackett noticed and laughed as he said, "At ease. You never were one for regulations, Jared. Both of you please take a seat."

"Well, now that the dog and pony show is over, we can actually talk," said Hackett.

"Permission to speak freely, sir," said Shepard.

Hackett waved his hand, "Of course."

"I thought I was going to be facing a court martial, and instead I find that I'm promoted and given a decoration for valor. I appreciate the recognition, but what happened?"

The admiral laughed under his breath and said to Williams, "He's quick, isn't he?"

"Jared, Clausewitz once said politics is war by other means, but war is also politics by other means. The decision was made at the highest levels that it would be inappropriate to question humanity's greatest hero at this delicate time, so a new narrative was written."

He poured himself a shot of scotch, and offered one to each of his subordinates. Shepard accepted while Williams demurred. Taking a slow sip from the draught, he said, "In short, your actions will be heroic."

"Was this your idea, Admiral?" asked the newly promoted captain.

"Not mine. This was a political decision, top to bottom." He provided some corollary information that helped flesh out the picture. "There will be an election next week and Terra Firma is surging in the polls. It appears they will be a majority in the next parliament, and their leadership apparently thinks very well of you, Jared."

"Given that half my crew are aliens, I can't imagine why," said Shepard. His previous encounters with Terra Firma had given him neither any inclination they were allies nor had he attempted to build any serious partnership with them.

"Take it up with their leader if you like. You'll be meeting him in ten minutes."

Jared continued, "I take it that I am not going to be extradited to the Batarians then."

Hackett laughed and said, "No. Even if you were completely guilty, there is no way we would send any of our people to face justice from those slavers."

At this point, Jared remembered Hackett had built a reputation during engagements against the Batarians, using overwhelming firepower and force in concentrated attacks to remove their ability to resist.

"Intelligence believes the Batarians will ultimately back down. We received notifications from the Krogans that they will fight alongside our vessels if there is a Batarian attack, and have had back channel discussions with all the Citadel members as well."

"The Krogans are getting involved?" asked Shepard.

"It seems Urdnot Wrex is determined to make a name for himself. I believe he is a friend of yours." Although the phrase was a statement, it was clear Hackett wanted to know more.

"Wrex has a vision for the Krogan and wants to bring them into the galactic fold. We've worked together in the past, and he is the best they have. If he says he will help, he means it," was the assessment Shepard offered.

"Plus, he's a hell of a shot," added Ashley. "You don't get to be in charge of the Krogan if you're afraid to kill things."

Hackett nodded and said, "It's welcome news. The Citadel was guaranteeing our defense, but having the Krogans at our side allows us to consider more offensive operations. The Asari and Salarians are neutral, but the Turians are hesitant to support any aggressive actions."

Ashley asked, "Why would that be?"

"They probably don't want us expanding any further into the Terminus systems. The question is an important one, however, in light of the Reaper invasion. If we could forward deploy our military into those systems, it would provide another layer of defense." He stopped to take another swig before saying, "Worst case scenario, we could pull another Shepard special to buy us some time."

The lieutenant smirked at that name as Shepard had a sour expression.

"So you're saying we want a war with the Batarians now? Is that right, Admiral?" asked Shepard.

"Jared, I just want to survive what comes next. Beyond that, I am learning not to think more than one day ahead at a time."

Shepard couldn't blame the admiral for his feelings, especially as he had come to look at each day the same way. With a mission where failure simply wasn't an option, finding new ways to create success was vital, but it sometimes involved hard choices. The ethical line had become blurry. Some nights, Jared wondered whether he should have destroyed the Collector base, but how could something good come from such an evil device? He'd much rather have an honest fight, trusting his people.

"I have a request, Admiral," said Shepard.

"Go ahead."

"When we ship out, I'm going to need a new crew. While Lawson and Taylor will help greatly, we've had issues with divided loyalties amongst some other crew members, and I'd like to see them have the opportunity to serve elsewhere. As best I know, the problem has been fully contained, but I don't want to take any chances?"

"It sounds like you're worried about mutiny, Shepard. What happened?" asked Hackett.

He told the story of Yeoman Chambers and his concerns about what devices Cerberus may have planted in the ship as well as wondering if any other members might have a similar response.

"I see," said the Admiral. "Well, were planning on refitting the Normandy while you are our guest here anyway, and providing some upgrades. The engineers also tell me they've seen some interesting modifications to the vessel already in place."

"Engineers Daniels and Donnelly can help explain. I would like them to remain attached to the Normandy, if possible."

"Your request is granted, Captain. Anything else?"

Jared looked over at Ashley who nodded slightly before asking, "I'd also like Lieutenant Williams to be assigned to the Normandy if possible."

"Putting the band back together, Shepard?" questioned the Admiral. "It's a good idea, but I am afraid I'm going to have to deny this request for the moment. The lieutenant is about to be sent out on assignment, but we can revisit this question upon her return."

Looking at Ashley he said, "Lieutenant, you are to deliver this sealed packet to Councilor Anderson at the Citadel whereupon you will receive further instructions. For operational security, I can say nothing of your mission save that it will be extremely dangerous once you leave the Citadel, so make sure you prepare thoroughly."

Roused to attention, she said, "Sir. Is there any other information you can share?"

"Not now. You will be briefed fully upon arrival. For now, you are dismissed."

She saluted to Hackett and looked once more upon Shepard before turning and walking away from the room. Just before the door closed, Shepard turned to watch her walk away. Then he commented, "That sounded important."

"It is. Lieutenant Williams has just completed the most difficult counterinsurgency program we have ever created. We had assistance from the Turians and Salarians in making this, and she was the best we had. The Council has requested her presence for some mission, though Councilor Anderson did not share all the details."

"The Council?" asked Shepard. "Do they have that authority?"

"If they accept her as a Specter, they will. Ashley doesn't know it yet, but that was the purpose of the training program. After your departure," said Hackett as he fumbled for the right word, "the search for your replacement began immediately."

"Does me being back change anything?" said Shepard.

"Not really," responded the admiral. "The Council needs as much help as it can get, and though I hate to lose Williams, I doubt she will wander too far astray."

Shepard took a drink as he processed this new news. If Ashley became a Specter, then she would also have the freedom to act on her own as he had done.

"Speaking of Specters, Admiral, I wanted to clarify how the chain of command is going to work with the Normandy. Even though I am an Alliance Captain, I'm still a Specter myself which means I have a broader authority."

Jared wondered what response he would receive, knowing that freelancing was frowned upon by the Systems Alliance, but also recognizing the need he had for flexibility.

"This has been discussed, and here is the compromise we have struck. While in Alliance space or territory, you will adhere to the traditional chain of command following orders as needed. While outside the boundaries of our space, you'll have discretion to act as you deem appropriate, always keeping in mind your decisions reflect upon all humanity."

Jared nodded his head in acknowledgment, "A very fair solution, Admiral."

Offering his glass for a toast, Shepard said, "To victory, then?"

Hackett agreed, "To survival."

As their glasses clinked, the door opened and another man entered the room with a smile. Nodding first to the senior officer, the man with the hard features and dark hair said, "Admiral, I always appreciate when there is cause for celebration."

Hackett went to grab a glass for the visitor as he said, "Commander Shepard, allow me to introduce you to Joseph Saracino, the Head of the Terra Firma Party, and odds on favorite to be next Prime Minister."

Jared offered his hand in friendship, stating, "A pleasure to meet you, sir." He didn't know what to say, but thought the name sounded familiar.

"The honor is mine. My uncle told me you were quite the hero." Saracino smiled and his face brought back the recollection to Shepard about why he seemed familiar. Charles Saracino had once sought his support to gain a seat in the Alliance Parliament but Jared remained neutral.

"I did my part," said Shepard noncommittally. "I have to say I'm surprised to see Terra Firma is doing so well these days. I haven't been following politics, but last I recall, it was a fringe party."

Looking baleful, Saracino agreed, "Too true, Captain. Although I love my uncle dearly, he led us down a road with no future, where he sought to turn back the clock to a time when we still thought we were alone in our universe. Those days have passed. Under my leadership, Terra Firma is embracing the future."

Shepard was curious about what this politician was saying that was so different, "And what does Terra Firma say now about aliens?"

"We have all bled together, and we can be friends and allies. Under Human leadership the galaxy can become a stronger and safer place, and Terra Firma guarantees we will have a strong defense and good partnerships while we take our natural position as galactic leaders."

The hard language of xenophobia replaced by the softer sounds of hegemony thought Shepard. With everyone scared of all these rumored threats, he could see why a strong hand with vision would be popular, and Saracino was clearly forceful and determined.

Hackett handed the parliamentarian his drink and said, "This gentleman here is responsible for your promotion. He helped the Alliance to see your value was much larger than your rank."

"My compliments, sir," said Shepard, acknowledging his gratitude. He didn't like having to play politics, but knew he had walked into a game at least as dangerous as any Reaper fleet.

"Not necessary," said Saracino. "Captain Shepard, or may I call you Jared?" he asked in a disarming manner as Shepard consented.

"Jared, the next year will shape the galaxy for decades to come. While we must all come together to defeat this Reaper threat, we also need to look past that, and to make sure humanity is strong and secure. If I am fortunate enough to get elected, I will make sure you get the support you need and that humanity is ready for the fight."

He took a swill of the Scotch before saying, "The election is already in hand, but an endorsement from you now would go a long way towards our building a supermajority. If we control 60% of the seats, then Terra Firma will ensure we win this fight by all means necessary."

Saracino looked Shepard squarely in the eye and said, "We have the support of the military who understands the Reaper threat, and who knows this is not a time for weak leadership. We have a plan to bring the fight to the Terminus systems and away from Earth, but we need those seats to fight the war in their backyard, not our own."

Hackett nodded ever so slightly to indicate the truth of what was being said.

Jared said nothing as he listened to the presentation being made. He had never become involved in politics because it didn't interest him, and it was dangerous to begin picking sides, but he could follow the logic and saw the implicit threat if he didn't go along.

In a lifetime of impossible decisions, Captain Jared Shepard learned it didn't help to think too long about making a choice. You could never know all the outcomes, or if the deals you made would be worth the ultimate cost, but Jared knew the Reapers were coming and it would take nothing less than a fully mobilized and militarized Alliance to have a chance of stopping them.

"Okay, Mr. Saracino. Let's hear your plan."

Author's Note: I noticed a whole bunch of new readers picking up this story when I crossed 50,000 words, and I hope you are enjoying the work. Your reviews are much appreciated, as it is also when you favorite this story. I'm trying to push the pace to about four updates per week.

Regarding the last chapter, I too am fascinated by the idea of what Geth separation will do. I know Legion is an "it", and even have the Geth refer to it as such, but many of the organic characters and the narrator himself tend to see him as a he. The other reason I write that way is it becomes awkward to write when using it, its', etc.

I've been writing private responses to many of the reviews, but I would share one thing. It took me a few chapters to get my own feel for some of the characters, but separating them into groups has really helped me establish their own identities in how I see them.

As for this chapter, the questions emerging are if a pre-emptive strike is warranted, and under what conditions could it be warranted? Knowing the Reapers are coming, should the Alliance get into a war with the Batarians to occupy better defensive ground? You can see the Cerberus fingerprints all over what is happening here, but I think the question is legitimate and I would love your feedback.