Chapter 31: Training

After speaking with the Destiny Ascension, the Council members remained in session. With representatives for the Asari, Salarians, Turians, and the newest member, the Humans together, their combined might was unassailable by any conventional force. Unfortunately, these were not conventional times.

While the members of the Council desperately wanted to believe the incident with the Sovereign was the fault of Saren or an isolated incident, the time that had passed since the events unfolded at the Alpha Relay had brought the often fractious councilors together. They knew more was needed. Their governments, however, were more reticent to take any combined action, each was preparing in its own way.

It was commonly thought and correctly understood in high circles that the Systems Alliance was acting against the Batarians to get a foothold in the Terminus Systems to create a defensive barrier. The alliance with the Krogans, while still a cause for much controversy, was being seen in a similar light. Given the intelligence, Earth expected to be a primary target and Arcturus seemed to be playing out a defensive strategy, giving a highly visible field role to now Captain Shepard.

Famed for the loyalty of his crew, Shepard had sent envoys to a number of worlds seeking support. The Turians received Garrus Vakarian, his longtime ally and trusted friend, but after a series of misadventures both political and otherwise, support on Palaven remained as divided as ever. His companion, Samara, one the famed Asari justicars, was suffering from the after effects of a brutal attack and had to cancel her plans to visit Thessia. Most recently on Palaven, she had taken the first freighter off world once cleared medically.

No one had yet contacted the Salarians, leaving them as the odd men out in the new equation as the Asari and Turians drew upon their traditional alliance for defense. The amphibians seemed likely to become a party to their understanding, but their actual position was unknown.

This was the combined knowledge of the councilors as they were meeting when the Geth vessel arrived in Citadel space. With the story of a wounded Quarian being helped by a Geth, a series of brand new angles appeared to open. Both of these races written off, the Quarians for being too scattered, and the Geth for being too unapproachable, the Council wanted to know if a rapprochement was in the works.

While all these diplomatic arrangements were being made which could possibly tip the balance of power throughout the galaxy, the only one who seemed aware of it all was Shepard. With a network of personal connections, he had brought together races throughout the galaxy, renegades and paragons alike, and crafted them into an effective fighting force. It was just what the Council created the Specters for, in theory, and what they trusted least, in reality.

With the thought they needed a new agent in play, the Council started their next meeting. It began as a private session with only the officials and their recording agents.

Presiding over the meeting as she often did, the Asari spoke first, "This meeting of the Citadel Council is now called to order with the representatives of the four member races in attendance. We will consider a motion from the Humans."

"Thank you," Councilor Anderson replied. "It has been a dangerous last few years, and we face many threats both known and unknown. To counter these, in accordance with our previously agreed understandings, we would like to nominate a candidate to become the next Specter."

"Of all the candidates under consideration, one has performed best on the training course designed with the help of our Turian friends, who has an outstanding field record, a history of valorous service, and represents the best of our traditions. Her name is Ashley Williams."

Each of the other councilors had the chance to review her dossier extensively, so they were prepared to ask any question they wanted.

"Having made the motion, I ask the Council for the chance for the candidate to present herself for your consideration."

"Without objection, so granted" replied the Asari as the Salarian watched on and the Turian looked ready to pounce. Any question could be asked in full session, and Williams had no idea what to expect.

Walking up the stairway toward the Council chamber, Ashley Williams came alone dressed in her formal Systems Alliance uniform. Having earned the rank of lieutenant, she was simply instructed to report to the Council for a matter to be discussed at their pleasure.

Addressing her first, Anderson said, "Lieutenant, do you know why you have been summoned to the Citadel?"

"No, sir," she replied professionally. She had been sent to carry some information as a courier to the Council, but had no idea what was in them. Having dropped them off a day ago, she was given no other orders except not to leave the station.

"The data you brought were your own examination records from your service in the Systems Alliance. The system we maintain is not connected to the hyperweb to ensure security."

As she heard this, Williams became uncomfortable and shifted in position, "Permission to speak freely, sir?" she asked.

"This is a civilian government, not a military tribunal, Lieutenant," she was reminded by Anderson. "You are encouraged to speak your mind."

"Why would you want my records?" she asked plainly. As she did, Anderson smiled, but he was not the one to reply.

The Salarian spoke up and said, "What you have not been told is the reason you have undergone your training and the reason you were sent here was because you are under consideration to become the next Specter."

Shocked by this admission, Ashley said, "I'm flattered by the honor, Councilors."

The Turian spoke next saying, "Don't be flattered. It is the most challenging of jobs and it will demand your full attention if you are granted the opportunity."

"Yes, sir," she said. "I would accept the challenge." To become the second Specter would give her a chance to further redeem her family's name, and to show she was as good as anyone, maybe even as much as her former commander.

Anderson spoke next and said, "Today is an opportunity for you to answer any questions this Council may have. Each member will ask what they will, and we will come to a decision following that question whether you will be accepted or denied. Do you have any questions before we begin?"

"No, sir."

"Do you understand both the opportunity and the great sacrifice being asked of you?"

She couldn't help but think of what happened on Virmire, where Alenko died instead of her. She had never gotten over the guilt from that incident, and was ready to offer herself when the time came.

"Yes, I believe I do. I have trained with Captain Shepard who has shown me firsthand the duties of a Specter, and my service record speaks for itself."

"Very well," said the older gentleman. He was proud of Ashley for how far she had come, and not at all surprised she was the successful recruit. He had no questions, and as was tradition, would not ask any as he was the nominating agent.

"I have a few questions for Miss Williams," said the Turian.

She turned to face the councilor and he looked down upon her from above.

"I want to start with a little history," he said.

Ashley expected many of the questions to be about what she had done when serving with Shepard, and the opinions she had expressed and her own actions. Because of this, she was surprised when a totally different topic came up.

"Your grandfather is somewhat famous for his time as a General, is he not?" probed the Turian.

"Yes," she replied with a level voice.

"In fact, he gained his fame for being the first Human to surrender a colony world, after the attacks upon Shanxi from our forces."

She gritted her teeth at the provocation, but said as calmly as she could, "So the history has been written."

"Do you disagree with my account?" asked the Turian. "It is taken from the Systems Alliance record."

"I do not understand what my grandfather has to do with me," she said.

"I think it has a lot to do with you," he opined. "Your father was never promoted beyond the rank of serviceman, and your own career did not launch as quickly as it might have."

Ashley said nothing, as there was no question asked, but simply continued staring forward. She had suffered for that, and it was one reason she didn't trust alien races from the beginning. Yet time had shown her there were times that wasn't true. This might not have been one of those.

Looking up at the councilor she said, "Did you have a question?"

"Yes," he said. "Your service record indicates you had a number of altercations with alien species when you were younger. Tell me the truth, Lieutenant Williams. Don't you hate aliens, and Turians most of all?"

Although her instant response was "No," the truth was not so simple. She took a moment and then explained.

"I was once mad about what happened to my family because of the Turian attacks. It is hard to defend your family's honor when it is constantly attacked, and I believe my grandfather did what he knew necessary. Sometimes, you don't get the easy choice, and I have lived through this."

She stopped for a second, then continuing, "It has made me stronger and given me the will to succeed. I don't regret that. I have served the Alliance with honor and would serve this Council with honor. I have served many other species, including Turians, and I know which way to point the barrel of my gun. I know who our enemies are."

Leaning in just a little bit, the councilor asked her, "And who are they?"

"They are the Reapers. I was on Horizon when the Collectors attacked and I watched what they did to the colonists. I was there fighting for human lives, but they don't care about our differences. Neither can we."

"Impressive words, Lieutenant," said the Turian, "but I wonder what you can do when you're out on your own."

She didn't say anything, and the Turian looked at his Asari counterpart making clear his questions were complete. She turned next to the Salarian.

"Lieutenant Williams, I would like to first congratulate you on your exemplary service record as well as your success in the training program."

"Thank you, sir," she said.

"I have no questions about your ability or your commitment to this cause. I recognize your actions against Saren are a big part of why we are alive to have this conversation."

"I was just doing my duty, sir," she said.

"But this is the question I want to explore. The mission of the Specters is clear in that you serve the Council and the highest ideals of our shared alliance. But how you accomplish those ends is up to you and you empowered with a vast moral judgment. As someone who has never experienced the burden of command, I wonder how you would respond to that chance."

"That is a fair question," Williams conceded. "I have commanded strike teams before, and I place the highest priority first on the mission, then on protecting my team, and also on protecting life."

"That is a simple answer for a simple question. But your own experiences have shown you how difficult command can be. I would ask you this question: Did Shepard make the right decision on Virmire when he elected to save you and let Kaidan Alenko die?"

Exasperated, Ashley didn't know how to answer the question. She said, "He was the commanding officer and made the decision he considered best."

"But was it the right decision?" the Salarian probed further. "If you are going to potentially be responsible for millions of lives, you must be able to make decisions like this."

"It is not for me to say," she began, but continued, "but it is not the decision I would have made."

"And what would you have done?"

"Lieutenant Alenko was the senior officer. He should have been the first priority."

"I see," said the Salarian. "So would you say it is always the priority to save the higher ranking officer first."

Ashley had thought many times about this very thing and said, "It is the first priority to complete the mission. The decision should be based on that question in that moment."

"So by your logic, Lieutenant Alenko was more valuable than you?"

"Yes, sir. At the time, he was. He was a trained biotic, a command officer, and I was a drafted enlistee who was picked up along the way."

The Salarian said, "I see. So why do you think Shepard saved you instead?"

The first answer that came to her mind was Jared always had a soft spot for women, but she didn't dare say that here. Instead she said, "I do not know."

Taking a moment to ask Anderson a question, the Salarian said, "Has Lieutenant Williams been briefed on the incident involving the Alpha Relay?"

"She has."

"Very well," said the Salarian. "My final question to you is this: Do you agree with the decision Shepard made in the Bahak System?"

"Yes, I do. While destroying a system with all those lives is a terrible loss, the loss of life would have been greater if the Reapers had been allowed access to more populated worlds. I would not hesitate to do whatever it took to ensure the survival of our races."

"That's a strong statement, Lieutenant. Are you saying there are no limits?"

"Yes," she began, and then said, "No, but I won't know them until I find them."

"Too true," said the Salarian, and said, "Her answers are sufficient."

The Asari spoke last and she said, "You have been a gracious witness under difficult questioning, Lieutenant Williams. The Council appreciates your candor and your commitment. I just want to ask you what it would mean to you to be a Specter, and why you would want this job."

A career of military training had given her few opportunities to explain her reasons but a lifetime's effort in showing them.

"Specters are the best. They solve problems, they protect lives, and they make a difference. In my career, I have proven myself equal to every challenge, and I look forward to the chance to show how well I can do this."

The Asari rebuked her gently saying, "So do you see this position like a competition, a game to be won on a galactic stage?"

"No, ma'am," she said. "I think it is a chance to show what I have to offer. And I am ready to shoulder this responsibility, and prove once more that humanity can play a vital role."

"Let's talk about that for a moment. You've had lots of experience dealing with Specters before, having faced Saren and working with Shepard. You know the difficulties of the job, but I wonder about your loyalties. Who would you serve?"

"I don't understand the question, ma'am," Ashley said as she asked for clarification.

"Do you think you would serve the people, serve humanity, serve this Council, serve organic life, or serve someone else? Who would be your first priority?"

"I will honor the commands of this Council," she said clearly, playing upon her military background.

As the Asari said nothing, Williams gauged she was looking for a more complete response so she continued, "But I will exercise my best judgment in how to accomplish this end. I will serve humanity, protect innocents when possible, and do what I think best, but I don't see that as incompatible with this Council. If it was, I would not want to be a Specter."

"Thank you, Lieutenant," she said. Folding her hands, she sat back and said, "All questions having been answered, the Council will deliberate. Lieutenant Williams, I would ask you if you wish to present a statement before we recess."

Ashley stepped forward onto the dais and said, "I appreciate the opportunity to be considered for this role. I will not pretend to have been the perfect person or the perfect soldier. I grew up with a hard life in many ways, but I didn't let it break me, it made me stronger. I know we have hard days ahead, and I give you my word, I won't break. I will do my part to see we all survive."

Taking a step back, Ashley stepped off the platform and walked away to allow the Council to make their decisions. She had no clue of what they would decide, but she began to think for herself about how many challenges there was in this world of politics. In that moment, she thought of Jared and how angry she had been at him on Horizon, thinking she owed him another apology.

With a smile on her lips, she thought she might just help him by outdoing him at his own game. It might be fun to see if she could outdo the old boss, and maybe he would enjoy it too. But it was no sure thing what the Council would decide as she knew, and so she waited quietly to see what they would do.

Author's Note: I used the first bit here to reset the situation for those who have been reading along, and to help explain the Council's position. We're going to bringing in the people not involved in the base attack shortly, and continue the galactic grand tour before the finale.

I always appreciate reviews, and let me know what sideplots you especially like or dislike. I'd consider spinning off a few things. Lastly, would there be any interest if I took a pre-emptive stab at what might happen in ME: 3. I told myself I wouldn't, and I don't have time to do it daily like I am now, but I'd consider it if enough people are interested.

If nothing else, I will get down to the right crew members in the end. So there's a hint.