SPECTRES AND ASSASSINS

CHAPTER 8: Trials and a Requiem

"Knowledge without justice ought to be called cunning rather than wisdom".

Socrates.

-Ashley Williams, Spectres Office –

Hours After the Securing of the Presidium.

The aftermath of the Cerberus Coup was a shit storm for all the people who had survived through the heart-wrenching events in the Presidium. Only once all accesses to the most important part of the Citadel had been unlocked and Council forces had impetuously flocked to the heart of Council space political hub, was the general public fully aware the magnitude of the swift and barbaric terrorist attack. The exact rationale behind the strike was at first unfathomable due to the extreme violence employed, the lack of evidence explaining the plan or the disappearance of all actual Cerberus operatives. Although the covert action that had allowed Cerberus to take effective control of the Presidium had been an inside job, but the collaborators were not privy to the long term objectives of the attack. The immediate militarization of the Presidium did not surprise anyone, it was an extreme measure, but explosive booby traps had been found, and there was no telling what other surprises they might have left behind by Cerberus. .

Understandably, Citadel Security had taken special interest in the circumstances surrounding the death of one of the councilors and, logically, the Lieutenant Commander Williams was on their sights as soon as the investigators caught wind of what had transpired in the waning moments of the attack. Williams knew that the most important organization tasked with the security and the welfare of all the peoples in the great Citadel community would doggedly seek to deracinate every rotten, traitorous collaborator from its ranks. As it happened, these sleeping agents Cerberus had relied upon were humans, and they were zealously working to identify and arrest them all.

The Lieutenant Commander did not fail to notice that these temporary measures were already straining relationships within the security forces, where a vast majority of humans assigned to the Presidium resented being treated as suspects, as potential collaborationists or Cerberus sympathizers.

Was this one of the objectives they were aiming for as well? To break the Council unity even further? To seed distrust towards humans, now that we are spearheading the coalition against the Reapers?

Williams could only conjecture at this time, but it was a very plausible hypothesis.

If something positive had come out from the mayhem, it was the stern response by the multiracial C-Sec high command, their expedite actions could have been considered akin to martial law, but the change was for the better considering they were at war. In stark contrast with the unsuspecting demeanor most ward and Presidium denizens had shown until now, this was one of the first signs of the station being a prime target in this war; with the Councilors having temporally recused themselves from any public appearance or executive duty for the time being, the strengthening of security measures was the only way to prevent more deaths and, hopefully, increase the probabilities of capturing some more traitors before they escaped or erased evidence.

The repercussions went all the way up the Spectres, but at this level only two humans could be held accountable for any wrongdoing: Shepard and herself. The commander had been comprehensibly cleared of all blame right away, but the Spectres had some back room dealings with the authorities to have Williams subject to a hearing before letting her off the hook, which had darkened her mood even more.

"I can't believe they're going to make go through this, Bao. I'm a Spectre and I've witnesses backing every statement I have made for the past two hours. Everything I had to say is already in their data pads".

"Agent Williams, I personally trust your account of the events, Shepard and Bailey's reports didn't have as many details as yours. As you know, we are not subject to the laws and chain of command that apply to members of the military or law enforcement, but the circumstances are now… exceptional. I understand your being upset"

"Upset? That's an understatement. Getting punched and falling on my ass while arresting a Hanar diplomat would make me upset", Ashley bit her lip before she continued down this path, being antagonistic towards one of the senior Spectre agents and her direct supervisor would not help her career. She perceived the Salarian's rictus getting more serious by the second, she had undoubtedly hit a nerve when she lashed out. She lowered her gaze and sighed, trying not to project her anger against him.

"Are you finished, human?", it was easy to tell when a Salarian was furious, even without intonation changes. Jondum's twitching upper lip was a tell when gauging his mood, she had quickly learned.

"That was uncalled for, Bao. I apologize. I've seen many good people die today, it. Taking the life of someone you have known for many years isn't easy", she set her eyes on the Salarian, regaining her resolve "but you know as well as I do that as Spectres we are compelled to put the mission ahead of every other consideration, and you can be damn sure I did my duty protecting councilors Tevos and Sparatus. Go ask them"

"The Councilors are not available at this time, and only a few people know exactly where they are being held in protective custody. Don't expect them to intervene in the deliberations".

Williams took in the reality of the situation, but it all felt like an impromptu witch hunt to quickly assuage the cries for justice and punishment; and she was certain that she was being singled out for the simple fact that she was human.

I wish Tenora were here. Revenge is never justices' best attorney.

"Petty grievances against humans will not help to find those responsible, but I am eager to help"

"That sounds good, because your deposition before a C-Sec tribunal will be in 10 minutes. Commander Bailey will debrief you before the hearing". Jondum Bao sounded as he wanted this issue to be resolved as quickly as possible, his leadership position among the Spectres could be questioned within their ranks based on the death of several agents.

Williams headed for the Presidium offices where a number of survivors were giving testimony of what they had seen. Most of them were low rank C-Sec agents, a few lucky civilians and some of the apprehended culprits. She was aware of being one the highest profile eye-witnesses this investigative committee was going to interview today, a Spectre and an Alliance officer no less. From a simple inquisitive point of view, she was one of the few survivors who had spent a considerable amount of time with the Councilors while they were chased by assassins. More importantly, she was also the human who had shot the only person that could have provided the investigators with deep knowledge of Cerberus' true goals in the Citadel, as well as a comprehensive list of all the traitors involved in the betrayal.

Ashley recognized Bailey as he came out from the hall where the purveyors of *regretful catharsis and closure had setup a semblance of investigative debrief session*. She caught a glimpse of the multitude gathered inside but she focused on Bailey, who was leading a pair of agents escorting a handcuffed man in C-Sec fatigues. Ashley noticed that the recently appointed C-Sec commander seemed to have aged by 10 years compared to the last time she had seen him, undoubtedly this was linked to being shot during the attack.

"Lieutenant Commander" said Bailey, barely hiding a grin of discomfort, "I was told you were coming soon for a debriefing… I'm glad they didn't cuff you or anything" he said, with a sarcastic smile in his face. His typically gruff voice seemed to be soothed by the effects of painkiller medication, Ashley had heard Bailey had been wounded while trying to take back HQ, and it was obvious he was favoring one of his legs.

The small reception committee was escorting a shambling man lowered his gaze in shame and did not say a word. The two guards pushed him roughly while taking him back to a confinement center.

A traitor

Ashley could not keep her mouth shut after suffering first-hand the arduous rise of humanity among the galactic species, "While we give our blood to win the war and garner the respect humans deserve, you betray us and undo almost everything we have worked for. You are a disgrace and I hope they nail you for this".

Bailey was momentarily surprised by her severe words, not because the mood did no perfectly match the gravity of the events, but because he had never seen her this angered. Ashley was furious and she was not trying to hide it. However, she would have to calm down for the uncomfortable stretch she had before her, she told herself.

"Will you be debriefing me personally?" she asked, with a small glint of anger trailing off in her words.

"Ugh, I will be present, but unfortunately I have to recuse myself from intervening very actively, as a human member of Citadel Security for the sake of… well, you know, political correctness and all that shit. Some powerful aliens have been very critical of humans getting a spot in the Council so quickly and this attack has just given them all the ammo they needed to condemn our increasing influence in Citadel agencies and politics. I will not be very active in your debriefing, but don't take it as I have something against you. Look, you are one of the reasons this didn't turn out to be a total failure, you deserve a medal if you ask me. Just don't expect them to give you one".

"I can't believe they're forcing you to take the back seat during these proceedings. Just because you are a human? That's bull! When did Saren's actions put in question the integrity of all the Turians serving here?"

"Oh, I hear you... I disagree with it, but look at it this way: C-Sec has never been this humiliated. The attack by the Geth years ago caught us by surprise but it was a hostile enemy force led by a million-year old AI. This time, many of the traitors came from within our own ranks, and they were humans like you and I. The Executor and a Councillor, suspected of being behind the coup, are dead, the same Councillor that vouched for my becoming C-Sec commander..."

"Yeah, and the person who vouched for my Spectre candidacy, I can see why we are both in muddy waters here. So much for the Spectres being considered above the law… If they're looking for scapegoats, I'll make sure not to give them reasons to use me as one".

"Whatever they throw at you, the fact is you saved two councilors. Play that card intelligently and this one will be over fast. Beware of the Asari captain, she is the sleazy one. Come on; let's give the captains the illusion of being running the show".

The doors opened wide for Commander Bailey and Spectre Williams to enter the spacious room, its pristine condition emphasized the demarcation where chaos and order were poetically divided. A long table had been placed above a not very tall platform, and several figures leaned over it: an Asari, a Salarian and a Turian. There was a fourth empty seat, she assumed it was the one assigned to Commander Bailey. The top of C-Sec brass rarely needed to meet safe for extraordinary circumstances, but it was perfectly warranted this time.

Williams also noticed the human Ambassador, Dominic Osoba, sitting on the right side of the big hall. She would not have been surprised to learn he would assume Udina's seat in the Council temporally; he was there to learn more about the death of his predecessor, most likely. A respected public servant, Osoba's son had made the ultimate sacrifice in Benning while helping with the evacuation of civilians. Next to him. Ashley spotted General Septimus Oraka, the grizzled Turian leader had a prominent role in the Citadel defense forces and was sharing a datapad with Osoba, alarmed by something they were reading.

The human Spectre sat in a comfortable desk in the center of the chamber, she was not flanked by any security detachment, which was a good sign. At no point had she felt subject to suspicions or under uncomfortable scrutiny by the armed agents. They had not escorted her to her seat, like it would be customary with criminals or treason suspects. Bailey himself did not have his sidearm with him when they walked in. However, she had the intuition that sharp tongues would be their weapons of choice, and on their edges would dance the thin lines between damnation and absolution.

"Well, let's begin. I think we all agree our time would be better spent interrogating the actual people responsible of some wrong-doing. Agent Williams, this emergency committee has not found you guilty of any crime and this meeting is informative, not accusatory". Bailey's conciliatory opening did not seem to relax the unforgiving expression of the three alien officers. Despite his outranking of these three captains, they had the authority given to them by the Council and a certain moral high ground over humans until the investigation was fully concluded and resentment was sated.

"Captains Anusa, Farvin and Chellick will be debriefing you, Spectre Williams"

Williams recognized Decian Chellick from her first visit to the Citadel in 2183, while they were looking into Saren's dealings in the Citadel's underbelly. At the time, he was just a detective investigating a weapon smuggling ring. The Turian probably recognized her as well, but did not show any sign of familiarity. One would say his seriousness and grim mood worsened after recognizing the person in front of him.

All the people present sat down and dropped their pads, undoubtedly most attendees had been reading the reports submitted by her and Shepard, as well as the other agents surviving the terrorist attack.

Captain Farvin did not beat around the bush once Williams had taken her seat, he started talking with a deep, raspy voice that did not typically become a Salarian:

"We want to thank you for the protection of Councilors Tevos and Sparatus. It is also thanks to your fellow human Spectre, Commander Shepard, that the Salarian Union can count his excellence, Councillor Valern, among the living".

"I was only doing my job as a Spectre and as an Alliance military officer", she chose as a safe answer. She was decided to bite her tongue and play conservatively.

The Asari immediately cut in, as if they had planned to switch from accolades and platitudes to veiled accusations swiftly in order to rattle her.

"Unfortunately, Councilor Udina was not so lucky. Among all the regrettable losses we suffered today, you will understand we were surprised to learn a Spectre was directly responsible for the only casualty the council suffered. Would you care to confirm this point, for those that did not have time to read the reports?".

Bailey was right, she is definitely the headhunter in this committee.

The last words were as sharp as the fangs in a varren's mouth. The way the words lingered in an uncomfortable silence made it clear this session would not be easy.

"The unfortunate death of Councilor Udina occurred by my hand. The Councilor endangered the group and threatened Councilor Tevos with a gun".

"Is it true you were the only survivor among the bodyguards after the Shalmar Plaza ambush? How did you manage to escape the crossfire? Inquired Chellick, leaving her no respite to think of an answer or elaborate on her previous statement.

"We saw an opening to get to the elevators, so we rushed to them. I now believe Cerberus would have never opened fire against us so as to not endanger Councilor Udina"

"Or you", added the Asari.

"Shalmar Plaza wasn't my first engagement against Cerberus agents. You can ask the dozens of people from Huerta Memorial. We made a stand there and saved many lives", replied Ashley while letting some of her growing anger transpire through her words.

This answer did not slow down the barrage of questions from captain Anusa, who carried on "the truth of the matter is that there are coincidences and parallels between Councilor Udina and you, as to when you both rejoined with the group that was to be extracted near Shalmar Plaza".

"My mission was to protect all Councilors, not just the human one. The mission almost failed when we were first ambushed on our way to our secret evacuation points, only to find the shuttle destroyed minutes later. It's obvious Cerberus knew exactly of our plans and probably had real-time reports of out movements. I was the last Spectre standing by chance, not because of some complex machination".

"I don't believe in coincidences, Agent Williams", the Salarian said, cold as a Noverian ice storm, "but there is something. While serving as Operations Chief with the Alliance Navy, you spent time in the Iera system. Our reports indicate that the Cerberus was also particularly active in the sector at the time.

Williams was surprised they had brought this up, since this line of questioning was leading them to covert Alliance actions that had not been fully disclosed to people outside military intelligence. A lot of the people gathered there looked puzzled, the Salarian seemed to have caught everyone off guard with this inquiry.

"The operation you're talking about was conducted under the auspices of Alliance special operations command and Admiral Anderson, who was acting as one of the principal human representatives in our transition to Council member status."

"So Udina did not have any knowledge of your work in the Terminus systems, or that you actually made contact with Commander Shepard on Horizon while he was allegedly working for Cerberus?". The Salarian would not drop the subject, full knowingly that he was stepping into matters that were not to be discussed in public.

"Captain Falvin", interrupted Bailey, but the Salarian pushed, ignoring his scolding remark.

"I would like to hear this witness' answer, commander. There is even less information about her activities in the Hades Gamma sector. Did your work for the Alliance take you the Dis system at some point, or was it some kind of private contract you took on the side?"

One of the security agents lifted his head from the console, and spoke up with a note of urgency:

"Sir, we have a transmission from the Systems Alliance 5th fleet. It is Admiral Hackett".

Williams was puzzled, she did not know who had contacted Hackett, but the timing had been impeccable.

"Gentlemen, I am most distraught after hearing about Cerberus failed attempt to assassinate or kidnap the Council. I've been urged to contact you due to the attempts made to bring to light some sensitive information during the debriefing of one of our officers, Lieutenant Commander Ashley M. Williams". His voice came in through the speakers very clearly, and he had a voice that denoted leadership and authority even when it was not accompanied by a visual of the man himself.

"Admiral, this was unexpected. My colleagues were debriefing the Lieutenant Commander on today's tragic series of events, given the importance of her testimony as a key eye-witness. They seem particularly concerned with the death of councilor Udina, but I also think they're enjoying the idea of this tribunal just a little too much".

"I see, commander. I have read the reports, submitted by Commander Shepard and Lt. Commander Williams and, on behalf of the Alliance navy command, I express my resentment towards Udina's alleged treason, whichever misguided goals he tried to achieve. I knew him personally but I never saw this coming, we too feel betrayed by his dishonorable actions. Has your committee found any fault in my officers' conduct?".

"No, we haven't", answered the Asari captain.

"I believe your witnesses will find my officers' brave actions unquestionably adequate, and there is another person who would like to speak on Williams' behalf".

The communications officer spoke up again, "Sir, we have a direct communication signal from an undisclosed location in the Presidium, it's Councillor Sparatus!". The voice from the Turian was clearer, since it was coming from a location within the Citadel.

"Commander Bailey, and my esteemed Citadel Security Captains. I commend you for the assertiveness in these proceedings given the grave nature of the crimes. I believe it is unnecessary to continue with this particular hearing, it has become a misguided explicit interrogation of the one person I owe my life to. If Spectre Williams had been allied with Councillor Udina at any point during the coup, she had numerous opportunities to either kill us or take us captive. She behaved bravely and it is evident C-Sec has bigger problems to handle than to keep a valuable Council agent from going back to work".

"As Admiral of the 5th Fleet, and on behalf of rear Admiral Anderson, I can guarantee that my officer's deployment in the Terminus systems was always at the discretion of Alliance command, and the nature of the operations was information shared with the military intelligences of your respective governments, it shall not be discussed here. It has no bearing on this investigation".

"Understood, admiral". Replied Commander Bailey.

"Hacket out", was the curt final message from the veteran officer.

Sparatus added "my decision is final. Move on to more important issues. And thank you again, agent Williams", were the last words from the Turian politician before his comm channel was closed.

Everybody was a bit shocked after the intervention of such important figures. The captains looked at each other, speechless. Bailey spoke up again, his authority boosted once more by the orders coming from both Hackett and Sparatus.

"I think we're done here. Thank you for your time, Williams. We will contact you if we require any further assistance". Ashley just stood up, turned on her heels and started marching towards the exit. There was an absolute silence in the room,

She stopped and turned around, her unexpected action was not marred by an iota of hesitation or timid insecurity. The blacklisted young woman who had been passed on for promotion numerous times did not exist anymore. That soldier's martial proficiency had turned her into a lethal Special Forces operator. She was a huntress, not a prey.

"Now listen to me, I'm not done here" the walls carried her voice with a deliberate strength that denoted the authority of a military officer, "Never forget this fact: the Reapers made the Citadel their first target three years ago. The Citadel is still one of the Reapers' primary targets in this war, it is not a safe haven for refugees and our families. It doesn't matter how many weapon shipments you receive or how many more ships you reassign to bolster its fleet. The Reapers will find a way here whenever they please. When they come knocking, it'll be far too late. My family is also here, but I can´t wait to send them somewhere else. Think about it".

Ashley Williams did not wait for an answer, she resumed her walk to the Alliance headquarters in the Citadel, it was time to re-link with the Alliance operations in the war effort. On her way out, she perceived the approving looks coming from Ambassador Osoba and General Oraka as she marched past their desk.

- Commander Shepard, Huerta Memorial -

The words had been forever etched in his brain

The prayer wasn't for him, commander. He has already asked forgiveness for the lives he has taken. His wish was for you.

Throughout the losses in his military career, he had become aware how delicate and valuable, life was. Shepard remembered very little of his reconstruction and reanimation when his body was in Cerberus possession, he had very little recollection of Dr. Wilson or Miranda Lawson working on his lifeless body. It was proof that you could be heralded a hero one day and die unceremoniously in the cold vacuum of space months later, and nobody should expect to be resurrected or rebuilt like he was.

Life was an emotional investment from birth to death, all efforts, hopes and life plans could go to waste by a high-speed round, a woeful impact of a missile in the vicinity or by the attack by a deranged Batarian terrorist while walking around the Presidium. Today, and tomorrow, parents, wives, children all over the galaxy mourned for the loss of many. Shepard mourned as well, for the many friends he had lost in this war and some other conflicts most people had forgotten or had never heard of. His contained sadness was proof that he was not dead inside, as some other veteran soldiers would feel after coping with death and sorrow on a daily basis. Some veterans had to shut down those feelings so as to not become unreliable.

Shepard looked back at the numerous occasions where his life had been threatened and how he had always escaped relatively unscathed, while other marines had perished. Early in his military career and first combat deployments, he had thought there was some high order reason as to why his life had been preserved and others' had been taken, maybe the Gods of war had some special plans for him and spared his life from the carnage of the battlefield so that he could fulfill some gruesome, macabre goal these monstrous deities had chosen for him

He now knew better.

Despite what drill instructors taught you in basic training, your chances of survival in an actual all-out war where you were so close to your enemy that you could smell their feces depended heavily on luck, and not only on superior training and equipment.

Why Thane Krios had died today, and why he could live on to make good on his promise for vengeance, it had a lot to do with fortune. Cerberus had certainly tried hard today, but he had been spared once more. Sacrificing one's life for another was a noble act when one read it in the holovids. Witnessing a friend being impaled by a traitorous terrorist only made Shepard itch for swift and bloody retribution. Knowing he had given his life saving the Salarian councilor did not assuage his wrath, nor his self-recrimination.

I should have opened fire

He was reliving the scene in his mind, and he was certain he would never forgive himself for this death despite Thane's philosophical acceptance of his fate. Garrus had expressed the same regrets, he had lost a good friend too. Unlike many other casualties in this war, the Alliance officer truly believed this one could have been averted.

Tali and Garrus had also been there, Thane's last moments before his last words had been uttered. Their work in the Terminus systems had brought them all together with a bond that only death could rip apart. The doors to Thane's hospital room opened behind him, he turned around to see Kolyat placing a hand in his shoulder. He knew very little about him, but there was something in the black eyes of the Drell that sparked a light of hope. It was the very same spark in his gaze that Shepard had noticed when he recruited Thane for their mission against the Collectors.

"I know there are very few words I could say to explain how it all happened. Your father was a brave man; I know it was hard for him to sit on the sidelines with the war raging on. He saved many lives today, more than he cared to admit".

"I know. It's difficult to grief for someone that had become a stranger for so many years, but in the last months, I got to know him better and I know we will join him in the great deep ocean someday, I just want to make sure my life and death someday are as worthy as his were".

"I understand..."

"That's why I have volunteered to join the Hanar Defence forces. Their military resources are very limited, but they have joined other fleets in support roles. I have heard there are scores of drells serving under Turian commanders in some sectors".

"I'd congratulate you for your decision, but I've already seen so much death in this war that I don't want to give you the impression that this will be easy for you or any new enlisted soldier. But take heart, we are not giving up, and there's hope with every small victory we can claim against the Reapers. I can't tell you much of what we are doing, but you'll hear news of some more factions joining the war effort.

"I see, I'm not naïve. I know there's very little honor and glory to be gained in war, but I would like to fight. I know my father would have approved this decision".

"You didn't tell him?"

"His last moments were not about me, I learned to take of myself when he was always absent, and that was a bitter sense of paternal pride he confessed to me. I knew that whatever I did that made my life worth living, would garner his approval, no need to use words to tell him".

"You know, your father also joined me in a mission with a very uncertain outcome, in a way you are taking the same steps. I too think he would have approved, Kolyat. I would like to be present if you decide to celebrate a funeral, or some kind of memorial service. I know that it would be difficult for a civilian to make the arrangements, but I can make sure you have everything you need. Councillor Valern insisted you will have his assistance with anything you might require, he will never forget he owes your father his life".

"We the drell don't place that much value in the body once it is an empty vessel but, in time, when I'm ready, I will"

"I promise you, I will find the son of a bitch who this to you father, and he'll pay".

"Commander, I don't know if you should burden yourself with..."

"No, it's okay. We soldiers exact our retribution with the cold kiss of bullets or with the steel of the bayonet. Kai Leng is my personal target now".

- Admiral Steven Hackett, SSV Orizaba. Quantum Entanglement Communications Terminal -

Hackett sighed. His executive officer had recently shared with him several reports had been brought to him in the last hours, he only had time to read Noveria and, the Crucible project was seeing enormous progress after the schematics had been decoded and translated to their languages. The real question now was if the current 50% completion rate would be enough before the war became so one-sided that its activation would be moot attempt prior to been wiped out into oblivion. To his bewilderment, the Alliance command had received an urgent message from the Quarian admiralty indicating they were willing to talk. After a lengthy diplomatic silence that had not changed with the reapers' arrival, it seemed like they had completely reassessed their approach to the war. On the flip side, the instability along the Geth border, and how desperate the wording of their formal petition was, convinced him their support would also come at a price. This fact did not help to improve his mood one bit.

The communication's officer stood to attention and saluted the Admiral with the proper Navy protocol when he approached the door to the QEC chamber.

"Lieutenant", Hackett uttered, as a way acknowledgement, "Is the secure line ready?".

"Yes, Admiral. Lieutenant Commander Ashley Williams is available on vid com. I will stand outside should you require any assistance".

"Thank you".

Hackett found himself alone in front of a console, staring at the empty area where the shape of his interlocutor formed once the communication was established. The image projected was that of Lieutenant Commander Williams, who was linked through a similar device from the Citadel. When the young woman saw his image form and take shape in her own end, she saluted him.

"Admiral", she said, maintaining the formalities and decorum a soldier would owe an Admiral. Despite the stress she had gone through in the past hours, her body had snapped at attention with the sharpness of a well-rested corpsman.

"At ease, Lieutenant Commander"

"Yes, sir", she said as she crossed her arms behind her back.

"I am not going to lie to you, Lieutenant Commander, Udina´s betrayal could have easily shattered our coalition to fight the reapers. Bringing together the Krogan and the Turians was difficult enough. If the Asari and turian councilors had died, by human hands... You have no idea how important it is that the Council members actually consider that two human Spectres were directly responsible for their survival".

"Sir, I hope this attack did not unravel everything the Alliance has accomplished thus far. I know we are all walking a thin line here and some of the alliances are a byproduct of the circumstances".

"Williams, are you well versed in Earth's history?"

"I would to like to believe I am, sir".

"In the history of Earth wars in the XX and XXI centuries, numerous military alliances were based on ignoring uncomfortable truths about your allies for the sake of fighting an overwhelmingly superior common foe. The war objectives superseded your 'philosophical' differences. Our military coalition is still fragile, but the other races are willing to downplay the involvement of Udina and other humans in the coup for the ultimate goal of this war: survival".

"I understand, sir. How will it be handled by the media?"

"We have agreed that nobody will propagate details about the coup, except for the small bits of information people already have. ANN and the other networks have been informed. With the recent influx of refugees, fueling grudges and reproaches between the species in the Citadel would not bring anything positive. There are enough tensions and resentment as it is"

"Sir, my grandfather used to say that 'truth' was the first casualty of war".

"Your grandfather, whom I knew personally, was a very wise man, Williams". Admiral Hackett really meant it, he had never been given to false platitudes. He was about to ask a difficult question to this young soldier, but one that would wholly demonstrate the Alliance armed forces did not have anything against the Williams anymore.

"This leads me to the main reason I wanted to talk to you before you shipped out". Williams did not seem surprised, he did not fail to notice. "Lieutenant Commander Williams, you are still listed in the Normandy SR-2 active roster, you were assigned to it as part of the complement of Special Warfare marine detachment after the ship was captured and retrofitted to serve in our navy".

"Yes Admiral, I am aware of this fact. I have not been on the Normandy since Mars, but I was making plans to return to active service today, if I am allowed."

"Oh, the doctor complained, but we took care of it", he let a thin smile form in the corner of his mouth, he had served in the marines and could see that fire in Williams, that urge to go back to the frontlines. "I'm in dire need of good soldiers like you. You provided the Alliance with intel on Reaper activities even when Commander Shepard was under arrest, you were there when he fought Saren and Sovereign. As you know, I have also read Admiral Anderson's reports about your work in the Terminus systems, about Horizon, the Collectors, Batarian activities in Dis...". Williams just nodded, the image she always projected was all business, no vane pride or cockiness, just the type of special operator he required. "The Fifth fleet has a highly trained commando unit that we have assembled for high-risk operations and I would like you to be in charge of it. They will deploy directly from the frigate SSV Cartagena".

"I-I do not know what to say, Admiral. I am flattered by the offer, and that vessel is one of the most prestigious frigates in the Fifth Fleet... ". Steven Hackett knew the answer would be hard, there was more tying Ashley Williams to the Normandy than camaraderie with her shipmates or the reputation that the vessel's name carried, a good military leader knew as much as possible from the human assets that formed an effective chain of command. This is why he offered a dream posting in an excellent ship, only an offer of this caliber could potentially convince her to serve directly under him.

"Sir, without any intention of sounding discourteous or ungrateful for such an honor. I would like to talk to Commander Shepard first, before making a final decision. He is still my C.O. on the Normandy. We have gone through a lot together".

"I think that will be appropriate, Lieutenant Commander Williams. Take a couple days to decide. And... good work today. Hackett out", concluded the admiral.

Williams saluted formally as the Admiral put an end to the transmission.

Next chapter: Epilogue – Eulogy.

I have spent considerable time writing and editing this chapter and the epilogue, but it is because I really care to bring the best and most uplifting conclusion to this story. It has been a long time since it all started, I have invested a lot of my personal time wirtign and editing so I would like to thank you all for your continued interest and helpful feedback.

I added a new scene to chapter 1, let me know what you think.