Book 3, Chapter 6 - Shepard Squadron
*****
The ship was approaching the Citadel again. Unlike those months with Cerberus, I had a feeling I'd be visiting the enormous station quite often during this war, whether to restock and refit, to sit down with the Council for updates, and the fact the Alliance had its own headquarters on the Citadel. With Arcturus gone and Sol out of action, Hackett was the main man in charge in the Alliance, but I did not know in which system he was keeping the fleets. Didn't want to know.
Kahlee would be taking the brainy students to assist with the building of what was being called the Crucible. They still didn't know what the weapon would do, but apparently it was something that could be built relatively simply. What was needed was something called the catalyst. No-one had a clue what that was but investigations were already underway.
Soon as we docked, Kahlee thanked me with a hug before leading all the students away. Jack followed them, unsure as to exactly what she'd be doing, but she wanted to meet up before we departed. Unsure as to our next move, as the summit still hadn't been agreed, I let most of the crew stretch their legs, while my first stop was Alliance HQ. I went alone as Garrus remained on the ship with Victus, Kelly wandered off with Samantha, the pair becoming fast friends, and also with Emily, who mostly kept to herself on the ship since boarding, while Liara suggested she'd go have words with Tevos.
Alliance HQ was a madhouse, as I expected. Walking towards the overworked reception desk, I announced who I was and, thankfully, I was immediately led towards an office towards the rear. Knocking on the door, she opened the door and gestured for me to enter. "Admiral Reisman will be with your shortly, Commander."
She asked if I wanted a drink, always accepting the offer of a coffee, taking a seat at the desk. I was sipping at my drink when the door opened, rising to meet feet immediately to be greeted by a silver haired veteran. I knew the name but that was about it. "Commander," he said. Voice was like gravel. Like he'd spent thirty years of his life shouting orders. But he offered his hand, a firm handshake, meeting my eyes.
"Admiral."
A slight smirk appeared. "Rear Admiral. Can't be getting above my station, but I'm the senior officer here on the Citadel. Take a seat, see you already have a drink." Soon as I sat down, he added, "I'm sure you're wondering you were summoned here. Admiral Hackett has obviously kept people in the loop regarding your intentions, so there are two reasons. One major, one minor. The minor is simple. I believe you once worked alongside Miranda Lawson?"
"I did. She worked as my XO during my time with..." I'll admit, I shifted uncomfortably in my chair.
"We're aware who you worked with. The ends justified the means considering the Collector threat and you cut ties immediately. As for Miss Lawson, she's given us all the information she could during her interrogations. She was assisting Doctor Chakwas, but now that the good doctor has returned to the Normandy, we were unsure as to what role Miss Lawson could fulfil. So I was going to suggest she returns to the Normandy herself."
"In what capacity?"
"We'll give her an official role and rank. Would you anticipate any issues with her return?"
"I certainly wouldn't. She'd be an asset to our team. If anyone does, I'd discuss it with them but let it known the situation as it is."
"Very well. I'll call her in here shortly. The second reason I called you in here, Shepard, was the fact... Hackett has explained your probably role regarding this war against the Reapers. Admiral Anderson was supposed to take command of the Normandy, and he would have used the ship as a mobile command centre. That means he would have had his own fleet of ships to use at his disposal.
"I will?"
"You will. As you've been told, the Alliance Navy has been building ships as quickly as it could. Dreadnoughts takes a long time and resources we simply don't have right now, not with the war in full swing. So we concentrated on smaller ships, more manoeuvrable, able to get in and out quickly. So, basically, you've got five ships in your command. The other four are based on the Normandy. The only thing they don't have is the AI." Raised eyebrows at that. "We all know, Shepard, but Anderson assured us EDI has been nothing but a benefit to the cause. So we've made sure it'll be easy for EDI to patch into the other ships, at least when they're within range."
"Who is in command of the ships?"
"Ah, you see, that's where there might be an issue. I will send you the files of the officers in charge. All four are captain's. Obviously, you are still ranked as a commander. Not something many of us in the brass agree with, by the way. Should have been promoted after defeating Saren. Now, as you will be in command of the group, Hackett has agreed that you cannot retain the same rank as the four other Commanding Officers of the ships, so you will be promoted a further rank. It's a rank not always used by the Alliance Navy, generally in particular circumstances such as this."
"What's the rank?"
"Commodore."
"Commodore Shepard? Hmmm, that'll take some getting used to. Thankfully most people just call me Shepard anyway."
"And as you will have a new rank, the thought process for Miss Lawson to take your old rank as she will be assigned as your new XO."
"What of Ashley Williams?"
"Commander Williams? We're waiting to see the outcome of her hospital stay. Were you planning on visiting?" I nodded. "She's not conscious but suffering lingering effects, according to the latest reports. Sure she'd like to receive a visitor or two."
"Will there be any sort of ceremony?"
"Want one?" I shook my head. "We'll send you the paperwork and ensure you have the correct uniform. Two of the ships are currently in dock, the other two are already out on patrol with orders to return here immediately. We're aware of the summit you're trying to convene so assumed you would like to have your new squad ready to go when you next leave."
"Would be nice to meet the men and woman under my command."
"That can be organised."
"Ship names?"
"We've stuck to the theme regarding the Normandy class, so we've named them after French town and cities in the region that were important during the Normandy Campaign. So you have the Bayeux, the Cherbourg, the Caen and the Rouen."
I looked around the room. "I'm waiting for La Marseillaise to start playing," I muttered, "Or some bloke on a bicycle come riding by with a smoke and a baguette."
"I'll send you all the paperwork about the changes, but Miss Lawson is waiting nearby if you'd like to see her. She's already been briefed about her new role."
"Sure. Would be nice to see her again."
I followed him out of his office, down a couple of corridors, stopping outside another door. He opened it to reveal a waiting room. A couple of comfortable lounges. Potted plants. Counter with items that would make coffee and tea. Miranda was sat down though stood immediately when Reisman entered, and I could see her trying desperately not to grin when our eyes met. I looked her up and down as I never thought I'd see Miranda Lawson in an Alliance uniform. When she saluted both of us, I almost cracked up laughing.
"Commander Lawson, Commodore Shepard has been informed of your new position as his XO. Due to circumstances, there won't be a ceremony. As I've explained to Shepard, you will receive your documentation prior to your departure."
"Thank you, sir."
"I'll leave you two to catch up. Shepard, I'll send you a message when the other two ships return. I'll sit in with you when you meet the other four captains. After that, they will be yours to command, and Hackett has told everyone that you will have free reign. Seems the galaxy rests on your shoulders yet again."
