Curtis walked through the doors of the embassy, the Alliance officer that had talked to him on the Normandy was there, along with another one. He had a bad feeling in his stomach.

"Captain Freeman, SSV Normandy Two reporting as ordered, sir" He said to the two, saluting.

They saluted back, then told him to come with them, he complied.

They walked him to a conference room, a few Officers sat at one side, and a chair for him was at the other. One of them made a motion signalling him to sit.

He had a bad pit in his stomach before, but now he knew something was up. The 5 men were talking, he was to busy worrying to listen. They all turned, one of the men taking out the mission report from Lionel.

"Freeman, you disobeyed orders, endangered your crew, endangered the Normandy, displayed reckless behavior, and then also countermanded orders from a superior, what do you have to say about this"

He felt the room become small, his heart stop, and his stomach tighten. He was being court martialed.

He tried to defend himself, saying that he had to, but the officers refused to listen. They talked amongst themselves for a little, deciding what to do.

It was about 15 minutes before they stopped, the officer in the middle standing up.

"Captain Freeman, you are here by suspended from military duty as of this moment, and are removed from your position as commander of the SSV Normandy Two. You will report here when told for trial. Your ship will have its systems locked out, and your crew will be told of this. You are free to leave Mr. Freeman"

He stood shocked, the officers getting up and walking out. One stopped, putting his hand on Curtis' shoulder.

"I know you did what was right, but the others dislike you, and im sorry to say, but i think your facing a dishounorable discharge" The man said before leaving.

He needed a drink.

{{ Continued in one of the bars }}

CONTINUED FROM THE DOCKS:

Ulrich entered the embassy and headed for the human ambassadors office. He entered quietly, standing at parade rest until addressed by the ambassador.
The ambassador spoke"Staff Lieutenant Ravenstein, I presume. Impressive military record, commendations for valor and bravery in combat. Recently pulled from a special assignment with a high classification. And you are here to see the council about being assigned to one of their Special Tactics on the recommendation from a Turian STG Captain. Is that about right?"

"Yes sir. I was ordered by Command to speak with you to have the meeting set up and coordinate with the Captain." Ulrich responde.

The ambassador raised an eyebrow" You are straight to the point. I like that. Very well. I will set up the meeting and inform you when it is time. Until then enjoy the Citadel Lieutenant."

Ulrich nodded"Thank you ambassador" and he turned on his heel and left to view the sites.

CONTINUED IN CHORA'S DEN

Major Samuel Alistair York walked into the Human Embassy. He smiled and nodded at the secretary.

"Sir York, the Admiralty is expecting you. Room four B."

"Thanks. Dinner sometime?"

"If you'll do my work for the two hours I'll be taking off to spend with you."

"Touche. Have a good day."

"You too Major." Her light laughter echoed off the halls behind Samuel as he went down the corridor.

---

Entering, he took four steps into the room before standing at attention and saluting. Three Admirals sat behind respective desks, they stood themselves, saluting before one gestured towards a chair.

"Major York, would you please sit?"

Samuel smirked. A full blown chicken admiral was asking politely if a Major would take a seat. Politics back on Earth had to be harsh at the moment. A Knight had plenty of political punch. That had to be the only explanation. Either that or a promotion was on the wind and he was worried about his own neck.

"At ease, while you're at it." One of the admirals mentioned, the older man leaned back in his chair, crossing one leg over the other, eyeing the major.

"Sirs." York nodded at them all before sitting. "You've all read my report I assume?"

"Several times."

"Collaborated with other reports, it seems pretty accurate."

Samuel knitted his fingers together. He took a breath and let it out slowly. He couldn't let the stress get to him.

"We'll get straight to the point. First on the Agenda, is you."

Samuel felt his blood pressure raise. "Am I under inspection?"

"Quite the opposite. Commendation. Your handling of the third fleet was commended by the Commanding Officer." Admiral Maxel smiled. She rarely did these days, so skuttlebutt went. "You're to be promoted finally. Everyone knows you deserve it. You're the only Knight to be below the rank of Admiral."

"For bloody king and country." Samuel muttered under his breath.

"Excuse me?"

"Nothing sir."

"Here."

The Admiral tossed him a new rank insignia. The gold wings of a Rear Admiral shined back at him. Pinning them on his collar, he looked up at the Admiral review board before tipping his head towards the briefing sitting on their desks.

"So what's part two?"

---

It's really happening Samuel stepped out of the Embassy an hour later. Brushing his blue/grey uniform off. Dad would be proud. At least I would think.

He shook his head as he walked across the atrium.

No he wouldn't. Who am I kidding. He'd be asking me why I haven't retired back to Earth yet.

Headed towards the Wards. He had a very specific character to find.

[Continued in Chora's Den]

Marcus showed up at the embassy having gotten lost several times. It had been a while since he had been to the Citadel.

He walked up to the secretary and presented his papers. "Corporal Marcus Chow of the 398th Armoured Division. I was told to report at the nearest Alliance office for further instructions."

"One moment please." The secretary said as she brought up the database. "Umm... corporal? It says here your unit is based at Lionel."

"That would normally be correct, yes."

"Normally? I don't- Oh." The secretary stopped as she saw the update from Lionel. "My condolences, corporal. I didn't realise that your unit was destroyed."

"They were good men and women." Marcus replied, keeping his face unmoving.

"There's some instructions for depleted units from Lionel here. Hazard pay and some compensation have been transferred to your accounts and you are given leave until further notice. They also request that you stay at or near the office you reported at so that you can be contacted."

"That's fine."

"Do you need anything else?"

"Yes, is there anywhere I can sleep or stow my gear?

"There's a hostel run by the Alliance for Alliance personnel in the wards near C-Sec. I'll book you a bunk from here."

"Thank you very much. I'll head down there now" Marcus turned and left.

He found the hostel which was merely a large room with row upon row of bunks, a communal bathroom and lockers. He stowed most of his gear, leaving his wallet and a pistol. He felt empty inside.

"Gods, I need a drink." he thought. "I'll head to Flux."

((Continued in Flux))