This was wonderful. Great story!

Good story! :)

Fascinating twist on the Initiative-captive Spike. I've read several now, by a few others authors than the ones you've written.
I think I'd like to read that sequel....however, not sure how it'd play out...or perhaps how well it'd play out for Spike, the childer, et al....
Can't recall quickly who wrote them but there is a series of 3-5? I think fics in which Spike becomes the Master of Sunnydale, while he and Buffy each run a house for Potentials....eventually, he relocates to the Factory, has several SIT's as assistants (including Kennedy---WHY?), heads up "Team Spike (red & blk)" while in a haze of speed and never sleeping getting in over his head as Master.
All this to say, he finally admits that he is just NOT the best choice for being commander, for thinking thru OR following through on things....
So, even tho' there's just 15 +/- childer, how's he gonna handle them? As a Team Spike? Sure could make a difference in the "future" (should it not already be irrevocably changed in our storyline from canon-ish), especially in the possible Showdown with the First, along with SIT's/Slayers, with the Showdown again WR&H, along with SIT's & Scoobies should that situation arise still, or even make a "difference" in outcome should Glory show ... That is, if the 1st even occurs (since it doesn't seem at this point in an altered timeline that B's death might occur a la' Glory, tho' there IS a Dawn in place, Key-ness unknown at this point; AND if she doens't die thereby not requiring Willow to reanimate/resuscitate her, then the universal imbalance might not occur, or at least not from these factors, precipitating the 1st's move onto the grand scheme of things...
and after that ramble, what about the possibility of Spike's childer returning somewhat to their previous families? They were chosen to be "Officers", to lead. I think the simple lumping of them as sheepish followers a bit much and doesn't say much for their innate strengths. Sure, they're disoriented, probably suffering from Post Traumatic Stress, or should be, will definitely have issues, and need to re-adjust. But they have good folks to talk to, to learn from, and with Giles (and even Angels (shudder to think of his Grand-Pappy routine, and BTW, glad Buffy didn't automatically run for his help) never-ending list of contacts and out-reach programs, help should be available to them.
This could be a good medium for showing just how well the Aurelian blood could prove filtered thru Spike and not Angel/Darla/Dru...And hey, military wives are tough....what's a little undead-ness between spouses....and think of the back pay the military owes these guys....especially to keep it covered up....
Well, my rant's winding down so let me say, I sure did enjoy it greatly, and look forward to more great tales from you.
Thankx,
K.

Great ending. Thank you for the great story.
I would have ended it here also. Look forward to reading your other works.