Encounter
This is a fan fiction that explores the idea of Kaidan Alenko being present at the Kasumi: Stolen Memories mission. Thank you so much for reading. I especially value your feedback; if you have a few moments and you have an opinion on this fan fic, please leave a review!
Chapter 1
"So this is the Normandy? I've got to admit, it's one of the more impressive vessels I've boarded."
I turned to the newest member of my crew, Kasumi Goto, a thief so legendary that few know of her. We needed her on our side, according to Cerberus at least. Before she could give me her undivided loyalty, she had a favor to ask of me. How could I refuse? I was anxious to see her skills put to the test, so I had agreed to help her. But the first step was getting her settled on board her temporary home.
Kasumi stepped off of the Citadel platform and onto the Normandy's bridge. Joker, hearing her voice, turned his seat around to greet the new arrival.
"Welcome aboard! Don't ever touch anything up here or I'll have to kill you. I have my ways. Fair warning." Joker saluted and turned back to face the controls.
"Pleasant, that one," Kasumi chided.
"That would be Joker, and in addition to his endless wit, he also happens to be the best pilot in the galaxy. He'll grow on you," I said with a smile. "You'll get to know all of the crew in time. Let me show you to your quarters."
"I can take care of that, Commander." I turned to see our on board Yeoman approaching us. "I'm Kelly Chambers, Commander Shepard's assistant."
I nodded appreciatively. I had more work to do on pending missions, and I had already taken precious time to return to the Citadel for our new asset. "Thank you, Kelly. Kasumi, take your time getting settled. You can debrief me on your situation in the morning."
She grabbed my arm to stop me, urgency showing in her features. "I can debrief you on the way to our destination. Tell your pilot to head to Bekenstein in the Serpent Nebula cluster. It's not a long journey from here. In the meantime, put this on. Meet me in your shuttle bay in 2 hours. There's a window of opportunity we can't miss."
I seethed inwardly. Everything's always mission critical. I didn't need another crew member telling me where our priorities lie. But by the small crack in her voice, I knew this was her only focus. Until it was removed, I couldn't depend on her services. "Joker, you heard our new guest. Get us to Bekenstein, double time."
Taking the small package from her, I headed for my quarters. Upon opening it, I couldn't believe what I was seeing.
"A leather dress? She can't be serious." I laughed to myself. The last time I had worn something like this was for a private dinner date back on Earth with Kaidan. After we had defeated Saren, we were given much needed shore leave. He had wanted me to meet his parents in Vancouver, and he couldn't wait to take me to his favorite sushi restaurant. I had changed into a tight black dress for the occasion, revealing a side of me he'd never seen before. The sushi was good, but the dessert back at his parent's private beach house was better.
I looked at the dress again. "Well, why not. You only live twice."
