Wish You Were Here, by potionsmaster
Rating: T for language.
A/N: Short, sweet beginning. Other chapters will be longer from here on out. Set in ME 1, immediately after the Luna Base Rogue V.I. mission. The Normandy crew has been to Therum, but not to Feros or Noveria yet. John Shepard is Earthborn, Sole Survivor, standard 'Sheploo' face, Infiltrator class. It goes slightly off game canon in some instances, mostly with when certain dialogue happens. It mixes a modded save with un-modded. Further author notes at the end.
Chapter 1: Grounded Until Further Notice
"Joker, what's the ship's status? I want a brief of any issues," Shepard's voice crackled through the comm line.
"Commander! Glad you're back and in one piece! Not like that rogue V.I. Hannibal? Anyway..." Joker responded sarcastically, "Nothing huge, but we need to make port. Refuel, resupply. Adams said the drive core was starting to act spotty when we dropped out of FTL. I noticed she started vibrating while banking, too. Probably just need to refit the thermal sinks in the hull. Either way, she needs a check up."
There was silence over the comm. Joker could imagine Shepard's face while he absorbed the information, lips pursed and brow furrowed. A sigh crackled through, and the response came after a moment, "Alright. Head for the closest planet-side Alliance port."
"Aye, aye. Setting course. Kaidan'll be happy."
"Why's that?"
"We're directly en-route to Esquimalt. Doesn't his family live in Vancouver?"
"I think so."
"Maybe his mom can send us all sweaters with the Canadian flag on them."
"Play nice, Joker."
"Aye aye, Commander. ETA 2 1/2 hours. Contacting the tower for the approach list now. Joker out." He shifted in his seat as he guided the ship towards the big blue planet, fingers flying over the glowing monitors.
"ESQTower 5, this is SSV Normandy SR-1, requesting permission to dry dock..."
Rumors of an impending shore leave began buzzing the moment Shepard called for a debriefing in the CIC. The crew gossiped among themselves as they filed past the monitoring panels and bright galaxy map into communications room in the stern. Everyone clammed up as Shepard cracked his neck, waiting for the murmurs to die down. He rolled his shoulders and began. "Alright, listen up. The Normandy needs some well-earned R&R and so do we. Now, I know tracking Saren is still top priority-" he raised a placating hand towards Ashley. She had opened her mouth to object, "- but we can't risk having the Normandy working sub-par. As of right now, we're looking at anywhere from 10-14 days in dry dock. She's no good to us if she's burnt out and let's face it, neither is a burnt out crew. Those who have family on planet, have fun. Those off-planet, there are limited shuttles standing by. Try to keep it within the Sol System or the Local Cluster. Use your best judgment. I will be updating everyone by their omni-tools. Keep it on at all times."
Liara raised her hand timidly. "What if we do not wish to travel?" Ashley rolled her eyes at the question and made a derisive noise. Shepard ignored her, wishing she would lighten up. It was odd how the gunnery chief had taken an immediate disliking to the asari after they rescued her. He addressed the blue alien's question.
"There are barracks on base, but I would recommend getting out for a bit. I need everyone fresh and rested. Pick a beach or something."
Liara looked pensive as she started whispering to Tali. Garrus wondered out loud where there was a good dextro hangout. Wrex just grunted in response, looking bored.
"Dismissed."
They had springs in their feet as they spilled out of the communications room, chattering loudly. Shepard went down to his cabin to finish up a few reports. He was happy that they were able to get a break, but he wondered if it would cost them in the long run. Saren was out there with the geth. He banished the thought from his head; they needed repairs and they needed a break. Nothing else for it.
Shepard glanced up from his terminal when the quiet of the ship began to seep into his cabin; who knew Spectre expense reports were that absorbing to write. He stretched and checked the clock; he'd been at it for a few hours. The quiet was deafening. There should only be a few people left on board; officers finishing up last minute duties and the engineering squad doing the final prep for the repair workers. He pulled out his duffle bag to pack, then exited his quarters. He almost made it to his locker when he saw a familiar sight outside his door. Shepard ignored the small rush of pleasure that skittered across his spine when he saw his friend.
"Kaidan? What are you still doing on board? That console will still be there when you get back, you know."
The lieutenant rubbed his forehead with the back of his hand. "I know, Shepard, but I thought I'd try to get a few things done. All I have is a cab ride. Talk about luck." He faced his CO. "One could ask you the same thing, you know."
"I suppose," Shepard replied, nodding towards the mess, "I'm going to get something to drink. Care to join?" Kaidan looked between the screwdriver in his hand and the clock on the console. "Yeah, sure. Why not. Gotta stop sometime." Shepard rummaged in the cabinets, hunting for his mug.
"What can I get you?"
"Coffee, if you're making it. Water or juice if not."
"What about tea?" Shepard's dislike of coffee was legendary. He'd ban it from the ship if he didn't think the crew would mutiny. Kaidan smirked a little as he sank into one of the hard, plastic molded chairs. "That's fine." Shepard retrieved another mug and got out a couple of teabags. Shepard put the kettle on, then turned in time to catch Kaidan pinching the bridge of his nose.
"You feeling alright?" He asked, leaning against the counter while crossing his arms. He schooled his face to keep it neutral; he had seen the effects of one of the lieutenant's migraines a few times up close and thought it was a hell of a way to start shore leave. He didn't like seeing his crew incapacitated by anything, especially not one of his regulars for first string fire team.
"Yes, Commander. Just a small flare-up. It's better now, without the rest of the crew making noise."
"You're officially off-duty, LT, but we can pull rank if you want," Shepard gave him an amused half-smile. Kaidan looked at him and saw the tired lines around his eyes.
"Ok, Shepard."
"Better. So what've you got planned?" The water began to burble and hiss. He half-turned towards the kettle and pulled it off the heat before it could start whistling. Kaidan cocked his head at that, appreciating the lack of piercing noise. He couldn't help but wonder if Shepard did it deliberately to spare his developing headache.
"Not much. I'm taking a cab to my parents' apartment tonight, then driving to the orchard tomorrow. Can't really call it R&R unless I get 'away-away', ya know?" Shepard placed a steaming mug in front of Kaidan and slid powdered creamer and sugar onto the table between them.
"Sorry it's non-dairy. We need to restock."
"It's fine. I appreciate the thought."
Shepard plopped into the chair opposite of Kaidan, exhaling tiredly.
"What about you, sir? Any exotic place lined up?"
Shepard grinned, "Again with the pomp. No. I thought about going back to Boston, but what would I do there? See the orphanage? Barracks here are about as adventurous as I'm getting this time. Probably for the best. That way I can keep my ear to the ground for updates." Kaidan slowly stirred a clump of creamer into his tea, considering his next words. Shepard took a sip, content to let the silence stand.
"You know, Shepard," the lieutenant hesitated, "you give a pretty speech about a burnt out crew, but we're dead out of the airlock with a burnt out CO." He fiddled with the tea bag wrappers, balling them up and leaving them on the table. Shepard snorted into his mug.
"I don't think I can ever truly 'turn off'. Besides, where else would I go?"
"I dunno. Pick a beach or something." Kaidan hid a smirk behind his mug as he took a sip. Shepard flicked one of the balled up wrappers at Kaidan, recognizing his own words. A blue shimmer flashed inches in front of Kaidan's face as the paper rebounded, smacking Shepard in the forehead.
"Really, LT? A barrier? Now who can't turn off?"
Kaidan raised his mug in a toast. "Takes one to know one. Now who's resting on pomp?"
"Alright, smartass. Any suggestions?" Shepard raised an eyebrow, amused by the lieutenant.
"Ever been to the country, Shepard?"
A/N: Yay! Off we go on an adventure! Also, flirty boys get flirtier with each other. If you no likey, stop now. Welcome to my head canon.