James sits at the bar in Afterlife, staring at his fifth drink, when he overhears the conversation of two humans beside him.
"They should just hand her over."
"Yeah." The second man nods and downs a shot. "I don't care about Commander Fucking Shepard. The Batarians will attack our colonies. How can the Alliance risk war with them over one woman."
James wasn't looking for a fight, when he came to the club tonight – in fact he just wanted to forget – but he just can't let these men talking about her like that. Commander Shepard is like… his personal hero. Even before the battle of the Citadel. She attracted his attention after she saw her in the vids of Akuze. She had seen her whole squad getting killed by Thresher Maws. And still she looked strong. And beautiful. Like a warrior goddess. He thought back then. She didn't let it break her.
Maybe he wasn't a good soldier – well, if he was he wouldn't have ended up here on Omega with the scum of the galaxy – but he has still loyalty left, to the Alliance. And to Shepard.
Without even turning to the two men he growls: "Shut up."
That draws the men's attention to him. They are trying to take threatening positions, probably they're drunk enough to think they would be a match for him. "Are you talking to us, man?"
James straightens up and turns around. "Yeah, I am. You should keep your mouth shut, pendejo. That woman risked her life twice to save the galaxy, including your sorry ass. Shepard is a goddamn hero and you should be thanking her!" Then he stands up and steps towards them.
The two retreat when he's towering over them, noting his obvious anger, not without muttering something that sounds like "Bloody idiot." James sighs and returns to nursing his drink.
A few minutes later he hears a voice behind him.
"Lieutenant James Vega?"
He looks around to see an elder, black man looking at him, wearing an alliance uniform. Great. I guess they found me.
Straightening up and saluting he answers: "Sir."
The man salutes back, then states: "At ease, lieutenant. I'm Admiral David Anderson. I came to Omega to offer you a job, but I think we should go outside to talk. It's a bit loud in here, don't you think?" He smiles, then walks towards the exit.
James sighs again, pays his last drink and follows the admiral. When they arrive at the Docks Anderson stops and turns back to James.
"No offense, Sir, but I'm not interested." Looking at the floor he adds: "And I'm pretty sure you can find a lot of better soldiers, better men, for whatever you have in mind."
Anderson continues: "I need you as a personal guard. I know, guard duty may not sound very thrilling, but I'm pretty sure you will be interested anyways when I tell you who we are talking about." He pauses to look James straight in the eye. "Commander Dhana Shepard."
James just stares at him. This can't be true.
"She was put in detention and she will need someone to have her back, to keep her sane. Someone loyal. And after what I've seen back in the club, I think the job would fit you." The Admiral holds out his hand. "Will you accept, Lieutenant?"
He doesn't have to think about that. James shakes Anderson's hand, then salutes. "Would be an honor, sir."
The older man nods and seems satisfied. "You have one hour to gather your belongings, lieutenant, then we are leaving for earth. We're docking right over there." With that the admiral walks towards the ship, leaving James speechless.