Welcome to my first story ever to be shared. Like I said this is my fist time so please be gentle and let me know what you think. I know it starts out short but I have a few chapters ready to go but I'm proof, proof, proof reading them and testing the waters before I release them.

Umm...don't know what else to say at the moment except:

Bio-ware owns, I'm just playing with their legos.

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CH 1 - Assignment

"Lieutenant Vega. Come in... Shut the door," Admiral Anderson said when he looked up from his data pad.

The Lieutenant stood at attention after shutting the door to the Admiral's office. Anderson took a moment to take the Lieutenant in. Vega had changed since the Admiral dragged his ass out of that Omega bar fight four months ago. He seemed to be on more solid ground since being assigned to guard the Alliance's involuntary house guest. Anderson was glad for that. The two of them seemed to have grounded each other where nothing else had.

Anderson had watched as the reluctant friendship between Vega and Shepard developed over the past few months. At first Vega was in awe of being in charge of THE Commander Shepard, as the Lieutenant would put it. He was like a kid when he sobered up enough to process his new orders, and became anxious to start his new assignment. That is until he finally met Shepard in the flesh.

"At ease," the Admiral ordered and was promptly obeyed. He sat back in his chair and steepled his fingers in concentration. "I took your request into consideration, Lieutenant," he said in a matter of fact tone.

Having the undeniable sense that his request was about to be turned down, Vega interrupted the Admiral. "Permission to speak freely, Sir."

"Permission denied," was the return answer. Vega's eyes went blank at the words and his face subtly tightened as he reigned in his anger. The Admiral stood and leaned over his desk, palms flat on the polished surface, and looked the Lieutenant in the eye. "Like I was saying, Lieutenant, I took your request into consideration. Your points where valid, Shepard does need to get out of here, even if it's for a day. If it was up to me I would have granted your request on the spot but I knew that would not have been enough for the ones in charge."

Vega's face went through a slide show of emotions as he listened to the Admiral. Starting with anger then flashing to hope followed by confidence and excitement as he began to mentally make plans. His face finally settled on disappointment and possibly failure, as the rest of the statement registered. Taking in the Lieutenant's reactions, Anderson knew his next statement would turn the kaleidoscope of emotions on Vega's face once more.

Straitening and collecting his data pad, Anderson continued, "So instead I put in a request to command to temporarily relocate Shepard as her room is being outfitted with better security, for her protection. The recent assassination attempts convinced command and I've been given complete authority over her temporary relocation and security outfit." He looked up at Vega. "I believe only one guard is adequate for Shepard's two day relocation to Lake Barrett."

Vega's mind once again began to race as he couldn't believe his request was granted, albeit for different reasons, but still. He could keep his promise to Shepard. He would be able to see his Abuela y tio for the first time in two years, at their family reunion no less. He would be able to see familia that he hadn't seen in years. And they would be able to finally meet Shepard, his-

"Lieutenant Vega? Did you hear me?" Admiral Anderson asked sharply, bringing Vega back to attention. "The two of you will be leaving at 0800 local tomorrow morning for two days. No one is to know who she is or why she is there. Do you understand me?"

"Sir, yes sir," the expectant reply came automatically. He knew keeping things under wraps was for her protection along with his family. All the secrecy would make it practically impossible for someone to find out where they were going which is why he was fine with bringing Shepard around his family, even with possible danger. Besides, for some reason the previous assassination attempts have always been conducted in ways that would cause as little collateral damage as possible.

"This will be treated as a top level mission. No one will know where she is but you and I. Even she can't know where she is going until you get there. You will be given personal transport and the two of you must be under cover. Of course the local population will never believe you to be anyone else but yourself but Shepard will be going under an alias, Juno Armstrong, your girlfriend."

Completely forgetting about protocol Vega asked in disbelief, "Girlfriend?"

Choosing to ignore Vega's lapse, the Admiral continued, "Yes son, as your girlfriend. There won't be a problem with that will there?" He gave no chance for a reply. "You need to check in with me every 12 hours, keep a low profile, and keep her in your sights at all times. We haven't caught whoever wants her dead yet so staying alert at all times is a priority. I've taken the location into consideration along with the local population. Keeping her guard detail to one along with all the other precautions we are taking should keep everyone safe." Just what James was thinking. "I can't stress 'should' enough in this situation. Do you understand?"

He meant the risk Vega would be bringing to his family by bringing Shepard to the lake. But he knew the risks too and was confident the Admiral would cover everything so he replied simply, "Sir, yes sir."

"Good, I've already sent you the mission orders and details. Any questions?"

"Uh….no, not at the moment, sir."

"Dismissed then," nodding the Admiral turned his attention back to the data pad as Vega hesitantly turned to leave. The Admiral's voice stopped Vega's hand from turning the knob. "Take care of her Lieutenant...I…The alliance can't lose her."

Vega didn't miss the slip the Admiral gave but did not comment on it. Looking him dead in the eyes, Vega responded in all seriousness.

"Don't worry Admiral; I will bring her back the same way she left."

"That's all I ask, son."

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Thoughts, ideas, opinions, gibberish?