Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or storylines from the Mass Effect Universe.
A/N. This is my first piece of writing I've done in years. Since I haven't had a proof reader, please note on the mistakes.
This is my 'head canon' of what happened to my Shepard from the time she was 14 up to setting foot on the Normandy. This story was planned to have Liara chapters, but I've decided against it. I have a chapter of it, but mite release it after this is finished. Thanks for listening to the dribble, now onto chapter one.
Chapter 1: New beginnings
It's been a rough few months for Stephan Shepard and his daughter Jane, now 14. First Stephan had lost his job as a police officer but that was nothing compared to the loss of his love, his wife, the mother of their daughter. Most of his time was now spent drinking away the pain.
Until one early morning when Jane was waiting for him to return from his now routine drinking binge. Jane having planned what to say to get her dad to get him back on track. She needed her father, this was not like him. The only drinking he used to do was at a card night at one of his co-workers house. But now he was out nearly every other night, wasting money he couldn't afford to.
The front door slammed shut. "this is it." she thought, trying to steel herself against the now unpredictable mess that was her drunken father.
"Dad" No reply. "Dad!" Jane now getting annoyed at the state her farther was getting in. She had been waiting since ten. It was now two thirty in the morning.
"Jane *hiccup* what is it?" Thinking he knew what was coming, he stiffened his stature to appear remotely sober. But failed as he tripped on seemingly nothing. He braced himself on the kitchen table.
"Dad, we both miss mum so very much, it's not fair the way she was taken from us too early, but you need to stop. You're starting to scare me." Choking on her words as tears now falling free from sore emerald eyes.
"Jane..." Tears forming at his eyes at the mention of his love."I...we Should talk in the morning. Give us a chance to have our heads on straight."
"Promise me, dad." Puppy dog eyes, the same as his late wife used on him to get her way.
"I promise."
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Now early morning on the east coast of England, sun out, birds singing, wind blowing and children playing. If only their life was like that again, peaceful. This is what Jane wanted. "Peace, it's a hard thing to come by at the best of times, no matter how hard you fight for it, so Jane never give up" that's what her dad had told her, she wanted that' life again, like it was with her mother.
"Right Jane, I said we would talk in the morning, so lets talk." he spoke, regretting his forceful tone.
Ignoring the tone of her father. "Dad, I've been thinking and searching, a lot." This was rare for her, she was a girl of action, a real tomboy at the best of times. Stephan had taught her how to shoot, light fires, play rugby as well as basic first aid from his time in the Alliance, which he left at the age of twenty eight, when his late love became pregnant.
"That's hard for me to believe that honey" he slightly huffed indicating his amusement. "What have you been looking for?"
"Peace." His eyes now wide open at the mention. "I've been looking on the extranet for a place that appears to have it."
"Any luck in your search?"
"Yes, but it would require us to leave England...and Earth." her eyes leaving the gaze of her father to fixate on anything but him.
"Spill the beans kid, for fourteen, you're quite smart."
looking back to her father she rushed out her findings. "Well there's this place, well, planet called Mindoir, It's a newish colony world that's looking for people to help with it's day to day running, they're hiring police, swell as other roles..." Hurrying to get the words out
Cutting in hoping to get her to steady her thoughts "Whoa, slow down there."
To no avail. "Dad it's beautiful, It's looks just like the English country side, There are forests, fields, rivers. We could go hunting, fishing or camping." Now slowing down, eyes darted towards the ashes of her mother on the mantelpiece. "I..Think we need to start...fresh, Dad." Her eyes started to water.
"that's...not A bad idea, but how am I going to afford that? It's not like I'm made of money Jane. We have your mothers life insurance money, but we had always said it would go to you when your old enough."
Having already looked at the costs of moving, Jane started. "Well, you and me both don't do things by half, on the extranet it said that travel costs are paid for by them, salons as you have a job and accommodation to go to, it's just a case of calling up and asking. As for the life insurance money, this is as much for me as it is you."
"You know what. I will think about it after you show me this Mindoir on the extranet, I need to know what I'm getting myself into."
Surprised that her dad was so easily persuaded, she jumped off the sofa and onto him. Hugging him tightly.
"No promises Jane, I said I'll think about it, but come on, show me this MIndoir then." Rising with he daughter his arms he threw her on his shoulders and march upstairs to her computer. Jane now giggling at her dads actions put the first smile in months on his face, this is what he wanted, a happy daughter, an easy, care free life, a...wife, His wife.
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Having just got off the phone the his potential next employer, a smile crept to his lips. Turning to Jane, who was sitting on the kitchen table, steeling herself was the worst.
"So...what Happened?" excitement and worry making themselves known in her voice.
"I've got a position waiting for me if I want it, he said to call back later with my answer. Are you sure this is what you want sweetheart?"
"It was my idea in the first place, wasn't it?" now excitement being the only emotion in her voice, face and body language.
"True, I'll make the call in a couple of hours, don't want him to think im too needy do we?"
"No we don't, how about a house or apartment, is that sorted yet?" worry now creeping it's way in.
"Of cause, do you think of me to be a fool Jane? Wait don't answer that." laughter now taking over both of them.
"Dad, before we go, can we get in one last hunting or camping trip?"
"I don't see why not. But if we do you have to make sure you attend school everyday, until we leave, deal?" presenting his hand to seal the agreement.
Taking his hand she shaked it furiously. "Deal...oh And dad?"
"Yes Jane, what do you want now, Hunting not enough? Also can I have my hand back before you rip it off?"
A cheeky smile now showing. "Sorry dad and no hunting is enough atleast for now." The smile now turning to a frown. "Thank you, I really need this, It's been hard since mum..."
"We need this you mean, you were not the only one to loose someone you love."
"I know." now jumping into her farthers torso for a hug trying to show that she was sorry for the singular terming of her last sentence.
Gently patting her on the head. "Don't worry kiddo, I understand, more then you know. Did I tell you how I lost my parents? Who am I kidding, ofcause I haven't." Tightening the embrace. "It's a sad story, but one you mite want to hear. It's the reason how me and your mother met and without that we..." Trying to hold back the tears Stephan corrected himself. "I wouldn't have you."
"How about you tell me on the hunting trip?"
"Fine but atleast promise me that when we get to Mindoir you start boxing."
"Why dad? I think I can look after myself, I'm a pretty good shot, atleast that's what you tell me. And there was that with Jake." Breaking the embrace a confused look appeared on her person.
"A good shot you are, but guns are a last resort and you will not have one until your old enough for a license, until then I need to know while I'm at work you can look after yourself. I'm sure you will love it, you seemed to enjoy punching Jake."
"It was enjoyable, yes, and to be honest, he had it coming. I'll give it ago, you never know I mite me good at it." A grumble from her stomach prompted the next question. "What for dinner old man?"
"Haven't thought about it." He looks to his watch, 17:48. "I can't be arsed to cook today, how about some takeaway? There's this new place that just opened about a mile away, sells Asari food and apparently It's run by Asari, I've seen the way you look at them when they're on the TV. I know you have a thing for them blue beauties." Covering his mouth trying to mute the laugh. "So lets kill two birds with one stone."
"They're interesting to say the least and I've always wondered what they eat, drink and smell like. Aswell what those tentacle things are on their head are."
"Smell like? Kiddo, you're weird has anyone said that to you before?. Now come on before we die from starvation."
As they left the house and started walking towards the takeaway Janes' competitiveness overtook her.
"Race yea dad." As she started sprinting the vague direction of the takeaway.
"You little rat you!" He started chasing her slowly catching her up.
"Five creds say I win."
"Since when did you get Five credits?" he shouted, now closing in on her heels.
"Found them at the park." Turning her head she saw her dad right on her, she quickened her pace.
Victory was hers, arms rised and pumping "I win, hand them over dad." Now placing her hands palm side up awaiting her reward.
"Since when did you become such a quick little thing? I haven't had such a challenge since my time in Alliance."
"Well I guess it's from all my time running to, around and from school." Tapping her right index finger in her left hand she continued. "Now hand them over."
He gave her a coy look as he handed over the credits and entered the establishment simply titled 'Embrace'.
"Abit of weird name for a foodjoint, don't you think?"
"Just a tad."
Embrace was packed to the brim with customers in the takeaway part of it. A Asari came over and introduced herself. She was 6"2", average for the Asari, Light purple skin with dark purple markings, Dark blue eyes and a cute button nose.
"Hello and welcome to embrace, as you can see we are very busy in the part of the restaurant, If you don't mind eating in, I can show you to a table."
Jane was staring at the Asari, jaw slack, eyes wide. When Stephan noticed his daughter he cleared it throat and replied. "That is most kind of you, I thought this place 'Embrace' was only a takeout."
"Oh no, we provide both food to take home aswell as to eat in here. And who are you my little beauty?"
Jane jumped as the Arasi questioned her, her voice a little more then a whisper. "Jane..." She grew in confidence as her father placed a hand on her shoulder. "Jane Shepard."
"What a lovely name, I'm Alestia, I be your waitress today. If you follow me we have a table free that's ready for you."
As they followed Alestia Jane whispered to her father."Dad isn't she...beautiful?"
"She is, but she doesn't hold a candle to your mother."
Turning away to hide her lie she replied. "No one will dad, no one will." Her mother was beautiful, but compared to Alestia? She wouldn't of looked it.
Alestia directed them to table and motioned them to sit. "Here are the menus, is there anything you would like to drink? We have some of Earths beverages aswell as some from Thessia."
"Water for me please." Stephan spoke with a smile at his lips.
"What kind of things do you have to drink that are from Thessia?" Jane piped up.
"We have something similar to Earths green tea."
"I would like that please, Alestia."
"I shall be back in just a moment, please take this time to browse the selection of Embraces' cuisine."
"Thank you." They said in unison.
As Alestia strolled away, Jane and her father picked up the menus and started browsing. Both sets of eyes were drawn straight away to the 'today's special' It looked amazing. The meat was a rich red, and dozens of small shapes that appeared like pasta, the sauce a deep blue and topped off with green leafs like that of lettuce only smaller. It's name, difficult to pronounce.
"Am-jet-quer, Am-get-jer."
"Amjetsger" Alestia corrected. "It's my favourite, the flavours, textures and scent are as you say 'to die for'" while placing the drinks infront of them.
"What do you think Jane?"
"It's looks and sounds lovely, can I have it, please dad?" She begged with puppy dog eyes and hands clasped together.
"Well it's settled, two Am-jets-jers please, Alestia."
"Amjetsger." she corrected again.
"Amjetsger." All three said in unison.
"It would be my pleasure, It will not be long."
"Thank you." Jane nearly shouted, staring at Alestia. Cheeks full of red. She adverted her gaze when she realized she was staring again.
Sipping on the tea, her eyes went wide with pleasure. "Dad, oh my god, you have to try this tea, its the best thing I've had to drink, EVER!" She handed over the tea.
"Kiddo, you have good taste, I'll give you that. If the Amjetsger is half as good, I can die a happy man." They laughed.
Alestia returned with the Amjetsger, noticing the laughter from father and daughter, a smile made its way to get face, reminding her of the time she had spent with her father before she had past.
"Here you go, enjoy. Is there anything else I can get you?"
"I would absolutely love more of this tea." Jane all but spat out.
"Of cause, It's called Sitruuna. It's one of our most exported goods including military exports." Her proud voice showing the truth in her statement.
"I'm not surprised one bit." He admitted.
Repeating his joke to Alestia. "If this Am-gets-ger is half as good as the sitruuna I can die a happy man."
"Amjetsger" Jane and Alestia said in unison. The trio laughed whole heartedly. With that Alestia retreated to fetch more Sitruuna for the pair.
"Dad, it was a good idea to come here, thank you."
"It was, though I'm surprised you haven't asked 101 questions to Alestia about her people."
"Im curious dad, not rude!" Taking a forkful of food to her mouth.
"So some of my lessons did enter that thick skull of yours?" A playful smirk taking over his features.
"This is amazing, I think this is now my favourite food."
"It's great but it's not your mums Sunday roast."
They paid for the meal, taking note of the tea and amjetsger for future reference and leaving a generous tip, double the normal. Shaking hands and thanking Alestia for her polite service, they left, well not before Jane and sneaked a hug from Alestia.