(Any text in bold is thoughts of the main character. Any underlined text is thoughts of another character)

Shepard and his crew had fought valiantly and boldly against the Collectors in their final battle and they had come a long way to get to the point that the galaxy could finally be free. But the knowledge of the Reapers existence had shaken the Normandy to the core and it had nearly torn Shepard's relationships with his crew apart. He was always arguing with Joker about practicing new maneuvers when he piloted the ship. Locking horns with daily with Garrus about calibrating the ships weapons perfectly. Lecturing Liara about pushing the limits of her Biotics. It had only been a few days since Shepard and his crew had learned of the upcoming Reaper invasion and already they were at each other's throats about what the best cause of action was.

But this story is not about Commander Shepard. It is about another. A girl named Rowynn. Rowynn enlisted in the Alliance a few months ago and had graduated at the top of her class. Not only was she the best soldier in her class, but she was the best soldier in the history of the Alliance, second only of course to Shepard. So when an opening needed filling on Shepard's vessel she was a perfect candidate to join the Normandy's crew.

"Private Rowynn!" shouted a familiar voice. Rowynn turned around to see none other than Admiral Anderson. As the Admiral approached she saluted him. "At ease soldier." said Anderson. "I have great news for you kid." "What is it Sir?" asked Row still surprised to see the Admiral.I wonder what business he has speaking directly with such a low ranking soldier?"As you know, you graduated at the top of your class…" began Anderson, "and of course you shattered a few of Shepard's records in the process." "That still doesn''t explain why you're here Admiral," stated Rowynn. "I was getting to that," said Anderson, "there's an opening on the Normandy for an infantry soldier. I figured you might be interested in the position…"

Row's eyes lit up as she heard those words. She blurted out "of course!" and jumped forward and hugged the Admiral. He coughed and she let go. She glanced around and noticed several people staring at her sudden outburst. "Umm… sorry Sir." Rowynn said looking at her feet in embarrassment. "That's alright," said Anderson, "your behavior is understandable given the news you just received. Most soldiers would kill to be part of Shepard's crew." "Yeah…" said Row still feeling a bit awkward, "thanks." "Well, go ahead and pack your things," said Anderson, "the Normandy will be arriving shortly at docking bay 17. Rowynn thanked the Admiral once more then hurried to gather her things. I'm going to be on Commander Shepard's ship. Not just any ship, but THE Normandy!

Docking bay number 15… docking bay number 16… docking bay number… 17! There's the Normandy! Row hurried to the ship. "Hey you!" shouted somebody from behind her. She turned around. "Yeah you!" said the man, "what are you doing?" "I'm… I'm going to get on this ship." said Rowynn slightly confused by the question. He was a bit above average height, fairly tan, with a shaved head, and wearing a jacket with N7 on front. "No you aren't," said the man, "at least without my permission that is…" A lightbulb appeared above Rowynn's head as she realized who she was talking to. "W-wait… y-you're," stammered Row, "Commander Shepard!" "Yeah, I supposed I am," said Shepard, "you know, seeing as that is my ship behind you." A voice came on over Shepard's communicator. "You mean MY ship?" "Uh, yeah… sure Joker," said Shepard. "Come on kid," said Shepard, "I'll introduce you to the crew.

"Ladies and gentleman…" began Shepard, "I'd like you to welcome the newest member of our crew. Private…" "Rowynn." she said, finishing the Commander's sentence for him. A Turian stepped forward and piped in on the conversation. "Oh, she's the one who broke a bunch of your records," he said with a mocking tone. "No, she broke a few of my records…" said Shepard, "there's a big difference Garrus."

Shepard began going over standard ship protocols and procedures for Rowynn but she didn't register a single word of it. Her eyes were fixed on the Turian who had spoken… Garrus. She tried to look away but couldn't do it. Why?She couldn't help but notice the powerful rippling muscles of his arms and his hypnotizing eyes. Why couldn't she look away? Most humans would call Turians ugly creatures, and on every occasion that word had been associated with the race, Rowynn had agreed. But something about this one was different. Was she in love? She had felt what she believed was love when she looked at other humans, but never at another species, especially not a Turian. Yet somehow, she felt something she'd never experienced before when she gazed at this man.

"Come on Rowynn," said a woman, finally breaking the trance she was trapped in, "Shepard wants me to show you to your quarters." "Y-yeah… sure…" said Row as she took one last quick glance at Garrus. "What were you looking at?" said the woman, who Rowynn now turned to face. She was an Asari. "Nothing." said Rowynn. "Ok, well then, come along," replied the Asari, "my name is Liara by the way." Liara extended a hand and Row reached out and shook it, not wanting to be rude.

"Here we are!" exclaimed Liara, "this is your room." "Thanks," said Rowynn. "Hey can I tell you something? I mean will you be able to keep a secret?" "I suppose…" said Liara, "what is it?" "Earlier, when you asked me what I was looking at and I said nothing…" began Rowynn. "I was looking at someone." "Oh, I see," said Liara, "I assumed you were hiding something." "I was looking at that Turian…" confessed Row. "You mean Garrus?" asked Liara. "Yes," said Rowynn. "Why?" questioned Liara. "I don't think I fully understand why myself," said Rowynn, "I just couldn't keep my eyes off of him…" "So that's it then?" probed Liara. "Yeah, I guess so…" muttered Rowynn. Liara turned and headed to her own room leaving Row alone. "Maybe I should go look for him after I unpack," said Row to herself.

Shepard had seen Rowynn stare at Garrus during the entire induction. Why? What did this Turian have that Shepard didn't? Everywhere he went, woman flocked to him, so why hadn't she been in awe of his company? Not that Shepard disliked Garrus, he was his best friend, but he couldn't help but feel a bit jealous that the spotlight wasn't on him...

Somebody was at Shepard's door. "Come in," he said. A young man Shepard hardly recognized strode in and saluted the Commander. "At ease." said Shepard, "what are you here for?" "Well sir," said the man, "it's the new recruit, Rowynn…" "What about her," said Shepard his interest peaking as Row's name came up. "Well she came over to the Main Battery saying that you gave her orders to assist Garrus with his calibrations. I found that hard to believe since she's an infantry soldier, but I let her through anyways. I didn't want to question your orders, but was a bit suspicious about it so I came here right away." "I see," mumbled Shepard, "the only thing is, I gave no such order Private." "I can go escort her back to her room if you wish Commander," said the Private. "No, just go back to your post and leave her be," said Shepard. The Private left Shepard's room. "EDI," said Shepard. "What is it Shepard?" asked the AI. "Can you get me a camera feed of the Main Battery?" "Right away Commander," replied EDI.

Row crept up on the Main Battery. She knew that Garrus would be in there. Tricking the guard to let her through was easy enough, but if Shepard found out she could get into serious trouble… She peeked into the room cautiously and saw that it was empty. "What are you doing?" asked Garrus from behind her. Great... I just got caught. By the person I was trying to spy on no less... Row turned around hesitantly, not wanted to get caught at what would inevitably be her gawking at the Turian. "I was… I was… uh… looking for… Shepard's room," she stammered. Ugh, that was the worst excuse she could possibly have come up with...

Garrus wasn't buying it at all, but he played along. "His room is that way actually," he replied, pointing in the general direction of Shepard's quarters. Rowynn of course was breathless from being so close to him. "I could escort you there if you'd like…" he said. "That… would… be nice," Row managed to gasp. "Are you all right?" asked Garrus, "you're breathing pretty heavily. Maybe you should lie down." She nearly fell over. Garrus caught her and picked her up. Row couldn't stand the intensity anymore. She fainted.

Rowynn woke up in the Med Bay on a bed with Garrus and a woman, presumably the ship's doctor standing nearby. "I'm not sure what happened Dr. Chakwas," said Garrus, "we were standing there talking and she just collapsed." "Hmm…" mumbled Chakwas as she looked over some scans she took while Row was unconscious, "no fever, no internal or external injuries…" "So?" asked Garrus. "So…," began Chakwas, "she must have gotten over excited about something. I don't see what else would've caused her to pass out like that so suddenly." "I do," said Liara as she walked into the room. "I don't mean to interrupt, but I think I know what happened…" Liara, don't you dare tell him… "Well? What?" asked Chakwas. "She fainted because she… well…" said Liara, unsure of whether she should finish her sentence. "She what?" asked Garrus, "what Liara?" "Dr. Chakwas?" said Liara, "could you please leave the room?" "I suppose…" the Dr. replied. Then she walked out.

"So what is it Liara?" asked Garrus once again. "You see… Rowynn… she…" started Liara. Then Rowynn sat up in the bed. "You're awake!" exclaimed Garrus, "are you all right?" Rowynn nearly fainted again after he looked at her. Why did he have so much power over her? Every time he spoke she became breathless, and when he looked at her, her knees would buckle. Why was she attracted to him so much? "I said, are you ok?" asked Garrus once more. Row looked down at the bed sheet, trying toavoid eye contact with the Turian. "Umm… I guess," she muttered. "Actually, she's not," said Liara, "she… well, you see… Rowynn is in love with you."

"What?!" exclaimed Garrus, obviously shocked by the news. Then he looked back at Row. "Is this true Rowynn?" Row blushed deeply and tried to summon the courage to respond, but couldn't. She just sat there, utterly embarrassed. Why won't you confess your feelings to him? Damn it! It's all Liara's fault! She's the one who had to go and tell Garrus! Finally she managed to say a single word. "Yes." "I see," said Garrus, "I've never loved anybody in my entire life, so I'm not exactly sure what this means…" Row's heart sank… That's all he had to say? I see?

Shepard had made EDI change camera feeds from the Main Battery to the Med Bay after Rowynn had passed out. So that's it then… she loves him? "EDI," said Shepard. "Yes Commander?" replied EDI. "Have Garrus and Rowynn report to my room immediately." "Yes Shepard," said EDI. A few minutes later, Garrus entered with Rowynn behind him. "You wanted to see us Shepard?" asked Garrus. "Yes, Vakarian," said Shepard, "I understand there's been some… "occurrences" between you and Rowynn. Is that correct?" Shepard put emphasis on the word occurrences when he said it. "I'm not sure what you mean Shepard," replied Garrus. "You can't fool me Garrus," said Shepard, "I saw what happened in the Battery, and heard you guys talking in the Med Bay." Damn EDI. Why was Shepard spying on Garrus in the first place though? Shepard just kept looking at Garrus and then he gazed at Rowynn and rose his brow waiting for a response from one of them. The bastard is jealous... I can't believe it! Row looked at the floor. She'd been embarrassed plenty of times in her life, but this was the worst by far. Not only did Garrus know how she feels about him, but the Commander did as well.

Garrus looked at how vulnerable the girl was. He felt bad for her. No, it was something else. Was he also attracted to her? "Well if you heard our conversation in the Med Bay you know damn well what is going on!" snapped Garrus. "Don't raise your voice to me!" yelled Shepard. Rowynn felt so helpless. The man she loved felt nothing towards her, but now he was defending her? She was so confused! On top of that, the Commander was furious, probably not just at Garrus, but at her as well. "Rowynn, get out now!" snapped Shepard. "Rowynn, stop!" yelled Garrus. He spoke loudly, but not a single trace of anger was in his voice. It was almost like her presence helped calm him.

"Don't order her around like a dog Shepard," said Garrus, "she has done nothing wrong! Or is it a crime to love now?" "The problem is she doesn't love me!" exclaimed Shepard venomously. "So you're jealous?" said Garrus, "am I threatening your reign as the "ladies man?" That last question was a challenge. "Garrus, you're treading on dangerous ground…" snarled Shepard, "I'd watch what you say or I'll have you court martialed!" "I don't give a damn Shepard," said Garrus. "That's it!" yelled Shepard as he accessed his coms, "Joker! Turn the ship around! We're dropping Garrus off at the Citadel!" Rowynn started to cry. This was all HER fault. SHE was the one who couldn't control her feelings, and now the man she loved was going to be gone and she would be at the mercy of a deranged Commander...

Garrus lost all control seeing Rowynn in this state. How could Shepard be so selfish? So arrogant? But mostly, so cruel? He lunged forward and smashed his fist straight into Shepard's jaw, breaking several of his teeth. Shepard fell back and landed on his back. Bleeding quite a bit from his mouth he managed to mumble, "Vakarian, you son of a bitch… I'm gonna kill you!" He grabbed the pistol from under his desk, but Garrus was faster. He drew his own pistol and shot Shepard's out of his hand, destroying it.

Rowynn heard footsteps coming towards them. The door opened and Liara and a Drell ran in. The Drell saw Shepard lying on the ground bleeding and Garrus pointing a gun towards him. He drew his own pistol and pointed it at Garrus's head. "Don't make me shoot you Garrus," said the Drell, "put your gun down slowly." "It wasn't his fault!" Row blurted out, "Shepard pulled a gun on him first!" "You realize that is a serious accusation Rowynn," said Liara. "I know, but it's true," said Rowynn as she tried to think of a way to convince them.

"EDI," said Garrus, "what happened?" "Garrus…" began EDI. "Tell Thane and Liara," said Garrus. "Alright," said EDI, "Shepard ordered them to come to his room. Then he and Garrus began arguing about Rowynn. It would appear that Shepard is jealous of her affections towards Garrus. Shepard was then punched by Garrus. Then Shepard drew his gun and Garrus did as well." "So he did try to kill Shepard…" said Thane. "No, I'm not finished yet," said EDI, "then, Garrus shot Shepard's gun, disarming him. He did not attempt to end Shepard's life, although the same cannot be said for Shepard." "I see," said Thane, "although I'm not sure how to handle this. Garrus committed a serious offense, assaulting a commanding officer, but Shepard attempted murder, a much more serious crime."

"Enough!" snapped Shepard who had completely lost it at this point, "Thane! Kill that traitorous piece of shit!" "No." said Thane. "NO?! NO?!" repeated Shepard hysterically "I just gave you a fucking order!" Thane looked right at Garrus, steadying his gun. Rowynn couldn't watch. He pulled the trigger. "Thane!" exclaimed Liara, "what have you done?" Rowynn opened her eyes and saw Garrus standing there, untouched. Then she looked at Shepard. He was lying on his back, dead. After a bit of silence Thane finally replied to Liara. "I killed an insane man, who was hell bent on destroying a good one." "That's all you have to say?" asked Liara, still in disbelief at the events that just unfolded.

"Yes," replied Thane calmly, "he said to kill the traitor, and I did." "No you didn't," said Liara, "you killed our Commander!" "That was not our Commander!" snapped Thane, "he died the moment he let his personal feelings get in the way of his judgment." Liara looked at Rowynn for support, but she just shifted her gaze away awkwardly. Then Liara looked at Garrus. "Shepard was my friend Liara," said Garrus, "I never would've wanted this, but he went too far. Thane made the right decision. Either the monster Shepard became died, or Rowynn and I did." Liara walked out. "Somebody should go talk to her," said Thane. "I'll do it," said Row. "No," said Garrus, "you stay here. Thane can calm Liara down." Thane took the hint and left as well.

After Thane had been gone for about a minute Garrus finally spoke. "I'm sorry," he said. "For what?" asked Row. "For everything that has happened since you got here," said Garrus. "Why?" asked Rowynn, "if it wasn't for you I'd probably have slept with the Commander and been ditched for the next girl dumb enough to fall for him…" "You talk as though nothing bad ever happened," said Garrus. "I can't deny the bad things that happened," replied Row, "but I'm glad I'll be able to remember this…" "What do you mea-" but Garrus was cut short as Rowynn planted a kiss right on his mandible.

"That was…" said Garrus, "I don't understand why you did that." "Oh… said Row. I guess he doesn't like me after all... "But I suppose I can try to understand," said Garrus. Row's heart skipped a beat. Does that mean what I think it means? Does he, love me? Time seemed to drag on for an eternity. It had probably been just a few seconds since Garrus said that, but it felt like forever ago. Row pondered for a moment and then she said it. Something she'd never expected to be saying to anybody during her time on the Normandy. "I love you," said Row as she hugged the Turian. "I… I love you too." said Garrus as he held her close in a warm embrace. Row had never been so happy in her entire life…