A/N: Well…..I just finished Mass Effect 3. SPOILER ALERT: I have seen 3rd degree burns that have charred less than the ending "choices" from that game. Feeling exceptionally depressed about the outcome, so here I am trying to do something that will cheer me up. Fortunately, the events of Mass Effect 3 are inconsequential for this story as it takes place between 2 and 3. If you're one of the many fans like me though, I share your pain. If you haven't finished the game and are still in ignorant bliss, I envy you. –Outreach117

March 6th, 2175 Arcturus Station, Euler System

"Caroline….Caroline would you pay attention for once?" The voice of Doctor Elizabeth Moreau invaded her thoughts for the second time in as many minutes.

"Mmm, oh, I'm sorry my dear. I was….distracted." Caroline sheepishly admitted as she swirled the glass of brandy that was now half-full and glanced over at her dear friend since childhood. In truth, Chakwas had been trying to focus, but the mixture of alcohol and abundance of Alliance marines at the small bar they sat in had kept her attention split.

"Uh-huh. Which hunk were you checking out this time?" Elizabeth gently teased Caroline as she knocked back another shot of tequila. "Let me guess, that N6 guy over there. A fine piece of work he is….but a bit under your age bracket don't you think? What's his name, Shepard? Great ass, I'll give him that."

Caroline grimaced at the comment. Yes, she had been in fact looking over and admiring the fine specimen of the human species that was the N6 marine Shepard, and she did have to admit he had wonderful assets, despite being about 30 years her junior. "Oh, he's certainly something to look at, but I like my men mature and refined as well as strong and endowed," Caroline nonchalantly commented as she took another sip of her brandy.

"Riiiiight then. Well, what about him?" Elizabeth chucked a thumb over her shoulder at another Alliance officer apparently in his late 40's and lacking a ring on his finger.

"Oh come on now Liz, do we have to keep checking out men every time we go out for a drink? I don't recall my love life being public discussion," Caroline's features dropping slightly. "So how is Jeffrey? I haven't seen him in some time. "

Elizabeth sobered up a bit at that question, her only son that she had raised alone on the station for the past 20 years. His father had passed some years back, Herbert Moreau having died only in his 50's from a heart attack. He had been a solid man and a resolute Alliance marine, and had often joked that the Alliance was his second wife, but he had loved Elizabeth more. "He is well, life on the station was never for easy for him, especially now that he's becoming a man and beginning to notice girls. Not much to choose from to boot, and you know there has always been a stigma about his condition."

Caroline nodded soberly at that. Jeffrey Moreau had been teased and harassed incessantly throughout school, and not having a father or even a sibling had been very difficult on the young man. His mother, also being constantly absent out on patrols as an Alliance doctor, and later a civilian contractor, had only exacerbated the situation. "Well, looking around I can say the selection for the other side leaves something to be desired. Too much testosterone in here." Elizabeth chuckled in agreement, and Caroline leaned forward, a conspiratorial grin on her face.

"You know, we could always create that miracle youth drug and then he could marry me," her grin not wavering as she sipped her brandy again. Caroline had actually known Jeff since before he was born, literally. Caroline had been Elizabeth's attending physician during her pregnancy, and was the delivery room doctor on the day he was born. When Herbert had passed away when Jeff was only 4, "Auntie Caroline" as he had called her, was the closest family present as Elizabeth had been on deployment at the time. She remembered many nights cradling the young boy, eyes wet with tears, as he fell asleep asking for when his mother was going to be home.

Traumatic as the event had been, it had brought the three so close that the casual observer could even be forgiven to think that the two Doctors were a married couple, and that Jeff was their adopted son. The joke about Caroline and Jeff marrying was a result of a humorous event at Jeff's 8th birthday party when Elizabeth had asked him what he wanted to do for his birthday. Jeff had stood straight up, embraced Caroline in a hug and showered her with kisses stating that he wanted to marry "Auntie Caroline." The name and joke had stuck, providing more than a few occasions of embarrassment and humor at appropriate times.

Elizabeth waived a hand dismissively, "Oh c'mon Caroline, I think he sees you more as a mother."

"Exactly! He could be my little sugar bear," Caroline replied as she finished the contents of the brandy.

"Pfft, not likely. Besides, we have more pressing concerns. Namely that Alliance marine I mentioned earlier."

A long shadow formed over the table from the tall and the handsome 40-something man that Elizabeth had pointed out earlier smiled and winked at Caroline. She winked back.

The Present, SSV Normandy Medical Office

"So that is the basics on how Jeff and I met, Rupert." Caroline noted her speech was slurring slightly, the SoCo starting to take effect.

"So who was the 40-something that you mentioned? Still with him?" Rupert replied, taking another sip of the sweet liquor.

Caroline looked down at her feet, her expression somber. "No."

"I don't suppose you'll be giving any details?"

"Maybe." A smile playing across her face as she stood up, a certain gleam in her eye.

"Oh? Well what do I have to do to earn those details?" Rupert grinned back, a conspiratorial look coming across his face.

"Just be a good patient and follow direction," Caroline replied as she casually drew the curtains and locked the door.

Rupert cocked his head sideways, realization dawning. "Are we doing what I think we are about to do?"

Chakwas sauntered up to him, placing a hand on his chest as she pushed him onto the examination table. "Yes."

"I have to admit, I've never done this before."

"Really, well then Rupert, it's a good thing I have."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Thank God." And they sank down on the table as Caroline's mouth descended toward its prey.