COMMANDER SHEPARD RECOVERED FROM CITADEL RUBBLE BARELY ALIVE

May 18, 2186

It's been just one week since the Reapers fell thanks to the efforts of the believed dead Spectre, who seemingly sacrificed her life for the good of the galaxy. This reporter is happy to report that early Thursday morning, a search team found the badly wounded Commander buried under a pile of concrete and metal, which had miraculously formed a shelter around her, undoubtedly saving her life. Though she is in critical condition, reps for the Alliance say they are hopeful that she will survive her various wounds.

As for the Alliance warship, the S.S.V. Normandy, there is still no word on whether or not the Commander's crew survived the blast of energy after the Crucible was activated. Alliance officials are hopeful for a safe return.

In the meantime, we will keep you up to date on news regarding Shepard's condition as details are given to us. Rumor has it that Shepard and Major Kaidan Alenko had been more than friends according to an inside source, though that had never been confirmed by either party.

NORMANDY RECOVERED ON ONE OF THE MOONS OF THEMIS IN ARCTURUS

June 28, 2186

More cause for celebrations as the lost crew of the Normandy was successfully recovered after managing to patch a connection through to Earth. They returned safely to Earth this morning and are expected to answer press questions.

Inside reports tell us that the crew was eager to get to The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, where their beloved Commander is currently still in I.C.U. Details about Shepard's condition have been few and far between, but this reporter has to believe that no news is good news. An inside source tells us that Miranda Lawson has been heading the effort to revive the Spectre.

As always, we will keep you up to date as details are made available to us.

BRAND NEW APARTMENT COMPLEX IN PHOENIX TO BE CONVERTED TO SHELTER FOR DISPLACED CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

September 1, 2186

The luxury apartment complex that was originally to be upscale living will now be transformed into a mass shelter for children who have been displaced and orphaned during the war. This sudden change has come thanks to the tireless efforts and funds raised by the second human Spectre, Major Kaidan Alenko, who appealed to the Alliance after seeing the sad overcrowding of group homes and the shortage of foster homes available. This project will provide housing for hundreds of children and families.

The collaborative team includes Abigail Williams, a young social worker who has received her own acclaim in the past three years, working closely with the Alliance and founding the ALAS Family Foundation. Miranda Lawson, who headed The Lazarus Project, which resurrected Commander Shepard after her 2183 death and Oriana Lawson, a college student and volunteer.

Along with Major Alenko, these three ladies have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of countless victims of the war.

Though he still will not confirm or deny a relationship with Commander Shepard, inside sources tell us that the Major has been a frequent visitor at The Mount Sinai Medical Center.

We can only hope, when the Commander does wake up, the Spectre Sweethearts will decide to go public with their love.

November 10, 2186 CE

Death had been easy. At least, what she remembered of it had been relatively simple; painless. Life was hard. Life was painful. Shepard was positive she wasn't dead. She heard sounds, she thought, but couldn't make sense of them. They were just muted murmurs that her rattled mind couldn't translate. Sometimes, she dreamed. She saw faces of people both dead and alive. She saw her father, but he was always just out of reach, blue eyes full of love. She yearned to feel his arms around her, enveloping her in his protection. Once, she'd just been a simple little farm girl who loved to wear her older brother's tattered hand me downs and listen to the timbre of her father's smooth tenor as he told them stories about Earth.

Now she was…well, she wasn't sure what she was, or even where she was. All that she was certain of was that she was stuck in between the living and the dead.

Purgatory in the literal sense of the word.

There were times when she imagined people were talking to her; she often felt the sensation of a warm hand covering her own. Old Maggie, a neighbor of theirs back on Mindoir, used to say that when you die, you sleep for seven years. Maybe this was that. She didn't think so…because sometimes, she felt like she was close to the surface, just a hair's breadth away from waking. Still, her eyes remained closed.

Would she wake up fifty thousand years in the future like Javik had? Had it only been a few minutes? Hours? Shepard wasn't sure, but there was no way to tell how much time had passed. It felt both like seconds and years.

"You can't stay here, Al," A voice came from behind her. Behind? Was she standing somewhere? Turning around, she saw her father.

The dream again.

"Where am I?" She asked him, looking down at herself and realizing she was dressed in her old jeans and flannel shirt from home. Her auburn hair was pulled into two braids.

"Here," was his only answer, though he was smiling. "But you can't stay, Kiddo."

"Am I dead?" Her voice was younger; higher in pitch. John Shepard shook his head.

"No." He smiled at her. "But you do have a choice, Alex. You can follow me, or…"

"Or?"

He pointed down what looked like a dark tunnel with a sliver of light shining at the end. "Or you can go back."

"Have I been here before, Dad?" She looked around, feeling an odd sense of Déjà vu.

"Yeah, you've been here before," he told her, smiling warmly and moving closer to her.

"I miss you," she confessed, feeling very small. He pulled her into his arms, holding her. She inhaled deeply, feeling the sudden burn of unshed tears. He smelled just like she remembered. He smelled like soap and aftershave and freshly mowed grass.

"I miss you too, Kid," He told her, kissing the crown of her head. "But I don't think it's your time."

"I'm not ready," she agreed, letting her eyes overflow, wetting the front of his shirt.

"You still have work to do, Alex," John told her, pulling back to look down at her. "You won the war, but you haven't finished your journey."

"What do you mean…?" He let go of her and backed away from her.

"Go find out," He nodded toward the sliver of blinding light. "We'll be waiting when you're done."

Before her eyes, he began to fade. "No!" She cried, reaching out for him. "Don't go! Don't leave me, Dad! Dad!"

But he was gone.

Defeated, she turned back toward the light, inching curiously toward it. She wasn't sure what she would find there, but she felt like it was where she needed to go. Once again, she heard the muted sounds from before, though this time, she understood them.

"Heart rate has increased," A male voice said. "Brain activity is picking up."

"She's waking up," A familiar female resonance responded. "Please contact Major Alenko."

"Is she…is everything normal?"

"We can't know until we can speak with her," The female answered calmly, "Shepard, if you can hear me, I need you to try and open your eyes."

It clicked.

Miranda.

Shepard willed her eyes to open, though nothing happened immediately, there was a sharp gasp from the other person in the room. "She's trying!" Joker. A swell of guilt, directly followed by grief filled her as she remembered that EDI had been a necessary sacrifice in the decision to destroy the Reapers.

"The sedation may take some time to wear off," Miranda told him, "But, I think it's safe to say she'll be awake within the half hour." Shepard heard the click of heels on the hard aluminum floor. "I'm going to contact Dr. T'Soni. Will you stay with her in case she comes to?"

"'Course," He agreed. Shepard heard the sound of a chair being dragged closer to wherever she was. She felt her hand being lifted into both of his. "Alright, Commander," Joker's voice was hoarse, full of exhaustion, "Here's the deal. I'm gonna need you to wake up pronto, because I've got money riding on this…Garrus said it'd take you two days to wake up after they took you off sedation. I said twenty-four hours. I could really use the credits though. There's a new Asari porno I've got my eye on..."

"Pervert…" Shepard heard herself say, though it came out more as a broken rasp than an actual utterance. Joker let out a sharp cry of surprise, but his hands tightened on hers.

"Holy shit! Warn a guy before you decide to just blurt it out like that!" He panted. "I think I pissed myself." Slowly, she tried opening an eye and winced at the blinding fluorescents above.

"Bright…" She murmured, squeezing them closed again.

"Here," he said, carefully lifting her head and putting something on it, shadowing her eyes.

Trying again, she realized Joker had put his hat on her head, shielding her eyes from the harsh lights of the hospital room. Gradually, the bleary images surrounding her came into focus and she could see his bearded face hovering above her own.

Life was definitely harder.

"You have got to stop doing this to me," He chuckled, patting her scarred hand. "Welcome back, Commander."

"I'm so sorry…" She told him brokenly. His brows furrowed in bemusement.

"Sorry…?" He asked slowly, "For…? Saving all our asses? Nearly dying? I don't really catch your meaning, Ma'am."

"EDI." It was barely a whisper, but the slight widening of light green eyes and the subsequent stunned expression on his face indicated that he'd heard her loud and clear.

"Shepard, don't…" He pleaded warningly. "EDI knew it could happen. I knew…we prepared for it…said our goodbyes." He turned away for a moment, roughly running a hand through his dark hair, which was slightly overgrown and curling a little. "Doesn't make losing her suck any less, but…I don't blame you. And EDI wouldn't either. She loved you."

"Yeah," Shepard whispered, staring straight ahead. "Doesn't make me feel any better though."

"Well kid," he gave a dry, humorless chuckle, "I guess that's just tough shit."

"Please tell me I haven't lost another two years," She groaned, tentatively lifting the hand that wasn't bound down by needles and tubes.

"Five months," he replied in a hollow tone, still looking away from her. "After they dragged you out of the rubble, it was…there was a lot of damage. You shouldn't have survived."

"I didn't intend to," she confessed, earning a scowl from him.

"That's not fucking funny, Shep." His tone was harsh, but his eyes betrayed him. They were glittering dangerously in the light. His face was drawn, the boyish features shadowed with a few new stress lines around his eyes. He glared down at her. "When they pulled you out of there – Jack found you – you were so broken that they weren't even sure how your heart was beating. You'd lost so much blood. Your leg was shattered. Your skin was charred, and what wasn't was partially melted into your skin. So yeah," he huffed, "You were in bad shape, Commander. But, Jack said you were talking. Incoherent babbling, but she said you kept saying, 'Let me go.' Does that mean anything to you?"

Shepard chose not to answer this, instead staring blankly at him.

"You were in shock," he continued, angrily, "Teeth chattering. Luckily, Miranda was in the vicinity…you've been in an induced coma since."

"Jesus…" She sighed.

"Damn right…" He shook his head. "Meanwhile, we crash on Thallo, one of the moons of Themis. It's beautiful there…warm, you know? And all I can think is, God damn it, I wish EDI and Shep were here."

"You crashed?" Shepard heard herself ask, trying to lift her head.

His only response was, "Yeah," though he would say no more on the subject.

"Where is Kaidan?" She inquired, deciding it was best to change topics.

"Well, since you've been outta commission, Alenko's kind of had to pick up the slack on the human Spectre front." Joker finally met her eyes. "Once we got back and he saw you, he decided to help try to find survivors and bring them in. He's been working with Miranda to save all the little children."

"Wait…Kaidan…and Miranda? Working together?" Shepard tried to chuckle, but her ribs protested. "I don't think they ever had a conversation before…"

"Yeah, well…they talk all the time now," He muttered. "We were deserted for about a month until they got some work done on the relays. Hackett finally got through to us and they sent help. The Normandy was in bad shape. Luckily we were just through the Charon Relay. That's when we found out you were still…"

"Yeah," Shepard finished for him. "I'm like Herpes. I just keep coming back."

This finally drew a subtle, but genuine smirk out of him as he snatched his hat back and replaced it on his head. "Nice one, Shep."

"You think? Maybe I could be a comedian," She sighed, feeling the slightest touch better.

"As long as you're not a dancer, I think you'll be okay," he teased, hooking his thumbs through his belt loops. "Never been so happy to look at a wall and not see your name on it." He was referring to the memorial wall on the Normandy. "That wall is too full as it is."

"Agreed," Shepard sighed. Both of them reacted as her stomach gave an audible grumble. "Guess I should ring for lunch. It's been five months…"

"Oh God, just wait till Liara hears you're up," Joker gave a low chuckle, "There will be bouncing…if we can get ahold of her."

"What do you mean?" Shepard stared at him in confusion.

"Once we got off the island, so to speak, she kind of fell off the grid." He raised a brow. "She'll check in from time to time, but no one really knows where she's been." Shepard tried to sit up a little, gesturing for him to give her a hand. He gave her a skeptical look, but complied, shoving an extra pillow under her head.

"Do you think she's doing the Shadow Broker thing again?"

"I don't know…but you know how she is. She likes her secrets."

"That she does," Alex nodded fondly, "I wonder if—" She cut off at the sound of heels on the tiled floor, followed immediately by a perfectly sculptured silhouette in the doorway.

"How are you feeling, Shepard?" Miranda's elegantly accented voice came from the doorway.

"I'm a little hungry," Shepard admitted, winking at Joker, who rolled his eyes.

"Yes, I suppose a feeding tube won't cut it anymore," Miranda smiled kindly, moving closer. "You're looking well, considering what…well, how much damage you'd suffered."

"Thanks for taking care of me."

"Oh, I'm not the one to thank. Jack was the one who found you and got you to me…it's all a credit to her loyalty and determination that you made it to the hospital in one piece." Miranda's voice was full of respect for her sometimes enemy. As much as the two women claimed to clash, Shepard had seen their affection for one another. Hopefully, it would lead to a long friendship.

"Kaidan is – that is, Major Alenko – is on his way here from the Council meeting. All of the mass relays are now back up and running," she explained, "He's…eager to see you." Miranda gave Shepard a small smile, reaching out to touch her hand. "I just want you to know…I'm so glad you're going to be alright. Kaidan will be so thrilled." Shepard managed a smile in reply.

"I hear you two have been getting along." She snickered a little when Miranda's eyes widened in shock, before settling on Joker.

"Well, you have…" He reminded her. "What does Williams call you two? Mr. and Mrs. Perfect?"

"Williams?" Now Shepard was intrigued.

"Abigail Williams, the Alliance Coordinator for displaced children," Miranda explained, "She and I met during the war, while I was trying to get in the Alliance's good graces. I believe you knew her sister, Ashley. Major Alenko volunteered himself to help us once he'd seen to it that you were well taken care of. It is a credit to the Major and to Miss Williams that so many children are now safe with a roof over their heads. He's used his influence as a Spectre to have a brand new apartment complex in Phoenix converted into a children's home. We're working to possibly add more."

"Wow…that's impressive," Shepard acknowledged, feeling a surge of pride. "If anyone could accomplish something like that, it's Kaidan. And you," she added, nodding at Miranda. "Sounds like you make a good team."

"He was hesitant at first…" Miranda confessed.

Joker chuckled. "By that, she means that they basically snapped at each other about Cerberus and Horizon and whose ass was bubblier."

"Joker…" Shepard groaned warningly. "I may be pinned to this bed by needles and tubes, but I will find a way to kick your ass." She met Miranda's blue eyes. "But I think Kaidan may have you beat."

Miranda's face was a hilarious shade of pink. "I…also got hold of Dr. T'Soni. She left me an email address. She's informed me that she is on her way."

"Where is she?" Shepard inquired, curiously.

"She did not specify. Only that she was off-planet and would be arriving within a few days."

"Off-planet?" Shepard's eyebrows rose in surprise.

"If I remember correctly, she mentioned something about spending time on Mars with Javik," Miranda added.

"Javik?" Came two simultaneous replies.

"Oh shit, that's right!" Shepard exclaimed, "Javik told me he was going to write a book with Liara. They must be doing research in the Prothean Archives."

"Or what's left of them," Joker muttered. The sound of shouting in the hall got their attention as they all turned to look.

"…Major Alenko! Is it true that Commander Shepard is awake?"

"What does that mean for you two?"

"Is there any merit to the rumor that she's completely paralyzed?"

A tall figure bounded into the room, turning only long enough to instruct two guards to keep the halls clear. Closing the door behind him, Kaidan finally turned to see three pairs of eyes watching him expectantly. "I got here as soon as I could…" He explained to Miranda apologetically.

Joker stood up, adjusting his hat and sighing. "Well, I should…I better go," he told them. "Thanks for winning me some creds, Commander. Garrus is gonna be pissed."

"Joker—"

"I'll check in soon," He promised, clapping Kaidan on the shoulder, "That Asari porn isn't going to watch itself." Miranda made a noise of disgust, but Shepard and Kaidan simply shook their heads in amusement.

"Take care, Joker," Kaidan told him sincerely.

"You too, Major." Then he was gone and Kaidan's amber eyes were on her, imploring and full of unshed tears.

"I'll give you some privacy," Miranda said quietly, starting toward the door.

"Thank you, Miranda," Shepard told her. "For everything."

The woman said nothing in response, but nodded, leaving swiftly and closing the door behind her. At once, Kaidan was perched beside the bed on the chair, holding her hand between his. He silently bowed his head, pressing her knuckles to his cheek.

"Thank God…" he finally murmured. "Thank God."

"It's gonna be okay," She told him, swallowing the lump in her throat. "We're okay…right?"

"Yeah," he breathed, looking up, "We're okay. I was so…when we thought you were dead…when I thought you were dead—" He stopped talking, just staring at her with furrowed brows and shaking his head.

"I'm not dead," She reminded him, "And I'm not going anywhere."

"I love you," He told her, meaningfully. "I need you to know that."

"I do know that, Kaidan," Shepard laughed, despite her own conspicuously burning eyes, "I thought we covered that…unless you were just messing with me." He swallowed. "I'm kidding," she told him, cupping his cheek. "I love you too, you know."

"I don't deserve you," he told her, pressing a kiss to her palm. "I never have."

"Look, Kaidan. I love you, but this brooding teen romance hero angst doesn't become you," She grinned at him. "And if anyone deserves to be happy…it's you."

Careful not to hurt her, he leaned over her and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips.

Yeah...so, um...yeah.

Feedback is appreciated, though not required. I tried.