Author's Notes: Holy smokes wowza! You all continue to floor me with your avid interest in this story! It makes me feel all tingly inside. :D Each and every day I'm seeing more and more people add this to their favorites or their story alerts. I think it was five alerts and three favorites today alone. And all the reviews! Thank you to each and every one of you. As I'm sure you've noticed, I use this space to write my comments to my reviewers, because it helps me keep them in line with when they were written.

Don't kill me, but Shep isn't awake just yet. Don't worry, though, that moment is coming very soon. And when it does...whoo! Can't say anymore though. Hehe. In this chapter we get to see Kaidan in his leadership role, which I find fits him very well.

HellzCrusader: Thank you! M!Shenko is my new moniker for it, and I, too, get happy tingles from it. I dunno if the name will stick, but we'll see. ;)

NiaUnoriginal: Hope you enjoy this chapter as much as the previous!

PeasandCheese: I really feel like a lot can be said in one-sided conversations, especially with someone like Kaidan, who clearly has a lot of feelings. LOL. He needs to express them!

Threefold: That's my very hope. I haven't felt as energized about a story as this one since some Power Rangers fic I wrote last year, and that turned out to be quite fruitful. Crossing my fingers! :)

Stratataisen: I did use the default face-I found it so pretty to look at that I had a hard time changing it. I did, however, change my F!Shep's face. I'm glad you noticed the little choices I put in there. :D More shall be coming...hopefully the similarities continue!

TeddyRuxpin: Thank you muchly! Hope you enjoy this chapter, as well!

Now, onto chapter three. Please be sure to leave me a review with your thoughts :) Thank you!


"You can patch me through, Traynor. Thanks."

"Connecting the vid com now, Major Alenko. You should have visuals in a few moments."

Kaidan had his arms folded over his chest as he waited for the Council to appear. It took them a minute, but soon, all three councilors stood before him in vibrant blue holograms. They must have been in different locations, as each was separate from the other.

"Councilors, it's nice to see you're all in one piece," Kaidan said with a relieved smile.

"You as well, Kaidan," Councilor Tevos said. She, too, wore a smile. "And it is good to hear from you so soon. I trust all is well on the Normandy?"

"All is well, yes," he replied. "How is Thessia? Palaven? Sur'Kesh?"

"Sur'Kesh didn't feel the impact of the Reapers as strongly as the other planets did, so recovery should be quick," Councilor Valern said. His face remained mostly obscured by the hood of his robes. "We will be focusing primarily on our colonies in other nearby systems."

"Palaven is on the road to recovery, thank you for asking," Councilor Sparatus said. He straightened his back. "Primarch Victus has already returned to the home planet and is setting up for success."

"And Thessia?"

"Thessia will recover, in time," Councilor Tevos offered. She glanced down for a moment. "With the right leaders soon to be in place, we will return to our full strength."

"I think it best, then, for you three to remain focused on your people," Kaidan explained, "to ensure that they are on the right path. However, I wanted to bring up the issue of the Citadel."

"Rest assured, Kaidan, the Citadel remains a top focus for the Council," Valern said. "Once all is in order with our people, we will turn our full attention to the Citadel."

"What course of action does the Council recommend?" Kaidan asked.

"To be honest, we have not yet come to a unanimous conclusion," Tevos stated. "With the war having just been won, our focus has been…stretched thin. Many efforts have gone into the preservation of our territories and our people."

"If I may, councilors?" Kaidan straightened his back, placing his arms behind himself. "I propose using C-Sec to determine the severity of the damage done to the Citadel population, as well as take a preliminary survey of damage done to each individual ward. The Keepers themselves can begin repairs needed to the Citadel itself once we have a better idea of what we're dealing with. I offer my services to partner with C-Sec while you focus on your proper territories."

The three councilors glanced at one another, murmuring back and forth. Kaidan knew at some point that his channel had been closed off to sound—whatever they were discussing, they clearly preferred it remain within the security of the three of them. When a general consensus seemed to be achieved the sound returned, and Councilor Sparatus spoke.

"Very well. Partner with Commander Bailey and take care of the preliminary work. Once we have an idea of what's going on, we'll know where to go next. Are you sure you can support the full weight of the project alone, Kaidan?"

He nodded. "At the moment, sir, there is little else for me to do. I would like to get started so we can begin recovery immediately."

And so I have something to keep me out of Doctor Chakwas' hair, he thought.

"More power to you, Kaidan," Councilor Salern said. "Please present us with a status update this time tomorrow. We will check in with you daily while we attend to our territories."

"All right. I will contact Commander Bailey and we'll go from there. Best of luck to the three of you. Alenko out."

Both Councilor Sparatus and Councilor Salern's holograms disappeared. Kaidan expected Councilor Tevos' to follow suit right thereafter, however she remained, a preoccupied look taking over her features.

"Councilor?" Kaidan asked, confused.

"If I may, Kaidan," she began, "how is Shepard faring?"

"Oh. John's…well. He's in recovery." Kaidan wanted very much to share the full story of what he knew, but he stopped himself. As much as he trusted Tevos, he had to remember that any news he shared with her would be put out to the public at large. She was asking not only for her own knowledge, but for her people, as well. He wasn't ready to share the news of Shepard's coma just yet, if at all. "He'll be back on his feet shortly, I'm sure."

"I'm glad to hear it. Please make sure to pass along my thanks. Thessia may have been gravely damaged, but without him…who knows if we would even have our home planet to return to?"

Kaidan nodded. "I'll be sure to. Good bye, Councilor."

Councilor Tevos' hologram fizzled out, leaving him alone in the video communications room. It seemed oddly silent in here now, but it wouldn't be for long.

"Samantha?" he called, followed shortly by Traynor's voice.

"Yes, Major Alenko?"

"Could you please patch a line through to Commander Bailey on the Citadel?"

"Of course, sir."

It didn't take too long before Commander Bailey's weathered face appeared in the form of a hologram. He appeared surprised.

"Alenko? To what do I owe the pleasure, eh?"

"Commander Bailey, I've just spoken with the Council. I've got direct orders to assist in the recovery of the Citadel. Can you give me any kind of status report?"

Bailey snorted. "Can I give you an update. 'Course I can. But I don't know if you want to hear what I have to say."

Wonderful, Kaidan thought. He knitted his brow. "Continue."

"Most of the damage to the wards has been self-inflicted. Not too bad, but some things'll take some time to repair. My officers are telling me that when the Citadel closed, all hell broke loose. I didn't see much of it myself here in the Presidium, but Zakera seemed to be the worst of them all. Right now Huerta Hospital is packed with civilian casualties from petty criminals who used the emergency as the perfect time to raise hell."

Even though the news wasn't exactly wonderful, Kaidan was glad to hear that the damage was minimal. Small time criminals would of course use this time to try and make something of themselves, so it was up to C-Sec to wipe them out or get them into custody.

"I haven't seen the Citadel since yesterday. Have you managed to open it back up again?"

"We're holding off until we're told whether we're going back into Council space or not," Commander Bailey said. "Easier to travel through the relay closed, if needed."

"I'll have to communicate with the Council, but I have a strong feeling they'll want us to move back to the Serpent Nebula. Once I know more, I'll let you know. They've assigned me the task of straightening out the Citadel, so if you have any questions or need anything, you can reach me here on the Normandy."

"Copy that, Alenko. How's everything on your end? How's Shepard?"

"Shepard's recovering," Kaidan said. "He'll be in tip top shape here soon. Took some damage, but nothing he can't handle. Everything else is good."

"Good to hear. He owes me a drink." Commander Bailey smirked. "And I'm holding him to it!"

Kaidan laughed. "I'm sure he wouldn't miss it. Let's rendezvous early tomorrow morning at 0800. Bring me an update on each ward and any damage. I'll hopefully be able to give you an ETA for returning to the Serpent Nebula."

"Can do, Major. See you then."

Commander Bailey's hologram disappeared, leaving Kaidan alone once more. Without the Citadel being open there wasn't much more he could do, which left him with a fair amount of time until tomorrow.

All he could do until then is wait.

. . . . .

"Patching you through, Major."

"Alenko. Long time no talk, eh?"

Kaidan chuckled. Commander Bailey was trying to be funny, so he thought he'd humor him. "Of course, Commander. Can you give me your status update?"

Commander Bailey's hologram shifted from right to left. "Well, Major, things aren't as terrible as my men made them out to be, but they could be better, honestly."

"Break it down for me?"

"Huerta Hospital's nearing capacity, like I said. The doctors are fearful of running out of supplies since the Citadel is closed off. I've tried easing their fear by telling them we'll open up soon but they keep breathing down my throats about it. The Presidium is in as good of shape as it was last time you were here—nothing too special to note, aside from one or two shop-keeps wanting C-Sec to guard them night and day. Aside from them, the wards are in varying levels of distress. The worst is Tayseri Ward."

"That's to be anticipated," Kaidan said, rolling his shoulders. Tayseri Ward was still recovering from the battle of the Citadel ages ago. He had to remind himself: Rome wasn't built in a day. That was the quote, right?

"Zakera's doing better than anticipated," Bailey explained. "The way my teams described it, it was a destroyed cesspool. When I checked in, myself, it wasn't any worse than you'd expect. Most issues stem from robberies, but what can you do? C-Sec's been stretched thin. The other wards, at least from what data I've been given, are reporting no major issues. Overall, I think the Reapers' decision to close off the Citadel saved us a lot of trouble."

That was refreshing to hear. If the Citadel was in good standing, it would permit the Council to focus on their territories and their recovery. It was also good to hear because it meant that Kaidan could focus on what mattered most to him: Shepard. As much as he needed this project to distract him, he didn't want it to take over. Ironic, he thought.

"You got any news about the Citadel being moved?" Bailey asked.

"Not yet, but I should have something by the end of the day. I have a rendezvous with the Council after our conversation. I'll be sure to get back to you. Any other important notes that I should pass along to them?"

"Yeah. Tell 'em to get their asses back here so people can figure out what's going on with their home planets. All of the sudden people want to talk to the Council, want to talk to their ambassadors. Not to mention, C-Sec has its hands full with all kinds of ridiculous disputes. Those I can handle, but the other stuff? Not so much."

"I'll be sure to pass it along. We'll talk soon, Commander. Good luck today."

"Thanks, Major. Bailey out."

As Commander Bailey's hologram disappeared, Kaidan closed his eyes. Huerta Hospital being at near capacity was concerning; he'd spoken with Doctor Chakwas last night, who had told him that Shepard needed to be moved to a medical facility where he could be monitored much more closely through his recovery. Earth wasn't a viable option due to the Reaper invasion, which left the Citadel. He reminded himself that near capacity didn't necessarily mean full to the brim, and surely they would make space for Commander Shepard, the man who'd saved the galaxy.

Kaidan sighed. No, that wasn't right. As important as Shepard was to him, his life couldn't technically be considered more valuable than anyone else's. In a doctor's eyes, John was just another person.

Still…

"Traynor, patch in the Council, please," Kaidan said.

"Not a problem, Major. Patching through now."

All three council members shimmered into appearance, their blue hued holograms lighting up the small vid comm room. Kaidan gave a polite bow of his head in greeting, and after all pleasantries were said and done, he went right to business.

"Commander Bailey has informed me that the Citadel is in much better shape than anticipated. Most of the wards are without significant damage, save for Tayseri Ward—"

"—Not a surprise, really—" Councilor Sparatus muttered under his breath.

"—and Zakera Ward, which is mostly robbery-induced due to minimal C-Sec presence. The Presidium remains in a similar condition to what it was before, still recovering from the Cerberus attack. Huerta Hospital is another cause for concern. It's nearing capacity. There were a number of injured individuals from around the wards that they brought there. However, once the Citadel is able to open up again, it shouldn't be as much of a problem." He took a long breath. "Other than that, there are no major issues, which bodes well for us."

"Surprising to hear," Councilor Valern said. His large eyes blinked a few times. "But refreshing, and relieving. This means there will be less need to focus so heavily on the Citadel's recovery."

"Do not think that our minds are completely elsewhere," Councilor Tevos added, giving Valern a look. "But as we mentioned earlier, with you at the reins for this recovery project, we'll be able to better focus on our territories at large."

"Yes, I understand. I'm here to help however I can, Councilors." Kaidan smiled. "There is one more thing to note: Commander Bailey asked whether the Citadel would be returned to Council space in the Serpent Nebula. I told him I wasn't entirely sure, but that it was highly likely. What is your order?"

"By all means, if the Charon Relay works, guide the Citadel safely back into Council space and notify us when the job is complete." Councilor Sparatus cleared his throat. "I'll contact Primarch Victus and get a group of Turian cruisers to accompany you. I had a few stay behind in the Sol System in case we needed them."

"When should we leave?"

"Immediately, if possible," Sparatus said. "I'll communicate the necessity to him here after our meeting. He'll reach out to you shortly."

"Anything else of note, Kaidan?" Tevos asked.

Even through the hologram, Kaidan could see how exhausted all three councilors were. They got a bad reputation from most for being too harsh or too critical, or at times even too narrow-minded, but many people didn't see them the same way he did—and the way Shepard did, too. They were mortal, flawed, imperfect, and yet here they were, completely worn out, working toward the safety of all their constituents. It wasn't perfect, but it was admirable, at the very least.

"Nothing at the moment," Kaidan said. "I'll inform you of more in our recap tomorrow. Shall we shoot for the same time?"

"Yes, let's," Valern said. "Once the Citadel is back in council space, Commander Bailey has the Council's permission to reopen it to the public."

Kaidan watched as the three of them went to turn off their connection. He was reminded of Bailey's last request: more hands on deck.

"One more thing, before you go, Councilors—"

"Yes?" they said in unison.

"C-Sec is in need of some additional hands on board while they canvas the wards and make sure everything is back to normal. Doesn't have to be a lot, just a few."

"I'll speak to Victus," Sparatus said.

"Thank you. Goodbye, Councilors."

. . . . .

As per the Council's orders, Kaidan initiated the return to Council space almost immediately upon terminating his connection to the councilors. In truth, he was eager to get Shepard to Huerta Hospital. It wasn't that he doubted Doctor Chakwas' ability—rather quite the opposite. It was her medical opinion that he be moved as soon as possible. Still, the transport felt like it took far too long. By the time they'd finally arrived in the Serpent Nebula, he was about ready to pass out for a nap.

Kaidan hadn't realized until that moment how high strung he'd felt. While he was quite sure his friends and fellow team leaders felt the same way he did, he couldn't help envying the grunts and their ability to take a step back, relax and let their superiors take the reins. At one point in his life, Kaidan would have been happy to let anyone tell him what to do, just so he didn't have to worry. But now he was in too deep to slide by so effortlessly. He knew more than a lot of people would ever know. There was no easy path to take this time.

Once Commander Bailey was able to safely guide the Citadel back into its original position, Kaidan gave him the okay to open it back up. Watching it was truly an experience. In a way, it reminded him of watching a plant grow from within its seed, slowly peeling away the outer layer to reveal the life bursting from within. All of the Citadel's colorful lights glowed against the bright blue sea that was the Serpent Nebula, and all felt strangely right again.

Kaidan couldn't help but smile.

"Presume normal functions, Commander," he said to Bailey.

"Can do, chief. See you down here soon."

While Kaidan did plan on visiting the C-Sec offices and Commander Bailey in particular, his first priority was ensuring that John got to Huerta without any trouble. As such, once they docked upon the Citadel, he accompanied Doctor Chakwas and several other crewmen as they transported Shepard from the medical bay and into Huerta Hospital. It was an easy transition, and the entire medical staff was on board with bringing him on despite the concern of nearing capacity.

He waited for a long while out in the lobby as Chakwas discussed Shepard's situation with the other doctors, during which time he found himself thinking about their friends. Not much time had passed—barely a few days, really—and yet, it felt so much longer. Perhaps it was due to his lack of good, quality sleep. Each day seemed so drawn out, so never-ending. He made a promise to himself that if tonight he had trouble sleeping once again, he would talk to Chakwas about it. The question was, though, could he keep that promise? Kaidan had always been the type to put the needs of others in front of himself, much like John.

I'll do it. For John's sake, he told himself. And that was that.

Doctor Chakwas surfaced from the intensive care wing sometime later, a relieved look upon her face. Kaidan stood up to greet her. He hoped she had good news.

"Doctor?"

"He's not out of the coma yet, Major, so please don't give me those doe eyes." She pulled out her data pad, offering it to him. "I partnered with the attending, Doctor Mesata, and explained Shepard's current situation to her. Blissfully, she has far more experience with coma patients than I do, so she knows what to keep an eye out for." Chakwas moved in closer, speaking softly, "I also explained his…enhanced genetics, we'll say, so she knows to keep an eye out for any abnormalities."

"And what did she say to that?"

"Well, much like any doctor, she was curious. She clearly wanted to learn more, so I expect she'll run some tests of her own. However, what matters now is that he's in a stable facility with the best medical care available. Actually, I…I believe I might stay here and assist until Shepard is up and running. Just to give them another set of hands."

Kaidan couldn't see a problem with that. Doctor Chakwas had been through more than most doctors in the Alliance ever had the chance to see; her knowledge and skill set would be an invaluable addition. Also, seeing as he didn't intend to leave the Citadel for some time, there was no real need to concern himself with her being aboard the Normandy. She deserved some shore leave.

Honestly, they all did.

"You'll be a valuable asset, Doctor."

"Would you like to see him now, Kaidan? He's set up rather comfortably in his room."

"Sure…let's go."

Chakwas guided Kaidan through the lobby and through triage, guiding him past a set of doors that opened up into the ICU. Much like every time he explored a medical facility, Kaidan began to feel his skin tighten. Years of testing and follow up appointments for his L2 biotic implants had made him naturally wary of hospitals and clinics, even though they had done little to him. Still, he couldn't help but rub his hands over his forearms as Chakwas led him into Shepard's room.

It wasn't much, but then again, that was to be expected. There was enough room for John's bed, his medical equipment, a mounted television and a small set of chairs, with at least a little space in which to move around. The wall farthest from the doorway had a small rectangular window that overlooked part of the Presidium gardens, which looked calm and peaceful.

Standing beside Shepard's bed was an Asari with a data pad in her hand. Chakwas approached and said, "Doctor, I've brought Shepard's partner, Spectre Kaidan Alenko."

Doctor Mesata turned around, her intensely focused stare softening. "Ah, yes. Nice to meet you, sir. Karin told me you were waiting outside."

"Nice to meet you," Kaidan said with a nod of his head.

"You needn't worry, he's in excellent care here. Huerta has the best tools available to deal with patients with needs such as his."

"That's good to know. Thanks." Kaidan cleared his throat. "Not to seem rude, but, would you two mind…giving me a moment alone with him?"

"Oh, not at all," Mesata said. She turned and started for the door, with Chakwas following closely behind her. Before they exited she said, "Take all the time you need."

Once again alone. Kaidan moved toward the bed, looking over Shepard's resting body. It frustrated him that he'd been out for so long—this didn't seem right. Then again, nothing about comas really ever did, did they? There was no rhyme or reason to the healing pattern of the human brain. Even after all of their medical advances… this still remained a mystery to them.

He ran his fingers over Shepard's brow and down his cheek. His stubble had now grown into a thin beard. John always used to complain his facial hair grew so quickly. Kaidan didn't mind. Shepard looked good with it.

"You're in Huerta now," he said to him. "Got another doctor looking after you to make sure you recover as fast as possible. I don't know what's got you still in that coma, but you've gotta come out soon, otherwise you're gonna miss all the celebrations from the Reaper defeat. I'm sure people will want to throw hundreds of parties across the galaxy in your honor. No sense, though, if you can't attend, you know?"

That seemed stupid. It was doubtful that John could attend each and every party held in his honor, but then, he wasn't one to back down from a challenge.

"Did you hear me in there? I'm challenging you," Kaidan said, unable to keep from cracking a smile.

Did he just see Shepard's eyebrow twitch?

"You better wake up, otherwise I'm gonna win this one-sided bet. And, well, that's not how you play the game."

No response. Kaidan's smile slowly disappeared. He knitted his brow. He wanted to tell Shepard to hurry up and get better, but even joking in such a way didn't seem so fun anymore. In fact, he was beginning to feel worse about what he'd just said with each passing moment. What if it—

No, he told himself. No thinking like that.

"I'll be back tonight," he promised, reaching to squeeze John's wrist. His skin was warm. He leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. As he breathed in, he found the scent to be clean, neutral. They must have washed him prior to putting him into the bed.

Kaidan pulled back, edging for the door.

He needed to talk to Commander Bailey.