A/N: Well, this is just a small chapter, filler mostly but I liked it, I hope you guys do too. Remember to review, it only helps. May fortune favor you all.
Shepard stood at the Holocom, arms folded as Anderson appeared in front of his. He looked bad, like he hadn't slept in days. He was covered in dirt and grime, his uniform had rips and tears along the arms and chest. Anderson smirked as he saw Shepard.
"Damned if you aren't a sight for sore eyes Shepard." Shepard returned the smile and replied.
"You look like hell Anderson, but alive at least." He laughed and lifted his hat, running his hand through his short mass of thinning hair.
"Heard about Grissom Academy, damn fine work John. Don't even wanna think about what would've happened to them if Cerberus got a hold of them." Shepard nodded.
"They're eager to help." Anderson shook his head.
"These kids are some of the best humanity has to offer and we're throwing them into this meat grinder." He sighed and looked back to Shepard. "I hate this damn war John." Shepard nodded, exhaling. "Hackett didn't say in the report…. But is Kahlee ok?" The end of Shepard's mouth curled up and he spoke.
"She's fine Anderson, with the students now." Anderson visibly relaxed.
"Thanks Shepard, I've lost enough friends already. We all have." He turned around and nodded. "As a thank you, I… diverted a couple crates of N7 weapons to you, think of it as a thank you." Shepard smiled and nodded.
"I appreciate it Anderson, can only use Avengers and such for so long." Anderson nodded and spoke.
"One last thing Shepard, Ms. Chambers wanted to talk to her team if she could. He grinned and brought up his wrist.
"Sam, get up to the War Room and bring your team. Rose wants to talk." The reply was nearly instant.
"On our way Shepard." He nodded and Rose stepped into the Holocom. Shepard took her in, she was gorgeous, like that of a model. Even covered in dirt and grime she was good to look at. She smiled at him with her rifle on her shoulder.
"Nice to see you again Commander." He bowed his head.
"You too Rose." She blew a stray strand of hair from her face before speaking.
"I'll tell ya Shepard, these bastards are tough but nothing me and Anderson can't handle. I'm glad to see things aren't that different then back in the early 2000's; still, I miss home. This place…. Feels like a good copy but it's off in some ways." He nodded and turned as he heard the scuffling of boots behind him. In ran all of Sam's team, eager to see their friend. Shepard stepped out to give them some privacy. He spoke into his coms.
"Joker, take us to the Citadel." Joker confirmed and began to set a course
"ETA is two hours Boss." Shepard nodded and walked to the elevator, taking it down to Engineering, the only place he hadn't explored yet since the Normandy's retrofit. The elevator was slow but he liked the quiet. The door opened and he heard familiar bickering.
"You're a pig Ken, you know that?" There was a scoff and then a reply.
"Of Course, Gabby. It's part of my charm." Shepard smiled as the doors to engineering opened and he saw them staring intently at their terminals. His smile grew as he noticed he hadn't been spotted and crept up on them. When he was but inches behind them he raised his foot and stomped his boot, shouting.
"CAPTAIN ON DECK!" There was a shout of pure terror as Donnelly turned, Gabby, to her credit, only jumped and saluted immediately as Ken hit the ground. She frowned when she saw Shepard.
"Really, Commander?" He smirked and looked to Ken who still lay curled up in a ball on the ground, eyes closed. Shepard put a hand out and helped Ken to his feet. He spoke.
"Aye Commander, was that necessary?" To his left, Shepard heard a laugh.
"To see you scream like my daughter Ken? Of course it was." Engineer Adams had to hold onto the railing to keep from collapsing in laughter. Shepard shared a laugh with Adams before walking over and giving the man a hug, clapping him on the back.
"It's good to have you back Adams." He nodded and replied.
"It's good to be back Shepard." He sighed and looked at the ground before continuing. "Listen, Commander. I'm…. I'm sorry that I didn't follow you. When Karrin and Joker messaged me saying that you'd be back thanks to Cerberus, I just couldn't believe it. I failed you Commander and I'm sorry." Shepard put a hand on his shoulder.
"Greg, it's ok. I get why you didn't and in your position I probably would've done the same thing as you. But that's all in the past Adams; we focus on the present on this ship." He smirked as he finished his sentence and Adams met his gaze and returned his smile. He saluted and walked back to his post, Shepard turned to Donnelly and Gabby. "Glad you two got posted here, wouldn't be the same without you two." Donnelly nodded.
"When we heard the Normandy was going back out, we insisted that we be back as well, Commander." Gabby scoffed.
"You shoulda seen him Commander; he got into a lot of fights with the brass over you and your lockdown. Even decked a Captain who said something he shouldn't have." Donnelly blushed slightly as gabby continued. "I wasn't quiet myself, but you know how Ken is Commander." He smiled and nodded.
"Thank you, both of you. I can't overstate how glad I am that you're both back." He saluted them and returned to the elevator.
Shepard stepped off the ship with the whole crew in tow. There was a hustle and bustle among them as they all spoke to one another and Shepard was in a good mood. He moved out towards the elevator and they piled in. Their first stop was the Refugee Camp that had been set up by the Council. All but Shepard exited with plans to help the refugees however they could and Shepard nodded to them all the elevator took him to Huerta Memorial.
The doors opened and he hustled out, making a bee line to Ashley's room. He tapped his foot impatiently as doors opened slowly, doctors and patients sputtered past him but he paid them no mind. More doors barricaded his path and he waited as Ash's room stared in front of him. He halted, collecting himself when he heard voices ringing out inside. The doors opened and revealed Udina talking to Ash. He stood at the edge of her bed with his hands behind his back; Ash was lying up in an elevated position in her bed. She was still bruised all to hell but looked good all things considered.
"I'd like an answer lieutenant commander. The galaxy needs soldiers of your caliber, now more than ever." She winced, sitting up and giving her reply.
"I'm still going over it Councilor, but I promise I'll get back to you as soon as I make my decision." Udina nodded and turned to walk out, running into Shepard. The two men nodded at one another as Udina exited the room, leaving them alone. Shepard smiled at her and she returned it as much as she could with the pain she was in. He reached out and took her hand.
"It's good to see you Ash." She squeezed lightly.
"You too Skipper." Shepard pulled up a chair and sat next to her, still gripping her hand.
"Word on the street is that you're gonna be the second human Specter, congrats on that." He smiled and she grimaced, Shepard cocked his head in confusion. She spoke.
"It's not that easy, Skipper. It's an honor, no doubt, but I feel like I need to think it over some more. It's a big responsibility and all that jazz. I mean hell; I' m not even an N7. Am I even qualified?" Shepard intertwined their fingers.
"You're more than qualified Ash, one of the best soldiers I've ever worked with, better than most N7's. You think on your feet, quick with decisions, calculated in those decisions and always get the job done, that's what being an N7 is all about, Specter too." She sighed and looked out the window that sat on her left.
"The nurse said you dropped by earlier, left that Tennyson collection as well." She turned back to him. "That was sweet and very much appreciated by the way. I've been climbing the walls around here looking for something to do." Shepard grinned.
"Anytime. So, how've you been feeling?" She tried to sit up, Shepard offered to help but she refused, eventually getting it on her own.
"Sore, very very sore. And bored. The injuries were bad but not terrible so basically I've been stuck in bed with nothing to do but read Tennyson, don't get me wrong, it's great but you can only read for so long, right?" Shepard nodded. "Listen… John. I want to talk about what happened back on Mars." Shepard rested his free hand under his chin and looked at her, waiting for her to continue. "I'm… sorry about what I said. Now I see that you're still the same John Buchanan Shepard I know and love. I believe you cut all ties with Cerberus." Shepard nodded and sighed in relief, happy that she finally believed him. "But we're still a thing, right Shepard? I mean what with all that's going on right now, should we still be together?" Shepard kissed her hand and spoke.
"I'm not going anywhere Ash; I couldn't do this without you." She smiled, shining and bright.
"I can't tell you how badly I wanted you to say that John." She squeezed his hand again and shifted, sitting up even higher. "I needed something good like that after what's been going on." He nodded and stood up.
"I need to get back to it all Ash but I'm a call away should you need anything." He leaned over and kissed her forehead. She stopped him.
"Wait John, there was one more thing. You know about my mom and sisters back on Earth." John sat back down again.
"I'll call in some favors, try and get them somewhere safe, deal?" She nodded profusely.
"Thanks Skipper, I owe you." He smirked.
"More than one LC. Speaking of which, when did that happen?" She laughed and replied.
"Seems like that Williams Curse is cracking, was sure I'd top out at Gunny. I probably have you to thank for that." She grinned at him.
"You earned it Ash, you work hard and, if I may say, look damn good doing it." She snorted a laugh.
"You're a pig, you know that." Shepard began to snort and oink like the aforementioned animal. She kept smiling, something that Shepard never got tired of. He stopped his impression and looked into her muddy brown eyes. He asked.
"Why didn't you try to contact me while I was in lockup Ash? I was going crazy in there with no one to talk to, never sure if you were even still alive." She looked away from him, back to the window and the passing sky cars.
"I… I couldn't face you after what I said on Horizon. Even when Anderson asked me to meet up, I struggled. I regret what I said John, I really do." He patted her hand and spoke.
"All's well LC, the past is the past and we're all good now." She exhaled.
"It's gonna be a while before it's all done with Skipper." He smirked.
"Better hustle up then Williams, Reapers don't take naps." She laughed and looked back at him. Shepard traced his thumb along the back of her hand.
"You mentioned family still on Earth, whose there?" She expelled a breath.
"Mom and the Hellions. Sarah, you remember her right? Well she was on her honeymoon with her new hubby Thomas. He's an Alliance guy too. When he got called to the fight, she was alone. We talked a lot; it's been rough on her. Growing up I was always there, even while stationed they knew they could call and talk to me. I asked her to meet me here at the Citadel so we could catch up and wait for news together." Shepard nodded.
"Do I get the privilege of meeting this sister?" He said with a smirk. She laughed and squeezed his hand as he kept staring into her eyes. Reluctantly, Shepard looked back and noticed the clock; it was time to get back.
"I gotta go Ash but I'll be back soon, I promise." He leaned in and kissed her softly and began to walk to the door. As he did, he heard a whistle and laughed as the door closed behind him. Shepard walked out into the waiting room and saw someone familiar. A Drell standing in front of the window, watching the hustle and bustle of the Citadel. He made his way to the Drell and stood next to him.
"Thane, it's good to see you again." The Drell turned to him and let a small smile pass his lips.
"Commander Shepard, the feeling is mutual." He stuck out his hand and Shepard took it immediately before pulling the dying Drell in for a quick hug.
"You look good for a dying man Thane." He nodded and bounced on his feet.
"Thank you, with a healthy lifestyle, I can ward off Kepral's Syndrome for years. However, that time should've passed by now so it's more or less something to occupy my time." He looked quizzically to Shepard. "What brings you Huerta, Commander?" He pointed a thumb behind him to Ash's room.
"I was visiting Ash; she got pretty banged up on a mission." He put a hand to his chin.
"Dark haired human with substantial bruising?" Shepard nodded. "Ahh yes, she's started in my physical therapy class. I assume she is someone special to you Commander?" Shepard nodded again. Thane nodded as well. "If that is the case than I will help her however I can, she is now under my protection." Shepard put a hand on Thane's shoulder.
"Thank you Thane, she means a lot to me." He put his hands behind his back and spoke.
"Death is close for me Shepard; it is a good time to be generous." Thane gestured with his head to a set of chairs to their right and they took them, still talking.
"How've you been Thane?" He sighed and looked out to the Citadel Skyway.
"It has been alright, all things considered. The time frames for life I was given have been inconsistent to say the least. My favorite doctor though said I had but three months to live…nine months ago. However, it is freeing not knowing how much time I have left. I have no real responsibilities or fears; it is a good end to a life." Shepard nodded and followed his gaze.
"Does it hurt, Thane?" He was silent for a second but replied.
"Sometimes, I experience shortness of breath and dizziness at the best of times. At worst, I faint of pass out and require day to day doctor visits." Shepard stood up, placing a hand on Thane's shoulder again.
"I wish the best for you Thane." He nodded and looked to Shepard.
"And I for you Commander, but do not grieve me, my son visits regularly. I will keep in contact Shepard, until next time." Shepard nodded and walked out of Huerta Memorial. He took the elevator to the refugee camp and wandered about, noticing his crew helping wherever possible. Garrus was coordinating with other Turians and Sam and his team was running small errors around the Citadel. Shepard walked over to Garrus and nodded to him.
"How're the Turians holding out?" he shook his head and leaned against the wall.
"We're not, not really anyway. We're losing whole platoons at a time, nearly ten per Reaper." Shepard shook his head.
"Not even a war anymore…" Garrus nodded and Shepard spoke again. "Any word from your dad or Solana?" He shook his head again.
"Nothing yet but I'm holding out hope. What about you? How's Ash?" Shepard sighed and crossed his arms.
"I've been better Garrus, things are rough and it's taking its toll. But Ash is ok, all things considered." Garrus nodded.
"Don't get too bogged down Shepard, remember to come up for air from time to time." He said with a smirk as Shepard walked away, back to the ship.
Shepard was dreading meeting with diplomats. He called out to Joker.
"Joker, set a course for the Annos Basin, we're going to play politician today." He heard a sigh.
"Aww come on Commander, I hate politicians." Shepard nodded.
"Me too Joker but we need this so be on your best behavior." Joker harrumphed and set a course as Shepard went up to change into his best dress blues.
As Shepard walked out of his room in his finest uniform, Traynor messaged him alerting him that the Salarian Dalatrass and Krogan Clan Chief were ready to board, Shepard told them to meet in the conference room with the Primarch until Shepard could get there. The elevator could not go any slower as he waited, eventually the doors opened and he walked on. He walked into an argument that had already started. The Dalatrass was speaking and pointing fingers to the Krogan who had his back turned. However, the armor was recognizable and Shepard hustled.
"The Krogan is in no position to make demands of us!" The Krogan slammed his hand into the table and roared.
"The Krogan has a name; Urdnot Wrex and we are not some animal that you can let off a leash whenever you need something dead." Shepard smiled.
"Wrex! It's been too long." He turned and saw Shepard, smiled and put his hand out.
"Shepard! You've gotten more scars since our last meeting. Good, you're still fighting worthy foes." He turned back to the Dalatrass and then to the Primarch. "Give me a reason to care if the Turians go extinct." To his credit, the Primarch remained cool headed and kept his arms behind his back.
"Just tell us what you want Wrex, I'm sure we can come to an agreement." Wrex laughed and set his hands on the table, Shepard knew where this was going.
"I need a cure for the Genophage." His eyes narrowed at the Dalatrass and her eyes widened. She made a dismissive gesture with her hand shook her head.
"There is no way in the galaxy that is going to happen. The Genophage is nonnegotiable." Shepard sighed and held his head.
"Why Dalatrass? What are you concerns?" She looked to Shepard.
"We lifted the Krogan so we know them best. They're only good at war, which is what we trained them to be good at." Primarch Victus spoke next.
"What do you think this is Dalatrass? A skirmish? We're talking full galactic extinction here!" The Dalatrass replied.
"And what of after? The Krogan would conquer the galaxy." Shepard interjected.
"If they don't help, there'll be no galaxy Dalatrass. Why can't you get that?" Before she could reply, the Primarch spoke.
"Enough! Even if we all agreed, it would still take years to form a cure." Wrex shook his head and looked to Shepard.
"You recall Maelon's work, don't you Shepard?" Shepard nodded. "Well, despite his brutal tactics, some of his experiments on our females were useful." He brought up a video on the Holocom in the center of the table. The video showed someone running around and taking video of a Salarian research lab. "Since some were a success, the Dalatrass here had a team round them all up and clean up the mess. She took them prisoner." Everyone turned to the Dalatrass who was sweating and twitching.
"Where did you get this? It could be a fabrication!" Shepard was furious and drew his sidearm, angling it at the Dalatrass's head.
"You took innocents as prisoner unjustly and relegated them to torture. Under galactic law and Specter authority, I can execute you right here Dalatrass. Give me one reason I don't." The room was dead silent.
"We… we can help you with the Prothean device Commander." Shepard fumed but put his weapon down.
"You're not worth the bullet Dalatrass. Now, where are the females?" She held her head.
"They're on an STG base on Sur'kesh." Wrex nodded.
"Let's go get them Shepard." The Dalatrass slammed her hand into the table.
"You will not set one foot Sur'kesh! Not until you go through the proper channels." The Primarch shook his head.
"As a Specter, Shepard can oversee the exchange." They began to file out and she kept ranting.
"I won't forget this Commander. But what else can be expected of the Butcher of Bahak. More strong-arm bully tactics." Shepard clenched his fists and Wrex shook his head.
"Not here Shepard." He looked to the old Krogan and nodded as they walked off. He called to his coms.
"Ground team, ready up. We're going to talk to Sur'kesh. Joker, plot a course on the double.
He took the elevator back up and dressed in his N7 Armor. It felt good, almost like home compared to that stuff suit he was in. Shepard took the elevator down to the Shuttle Bay to check out his new weapons, with luck he wouldn't have to use them. However, Shepard didn't hold his breath.