On the day before they were to report to basic, Kaidan found himself up early. Knowing that Jane was always up early he made his way to her room to see if she wanted coffee or if she wanted to head out for breakfast. Finding her room empty he glanced back to the front room to see if he had missed her. Finding it also empty he walked towards the kitchen. The thick carpet muted his footsteps on his way down the open hallway towards the dining room. Jane's back was to him and she was leaning over the sink, her thick red hair was messy and she was still in the tank top and sweats she must have worn to bed.
Kaidan stood quietly watching her and he had a flash of a young child with dark hair and bright green eyes running out to them some early morning before school. The vision if you could call it that came unbidden and it caused him to smile but it quickly faded. She didn't want him, so why when he knew that did he want to be with her so badly?
As he stood there arguing with himself his eyes were drawn to where Jane's hands were gripping the counter. Her knuckles were white and he realized her eyes were closed and her face echoed a pain he knew all too well.
"Jane." He kept his voice soft as he walked up behind her placing a hand on the small of her back.
"Headache?"
She nodded and looked like she was about to be sick.
Kaidan quickly took her hand and lead her back towards the front room. Sitting her down on the couch he turned and quickly turned off all the lights, ran to the bathroom grabbed a cold cloth and his bottle of migraine meds, by the time he made it back to her she was leaning forward her head resting in her hands.
"Take these for me Jane and then lay down." Swallowing the pills he handed her she groaned as she pulled her legs up on the couch.
Sitting next to her he helped her scoot up and laid her head in his lap. Placing the cold cloth on her head he moved his fingers to her temples and began to message them in slow small circles.
"Close your eyes Jane, try to sleep the pills will help."
Jane closed her eyes, the combination of whatever Kaidan had given her plus his slow massage of her temples caused Jane to finally relax, stop clenching her jaw and sleep found her.
Jane opened her eyes and realized the sun was low in the sky over the water. She must have slept all day. She was on her side and realized Kaidan was still there, he was asleep leaning back against the couch. There was soft music playing in the background but it sounded much different than the music she had heard thus far in her time on Earth. Her headache was gone though she still felt hazy like her head was much too light on her shoulders.
Her movement caused Kaidan to stir and his hand came down and stroked her hair once before he placed it on the back of the couch.
"Hey Jane, how are you feeling?"
His eyes were searching hers and he looked worried. She smiled and pushed herself up so she was sitting next to him.
"A lot better, I don't know what I would have done if you weren't here, that's the worst one I've ever had."
"Yeah, I've had a few killers, but if we only get migraines we're the lucky ones. There have been a lot more issues beyond that. You'll let me know if you get anything besides headaches, things like numbness in your hands or feet."
Jane nodded once and smiled looking around.
"Where is that music coming from? It sounds different than what I've heard before. What is it?"
"It's old Classical music, Beethoven. My father is really into the old, old classics. It'll be good for you to read up on. I can turn it off if it's bothering you."
Jane reached out as Kaidan's omni tool glowed to life and she rested her hand on his.
"No please don't, I like it."
Jane was quiet for a moment and let the music float gently through the room. It was so different than the demanding pounding beats of the club. This was gentle with striking sounds that flowed through you rather than slammed against you.
"I'm sorry I ruined our last day before basic."
"You didn't ruin anything Jane." Kaidans tone was soft.
"What do you say to staying in tonight? I'll have food brought up. We'll enjoy an evening of Classical music."
Jane glanced once towards her room. She wanted to go write her dad and Nihlus before her life wasn't her own for nine weeks of basic, then grad and probably another seven weeks before regular duty, but as she looked back towards Kaidan she found herself nodding.
"Yeah that sounds great."
~~00o00~~
Kaidan flopped down on the couch next to Jane in the common room. Jane was staring at her data pad and didn't look up when he sat so he nudged her slightly.
"Can you believe it's been six weeks? I'm so tired I could collapse. Word has it you're shooting for the distance record tomorrow. I'll be there can't wait to see that." Kaidan trailed off as Jane still didn't look up at him.
"Hey, you okay? Is it your dad?"
"No, spirits no." Clicking off the data pad she set it aside.
"Don't worry about it." She waved her hand pushing his words away.
Before Kaidan could respond one of the guys from their platoon, Private Garvin jumped over the back of the couch landing on Jane's right.
"So did you two hear? They're holding a ball for Admiral Hackett. He's coming to inspect the base and I guess it's his birthday."
Jane and Kaidan stared at him blankly as he paused.
"Really nothing?" He sighed" Which means they are inviting all the recruits. Geez you two. Better get those dress blues ready. And I've gotta find a date." He was eyeing Jane but when he looked up he caught a look from Alenko that he took as a solid warning.
"Anyways thought you two should know. Twenty till lights out." He pretended to stretch and jumped up.
Jane groaned and sunk lower on the couch.
Kaidan chuckled knowing what she was thinking.
"Don't worry, you've got me remember, just follow my lead and it'll be fine."
Jane grinned up at him. "Dunno what I'd do without you."
Kaidan's heart did that familiar flip.
"Oh you know you'd probably fall on your face."
She smacked him on the arm but she was still smiling.
"Yeah I might do that anyways."
~~00o00~~
The air was still, perfect she thought. The humidity was high though and she adjusted again, Jane could hear the man on her left and his breathing was hurried she imagined she could hear the beat of his heart she knew it would be pounding in his ears. His blood pressure would rise and his hands would shake ever so slightly.
Jane slowed her breathing; she brought herself back to the days when her dad would lay next to her on the ground talking her through the shot. She saw her bullet hit the target in her mind and squeezed the trigger. She heard as well as saw her shot hit and she immediately chambered another round as the crowd behind her cheered.
Kaidan was about to go to her side when one of the men in their platoon stepped forward and shouted to those gathered.
"D-company would like to announce that one Private Shepard is now the all time long distance sharpshooter record holder. Can I get a Oorah?"
This was answered with a resounding "Oorah!" from those gathered.
Jane stood firmly at attention as she was congratulated by their drill sergeant.
Kaidan stood back as Jane was surrounded by people. She was laughing and Garvin leaned into her whispered something and he watched as she turned almost the same color as her hair. She shook her head and averted her eyes from him. When she turned from the group to collect her rifle she stopped next to Kaidan and elbowed him.
"See, I told you."
Kaidan laughed "Yeah you did, and you were right. You're one hell of a shot Jane. Hey. Uh so what did Garvin say to you?"
Jane blushed again and Kaidan had to fight the urge to brush his fingers across her cheek.
"Nothing, seriously you don't want to know."
"That bad huh?"
"Yeah who knew that the way to a guy's heart would be through a sniper rifle?" She quirked an eyebrow and Kaidan laughed.
"I'm not sure you made that joke on purpose. Really I mean who knew you to have a sense of humor?"
"Yeah you must be rubbing off on me Kaidan. Hey come on let's go we've got a run to get in before chow."
They made for the track but within a few steps Kaidan stopped. "Hey wait, I'm not funny."
Jane grinned but didn't stop. "Yeah I know."
Jane had only made it a few more steps when one of the young recruits barely seventeen if Kaidan remembered right jogged to a halt before Jane and gave her a sloppy salute. Jane seemed confused and Kaidan had to stifle a laugh. She was getting quite the fan club.
"Shepard Ma'am? I've heard they are going to let you choose people for the sniper team for competitions I would like to be considered Ma'am."
Jane nodded and stepped forward. "First you don't need to salute me; I'm just a recruit like you. But if you are going to salute don't let them see you do it like that. Follow me, arm straight and remember longest way up, shortest way down." Jane snapped him a perfect salute and he returned it standing at attention.
"Very good, what's your name?"
"Private Adams Ma'am."
"Okay then Adams, come to the range next week there is a posting. We'll see what you've got."
He ran off and Kaidan finally chuckled.
"You're something else Jane."
She elbowed him again and nodded towards the track.
"I think you're getting chubby Alenko. Extra laps now, let's go." He groaned but didn't actually feel it, he loved that she spent all of her free time with him even if that meant running. He watched her jog off her pony tail swaying behind her. He shook his head at himself and jogged after her.
~~00o00~~
The day after Jane's record-breaking shot a general assembly was called for the entire base. Not only was Jane recognised, they were informed of the impending arrival of Admiral Hackett. Their Drill Sergeant paced the front of the room back and forth. Kaidan's head was killing him and the shouts from the Sergeant weren't helping.
"Listen up; just because you've been invited to a fancy party does not mean you're not still service men and women of the Alliance. You will be in dress blues and you will be on your best behavior. Not only is the top brass going to be present but ambassadors from all over. That means you will need to make sure your translators are in at all damn times. I don't want you insulting the Turian primarch because you didn't understand him. Also there will be no drinking. This is not weekend leave this is a military function. There will be alcohol there but if I see any of you drinking it you will be scrubbing the biffy with a toothbrush. Am I understood?"
The room responded with a "Yes Drill Sergeant."
"Very good; dismissed."
~~00o00~~
They day of the ball brought a lot of excitement to the barracks. Kaidan noticed that all the women were lined up to get a shot at the washroom. All that is except Jane, he found her in the common room already dressed in her blues, hair pulled back into a bun; she was fiddling with the set of dog tags that rested, next to hers and he noticed with a slight hint of satisfaction the necklace he had given her was now being tucked under her shirt with them.
"You look fantastic Jane." He watched as a blush crept up to her hairline and his heart flipped.
"Yeah well at least you can't see my knees, I hate my knees."
"I don't know why Jane you have great knees."
She rolled her eyes at him and gave him the once over.
"Don't you look handsome Alenko. Shame to waste this on me; we should have gotten you a real date."
Kaidan wanted to tell her that every other woman here paled in comparison but instead he just shrugged and offered her his arm and whispered.
"Yes, but then who would keep you from falling and ruining your blues?"
Laughing she pinched the inside of his arm.
"You make a good point."
The reception hall was packed with people being introduced before the supper, the dancing to be held after.
Jane caught sight of Captain Anderson and she and Kaidan saluted him as he stopped in front of them.
"Well Shepard, Alenko. It's good to see you both here. I've heard good things about the two of you." Anderson looked from Jane to Kaidan and to where their arms were linked.
"Very good things; I'm sorry I have to keep this short but the Admiral will be here soon. I will be on base for a few weeks after this; I hope to be able to talk to you both very soon."
They watched Captain Anderson walk away just as Private Garvin pulled his date over with him stoping next to them and flashed a bottle of something, which Jane was pretty sure, was liquor.
"So, its punch spiking time. Alenko block me."
"This is not high school Garvin. It's not like you're going to just get detention." Kaidan's whisper was soft but harsh.
Garvin's date side-stepped next to Kaidan and winked at him.
"Oh come on cutie, don't be like that." She licked her lips at him, he sighed hissing at Garvin. "She's already drunk; it's not even past supper yet. How do you plan to get her through that, let alone the ball?"
"You worry too much Alenko, lighten up besides I can always trade my drunk one for your sober one." He made a grab towards Jane and she caught his arm.
"I suggest Garvin that you take your date and make an excuse to one of our commanding officers that she isn't feeling well and remove yourself before one or all of us end up on biffy duty for a month. Don't you?" She bent his wrist ever so slightly and he winced nodding.
"Fuck yeah whatever. Guess what they say about you is true." As they walked away she heard him mutter "Fucking Turians."
Kaidan flinched and took a step to go after him but Jane laid a hand on his arm halting him.
"Leave it."
"How do people know Jane? I thought it was all sealed."
"Yeah well some things get out, I'm not worried about it Kaidan, it's what I am."
He paused but he realised she was right, it's kind of what he loved about her. That she was different that everything was new and awkward for her. That she was so beautiful without knowing it, because she grew up somewhere where she was the outsider. His inner conversation caught him off guard and he repeated it. That's what he loved about her. Shit.
After supper was served they were all shown to the ball room, they stood around the edge of the dance floor as a few announcements and congratulations were given out to the Admiral as well as his cake, they all sang happy birthday which much to Kaidan's amusement Jane didn't know. Yet another thing on his list of things that was adorable.
The room was elaborately decorated complete with orchestra much to Kaidan's delight and he pointed it out to Jane.
"That music you liked so much, well tonight I'll teach you to dance to it." He felt her flinch and he laughed.
"It's much different from the club. Trust me Jane."
The Admiral was first on the floor followed by various other top brass and officers. Once they were on the floor a few of the recruits joined them.
Kaidan took Jane's hand and led her to the floor. He placed her hand on his shoulder and his on her waist taking her other hand in his he leaned forward his forehead almost brushing with hers and she pulled back slightly.
"Trust me Jane, follow my lead."
She nodded and he felt her relax, she was light he noted as she followed him in her first waltz, her steps were not perfect and she hit his foot once or twice but she was graceful, it was a warriors grace, one that was ready to dive, dodge, jump or he thought with a smirk wait for hours unmoving just to pop a bullet into someone.
She was smiling and giggled once or twice when she stepped on his foot during the next dance which was more up tempo.
"Okay Jane, I'm going to spin you and dip you back don't worry I've got you."
He spun her and as his arm went around her waist he tilted her back and he felt her go stiff as a board.
Jane heard her own breath catch in her chest as she was dipped back and her vision was obscured by a very large red Turian with white marks she knew all too well and she knew that look on his face very well, he was annoyed. She sat up quickly and spun in Kaidan's arm.
"Nihlus? What are you."
Nihlus had her hand in his and pulled her out of Kaidans embrace and had his forehead against hers in one motion.
Jane closed her eyes; just the warmth from his skin was enough to make her heart melt.
"Really Nihlus what are you doing here?"
"I was invited here Jane, I'm with...a co-worker if you will."
Jane made to ask what he meant but his look told her not to ask.
"I was surprised to find you here dancing. It doesn't seem like your thing love."
Kaidan watched as Jane was pulled to the Turian, watched as he leaned his head against hers and now he was calling her love. His heart clinched.
"Oh this, it was Kaidan's idea." Stepping to the side she pulled Kaidan over to her.
"Nihlus this is Kaidan Alenko, Kaidan this is Nihlus Kryik."
Nihlus took Kaidan's hand and although his tone was friendly and light the look in his eye needed no translation.
"I've heard a lot about you Kaidan, thank you for what you did." That's what he said, but the look was the same one Kaidan gave to men lurking around Jane, it said. Don't touch what isn't yours.
In the next instant Kaidan was forgotten as Jane walked away with Nihlus towards the far side of the room. He noticed that he wasn't the only one watching them; they had drawn the attention of most of their platoon as well as the others. He read the unasked question on their faces as they looked from him to Jane. Most of them realising the rumour they had heard about her was true.
Jane and Nihlus stood talking a few feet apart after their first embrace, they had both not been thinking and now trying to make it seem as though they were just having a casual conversation almost seemed forced.
"How long are you here for?"
"Just the ball Jane, our ship is here we're leaving right after. We're just here diplomatically. Requested of my, co-worker specifically by Hackett."
She nodded but her face was set in a deep frown.
"I'm sorry Jane." He glanced around them and then lifted her chin with a gloved talon.
"I love you, I've missed you. I'm sorry I don't write back to you more often, I... well it's complicated Jane." He cast a glance over his shoulder and she saw a grey Turian by the door watching him.
"I'll explain at some point, I've got to go. Write me, even if I don't get to write you back please write love."
And with that he turned and made his way to the other Turian and they joined the circle with Captain Anderson and Admiral Hackett.
Kaidan watched from the side as Jane's face went blank. Stepping up behind her he laid a hand on her shoulder.
"Hey Jane, what do you say we head out. I feel a headache coming on." She nodded
"Yeah thanks Kaidan we had better get you racked out before it hits hard."
She knew he was doing this for her and she was glad. She couldn't stand here having Nihlus that close and not be able to talk with him, be with him. She was confused and she hated that feeling.
As they left the room Kaidan felt Nihlus's eyes on him, he nodded towards the Turian and to his surprise he nodded back but the warning was still there.
"Duly noted sir." Kaidan mumbled as they walked out and towards the barracks.
~~00o00~~
Kaidan waited for Jane at breakfast but she didn't show. He was surprised but not truly concerned until she missed morning drills and their Sergeant came to him looking for her.
"Alenko where the hell is Shepard? She's not sick and she's not in her rack.
His heart felt like it was in his throat and his answer was hoarse. "I don't know Sir, permission to go look for her."
The Sergeant eyed him before nodding.
"Granted, you have twenty before I call it in and she's reported as AWOL."
"Yes Sir." Kaidan sprinted towards the barracks.
~~00o00~~
Jane had washed up just before hitting her rack the night of the ball. She was exiting the washroom when she felt a foot in her back. She hit the floor face down but before she could react she was knocked out cold.
When she awoke her head was killing her, she could feel the tape on her mouth and she realised she had a hood pulled over her head. Spirits she'd been black bagged.
She almost laughed, thinking it had been her platoon. Shit had they meant to knock her out like that? She was most certainly going to make them pay for this one.
She squirmed trying to free her wrists but realised the ties on them were done very well and they were cutting into her wrists; enough so that on her last pull she felt the trickle of blood down her hand.
She wasn't sure how long she sat there tied to the chair but she was pretty damn sure that it must be getting on towards morning. She hopped in the chair trying to move it.
"Don't Jane; you're just going to make this worse."
Jane froze, she knew that voice. Andy...
"Leading Alenko on like that, he was always fooled by you. I know what you are; they let the enemy into our own military. You showed everyone what I had told them was true last night with your friend. I've decided to do everyone a favor and finish what Vyrnnus started. You should suffer for what you did to us Jane. What you let him do."
Inside Jane's head she was screaming, needing, wanting to tell Andy how wrong he was about what she and Vyrnnus were that she hadn't put him up to those things that she had wanted to protect them. She knew at this point though he was far beyond listening to her.
He pulled the bag from her head and backhanded her in a single stroke.
"Come on Jane, we're going for a walk. I want you to tell them all what you did."
He took her to the yard, it was personal time and there were groups of platoons gathered just after morning drills talking and standing around, there was a game of basketball that ended as Jane was kicked to the ground.
Kaidan had been on his way out of the barracks to check the range when he saw them.
He saw Jane hit the ground, looking up he saw Andy standing over her screaming.
"Tell them Jane, tell them about Jump Zero, tell them what he did to us."
Jane sat up on her knees.
"Andy, listen to me I."
He backhanded her again and her head snapped to the side as she pulled herself to her feet.
Kaidan was almost there and as Jane saw him, before she could stop him he jumped in front of her and that's when the melee started. Jane and Kaidan's platoon were behind them instantly as was what must have been Andy's behind him. Fists, kicks and biotics were flying in what must have looked like a school yard brawl.
They heard yelling and the Sergeants were on them pulling people apart. They heard the guns load and they froze.
"All of you on your faces, hands behind your head. Do it now!"
Andy glared and screamed at them as they were all led to the brig. Jane felt bad for Andy, he hadn't come out of brain camp any better than them. This could have as easily been her or Kaidan screaming like a madman. They had all lost something on Jump Zero.
Some more than others.
~~00o00~~
Jane found herself with Kaidan in an office that was being used by Captain Anderson.
They stood at attention as Anderson stood staring out the window his back to them.
"I understand there was an argument." He turned to face them and nodded towards Jane.
"No, you don't need to tell me Shepard, Andy Smith was all too happy to inform me of what he believes happened. I'm sorry to the both of you, no, all of you for what happened on that station. We'll get Andy the help he needs, as for the two of you. I wasn't lying when I said I would be watching you and I have been. I've come to a decision, the two of you won't be attending grad in two weeks."
Jane felt the blood drain from her face.
"You had weekend leave coming up I believe. Take it and report to my office on Monday, do you understand me?"
"Sir, Yes Sir." They responded in unison.
"Very good, you're dismissed."
They both about-faced to leave the room.
"Oh and Alenko, Shepard. Make sure your things are packed when you report here on Monday."
They exited the room and Jane released the breath she had held and leaned against the wall, her head pounding.
Kaidan didn't let her wallow long, he grabbed her hand and pulled her down the hall.
"You heard Anderson, we're on leave. Let's get the hell outta here before they change their minds and toss us back in the brig."
~~00o00~~
Note: There is more Boot Camp and training goodness to follow. Just a little more intense.
Thank you so much to those who have taken of their time to read my story, I'm so happy so many of you are enjoying it. Thank you for your reviews; as I am always nervous when posting a new chapter. I do enjoy your critiques and questions.
Thanks again.
^.^