Author's Note: All characters are owned by BioWare. I'd like to thank everyone for sticking with me on this. Hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!


The rear end of the ship lurched as the missiles made impact. Garrus doubled over, nearly slamming his head against the console. Shepard, for her part, was thrown from her seat. She hit the floor hard, the resulting impact crippling her with pain. Gritting her teeth, she forced herself to her hands and knees, nodded to Garrus' urgent, 'Are you all right?'. Ahead, Kaidan had been propelled from the couch. He lay on his side, back pressed against the far wall, one arm draped over his middle. Just imagining the sort of agony he was enduring helped her push past her own, and she scrambled to his side without delay.

"Easy, Kaidan," she murmured, her arms sliding around his upper body. He groaned when she eased him upright. The ship shook again, forcing her to tighten her hold on him. She needed to find a safe place to secure him. Someplace that would offer protection for the firefight to come. Her searching gaze fell upon the entrance leading to an escape pod. She set her jaw. There was no safer place as far as she was concerned.

"Garrus!" she shouted above the blaring alarms. She hefted Kaidan over her shoulders. Despite weighing nearly twice as much as she and in armor, supporting him this way was no burden. "Open the escape pod!" He threw a surprised glance at her over his shoulder. However, the instant he saw Kaidan understanding entered his gaze, and he obliged. Shepard hurried into the pod, setting Kaidan down and locking the safety harness in place. She patted his shoulder in quick farewell before hurrying back to the cockpit.

"Let me get the weapons back online, Shepard," Garrus insisted the moment she stood beside him.

"Do it," she ordered, gripping his shoulder. "I'll take the helm."He nodded and quickly abandoned the seat, his heavy tread fading in the wake of an opening door. Shepard slid into the chair, a part of her absently noting how warm it was as her hands moved across the console. Only after she had control did she recount all the years that separated her from now and the last time she piloted anything. Can't worry about that now, she reminded herself. Thankful Kaidan was strapped in and Garrus could handle the inevitable bumps and bruises, Shepard prepared to dodge the incoming attack.

"We cleared the relay. ETA fifteen minutes," Joker announced. He depressed several buttons. "Comm-channel's got static again."

Miranda stood at his shoulder, her hands on her hips. She smarted at his last words. What in the world could be disrupting their communications like this? "Can you restore the connection?"

"Long-range sensors are still damaged," EDI reported. "I have managed to maintain a lock on Shepard's current location, though I am experiencing some difficulty in keeping it."

"More interference?" Miranda suggested.

"None that prevents me from following her signal. The data I have gathered indicates that Shepard is in constant motion. I cannot determine why at this time."

"Stay with her as long as you can, EDI," Miranda insisted. "We didn't just get her back only to lose her again."

"Acknowledged."

Not entirely happy with events but satisfied, Miranda went to to turn away when she spotted Legion. Normally the geth spent its time in the AI core or in engineering overlooking repairs. She prepared to ask why it wasn't when she sensed something urgent in the way the jointed flaps on its head moved above its single flashing eye. "What is it?"

"We can assist in providing analysis of what is happening," Legion began. "It will require us to interface with EDI."

Miranda hesitated. She had never quite gotten over her initial unease about Legion; to her, it was the same as inviting a Reaper on board. But even she could not deny its commitment to Shepard or their cause. "I should have considered using you before," she admitted. "I'm sorry."

"Apologies are not necessary. You are organic, and all organics harbor the same fear of inorganics," Legion replied. "The ship will not be endangered by the exchange of data."

The utter logic of its argument made Miranda feel needlessly ashamed of her own instincts. Rallying, she smiled a little. "Well, since you put it that way, I'm not sorry."

"We do not expect you to be." Taking her words as an assent, Legion stepped past, coming to a stop at the terminal on the left hand side of the wall. Miranda nodded permission for the interface to begin. "Data received," Legion announced after several moments. "Playing now."

Everyone in or within the vicinity of the cockpit was treated to what sounded like the shifting of cargo, the faint but recognizable echo of weapon's fire, and, most shocking of all, Commander Shepard's normally reserved voice raised in outright frustration. Snippets of conversation followed.

"-taking so long? You said you'd have them ready!"

"-be easier if I wasn't being thrown around down here, Shepard!"

"Can the retorts, mister! I'm trying to keep us alive!"

Garrus' reply was cut off by a loud burst of static. It filled the acute silence in the air. Joker snorted in amusement. "Aw, isn't that sweet. It's their first fight," he remarked. He glanced up at Miranda and said in all seriousness, "You know we should be recording this for posterity."

The few titters of laughter she heard were cut short when the static faded, and Shepard's voice cried, "-coming around again! Hurry-!"

"Playback ended," Legion stated above the crackling static.

Miranda frowned. "We have to get there fast," she insisted to Joker.

"Another eight minutes. Hey, I can't just zap us there by waving my hand," he groused when she shot him an annoyed glare. "Ship's engine took a beating. We're lucky we made it this far."

"You've had a month to fix it," she snapped. "You can't tell me that with everyone working round the clock, it's still not at one hundred percent."

"Jeff is correct," EDI interjected. "The damage was extensive. Repairs are ongoing as we speak."

Joker sent Miranda a smug, See? I was right look that made her sigh in exasperation. She folded her arms over her chest. "Keep monitoring them, Legion. I don't like the sound of what's going on there."

The data pad Garrus held launched itself from his hand- again- forcing him to abandon the partially gutted terminal and chase after it- again. Managing to snatch it before it slid out of reach, Garrus returned to the console to resume his work. No easy task considering how often the ship jerked in accordance to Shepard's erratic steering.

He double-checked the pad, then plugged in the necessary component. A blast that struck the belly of the ship launched him a few inches from the floor, resulting in his hitting the top of his head against the underside of the terminal. He grunted, less from pain and more from honest astonishment that for all Shepard's talents, flying was not among them. Or driving, for that matter. The hours he spent fine-tuning the Mako after a planetside mission...

Garrus couldn't keep from laughing. Lessons were definitely in order. That is, if they survived whoever the hell was shooting at them.

"I hope you have good news for me," Shepard remarked over the shipboard comm. "I can only dodge these attacks for so long."

Garrus verified the settings. "The news is better than good," he informed her. "Just a few calibrations and- there!" he said with satisfaction, watching the panels light up. He secured the exterior panel in place. "They're all yours, Shepard. Personally, I'm glad that your aim is better than your flying."

"Laugh it up, Garrus," she retorted, teasing affection in her tone. "Just you wait until- damn!" she cried, all humor gone from her voice. "Brace for impact!"

Garrus barely had time to react to her command, for within seconds he was launched across the room. Parts clattered along the floor, tumbling, sliding, until crowding him as the wall abruptly met with his back. As he righted himself he heard the groaning of moving parts and glanced up. Sections of the ceiling collapsed, sparking debris occupying the space he had been so rudely evacuated from. Damn, that was close.

Regaining his footing, he tossed the data pad aside and rushed to the cockpit. The acrid stench of smoke preceded his arrival; by the time he passed through the doorway he started coughing. Shepard, her cheeks blackened and bleeding, was hastily emptying the hand held fire extinguisher on the main control panel. He was beside her instantly, catching the one she tossed his way.

"The son of a bitch hit us with a surprise shot," she explained, her voice strained with anger. "Controls are shot." She glanced over at him. "Get to the escape pod with Kaidan. It's going to eject in five minutes."

Garrus, acknowledgment on the tip of his tongue, stopped short as her words registered. "Shepard, you can't do that!"

She turned her back, accessing a panel on the wall and quickly entering codes. "I may not be able to fly this thing well but I should be able to distract them long enough for you to get away," she went on, ignoring his comment. Every time he tried to approach her she moved out of reach. "What the hell are you waiting for, Garrus?" she demanded, shooting him an impatient look. "Get out of here! Now!" she insisted, going to the opposite side of the room and calling up her omni-tool.

As Garrus watched her feverish movements, he thought of finding his squad dead, two of which were barely holding on, soon after Sidonis laid his trap. The only two emotions he remembered feeling were anger and an overwhelming sense of guilt. Shepard was different. Emotions stronger than anger, more gripping than guilt, laid claim to his heart. He had been helpless to prevent what happened to her on the original Normandy. Not this time.

Without a word he approached Shepard, took hold of her waist, earning a surprised cry of his name, before lifting her off her feet and half carrying, half dragging her to the escape pod. "What do you think you're doing?" she shrieked, pushing against him with both hands. She scraped her boot heels along the floor in a feeble attempt to impede his progress. "I gave you an order!"

"In case you didn't already know," he countered, glancing over at her and smiling at her narrowed, flashing eyes. "I'm not a very good turian. When I hear a bad order, I don't follow it."

He stepped into the pod, turning and placing her in the seat next to Kaidan. After he lowered the shoulder harness he met her gaze. Challenging her. For an instant he believed she was going to throttle him. He had only seen that dark, dangerous look directed at enemies. But then the faintest smile appeared on her lips, and he exhaled in relief. She wasn't going to kick his ass for insubordination after all.

The pod abruptly jettisoned, the movement propelling Garrus backward. Shepard shouted his name as he hit the wall above the second set of seats. He briefly felt the sharp jab against the side of his head before everything went black.

"Garrus!" Shepard called again, struggling to free herself from the shoulder harness. It wouldn't budge. The only time it would was when someone released the lock on the pod's exterior panel. Cursing at her forced helplessness, she gazed down at Garrus. He lay on the floor at her feet, one arm over his head, the right side of his face hidden from view. A small pool of blue blood formed around his chin. She couldn't tell if he was breathing or not.

Brilliant light shone from beyond the port hole. Shepard quickly glanced over, witnessing Kaidan's ship getting torn to pieces from a barrage of missiles. Eternity shifted, rising above the burning, descending wreckage, their imminent doom disguised as a space-faring vessel. Its weapons charged once more. Shepard sucked in a breath, waiting for the inevitable.

The Normandy suddenly came into view, its hull glistening from the light cast by the system's star. It cut through the darkness like a sleek bird of prey, angling sharply to the left. The Thanix cannon emerged from beneath the main hull, letting loose a single, powerful stream of energy that consumed what was left of Kaidan's ship on its way to the Eternity. The beam punctured the conveyer from nose to end within seconds. The ship exploded soon after, raining parts into Lorek's atmosphere.

"Calvary's here, Commander," Joker announced with barely concealed pride. "Coming about to pick you up now," he explained, Shepard seeing the Normandy turn as he spoke. There was a brief pause before he gave the casual, off-hand remark of, "Sometimes I wonder just what you'd do without me." She laughed at his jibe, much too relieved to remark or reprimand. It was then she heard Garrus' pained grunt as he slowly eased onto his elbows. When he looked over at her with some confusion, she gave him a tired smile, sank back in her seat, and closed her eyes. It was over.

Two days later...

"They're healing very nicely," Chakwas observed with a smile. She carefully applied fresh bandages over each of Saleon's incisions, smoothing the material into place with her fingers. "But I still don't recommend any undue physical activity, Commander. You may risk opening them up again."

"I'll do my best," she promised, chuckling as she added, "I can't say the same for anyone who might start shooting me."

"Such is the life of a soldier," Chakwas responded sagely. She collected the used bandages, empty medi-gel packs and strode away to dispose of them. Shepard took the opportunity to put her clothes back on. She had just zipped her shirt up when the doors opened, admitting Miranda. She bestowed Shepard with a grateful smile only slightly tempered by exasperation.

"You really do make it a habit to court death," she commented dryly. She approached Shepard, handing off the data discs she held. The commander recalled assigning Miranda with downloading all data from her omni-tool immediately after they were rescued- and then had flat passed out. "I haven't read all of them, but it looks like Harbinger was only using Saleon to get to you."

"'We will find another way,'" Shepard quoted softly, recalling Harbinger's last words as she, Garrus and Tali had fled the collapsing base. She accepted the discs and pocketed them. When she spoke, her tone and expression were serious. "Saleon wasn't his first agent, nor will he be the last. I hope to get to the next one before something like this happens again."

Miranda nodded her agreement. "Jacob and I have already sent messages to our contacts. They're going to report any scrap of news or evidence referring to the Reapers."

"Good work," Shepard complimented. She turned when Chakwas spoke her name, taking the small vial of pain pills she handed off. Thanking her, she and Miranda departed the medbay. The crew deck was deserted. Now that their commander had returned, repairs were underway once again. The distant echo of whirring tools resonated in the air. "What of the others? I was kept in lock down for the past two days."

"It was the only way Chakwas could be assured peace of mind," Miranda responded with a small smile. "Garrus refused treatment and sleep until he knew you were stabilized. The doctor had to sneak in a shot to sedate him so she could work in peace. That turian is just as stubborn as you are," she added with a lifted brow.

Shepard smiled at the truth of her statement. "Where is he now?"

"Sleeping it off in the crew quarters," she answered, gesturing to the corridor beyond the elevator. "Last night Chakwas tended to him, and she has every confidence he'll pull through. So will Kaidan Alenko."

At this Shepard exhaled in relief. Of them all, his had been the worst of the injuries sustained. "How is he feeling?"

"He's doing quite well. I hear Tali has been spending a lot of time with him," she replied, sending Shepard a knowing smile. "I had no idea she thought so highly of Alenko."

Neither did Shepard. Still, the news was welcome, and she smiled. "I'm glad she was there for him. He went through hell during that rescue."

"You all did," Miranda reminded her. Once they reached the door to her office she looked past Shepard's shoulder. "You'll find Alenko in the starboard observatory. He's been there ever since the doctor cleared him to walk. I think you should speak with him."

"That was my plan. Thanks again, Miranda," she said, indicating the data discs. The former Cerberus operative smiled, then vanished through the doors. Shepard walked down the short corridor, rounding the elevator toward the entrance to the starboard observatory. She had just reached the doors when they opened, revealing Samara. The asari bestowed her with a kindly smile, saying, "I shall leave you in peace," before stepping past. Shepard inclined her head and continued on.

Kaidan, dressed in his armor despite its battered appearance, stood before the vast expanse of window, head angled back as he surveyed the stars. He turned as soon as she took her first step, his dark eyes shining with relief. Shepard met him halfway, laughing slightly when he captured her in a fierce embrace. "Shepard. I'm so glad you're safe," he whispered in her ear, his arms tightening around her.

She squeezed him in response, then drew back. "I was more worried about you, Kaidan. I hear Tali's been taking good care of you."

"Ah. Yes, she has," he replied, looking a bit flustered. He cleared his throat as he sank down onto one of the chairs. Shepard settled herself beside him. He contemplated his clasped hands. "I just wanted to let you know that I plan on messaging Anderson requesting he send someone to pick me up."

"Don't bother, Kaidan," she said, holding up a hand. "We would be glad to bring you back to the Citadel."

"I know," he replied with a nod and small smile. "I feel like I've overstayed my welcome. Please, hear me out, Shepard," he insisted when she prepared to speak. He turned to face her, his hands seeking hers. For a moment he simply stared at her, as if wanting to forever remember the conversation they were about to have. "I've been doing some thinking. A lot has happened to us over the past two years. Wishing for the old days doesn't change the fact that we have traveled different paths and..." he gave her a sad smile. "I don't think they'll ever meet again the way they once did."

She shook her head. "Kaidan-"

"What you're doing, what you're planning to face, requires someone to be here for you no matter what," he continued as if she hadn't spoken. He pressed her hand, his sad smile transforming into one of happiness. "Garrus is the one, Shepard. He'll never leave your side, even if you order him to. I know you," he said, his tone softening as he reached up to touch her face. He trailed his fingers down her cheek, one after the other. "You're so busy worrying about everyone else you forget about yourself. Garrus won't let you forget. And I'm grateful for that."

A long moment passed, all of which was spent with Shepard staring at Kaidan in partial awe. Never before had she heard so accurate a description of what drew her to Garrus, what kept them standing strong no matter the situation. There hadn't even been a need for admission of love; it was already spoken for, simply by the way they'd look at each other. To hear Kaidan admit that Garrus was better for her than himself spoke of his enduring trust and belief in the turian. When he smiled at her, she returned it. "Thank you, Kaidan," she murmured. "It means a lot to hear you say this."

"I mean every word," he assured her. "Remember, if you need anything from me, anything at all, don't hesitate to ask."

She smiled again. "Thank you," she repeated sincerely. "What will you do now?"

"When I return to the Citadel I plan on educating the Council of the Reaper threat," he replied, leaning back in the chair. "I've already requested a copy of the data you obtained from Saleon's personal terminal. It's not concrete evidence of their existence, but it's a start."

She nodded. "I don't envy you the trouble Udina will give you over it," she commented wryly. She reached over to grip his shoulder. "Anderson may be just an adviser but he still pulls a lot of weight. He'll have your back."

"It's a good thing, too. I think Udina will probably start referring to me as another you," Kaidan responded with a small smile. "I won't mind. I consider it a compliment."

Shepard laughed, told him to be careful before leaning over to give him another hug. Kaidan embraced her, turning his head so lips brushed her hair. When they drew apart he regarded her with a tiny smile. Understanding the conversation to be over, Shepard rose from the chair and headed for the exit. She was about to leave when Kaidan called her name. Glancing at him over her shoulder, she smiled as he said, "Tell Garrus he'd better take good care of you. I don't want to have to come out here to set him straight."

Laughing at the teasing remark, Shepard nodded and took her leave. She paused in front of the crew quarters, briefly debated on checking on Garrus before deciding against it. She continued on to the elevator, stepping in and selecting the first level. They'd catch up later tonight.

A few moments later she passed through the entrance to her cabin, her gaze averted as she thought of all that still needed to be done. At hearing a throat being cleared she glanced up, completely unsurprised to find Garrus seated on the edge of her bed. He had forsaken his armor for his civilian clothes, though Shepard noted that he had already removed his boots and gloves. "The crew quarters are unsuitable for you now?" she teased, arching a brow at him.

He gave a casual, unapologetic shrug. "The beds there aren't nearly as comfortable as this one."

She smiled and sealed the doors. His mandibles flared in anticipation, his eyes gleaming as she tossed the data discs, along with the painkillers, onto the table and descended the steps. Garrus' gaze followed her hand when she reached up to undo the zipper at her collar. There was no thought of Chakwas' warning of undue physical stress. At that moment all they had endured came to a head, leaving her in a state of incredible relief tempered by strong desire. Garrus, reading her as he always had, murmured her name and reached out to draw her onto his lap. A contented, throaty purr sounded when she wound her legs around his waist. Their foreheads touched, Shepard's eyes sliding closed at feeling Garrus slip his hands beneath her open shirt to rest on her hips. Contentment washed over her, and she sighed happily.

However, the silence was soon broken by a song that was better suited for Afterlife. Laughing and shaking her head at Garrus' helpless smile, she took hold of his shoulders and pushed him onto the bed. He'd never learn.

And she wouldn't want it any other way.