Shepard slowed the Racer down and cut the engine next to Hannah and Cadmus. Garrus called out "Dad!" as Shepard simultaneously cried out "Mom!" Shepard heard a splash as Garrus jumped into the water, attempting to make his way to Cadmus. She focused her attention on her mother who had swum over to their Racer. Hannah coughed forcefully.
"What happened?" Shepard asked, reaching down to grab Hannah's arm and pull her onto the Racer.
"Hit the supplemental drive…Gave it too much juice…Jerked and stalled…I think we might have flipped," Hannah answered between deep breaths. Her mother leaned on the back seat of the Racer, wiped a hand over her face to push wet hair out of the way and stared into the water. "Cadmus—Is he okay?"
Shepard turned her attention to Garrus who was staying afloat, though he hadn't reached his dad yet. It was then that she remembered Turians were lousy swimmers.
"Hang on, mom." Shepard clambered back onto the front seat and revved the Racer, maneuvering it over to Garrus.
"Hold on!" she instructed her husband. Garrus took a hold of the side of the Racer and Shepard pulled him over to his dad. He gripped Cadmus' lifejacket and drew him towards the Racer.
"Dad! Dad!" Garrus shook the lifejacket.
"I'm not deaf, Garrus," Cadmus answered, his eyes still tightly closed.
"Are you alright?"
Cadmus opened one eye. "I'm wincing in pain. Does that answer your question?"
Garrus couldn't help but smile just a little. This was his dad alright—staunch even when injured. "What's wrong?"
"One of my toes," Cadmus answered. "Hurts like a Thresher Maw got its jaws on it." His face contorted in discomfort.
"Garrus, you take this Racer," Shepard instructed. "Mom and I will swim to the other one." Hannah dropped into the water as Shepard helped Garrus climb back onto the Racer. Once up, Garrus eased Cadmus onto the Racer, hauling him up with both arms, while Hannah assisted from below. Cadmus groaned and inspected his left foot. One of his toes hung at a ninety degree angle.
Garrus sucked in a breath. "That doesn't look good," he muttered.
"Just get us to the shore, Garrus," Cadmus spoke through clenched teeth and forced himself to straddle the back seat of the Racer as Shepard dove into the lake.
"We'll see you at Roban's," Shepard said, then swam towards her mother's Racer. She heard the other Racer rev to life and take off. In a few more seconds, she had mounted the second Racer and turned around to aid Hannah's ascent. Hannah sat behind her daughter.
"So, I meet your father-in-law for the first time and manage to get his toe broken. Great."
Shepard looked back at her mother. She heard the anger in Hannah's voice. "It's just an accident, mom."
"I'm not supposed to cause accidents like this." Hannah's reply revealed her one weakness: self-degradation. Ninety percent of the time, Shepard's mother displayed confidence, backbone and an indefatigable nature. The one thing that changed all that was when Hannah reviled herself for failing others. Shepard knew the feeling; she'd inherited the trait from her mother. Shepards protected others at all costs. Injuries were bad; deaths were worse. Shepards were never supposed to lose someone under their command. The problem came when they did. Then guilt and anger raged a firestorm inside.
"It's just his toe," Shepard consoled her mother as she revved the Racer and guided it toward the rental hut. "He's not going to die."
"I wanted him to have fun. He'll probably be terrified of Aqua Racers from now on," Hannah said gloomily.
"That's a little dramatic, mom," Shepard chided. Hannah didn't respond and Shepard glanced back. Hannah's face was clouded in worry. But what kind? Worry over her daughter's father-in-law or worry over someone she loved? Shepard knew now wasn't the time to ask, but she determined that soon she was going to corner her mom and get a direct answer.
Garrus was helping Cadmus off the Racer when Shepard coasted up to the dock. Hannah bolted off the back seat and hastened over to Cadmus. Her words rushed out. "Cadmus, it's my fault. I pushed the drive too hard. I'm sorry. Can you walk?"
Cadmus gazed at her, still squinting against the agony. "You're forgiven, Hannah," he spoke quietly, sincerely. "As for walking, you humans have the advantage over us. You have five appendages on your foot, we have only two. I've lost one. Let's just say the odds of forward movement are minimal."
Roban had dashed out of the hut and stood gaping at the group. He observed Cadmus' broken toe. "Oh my. Oh my. I'm sorry. My Racer did that. I'm sorry. Oh my."
"Calm down, Roban," Garrus admonished the Salarian. "This isn't your Racer's fault. Just call medical."
"Yes. Yes. Right away." Roban turned back to the hut. In a couple more minutes, a medical skiff came cruising along the lake and stopped at the dock. Two human lifeguards hopped out and started attending to Cadmus. One of them eventually turned to Garrus.
"He'll need the toe set, sir. We'd better call for a speeder to the hospital."
"Alright." Garrus looked to Shepard. "I'll take dad. Can you go get Solana and Tev and meet us there?"
"Got it. Coming mom?"
Hannah waved Shepard away with her hand. "I'll go with Garrus and Cadmus. This is my fault. I'll see it through."
Shepard walked into the rental hut and quickly changed out of the wet suit and back into her leisure clothes. She trekked back to the blanket where Solana sat holding Tev, bouncing her on her knee.
"Where's everyone else?" Solana asked when she approached.
"We kind of had an accident. Your dad broke his toe and they're heading to the medical facility."
Solana stood up, holding Tev, concern on her face. "Is it bad?"
"He's going to be fine once they set the bone."
"Let's go," Solana urged. She leaned over to help Shepard hurriedly pack up.
On the way to the hospital, Solana fidgeted in the passenger seat, drumming her talons on her knee in a rhythmic pattern. She also nervously tapped her foot. After a while, Shepard spoke up.
"He's going to be okay," she reassured her sister-in-law.
Solana let out a long breath. "I know. A broken toe is really nothing once you've seen injuries caused by Reapers."
Shepard nodded her head slowly. She was sure something was bothering Solana. If not Cadmus' health, then what? Shepard still felt awkward around her sister-in-law. Despite Solana's change of heart regarding her brother, she'd still kept fairly quiet. Shepard didn't know if conversation was a bother to her. She'd just elected to say nothing when Solana cleared her throat and spoke.
"I'm not worried about dad's toe." She eyed Shepard who got the distinct impression Solana was weighing whether or not it was safe to open up to her. "I have to tell him something I don't want to and this will just make it harder," Solana disclosed.
Shepard waited about a minute, but Solana didn't offer any more explanation. She finally spoke. "Your dad seems like a reasonable man. Just tell him directly. I think whatever it is he'll be able to deal with it."
Solana gazed out the window of the speeder and they drove the rest of the way in silence.
Cadmus was whisked away to a room immediately when they arrived at the hospital. Hannah and Solana stayed with him the whole time. Garrus alternated between his father's room and the lobby where Shepard kept Tev occupied as she wasn't allowed into the room. Garrus had just come back to report that they'd set Cadmus' toe after letting pain meds take effect. He took Tev from Shepard, giving her a break. Tev squealed and wrapped her arms around her daddy's neck.
"I told dad he needed to inform the Earth delegation he'd be delayed a day," Garrus told Shepard.
"If your dad is anything like my mom, he said 'no.'"
"Yep." Garrus imitated his father's voice, "A minor injury like this doesn't halt a Turian soldier. It's not going to stop an Ambassador, either."
"Well, they still have two hours left with us. Think we can avoid a crisis for at least that amount of time?" Shepard sounded like she wanted to laugh and cry at the same time.
Garrus leaned over and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "This hasn't exactly been the family reunion I would have wanted, but it hasn't been all bad."
"Let's see..." Shepard began to list, counting off on her fingers. "My mom and your dad have an all out argument, your dad gets drunk for the first time in forty years and doesn't come home overnight, you and Solana have a fight, my mom and I race and your dad ends up with a broken toe. How is that not 'all bad'?"
"Well, consider this. Your mom and my dad get over their differences, dad gets drunk and finally admits to me and Solana that he loves us, Solana and I fight and then make peace after a certain Admiral motivates me to."
"And your dad's toe?" Shepard challenged Garrus to find anything good in that.
"I'm still working on that one. But I can tell you that dad isn't upset or rattled. As a cop, he's experienced his share of injuries on the job."
"I just wanted this to work out, Garrus. I wanted our families to have a good time together. I'm disappointed."
Garrus squeezed Shepard's shoulder. "There's a Turian saying: The family that endures suffering together sticks together. We're just getting all the suffering out of the way on the front end."
Shepard shook her head, but managed a sober smile. "When you put it that way, it almost makes us sound fortunate."
"Maybe we are."
"Your dad's back," Shepard announced. Garrus looked up to see Cadmus entering the lobby, hobbling on a pair of forearm crutches he'd been given, accompanied by Hannah and Solana. Garrus handed Tev back to Shepard and walked over to Cadmus.
"Need any help?"
"I'm fine, Garrus. Pain's gone. That was the worst part." Cadmus eyeballed Solana and Hannah. Something unspoken passed between the three. Cadmus turned back to Garrus. "Let's go back to the house. We need to pack."
As the group exited the hospital, Shepard followed at the rear carrying Tev, questioning why Cadmus, Solana and Hannah had looked at each other so secretly.
When they arrived home, Cadmus and Solana made their way to the guest house, saying they'd come over to the dwelling once their belongings were packed. Hannah retreated to the guest room. Shepard laid Tev down for a nap, then joined Garrus in the bedroom to wash up after their "adventure." As she stepped into the shower, Garrus squished in with her.
"How about we shower together?"
"I've told you before, it's too small in here."
"That hasn't ever stopped me."
Shepard shook her head.
"You're still sulking. I just figured a little foreplay would lighten your mood." He gave her his best "puppy dog" look.
"Fine."
Garrus ran his palms over her back, then pulled her close to him. He massaged her shoulders and Shepard felt the weight of the day slough off through his hands. She relinquished the tension that bound her, pressing into Garrus, laying her head on his chest. He stopped massaging and held her as the warm water flowed over their entwined bodies. After a while, Shepard pushed away, but she was smiling again.
"I do need to shower. Your dad and Solana will be over soon."
Garrus sighed, drew a talon gently over her cheek and exited the shower. Shepard cleaned up quickly, showering, drying and putting on fresh clothes. Garrus had laid down on the bed and snores escaped his lips. Shepard figured she'd let him nap until his dad and sister came back over.
She left the room quietly. Walking into the living area, she saw the guest room door was open. Her mother's back was to her. She realized with a start that Hannah was packing her suitcase. She walked into the room, confused.
"I thought you had five days of leave," she stated, a question intrinsic in her statement.
Hannah folded a dress and explained. "Actually, I called Steven." Shepard always thought it funny that her mother was on such good terms with Admiral Hackett that she could call him by his first name. "I asked for a few more days off and he agreed."
"Then, why are you packing?"
Hannah placed the dress in the suitcase, not looking at her daughter. "Well, the Lhotse is bound for Earth anyway and can pick me up there." Shepard recognized the name of the Alliance Dreadnought, but the mention of her planet of origin confused her.
"Earth?"
Hannah set down the pants she was holding, then sat on the bed and stared unflinchingly at her daughter. "Cadmus asked me to go with him. He's going to need some assistance the next few days. Solana's decided to go back to Palaven."
This new turn of events shook Shepard. "He what? And you're going?"
"Well, I did cause the problem. The least I can do is help him out at his conference."
Shepard stammered, "You're not…"
Hannah's eyes danced in amusement. "We're staying in separate quarters if that's what you're worried about."
"Uh…" Shepard spoke slowly. "So, you're not…in love with him?"
Hannah laughed. "Honey, I'm a bit too conventional to fall in love with your father-in-law. Actually, Cadmus and I think the whole thing quite humorous, all of you wondering if we're 'in love.'"
"You both think it's humorous?"
"When I told him about you being so worried that Solana thought he was in love and then he told me that Garrus tried to ask him about it, well, I just thought it would be fun not to say anything at all."
"Wait. You've been playing us this whole time?"
"We weren't trying to," Hannah insisted. "We just didn't say one way or the other. You all did the rest with your imaginations."
Shepard shook her head, half-annoyed and half-amused. Her mother used to play tricks all the time when she was a kid.
"I can't believe Cadmus went along with that. He doesn't seem the prankster type."
"I think I've influenced him a little."
"I'd say a lot," Shepard commented.
Hannah smiled widely, but Shepard caught a strange glint in her eye. Shepard put her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes at her mother. "You're not being totally honest with me, are you, mom?"
Hannah suddenly looked startled, like she'd been found out. "Well…" She stood up and started to pack again. Shepard came close and touched her mother's hand.
"You don't like him at all? Not even a little?"
Hannah sighed. "Perhaps, in another time and place, it would have happened, but we're truly just friends." Hannah grasped Shepard's hand. "I miss your father. He was taken from me so long ago, but I still miss him like he passed away yesterday. It's hard to be lonely."
Shepard sympathetically squeezed Hannah's hand. She couldn't imagine what it would be like to lose Garrus. It would take all her strength just to go on without him.
Hannah continued. "For Cadmus and I, we've each found someone who makes us feel alive again, like we're not two old fogies sinking out of oblivion in the universe."
"You're not an old fogy, mom," Shepard insisted. "And you're not sinking out of oblivion. You're a Rear Admiral and Cadmus' an Ambassador."
"Yes, but our time is winding down. We're watching younger people like you and Garrus take charge of the galaxy. Soon, we'll find ourselves retiring, passed on by the younger generation. It's just nice to find someone who understands."
"I would think Admiral Hackett would understand. Admiral Maddock, too."
"Oh, they'd understand," Hannah agreed. "But there's still distance between them and me. They're still Alliance soldiers and my superiors. And on the Lhotse, I'm the superior, so I maintain the distance. Cadmus and I are related through you and Garrus, not through a chain of command. It's a lot easier to be open that way. You might think it's strange, but I don't have very many close friends."
Shepard didn't think it strange. Her mother came from a different time, a time when you didn't sit in the mess with the soldiers or find them on the ship to give them a pep talk. Her way was different from her mom's. Or possibly, her way was different from every other officer in the Alliance. Maybe people were so willing to join her cause because she did what no other commander would: went out of her way to get to know them.
"I understand," Shepard told her mother. She let go of her hand. "Go ahead and pack. I hope you and Cadmus have a great time being just friends. Maybe you'll be able to show him Sault Sainte Marie."
"I'm certain my hometown isn't on his agenda, but I suppose I might be able to convince him to take a detour after the conference. At least it wasn't attacked by Reapers, so it would still be worth seeing." She picked up the pair of pants, then paused. "Maybe I could take him aqua racing on the Great Lakes."
Hannah laughed loudly at Shepard's look of chagrin.
Garrus stood by the landing platform with his father, Solana, Shepard and Hannah. The transport had arrived and passengers were loading onto it. It turned out all three of their guests were departing together. Shepard had informed him of Cadmus' request and her mother's acceptance. She also validated the fact that there was nothing between their parents at all but a bond of camaraderie. Garrus actually liked that Cadmus had warmed up to Hannah so easily after their argument the first night. Garrus recognized that in Hannah, his father had found someone who balanced him, smoothing out his rough edges.
Garrus held Tev out to Cadmus, who tickled the infant under her chin and delighted in her giggles.
"Take care, Garrus," his father said shortly, but warmly. He looked to Shepard. "Thank you for the hospitality. We look forward to seeing you again sometime. Thank you also for graciously lending me your mother."
"Just make sure she doesn't compel you do anything you don't want to," Shepard warned, eyeing her mother who held her hands up in a "Who me?" gesture.
Cadmus chuckled. "I'm pretty strong-willed."
Solana reached out to Tev and Garrus passed her over to her aunt. Solana gave the infant a gentle hug, then handed her back. She rested a hand on Garrus' arm. "Dad's called in some favors and a teaching position's waiting for me back on Palaven. I'll catch the transport to Palaven from Earth." She patted Garrus' arm. "Come see me sometime. It would do the citizens good to see you. You're hailed as a hero there these days."
"We'll come when we can," Garrus replied, hoping to travel to his home planet soon.
Solana turned to shake Shepard's hand. "Thank you." She furtively glanced at Garrus then looked back and leaned in so only Shepard could hear. "He's lucky, too. You really are a good woman. I'm glad he married you."
Shepard smiled, surprised and happy. "I'm glad I finally met you."
"Next time we meet, we'll have to do more together, just the sisters-in-law," Solana insisted.
While Solana was saying good-bye to Shepard, Hannah said her good-byes to Garrus. "I'm sure I'll see you soon, the next time I get leave."
"Take care of dad. Don't let him push himself too hard."
"Mission accepted," Hannah spoke dutifully. She leaned over to hug Tev. The transport's engines began to whine.
"We'd better go," Cadmus said. He turned on his crutches and slowly made his way towards the transport with Solana on his left. Hannah quickly hugged Shepard and caught up to Cadmus, walking to his right. When they got to the transport, Solana aided Cadmus up the ramp. Hannah turned and waved good-bye at the door.
Shepard and Garrus stood quietly, waiting. Tev clapped her hands as the transport lifted off the ground and began its climb into the sky, soon becoming nothing but a small dot in the clouds.