Hey all, it's time for yet another chapter of Shepard Down. today should be the last day for this particular story. I have this chapter to post and one of the chapter to edit and get up. Since I have time today to do that I will get that up later on today. With that in mind, let's get all of the chapter!

SHEPARD DOWN

Chapter 28

Kaidan was scared to death. True, he wasn't really afraid of dying or anything, but that didn't mean that much. Today was the day that he got married to the most beautiful woman in the universe. A day that he thought would never come. He endured the pain of loss and betrayal then found joy in reunion. Being by Jane Shepard's side was magical. It always was. Being able to walk down the isle with her was a dream come true. Once, he thought that dream was dead. Now it was becoming a reality. He was about to make her his own. Only, a tiny part of him was afraid that something would happen to stop the marriage. It was stupid, but he couldn't help being worried about that. He was terrified that he would screw things up again. He always seemed to do that. Particularly, when it came to her. Why she took him back he did not know. Most others would have abandoned him, but not Jane. She stood by his side. Never once wavering. That was truly amazing.

Kaidan hadn't seen fiancé since last night. The crew had insisted on that. It seemed that they believed in the superstition about seeing the bride on their wedding day. Either that or they thought that they should do it. Either way it was infuriating not to see or hear her. He wanted to know if she was just as nervous as he was. He was dying to see her in that dress. It had to be beautiful! Alas, he couldn't. Not without upsetting the crew. So, he was stuck waiting to see her.

The Admiral decided to wait with Kaidan in the Infirmary. Which the crew had turned into the groom's quarters. Kaidan even slept there last night. A most uncomfortable experience to say the least. The beds were not designed for long stays. He would have been better off in the crew quarters. But, no! He had to stay here. Where the windows had been blackened out. That way he didn't have a chance to see the bride ahead of time. He didn't care about that tradition! Hell, he had already consummated the relationship. What was the problem? Then again the crew didn't care. They made their own reality and adapted. How he was going to miss them.

While they waited the Admiral asked Kaidan about his plans. Hackett already knew what Jane intended to do, but he wanted to know what Kaidan wanted to do. Kaidan said that he intended to follow Jane if he could. To stay by her side and protect her and the baby. He hoped to take a post on Citadel if possible. If it wasn't then he was going to leave the service. They came first. They always would. He loved them with all his heart and soul. He couldn't see life without them. He would give up everything for them. Hackett nodded as if he expected that response.

"Understandable. I'd want to be close as well."

"Yeah, I can't leave them."

He nodded again. "Nor would I expect you to."

Afterwards, Hackett made a proposition that Kaidan couldn't turn down. He would assign Kaidan to the Citadel as chief of security to the new human councilor. Who just happened to be his pregnant fiancé. Kaidan would also maintain his Spectre status. Plus, he wouldn't have to leave the station unless something required his personal attention. It was almost a too perfect setup. Which bothered Kaidan a bit.

"Sir, I don't want to sound ungrateful, but why are you doing this? Wouldn't this be seen as favoritism?"

Hackett didn't seem perturbed in the slightest. "Yes, I suppose that some will see it that way. May even resent you for it. Understandably so. There is some truth to it. I do wish for you and the Commander to be happy. You have earned it." He became more formal in his tone. "That is not the main reason for this. In fact, there is a far more important one. Commander Shepard is not invincible. Particularly, now. She will need protection. I can't see anyone better for the job than you. Do you agree Colonel Alenko?"

"Yes sir, I do."

"Good. Then I will file your transfer papers this afternoon." He checked the time on his datapad. "It seems that I best be going. I'll see you in a few minutes, Colonel."

"Thank you sir."

Hackett nodded then left the room. Leaving Kaidan to his thoughts. He was excited by the prospect of staying by Jane's side. He was worried about being posted elsewhere. If that had happened Kaidan might have resigned. He didn't want to, but he would have done it in a heartbeat. He couldn't leave them. Not when they were so vulnerable. He had to protect them. Make sure that they were safe. Not that He ever really wanted to leave their side ever again. Now, he never had to.

He looked at the clock on his pad. It was 5 minutes to 0900 hours. It was time to head down to the shuttle bay. It was time to finally marry the woman he loved.


Alright, that's it for this chapter. See you for the final chapter!