Author notes…Ok…now we move from the between the games, to events in ME3. I want to warn everyone again that I will NOT be going along the ME3 storyline. So please don't jump on me because "There are dozens of Reapers on earth! You only wrote a few" or "Shepard gave the Normandy to the Alliance…you're messing the story up by not doing it right". Some parts and pieces of Cannon ME3 will show up, but for the most part, this is an AU story. Yes, Shepard will be trying to get support, and yes, her crew will show up in odd places, and yes, sometimes her crew will not be on the Normandy the entire run. BUT, there will be her core crew, there will be new/old friends, choices and considerations…and yes some things will be very different. I hope you enjoy it!"

VERY SPECIAL THANKS to Marie-Fanwriter who is now my Beta! THANK YOU SO MUCH! Any future mistakes are mine and mine alone…she's MUCH better than I am at this!

&CHAPTER BREAK&

"Commander?" Shepard looked up from the communications table and saw Miranda and Jacob standing just inside the door.

Giving them a wan smile, she replied , "Miranda…Jacob… what can I do for you?"

Miranda hesitated, which was a little surprising, then said, "Commander…shouldn't you be spending your last night with Garrus rather than here in the comm room?" Shepard smiled,

"I fully intend to…I just wanted to make sure that everything was in place. Miranda, you know…"

Miranda walked forward and placed her hand over Shepard's, drawing a surprised look from the Commander, but Miranda went on, "Commander, we're ready…we'll drop off the crew members where they need to go, and we'll do everything in our power to get as much support as we can. I know this is hard on you, and if you change your mind…"

Shepard smiled at Miranda, "I know Miranda…but this is the only thing we can do."

Miranda sighed and smiled a little, "Then go… Shepard… go get something to eat, spend time with Garrus… and trust us to make things work on this end."

Shepard nodded, and headed toward the elevator. Remembering just before she pushed the button that she had one more person to speak with, she headed toward the cockpit. "Joker…I want to talk to you."

Joker turned around in his chair and for the first time in a long time, Joker wasn't joking. "Sure Commander…what's up?"

"I want you to make me a promise…"

Joker looked as serious as he ever had: he sat up straighter and said, "Anything Commander…"

"Don't let the Alliance have my ship Joker…and don't let Cerberus have it either. I trust you…I trust you to make sure that when I get back, we still have the Normandy."

Joker nodded, clearing his throat, "You got it Commander…and if you decide to run just let me know… no one will ever find us!"

Shepard smiled, putting her hand gently on Joker's shoulder, "Thanks Joker but this is the only way to do it. Trust me, I've considered every angle. You remember what I said Joker…keep our baby safe….

Edi spoke up, "We will, Commander…."

Nodding, Shepard headed out of the cockpit and went to elevator taking it down to the crew quarters. She entered the mess and headed to the kitchen. Gardner looked almost teary eyed as he handed her a tray and she smiled. The entire room was quiet, the sound of forks hitting trays loudly. Shepard looked around and saw Kaiden at a table by himself, morosely eating his meal. The rest of the group in the mess sat on the other side of the room, and occasional nasty looks were directed toward him. She noticed that only the ship's crew crew were there, not one of her team mates.

Though Gabby and Ken sat quietly near the head of the table, and everyone was, of course, watching her. Urz loped up to her, head lowered as he waggled at her. She leaned down and scratched his spines and said, "hey boy…how are you doing?" Resolutely, she moved to the table where Kaiden sat alone and asked, "Hey, Kaiden… you ok?"

Kaiden looked up, surprised and then smiled a little as he replied, "Hey Shepard…yeah, I'm fine… just getting everything ready, ya know?"

Shepard sat down across from him, and Urz sat next to her, "I bet you're excited to be going back to Earth, right?"

Hesitating, Kaiden sighed, "Yeah, I am…I know you're not, but…"

Shepard shook her head, "No, it's ok…you don't have to explain, I get it… You want to tell me where you got those bruises…."

Kaiden refused to look anywhere, even at her as he said, "I was working out…got a bit…carried away."

"Uh huh…ok…."

Kaiden finished his meal and stood up, "Excuse me, Shepard… I need to finish packing."

Sighing, she tossed the rest of her food to Urz and stood up, heading to the elevator as the Varren trotted along beside her. She went to engineering first, heading into the engineering room to see Tali. As the doors opened, Tali spun around, "Shepard…I…oh Shepard…." Tali threw her arms around Shepard and hugged her. Shepard smiled and patted the Quarian's back, and said,

"It's ok, Tali…we've known this was going to happen. It'll be fine. You're going back to the Fleet to try and make them see reason, so it's not like things were going to stay the same anyway."

Tali sniffed, "No…but I could have thought of you here on the Normandy… not standing trial with none of us there for you. You stood up for me when I was on trial… and now none of us will be able to be there for you… it's not… fair."

Shepard sighed, "I know, Tali…but what has to be, has to be. Everything will work out…."

Tali looked miserable and after a few more minutes, Shepard turned to leave. Urz waited patiently, until Tali got a snack out and threw it to the varren.

Taking the steps down to the cubby where Jack stayed, Urz hesitated then made his "yipyipyip" sound and Jack shouted, obviously in a very bad mood "Shut the fuck up".

Shepard turned the corner and said, "Hey Jack…" Jack was sitting with her bags packed and Shepard felt a surge of loss. "All packed up, I see…"

"Well aint you Ms. Observant…." Shepard ignored her bitterness and sarcasm, it was just her way of being upset.

"Where are you going, Jack?"

"Shit, Shepard…I don't know. But I aint stayin here with the cheerleader without you. But you get back here, I'll be back…that I promise you."

Shepard nodded, smiling. "Thank you Jack…."

Jack grinned at her, "You sure you don't want me to run this shit? Make us pirates? I guarantee you that if you do, when you get back I'll have all the fuckin help we'll need….our own fucking army…."

Shepard laughed as she stood up, "You get that army, Jack… and we'll talk about the pirate thing…"

Jack laughed too and tossed Urz a piece of jerky as Shepard left.

Urz followed his mistress, he wasn't sure what was happening, but everyone was so sad…his mistress and her mate clung to each other. As the Mistress walked into the room at the end of the hall, where the old Merc lived he followed.
"Hey Zaeed… everything ok?"

"Fine, Shepard…how are you holdin up?"

"I'm fine…are you ready?"

Zaeed smiled, "Ready as I'll ever be…gonna stay here on the Normandy and I'll get some connections going. When you're done with this shite, we'll be ready."

Shepard smiled, "Good to hear…I'm glad you're staying here." Zaeed tossed a jerky strip to Urz and grinned,

"Got to stay here in case you get tired of the birdyman…." Shepard laughed with him as she headed down the hall to Grunt's room.

Grunt stood in the center of the room, looking around. He saw Shepard and said, "Battlemaster! Why are you going with this puppy man without a fight?" Shepard couldn't help but grin: 'Puppy man?' she thought, but said,
Grunt…I have to go try and make Earth see the reality of the situation. But I know that I can count on you to go back to Tuchunka and help Wrex raise an army."

Grunt slammed his fist into his hand and shouted, "We will DESTROY all who stand between us and victory!"

Chuckling, Shepard left Grunt's room, followed closely by Urz. She entered the elevator and rode to the crew quarters. Her first stop was Samara's room and she saw that she had most of her things packed up. The room looked bare, but at least for now Samara sat in the middle of the floor in meditation. Samara started, "Shepard…" the blue glow faded and she stood turning to face her. "I am honored that you have come to see me before you leave."

Shepard said, "Samara, you told me once that when the Collector danger was over, I had to release you from your oath…I'm prepared to do that now…"

Samara stood by the window, staring out at the stars as Shepard walked over to her. Samara looked at Shepard and said, "Shepard…the battle is won, but the war still rages. I am unwilling to be released from my vow to you until the reapers are defeated."

Shepard smiled, "I was hoping you'd say that, Samara. But you know I won't be here for a while…"

"Your presence, while welcome, is not necessary for my honoring of my vow. I will continue to do what is necessary to defeat our enemies. I have some influences that I will bring to bear for this situation…while you are gone, I will be gone from this ship as well. However, when the time is right, I will return."

Shepard nodded, "Thank you, Samara…I am very glad for your continuing help."

Shepard and Urz next made their way to Life Support , and found Thane sitting in his familiar place, hands folded. "Please, Siha…sit. I would speak to you…" Shepard sat down, more than a little nervous, as Thane continued, "Siha…are you sure of this course of action?"

Shepard nodded, "There isn't anything else I can do, Thane. Trust me, I've considered every possibility. But all I can do is try my best to get everyone on the same page."

Thane nodded, "Very well, Siha…then I will support your decision. Once you have left I will return to the Citadel and spend some time with my son. While I am there, I will gather what support I can. When the time comes, call me back to the Normandy. I will bring all the support I can muster." As he spoke, Thane idly scratched the Varren's head and Shepard smiled,

"That sounds great… but you know you're free to remain onboard the Normandy, right?"

"I know that I am welcome, Siha…but for several reasons, it is best that I go for now."

Shepard looked worried, "If it's Garrus…" Thane covered her hand with his own, giving her that gentle, dignified smiled,

"Is it not your mate, Siha….I would simply prefer to have some contact with my son…."

Shepard looked at him, waiting a few moments before she questioned him further, "Is that the only reason?" Thane looked uncomfortable, but with a sigh, said,

"No, Siha…. There is… another reason." Shepard looked at him, raising her eyebrow as she waited, Thane said, "I have no desire to be aboard this ship without you."

Now it was her turn to sigh, covering Thane's hand with her own. He turned his hand and held hers. Together they sat still, silent except for the panting of the Varren.

CHAPTER BREAK

Entering the med-bay, Shepard saw Chakwas sitting at her desk, two glasses of Serrice Ice Brandy set before her. Seeing Shepard, Chakwas smiled and said, "Ahh, just the woman I was looking for…"

Shepard and Chakwas shared a glass, both women laughing and talking about the last three years. Looking at her, Chakwas said, "Commander… I want you to promise me you'll be careful out there… I won't be there to patch you up…."

Shepard reached out and squeezed the doctor's hand, "You better believe it, Doc…."

Leaving the doctor at her desk, she walked into the AI Core and saw Legion standing there, unmoving. Clearing her throat she said "Legion?"

"Shepard-Commander… we have a question."

Shepard nodded, "ok… what is it?"

"Why is it necessary for you to leave this ship and return to your planet? Does your government not know that you have information far more important than this?"

Taking a deep breath, Shepard said, "Human's, actually most organics, aren't always logical, Legion. I made a decision that cost many lives…."

"But the decision saved far more, Shepard-Commander…."

"Be that as it may, I still have to let them pass judgment on me."

Legion observed her, then said, "We must confer on this…there is no consensus as of yet."

Leaving him to talk among…himself… themselves… whatever… Shepard left the med-bay.

After leaving the AI Core, she stopped by Miranda's office. The two women talked quietly for a few minutes. As the conversation was coming to a close Miranda made a point of saying "Shepard…just be careful, all right? I don't want my work wasted…."

Shepard grinned and said, "I will…and you take good damn care of my ship and crew…I don't want to come back and find out you've gotten my ship destroyed or my crew spaced…."

Miranda smiled, "Not even Joker?"

Shepard laughed, Miranda rarely joked, but when she did, it was a dry humor "no…not even Joker. Besides, Edi might be annoyed if you spaced him…"

"Very true, Commander; I would not be happy if Miranda spaced Jeff…."

It felt good to laugh, even if there was an undercurrent of sadness.

Kasumi was next on the list to visit and when Shepard entered the room she was thrilled to see everything was the normal. Kasumi was sitting on the couch, and she looked up when Shepard walked in. Shepard sighed, Kasumi was crying. Shepard moved to sit opposite Kasumi on the couch and Kasumi said, "Oh, Shepard…are you sure you're going to be okay? You watch that Kaiden…I don't trust him…."

Shepard squeezed her leg and said, "Kaiden is just doing his duty… and I'll be fine."

Kasumi sighed and said, "Just be careful, ok? I….I worry about you…."

"Will you be staying on the Normandy?" Kasumi sighed again, she didn't want to give Shepard the tape but she was beginning to think Edi was right. She said,

"Yea… at least, it'll be my base of operations. I may make some…forays into the world…but this is my home now. And I'll not lose that without a fight. It's been a long time since I had a home… or a family. And now I have both… and I don't want to lose either…."

Shepard squeezed her leg and said "you're not going to lose either, Kasumi… you'll always have a place on the Normandy… you're family too, you know?"

As Shepard left, Kasumi bit her lip, then said, "Edi? Ask Garrus to come here please."

"Shall I key up the recording, Kasumi?" Kasumi hesitated, then sighed,

"Yes…I think it's time."

Chapter Break

Shepard walked into the lab and found Mordin working, several boxes of information packed up to the side. Frowning, she said, "Are you leaving, Mordin?"

He blinked at her, and then replied, "yes…but will return. Most likely before you. Must meet with affiliate individuals and gather assistance."

Shepard nodded, "That makes sense…how are you faring on the Keprels cure?"

"Will have cure for Thane within weeks…."

"You'll have to get him to come back to give it to him…."

Interest in his eyes, Mordin said, "Thane is leaving? Shocking…will he return?"

"Yes…he's going to spend some time with his son and gathering some help…"

"Good. Very good…..also may have cure for genophage…not sure yet, requires more testing….will be looking into that while you are away."

Shepard nodded, "You be careful, Mordin… we need you back here…"

He watched her, cocked his head and said, "You too… must have you to lead charge against Reapers… return swiftly… be careful on Earth… much danger could happen…."

Her final stop was Jacob, and she entered the armory quietly, and saw Jacob standing quietly, staring at the table. "hey…."

Jacob jerked then smiled at her, "Hey Shepard. You making the rounds?" Shepard smiled,

"Yeah…habit I guess…and wanting to say goo…"

"NO! Don't say it, Shepard…" eyes wide, Shepard looked at Jacob's face as he stood up, "This isn't goodbye, this is just… until we meet again. Goodbye is too… final. This isn't. We've still got to beat the Reapers and for that, we need you." With that, Jacob turned to the bench and said, gruffly, "can we talk later, Shepard? I want to get this finished…."

Gazing at Jacob's back, Shepard shrugged, "Ok Jacob…later…."

Shaking her head, Shepard entered the elevator and headed down to the crew quarter and went to the Main Battery. Garrus wasn't working when she came in, which surprise her. Instead, he was sitting on the bunk, staring at his hands. When she walked in she smiled and moved to stand in front of him. Wrapping her arms around his cowl, she began to speak, but was interrupted by him standing up and taking her hands. She watched a little surprised, but he said, "Amica… there's something you need to hear… come with me?"

She nodded, frowning, but Garrus took her hand and led her toward Kasumi's quarters. Shepard said, "I was just here…"

"Yeah, I know…she was worried about showing you this…."

Kasumi was pacing when they entered and when she saw them, she turned to Shepard and said, "Shep…I didn't know what to do about this… I wasn't trying to get in the middle of things… but once he said it… I was… I didn't know when to show you…."

Shepard smiled at Kasumi and said, "Just calm down, Kasumi… what is it you want to show me?"

An image appeared on the screen and Shepard found herself listening to a very drunk Kaiden,

"We're soul mates, she just won't see it. I think she's with Garrus because he kisses her ass and she likes the power." Kasumi's eyes widened, but she was more surprised a second later when he said, "and I'm going to make her see it. Once she's back on Earth, she'll need me; need someone to be there for her and Garrus won't be there. I just have to get her back to Earth, where she can be taken care of properly. She'll see that this thing with Garrus is an abnormality, that she needs me. All I have to do is bide my time…and once I have her with me, on Earth…I'll have her back where she deserves to be, where she should be."

Shepard was quiet, she glanced over at Kasumi, who was watching her, then over at Garrus who was obviously furious. "Edi….ask Kaiden to come in here, please…."

"Right away, Commander"

A few minutes later Kaiden walked into the room and paused, his expression moving from Shepard to Kasumi to Garrus and back again. "Shepard…what's the matter?"

"Re-play it, Edi…"

As his words replayed, Kaiden went pale, he glared at Kasumi, but Shepard saw that and snapped, "No, Kaiden…you don't get to be pissy with Kasumi because YOU got caught. Do you have anything to say?"

Glancing at Garrus, who was growling, Kaiden stood at attention and shook his head. Shepard glanced at Kasumi and said, "I know this is your room, Kasumi, but do you think we could have some privacy here?" Kasumi nodded, then left, and Shepard turned to Garrus who growled,

"DON'T even ask, Shepard…", She grinned at him, despite the current situation and said,

"Never even thought of it, honey…"

But when Shepard turned to Kaiden, there was no smile, her face was cool and very slightly amused as she said, "Let me be clear, Alenko. I don't care where I am, who is around me or any other variable that you might throw out there. Garrus is NOT an "abnormality", I don't "need" you….I don't even LIKE you at this point. If the reapers came and wiped out all known sentient life but you and I you would a very short, lonely life, because I would rather be with Harbinger than with you. I will go to Earth because I agreed to do so. But I don't need you, I don't want you…and there is nothing that you have to offer me. Are we clear, Alenko?
Kaiden stood at attention, "Clear mamn. Permission to return to my bunk, mamn?"

Shepard nodded, "Permission granted… oh and Alenko? A copy of this will be kept in case you get some idea in your head…."

Kaiden said nothing, simply turned on his heel and marched out.

Garrus growled, but stopped when his mate moved into his arms. He nuzzled her and purred, then said, "It makes me nervous that you'll be alone with him… maybe we should consider changing the plan…."

Shepard snuggled close, "No… now I'm even more sure that I don't want the Alliance anywhere around my ship. No, we'll do this as planned. I can handle Alenko… but I can't handle the Alliance taking the Normandy."

Garrus growled, until her hands rubbed his fringe, then he purred. Smiling up at him, she said, "We have one night, Garrus…one night to hold on too for who knows how long. Sometimes I envy Thane his perfect memory… I wish I could remember every moment of our time together…"

Garrus nuzzled her temple, "We'll just have to make the most of it, amica…."

Shepard grinned, "Tell you what…meet me in our cabin in 30 minutes…ok?

Garrus purred at her, nuzzling her hair, "Sounds good, amica….half an hour it is…."

Chapter Break

Garrus walked in and found Lia standing there, wearing the lingerie that she's bought for Christmas. She smiled at him as he grinned,

"One last night, Garrus… let's not waste a minute of it?" Shepard winced, she sounded like she was begging, but her mate stepped forward, sliding his hand up he cheek he whispered,

"No… not a moment wasted, amica…."

And not a moment was wasted…. Afterward, he lay there in their nest and cradled her in his arms, nuzzling her temple, her neck, the bite on her shoulder. He'd finally managed with a little help from Mordin, to mark his mate with a mark that didn't heal. And he wore a mark on his own shoulder, her little, blunt, human teeth had made a lasting impression on his leathery skin. He carded his talons through her hair, his other hand wrapped around her waist, holding her against him.

For her part, Shepard drew her nails across his chest plates, making circles and shapes just enjoying the feeling of being in her mate's strong arms.

Chapter Break

Garrus stood and held his mate, both were dressed in their armor and they stood in the center of her cabin.

"I'm going to miss you so much, Garrus… I don't know… I…."

Garrus nodded, stepping forward and pressing his forehead to hers, "I know amica…but we'll get through this. And once this is over, we'll defeat the reapers and then we'll retire somewhere…maybe we'll use the Normandy as a luxury liner… for just 10,000 credits spend a week in the ship that saved the galaxy…."

Shepard laughed, rubbing the tears off her cheeks and said, "Well, Jack has been suggesting we become pirates…maybe we can do the whole steal from the rich and give to the poor type of pirates…."

Shepard looked directly at him, he face serious, "You're going to go to Palavan, right? You're going to be ok…and you're going to gather support?"

Garrus nodded, sliding his thumb over her cheek, "I will, just like we planned. I don't know how much good it'll do, but I'll do my best to get them ready. I'll be fine, amica…Lia…and I'll save up all my steam for when we're back together again…."

Looking nervous, Shepard said, "That might be a long time…what happens if…"

Sliding his thumb over her lips, Garrus smiled at her, "Lia, other than the occasional sparing match, and may I add, with NO tiebreaker, I'll be saving up everything for you. Nothing will happen with anyone else…put that thought out of your mind, ok?"

Leaning against him, she slid her hands over his biceps and said, "Ok… and we have our mood stones…."

Garrus smiled, "Yes, we do… so we'll send our love to each other through the stones… it's not perfect; and it's certainly not up to my normal stylish manner, but it'll do until we can be back together."

She leaned into his arms, "I love you, Garrus…you have no idea how scared I am… how much I just want to chuck it all and run away…."

Caressing her hair, he said softly, "yeah, I do know…there IS a collector base I know of…it's a, what do you humans call it? An upper fix?"

Shepard snorted, "A fixer upper…."

"Right… a fixer upper…. But we might be able to make a home there."

Shepard laughed, but before she could reply, Edi's voice came on, "Commander Shepard, we're approaching the drop site…."

Shepard sighed, it was time to go.

Chapter Break

Taking a deep breath, Shepard looked around the CIC, at the faces of her crew, her family. All were upset, but most tried to put a strong, calm face on it. Kelly wept openly at her station, and Joker, in the cockpit seemed almost on the verge of tears himself. Drawing herself up to her full height, Shepard said, "Ok folks…remember, I'm counting on you…but more than this, the galaxy is counting on you. The goals haven't changed, I may not be here to stare over your shoulder," Joke snorted, and Shepard grinned, "but I'm going to be watching you anyway. So don't let me down, ok?

Miranda is now in charge, and Garrus is the new XO. However, if it comes down to brass tacks, I'm giving total control of this ship to Joker and Edi…they will," a glare at Joker, who looked shocked, "follow Miranda's and Garrus' orders…Understand, Joker?"

Joker nodded, but didn't seem to be able to say anything, Edi's voice came over the speaker and she said, "Commander… I will make sure that Jeff follows orders and doesn't abuse his status. I would like to share something with you, Commander, if I may…"

Surprised, Shepard nodded, turning to the display in the center of CIC. Edi's blue holographic display dimmed, then went out and when it came back, instead of the blue "mushroom" there stood a tall woman, wearing the Shepard's Alliance for Peace ship uniform. He hair was blond, and pulled up on top of her head in a bun, her blue eyes shone from her pale face and she smiled at Shepard and said, "Thanks to Tali-Zorah vas Normandy's gift, I am able to set my own holographic image. I chose to resemble you Commander…with my own unique spin."

Shepard shared a glance at Garrus, who smirked at her, "Thank you Edi, I'm honored…and I'm honored that you've chosen to share this with me before I go."

Kaiden cleared his throat, "Commander… we should go…."

Shepard looked over her shoulder at the Alliance Marine, and put her hand on Garrus' arm when she heard him growl. Quickly, Shepard wiped the tears from her eyes and said, "You're right, Alenko, time to go…she hesitated and said, "This isn't goodbye, just until we meet again…. I trust you all to do your best to perform to the best of your abilities. Take care everyone…."

As she turned to enter the airlock, she heard Edi's voice, "Crew…ATTENTION…." and Shepard glanced over her shoulder to see the entire crew standing at attention saluting her. She nodded, choked up a little, "At ease, people…" With a final smile at her crew, she reached out and took Garrus' talons in her hand.

Shepard, Kaiden and Garrus entered the airlock. Kaiden cleared his throat, "I'll wait for you in the shuttle, Commander…"

Left alone, Lia turned to Garrus, she could hear the soft keening coming from her mate, but she stepped into his arms, he rested his forehead on hers and whispered, "I love you, amica… until we're together again, hold on to that…."

Shepard nodded, "You too, honey… I love you so much, Garrus… I'll miss you, but I know you'll do what you have to do, and I'll be back in your arms soon…. You'll take care of Urz?"

Garrus chuckled, "yeah…I'll make sure your menace is taken care of…" Garrus nuzzled her and she pressed her lips against him, clinging for a moment before they both took a deep breath and each prepared to go their separate ways.

Their hands were joined and as she stepped toward the shuttle, they touched hands until they could no longer touch. As the doors closed, Lia pressed two fingers to her lips, pulling them away toward Garrus and he made a fist over his heart, moving it away toward her. Then the doors shut and Garrus was left standing in the airlock.

"Officer Vakarian, you have to re-enter the ship before the airlock can finish cycling for the shuttle to leave. Grimacing, Garrus thought, 'maybe I should just stay here…then they can't leave.' But logically, he knew he couldn't, so he turned and re-entered the ship, wincing as the door shut behind him. He turned, shutting his eyes and resting his head on the door, and the crew simply went about their duties, even Joker, said nothing to Garrus. They just let him have this time to mourn.

Shepard stood, her forehead resting on the shuttle door. Kaiden cleared his throat, his voice soft and quiet, "Shepard…come and sit down."

Her eyes closed, Shepard took a deep, shuddering breath and clutched her Lover Memory stone in her hand, not brave enough to look at the color. She did however, think of her deep love for her mate…how much she loved him, and knew that his stone was turning vivid, cobalt blue. Raising a hand to wipe her tears, she took another deep, shuddering breath and composed her face, before moving to sit down across from Kaiden.

There was quiet for a few minutes, "It'll be a couple of hours before we reach the rendezvous point, Lia…" She looked at him, nodding absently. Kaiden frowned, and then tried again, "I wish you'd chosen to meet the Alliance ship in the Normandy, it wouldn't be such a long ride." Shepard shrugged, but said nothing and Kaiden frowned again, "and you wouldn't have had to buy this shuttle…."

Looking up, Lia saw the expression on Kaiden's face, he was trying to distract her, but he was complaining too. Shepard spoke softly, shrugging, "I wasn't about to get the Normandy close to an Alliance ship… not knowing they want her. There is no way I'm giving the Alliance my ship… and besides, the trip gives me a chance to compose myself."

Kaiden frowned, "I still don't understand why you won't just give the Normandy to the Alliance…they'd be able to use it a lot better than the people you left her with."

Angry and outraged, she kept her voice calm as she said, 'She's my ship, Allenko. And no matter what, when this is all done, I'll go back to my ship and use it to do what I have to do." Kaiden frowned and Lia shook her head, Kaiden would never understand. He was a true Alliance soldier; he would never question an order or think that he might know better. Shepard was a soldier, but she wasn't one for blind obedience; she knew right from wrong and had no qualms about ignoring any order that was not the right thing to do.

Both Kaiden and Shepard were quiet for the majority of the ride, both lost in their own thoughts.