New Builds

The new Normandy was breathtaking.

Bigger, for certain. And better, if Kelly was to be believed.

Karin had hardly been able to believe her eyes when Kelly had led her down to Minuteman's main docking bay three days after she'd been reunited with Joker. Apparently Shepard had been and gone in that time, arriving—somewhat prematurely, rumour had it—from the Lazarus facility with Jacob and Miranda before heading out to investigate the disappearance of a colony called Freedom's Progress.

Karin had been assuming that they would be using one of the many Cerberus cruisers she'd seen docked at the station for the mission. She couldn't have been more wrong, and for a moment, as she stared at the frigate that had to have been built specifically with Shepard in mind, a cold chill of fear ran down her spine. The amount of credits Cerberus were ploughing into this venture was simply astronomical, and nobody was altruistic enough to spend that amount of money either on one person's comfort or on a simple search and destroy mission. Whatever she'd gotten herself into was far bigger than either Miranda or Kelly's explanations had implied.

"That's extraordinary," she managed after a moment, careful to mask her disquiet at her deepening appreciation of the mystery of the Illusive Man's motivations. Kelly grinned, clearly pleased by her stunned reaction and taking it completely at face value.

"Isn't it great? Joker was in tears when he saw her."

Karin's sense of unease redoubled. Joker was emotionally vulnerable, and while he was well able to intellectually recognize the blatant attempt at manipulation this new ship presented, the lure of having his heart's deepest desire granted would be a powerful one. "Tears of joy, I assume?"

"Oh absolutely. He says he can't wait to try her out, see how she flies. I think he's really missed the old Normandy."

"We all have," Karin murmured.

Kelly's smile widened. "Well, wait till you get on board this one – it's the most beautiful ship I've ever seen, inside and out. Cerberus added a few improvements, and I think you'll like what we've done with her."

The CIC looked much the same, if somewhat more spacious and better lit, but Karin's introduction to the new AI did nothing to ease her concerns. While EDI seemed as perfectly efficient as you could wish, she did not like the idea of a Cerberus-programmed AI snooping through her patient records. "I assure you Dr. Chakwas, there are protocols in place restricting my access to confidential personal information," the AI stated. The only data I will be able to freely access are the crew's vital statistics in the event of shore-party deployments."

"I see," Karin replied noncommittally. Only time would tell.

Kelly led her down to the medbay, and left her to get acclimatized, promising to check back as soon as her duties permitted. Karin promised that she'd be fine, and settled into the business of checking over her new domain, making a careful inspection of all the facilities and taking inventory. She was pleased to find that she couldn't fault the stocks, and in regard of supply and ordering she suspected EDI would be a godsend. The facilities at her disposal, for both treatment and research, were state of the art, better even than in the clinic at Syria Planum. All in all, it was a magnificent workspace, but the revelations unwittingly imparted by Kelly's idle chit-chat nonetheless had her worked up to a degree of trepidation about the mission that she hadn't anticipated.

Miranda, accompanied by Jacob, checked in with her when she was about half-way through her inspection. "We're getting under way in a moment, but before we head off, I thought you'd like to know that Shepard performed admirably at Freedom's Progress," the operative reported. "She seems quite a formidable soldier."

Jacob grunted derisively. "She seems formidable, right. That's not what I saw. She kicked ass, Doc."

"I prefer precision to colour in my language, Jacob, as you know," Miranda remarked coolly.

Jacob ignored her, still grinning at the memory of the fight. "Whatever. She's a hell of a fighter. Took down a YMIR heavy mech like it was some two-bit punk with a popgun."

"Now that sounds familiar," Karin chuckled. "Did you find what you were looking for?"

A faint trace of irritation crossed Miranda's neutral expression. "After a fashion. We found a survivor, a quarian who'd witnessed the attack. We're waiting to receive his omni-tool data."

"Why not just bring him back with you?" Karin asked.

"You'd have to ask Shepard that," Miranda said disdainfully.

Jacob rolled his eyes. "Your old crewmate, Tali'Zorah was there with a quarian retrieval unit. They weren't real happy to be cooperating with Cerberus, but Shepard convinced them. They're patching him up, and they'll send the data along. Tali gave her word, and Shepard was happy with that."

"Tali was there?" Karin queried eagerly. "How did Shepard react?"

"She was pleased to see her," Miranda offered. "Said something about geth data that seemed to convince Tali'Zorah of her identity."

Karin nodded. "Yes. I know what that would be. That's good, if she's retained such detailed memory."

Miranda sniffed. "Did I mention that I do good work?" She cocked her head thoughtfully. "The exercise has borne out my technical expectations, but this white-knight attitude of Shepard's is going to be a problem. We can't go around rescuing every kitten we see stuck up a tree. We have a job to do."

"Well, if you've rebuilt her as was, then you're going to have to live with a certain degree of impulsive kitten-rescuing," Karin warned. "And it's never stopped her getting the job done before."

"I disagree, Doctor. It got her killed," Miranda pointed out. "If she'd survived the attack on the Normandy the situation we're in now might never have evolved."

"So Joker's life wasn't worth the risk, is that what you're telling me?" Karin glared at her. "We're all expendable?"

"If it gets the job done, Doctor, yes," Miranda agreed.

"Then, forgive me, Miranda, but I'm glad that Shepard is in command rather than you. When might I have the opportunity to speak to her?"

Miranda's expression hardened into a frown. "As of ten minutes ago, Doctor, the Commander retired to her personal quarters. If you're looking for a moment for a joyous reunion, you likely won't get a better chance. Now, please excuse me, there's a lot to do." She turned on her heel and stalked out.

Jacob watched her go, and sighed. "Sorry, Doc. It always takes Miranda a while to adapt to a new regime. She's never been one for taking orders."

"That much is apparent, Jacob." Karin arched an enquiring eyebrow. "Your take on Shepard's decision?"

The soldier shrugged. "Ain't my call, but Shepard knows Tali'Zorah. If she thinks her word is good, I'll roll with that. Cerberus spent a fortune specifically to bring Shepard in on this. Not much point in second-guessing her, is there?"

Karin nodded agreement. "Indeed. Was there anything else?"

Jacob shook his head. "Nah. I'll leave you to it, Doc, have a good one."

As soon as Taylor had gone, Karin activated her terminal and sent a comm request to Tali. The quarian picked up immediately. "Doctor Chakwas, good to hear from you. Listen, could I, uh, maybe call you back later – it's not a good time right now." Tali sounded nervous.

"I know about Shepard, Tali." Karin said softly. "I know you saw her – Jacob just told me about it."

"Keelah, you're with her?" Tali now sounded intrigued.

"Yes, and so is Joker."

There was a long mechanical exhale on the other end of the line. "That's… a relief, actually. I wasn't sure I'd be able to keep it from you, and I wasn't sure if it's supposed to be a secret."

"I have no idea about that. All I know is that I've signed on to her crew for this mission – she'll need all the help she can get, especially with this Cerberus connection."

"Yeah." Tali made a rude noise. "Those bosh'tets are nothing but trouble, mark my words. Chakwas?"

"Yes?"

"It really was her, wasn't it? I mean, she looked and sounded the same, she acted the same, she knew so much that only Shepard would know. It's not some sort of trick, is it?"

"I haven't spoken to her yet," Karin admitted, "but hearing you say that gives me hope."

"I'll reserve judgement till I hear from you, then." The quarian sounded desperately hopeful. "If it is her… well, I have a mission to complete, but after that, if she needs me…"

"I'll let you know, Tali, I promise."

"Great." Tali gave a wry chuckle. "You know, when I got up this morning I really wasn't expecting to come face to face with a miracle. Well, face to facemask, at any rate."

Karin laughed with her. "I know how you feel. Steals the breath somewhat, doesn't it?"

"Yeah. For what it's worth, I was convinced. I hope you'll reach the same opinion. It would be amazing to have her back."

"It would. All right, Tali, thank you. I'll be in touch as soon as I can. Look after yourself."

"You too, Doctor. You too."

She hung up the call and took a deep, fortifying breath.

Time to find out the truth.

Locking her terminal, Karin left the medbay and caught the elevator up to the CIC, finding Kelly at her station. "Good evening, Kelly."

"Doctor Chakwas, good evening." Kelly smiled in return. "What can I do for you?"

"I'm snooping," Karin admitted shamelessly. "Miss Lawson told me the Commander had retired, and I'm just checking that there's no back story I need to be aware of before I put my foot in something fragrant. By Miranda's expression, all was not well between them."

Kelly looked around and lowered her voice. "I can't say what happened on the mission, but right after they got aboard they had a bit of a set-to," she confided. "Miranda might have been a little pushy in making a decision about our first port of call. And Shepard may have pointed out in response that it was her call as the ship's commanding officer, not Miranda's. It was a little frosty for a moment, then Miranda backed down and got on the elevator with Jacob."

"I see. And Shepard seemed calm enough?"

"Perfectly. She seemed quite comfortable," Kelly agreed, brightening immediately. "She seemed… larger than life. She has a real presence, doesn't she?"

"She does indeed. All right, thank you, Kelly. I think I'll take my chances. See you later." Karin returned to the elevator and took it to the top deck, the addition of a crow's nest cabin for the commanding officer being yet another new feature in the ship's layout.

Fortunately, the elevator was another component that had changed, and was considerably quicker in delivering her to her destination. Alighting in the small gangway that split the captain's cabin from the elevator shaft, Karin took a deep, slightly apprehensive breath. Pressing the button that sounded the door chime, she couldn't help but hold that breath.

"Come in!" a familiar voice bellowed, the words a whipcrack of displeasure that hung in the air as the door hissed open. Karin took one step, and found herself grinning in sheer delight at the sight of Commander Rachel Shepard standing in the middle of the floor beside a very large fish tank, hands on hips, temper tugging her features into a forbidding scowl, the very textbook image of an irate CO. "Commander Shepard," she offered, fighting to keep from laughing at the utterly atypical tableau. "I watched the Normandy crumble with you still on board. It's good to see you alive."

Shepard stared at her blankly, shock unhinging her jaw and flaring in her green eyes while the angry tension that had wired her body began to drain off. Karin waited an impatient moment for the younger woman to react further, and when she failed to, arched an eyebrow in reproof. "Close your mouth, Commander," she chided. "You're not a guppy fish."

Shepard shook herself, then a blinding grin lit up her whole face as she bounded toward Karin with a delighted laugh. "God, it's nice to see a familiar face, Doc," she declared, wrapping the doctor up in a crushing bear hug.

Relief washed through Karin. Shepard knew who she was, knew that she knew the doctor well enough to be physically familiar with her, and was utterly, guilelessly overjoyed to see her. The elation that understanding triggered was more than adequate recompense for being slowly suffocated by someone who hadn't quite adapted to the new strength imparted by their extensive biomechanical upgrades.

"I feel the same way, Shepard," Karin confided. "I only wish more of the original crew could be here." Impulsively, she returned the hug, clinging tightly for a moment before disengaging. Shepard, still grinning broadly, tugged her down the stairs and into the cabin proper, gesturing for Karin to take a seat. "I spoke to Miranda and Jacob about Freedom's Progress, and Tali," Karin began. Best to ease in gently.

Shepard nodded, scratching absently at one of the scars on her jaw. "Yeah, it was weird," she related. "Properly, creepy weird. By the time Tali showed up, it was almost like she was the most normal part of the whole experience. Aside from the guns, the explosions and the malevolent synthetic lifeforms, of course."

Karin couldn't help but laugh; it was such a Shepard thing to say. "The kind of trauma you've endured would have changed most people," she observed, "but not you, I see." Encouraged beyond measure, she stretched across to pat the commander's black-clad knee. "Welcome back, Shepard."

"Thanks, Doc." Shepard regarded her curiously. "You've been with the Alliance for years. Why leave now, if it's not too personal a question?"

Chakwas sighed. She didn't want to overload Shepard, but the woman deserved to know the truth, not least because she could use it as a benchmark for what Cerberus were telling her. "After the Normandy was lost, the surviving crew were all reassigned. Didn't want us ganging up to make trouble, I guess. I was stationed at the Mars Naval Medical Center. A very respectable position, but it wasn't on a starship."

Shepard's eyebrows arched in astonishment. "They grounded you?"

Chakwas nodded regretfully. "Yes, and I didn't care for it. I've spent most of my life on warships, never knowing what the next mission might bring. I'm used to the hum of engines, the creaking of bulkheads, that subtle vertigo when the momentum dampeners kick in. Life planetside is too static, too boring."

"Spoken like a true spacer," Shepard grinned. "But… Cerberus seems a bit of a stretch."

"I don't work for Cerberus," Karin stressed. "I've taken a leave of absence, and I work for you. I know that your dealings with Cerberus will be ethical. I trust you, Commander, and frankly, I think you're going to need me."

"I think you might be right about that," Shepard admitted. She met Karin's gaze with an earnest smile, and the doctor's breath caught at the relief in the soldier's eyes. "Thanks, Doc. I hope I can live up to that trust."

"I've no doubt of that, or I wouldn't be here. You've spoken to Joker, I take it?" Karin asked.

"Yeah, a bit," Shepard hedged, shifting uncomfortably. "I'm still not sure whether I want to hug him or smack him in the mouth."

That was remarkably restrained in Karin's view, but then again, probably Shepard was still too disoriented to have really processed everything. "Either option would do equal damage, I'm sure," she offered lightly. "Be gentle, if you can. I can understand that you'd be angry with him, but the Alliance broke him over your death, and that was nothing compared to the damage he self-inflicted."

Shepard flinched at the word 'death' but she nodded slowly. "I'll try." She sighed. "So. Jacob and Miranda. What's your read?"

"Jacob is a good soldier," Karin opined, "and like most good soldiers, he wants a cause to fight for. He wants what he does to matter, wants to make a difference. He wants to be a paragon of duty and right action. He's a good man," she concluded, "but in my view he's trying far too hard to be like you, and he doesn't have anything like enough of the traits that make you…well, you."

Shepard huffed a wry chuckle. "Was there a compliment in there, Doc, or has my brain not been wired back up right?"

Pleased by the reaction, Karin gave Shepard a playful shove to the shoulder. "That's exactly what I'm talking about. To hear Jacob describe you, you sound like a cross between a benevolently programmed geth and a drill sergeant, all objectives-oriented and for-the-cause, with hospital corners and parade-ground spit-polish. It's all I can do not to laugh and shatter his illusions."

"I can be all those things when I have to be," Shepard objected in a mock-hurt tone.

"That's the point. When you have to. You can turn it off. He can't." Karin's levity faded as she considered the second half of the query. "But Miranda, that's a whole different kettle of fish. Be careful with that one, Shepard. She's exceptionally smart, and exceptionally able. As I understand it, she was in charge of the whole project to put you back in the field. She's used to being the boss, but now you're here, and you outrank her. She's not used to being second-in-command of her own project."

"I'm sure her boss doesn't see her as second-in-command of anything. I'm waiting for that shoe to drop," Shepard observed, eyes narrowing as she considered her Cerberus XO.

"Clever girl," Chakwas approved. "They haven't dulled your wits or your survival instincts. I'd say you have two options. Get her on side, or cut her out from the rest of the crew. I'm afraid I don't know her well enough to recommend one strategy or the other, though she seems perfectly civil."

"I'll figure it out," Shepard said confidently. "First thing to do is talk to her, I guess, and then make sure the ground team we recruit are taking orders only from me." She took a deep breath, and her confidence seemed to leak away as she let it out. "Doc… you, uh, wouldn't happen to know anything about Liara? Where she is, what she's doing?" Her voice was abruptly choked with frustration and pain. "Tali didn't know, and Cerberus won't tell me anything."

The last niggling doubt in Karin's mind that this woman might not be the true Rachel Shepard evaporated with that question; there was no doubting the depth of emotion in the query. "I'm terribly sorry, Shepard, I really have no idea. After your funeral, she packed up and left without a word to anyone. No one knows where she went. I must admit, I'd thought Tali the most likely candidate, if Liara was going to stay in touch with anyone. She was… not doing well."

Shepard's distress intensified, her eyes glazing with tears as she bit her lip to try and control her emotions. "I need to find her," she whispered, and Karin ached at only being able to offer a platitude as she squeezed the younger woman's shoulder.

"You will, Shepard. You will." She got to her feet. "I'll let you get some rest. You'll need it after all the shocks you've had today." She regarded Shepard fondly. "You've always been practical about the situations you get yourself into, but this is a new one in the field of human experience, so don't push yourself too hard. The world changed on you while you were asleep. Try not to expect too much, too fast. Now, report to me in the morning for a baseline check-up, and do try to get some sleep, my dear girl."

"I will," Shepard promised, her voice still choked. "Thanks, Doc," she continued, an expression of overwhelming gratitude offsetting the tears in her eyes. "For…for being here for me. It means a lot."

Karin smiled gently. "Oh, it's my pleasure, Commander. What are friends for, after all? And remember, my door is always open if you need to talk." With one last pat on the shoulder, she took her leave, letting the doors to the cabin hiss firmly shut behind her before letting out a little crow of delight.

Commander Shepard was back in action.

oOoOo

The following morning provided a further demonstration that Shepard's resurrection was a true one, in the form of their very first staff briefing.

"Dr. Chakwas, please report immediately to the comm room aft of the CIC," EDI chirped. "You may access the area via the research lab on the starboard side of the command deck."

"On my way," Karin confirmed, saving her reports and heading to the elevator, nodding a greeting to Miranda as they met at the doors. Jacob joined them as they reached the comm room doors.

Shepard was waiting inside, wearing a fresh set of Cerberus BDUs, and if she was the least bit discomfited by the change of uniform, she gave no sign, her hands tucked into the small of her back, feet spread to brace against the ship's deck in a precise stance, studying the haptic model of the ship projected above the table.

She continued to study the model for a few silent moments, and Karin watched Miranda and Jacob's very different reactions with interest. Jacob settled to parade rest, patiently awaiting his CO's pleasure. Miranda cocked her hip to one side, gaze locked on Shepard, clearly wanting to take charge but unsure of the repercussions of doing so.

Just as the Cerberus operative opened her mouth to speak, Shepard looked up from her study, meeting Miranda's gaze with an arched eyebrow. Lawson subsided, and Shepard waited a few seconds longer to reinforce the message before starting. "All right. We're under way, heading for Omega, and I want to set a few ground rules. This may not be an Alliance ship, but it has an Alliance-trained skipper, and a mostly Alliance-trained crew from the files I've read so far, so we'll be abiding by the uniform code of justice for keeping order and discipline. I'm not too fussed about address protocol, as long as people are properly respectful, and orders are not questioned." She met Miranda's gaze deliberately. "Is that something we can all agree to up front?"

"You're the boss, Commander," Jacob acknowledged crisply.

"As you say, Shepard," Miranda agreed coolly, not dropping Shepard's gaze.

"Good. We'll hold operational staffs every morning at oh nine hundred, except if we're deployed to shore party duty or action stations – Miranda, I'll need a list of division heads who should attend."

"Of course."

"Great. In keeping with the way I ran the original Normandy, every other day, we'll hold mission update briefings for the senior staff. You, Jacob, and Dr. Chakwas will attend those for now – we'll add folk as necessity dictates once we've picked up some of these specialists in the dossiers."

"Why the doctor, if I might ask?" Miranda enquired.

Shepard paused for a moment, tilting her head slightly to one side. "Because I trust her judgement in matters of personnel and in environmental threat assessment for shore duty," she said in a quiet, measured tone. "As well as a great many other things. Which reminds me, I'd like Kelly Chambers to report to the Doc on her counselling duties."

"Miss Chambers…"

"Is perfectly well qualified, I'm sure," Shepard cut Miranda off in the same even, patient tone, "but I had a quick chat with her, and by her own admission she doesn't have much practical experience of combat stress or operational shipboard deployment. Dr. Chakwas' considerable field experience and ability to provide guidance will be of benefit to her and therefore to the whole crew. Miss Chambers is free to organize and conduct her duties as she sees fit, but I would like her reporting line to be adjusted to run through the Chief Medical Officer rather than the XO, as befits a position with medical responsibilities."

Miranda nodded stiffly. "I'll take care of it, Commander."

"Thank you, Miranda, I appreciate that," Shepard acknowledged. "EDI, will you note the change in the log, please?"

"As ordered, Commander," the AI confirmed.

"Good. Now, with that housekeeping taken care of, let's get down to business." Shepard nodded to Miranda. "Veetor's tool data was delivered late last night, and I've reviewed it this morning, as I'm sure you have."

"I haven't," Karin cut in. "I didn't receive it."

"Sorry, Doc, my bad. You'll be copied on all mission data going forward," Shepard assured her, not even bothering to look at Miranda to confirm her statement. "I'll forward these data to you after the meeting. From the footage, and the reading around it I've managed to do, I'm inclined to agree with your theory about these Collectors, Miranda."

Miranda nodded. "Those biotech swarms – seekers, as the quarian called them – that we saw in the footage would certainly explain why no-one's been able to raise an alarm. Immobilize the colonists, then collect them at your leisure. What's not clear is why they'd bother."

"Slave labour, maybe?" Jacob postulated.

Miranda made to shake her head, then paused. "I don't see it. There are easier ways to get hold of slaves than assaulting colonies."

"The markets on Khar'shan being an obvious choice," Shepard noted, disgust curling her lip. "My knee-jerk reaction to hearing of colonies being abducted was that the Batarians would be involved somehow." She traded a glance with Karin. "My Mom was on the Einstein when it mopped up on Mindoir."

"I was dispatched with the relief force a few days later," Karin recalled. "It was brutal. But Batarians leave plenty of evidence behind in their slaving raids."

"Which we didn't have here," Shepard agreed. "Don't get me wrong, I'm just as happy it isn't the Batarians – God knows we have enough trouble with them – but it would have been easier to wrap up. These guys," she brought up an image of a Collector dumping a human into some sort of casket, "are an enigma. Miranda, did you say they live beyond the Omega Four relay?"

"Right. And their interest has previously been limited to unusual specimens, beings with unusual genetic anomalies or characteristics – they've never been known to trade for more than a couple of dozen specimens. This mass abduction of normal humans is atypical, and the timing is troubling – it started up shortly after you were killed, Shepard. Almost as if the humans had drawn their attention."

"But why would they need so many?" Karin wondered. "You wouldn't need thousands of specimens just to study."

"They might be building an army for the Reapers," Shepard suggested, "using humans to build husks to replace the geth."

"We didn't see any dragon's teeth," Jacob objected.

"All that means is they aren't doing it on site. Look," Shepard held up a hand, "we aren't going to solve this with wild-ass guesses and conjecture. We don't have enough information, so we need to do some investigating. As soon as we dock at Omega, our first priority will be to find and recruit Professor Solus. I agree that he's the most critical asset for us to have in place to counteract this Collector disabling tech, and maybe to provide some better insight. We should be arriving at Omega in…?" Shepard looked over at the AI's avatar inquiringly.

"Two hours, thirty-six minutes," EDI supplied.

"Right. Miranda, Jacob, I'll expect you to be ready to deploy for shore duty thirty minutes before arrival. You'll report back here for a briefing, then we'll head to the shuttle."

"Got it," Jacob replied, bracing to attention.

"Understood," Miranda confirmed.

"Good. I'll see you then. Dismissed, and thank you. Doc, I'll walk you back, if you don't mind?"

"Not at all. In fact I'll seize the opportunity to do your baseline physical. Let you get a head start on all that leading by example you excel at."

"Swell," Shepard countered dryly. Karin winked at her as they fell into step, and they maintained an amiable silence as they made their way back to the crew deck.

"That went rather well, considering," Karin commented as soon as they'd reached the comparative privacy of the medical bay.

"Considering what, exactly?"

"Considering how you and Miranda butted heads on the bridge yesterday afternoon."

Shepard cocked an amused eyebrow. "Let me guess. Kelly can't keep her trap shut for five minutes?"

"Got it in one," Karin chuckled. "You may well come to regret giving me the authority to force her to snitch. Think of all the things I might find out."

"Actually, I don't anticipate you finding out much via that route," Shepard countered wryly. "But we'll get back to that in a minute. Yeah, it went well. I had some time to think things through last night."

"Did you sleep?"

"Not particularly well," Shepard admitted. "Unfamiliar bed and all."

"That might be the understatement of the century," Karin commented dryly. "It's good to see your sense of humour is still intact."

"You say that now," Shepard observed, "but I bet you'll be back to bitching about it within a few days."

"Such is my privilege, to be able to evaluate aspects of your character without necessarily approving of them."

"I love you too," Shepard retorted with a wry smile, which quickly broadened into a real grin. "I still can't quite believe you're here."

"I think that's my line. I'm not the one who's been raised from the dead, after all."

"Touché," Shepard murmured, looking around the medbay. "Well, this is all very familiar. Where d'you want me?"

"Right there is just fine, thank you." Karin activated her omni-tool and commenced the scan, studying the results intently. She'd re-read Miranda's case notes carefully, and was pleased to see all of the implants and structural enhancements were bedding down well, with little or no rejection or complications. "There. You seem to be in the best of health. I won't bother you with tests just yet, but I would like to take a couple of blood and tissue samples to have on record. They've made quite a few upgrades, and I'd like to be sure they don't present any risks."

"Sure. After the mission OK?"

"Of course."

"Good. So, do you have everything you need?"

"I believe so. This medical bay is very similar to the sickbay on the original Normandy. The only things missing are my private reserves." She smiled wistfully. "I even had a bottle of Serrice Ice brandy that I was saving for a special occasion."

"I'll keep an eye out for a replacement bottle," Shepard promised.

"Oh, you needn't. It's expensive, and we have much larger concerns ahead. But I appreciate the thought. You're a good girl." Karin closed the distance between them, embracing the younger woman fiercely. "I'm so pleased you're alive."

Shepard hugged her back, clinging to her tightly for a moment. "Me too," she whispered, then she huffed a short laugh as she set the doctor back. "Lot of complications and riders attached to it, though. Speaking of which, regarding Chambers, my would-be shrink?"

"What about her?"

"Talking to her makes me feel like a damn lab rat," Shepard confessed. "And no doubt every observation she makes about my state of mind will get fed back to Mr. Illusive." She looked at Karin uncertainly. "She seems like a nice kid, but I don't know her, and I'm not inclined to trust anyone who joined Cerberus subscribing to any of their ideology. I certainly won't be disclosing my fondest hopes or my deepest fears to her. Would you…" The commander paused, suddenly looking very vulnerable. "You'll listen to me, right, Doc?"

"Of course I will," Karin agreed immediately. "The only reason I'm here at all is you. You died for me, and for every other member of your crew, that day aboard the Normandy. The least I can do in return is make sure you have the best possible chance to reclaim your life." The doctor smiled reassuringly. "I have concerns, and I'll air them with you as soon as we can find a moment," she jerked her chin toward the AI core, "but no matter where this leads, I have your back, all right? Now and always."

Shepard smiled shyly. "Thanks, Karin." She took a deep breath, rolled her shoulder, and frowned. "Damn."

"What?"

"It's supposed to pop when I do that," she replied, poking at the joint experimentally, then repeating the action. "Ever since I dislocated it…" She shook her head. "This new me is going to take a bit of getting used to, I guess."

"Well, knowing you, I'm sure you'll have your shoulder dislocated all over again in no time." Karin ran a quick in-depth scan. "There's some scarring on your glenoid labrum, enough to suggest the susceptibility still exists. Looks like they didn't have time to finish absolutely everything – if that part of your body was relatively intact, it might have had lower priority for tweaks and adjustments." The doctor fixed her CO with an affectionately stern glare. "Not that you should take that as some sort of challenge, do you understand?"

Shepard laughed. "Aye aye, ma'am." She rolled her shoulder once more, then took a deep breath. "Well, apparently there's work to be done. Best get to it. I'll be doing the rounds, then I'll be in the armoury if anyone wants me. I can't do my job without my toys, after all."

Karin nodded. "You do remember which end to point at the enemy, don't you?" she jibed, and Shepard cocked a supercilious eyebrow.

"Be careful, Doctor. I'd hate to suddenly remember that it's been well over two years since your last firearms proficiency qualification."

Karin laughed, genuinely delighted by her friend's recall. "Oh, well played, Commander. Well played."

Shepard chuckled. "As you said a while back, not just a pretty face. All right, Doc, I'll catch you later."


A/N: For those who've read Better Angels, my apologies, there's a chunk of re-hashed dialogue from that story in this chapter, but as it marks Shepard and Chakwas' reunion on the SR2 I didn't want to skip over it.

Fallen Angels will update shortly - I'm just back from vacation, hence the break.

I'd also like to say that Issue 2 of my new original fiction work, Burning Suns: Conflagration is now available to download for free if you'd like to check out some more of my work. There's a link on my profile page. If you do check it out and enjoy it, please spread the word! ;o) Thanks guys, you rock!