- Chapter 56 -

Thane knelt on the wooden bridge, the water beneath him splashing softly as the fish within the pond swam its waters. He would often come to this place. He found the location relaxing. By nature he was drawn to dry arid areas. But this place, this garden so full of green, shouted life. There was proof of it in all that surrounded him. From the abundant trees full of multi colored leaves to the vibrant green grass. There were the flowers with their exotic scents and the fish that swam gracefully beneath him. Koi they were called. They were beautiful and bright. And it all reminded him of Alexis. That was why he came here. Here he felt surrounded by her. Here it was almost as though he could hear her sultry voice calling to him. His eyes opened as he realized someone was calling to him. Slowly he stood, allowing the calm of this place to seep into him. He turned to face his visitor just as she stopped before him.

"You look exhausted. When was the last time you slept?"

Thane accepted Liara's gentle hug in greeting. "My meditation serves me," he answered when he stood to face her again. He knew she was not convinced but she did not argue. "How was your visit?" He saw the sadness in her eyes before she gave him a hesitant smile. "As before." Thane squeezed her hands reassuringly. "It will not always be so Liara. One day you will visit and all will be greatly altered." Liara gulped. He could see the brightness of tears in her blue gaze. "I pray to the goddess that you are right." Thane squeezed her hand once again. "As do I."

"I should get going. But I will visit again soon." She pulled Thane into another hug. Thane accepted the gesture without comment. He was not one to show affection physically. That was unless it was his Siha. In her case he had never been quite able to keep his hands off her. But he knew Alexis had loved Liara as a sister. She would have been pleased to see the easy relationship he now shared with the doctor. "Next time I am here I expect to see you looking more refreshed," Liara admonished. Thane simply inclined his head. "As you say, doctor."

Liara gave him a sweet smile then turned and left him. Thane watched her go for a moment. He turned and glanced around the lush garden. Inhaling deeply of the earthy scents, he turned and made his way back indoors.

Thane sat quietly reading when the door before him opened hesitantly. He laid his book aside, a smile curving his lips. "Kolyat," he greeted as he approached his son. "What a glorious surprise. I had not realized you were here," he said as he pulled his son into a tight hug. It had been months since he had seen Kolyat. Not since before the final battle against the Reapers. He was beyond pleased to see the boy alive and safe.

"I was unsure where to find you father. It was Dr. T'Soni who contacted me." Thane smiled. Of course Liara would find Kolyat and send him here. She would know Thane would need him now. "I am gratified she did. I would have done so myself but I have been…" Kolyat squeezed Thane's shoulder in understanding. "You need not explain father." Thane gulped back the emotion that had lodged in his throat. He inclined his head to his son in thanks. "How have you been father? How is…" he was saying when another entered the rom.

"Oh I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude," Kaidan Alenko said coming to a halt just inside the room. "Please Kaidan, you need not apologize," Thane said, extending a hand in greeting. "You remember my son Kolyat?" Kolyat too extended his hand in greeting. "Major Alenko," Kolyat greeted. Kaidan smiled and took the proffered hand. "Just Kaidan."

"I am glad you are here Kaidan. Would you mind staying while Kolyat and I step out for a moment," Thane asked. Kaidan shook his head. "Of course not. Take your time." Thane inclined his head in thanks the ushered his son out of the room.

Thane led Kolyat through the corridors and out into the bright afternoon sun. He found his favorite path and continued on to the Chinese garden and the Koi pond that granted him a measure of peace. Thane came to stand at the railing of the bridge, staring down at the colorful fish. "How is she father," Kolyat asked, breaking the silence.

Thane let out a deep breath. He knew that was what Kolyat had wanted to ask before. It was why he had been grateful for Kaidan's appearance. It allowed Thane the opportunity to leave the room and speak freely. Though this particular topic was never easy. "She is…" He faltered, unable to put into words what raced through his mind. In the end he opted for the clinical explanation. "Alexis is recovering. Her injuries should have killed her. She had lost much of her blood. The doctors believe it was the medi-gel that still remained from the battle that sustained her. But when they found her she was near death." Thane stopped as emotion chocked him. The thought of how close he had come to losing Alexis still brought him to his knees. Had they been even a few hours late she would not have survived. He felt his sons reassuring hand on his shoulder. It served to remind him she was not dead. They had in fact gotten to her in time. Taking a deep breath he began again. "Her injuries were so great the doctors placed her in a drug induced coma so that she may recover. For now she slumbers as her body heals." Thane felt the usual hollowness at the comment. He knew the doctors were doing all in their power to save Alexis. He would sit beside her bed day and night, keeping silent vigil. She was unconscious but he had to be at her side. He would spend hours staring at her chest rise and fall. It was his only reassurance that she was indeed alive.

"How long will she remain thus," Kolyat asked breaking into Thane's melancholy thoughts. Thane shook his head slowly. "I know not. The doctors tell me she will be kept in coma until they are certain her body can sustain the strain of simply being conscious." It was still an amazing concept to Thane. That one could be so gravely injured that simply being conscious could kill you. "I am deeply sorry father." Thane gulped. It was what all said to him. He knew it was their way to offer sympathy. But his faith was strong. He believed in Alexis, in their bond, in her love for him. She would not abandon him. "There is no need my son. Alexis needs time to recover from her ordeal. But recover she will. She will be among us again soon."

Kolyat gave Thane a hesitant smile. Thane knew he didn't quite believe. There was that small doubt in them all. But Thane had no room for doubt. He couldn't afford the emotion. Alexis would wake and return to him. That was the only belief he held. And he held it tightly, close to his heart. "Come we must return to the hospital room and relieve Kaidan."

"Must someone be with her always," Kolyat asked as he fell into step beside Thane. Thane gave his son an indulgent smile. It likely appeared odd to him that Alexis was never left alone. Though unconscious as she was she would hardly notice if she were left alone. The truth was Thane would not leave her alone. He despised leaving her even when he was ordered to. When he did he always ensured someone was with her. Thankfully she had no shortage of visitors. When he had to depart to take care of basic needs such as bathing he did so when she had visitors. "The doctors tell me she is unconscious and likely unaware. I am uncertain I believe what they say. To that end I ensure she knows she is surrounded by those who care for her. And that I am ever by her side. She will return to me."

Kolyat stopped. Thane stopped and turned to face his son. "Of this there is no doubt father. I saw the look in her eyes on your wedding day. Her love for you is great. And if there is anyone who can overcome great obstacles for love it is Alexis Shepard." Thane stared at his son overcome with emotion. He believed, held on to that belief with a death grip, while those around him wavered. To hear his son declare what Thane fought so hard to hold on to was an affirmation – one he was beyond grateful for. He clasped his son on the shoulder and squeezed. "Thank you," he breathed. Kolyat bowed his head humbly. Thane's love for his son knew no bounds in that moment. He was truly blessed. "Come," he said, patting his son on the shoulder, continuing his trek back to his Siha's hospital room.

Kaidan glanced up as Thane and Kolyat entered. "Hey you're back. I was just telling Shepard the latest." Thane immediately moved to sit beside Alexis, taking her hand gently between both of his own. "Latest," he asked. Kaidan grinned. "Yeah James has been promoted to full lieutenant." Thane smiled, happy for the young soldier. He lifted his Siha's hand to his lips, kissing it gently, wishing to pass his joy to her through his touch. He had done so on countless occasions. Every time his heart held out hope that she would react, that she would show even the slightest twitch of recognition. And every time he was met with disappointment. He would remind himself that the doctors had told him she was utterly unconscious and would remain so until they brought her out of it. It was little consolation. More than anything he wished to see her vibrant green eyes looking back at him. But her recovery was paramount he would argue. And so he the cycle went. He gently kissed her hand again. "Do you hear Siha? Vega is now a full lieutenant. When you wake we will celebrate his good fortune."

"When Shepard wakes we'll have a hell of a lot more to celebrate than that." Thane glanced up at the Lt Colonel. He had come to spend time with Thane and Alexis on a regular basis. In the beginning Thane wondered if it was due to Kaidan's feelings for Alexis. However, it quickly became obvious Kaidan was beside them as much for Thane as he was for Alexis. It was a comfort Thane accepted readily. Thane gave his friend a warm smile. "Indeed."

Thane closed the book he held and leaned over to mute the music that had been softly playing in the background. It was a selection of Earth classical, composers he knew Alexis enjoyed. He would queue up the music for her as he read to her from his favorite selections. They had spend many a day passing the time thus. He would play the music he knew she had once loved to remind her why she had fought so hard to survive. And truth be told he did it for himself as well. Because it reminded him of what it had once been like between them, how he hoped it would someday be again. "Dr. Moyer," he said in greeting. Dr. Moyer had been Alexis's attending physician since the day she was brought in, or so he had been told. More than a week had passed by the time he learned she had been found and he was able to make it to her. Those first days after the final battle had been some of the most excruciating of his life. During the final battle Alexis had taken her small team to protect the weapon that would kill the destroyer blocking their path to the transportation beam to the Citadel. Thane had been chosen to accompany Admiral Anderson and his team. It would not have been his wish to be apart from Alexis, but the Admiral had asked personally. Thane had a deep respect for the man after spending mere days with him. He had been torn by his need to be beside Alexis and his deep sense of humility at being asked to join such a great man. It had been Alexis herself who had solidified his decision. She had heartily agreed with Anderson. And though he had not wanted to be separated from her he had understood this battle was something they both needed to be absolutely invested in. There was no room for even the most minor hesitation. And they both knew that would happen should they be together. An injury to one would have caused the other to falter. They had needed to win the war. So they had agreed to go their separate ways. It had been a mixed blessing. Anderson had charged the transport beam. Before he did he had ordered Thane to stay behind and continue to fight. Thane had chafed at the idea but it had allowed him the opportunity to save Major Coats, another man Thane had come to respect. Once the Normandy and her crew returned to Earth, it had been months later, and Thane had realized had he gone with Alexis he would likely have been on the Normandy or dead. Neither option appealed to him. By joining Anderson he had remained on Earth and had immediately been contacted by Major Coats when he learned Alexis had been found. Yes it had been a mixed blessing.

"Good afternoon Thane." Dr. Moyer quickly made his way to Alexis to check her vital signs. Thane watched the doctor curiously. He had always been a pleasant enough man. Today, however, he appeared on edge. Thane heard the door swish open again. His eyes sprang open. "Dr. Chakwas."

"Please Thane, Karin. I do believe we have been through enough together." Thane blinked at the doctor feeling his gut tighten. Yes Karin Chakwas was a friend. Her being here should not have caused such a sense of unease to slither through him, yet it did. And that unease was growing the longer she stood there looking calmly at him. "It is gratifying to see you Karin. I had not realized you were visiting." Karin smiled softly. "I wasn't. Dr. Moyer sent me an update on Shepard's status and I thought I should be here." Thane felt the unease explode through him. He gulped back the fear that threatened to choke him. "Her status," he asked as he turned to face Dr. Moyer."

Dr. Moyer placed the hand he had been holding while checking Alexis's vitals back on the bed. "Physically Alexis is recovered. We fell it was time to bring her out of the coma."

Thane gulped. That should be glorious news, yet still the unease remained. There was something the doctors were not telling him. He glanced from one to the other waiting for them to reveal the source of their own unease. Finally unable to wait any longer he faced Chakwas. "Karin?"

Karin gulped visibly. "Thane, Shepard's, Alexis's injuries were extensive. The medi-gel in her still in her system alone maintained her. We were able to get to her in time to save her, but until she wakes we have no way of knowing the extent of the damage to her brain," Karin replied calmly.

Thane glanced down to his Siha. Were they saying she would not be herself? That she would somehow be altered? Perhaps even damaged? "Alexis has been through a horrible trauma. If her brain is undamaged there is no telling how she will deal with everything else." Thane reached a hand to lovingly caress Alexis's hair. Yes, his Siha has seen terrible things, had suffered greatly. But it would not change her. She had suffered before, seen great atrocities, and it had not altered her. She had gained strength from the events. And she would again. He would be at her side come what may. She would recover from this, her latest challenge. And if she didn't if she was somehow… Thane gulped feeling his chest constrict painfully. If she woke and was not herself he would be beside her always. Together they would forge a new existence together. Together they would overcome. He glanced up at the doctors. "I understand."

Karin gave Thane an encouraging smile, though a bit sad. She was anxious at the state Alexis might be in. Thane could sympathize. He was also apprehensive. "I'm going to remove the IV administering the barbiturate keeping her under," Dr. Moyer stated as he moved to the pole where the bags of liquid hung. Thane felt his heartbeat quicken. Once the substance was no longer keeping Alexis in a deep sleep what would happen? "What can we expect," Thane asked, his voice tight, the anxiety bleeding through. "The swelling in her brain is all but gone," Karin offered. "Her injuries have healed." Thane watched Chakwas closely. He sensed the hesitation in her. She was about to say something more yet dreaded it. His heart skipped a beat. "Please Karin. I must know," Thane begged.

Dr. Moyer and Chakwas shared a glance then Chakwas faced him. "Thane, Alexis was fairly far gone when we finally reached her. She may never wake."

Thane's breathing seized. That couldn't be. They had said she was healed. That she may be altered, certainly, but that she would regain consciousness in time. "You said she may be changed when she woke…" he argued latching onto something positive – anything positive.

"As Dr. Chakwas said, her injuries were extensive. Physically she is healed. But the brain is a complex thing. We don't know the extent of the damage. And we won't know until she wakes. But there is the remote possibility she never will. As her spouse you need to be prepared for that."

Thane took in all Dr. Moyer said. For weeks Thane had sat beside Alexis, keeping vigil over his mate, confidant in the knowledge it was temporary. Now they told him she may never wake? He would not accept that – could not. Gulping he shook his head. "She will wake. I understand you must inform me of the possibilities but I know Alexis. I know what she has suffered and survived. She will wake." Chakwas reached across the bed and squeezed his arm. "You're right Thane. She is strong. There isn't a one among us that doesn't want her to wake. But we had to let you know." Thane gulped the emotion lodged in his throat. He understood of course. He harbored no ill will toward the doctors for simply doing their job. But as husband and mate they must also understand he would never give up on her. "Thank you doctors. I know you have done all in your power for Alexis. This battle is for her to wage. And I will be here to help her through it." Thane pulled his chair forward and sat, grasping Alexis's hand in his, prepared to be beside her until she woke, no matter how long it took.