** 37 **

'Found another one,' Stokes sent the co-ordinates to the shuttle pilots. They would find it eventually but having another pair of eyes never hurt.

Reigler had asked him to help with communications and while he hated leaving James alone to wait for word on Shepard there were so many others needing help. Electronics had fried all over the Citadel and they needed to get them all working again. Plus it gave him something to focus on other than how desperately he wanted to get back to Earth. Pacing the waiting room hadn't done him or James any favours.

Bailey's people had done what they could but he found things they missed, ways around sections they'd ignored. The system couldn't be perfect and it would only be local, they were dealing with damaged or faulty equipment, but it worked and the more com nodes they could bring back on line the better it would be. They had one QEC still functioning so they had limited contact with Earth but at least they had it. Once they were able to talk to others around the Citadel, on Earth and the shuttle pilots doing external checks on the Citadel structure, information had poured in.

They had stopped dead at discovering there were hundreds of emergency beacons pinging in the space outside the Citadel. Beacons possibly meant survivors. Reigler had tasked him with finding them and while he ached to get back to Tracy he knew these people had no-one else to rely on. She would understand.

Creating a network with the dozen shuttles available to him he'd set up a rudimentary scanner system designed to look for any repeating pattern. He knew the Alliance signal but they had other species out there too. So far they'd pulled in over a hundred, some dead, some injured and others just thankful to be alive. They did what they could but every time they pulled in a dead body a ripple of guilt and sadness washed over them all.

'Stokes,' Reigler came up behind him. 'How are we doing?'

Reigler looked tired, dark bags under his eyes and pale skin told of how much he was pushing himself to get things done. There weren't many officers left on the Citadel so he stood as one of the highest ranking and therefore in charge. Major Alenko had left him responsible for getting medical aid where it was needed. So many people were looking to them for answers and help. He'd do what he could to take some of the load off Reigler's shoulders.

'The debris is masking a lot.'

He brought up an image of the space outside from one of the shuttles. Crowded with dead Reapers and destroyed ships, large and small sections collided which sent them careening off in all directions and there were too many other small pieces to count.

'If we had the external sensors on the Citadel working it would be quicker but we can't get to the control centre. There is still too much in the way. Bailey's got men working on it but its slow going. Good news though, some of those busted ships still have people alive inside the bigger sections, sealed in so we'll have to figure out some way to get to them without killing them before their air runs out. Someone suggested we could pull them onto the Citadel inside the barrier, we're looking into it.'

He got up from his chair to stretch the kinks out of his back, moving to the window and staring out across the remains of the Citadel. The keepers hadn't made it all the way in with their demolitions and out beyond the Leviathan barrier ruined buildings still stood. He wondered if anyone had died inside.

'Major Alenko has suggested we start moving people off the Citadel, get them to Earth where at least they don't' have to worry about breathing.' Reigler said as he stood beside him. 'Plus we still have no idea how long we can rely on the Leviathans.'

'Good idea.'

'Can you afford to release shuttles from search and rescue to ferry people down? We've got about four usable but more would be better. '

'They can probably manage with six, it will narrow the search area, make searching slower, but I might be able to tighten the scanner parameters, especially now we've picked up a few different species and know what to look for.'

'Do what you can. Use the Presidium dock. The first shuttle leaves in an hour and there's a seat on it for you, if you want it.'

He glanced at him as Reigler put a hand on his shoulder. The task he'd been set had become more important and needed someone with good skills to keep it working. But Bailey had good tech people and now the system was in place he could safely leave in their hands. Besides, he had no doubt Tracy would want to get to Shepard and Anderson. She wouldn't be coming up alone.

'Thanks, yeah I'll be there. Any news on the fleets?'

'Not yet,' he shook his head, 'once we get people safe and things under better control we'll start looking. Hopefully they're just making their way back. With coms down they just might not be able to let us know.'

Getting back to work once Reigler had gone he adjusted his scanner properties and updated the six shuttles remaining to search. On impulse he set up a second search for working com buoys, they were scattered across the system so maybe some were still intact. All they had to do was get them realigned and usable. Satisfied he went in search of James. Finding him in the shower he leant against the wall by the door.

'Feeling better?'

He straightened and met James as he came out. A shower made all the difference and he'd managed to squeeze one in at the C-Sec offices. Unfortunately he only had his undersuit and hurriedly cleaned armour to put back on. But it was better than nothing.

'Yeah.'

He might say it but he didn't look it. The rounded shoulders, the dark around his eyes and the tension in his jaw all told a different story. The war might be over but the pressure of surviving had just begun. They were all tired and James had the added emotional stress of worrying about Shepard.

'Good. I wanted to let you know I'm leaving. I'm going back to Earth. Reigler, Zahedi and Buckner too.'

'Go find your girl,' James nodded.

'She'll want to come here,' he glanced to where they both knew Shepard would be.

'Not much any of us can do right now but I get it.' He reached for Stokes' hand but they ended up in a hug.

'You should take care of yourself too, Shepard will need you.'

Walking away hurt. He so badly wanted to stay by his side but knowing he had others who would take care of him made it a little easier. Getting to Earth, finding Tracy drove him forward. He needed to feel her in his arms, know she was alive.

But he had one more thing to do before he headed to the shuttle bay. He found Dr Perez in a supply room packing first aid kits.

'Dr, I was wondering if there's any news on Admiral Anderson.'

'The admiral is stable. The gunshot to his abdomen was the worst of his injuries. If help hadn't arrived when it did the outcome would have been very different. He will live.' She smiled at him and he could see why Reigler had fallen hard and fast. There was genuine warmth in the look she gave him. 'He's special to you?'

'Yes, saved us all on Earth. Kept us alive against insurmountable odds. There are a lot of people who will be glad to know he's okay.' He glanced along the corridor where Reigler walked towards them. 'And I know someone who will be especially relieved.'

'Someone important waiting for you Lieutenant?'

'Yep,' he couldn't stop the grin and she laughed.

'Maybe you can introduce us when we get there, anyone who puts that look on your face must be special.'

'You're coming with us?'

'Yes, they need medical teams on the ground.'

Hiding his amusement as she and Reigler looked at each other he picked up a first aid kit in each hand.

'I'll get these to the shuttle for you.'

'Mr Stokes,' Zahedi met him at the shuttle and helped him stow the kits. 'It will be good to get back to Earth.'

'Damn right it will. You going to London or heading up to the Alenkos?'

'Both. The Commander has tasked me with taking medical teams from London to Canada, to assist in setting up space for survivors.'

'And I'm sure it has nothing to do with a certain nurse out there.' He laughed as Zahedi's cheeks turned even darker.

'It will be good to see Andrew, yes.'

'I'm happy for you, Zahedi,' he clapped him on the shoulder.

'Let's go?' Cortez said as he and Major Alenko joined them.

Reigler and Dr Perez weren't far behind. He stepped aside so the pilot and major could board, following them as Reigler waved him ahead and slid more first aid kits onto the shuttle.

Nerves kicked in as they took flight. He desperately wanted to get on the ground but now he wondered if it had all been a dream. Would Tracy still feel the same now the war was over and they had no reason to stay together? Had she used him to ease the loneliness and despair they all felt? He opened and closed his fingers, wishing he could enjoy soft conversation with Tracy like the one between Reigler and Dr Perez.

He loved Tracy, wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. Living without her would destroy him. But he wouldn't hold her if she wanted out. Pain flared in his chest at the thought and he bit his lip, scrunching his eyes closed as they burned.

'You are worrying too much, Mr Stokes.' Zahedi nudged his knee and he opened his eyes to find the biotic smirking at him.

'Maybe,' he shrugged and settled further into his seat. 'Can't help it.'

'Can't wait to see Tracy again I bet,' Buckner chuckled from where he stood against a bulkhead.

'Yeah, something like that.' He nodded and forced a smile.

'You are worried she will not feel the same.'

'Fuck, Zahedi, how do you do that? Are you sure you can't read minds.' He stared at Zahedi who laughed softly.

'It is only common sense. The war is over and it brought you together. Is what you have enough to build a life on?'

'You too, huh,' he realised he wasn't the only one thinking those thoughts.

'Damn I'm glad I'm not in a relationship,' Buckner said with a laugh. 'One less thing to worry about.'

'But you also do not get the benefits, Mr Buckner.'

'I can get all the benefits I need if I want them.' His leering grin and waggling eyebrows made them both laugh. 'But I don't think you've got anything to worry about Stokes. I've seen the way she looks at you.'

'I hope not,' he sighed and looked up as the screen beside them came to life.

Earth. Not the beautiful place he remembered. Blue skies were grey as dust and ash created huge clouds in the atmosphere. It would play havoc with weather conditions, cold and less sunlight would create problems for food production. They had beaten the Reapers but the threat to their survival was far from over.

They were silent as they dropped beneath the cloud cover. Splashes of green coloured the landscape, but they were few in number, all that remained of viable crops or open land. Some of which would have to be used to set up camps. Approaching London had them sucking in quiet gasps.

'My god.' Dr Perez whispered and took Reigler's hand.

The destruction was almost complete. Where buildings had stood falling Reapers had flattened them, crushing them beneath their weight. Fires still burned with no hope of getting them under control. And yet buildings beside them still stood, broken and damaged but maybe fixable.

'We'll need to find a way to dispose of them,' Major Alenko stood in the cockpit doorway and they all glanced at him in surprise. No-one had heard him move. 'Indoctrination is still a possibility and we need to make sure they're dead.'

The FOB had taken damage. The outer walls were missing sections and fear for Tracy had his heart racing. Reaper troops had done more than just test the barriers. The shuttle touched down but no-one appeared. They stepped out into an eerie silence. He shivered, goose bumps rose even though his armour kept his body at an even temperature. He reached for his rifle, sensing everyone else doing the same. His skin tingled as Zahedi and Alenko brought their biotics to life.

The light did little to help. Shades of grey and red casting shadows even in the open. Where was everyone? He knew Major Coats had survived, that Tracy had survived and they hadn't had time to move out. He looked to where the main entry to the bunker had stood. A building had come down, burying it beneath tons of rubble. He went to step towards it but a sound to their right had them all spinning and bringing weapons to bear.

'Whoa. Matt, it's me.'

'Billy.' He stowed his rifle and crossed the space at record speed, pulling the young man into his arms, tears rolling down his cheeks as Billy hung on, hard. 'Fuck, I thought … .' He pulled back and scanned Billy's face, running his hands down his arms and giving him a once over with his eyes. 'You're okay.'

'Yeah,' he sniffled, dipped his head and brushed away tears. 'I'm okay. I'm glad you're back.'

Around them other soldiers stepped out of the shadows, weapons lowering as they realised they weren't a threat.

'I'm glad you're back too sweetheart.' Anders stepped towards him, pulling him in and laughing as they slapped each other on the back.

'What's going on? Where is everyone?'

'Let's just say we've got other things to worry about,' he said, working his way around their group with handshakes or back slaps. 'Major Coats can explain and he'll want to know you're here. Billy, take them down.'

'Yes, sir,' he grinned as Anders rolled his eyes at him. 'We had to close off the main entrance, Reaper troops overwhelmed us not long after you left.' Billy explained as they unloaded the first aid kits and started walking. 'We're using one of the emergency access points.'

'Why are you on guard duty, I thought you were working in the kitchen?' The thought of Billy having to pick up a gun turned his stomach.

'We've been taking turns, giving the soldiers a break now the worst is over. If it makes you feel better I haven't had to fire it.' He smirked at him.

'Good.'

He led them into the remains of a building and down into the basement. Knowing how close the FOB had come to going under made his palms sweat inside his gloves. As he slid down the ladder into a maintenance shaft Stokes cursed himself for leaving. He should have stayed to help defend and protect them. But he'd needed to be on the Citadel too.

Reaching the main bunker they walked into chaos. People of all species were packing crates, yelling orders and generally getting on with moving out. Silence fell as they were noticed. Then the clapping started. Billy led them on as people stopped them for a hug, brushed their arms, tapped their shoulders or simply smiled at them. He wanted to laugh and cry, joy and relief fighting for dominance. These people had gone through hell and come out the other side. These were the people who would get civilisation back on it's feet and he felt humbled to stand among them.

Major Coats had his officers and staff with him, a briefing in progress when they reached the main war room. He stopped as they entered but Stokes only had eyes for one person. She turned to see what had stopped Coats, her knees giving out and she stumbled, holding herself up against the table.

'Matt.'

As if saying his name gave her strength she jumped into his arms before he could speak. Burying his face in her hair hid his tears but he lifted his head and looked at her, cupping her head in his hands. Her eyes shone as he scanned her face, tears leaving tracks on her cheeks, her lips trembled as she brushed her fingers along his jaw. He kissed her, devouring her like a starving man, hunger making him want more. Cheers and whistles echoed around them and he pulled back with a sheepish grin, watching her eyes slowly open and focus on him. She was alive, in his arms. Fear of rejection vanished as he held her, as she cried in his arms and hung on like she'd never let him go. He was home.