Four days later

In the two weeks or so since his ass had been officially handed to him by Spectre Bau that first day, he had committed himself to the rigorous and extensive training with the Salarian. His days were filled with technical mumbo-jumbo such as hacking and the painstaking studying of schematics of various weapons, ships, comm stations and mechs, so that on the off chance he needed to assemble a weapon from scratch or fix a ships' drive core, he would at least have the most basic knowledge to fall back on.

His afternoons were nothing but one long ass-kicking session - with him being the one to get his ass kicked- with the Spectre and Garrus had quickly learned how to counter and predict some of the nastier moves that Salarian was so fond of using. He could feel the bruises beneath his plates twinge with every movement and he gritted his teeth as he fell into a prone position. His evenings, however, were what he hated most. His training from five pm to eight pm each night would normally be considered a breeze compared to the rest of his day. He scoped through his weapon, lining up his shot with the figures he could make out three hundred yards away. He took a deep breath, aimed and upon exhaling pulled the trigger.

The dummies head exploded spectacularly in a mist of white cotton and Garrus let a small smile flit across his face. He loved weapons training. It was methodical, logical and his hands were always occupied. However, it was times like these that he realised just how truly alone and miserable he felt. During the day, he could kick the depressing thoughts back, the feelings of despair to the farthest corners of his mind as he listened to Bau drone on about whatever he was teaching him at the time, but here… now, while he lined up his next shot, when nothing could be heard except for the beating of his heart and the gust of air from him exhaling, this was when he felt utterly alone.

With another crack, the dummy exploded and Garrus stood up slowly from his prone position, grumbling slightly as he adjusted his shoulder. The kickback when he first fired this beautiful gun, had all but dislocated his shoulder, but in a matter of two weeks he had built an extra layer of muscle, his skin tighter over them, his bones feeling more insulated beneath. His plates had stretched to accommodate his new build and as he glanced at the image of himself in the windows reflection he cocked his head to the side and huffed.

He was definitely going to be an imposing and intimidating figure, the more muscle he put on… he mused as he stood there wearing a set of blue and silver armour. His eyes swept the room again, the nothingness, the emptiness echoing all around him and he hastily set about cleaning the weapon, placing it back in the case and letting out a sigh as he scratched his fringe, his hand coming down to rub the side of his face which still stung from the kick he had received earlier from his mentor. He needed to get out this room, it was unnerving really, just how quickly his emotions overwhelmed him every time he stood still for too long.

An hour later, after he had showered, he checked in with Bau who was reclining behind his desk, feet on the table, humming to himself.

''Spectre Bau, I'm done for the day. I'm heading out to the wards for a walk.'' He said and Bau looked up at him with a smile.

''Vakarian, what do you know of Terra Firma?''

''Uh… unofficially, they're a bunch of idiots who hate aliens and petition loudly for human dominance.'' He rumbled and leaned against the wall next to Bau's desk.

''Officially, that is incorrect. Unofficially I wholly agree with you.'' He nodded at Garrus in agreement.

''We've heard a rumour that TF is now targeting individuals who openly back or support interspecies relationships and they have even taken to targeting human businesses, who they label as traitors to the species. Several well-known businessmen have mysteriously disappeared out in the traverse, whilst on said business and a few of those men and women's alien partners have also disappeared.'' Garrus walked over to Bau and took the datapad that was offered and he read through the first few paragraphs.

''Sir, why are we investigating it? They aren't known as terrorists... yet. The group seems to only target certain individuals or business, it's not like they're blowing things up or kidnapping people for ransom.'' He said and Bau shook his head.

''Vakarian, for somebody as clever as you, it still amazes me how incredibly stupid you can actually be sometimes.'' He laughed and Garrus bristled.

''Vakarian, is your mate not in fact a human? Did you not openly tell the entire galaxy that you support inter-species relationships in doing so?'' his oval eyes now shutting briefly as he heard rather than saw the gears turning in Garrus' head as his thoughts churned away.

''Sir, I know Shepard left by her own choice and I'm positive that Sabine Crassus was behind her attempted murder… but I fail to see how Terra Firma fits in with all of this.'' Garrus said as he walked the expanse of the room in a circle.

''Terra firma will take notice of you, you stupid yet clever Turian. You are bonded to a human and you are in training to become a spectre. You are in a position to be a role model to millions. If they think that you are capable of influencing the new generations into finding love or companionship amongst their human species …well… You can be sure that you and your mate are on their radar and that they will have plans for you.'' Bau said.

''Why is this so complicated?'' Garrus groaned rubbing both hands over his head in his agitation.

''I want to keep you alive Vakarian, so I've decided that until we find your mate, we will take it upon ourselves to investigate the string of murders that have yet to be solved. Somehow I think it will lead us to your Shepard and that we can also get to the root of the problem if we stick our noses into their business.'' He said and Garrus looked at him sceptically.

''Oh?'' he asked, still failing to see how they could do anything while they were both on the Citadel.

''Your training has come along nicely and you're doing better than expected even if it's only been two weeks. A few more months and I'll even let you take on a case solo if I feel you're ready for it. Now, how about you go back to your room, pack whatever belongings are essential and meet me tomorrow morning at docking bay B23.''

''Sir?'' he asked as his body filled with adrenaline at the thought of finally leaving the Citadel and finding Shepard.

''We're leaving tomorrow Garrus. Time for some field training, see how you do in real life or death scenarios and we can take it from there.''

''T-thank you Spectre Bau. I… I didn't think that we would leave the Citadel until I actually became a Spectre.'' He said and hummed as he fought to hide a smile.

''Don't be ridiculous. We'll still come back here from time to time, but nothing productive ever gets done sitting here on our asses. We need to get out there and actually do something with all this training. I'll send you over details of what to brush up on regarding the murders and when to meet me tomorrow. Dismissed Vakarian.'' With that, Garrus nodded and stepped out of Bau's office.

His heart thrumming and his blood pumping at the renewed hope that filled his chest and he took to jogging the rest of the way back to his room.

''I'm coming for you Shepard.'' He chanted as he started to run.

Shepard thanked the gods out there when they finally reached Illium. Four whole days of being on a ship with men acting like children. As fun as it was playing cards with a bunch of Krogans, listening to them squabble and roar as they heat butted one another into oblivion, she couldn't help but exhale loudly in relief at the sudden lack of noise. Krogan men it seems, did not know how to be quiet or even how to give someone privacy… or even the illusion of it. It seems that Grunt was intent on following her around like a shadow, never letting her out of his sight even when she slept. He took his bodyguard duty just a little bit too seriously Shepard thought to herself as she was herded down the platform and into a queue for a skycab. She glanced around the port and she realised that she and her krogan companion stood out like a sore thumb.

The Asari all looked her over like she was carrying a disease and Shepard bristled as one sneered at her. She pulled her hood up over her head and Grunt snarled at one Asari who dared to comment a little too loudly that they didn't belong here.

''Shepard, we've arranged accommodation, nothing fancy but you'll be sharing a room with me. It's the cheapest place I could find and hopefully we can go to your doctor and leave without too much happening.'' He said and she would almost swear that she saw a brief flicker of annoyance pass through his eyes at the thought of not fighting anything during their stay here.

''Thank you Grunt.'' Shepard said and he grinned at her.

The two of them headed to their hotel after passing through inspection and she moaned in bliss when she stepped into the shower. God, how she missed indoor plumbing. She was reluctant to leave as the warmth of the water eased her tense muscles and she glared at the door when Grunt banged his fist on it.

''Stop using all the hot water pyjack. I want to shower as well!'' he yelled and she flipped him her middle finger, even though he couldn't see it.

''I'll be out in a minute. '' she called back as she heard him walk away.

She rubbed a hand lovingly over her little bump and hummed in delight as she felt a brief but obvious movement inside of her, like butterflies. She couldn't wait to see what this little guy looked like. How much he could have grown since the last time she saw him on a scan. He must be growing rapidly by now as she was going into her third month of pregnancy with only three months left to go. She got dried off quickly, cursing when she realised she had forgotten her clothes in the room and she opened the door a bit to shout through the crack at Grunt to bring her her bag.

''Humans. Who cares about modesty these days? I don't understand your species, it's not like im going to jump you at the first sign of you naked. Frankly the thought of a human naked makes me want to barf.'' He said handing her the bag as she stuck her hand out through the gap.

''Yes, well, I can gladly say that you don't do it for me either you overgrown turtle.'' She snapped and he laughed at her.

''Get dressed will you. I want to get this done and come back and sleep. It's been a long four days. Being in command isn't all it's cracked up to be.'' He rumbled and left her alone as she peeked through the doors at him, quickly widening the gap to get the bag through.

After they had both showered, they headed out to the hospital where Dr Chakwas worked and Shepard wrung her hands as nervousness pumped through her.

''Miss Hallaway, Dr Chakwas will see you now.'' Said the receptionist as Shepard jumped a bit at the use of her grandmother's maiden name.

''Uh… yes, thank you.'' She mumbled as she made her way through the halls to the door.

Before entering she took a deep calming breath and gave herself a pep talk. No matter what you hear or find out about your child, you will not give up hope. You will love this child regardless.

She knocked and the door swished open to reveal a human woman, sitting behind her desk and Shepard was immediately lulled into a sense of security and safety at the sight of the greying hair and warm eyes that smiled up at her.

''Miss Hallaway, thank you for making the long journey here. You and I have much to discuss.'' Chakwas said and she smiled gently at her standing up to shake Shepard's hand.

''Please doc, call me Shepard. Hallaway makes me feel… odd.'' She said and took a seat opposite her.

''Now Shepard, from what I've been told you need my help to bring your child safely into this world.'' She said and Shepard nodded.

''Dr Michel was quite insistent that I terminate and that it was a hopeless case.'' Shepard said quietely and looked up quckly as the doctor scoffed.

''Don't listen to her. You are just a carrier my dear. There are plenty of you out there and I think the reason that Dr Michel was so,'' she hummed as she tried to find the right word, '' negative about your pregnancy is that she doesn't in fact know what the hell she's talking about.'' She laughed at the look of shock on Shepards face.

''B-but... I-I don't understand.'' Shepard said.

''My dear, I have been a obstetrician who specialises in inter species pregnancy and hybrid children for over twenty-five years now. You are not the first and you will not be the last carrier. You are simply put, more biologically capable of keeping parasites or viruses – or in this case your foetus- inside of your body and finding a way to adapt to it, instead of getting rid of it.'' Chakwas said.

'' Krogans, Batarians, Drell…. you name it and I've dealt with it… I even had one case where a vorcha was involved. While it is true that sometimes the foetus can develop deformities, it's nothing a little gene therapy can't fix. So I want you to relax Shepard. Your child will live and if I have anything to do about it, he or she will come out perfectly.''

Shepard felt a rush of emotion as her mouth opened up on an 'oh' that she didn't mutter as her tears cascaded down her cheeks in relief. She let out a sob as she brought her hand up to her mouth and a laugh joined in through her crying when the doctor smiled at her in reassurance.

''My baby… it will be alright?'' she asked not daring to believe it just yet.

''Yes Shepard.'' Chakwas said and led her over to the examination bed, ''Would you like to have a look at your child and then we can talk about altering anything if its needed.''

''Please…'' Shepard said and lay down on the bed while Dr Chakwas scanned her abdomen for signs of life.

''Aha, I found you,'' she said and Shepard craned her neck up to look at the magnified holographic scan of her child, '' it's a cute one already I see.''

Shepard looked on in awe at the sight of her small child portrayed in black and white. A perfectly formed fringe and cowl, three long toes on each foot and five fingers on each hand. Her child's head was a little rounder than normal, it's neck a little shorter and fatter and she gasped as she watched it's tiny little hand move around inside her womb. His little legs with a small nub that would later lead to spurs as he grew older…

Her son… Oh, god.. She had a son growing inside of her. Garrus' son.

She couldn't help but stare at the baby as it curled in on itself and brought his tiny hand up to its mouth.

''Is he sucking on his thumb?'' Shepard asked incredulously. ''Should he even be doing that with those sharp teeth of theirs and their non-existent lips?'' she asked in concerned.

''Shepard, your son is half-human remember. From the babies I have delivered like yours, they do share similarities with human babies. They do not have teeth when they are born and can be breastfed until they start teething – which my dear, really is the best time to stop as it will be quite painful if you continue- and because your baby is part human it's lips and facial plates will be more malleable, more pliable and flexible, which means they can at least purse their lips together at the front to suckle and are able to display emotions more easily on their faces.'' She said and Shepard laughed at her.

''That was a nice speech Doc. You say that often?'' she asked as Dr Chakwas read her readings on the scan and hummed.

''More than you will know. Really…! I don't know why Dr Michel would push you for an abortion when there is medicine and technology out there now to virtually fix any defects.'' She hissed.

''I can't believe I'm having a boy.'' She said and she pictured Garrus' blue eyes. ''Are there any mental or physical defects that you can see?'' she asked the doctor.

''None apart from the hands and feet my dear. Do you want me to leave them as they are? It will only take a small operation to correct the issue if you want the child to resemble other Turians. Your son is still young enough to do the procedure, that it shouldn't affect him at all.'' She asked.

''Hmm, I absolutely love his hands Doc, but what about his three toes? Turians only have two… won't he be unbalanced when he walks considering the bending of the legs…'' she trailed off and Chakwas shook her head.

''No my dear, its shouldn't affect his balance, if anything it should make him sturdier on his feet… he will have trouble finding shoes though, but such things are easy to order or make if you know who to ask.'' She said.

''Would you like to listen to your son's heartbeat?'' she asked and Shepard nodded.

The sound of her son's heart beating made Shepard ache for Garrus to be there with her to hear it. He should be here… dammit… he should be here! She started to cry and lifted both of her hands to her face, covering the evidence of her emotions behind it.

''Shepard, the father of the child….'' She said and Shepard hiccuped.

''His name is Garrus. He's… uh… married.'' Shepard said and another round of tears started in on her.

''Married or not… I need to know, if he does ever come looking for you… do you give me permission to tell him?'' she asked and helped Shepard sit up as she blew her nose on a tissue she had been given.

''I.. uh, I'm keeping it from him for now Doc. He needs to become a spectre first.. it's the only way I can see my child be safe… have you… have you watched the news recently?'' she asked the doctor.

''No, I'm afraid not. Why?'' and Shepard dug out her PADD, clicking on her favourites bar and playing the interview of Garrus.

As the doctor watched, listened and read the articles, Shepard rubbed her belly in circles with the palm of her hand and she sniffed occasionally as a stray tear appeared.

''Are you in danger of being killed Shepard?'' Chakwas asked bluntly and Shepard nodded.

''It's dangerous for me to come here doctor ... or leave where I'm currently living. I have a few friends who are trying their best to protect me…'' Shepard said and hopped of the table to take a seat again at Chakwas' desk.

''I see. Would you tell me more or as much as you can regarding your situation please? I need to know what I may be up against.'' She said and Shepard's heart sank.

''Please don't drop my case Dr Chakwas. Your'e all I have when it comes to medical know-how and I-I p-promise that nothing will happen t—''

''Stop crying dear girl. I only ask because I will need to see you atleast once more before the birth, but in your situation I wouldn't mind bending my policy I have on home visits.'' She said and Shepard shook her head in numbness.

''I couldn't ask you to travel so long and so far just for me Doc.'' Shepard said.

''You are now my patient Shepard. Your wellbeing, as well as that of your son, are now my concern. I will do what I must.'' She said and placed a hand on Shepard's shoulder giving it a squeeze.

''T-Thank you… thank you doc.. I don't even…'' she stuttered and stood up to hug the Doctor who froze initially and then sighed as she patter the younger woman on the back.

Shepard chatted for a while, explaining what she could to Chakwas about where she was living, her condition, Garrus, the Primarch, everything she could think of and when she realised that Chellick would soon find out about her pregnancy because he was the head investigator on Sabines case, she frantically opened up her PADD and sent him a message, ignoring Chakwas' concerned questions and hit send. Wiping her eyes again with the back of her hand she explained that she was doing all she could to keep them all safe.

''Shepard, you are very brave.'' Dr Chakwas said and Shepard shook her head in denial at the statement.

''Now, I'm going to write you a prescription for all the meds you have to take. Keep track of your blood pressure and iron levels. Come back in two days and I will give you more details on the biology and make-up of your son, once I've studied the scans a bit more that is.'' She said and walked with Shepard to the door.

''See you soon Doc. Thank you again… f-for everything.'' Chakwas nodded and Shepard closed the door behind her.

Reaching reception she watched Grunt snarl and hiss at each person who invaded his space but she was gratified to see that when a pregnant woman made that mistake, he would be the first to apologise or move out of the way.

''Grunt…'' she called to him and he looked up, his eyes looking over her body and lingering on her red eyes.

''Who made you cry?'' he hissed bringing a meaty hand up to her chin and inspecting her face.

''I made myself cry you big softy.'' She asked and patted him on the cheek as he huffed.

''Pregnant women shouldn't get upset. It's bad for the young-ling.'' He muttered and led her out of the hospital, keeping her hidden behind his larger frame and making sure no one came to close to them.

As they exited the building,Shepard was quick enough to turn as she saw a flash of blue come hurtling towards her from across the way and Grunt roared as he saw the figure run towards Shepard at increasing speed. Grunt unclipped his shotgun and raised it at the woman running towards them.

''Grunt! Put that thing away. I know her!'' Shepard shouted at him and she growled when he ignored her.

She gave him a swift kick in the shin and he grunted at what was most likely felt to him - like a fly landing on his nose. An irritation and nothing more. She watched Grunt lower his weapon and he stood behind her, one hand draped over her shoulder as he swung the shotgun menacingly back and forth across her body. The figure stopped when she saw the gun.

''You utter bitch!''

''Oh boy….'' Shepard huffed and scooted out from under Grunt's arm and he growled as she walked closer to the Asari.

''Liara… uh… fancy seeing you here?'' Shepard said meekly, hands opening up as she nervously smiled at her friend.

''If you weren't pregnant….''' Liara growled while she glowed blue and Shepard dropped her smile.

''How do you know?'' she asked, now backing away from Liara, back to the safety of Grunt's body.

''Come with me Shepard, this is no place to talk.'' She said and Shepard glanced up at Grunt who shook his head and when she smiled at him as if to say 'please' he sighed and grumbled under his breath about reckless pyjacks.

Sitting in office, his assistant prattling on about their ever-increasing workload, Chellick cupped his hands beneath his chin and grinned. He had yet to stop smirking like a fifteen year old fledgling since his meal with Solana. His assistant stopped and stared at him, giving him an exasperated eye-roll and tutting that he looked like an idiot and that he should get back to work. His mandibles and cheeks ached from the constant smiling and lack of movement and he snorted in laughter at his assistant, who threw her hands up and left him to it. He had so much work to do.

He needed to speak to Kronos about a lead, review Shepard's medical files, manage his incoming and outgoing messages and still take care of anything that cropped up unexpectedly in his department. And yet he couldn't stop smiling. He looked at his omnitool and hit refresh on his messages, hoping to see some small word from her and he rolled his eyes at himself in consternation. He huffed and dropped his arm back down as he picked up the PADD containing Shepard's files, he typed in his authorisation code and he growled when he saw the extent of injuries she had suffered. He looked at the holopics and shook his head as a wave of sadness came over him. Shepard didn't deserve any of this. Halfway through all the medical jargon, he saw an audio file attached and he jumped as his chime went off alerting him to a message.

'Boss, whatever you find in my reports, please don't tell Garrus. It won't help him or me if he knows. This is my decision boss, to keep it from him. Please, look after him if you can.

S'

His eyes widened in shock at the message from Shepard and he immediately hit reply only to find out that there was no senders address. He couldn't respond. Dammit all to hell he thought as he snarled in anger. What the hell was she playing at? Couldn't she just decide one way or the other to come back or not? All these games were starting to give him a headache. He looked at the message and back down to the PADD on his desk and hit play on the audio file.

''My initial observations on Miss Shepard's injuries can be found listed in the pages above. I have decided however to record my other findings and encrypt the data, as it is a sensitive topic. Miss Shepard is currently three weeks pregnant. The father is a Turian and in this case she has asked that I not inform him, as is her right to do so.''

Chellick opened his mouth waiting for the scream of horror to come out of his mouth that he could feel building in his chest at what he was hearing, but he could only sit there and gape at the news. Pregnant?! Shepard is pregnant? Spirits!

''I have done all that I can, medically to stabilise the foetus she is carrying, however the shock to her system from the wounds she has received, puts her at great risk of miscarrying. I have also informed her of the fact that her case is one that will most likely not end well. She vehemently denied all suggestions I offered in terms of abortion and she has opted to go ahead with the pregnancy regardless.''

Spirits! H-how was this even possible Chellick shouted in his head as he listened to Dr Michel explain in more detail about chromosomes and hereditary genes and complications that could occur and he could only sit there and gape, his jaw clicking shut and open again every few minutes.

''Shepard has left my care against medical advice and I have done all I can for her. She has promised to contact a specialist, who will hopefully forward me any new details and information, seeing as how I am her primary physician.''

The recording ended and Chellick leaned back in his seat, eyes closed and his breath stuttered from his chest as his subvocals went wild in their shock. His assistant came back in and he chirped at her, rather rudely, to get the hell out - without actually using any words. No one can know about this he thought as he opened his eyes again and re-read Shepard's message. Yes, he knew exactly why Shepard didn't want him to know. Garrus would drop out of the Spectre program and in his desperation to find her; he would probably get himself killed.

He suddenly felt reluctant when it came to seeing Solana again, as her face flitted through his frazzled mind. If the child lived, she would be its aunt. How was he supposed to live with himself in keeping this information quiet? His omnitool chimed again with a message and he narrowed his eyes in wariness of its contents. He had had enough of a shock today thank you very much he grumbled internally.

Instead he groaned out loud as he saw the message was from Vakarian, informing him that his training was going well and that they were headed out into space tomorrow and could he please keep him informed of anything new in the case against Sabine… and did he find out anything regarding Shepard's files? Chellick cursed in every language he knew how to, as a litany of words rumbled passed his mouth plates and he stood up and paced restlessly. He hit reply and once he had written his response, he hovered his finger over the send button.

''Be safe on your journey and I will keep you informed if anything happens. No new information in Shepard's files. Spirits be with you.''

He hit send and hung his head in shame at the deception.