Author's Note: Sorry for the delay. I'm working less at job number 2 now, so I'm hoping to be able to get back on my weekly update schedule. I do have to take a moment to thank those who commented on the last chapter: Vorcha Girl, ChaseingTheWind, Kateriel79, Zacharti, JanIckVarred, WiseGirl9859, Kirsah, and Jules Hawk. I adored your comments and am so glad you liked the ending of the last chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Thank you, also, to those who have favorited and/or followed the story. I appreciate the support, and would love to hear what you think. Feel free to comment, or if you're shy - send me a message! Reviews make any author's day!
Thank you again. Enjoy... TLC
Chapter Fifty-Two
Kaidan stood, his feet shoulder width apart, eyes on the scope of his pistol aimed dead center on the closed elevator doors. He could feel his biotic amp buzzing at the base of his skull, itching to let loose. His heart thundered in his ears as the adrenaline pumped through his veins. His mind spun as he struggled with the direction this day had taken.
The doors started to open, and he shifted taking an almost imperceptible step forward as his grip tightened on his gun and his finger tensed on the trigger. He felt his insides turn to ice when the doors opened and he found himself staring into a set of heartbreakingly familiar cerulean eyes.
He had woken that morning, feeling no different since being made a Spectre. Yet, when he thought of Shepard and his dance, holding her against his chest, feeling her breath on his skin, he felt an undercurrent of excitement and positivity. He hadn't even gotten out of bed when he opened the messaging program on his 'tool. He sent her a note, asking when she was scheduled to leave and if she thought they would have time to meet up before then. He suggested lunch at Apollo's. He sent off the request before throwing the blanket off himself.
He'd nearly finished his morning exercise routine when he finally got the response from her. "Our departure was pushed back. Valern wants to see me, said it's urgent. I'm meeting him in about an hour. We're leaving at 1400. Maybe we could meet at the Spectre office at around 1330?"
He couldn't deny the disappointment. She was suggesting the Spectre office half an hour before she had to leave. She was keeping it business. He chewed the inside of his cheek as he sent his reply, accepting the time and place. He would take whatever he could get. In the meantime, he had his own meeting with Udina and the rest of the Council. He assumed they wanted to talk to him about his mission, and posting. He hoped they would leave it up to him instead of ordering him someplace other than the Normandy, or the Fifth Fleet if the Normandy fell through. He couldn't be sure he'd get a spot on the ship until he spoke to Shepard.
He chuckled quietly as he finished his shower. He never would have imagined a position with the Fifth Fleet would be a back-up plan. He dressed in his BDUs, slid his amp into the port and discharged against the sink before moving into the living area of his quarters. He grabbed his sidearm and made his way towards the Presidium and the Council's offices.
It was a bright day on the station. Every day was bright with the artificial sky, but his steps were lighter as he reached the transit station to call a car. After weeks of being stuck in the hospital, and taken out of the fight, he was finally getting back into it. It didn't take long for him to reach Udina's office. He was let inside, and Udina was there with Tevos and Sparatus.
Udina gestured for him to join them at the table in the corner of the room. He did, maintaining his posture and resting his hands in his lap as he waited for them to speak. "Unfortunately, Valern was unable to meet with us this morning. He said something came up that required his attention," Tevos said almost absently, and without pulling her eyes from her omni-tool. Kaidan kept his face still and gave no indication that he knew what Valern was doing. For whatever reason he had felt the need to keep it from the rest of the council. "We wanted to know what your plans were, now that you're a Spectre. It is generally understood that you will be fighting the Reapers, as you should," Tevos added, immediately getting to the point of the meeting.
"We know you have received multiple offers, most recently from Admiral Hackett and the Fifth Fleet, is that right?" Sparatus asked, his cool blue Turian gaze seemed to burn through him, and Kaidan shifted slightly.
"Yes, that's correct," He answered, and the Council members nodded, "but I am hoping to speak with Commander Shepard before she and the Normandy leave the station today." They looked up, and he felt the weight of their gaze, but was able to sit firmly, secure in his decision.
"I don't think that's a very good idea," Udina said, twitching slightly in his seat. Kaidan felt his eyes narrow as he glared at him. Tevos asked what Udina's concern was, and Kaidan waited, unmoving, for his explanation. Udina stuttered momentarily, glancing down at his omni-tool again before speaking, "I don't know that Shepard should be trusted," Kaidan felt the anger bubbling in his core at his words, "She worked with Cerberus, who knows how long she has been working with them, and I think it's hard to believe she completely cut ties with the organization. I think if we trust her, we'll end up regretting it."
Kaidan was glad Tevos spoke up again before he could, "Nonsense," She said, waving off Udina's concern. "We've already decided to trust her when we allowed her to keep her Spectre status," She gave Udina no further consideration before turning to Kaidan.
"I think that would be a good fit for you. It is known that the Normandy, and Shepard, will be at the head of the opposition," The Asari glanced at Sparatus before continuing. "I think you will be very effective working together."
"Should two Spectres even serve on the same ship? Shouldn't we spread our resources?" Udina asked, his eyes darting down to his 'tool again before looking up towards Tevos and Sparatus.
"It is uncommon," Sparatus acknowledged, "but not unprecedented. I agree with Tevos. They have experience working together, and previous missions were a success," Sparatus agreed, dismissing Udina's concern. It bolstered Kaidan to hear their support of his desire to work with her again. "What are your plans if she has no room for you?"
Kaidan felt the rush of anxiety burning in his ears at the possibility, "I'll accept Admiral Hackett's offer."
Kaidan had no sooner spoken the words when a loud rumble started somewhere in the distance. It seemed to move closer, growing louder as it did. Alarms sounded all over the station. Kaidan's eyes moved over the room as the floor started to shake beneath his feet. He watched the fear play on the faces of the Council. He tried reaching out to C-Sec. There was no response. He tried again, still nothing. The lights flickered above them as the station's power grid was affected by the blasts.
"We can't just sit here! We have to get to the Ascension!" Udina shouted, over the blaring sirens and not so distant explosions. Kaidan stood, drawing his pistol. Suddenly wishing he'd worn his armor instead of just his BDUs.
"He's right," Tevos said standing, her eyes opened wide and darting around the room. Sparatus stood, his taloned hands clenched at his sides. He seemed to know he had to leave but wanted to stay and fight. There were gunshots in the hallway and Kaidan cursed. He moved to the doorway, pressed his back to the wall next to the door, and signaled for them to move further into the room. He opened the door slightly, peering down the hall. He was just in time to see troops dressed in a too familiar white and yellow uniform moving in and out of other rooms off the hall.
He counted half a dozen, moving through area and executing anyone they found. "Cerberus! It's Shepard! She had this planned! It's why she came here!" Udina whispered behind him, and Kaidan turned disgusted eyes towards him. The disappointment was a knot in his core as he noticed the doubt in the other's eyes as well.
"Shut up!" Kaidan scolded, "Get behind the desk." He ordered and they moved to safety. He could hear the agents in the room next door, and wondered where Shepard was. He waited, and listened. He heard them leave the room. Their harsh voices nearly growled as they moved towards their door. It popped open and Kaidan pulled the trigger, putting a bullet in the agent's head and he fell to the floor. His biotics ignited easily, and he Lifted the two agents immediately behind him while he opened fire and took out the trooper that followed. He ducked back behind the door as the two remaining agents let loose. He waited for them to reload and readied his tech attack. He overloaded their weapons and heard their frustrated yells at their inactive weapons before he moved into the hall. He hit one with his modded cryo ammo, freezing him, before following it up with normal rounds. The trooper ice sculpture erupted, and Kaidan Threw the remaining trooper back with such force, he heard the crack of his helmeted head against the wall. It was loud enough Kaidan was sure he wouldn't get up again.
He signaled for the Council to follow him. His body buzzed with the biotic energy at his disposal. His heart raced, exhilarated by the chance to fight, yet terrified at the unknown. He was glad they weren't far from the shuttle docks. Hopefully, there would be a shuttle available that could link up with the Ascension. Once he had the Council safe, he could focus on their attackers.
He tried calling station security again, and was surprised when a familiar, gravelly voice answered, "Major Alenko? Is that you?"
"Thane?" Kaidan answered as he held his arm out for the Council to stop. He gestured for them to stand near the wall, and out of the line of sight from around the corner they'd come to as he opened his 'tool. "Where are you?"
"C-Sec," His answer came without delay and barely audibly. "It's been compromised. Cerberus troopers are everywhere."
"Tell me about it," Kaidan whispered as he looked around the corner and was glad to see the coast was clear. They skirted down the hall moving as quickly and quietly as they could. "Have you heard from Shepard?" Kaidan asked, clenching his jaw but not responding to the jeer Udina let out behind him.
"Negative. Are you with the Council?" The assassin asked, and Kaidan didn't hesitate to respond. Shepard trusted him; he figured he could, too. He answered in the affirmative. "Good. Shepard was last seen heading this way with the Salarian Councilor. I'll see if I can meet up with her," He answered.
"Keep safe, Thane," Kaidan responded.
"Godspeed, Major," The Drell responded and Kaidan was surprised at the Human phrase but didn't have time to react to it as bullets bounced off the wall near him.
He cursed, throwing up a barrier that stretched from the ceiling to the floor and around himself and the three Councilors. He had only a moment to notice the look of amazement on Udina's pointed face. His energy flared blue as each round bounced off and down the hall. He spun quickly, pushing the biotic energy down the hall, hitting two of the troopers with a Throw and knocking down the pair behind them in the process. He fired a few shots with his pistol as he continued to lead the Councilors. It seemed like it was taking too long for them to reach the transit station.
By the time they were nearing the elevator that would take them to the shuttles, he could feel the heat of the amp at the base of his head. The tension was stretching up the back of his neck and towards his temples where it would make its home in a spectacular migraine. He bit back the thought and focused on the task at hand. There was a sheen of sweat under his uniform, and he was breathing heavy. He discharged another spent thermal clip with a hiss of his pistol. If he had time to think about the distance they'd crossed and the body count behind him, he would have been surprised they had made it unharmed.
He supposed this proved his worth as a Spectre.
He punched the button for the elevator, thankful for a brief reprieve, at least all their sides would be covered while in the small car. He ushered the Council in first before stepping on and pressing the button for the transit level. The confusion and fear was heavy in the sudden silence of the elevator. He could hear their heavy breathing behind him, and forced himself to remain calm, almost stoic. He knew, instinctively, they would take their cues from him and if he panicked, they would. After a moment, he heard a loud noise from the roof of the elevator. "Get down!" He shouted and flared, filling the car with the barrier as he pointed his pistol towards the ceiling. They were in the elevator shafts?
The car stopped, and the doors opened. Kaidan kept his pistol aimed at the top of the car and split his attention between his mark and the Council. He followed them out anxious to get them to the Ascension. Cursing under his breath, he took the risk of spending precious seconds securing the elevator doors after they closed behind them. He needed to be sure whoever was on top of the car didn't follow them. He heard Sparatus announce that Cerberus had taken out the shuttles and turned to confirm. He nearly groaned as he started to move away from the elevator but he paused when he heard the tell-tale sound of someone hacking their way through the door. "Get down!" He'd shouted at the Council.
He waited, gun drawn, and pointed at the elevator doors. His stomach turned cold and dropped when Shepard appeared through the hacked doorway. "See!" He heard Udina shouting behind him, "I told you! I knew it! She's with Cerberus!" His voice was high pitched and frantic. Kaidan struggled to ignore it as it grated on his nerves.
"Shepard?" He asked, simply glad his voice didn't crack with surprise as he watched her exit the elevator. His eyes darted briefly between her, Garrus, and James.
"Kaidan," She sounded relieved as she signaled for them to lower their weapons. He may not be in their sights anymore, but neither of them holstered their weapons. Kaidan eyed them for a moment before turning his attention to the Commander.
"What's going on, Shepard?" He asked, as his eyes searched hers. He realized after a few seconds that she wasn't pointing her pistol at him.
She was pointing it at Udina.
"Udina's working with Cerberus," Shepard said the words, and Kaidan felt his brow crease. He knew Udina was shouting behind him. Calling her a liar, throwing the same accusations he'd been spouting all morning. "Valern confirmed it. He's trying to seize control." Her voice was steady, even, and assured.
"Please," Udina stated, as he moved closer to Kaidan, "You have no proof. You never do." He accused and Kaidan felt his presence like ants on his skin. He shuddered as he realized it wasn't a denial. Kaidan thought about the Councilor's odd behavior all morning, and even the night before. His discomfort and anxiety seemed too much even for him. He looked at Shepard, his gun still drawn, still not aimed; though hers remained over his shoulder.
"There are Cerberus troops behind us, if you open the elevator door they will kill you," She warned them, shifting in place. Kaidan could sense the anxiety she felt. It rolled off her in waves and made him a little lightheaded. He could tell she wanted to shoot.
"The shuttles have been destroyed!" Udina shouted the obvious and moved to the controls. "Our way out is through those doors; I'm overriding the lock!" He stated as his hands started on the panel.
"Kaidan," She whispered his name; she was asking him to believe in her, to trust her. He simply nodded once and turned.
"Udina, stop," His voice demanded, and a thickness fell over the area. He could hear it, like water in his ears. This was one of those moments. He knew he would look back on this and know it changed his life. The Human Councilor was in his sights, and defying his order to stop. Tevos moved towards Udina, trying to stop him from opening the door.
It all happened so fast. It was over before he grasped that it had started. One second he was giving Udina the chance to listen. The next, Tevos was on her back having been knocked down by Udina, and Udina was dead. Bleeding from the center of his chest, he'd been hit with a clear kill shot. It took Kaidan a full thirty seconds to realize he had pulled the trigger. It took another thirty seconds for it to register that Udina had, in fact, pulled a gun on Tevos.
Sparatus was at Tevos's side in an instant, helping her to her feet. Kaidan went to Udina, and rolled him to his back with the toe of his boot. His rat-like sightless eyes passed over him as his body turned. Kaidan shuddered as he crouched down and check for a pulse. It was useless. With the blood already pooled and sticky beneath his feet, there was no way the man was alive. Why didn't he listen? He stood and moved back towards Shepard shaking his head. He needed to distance himself from the metallic scent of human blood. It was nauseating, and with the tension he still felt near his implant, it was more than he could handle.
"The door!" Tevos shouted, her voice trembled as her body systems tried to relax from the events of the day. In the back of his mind, he acknowledged how odd it sounded to hear her so clearly shaken. Kaidan turned to see the door was being forced open. The intruders burning the lock up the seam. His heart raced, and he flared, barely noticing when Shepard glanced at him. He was sheathed in blue and ready to take out whatever was on the other side.
Then the door opened to reveal C-Sec officers, who seemed to know Shepard. His biotic energy faded, and he felt a little dizzy at the rush of unused power. When asked about the supposed Cerberus troopers that had been following them, Commander Bailey of C-Sec confirmed they took off through the tunnels. Kaidan braced himself on the railing and looked over the smoking Presidium. It looked like the war finally made its presence known on the Citadel. He glanced over at Udina's body as the coppery scent assaulted his senses again. He sighed, an uncomfortable feeling in the pit of his stomach as he watched Tevos and Sparatus thank Shepard for saving them, again.
Shepard dismissed their thanks turning to Bailey, and Kaidan overheard her question, "How is Thane?" The concern that laced her simple question shot straight to Kaidan's chest. He chased the jealousy away with thoughts of her confirming that nothing happened between her and the Drell.
"He's at Huerta, in surgery. Their concerned about his blood loss combined with his disease," Bailey reached a hand out and placed it on her shoulder. "His son, Kolyat, is already there," He said. His words, and the tone, told Kaidan Thane wasn't going to make it. He instantly felt ridiculous for his jealousy. Shepard turned and met his eyes. The fear there made Kaidan's chest ache.
"Go," He said simply, "I've got this." He motioned towards the Council and Udina's body in a small, sweeping gesture. She nodded, and without another word took off towards the hospital. Kaidan sighed, and Bailey walked over opening his omni'tool to take his statement.
He reached up and rubbed the back of his neck, hoping against the migraine he could already feel building. He thought back on this morning and wondered, 'How the hell did I end up here?
