The holographic overlay on the door changed to a muted green and Councilor Tevos crossed the threshold into her office, the static murmur of the embassy commons fading away as the door slid shut behind her. She tossed her data pad in the direction of a couch to her right, not looking or caring if she hit her mark.
The data pad bounced off creased leather and landed on the seat-cushion; requests, demands, and casualty reports still scrolling down the display.
She came to a stop at her desk and planted her hands on the cold ceramic, closing her eyes against the chill that snaked up her arms. She stood unmoving as the silence pressed in around her. A living statue. A monument to her own failures.
The door hissed open and shut behind her.
She lifted her head and opened her eyes, but didn't turn around.
More silence. She didn't blame him.
She sighed, and lowered her head again. "You shouldn't be here."
"I know."
She huffed, or maybe it was a sob. "You never did adhere to the Council's wishes."
A hand came to rest on her shoulder, and warmth blossomed from where his skin touched hers. "The Crucible's been completed..."
"Yes," she spoke softly. "I'd received word."
He hesitated for a moment before continuing. "We've found the Illusive Man... I'm going there now to bring back the Catalyst."
She shook her head, and deflated under his touch. "Why didn't I believe you sooner?" Her fingers curled into fists on the desk. "Why did my people have to pay the price?"
Her voice cracked and his grip on her shoulder faltered, slowly falling away.
She didn't know how much time passed before a hollow whisper broke the silence.
"I'm sorry."
He turned, and his footfalls retreated toward the door.
No!
She squeezed her eyes shut against the well of tears threatening to spill down her cheeks, forcing them back behind the mask of calm that had become her defense against the galaxy.
She would not let their goodbye end on this note.
"Commander," she said.
His footsteps paused in their stride.
She drew in a deep, shaky breath, and turned her head toward him just enough to keep her face hidden.
"Thank you..." she said. "For everything."
His footsteps remained silent for a moment, and then started for the door again.
"John," she said.
He froze once more.
She gathered herself, and turned around to face him for the first time.
Angry, red veins marred the whites of his eyes. Deep shadows bruised the skin underneath them. But what struck her the most, was the sadness contained within them.
She looked into those eyes—once bright blue, now faded to a dull grey—and softened her expression.
"Stay safe."
He stared back at her, and the faintest of smiles played on his lips. He gave her a single nod, and disappeared through the door, walking the now-familiar path from her office to the Alliance docks.
As she watched him go, the stone tied around her heart still remained, but now seemed just a little lighter. The future was uncertain. For the galaxy, and for them. But she knew without a shadow of a doubt that John would fight to the end to make sure they had a future.
And so would she.
"Give them hell, John."
Thanks for reading!