It had been a few hours since Lynn arrived onto the Normandy. Chakwas insisted on her going straight to the med-bay to get more tests done. Gemma promised she would join her soon enough, but she needed a moment with her dad. Most of the crew left when Shepard shooed them out from the cargo bay.
Gemma didn't approach the body bag at first, she stood right where she was, staring at the body. Kaidan was behind her crutches still in hand. Her leg was still in the biotic field. The pain, she couldn't feel anymore, her biotics depleted the pain and the body bag was all she could see and feel right now with the ache in her heart.
It had been ten minutes and Gemma still hadn't moved. Kaidan slowly placed his hand on her shoulder. "Gem?" She turned her head to look at him, her eyes looked straight through him. Her pupils were severely dilated. Kaidan waved his hand in front of her face, she didn't even blink. "Babe? You're scaring me?"
Gemma looked back at the body bag. She started to walk, but her leg buckled under her. Her biotics grew stronger on their own, supporting her. She wished at that moment she could talk to them, she would say 'thank you' for not letting her fall. Kaidan placed his arm under his bicep. "Come on, take your crutches now. Your biotics can only do so much" She looked down at her crutches, she wanted to throw them across the room. But her leg was about to buckle again.
"Alright" She replied in a small squeaky voice. Kaidan held the crutches out for each of her arms to hook inside. She turned back around to look at the shuttle, she didn't know if she wanted to look or not. "I..I don't know if I should look or not"
Kaidan placed his hand on her shoulders, standing behind her. "You don't have to. Shepard is going to arrange a proper funeral for him. We can just leave it at this, if you like" Gemma knew she had to see him, she needed to see what Cerberus did to her dad. He died alone and afraid, she wanted to look at the monster they tried to turn him into.
Gemma started to walk closer to the shuttle doors. Kaidan followed behind, she walked slower than before, her brain telling her she needed to sit down, her leg would not last much longer even with the crutches. He could see the strain in her spine as she walked. The shuttle had a small step to get into it. "Could you bring him closer to me, please"
Gemma sat on the step as Kaidan walked around her. He careful scooped the body bag in his arms, it was too disrespectful for him to drag the bag towards Gemma. He placed it down in front of Gemma, head facing up from her. "You sure about this?"
Gemma looked back up at him, tears welled up in her eyes. "I need to see him" Kaidan nodded and sat behind her, legs spread out. He was still in his armour and it was getting uncomfortable. But Gemma was more important than anything else at that moment.
Gemma looked at Kaidan one last time and he gave her a small smile. She turned back to look down at the body bag, she slowly placed her hand down on the bag. She could feel it was her dad's forehead. Half his hair she could not feel. She looked for the zip, it ended just by the chest. She brushed her hand over it. "I need to know" She said quietly, Kaidan placed a hand on her shoulder, giving her reassurance.
Gemma placed her thumb and index finger on the zip and gently started to pull. The bag started to open, she pulled it around her dad's right shoulder, then face, then back around to the other side of his chest. The bag was loose on his body, all she needed to do was pull it away and look underneath, but something told her not to do it and just zip the bag back up.
Kaidan saw the hesitation when she paused her hand over the flap of the bag to pull it. Kaidan pulled her hand back. "I'll do it" Gemma scooted back a little to let him get more space. Gemma gave him a small nod as he knelt beside her, placing his hand slowly on the flap, he started to pull.
Gemma looked away the moment she saw the shade of blue that was now his skin. Looking down at the floor in front of her instead. Kaidan looked as he fully pulled it back. This was also the first time he was seeing Daniels body. His skin was both husks and Human coloured. His eyes were mostly close, but one was just slightly up and the hint of ocean blue coloured eyes came through, they almost shined. Kaidan knew his eyes were meant to brown, the same as Gemma's.
He felt sick to his stomach and felt like he should close the bag and not let Gemma see. But she had already turned around, her eyes wide open, not blinking and just looked right at his face. She seemed to stop breathing for a moment, she felt as if she had been punched in the gut and the air was winded out of her.
"You okay?" Gemma didn't reply just slowly nodded. She moved her hand and hovered it over his body. She wanted to place her hand down to feel him, but she didn't want to feel the cold lifeless skin either. Kaidan watched her hand, he wanted to stop her, but he knew this was a choice she had to make herself.
Gemma lowered her hand on his forehead. His body was freezing cold. She slid his hand over to his Human skin side of it, it had been such a long time since she had any form of contact with her dad. She wanted him to just wake up and hold her. She moved her hand over to the husk skinned side of his body. It felt rough and ragged. She thought she was going to be sick, but tears fought their way through instead. The tears rolled down her cheeks, holding back wouldn't happen. Gemma burst out crying, falling back into Kaidan's chest. He held her tight, rocking them together as he stroked her hair.
Shepard had just had the chance to get out of her armour before Hackett requested her in the comms room. She walked in, the hologram of Hackett already waiting for her. "Admiral" Shepard announced as she stood at attention and saluted him.
"Commander" Shepard saluted her back. "At ease" Shepard relaxed and leaned against the terminal, this mission had taken its toll on everyone, Shepard slumped her shoulders and tried to hold back the sigh. "I've read the reports regarding Sanctuary. I'm glad it has been shut down. Are you a step closer to the finding the Illusive Man?"
Shepard nodded. "We have found him. The course is set, we leave in two hours and then it's about twelve hours until we arrive" Hackett placed his hands behind his back.
"Why are you not leaving right now? We need you to get this done, Commander. We can't finish the Crucible without the information Cerberus has" Shepard stood up straight from the terminal, leaning on her hip and crossing her arms over her chest.
"We found Gemma's parents. Her mum is alive, but she needs medical attention the ship just doesn't have. We are having an Alliance evac to meet us to take her to an Alliance medical ship from there she is being placed under the same protection of Major Alenko's mother" Shepard looked down at her feet, hesitant to say the next part. "We found her father.. dead. He was halfway through being turned into a husk. Lt. River is with him right now then we are preparing an appropriate funeral for him on the Normandy. Then we shall be leaving"
Hackett stood in silence for a few moments. "I see" Is all he could muster. He stared at Shepard for a moment. He felt for Gemma, this war has taken a lot from her. He hoped she could still be counted on for the war. "I understand. Take what time you need, but we can only wait out so far. Give Lt. River my condolences please" Hackett lowered his hands to his side.
"Yes, Admiral. I will fill you in when we are close the Cerberus base. Shepard, out" Shepard walked out of the comms room. Liara was waiting for her. "Everything alright?" Shepard walked around the war rooms main terminal, Liara followed beside her.
"Yes. I just wanted to let you know that we are ready for Gemma's father. But Kaidan is having trouble with her at the moment" Shepard stopped and looked at her with a questioning look. "Gemma is trying to do what she did with Thane. Use her biotics to try to revive him" Shepard took off walking again, this time at a quicker pace.
"Shit. She is struggling with the closure and saying goodbye. Let me go down. You see if Lynn is allowed to leave, Gemma needs her right now" Shepard took of jogging for the lift.
Gemma had cried for what felt like hours. Kaidan held her the whole time until an idea came to mind. She had pulled away from his embrace and said about her idea of bringing her dad back to life, the same she did for Thane. Kaidan explained it wouldn't work, her dad had been dead for at least three days. There was no way his body could be sustainable enough to bring back.
Gemma got argumentive about the subject. Kaidan stayed calm about it, he knew she was not mentally thinking straight. Liara had told him through the comms they were ready whenever Gemma was. But he warned her of Gemma's plan. Liara said she would report it to Shepard.
Kaidan currently stood in front of the shuttle bay doors. Gemma was leaning over her dad, her biotics were wrapping their way around his body. Gemma concentrated her energy for her biotics to head towards his heart and brain. Kaidan didn't want to stop her, her reflexes may force her to attack him, even if she didn't mean it.
Shepard had finally arrived. Jogging over from the lift, she arrived next to Kaidan. "What's happening?" Kaidan didn't say anything, just pointed at Gemma in the shuttle. Gemma was still trying hard to concentrate her biotics to her father's chest. The sweat started to show on her forehead.
A moment later the lift pinged again. Liara and Lynn came out, Chakwas not far behind. They all joined Shepard and Kaidan and watched for a moment at what Gemma was doing. Lynn couldn't watch it any longer, seeing her daughter struggle so much to accept her father's death. She slowly approached Gemma, not wanting to startle her. Lynn was still in pain, she needed to rest before the Alliance evac picked her up, it would be hard to say goodbye to Gemma again, but a warship was not for her and this war needed Gemma.
"Honey?" Gemma didn't respond, just furrowed her eyebrows more, she could feel the sweat and heat coming off her body. Her biotics finally planted onto his heart. But they just stopped, Gemma opened her eyes, her biotics slowly started to disappear. She tried to force them back on but they practically refused. "Gemma, honey. Look at me"
Gemma looked at her mum, tears welled up in her eyes. "I can save him. I need to save him" Lynn came closer, lowering herself down to Gemma's level.
"Honey, Come here, it is time for us to say goodbye to your father. You cannot save him. Please come here" Gemma looked down at his body one more time, she knew it was time to let him go. She pushed herself away and into her mum's open arms. "He will always be in your heart" Lynn said as she stroked her hair.
"I just wish I could have made him proud. But I was just some weird kid who couldn't even control her biotics. No wonder why he hated me" Lynn pulled her away, a stern look in her eyes.
"Now you listen to me" Lynn told her sternly. "Your father has always been proud of you. Just because you have biotics doesn't mean he wouldn't love you more if you didn't them. Your biotics make you who you are. Never change that" Gemma looked past her mum and at Kaidan, who nodded at her in agreement.
"Your right. Thank you, mum" Lynn gave her a small smile, Gemma returned the smile. Shepard walked over to give Gemma her crutches back for a second time. Hooking her arms inside, she felt a lot of weight come off her leg and the pain had calmed down a little.
"Liara" Kaidan said quietly as he leaned into her. "Can you get everything ready, we need to take Daniel's body and prepare it" Liara gave him a small nod and waiting for Lynn and Gemma to move from the shuttles entrance so she could get inside.
Shepard pulled out a stretcher they could use. She met Liara at the entrance and grabbed one end of the body bag. Gemma and Lynn watched as they placed his body down on the stretcher and headed towards the lift.
Kadian walked over to Gemma. She looked up at him and smiled. "I'm sorry for shouting at you" Kaidan gave her a small smirk. He raised his hand and placed it on her cheek. Lynn looked at them, stepping back a step in shock.
"It's alright. Your stressed, everything will fall into place soon" He leaned in and kissed her cheek. He turned to Lynn and gave her a small smile. "You also probably have something important to tell your mum" With that he turned on his heel and left to get his armour off and help with the last preparations for the funeral.
Gemma looked at her mum. She had forgotten about telling her mum about her and Kaidan. The fact that Kaidan was to be her future son in law, it was something she ought to know. "Something you want to tell me?" Lynn said, breaking Gemma's train of thought.
"Uh, yeah. You wanna sit down?" Lynn led Gemma over to one of the benches in the cargo bay. They wouldn't have long until everything was ready for the funeral. "So...uh. Kaidan is my..um partner" She dragged the last word out.
"When were you actually going to tell me?" Lynn gave her a disappointed frown. Gemma broke eye contact and looked down at her feet.
"Well, I've not really had the chance. It wasn't really important right now. But I'm sorry for not telling you sooner" Lynn can understand what Gemma was saying. It wasn't even the best time right now for Gemma to tell her.
"I understand. I'm happy for you. The Major seems very sweet and kind gentleman" Gemma hugged her mum again. "I'm glad you have had someone with you through all this" Gemma pulled back and broke eye contact for the second time, shaking her good leg nervously. Lynn studied her face. "You're not telling me something?" Lynn could read Gemma like a book. "Oh, please tell me you aren't pregnant"
Gemma looked at her quickly, shaking her head and holding her hands up. "God no. Just that... well, you're going to have a son in law" Lynn's mouth dropped open. Gemma took out her dog tags and showed her the ring attached to it. She thought about wearing it whilst she is on the ship, but she would have to constantly change it from her finger to dog tags. Saving them on her dog tags, for the time being, was the better idea.
"Seriously. When did this even happen?" Lynn looked at the ring. It was beautiful. Gemma smiled at it, rolling it around with the tips of fingers.
"About a week ago. I know it hasn't been very long. But I love him so much, mum. I can't imagine my life with anyone else" Lynn looked from the ring to Gemma, her daughter meeting her gaze. Lynn went to reply but Liara interrupted them through the comms.
"Sorry, Gemma. But we are ready for you and we cannot wait much longer. The Alliance evac will be here soon and Dr Chakwas has a few more tests to run on Mrs River" Lynn and Gemma smiled as they got up and headed towards the lift.
Most of the crew stood by the cockpit surrounding the main doors. The first set of doors were open. Daniels body was in a coffin. The Normandy keeps a crate load for just in case measures. Shepard offered for the body to go back to Earth. But Lynn and Gemma agreed that it is time to let him go into space. He would have wanted to be buried on Horizon, but that was no longer an option. The planet was overrun with Reapers and the option to go back was impossible.
Edi was too close the main doors and let the decontamination protocol run then open the main exit doors. Kaidan was dressed back into his Alliance uniform. He saw in the corner of his eye, Lynn and Gemma arriving. He gave her a small smile and pulled his arm out to her. She took off her right crutch and leant it against the wall, so she could wrap her arm around his waist. Kaidan laid his arm over her shoulder. Gemma leaned into him to take the weight off her leg.
Lynn walked over to them. She placed her hand of Kaidan's shoulder. He gave her a questioning look at first, but the nod she gave him towards Gemma, telling him in silent words that she knew. He smiled at her and then looked at the main doors. Edi was stood closest, checking everything on her omni-tool. Joker was sat with his back to everyone. Even Gemma knew that he was not going turn to watch, Edi barely pushed for his emotions at times.
The rest of the crew: Shepard, Liara, Thane, Tali, Garrus, Chakwas, Vega, Cortez and even Javik were there. Shepard was the last to arrive. She looked around at everyone, some of the crew was stood in the actual cockpit, as the hallway was just too small for everyone. Shepard's gaze landed lastly on Gemma and Lynn, giving them both a smile, she turned towards Edi. "Everything ready?"
"Yes, Commander" Edi said in a quiet voice. She knew to be respectful at this time for everyone there. "When you are ready, I will run the denomination system and the coffin shall lead into space. Joker has found a low vacuumed area so the coffin will not be torn apart" Edi finished the last part as near a whisper.
"Okay" Shepard turned back to the crew. "Thank you for being here today everyone. We are here to say goodbye to a family member of the Normandy. Daniel River. We may have never of met him, but he was part of Gemma's family and that makes him part of our family" Kaidan felt Gemma push her head into his chest, feeling his top becoming wet, he rubbed her shoulder. "Daniel was so brave and his death was not in vain. He went protecting his wife and daughter" Lynn had started crying by that point. Kaidan moved his arm from Gemma's shoulder and held it out to her. She noticed and leaned against Gemma, Kaidan placing his hand on her shoulder and pulling them both close.
Shepard looked over at the rest of the crew. Liara and Javik were stood close together. Shepard could have sworn she saw Javiks arm around Liara's back. Garrus was looking down at his feet. Vega was being awkward, moving constantly, this wasn't his type of affair. Cortez was close to him, looking at the doors. Thane was stood with his hands behind his back, looking at his own feet. Tali was leaning into Chakwas, crying silently behind her mask.
Shepard continued. "Thane said he would like to give a pray for Daniel and us all to send him on our way. As long as you two are okay with that?" Everyone turned to Gemma and Lynn, them both looking back at everyone else. Gemma looked at Thane, he already looking back. She mouthed him a thank you and they both nodded for Shepard to proceed.
Thane took Shepard's place. His pitch-black eyes looking at the whole crew. He finally landed on Gemma. They both stared at each other. Thane closed his eyes, lowering his head down to his hands as he lased them together. "Kalahira, mistress of inscrutable depths, I ask forgiveness. Kalahira, whose waves wear down stone and sand. Kalahira, wash the sins from this one and set him on the distant shore of the infinite spirit" Lynn looked at Thane as he spoke, the tears rolled down her cheeks. Thane continued "Kalahira, this one's heart is pure but beset by wickedness and contention. Guide this one to where the traveller never tires, the lover never leaves, the hungry never starve. Guide this one, Kalahira, and he will be a companion to you as he was to me"
Thane finished, the room was so quiet a pin would be heard if it dropped. Lynn turned her head towards Gemma, she met her gaze and Lynn slowly nodded at her, they knew it was time. Shepard was already looking at Lynn for the go-ahead. Lynn looked down at the floor one last time, then slowly nodded her head. Shepard turned to Edi. "Go for it, Edi" She said quietly.
Edi ran the contamination sequence, the doors closed in front of them. Thane turned to the side and placed his hands back around him and closed his eyes. Once the doors had closed, no-one could see anything else. Once the main doors had opened, Shepard looked out the side window to see the coffin slowly float out into space. "It is done" Shepard told everyone quietly.
Most of the crew had gone their separate ways, giving their condolences to Gemma and Lynn, some of the crew hugged them. The night shift had quickly rolled around and the Normandy was preparing to dock up with the Alliance evac. Lynn stood at the doors waiting, Gemma and Kaidan stood behind her as Chakwas took out the drip, Lynn needed just that bit more fluids in her body to get back on the mend.
"We are docked" Joker called out. Most of the crew had gone to sleep, so only a skeleton crew was around. "Commander, the Alliance officers are asking for permission to board" Shepard had stayed up to see Lynn off.
"Permission granted" Chakwas smiled at Lynn as she grabbed her equipment and left to go back to the medbay.
"Thank you, Dr Chakwas" Lynn called to her. Chakwas turned around, smiling at her. They'd been having a nice chat whilst running the tests. Chakwas had a few of the same similarities, definitely when it came to Serrice Ice Brandy. They may have had one small glass together. Lynn had missed moments like this, she shared moments of relaxation with her friends before everything went to shit. Hopefully, life can get back to normal. But that answer lies on Shepard's shoulders.
The Alliance officers came aboard. Two were medical doctors. "Hello, Commander" The head Alliance officer shook Shepard's hand. "We have everything ready on board"
Shepard stepped to the side with the Alliance officers whilst Gemma and Kaidan said their goodbyes to Lynn. Gemma hugged her mum tight. "I'm going to miss you, mum" Gemma felt the tears well up again. She didn't think she could cry anymore tonight.
"I will miss you too, darling" Kaidan was stood behind Gemma. Lynn looked up at him. "You too" She said as she held her hand out for him. Kaidan smiled as he came into her embrace. "Please, both of you. Come back to me"
"We will" Gemma said, placing her head into the side of her mum's neck. They hugged for a few minutes. Gemma wished her mum could stay, but the Normandy won't be safe for her, for when they go back to Earth.
Everyone else said their goodbyes as Lynn walked through the doors, closing in front of them. Gemma leaned into Kaidan's chest. "Come on, time for bed" She looked up at him, the tiredness of crying and emotions had taken their toll on her. They both said goodnight to the remaining crew and went off towards the lift.
Kaidan walked slowly to make sure Gemma doesn't strain herself trying to keep up. "You doing okay?" Gemma looked up at him. They arrived at the lift. Gemma leaned against the wall whilst Kaidan pushed the button for their floor level.
"Yeah, just tired" She looked up at him. He smiled at her, but he seemed upset. A sprang of guilt hit her in the gut. "I am sorry for being aggressive to you earlier. I don't know what came over me"
Kadian closed the distance between them. He placed his hand on her cheek, then pushed it around to the back of her neck. "I'm not mad at that. I'm just upset that you've had such a hard time since day one. Your parents, implants, biotics, your leg and so on. It's not been easy, but each time I've seen you come on top" Gemma leaned her head into his arm.
"I have you and now my mum. I would give anything to get my dad back, but the universe doesn't work like that. I love you so much for just being here, through everything. You are the one that keeps me strong through everything" Kaidan saw Gemma's eyes glisten as she spoke.
"I love you too" Kaidan pulled her towards him, their lips slowly connecting. The kiss was slow and steady. They quickly broke away when the doors opened, Javik stood on the other side.
"Do you Humans always display this in public? Such primitive" He moved to the side to let them both out. Gemma didn't look at him, red to the cheeks. "In my cycle, you would have been flayed alive for doing such a thing in front of others" Kaidan gave him a huff as he walked past.
"Well we ain't in your cycle anymore" Kaidan said dryly. "Maybe you want to change your way a little. Definitely for Liara's sake" Javik looked at him, eyes squinting at him. "Come on, even I saw the way you held her back when we were all upstairs" Gemma looked at them both. Neither stood down from glaring at each other.
Javik gave in first. Giving him a huff of anger as he walked into the lift, holding his head up high and punching the button for the crew deck. Kaidan watched him until the doors broke the eye contact. "Kaidan" Gemma said with a low, disapproving tone.
He turned back to face her, shrugging his shoulders. "Well... I'm sick and tired of him saying 'primitive this', 'my cycle that'" Kaidan used air quotes for more expression. "Come on, let's get you to bed" Kaidan walked ahead and opened the doors for her. He had already had her clothes out ready for her. "Here let me help you"
Kaidan turned her towards the bed so she could sit down. "I've so had enough of those stupid crutches" Kaidan smiled at them as he placed them next to the bed. Gemma started to take her top off, Kaidan jumped to help her. "I can undress myself" She said with a smile at him, not wanting him to think she is telling him off.
"I just want you to be careful. You could have already caused more damage to your leg" Gemma looked down at her leg. "Also" Kaidan said whilst he lifted her chin up for her to look at him. "I just do it so much better" Gemma snorted and shook her head.
Gemma watched as he turned around to take his shirt off. Bruising was on his back from Sanctuary mission, they were dark purple and shades of light blue around the outer edges. Gemma got up from the bed. Kaidan turned around when he heard her move. "Don't" Gemma said before he tried to get her to sit back down. "Turn back around" Kaidan looked down at her leg. She was using her tiptoes to hold herself up. "Kaidan" He looked back up at her. "I'm fine, just turn around, please"
Kaidan did as she was asked and turned around. Gemma got a closer look at his bruises. "Do they hurt?" Gemma asked as she hovered her hand over them.
"No" Kaidan said with a deep breath when she touched them. He turned his head, Gemma giving him a lopsided smile, shaking her head at him. "Alright, maybe it hurts a little" Gemma snickered at him. She turned her omni-tool on and placed some medgi-gel on his back. He winced, his muscles contracted with the cold gel.
"Just medi-gel. It will help" She finished and pulled his shoulder to turn him back around. Hocking her arm around his neck, Kaidan placed her hand on her waist. "I've missed having just some time alone with you"
Kaidan pulled her into him. Their lips meeting, this time with more aggression and force behind it. It lasted only moments until Kaidan pulled away. Gemma tried to grab him again, sighing when Kaidan pulled his head back even more. "Please" Gemma whispered.
Kaidan looked down at her lips, she was biting her bottom lip, staring intently on his. "I don't want you hurt anymore and your too tired" Gemma didn't look at him, just continued to stare at his lip.
"Kaidan. It has been so long and I miss you. I just want to feel normal for one night" Kaidan pushed the hair back over her ear. She pushed herself into his hand, Kaidan rubbed his fingers against her cheek and head.
"You are normal. I've missed you too" Gemma looked up at him, tears in her eyes. "Hey, Hey. Come on, you're okay" Kaidan placed both his hands on her cheeks. Gemma had her hand on his chest, feeling it and leading her palms down to his abs.
She tried to kiss him again, he pulled away once again. "Kaidan, please" Gemma begged again. He shook his head slowly, the third time Gemma was able to catch his lips. She moaned in the back of her throat, Kaidan shook his head once again, but she finally got him under her spell.
He deepened the kiss, forcing her to open her mouth for his tongue. Gemma obliged, letting her tongue dance around Kaidan's mouth. The moan from him deepened. Kaidan picked Gemma up, looping his hands around her bum cheeks, Gemma returned with wrapping her legs around his waist, it hurt when she did it, but the pleasure fought through the pain. Kaidan walked towards the end of the bed, slowly laying her down.
He laid on top of her, making sure not to put too much weight down on her. Gemma got a little too feisty and dug her nails into his back, Kaidan hissed through his teeth. "Shit, sorry" Kaidan just hummed and continued to kiss her. He pulled away from her lips, using his cheeks to push her chin up to get access to the crook of her neck.
He kissed her neck, leading down to her shoulders. Gemma moaned, wrapping her arms around his back, being more gentle this time. Kaidan started to undo her trouser bottoms, Gemma did the same to him. Gemma unhooked her bra, Kaidan pulled it off her. He looked down at her, amazed with how beautiful she was. "What?" She said looking up at him, he just smiled at her.
"Your so beautiful" Gemma felt the warmth in her heart, she grabbed around the back of his neck and pulled him in, their lips clashing. Gemma could feel the heat spreading between her legs. Kaidan broke the kiss and started to kiss down the front of her neck, leading down to her chest. He stopped at her breasts, nipping her nipple between his thumb and index finger. Gemma sucked in a breath. Kaidan looked up having her a sly look, but Gemma didn't notice. Her eyes closed shut and holding his curly hair between her fingers in a fist.
Kaidan started to kiss and nip at her breasts, pushing them around his hands. Gemma couldn't hold on much longer, her urge for him growing stronger. She moved her hand from her hair and pulled him back up, their lips clashing, Kaidan could feel the hunger at Gemma's aggressive kiss. Gemma felt down his abs, his trousers were not all the way down. She pushed them down as far as she could, then shoved her hand into his boxers, he was already hard.
Gemma wrapped her hand around his full length, Kaidan hissed in a breath as she started to move her hand. Kaidan deepened the kiss, pushing his tongue into her mouth. Kaidan used his hand to hold him up as he used his over to slide down into Gemma's pants. He could feel the heat coming off her. He slowly rubbed her clit, Gemma responding in tightening her legs, the pain from her leg was getting worse, but pushing it at the back of her head, they carried on.
They touched and felt each other for a few moments until neither of them could wait any longer. Kaidan stood up off the bed, taking his trousers then boxers off. Gemma watched him, her mouth went dry when she got a proper look of him. Kaidan sat at the end of the bed, getting Gemmas trousers and pants off, going carefully not to hurt her leg. He laid over the top of her legs, stopping at her waist.
Gemma looked at him. "What are you doing?" She said in a low moan. Kaidan wasn't looking at her, his arm was wrapped around with his biotics.
"I want to try something" Gemma knew what he wanted to do, she opened her legs more to give him better access. He started to rub her clit again, then started to slowly push his fingers in. Gemma bit her bottom lip, her eyes rolling backwards. Kaidan went slow at first, letting her open up for his fingers. His biotics were still warping around his arm, Gemma could feel it, it felt...cold inside her. But good.
Kaidan went a little faster, then when Gemma was coming close to climaxing. Kaidan sent a sharp bolt of his biotics through her body, that sent Gemma over the edge. She screamed in pleasure turning her body to the side. "Shhh" Kaidan said laughing at her. "Someone will hear you" Gemma held tight onto his arm as she closed her legs to trap his hand. Kaidan just watched her, he couldn't lie to say he wasn't proud of himself.
"Fuck everyone else" She said with a dry, low toned voice. Kaidan brought his body up higher, Gemma had finally come down from her high. She looked into his dark brown eyes, their eye colours were close in the shade of brown. Gemma's was a lighter shade of brown. She felt so much love for him at that exact moment. Kaidan smiled at her as he lowered his head into hers, kissing her slowly.
Kaidan moved his hand between them both, lining himself, he slowly started to push himself in. Gemma instantly tightening around him, Kadian groaned as her body accommodated his size. He started to slowly rock his hips, Gemma moved her head into the crook on his neck.
Javik had stood outside Liara's door for the last ten minutes, he'd walked around most of the ship. Not knowing if he should go and see her. He wanted to talk to her, but he didn't know what to say. He was about to knock until Liara nearly walked right into him. "Oh, Javik. Everything okay?" Liara searched his face, her words seemed to go through one ear and out the other.
"Yes, I am fine. May we speak in private" Liara moved to the side to let him in, he walked into the middle of the room. Eyeing the room, until his gaze landed on Glyph floating in the corner. Liara saw what he was staring at.
"Ah. Glyph" The floating hologram turned to face her. "Could you give us some privacy, please"
Glyph floated between them both. "Of course, Doctor" He disappeared, Glyphs control systems went to a low hum. Liara pointed for Javik to sit down on the end of her bed, whilst she sat on her office chair.
"What was on your mind?" Liara asked him. Javik knew they had grown in closeness in the last few weeks, but he didn't know what it was that pulled him in towards her.
"I..um" Javik felt like hitting himself. I was never known to falter on his words. Punishments were used by his parents if he did that. "Would you agree that myself and you have grown close?" Liara looked down at the floor, thinking on his question.
Liara met his gaze. "Yes, I would agree. I like spending time with you" Javik smiled a little. He wanted to open up more. The ride down in the lift after what Kaidan said to him, was true. Javik will act tough about affection, but maybe it was time for him to finally learn how to live in this cycle. "Why do you ask?" Liara broke his train of thought.
"Forgive me for asking. But I wanted to know if you would like to..uh" Liara leant her head to the side. Javik tried to talk again, but Liara put her hand up to stop him trying to talk.
She got up from her seat and walked to the foot of the bed. Javik looked up at her, she watched him for a moment. "Javik stop being the scary Prothean, who all he wants to do is insult everyone and kill Reapers" Javik looked down at the floor in shame. "Just be a normal person. Try to be someone who did know life without Reapers, can you try to do that?"
Javik gave her a small nod. It was time to change. Liara held her hand out for him, he took it and got up. The small distance between them made him nervous. He had never gotten close to anyone other than his soldiers, they were his family. "I will try"
Liara gave him a small kiss on the cheek. "Good. Now go get some sleep. We can talk more in the morning" Javik felt his cheek burn up, luckily it was hard to tell from his skin colour. He gave her a small smile, a genuine one this time. Liara watched him until the doors shut behind him.
Gemma and Kaidan laid in bed next to each other, naked and panting for breath. "You were incredible and that thing with your biotics" Gemma said with a pant. Their biotics had activated during sex, making the experience ten times more pleasurable.
"We can go again if you like" Kaidan said in a deep voice. Gemma giggled as she turned on her side to face him, Kaidan did the same. "I've missed this. Sometimes I wish the war could be put on hold at times"
Gemma cupped his cheek. "Me too" Kaidan lifted his arm for her to lay into his chest. "We should probably get some sleep. Do you want some clothes?" Kaidan hummed into her hair as he smelt the fresh floral scent of her hair. It reminded him of the fresh sunflowers that grew near his home back on Earth during the summer months.
"No. I'm happy like this. What about you?" Gemma shook her head in his chest, she traced her finger along his stomach. "Goodnight Gem. I love you"
Gemma pushed her body closer to him. Her heart warmed when he said those words. "I love you too"
The Normandy was about halfway from Anadius which was located inside the Horsehead Nebula and the location of the Cerberus station. Most of the crew were asleep, only a skeleton crew was roaming the ship. Shepard decided to contact Hackett for a quick brief then try and get some sleep. The nightmares had gotten worse each week. More about the light boy she saw on Earth, dying in front of her eyes as the Reapers shot down the escape shuttle.
Shepard arrived at the comms room, she could feel the tiredness in her eyes. She hoped Hackett wouldn't take much notice of the bags under her eyes. "Edi, connect me to Admiral Hackett please"
"Yes, Commander" There was a pause for a few moments, then Hackett filled the empty space in front of her.
Shepard saluted him. "Admiral"
Hackett returned the salute. "Commander at ease" He placed his arms behind him. "Shepard, the intel you have sent us looks good. The fleets will be ready to go..." He cut himself off, Shepard waited for the but..."But, once we are committed against Cerberus, it won't be long before the Reapers take notice"
"And the Crucible?" Hackett looked to his right. Shepard couldn't see what he was looking at, but she guessed it was the Crucible. Hackett had stayed by the construction since the beginning. Overseeing everything involving it.
"It is ready. Except for the Catalyst, but there's no way to hide our ships that we will be sending at Cerberus" Hackett looked back at Shepard. "Once we attack Cerberus. The Crucible will not stay safe for long. Once we start this attack, this will be our first stages in retaking Earth"
Shepard leaned forward over the terminal. "What happens if Cerberus doesn't have the intel we need? Or they stop us from getting it?" Hackett looked down at the floor, weighing the questions.
"Then we head to Earth with what we have. And we will take our chances" Hackett gave Shepard a stern look. "But your intel points to Cerberus and the Illusive Man with the information that we need. And..." He paused for a moment. "We have the element of surprise. Cerberus won't know what hit them"
Shepard stood up straight, walking closer to the terminal, eyebrows furrowed in determination. "The Reapers and Cerberus started this. Now we're going to end them both"
"I shall get the fleets mobilized. Hackett out" Shepard watched as Hackets hologram disappeared. Letting out a big sigh, she turned to go to her room.
Shepard looked down at the datapad in her hand, sitting at the end of the bed. Getting sleep was something she lied about the moment she stepped through the door. Doing work was better. The doors to her room opened, she looked up to see Garrus walking down the stairs. He wasn't wearing his armour for once and was wearing a Turian suit. It suited him.
Garrus had his mandibles lose on his cheeks in a smile as he walked towards her. "Shepard. Thought you might still be awake" She gave him a small smile as she watched him take a seat next to her. "You know what the best part about a battle that decides the whole fate of the galaxy?"
Shepard hummed at him. "Winning it?" Garrus looked at the datapad in her hand, until he met her gaze.
"I was thinking it's a good excuse to remind the ones you care about that... well, you care about them. Would you like some company?" He looked down at her hand, taking it from the datapad and into his own.
"You read my mind" She placed the datapad on the bed between them. Garrus gave her a devious look. She liked this more confident and cocky Garrus.
"Guess I'm getting pretty good at this. But..." He hooked his talon around the back of her head. "Some more practise wouldn't hurt" He pulled her head into him, their lips meeting. Shepard moaned as she straddled him.
"I love you, Garrus" Garrus pulled back, looking at her. He grip on her waist grew tighter.
"I love you too, Shepard"
Shepard jerked awake. The same dream haunted her again. This time the voices of Ashley, Mordin and Legion spoke to her. Their last words repeating in the background as she ran after the same child. She had finally caught up to him, but it was a clone of herself. Hugging the child and them both looking Shepard right in the eyes, as they burned in flames.
Shepard looked around the room, she caught a glance at Garrus. Sat shirtless on the chair, reading her datapad. She didn't take much notice as she pulled herself to the edge of the bed, leaning over to hold her head in her hands.
Garrus walked over to her. "Bad dream?" Shepard leaned up to look at him.
"You ever get them?" Her and Garrus rarely slept together in the same bed, so she never experienced him waking up to a nightmare.
"Hmmm... I tend to expect the worst most times, anyway. So dreaming about it is just a waste of a good nights sleep" He sat next to her. Holding her shoulder in reassurance.
"What about now?" Shepard looked down at the floor.
"I am expecting a tough fight, with lives lost" Shepard wouldn't look at him. He searched her face. "What's bothering you?"
Shepard finally looked at him but it didn't for long. "Can we ever be ready for a battle like this? Everything we've ever known... it's all hanging over this ship and the crews head. Garrus, it's a thread where it can all end" She finished with a sigh.
"Yeah, but the truth is. When isn't it? Every fight we've seen before could've been our last. Every bullet we have dodged could have been the one" Garrus looked the room, then back at Shepard. The smallest battle could have killed her, she is the top of this tower that is out to stop the Reapers, without Shepard, they would not have stood a chance or gotten this far.
Shepard laughed. "Yeah, there has been a lot of bullets" Garrus was glad to see her smile.
"And this time, they are just a little bigger" Shepard laughed at him again. Shaking her in amusement.
"I don't know what I'd do without you" She cupped his mandible. Garrus closed his eyes and leaned into her hand. She looked down at his body. His hard plated body was something she loved to look at. She thought of the first time they slept together his body would be rough on her skin, but other then a few red marks, they fitted well together. She wished the war would fuck off so they could enjoy their life together.
Garrus placed his hand on hers. "I'm going to get a shower" Shepard said in a low voice. "Come join me if you like" She started to get up, pulling his hand in hers.
"I thought you'd never ask" Garrus replied in a low, husked voice.
Shepard stood in the war room, alone. She needed some privacy with Hackett to get the attack started. The hologram in front of her showed the Cerberus station. And the holograms of the ships ready for the attack. "Our strike team is ready, we've got our foothold" Hackett called out. "Fifth fleet, all forward! I don't want a single Cerberus ship in my sky when we're through" Hackett commanded.
"Shepard" Edi called. Shepard nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard her, she turned to face Edi, who was stood at the top of the stairs. "I should accompany you on this mission"
"Why?" Shepard asked. Edi walked down the stairs.
"This is the central operations for Cerberus. They will have enhanced security measures. With my knowledge of Cerberus algorithms and this body's updated protocols. I can offer the best chance to help you succeed"
Shepard looked at the holograms for a few seconds then back at Edi as she turned on her heel and headed for the door. "Grab your gear" They both headed for the armoury. "Joker, tell Tali and Liara to meet me at the shuttle in fifteen minutes. I want us all at the ready" Shepard wanted most of the technical help for this mission, Gemma would have been a plus. But her leg was not healed enough, she only hoped it would be by the time they got back to Earth.
"Yes, Commander" Joker acknowledged.
Shepard practically flew into the helm. "Joker! What's our status?" Edi stood behind Jokers seat. Everyone was in their armour and ready. Joker looked at the systems, shaking his head.
"We've got a foothold, but it's not much. A lot of fighters guarding the launch bays" Shepard walked over to the other side of his seat.
"Can you get us in?" Joker turned to face her, a smug look on his face.
"Hey, I got us into Llos. This is a walk in the park" Shepard smiled at him. Joker turned back around. "Maybe a bumpy ride, though" Edi looked at Shepard, then back at the systems.
"Do what you can" Shepard said in a commanding voice. Edi turned to face Shepard.
"Commander, I am ready" Shepard was about to reply, but Joker cut them off. He turned his body around in his seat, feeling the strain on his spine and hips as he leaned out to look at them both.
"Wait, what?" Shepard and Edi looked at him. "Are you crazy? You can't go to Cerberus headquarters! They could have a virus, or a kill-switch, or..." Edi cut off his train of thought for more life-threatening threats to AI.
"I will be fine, Jeff" Edi turned to Shepard. She whipped her face towards the lift.
"Get to the shuttle, Edi" Edi nodded and walked off. Shepard hung back for a moment. She understood Jokers concerns. But this was what Edi asked to do and Joker needed to understand the moment they start their final descent into this battle, everyone on the Normandy had to accept they might not survive.
"Fifth fleet's cut through their lines. Their regrouping. Now as good a time as any" Joker said in a dry voice. Shepard looked at the back of his head. He needed to be professional. He can't protect Edi or stop her from going on missions if she wished to go.
"I know it hurts" Shepard walked to the side of him. Joker didn't look at her. "Not being able to go with her"
Joker scoffed. "Yeah. Thanks for bringing it up" Shepard didn't reply. She just turned to walk towards the shuttle bay. "Hey... Shepard" Joker said in a quiet voice, Shepard stopped and turned her body half around to look at him. "Keep her safe"
Shepard looked at him for a moment and continued walking. "Same to you" Though Shepard was referring to the Normandy.
It was a massive shit shoe outside the hip. The fifth fleet was holding their own, but Shepard needed to get down there before Cerberus gets any backup. Shepard was already in the shuttle, in the co-pilot seat. Cortez would need help getting through the fight. Cortez ran on and jumped into the pilot's seat. The rest of the crew got on. Edi stood as Tali and Liara sat down close to each other.
She ship was as close as Joker could get her. Cortez got the engines of the shuttle started, smacked on the stealth systems and in a few seconds they were out of the cargo doors. The fighting was happening close to the sun that Shepard had seen many times before in the background of the Illusive Mans office.
The shuttle glided past the fifth fleets ships. Cortez headed towards the open cargo bay doors. Cerberus ground troops were shooting at them as the shuttle flew through, taking everything out in its path. Liara and Tali fell to the floor, Edi was able to keep her balance. Cortez fell to the side of his seat, Shepard held onto the hand bars to keep her balance.
Everyone stood up and checked their gear. Shepard was the first to slam her hand on the eject button for the door. She took cover from the side of the shuttle, the rest of the crew followed behind. Shepard checked everyone over then peered around the corner of the shuttle's thrusters. "Everything okay, Cortez?"
There was some shuffling ahead of them as the Cerberus troops got into cover. Shepard pointed for everyone to get into cover. "Yeah, just need to do some repairs. Give Cerberus hell, Cortez out" Shepard smiled to herself at Cortez's words. Cerberus was desperate using smoke grenades to make it harder to see them, most of the crew could hearing shouting as they called for backup.
Edi used her decoy to confuse some of the troops. She placed it just ahead so they would turn their back on her. Tali didn't have much with the technical side unless it was Geth. She was able to overload some generators which sparked the shield on some troops. Liara and Shepard used this to their advantage and took them out quickly.
The Cerberus soldiers seemed to become confident. Calling out that backup would arrive and the hostiles, meaning Shepard and her crew weren't going anyway. The cargo bay was full of crates, it seemed they were getting ready to leave. The Reapers were already heading their way and it was only a matter of time until they arrive and take the station by force. Taking all its recourses for their own gain.
"Atlas" Tali shouted. The atlas dropped by some fighter jets. It was on the other side of the cargo bay, giving the crew time to ready their weapons. Shepard and Liara concentrated on the troops, as Tali and Edi were the best adapted to take the atlas down. Edi used her decoy, followed by her overload. It dropped its shields partly. Tali needed it dropped more so she could hack into the suit and force it to turn on the Cerberus troops.
Liara threw a singularity at the three ground troops that were close together. Shepard used her warp, causing the biotics to mix and explode, causing the bodies to fly in all directions. Liara moved on ahead, throwing shockwaves in front of her to clear a path for everyone.
Tali finally was able to hack the Cerberus atlas and just in time with more troops coming through all doors around them. With the atlas on their side, it was quick work with the remaining troops. Their bodies being flung everywhere with biotics and blown to bits by the rockets from the atlas. Some phantoms tried to get an advantage from the upper levels, but Liara saw to them, by pulling them from hiding and killing them as their bodies suspended in the air.
The fighting finally stopped. Shepard saw a set of ladders at the end of the cargo bay, they slowly made their way towards it. Keeping out for more troops. "Security breach in Hanger 16. Initiating Achilles Protocol" The Cerberus VI called out.
"Shepard" Edi called from behind her. "Cerberus is attempting to vent the hanger bay" Shepard looked up above them, the vents started to open. There was only a matter of time.
"Can you stop them" Shepard called back, she continued towards the ladder. Luckily that was where Edi needed to go.
"I need an active console. Try the upper levels" Shepard was already halfway up the ladder. Everyone else following behind. Edi looked at her omni-tool as they climbed. "Go to your right when you get to the top. Through the doors"
"Hanger 16 secured. Engaging Achillies Protocol" Just in time Shepard found the console, pointing it out to Edi. She got to work, typing at sonic speed to prevent the vent proceeding.
"Hanger vent procedure..." She paused for a moment, looking up at the screen. "disabled" Shepard felt the lump in her throat disappear. Edi would have been the only one to survive the vent leak. The whole mission could have ended at that moment.
"Can you open up the hanger?" Shepard asked her. Edi didn't take her eyes off the console. Liara and Tali were holding back, looking out for backup on the other side of the doors.
"No, however..." Edi paused again, looking at the screen and typing with one hand, Shepard watched her. "I can access their fighter launch controls" Edi unlocked the floor panel on the lower level. A fighter jet raised from below, the problem was the fighter was lined up the wrong way and was pointing towards the exit. "Commander, Cerberus is aware that the venting attempt failed. Reinforcements are inbound"
The door they came in locked, the only way out was to carry on going around and hope there is another set of ladders to get back down. Cerberus had already met them by the exit. Coming around the corner, the crew only had a matter of time to get into cover.
Troops with body shields tried to hold them off with gunfire didn't last long against Liara or Shepard. The pull from their biotics forced the Cerberus troops out into the open. The close combat made it difficult to manoeuvre to get cover. Shepard used her shockwave, knocked over the remaining troops. The rest of the crew showered bullets at them.
Getting around the next corner, it was more open. Crates and large amounts of equipment littered the floor. Everyone got into position with Edi's warning of more Cerberus troops on the way.
The minute they got into cover, the troops came around the corner. Centurions came this time around, heavily armoured troopers with extra shields in place. They threw more smoke grenades, trying to throw Shepard and the crew off. Phantoms stood in the back, sniping. Liara used her shockwave to knock them off balance. They flipped around to dodge them. The phantoms were a pain in Shepard's ass. They were difficult to keep their gun on.
"Keep advancing. Don't let them flank us" Shepard called out to everyone. They all pushed on. Edi used her decoy again, distracting them. Shepard used her charge, landing in between the last group of them. Liara threw another shockwave as Shepard used her Nova, with both biotics mixed, they all fell to the ground. Most died on the spot, Tali used her shotgun to kill the remaining troops that were trying to get back to their feet.
Edi found the console at the end of the hallway. Shepard activated the fighters platform, it started to turn around, facing back from against the exit towards the hanger doors they needed to get through. Shepard let the fighter off and it flew into the wall. Flames, brick and dirty surrounded downstairs. The backlash from the crash, caused Shepard and the crew to lurch forward from the impact. "Commander, we have now got access to get inside the building"
*This is the end of part 1*