"Hey, Shepard. Making the rounds?" Alenko asked, excusing himself from a conference with what was left of his unit. Since he wasn't going with them, they continued discussing the plan for their own action without him.

"Maj. Coats thought it would be helpful, and I don't like not having enough to do," Shepard admitted with a shrug. She was more than capable of doing PR songs and dances. Here, now, that was probably invaluable, especially with her gift for inspiring hope and confidence, even when things looked bad. And they looked pretty bad from here.

"Any word on Cortez?" He knew that was bothering her.

She looked nervous. "They have a guy they think might be him; I'm supposed to confirm it over the radio…shortly. Once they get somewhere secure." Clearly, she didn't like talking over an unsecured line, but right now there was no other kind. Secure lines were being saved for the last minute. "So. You ready?" she asked, changing the subject to something less emotionally troubling.

Alenko felt sure Cortez was okay, would be okay, as long as the pilot survived the initial crash. He was too stubborn not to survive, too smart not to find allies.

Alenko twisted his mouth into a grin for her. "Absolutely. Ready for anything. Bring it on."

Shepard's practiced smile became less artificial. "I like your mom."

"She thinks you're perfect."

Shepard looked away. Clearly, she'd need some time to come to that conclusion on her own.

"I didn't know you'd be so…put off…by her."

"I've never had a mother-in-law before. I guess…I never really considered myself the kind of girl a guy would want to bring home to meet Mom," Shepard admitted.

"I'm sorry it took me so long." He'd hoped to bring her back to the Orchard to meet the whole family, to give her time to get used to having family that was hers, and not just found. He'd always known his parents would love her because he loved her.

"So, what's up with your students? They ready?"

It was Alenko's turn to grin. "More than ready. Eager. That's youth for you."

"Thank you, sir!" one of the women barked, evidencing that their conversation was being politely ignored…for the most part.

Shepard's smile was wistful, as if she suddenly felt the age conveyed by experience weighing down on her.

"Guess we're old soldiers, huh, Shepard?" He took her hands in his, heedless of old concerns about public displays of affection. If this was the last chance he'd have to hold her hands, he wasn't going to miss it.

"Age and treachery," Shepard winked. Then, gently, she traced the line of his cheek with a finger. "And you wear it well."

Alenko leaned over and kissed her, ignoring the whoops and catcalls, feeling more than gratified when Shepard pulled herself as close to him as their armored frames permitted to return the kiss. They both knew how high the chances were that this was going to be goodbye. It was why she hadn't argued with him about joining Hammer One instead of insisting he go with his unit like he was supposed to.

When they broke apart, she kissed his cheek, then murmured in his ear in the husky quiet tone that always warmed his blood, "When this is over, I'll be waiting for you. You'd better show up." She kissed his other cheek as she withdrew, then stepped back, one hand lingering on his chest. He wished he could feel the touch.

He pulled her back against him, ignoring the crunch of armor and the danger of tangling armored fingers in short hair. "I will fight like hell for the chance to hold you again," he promised, kissing her just above the collar of her armor. "And I want you to know how very few regrets I have. So few that it's really amazing." He kissed her cheek and stepped back, enjoying the almost sparkly look that had settled over her features.

"Me too." She forced a laugh. "At least our first fight wasn't over something stupid. And you made it up to me, eventually."

He wanted to hug her again, but was afraid if he did, he might not have the courage to let her go. "Good to know. Remember, we're on for a kayaking date when this over."

"I remember. I'm looking forward to it." There was no trace of false hope when she spoke, only a genuine truthfulness that made it harder not to take her in his arms again. "I didn't mean to pull you away from what you were doing. I'm just…" she shrugged.

"Making the rounds?"

She nodded.

"Come on in. Meet the unit," he said, putting an arm around her shoulders to usher her into the space.

His unit, which had been watching with interest, immediately averted their interest and tried to look busy.

Shepard let him walk her over to his unit, playing out the pattern of behavior and banter imprinted on her by training and years of practical experience. Whatever her reservations, which she was doing her best to hide even from him, they didn't show in her words, in her posture, in the way she conversed. His unit, already confident in their part, only buoyed up further with Shepard's encouragement and optimism.

When she left, Alenko felt as if he needed to go after her, to walk with her while she made the rounds…but he knew he mustn't. She had other not-quite-goodbyes to say, and however much she might enjoy his company, she wouldn't appreciate anyone interfering in those goodbyes. Not even him.

It said something about the impression Shepard made on the rest of his unit that no one had any further commentary about her or their very unprofessional exchange. Rather, it was back to the business of planning to be the most effective diversion anyone had ever seen. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and they had no intention of delivering a subpar performance.