Mass Effect 1: World Without End

by Manda091987

Commander Hayden J. Shepard of the SSV Normandy recruits an elite recon squad to cross a turmoiled galaxy in a desperate race to stop the return of an enemy who holds no mercy. To prevent this outcome, Shepard must act outside the limits of the law without remorse and hesitation. Her only imperative is to preserve the safety of civilized life in the galaxy - at any cost.

4. A Spectre's R&R

Title: ME1: World Without End

Author: Amanda Rau (manda091987)

Game: Mass Effect 1

Characters/Pairing: (Characters) All from Mass Effect 1 (Pairing) N/A

Disclaimer: All characters, the name 'Shepard', and story are the sole property of Bioware. Hayden is mine. Some words and items are mine and are indicated with an *. Please ask for permission for use of these things.

—

Placing the syringe on his lap, Garrus removed one of his armored mittens. He coaxed my current omni-tool chip out of my arm with his talon tip. It took a few pokes, but he finally retrieved and exchanged it with the newer one. With the syringe, he injected the sliver of technology. On the holographic screen, the setup tutorial showed.

When we arrived at Garrus' apartment building, I gathered my belongings, exited the shuttle, then followed him to the structure's elevator. I almost fell asleep on the way up to the twelfth floor. Luckily, the elevator doors opened in the nick of time. Garrus and I shuffled toward his apartment, the door unlocking with his presence.

Garrus led me to the guest room, where Chellick had already passed out.

"Like I said."

"No worries, I'll sleep on the sofa."

Garus shook his head. "I'm not making a female guest sleep on the couch. You can use my bed."

"Garrus, I sleep in my birthday suit."

He stood quietly for a moment. "Is it your birthday?"

I couldn't help but laugh. "No. 'Birthday suit' is a polite term humans use for being naked."

"Oh," the turian responded. "Should I care that you sleep naked?"

"I don't know." I shrugged. "You tell me, I'll be doing it in your bed."

"I've slept in it naked," he revealed.

"That doesn't help."

"What do you mean?" Garrus wondered. "It's my bed."

I crossed my arms. "Not what I meant."

"Are you tired from all the effort of trying to make me blush yet?"

I shook my head. "Not yet, Vakarian. Look, if you don't care..."

"If that is how you sleep, I don't want you on my couch. What if someone breaks in, or Chellick comes out and sees you laying there?"

I followed him to the master bedroom. He grabbed an extra pillow and blanket out of his closet, then turned and noticed me staring at the bed.

"What is it?"

I teased, "The last time you were naked in this bed, it was alone, right?"

"Yes." He pointed to my right. "Feel free to use the bathroom if you need to. I like to shower when I wake up. Just a warning in case you don't want me to see your—" Garrus made a motion to his chest.

"There is no way you would see anything unless you come in here and tear the blanket off me."

"I wouldn't do that."

"No worries, then," I replied.

After our conversation, Garrus disappeared into the dimly lit living room. I rummaged through my duffel, placing needed items on the nightstand. A plume of his aroma rose when I plopped down on the luxurious mattress. Turian cologne was unlike ours. The subtle fragrance was not an individual spray but in the undertones of their body and clothes' soap, as well as armor polishes. I'd caught a whiff of Garrus when we were in proximity to one another, but now it was much more potent. My guesses were blackberry and wine, with a whisper of spicy woods. I inhaled deeply and reveled in the soft aroma filling my senses.

I immersed myself in the familiar sensation of the various bed coverings. Because turians had scales and plates, their bed linens were made of a material called sillieth*. The best human description was a mix between Egyptian cotton and silk. Turian comforters were made from ocasit*, which closely resembled a combination of fur and fleece. I wrapped the blue fibers around me like a tortilla around its stuffing. I couldn't help but swoon at the feel of being in this bed.

My alarm blaring caused me to grumble in annoyance, my fingers frustratingly silencing the noise. I sat up, rubbing my eyes, then peeled my still tired body from the warm bed, stumbling toward the bathroom. I gazed at the shower knob in a groggy state. Turian showers weren't much different from human ones in appearance, but they were diverse in how they operated. Admittedly, it had been close to 20 years since I last encountered one. I walked back out into Garrus' room, removing the sheet from the mattress, and wrapped it around me.

I half expected to find Garrus still passed out, but he was in the small kitchen talking with Chellick. They both observed me as I exited the bedroom.

"Chellick."

"Commander." The green-eyed officer glanced back at his partner. "All these women you let into your bed, Garrus. It's a wonder you haven't gotten in trouble yet."

Garrus crossed his arms, making the two of us chuckle. Chellick left for work, and Garrus turned his attention toward me.

"Did you need something ?"

"I have forgotten how to work the shower." I pointed behind me.

Garrus approached the doorway, then went through his room to his bathroom.

"I could use the bathroom in the guest bedroom if you need to shower," I said.

"I did about half an hour ago."

"So what you're saying is that you took all the hot water?" I teased.

He nodded. "Figured you might need a cold shower after sleeping in my bed."

"Ouch."

Garrus started the shower for me, then turned back toward me. "I will meet you downstairs. Tali is in the area and wants to have lunch with us."

"Great!"

I climbed into the shower after removing the sheet and throwing it on the bed. The tension I had been subjected to over the last few days vanished as soon as I stepped into the hot water. Only minutes passed by before I regretfully peeled away, dressing in my underwear and shirt before leaving the bathroom with my belongings. After straightening up the room, I made the bed and put on my armor. I gathered my luggage and left the apartment to join Garrus and Tali. The elevator ride was a little slower and more packed than I had anticipated, but the doors to ground level opened quickly. I exited the building, quickly locating my two crew members at a table.

"Thank you for meeting me here, and thank you for going with me to the hearing." I bowed my head to Tali.

"Of course, Commander."

I sat down to a plate and coffee, then looked up at Garrus. "This mine?"

He nodded. "A little caffeine to wake you up and a human favorite."

"Garrus, I am a bit finicky with my coffee—"

"Just try it. If you don't like it, I will order you another one."

I agreed, then took a sip. It was perfect, but this made me look over at my turian comrade. "It's just right. How—"

"Don't ask. It will ruin the magic," Tali responded.

I peered over at the quarian with furrowed brows. "What?"

Her shoulders jolted. "That's the response I got."

While eating our morning meal, Garrus, Tali, and I quietly conversed. After finishing our breakfast, we gathered our belongings and summoned a shuttle to take us to the tower for the hearing. Anderson was waiting for us near the transport when we arrived.

"Come on, Udina's presenting the quarian's evidence to the Council."

At the top of the staircase, my whole team patiently stood to the side. Kaidan's left foot moved the suitcase closer when I placed it at his feet. As Tali's implicating recording was playing, I padded to the end of the catwalk where Anderson and Udina were located. The Councilors were composed, though I noticed clear signs of frustration.

"You wanted proof" Udina pointed at them, "there it is."

"This evidence is irrefutable, Ambassador. Saren will be stripped of his Spectre status, and all efforts will be made to bring him in to answer for his crimes," Sparatus swore.

Tevos glanced from the turian to her right, back to us. "I recognize the other voice, the one talking to Saren. Matriarch Benezia."

"Who is she?" I inquired.

"Matriarch's are powerful among the asari who have entered the final stage of their lives. Revered for their wisdom and experience, they serve as guides and mentors to my people. Matriarch Benezia is a powerful biotic, and she had many followers. She will make a formidable ally for Saren."

"I'm more interested in the Reapers," Valern confessed. "What do you know about them?"

"Only what was extracted from the geth's memory core," Anderson responded. "The Reapers were an ancient race of machines that wiped out the Protheans. Then they vanished."

"The geth believe the Reapers are gods, and Saren is the prophet for their return," I explained further.

Anderson added, "We think the Conduit is the key to bringing them back. Saren's searching for it. That's why he attacked Eden Prime."

"Do we even know what this Conduit is?" Valern wondered.

"Saren thinks it can bring back the Reapers, and that's bad enough." I exhaled.

Sparatus shook his head. "Listen to what you're saying. Saren wants to bring back the machines that wiped out all life in the galaxy? Impossible! It has to be. Where did the Reapers go? Why did they vanish? How come we found no trace of their existence? If they were real, we'd have found something!"

"I tried to warn you about Saren, and you refused to face the truth. Don't make the same mistake again," I pleaded.

"This is different," Tevos stated. "You proved Saren betrayed the Council. We all agree that he's using the geth to search for the Conduit, but we don't know why."

"The Reapers are obviously just a myth, Commander. A convenient lie to cover Saren's true purpose. A legend he is using to bend the geth to his will," Valern included.

I leaned forward. "Fifty thousand years ago, the Reapers wiped out all civilization. If Saren finds the Conduit, it will happen again."

"Saren is a rogue agent on the run for his life. He no longer has the right or resources of a Spectre. The Council has stripped him of his position," Sparatus confirmed.

Udina shook his head. "That is not good enough! You know he's hiding somewhere in the Traverse. Send your fleet in!"

Valern disagreed, "A fleet cannot track down one man."

Udina sighed. "A Citadel fleet could secure the entire region. Keep the geth from attacking any more of our colonies."

"Or it could trigger a war with the Terminus Systems! We won't be dragged into a galactic confrontation over a few dozen human colonies!"

Sparatus was right; the Terminus System was somewhat irritable. One wrong move from the Council, it could end badly for both sides.

"I can take Saren down," I responded, slamming my fist into my other palm.

Tevos motioned to me. "The Commander's right. There is a way to stop Saren that doesn't require fleets or armies."

Sparatus shook his head. "No! It's too soon. Humanity is not ready for the responsibilities that come with joining the Spectre's."

I took a deep breath. "You don't have to send your fleet into the Traverse, and the Ambassador gets his human Spectre. Everybody's happy."

Tevos bowed to Sparatus as he turned to the other Councilors. He gave me a courteous nod after casting a familiar expression. The Councilors pressed buttons, and suddenly, people appeared on either side of the podium. Their presence filled every level.

"Commander Shepard, step forward," Tevos beckoned me. I peered at Anderson, who nodded. I faced back to the Council members and did as she asked. "It is the decision of the Council that you be granted all the powers and privileges of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance Branch of the Citadel."

"Specter's are not trained, but chosen. Individuals forged in the fire of service and battle, those whose actions elevate them above rank and file," Valern said with pride.

Tevos spoke again, "Spectre's are an idol, a symbol. The embodiment of courage, determination, and self-reliance. They are the right-hand of the Council, instruments of our will."

"Spectre's bear a great burden. They are predecessors of galactic peace, both our first and last line of defense. The safety of the galaxy is theirs to uphold," Sparatus recited.

"You are the first human Spectre, Commander," Tevos reminded me. "This is a great accomplishment for you and your entire Species."

I bowed my head with respect toward all three of them. "Thank you, Councilors. It's an honor."

"We're sending you into the Traverse after Saren. He's a fugitive from justice. You are authorized to use any means to apprehend or eliminate him," Valern added.

"I'll find him," I promised.

"This meeting of the Council is augured," Tevos said.

The Councilors left, and I turned toward Udina and Anderson.

"Congratulations, Commander." Anderson shook my hand.

"We've got a lot of work to do, Shepard. You're going to need a ship, crew, supplies..." Udina kept his hand close to his mouth, thinking.

Anderson nodded. "You'll get access not only to all your N7 gear but also special equipment and training. You should go down to the C-Sec Academy and speak to the Spectre Requisitions Officer."

"Anderson," Udina said rather abruptly, "come with me. I'll need your help to set all this up."

Anderson and Udina left the catwalk. I turned to Tali and Garrus. "I thought the Ambassador would be a little more grateful. He didn't even thank you," Tali sounded a little surprised.

I shrugged. "Until I find Saren, I haven't done anything. Come on, let's go."

I walked us back toward Wrex, Ashley, and Kaidan. "You do know that you don't have to carry your stuff around right, Skipper?"

"I have nowhere to put it because my room is booked until tonight. I can officially check-in at 16:00."

"Let me take your stuff," Kaidan offered. "I can keep it in my room till you get yours."

"Thank you, LC."

"So, what's the agenda?" Ash asked.

"Well, Wrex, Garrus, and Tali have to out-process, and I need to do some shopping before we leave tomorrow, so today your orders are to get ready to go and enjoy some much-needed R&R," I stated. "Hard to know when we will get the chance again."

"Aye' Aye, Commander," Kaidan replied.

My team dispersed, and I waited for them to get a certain distance before searching the area for keepers. I found one over to the right near the asari councilors office. Keeper ID #08 registered name: Oscar, scans complete. Credits transferred. I walked down the stairs and looked at the one in front of me, and scanned him while no one was paying attention. Keeper ID #20 registered name: Thor, scans complete. Credits transferred. I saw another to my right and carefully went over toward him as I whistled along to 'Burn It Down' by Skillet. The scanner beeped, and I glanced at the information. Keeper ID #01 registered name: Lucky, scans complete. Credits transferred. I noticed one more down the corridor. Keeper ID #15 registered name: Otis, scans complete. Credits transferred.

I walked over to the shuttle transport and climbed in. What is your destination, Commander Shepard?

"I need to take my armor to Lincoln Armory Clean and Dry. Is there a clothing store nearby?"

I can name six human female clothing stores within a one-block radius of Lincoln Armory Clean and Dry.

"How far is Thomas' 21st shop from the cleaners?"

Three blocks, Commander. Would you like this to be your first destination?

"Yes, thank you."

Of course, Commander. Your estimated time of arrival is 28 minutes.

Surely enough, the shuttle landed 28 minutes later.

When I entered, a familiar voice greeted me. "Hayden Jade."

"Hi, Tom," I responded.

"Your father said you would come by."

"Ever since you and Diane left me for the Citadel, I've been without you. Marcus Trevins' place just isn't the same," I partly teased.

"I like to hear it." Tom laughed. "Makes me feel special. So, what can I do for you?"

"I need clothes."

"Gotcha covered," Tom said, motioning me over to a few boxes in the back. "I set aside some of your favorites when the ole man called."

Inside the packaging was five pairs of jeans and N7 tank tops, which he promised to keep on hand for me. Other tops, hoodies, sweatpants, and leggings were also delicately arranged in the cardboard receptacle.

"Can I change into a pair now?" I asked. "I need to take my armor in to get cleaned."

"Of course! Dressing rooms are right over there."

I padded into a dressing room, exchanging my armor for dark blue hipster jeans and a white N7 tank top. I collected my Alliance gear, placing my belongings in a unique bag I was carrying. I linked to the shopkeeper's omni-tool after putting on some black and white Converse.

"Nice new OT," the energetic man said.

"From the new crew. Thanks," I said, leaving, holding up the bag Tom had handed me.

I returned to the shuttle with armor in hand, informing the AI to take me to Lincoln's Armory. When I arrived, the cleaners were reopening from lunch. On my way in, I conversed with the proprietor, Jack. He exchanged my Alliance equipment for a ticket. My stomach gurgled, which distracted me enough to almost run into Lieutenant Alenko as I exited the armory.

"Sorry, Commander—"

"Shepard."

"What?"

"I am not in uniform." I gave him a soft smile.

"That might take some getting used to."

"Think you could try over lunch?" I inquired.

He nodded. "Sure, but I have to take my armor in to get cleaned first. I was told to try this place."

"Hackett recommends and swears by the man who owns it. Privately owned by his family. Decent people," I stated.

Kaidan led me into the armory. After a brief conversation, the shopkeeper informed us that Kaidan's armor would follow mine in cleaning. I thanked Jack as Kaidan and I padded away from the cleaners' door toward a restaurant. I was having a muted conversation with my new friend when a silvery voice called my name. With a puzzled expression, I turned and approached the source.

"Excuse me, Commander Shepard? Could you spare me a minute of your time?"

"How can I help you?" I questioned.

"My name is Samesh Batia. Forgive the intrusion, but I have nowhere else to turn," the man muttered.

"It's no trouble," I reassured him. "What can I do for you?"

Mr. Batia started twiddling his hands nervously. "My wife was a Marine. She was in the 212 on Eden Prime. I've requested that my wife's body be returned to me for cremation, but the military has refused my request."

I nodded. "The wise have said that Atman is immortal and that the phenomenon of death is merely the separation of the astral body from the physical body. The five elements of which the body is composed return to their source."

Batia smiled. "Our scriptures teach us that as pilgrims unite and separate at a public inn, so also fathers, mothers, sons, brothers, wives, relations join and partition in this world."

"'He who thus understands the nature of the body and all human relationships based upon it will derive strength to bear the loss of our dear ones.'"

"'In Divine plan, one day each union must end with separation,'" Samesh and I finished it together.

"You're Hindu. That, in addition to the loss of your beloved, is imaginably frustrating in this regard."

"Yes," he replied. "It's been well over 24 hours, Commander."

"Why did they reject your request?" I wondered. "There's got to be some reason."

Samesh shrugged. "I don't know. All I know is that they have declared it impossible for my wife to be returned to me."

"There's no reason for your wife's body to be held like this."

"The man in charge of my case is Mr. Bosker. When I last saw him, he went into that expensive bar over there." Samesh pointed to the bar behind us. "Thank you for your time. I just want to give my wife a proper funeral and the respect she deserves."

I inched closer. "'Whenever you deeply accept this moment as it is—no matter what form it takes—you are still, you are at peace'."

Samesh grinned through his sadness. "My wife loved Eckhart Tolle. Thank you, Commander."

I bowed my head in respect, then Kaidan and I walked toward the bar. "The 212, that's Ash's unit. She'll want to know about this."

"I agree. Come on." I sent Ash a quick message on the way up the stairs telling her where to meet me.

When Kaidan and I got up the stairs and entered, I zeroed in on Bosker right away, shuffling toward him.

"My goodness, you're Commander Shepard?" The man looked at me in disbelief. "Your activities made for quite a debriefing in the Diplomatic Corps. Is there something I can do to assist you?"

"Yes," I stated matter-of-factly. "A man named Samesh Batia is having trouble claiming his wife's body."

Mr. Bosker rubbed his neck nervously. "Ah. Mr. Batia. A man in an understandably frustrating position. I wish I could help him. Serviceman Narali Batia died on Eden Prime, as Mr. Batia no doubt told you. Her wounds are inconsistent with any weapon damage we've seen before. That is why her body is being held."

"Do you think that her body is dangerous or contaminated?"

"No, Commander." Bosker shook his head. "Narali Batia is not dangerous. Her body is, in fact, extremely valuable to the Alliance. The tests we're conducting may lead to better defenses against geth attacks. Respectively, Serviceman Batia may save more lives in death than she did in life."

"I understand what you are trying to do, but holding the body is wrong," I reiterated.

"Commander, you of all people should understand how far we must go to protect humanity!" Bosker challenged.

I shook my head. "Not if we lose our humanity in the process. I'm out here fighting to stop crap like this. Mrs. Batia was Hindu, and you holding the body is dishonoring not only her and her husband but her faith."

"All right, Commander. You win. It was hard enough refusing Mr. Batia. I'm not going to risk an incident by refusing you." He sighed. "Tell Samesh that the body is being shipped back to Earth. I'll go see to it myself."

I lightly bobbed my head, thanking him before returning to Kaidan. I recited my order for the patron, who in turn gave us a free lunch when he noticed who I was. Kaidan volunteered to wait for our food while I went to tell Samesh the excellent news. When I got downstairs, I bumped into Ashley. I led her in the direction I was going, telling her that I had someone that I wanted to introduce her to. Before leaving, I notified Samesh that Bosker was making preparations to release his wife's remains. When I returned to the restaurant, I overheard a few of my fellow crewmen conversing, causing me to slowly approach them.

"What do you want?" Friedricks turned around.

"What do you think, Commander?" Jenkins asked, saluting me. "We won't be on Eden Prime too long, will we? I'm itching for some real action."

"You all right, Commander?"

"Yes. Just hungry. I wanted to stop by and see what was going on."

"Is there something I can do for you?" asked Fredricks.

"What can you tell me about the asari consort? I overheard you talking about her. She sounds like a big deal."

"I, ah, well, she's an asari who works here as… that is, the Consort helps people with things."

"You never went to see her, did you, Fredricks," Kaidan inquired with a laugh in his voice, holding his and my tray of food.

"I, uh, no. I never did. I couldn't afford it. It costs half a year's credits just to go in and talk to her."

Before dismissing Kaidan and myself, we had an exchange with the crewmen. Kaidan and I sat down at our chosen table. With all the errand-running and missions I'd been doing for the past few days, I hadn't been able to consume an entire meal without having to scarf it down or throw away unfinished remnants.

"The last few days have been hectic, Comm—" I raised my eyebrow, making him correct himself "—Shepard. I'm glad to see you're okay. Losing Jenkins was hard on the crew, and I'm glad that we didn't lose you too."

"Thank you, Kaidan. Things were pretty rough on Eden Prime."

"Yeah," Kaidan reminisced. "You never get used to seeing dead civilians. Doesn't seem right, somehow. But, at least you stopped Saren from wiping out the whole colony."

"I couldn't have done it without your help," I responded.

"We're Marines. We stick together." Kaidan smirked. "I'm just sorry we lost Jenkins."

"Yeah." I took a deep breath. "I wish there was something I could have done to save the Corporal."

"I was there," Kaidan reminded me. "You did everything right. It was just bad luck. It's been a hell of a shakedown cruise. Our first mission ends with one Spectre killing another. The Council will probably use it to lever more concessions out of the Alliance."

My brows furrowed. "You've got a good grasp of the situation. Are you a career man?"

Kaidan leaned forward over his plate more as he held his sandwich in his hands. "Yeah. A lot of biotics are. We're not restricted, but we sure don't go undocumented. May as well get a paycheck for it. Besides, my father served. Made him proud when I enlisted. Eventually. Is that why you're here? Because of your family?"

I shrugged. "I never really knew my parents. I was raised here and there for a time. Then Hackett took me in at the age of thirteen. I wanted to get into the military right there," I snorted. "But after hearing about my past, the Admiral knew I needed a consistent place to call home and a dependable figure in my life. He adopted me, raised me, and helped me get into the Alliance. I wanted to be just like him. I admired everything he was, still do. If my real family wanted to talk to me, they could have contacted me after that mess a few years back."

"Oh, that's right," Kaidan remembered. "The Blitz. I imagine that bought you any post in the fleet."

"I've been around," I admitted. "What do you think of the Citadel?"

"Big place."

"Is that your professional opinion, LC?" I asked. "I don't know if I'd call it a station, though. Looks more like a city."

"There must be millions here. It can't be possible to track everyone coming and going."

"Ashley says this place makes jump zero look like a porta-john. But it is the largest deep space station the Alliance has."

Kaidan nodded in agreement. "Jump Zero was big. But this is a whole other scale. Take the ward arms, for example. How do they keep all that mass from floating apart?"

"The council represents more races than I thought. No wonder they're careful with newcomers."

"They probably just wanna keep everything running." Kaidan shrugged. "It has to be hard keeping all these cultures working together, or the thought that worried me most, they don't like humans."

"Now you are starting to sound like the Chief. Think about it, Kaidan: why not? We've got oceans, beautiful women, this emotion called love. According to the old vids, we have everything they want," I explained.

"Well, when you put it that way, there's no reason they wouldn't like you." Kaidan's eyes got wide, and he blushed when my head shot up at what he said. "I-I mean... us, humans, ma'am."

I inwardly smiled at his nervous bumbling. "You don't get out much, do you, Kaidan?"

He shook his head, then chuckled. "No, I guess I don't."

"How's your lunch?"

Kaidan nodded. "Good and regrettably gone."

"Mine too. Have you been to see the Consort?" I wondered.

Kaidan's head was the next to shoot up. "No. Why do you ask?"

I surrendered, my hands going up. "Just wondering. It seems like everyone is going to see this successful woman. I have overheard people all around the Citadel talking about her. What sort of services does she offer?"

Kaidan tittered nervously. "I wouldn't know, Comm—Shepard. I've heard she doesn't offer just sex; sometimes, it could be a vision, words of wisdom, a look into your past, present, or future. I don't want a glimpse into that, words of wisdom aren't worth a whole year's salary, and a vision can be proven wrong."

"What about sex?" The LC looked at me wide-eyed. "I'm sorry if that was too far." I peered down and started scratching at the table cloth.

"No, I didn't mean my look to portray it like that. I'm old-fashioned, I guess. I believe that sex is something two people share when they like or love each other. I can't say just love; I was a boy once. But I wouldn't pay for it, no."

"She offered Hackett words of wisdom and a look into his future," I remembered him telling me.

When on leave at the Citadel, Hackett's crewmates made a wager that he later lost. His reparation was an appointment with the Consort, but he was immediately recognized when he stepped into her establishment. The man had made a name for himself even though he was lower in rank. Hackett agreed to stay, the two speaking behind closed doors for nearly an hour. The Admiral never shared what the two had discussed but encouraged me to go and see myself.

"Well, after hearing about his wife and daughter's demise, I am glad that you two found each other."

"Thank you, Kaidan." I checked the time. "Our armor is probably ready. It's been a few hours."

"Doesn't feel like it."

I shook my head. "It doesn't. What are you doing tonight?"

"Probably going to catch the new Blasto movie with Ashley. You?" he wondered.

"Catch up on sleep. I feel like a zombie right now."

Kaidan and I got to the armory cleaner, and sure enough, our armor was clean and fresh. We exited the establishment with our gear in hand, boarding a shuttle bound for the hotel. We made small talk, but after ten minutes, we finally arrived. As I climbed out, I finally started feeling the effects of limited sleep taking over my body. I was getting increasingly sore and exhausted.

When Alenko and I entered the hotel, I observed the inviting space. The lobby was about four stories high, opening to various levels above. The flooring was black marble, and the walls lining the foyer were ceiling-to-ground glass. The centerpiece was a waterfall streaming from a rock in the middle of a surrounding pond. The stream itself was moderately flowing but not overly noisy like most waterfalls. The fountain itself was made of stone and had flowers floating in the water and growing around the rock on vines. The beautiful blossoms were familiar. Persian blue tips then turned sky blue as the petals got closer to the core. The flower itself was not central to Earth.

"In your language, they translate to 'A Birds Bleed'—"

"Bleeding Heart," I finished Garrus' sentence. "They put them on top of some bird-sized rocks for turians to swallow before eating. It aids in digestion."

Kaidan looked at me stunned, as did Garrus. "You certainly know a lot about my species, Commander."

"Garrus, it's no secret that I greatly admire the turian race. They're beautiful, strong, military-smart, strategic, and loyal. Although I think too many people abuse that last one, especially humans."

"I guess that's a good excuse... for now." Garrus glanced at me.

I bumped my side into him, nudging him a little. "I am phenomenal at keeping secrets." I winked, then turned to the desk when I got called by the asari receptionist.

"Welcome back, Commander Shepard."

I grinned. "Thank you."

A turian behind the desk walked closer to us. "This is Commander Shepard?" The asari nodded. He looked back at me. "I would like to apologize on behalf of the hotel, my employees, and myself for the inconvenience."

"It isn't a problem, sir." I bowed my head. "Miscommunication on my part."

"Nonetheless, room service is complimentary, and you have a discount at any of the shops in the hotel. If there is anything else we can do to make your stay more pleasurable, please let us know."

"Would it be too much trouble to have sillieth linens and an ocasit comforter put on my bed, please?"

The turians mandibles flapped. "None at all. I will radio ahead to housekeeping on your floor."

"Thank you very much, sir."

The asari looked back up at me. "You are all set, Commander. Have a pleasant stay."

"Thank you, Marnitha."

I left the desk, then headed toward the boys.

"Well, I guess I will see you in the morning, Com—" I gave Kaidan the evil eye which made him realize what was wrong "—Shepard. What time are we reporting and to where? I will pass it along to Ash."

"Anderson sent me a message and said C-Sec Academy, 09:00."

Kaidan nodded, leaving the hotel's lobby. Garrus asked where he was going, and I told him that he and Ash were going to see a vid. As Garrus and I stood in the elevator, I sighed.

"What is it?" Garrus wondered.

"I forgot to get Kaidan's passcode."

Garrus jolted his shoulders. "You have a fancy omni-tool now."

"True, but still."

When the lift stopped on my floor, I hacked into Kaidan's room and nabbed my bag, leaving a note so he wouldn't worry about my stuff disappearing. Garrus escorted me to my room.

"Sillieth sheets, huh?"

"Mm." I leaned against my door. "Your bed was snug. I felt like a swaddled baby."

Garrus chuckled. "Glad you were comfortable."

"Thank you for accommodating me, Garrus."

"It was the least I could do." He bobbed his head. "Get some sleep, Commander."

Before he could get too far, I stopped him. "Garrus."

"Yes?"

"If you have an apartment, why are you here?" I inquired.

His mandibles flapped slowly, and then he leaned closer. "It's a secret."

Garrus retreated, going back toward the elevator. He stepped inside, disappearing behind the doors in seconds. I remained, studying the indicator on the elevator; it was going up. I was curious, but it was my nature. I inhaled, stepping into my room, where I stripped down, taking another hot shower. After drying off, I flopped down on my bed, where the housekeeper put my desired linens. I glanced at the digital clock on my nightstand set to Central Daylight. It read 18:45. I was gazing at the ceiling when my omni-tool started buzzing.

"Hello?"

"Commander." Anderson appeared. "I have that information you asked for earlier today. I was wondering if we could talk about it privately. I am on a shuttle and can be there in ten minutes."

"Sure," I replied. "I will see you in ten minutes."

I requested room service from the front desk. Captain Anderson arrived two minutes before the tea and pastries. I motioned him inside, and he followed me to the balcony, where we took our seats on opposite sides of the table.

"How are you doing this evening, Haydie?"

As he got his tea ready, I mimicked him. "Fine. Just trying to get back on schedule and adjust."

"I will try not to keep you too long." He took a sip of his tea.

I waved my hand. "Please, Andi, I asked for this."

"I owe it to you," he replied. "I'm surprised Steve never told you."

"I overheard you discussing it over brandy one night. It took me some time to work up the nerve to make my inquiries, but I finally did. Steve said that you were considered for Spectre status and that you went on a mission where things went south." I shrugged. "He didn't say much past that. He values your friendship, and despite me being his daughter and only fifteen, he wouldn't breach that trust."

"Well, if he didn't tell you, he took it seriously." Anderson smiled. "He hides nothing from you."

"We've been through too much together for that. Honestly? I think he did it because he knows how close we are. He figured you'd tell me, and who better than the man himself?"

Anderson nodded slowly. "I suppose you're right. It is how the Admiral operates."

I hiccuped a laugh. "It is."

"Well" he sighed, "where should I start?"

"Wherever you think the story becomes relevant, Andi."

"I'll need to backtrack to make everything relevant."

I placed my hand over his. "David, please. It's family having a conversation over tea. You aren't on trial, and I'm certainly not a judge."

"I'm sorry." He slightly hung his head. "It's still a tough topic."

"Take your time."

"I'll start in 2157." He took a deep breath. "I was one of the N7 program's most promising soldiers, or so I was told. I was personally congratulated on my achievements by Jon Grissom at my graduation, only to be informed that an alien force had been sighted near a mass relay. Grissom was impressed by my tactical mind and cautioned me to prepare for combat. I later served with distinction in the First Contact War alongside Jill Dah."

"That I do know everything about." I gently blew on my tea. "Dad was proud of you."

"He came out of that war better than I did."

I shook my head with an eye roll. "Modesty was never one of your shining traits."

Anderson laughed. "I suppose not. In 2165, then only a lowly Lieutenant, I was the XO of the S.S.V. Hastings. When the Hastings responded to a distress signal at a remote research station on Sidon, I led the ground team and discovered the Sidon facility had been harboring a traitor. I returned to the Citadel to recuperate after the mission, where I received the final decree of my divorce from Cynthia. I followed the human tradition after getting divorced; I went to Chora's Den, near my apartment on the Citadel, to drown my sorrows."

"I'm told it was a difficult time," I hinted.

"It was," he muttered. "But I wouldn't change any of my experiences. Ambassador Anita Goyle summoned me to her office and revealed that Sidon had been illegally researching artificial intelligence and asked me to investigate the matter discreetly, as exposure would embarrass the Alliance. With the aid of a salarian information broker, I managed to look into the files of the only member of the Sidon staff who was absent during the attack, Kahlee Sanders."

I grinned. "Kahlee. The love of my life." I raised my eyebrow. "Also, yours."

Anderson chuckled. "Down, Haydie." He continued, "I went to Elysium under cover of shore leave and confronted Grissom. The retired general claimed he sent Kahlee to the safety and obscurity of the Terminus Systems, but I kept the house under surveillance."

"Did it lead anywhere?"

He responded, "A krogan named Skarr came looking for Kahlee, who was being hidden by her father. Grissom and I would likely have been killed, but Saren Arterius had been tracking the krogan and emerged to fight him off. Saren interrogated Kahlee about Sidon, though he seemed to accept her lie that it had been a station for biotic research. Kahlee and I decided to leave Elysium and investigate the Dah'tan Manufacturing facility on Camala, where Doctor Shu Qian had obtained his components. One of Grissom's underworld contacts changed Kahlee's appearance and gave her a false ID to help sneak her off-world."

"I assume we're getting close to what really happened." I leaned forward.

"Yes." Anderson also leaned closer. "Once arriving on Camala, I discovered that Dah'tan Manufacturing had been destroyed. I ran into Saren again, who had discovered the truth about Sidon, and was furious that I had lied to him. Saren warned me not to trust Kahlee, a statement that played out when Kahlee confessed she knew the real identity of the traitor at Sidon: Doctor Qian himself. She gave me an OSD with proof, which I later passed on to Anita Goyle. However, as Kahlee was being sneaked off Camala by the Alliance, Skarr managed to capture her after a tip-off from Saren. Goyle quickly appealed to the Council to let me go with Saren on the rescue mission to assess my Spectre candidacy, but Saren and I already disliked each other, and the mission went sour. Saren broke from the plan and began destroying the element zero refineries where Kahlee was being held."

"Saren was destroying the factories? What the heck?"

"I didn't suspect that Saren had an ulterior motive during the rescue—claiming Doctor Qian's files on an alien artifact—as I was focused solely on rescuing Kahlee, with whom I had developed feelings for, in case you wanted somewhat of a happy ending."

"I already knew that was coming."

"With Kahlee's help, I killed Skarr, and the two of us escaped the refinery in time. Though Kahlee was saved, many innocent people died due to Saren's actions. Saren shifted the blame to me, claiming I had alerted the guards and forced his hand. That was enough to keep me out of the Spectres."

"Anderson," I murmured, "I'm so sorry."

"It's all right, Hayden."

"What happened with you and Kahlee afterward?" I wondered.

"After the mission, Kahlee and I had to say our goodbyes, as she was getting transferred to a classified position, and I was devoted to my military career."

I sighed. "What is it with you and Hackett? If I were Kahlee and Karen, I would drag you two, kicking and screaming. As a matter of fact, I should drag you two on their behalf. Two amazingly charming, beautiful, smart women. Nobody matches them better, and there are two men I can't think of who are more deserving."

Anderson smiled. "You're right. We have our reasons. The biggest being loss. I still love Cynthia, and I miss her every day."

"I know, Andi," I replied. "But the honest truth is that she's gone, she's moved on. You can't be unhappy forever. Kahlee is amazing."

"I know." He exhaled.

"Do you two still talk, at least?"

"More than I should admit to you when you have that mischievous matchmaking look in your eyes."

My brows furrowed, hand going over my heart. "Ouch! I think you need a nap, old man. You're getting feisty."

We both laughed as his omni-tool buzzed. "That's Udina. More things to do before take-off tomorrow. Get some rest, Haydie."

Anderson and I stood up, and I walked him to the door. "You as well, Andi. Be careful."

"I will."

I watched as Captain Anderson shuffled to the elevator, entering. I stepped back into my room and undressed, crawling under the comforter. I lay there for a while, studying the information on the datapad. Anderson had left me with everything I needed. I was perusing it for two and a half hours before passing out from fatigue.