W.i.t.G

Hey guys!

I'm back with part 3!

Just to let you know I mentioned in the AN in the last chapter that there would only be 3 parts to the Recovery section... This has now been corrected..

Yeah.. That plan's gone down the toilet..

The recovery section is now going to have 4 parts to it.. It sucks I know, but I thought it would be best to give you guys shorter chapters, rather than one massive chapter ^^

Blame my scum-bag brain for that one xD

Just to act as a bit of forewarning and as a reminder, I'd like to say that the characters that you remember within the games, will be different to how the characters are portrayed in this story.. I want to focus primarily on character development, so if you notice some changes in the characters, and you're not too happy with them, then please don't hesitate to PM me, I will definitely respond ^^

Let's do it! ^^

Part 3...

The intercom chimed within the room, before the Commander slowly leaned across to activate it.

Before the Commander could speak, the intercom buzzed, "Commander?"

Chris sighed in annoyance, before responding, "What happened to calling me Shepard, Kaidan?"

There was a pause for a moment, before Kaidan replied, "Sorry Shepard."

"Better. Now, what is it? I'm kinda busy being bored here.." Chris joked, although there was a layer of severity to his comment..

Not being able to walk was literally becoming a major pain in the ass for the man..

"Is it okay If I come in? We need to talk.." The Lieutenant asked.

"Yeah.. Sure.. Whatever.." The Commander replied nonchalantly, as he lazed back against his pillows.

The door opened shortly after the comm had turned off, with the Lieutenant walking into the room..

"How are you feeling, Shepard?" Kaidan asked as he moved over to the hospital chair next to his bed.

"I'm fine, I guess... I'm bored as hell, and I'm starting to get pissed off not being able to walk, but apart from that, I'm alright!" Chris exclaimed, as he looked over to regard the Lieutenant.

Kaidan lightly chuckled, before he replied, "Well.. I just wanted to come in and let you know that a party from X57 want to talk with you."

"Great.. Just what I need.." Chris remarked sarcastically, as he exhaled a long sigh..

"Plus, I wanted to come in and see if you were alright.. You had us pretty scared back there Shepard.." Kaidan said quietly..

"Geez Kaidan! You're like the seventh person in the past three hours who's come in here to check on me! If it's not Tali, or Liara, or Ashley, then it's the nurses!" Chris replied, a small smile on his face as he said the words..

Kaidan chuckled once more, before he turned serious, "I'm not surprised.. Like I said.. We were all worried about you.. I'm still slightly worried.."

"Yeah well... I'll be alright Kaidan.. I've been hurt before, I'll heal." Chris said.

"I'm not worried about your physical health Shepard.. I'm more worried about you... Your mental health.." Kaidan said quietly, as he stared into Chris' eyes.

Chris said nothing for a moment, before he replied sharply, "Don't bother. I told you. I'm fine. Now, let's drop it."

"I'm sorry Shepard.. But I can tell you're lying.. I'm just speaking, one friend to another.. I think we need to clear this up.." Kaidan offered.

"I'm what? What do you mean, 'clear this up'?" Chris responded sharply, as if he was offended deeply by the comment.

"Back on X57.. You knew that Batarian.. You zoned out a little, I could tell.. I don't know much, but all I can remember is finding Lucy's body.." Chris shuddered at this, as Kaidan continued, ".. You were going to kill that Batarian... I could tell.. But you didn't... You didn't kill him for one reason, and that one reason is Tali. She stopped you somehow, and all I can do is thank her.. She saved you, as well as our lives, and the workers on X57... You were going to let us die, for your own revenge.." Kaidan finished, his voice becoming cracked as the truth of the situation began to emerge..

Chris was silent for a moment, before he whispered his reply, Manic Shepard having taken over.. "What would you have done, Kaidan?... You'd just essentially found your fiancée's killer... What would you have done?"

Kaidan was silent, as he rested a hand on his knee, before he responded, "I would have remembered my principles... I would have remembered my honour.. I would have remembered myself.. I wouldn't have thought about sacrificing my friends."

Chris snorted, before he venomously hissed, "What a noble answer! The piece of shit took my partner, my fiancée! W.. We were going to get married! And he ruined it! That fucker ruined any last scrap of happiness I could ever have in my fucking life! If lives were lost, fuck it! At least we would have done something useful!"

"That doesn't mean you had to endanger yourself and others! You nearly killed yourself when you began to over-clock your amp.. Wrex had to rest the entire trip back to Arcturus, just to heal himself! But he still carried you back to the Normandy! And Tali? ... She nearly died dragging your ass out of the fire! We thought she was going to die because of her infection! But no! She'd rather make sure YOU were safe and stable, than take care of herself! You inspire loyalty to the utmost degree, and what do you do?... You piss it up a wall, for your own fucking vendetta!" Kaidan shouted, as he stood up from his chair in a furious rage.

"And what about you? Huh? What happened to you Kaidan? Why don't you tell me about how I fucked up, and you got a little graze on your knee!" Chris exclaimed sarcastically, as he watched the Lieutenant pace around the room.

"Oh I get it.. Act like it's all one big joke, and everything will be alright.. You know what? I think Tali made the wrong decision.." Kaidan said, as he placed a hand into one of his trouser pockets.

"What the fuck are you on about now?" Chris replied, his anger peaking.

"I'm talking about her putting so much fucking faith in you! She acts as if you're some larger than life hero! She idolises you! You're nothing more than some psycho that can fire a fucking rifle!" Kaidan shouted, as he chucked something in Chris' direction, his own anger drenching his words..

"Don't bring her into this!" Chris shouted, as he pushed himself up in his bed.

"Why shouldn't I?! You seem to be only happy when she's around! She needs you, but you know what? The great Commander Psycho thinks of nobody but himself! And guess what? I hope it hurt's like a bitch to know she nearly died because of your own need for revenge! Yeah.. That's right! I've seen the way you look at her... You care for her! And you nearly killed her!" Kaidan shouted, as he stared the Commander down.

"FUCK YOU! If it wasn't for the fact that I can't walk, I'd make you eat those fucking words right now!" Chris roared, as he picked the object up, from his lap, his mind clouding over in a haze of pure rage..

"REALLY?! And you think I'd just let you walk all over me?! You think that I wouldn't defend myself?!" Kaidan retorted venomously, an azure, hazy glow beginning to emanate from his body..

"You wouldn't have much of a fucking choice after you've swallowed your teeth and your seeing stars!" Chris bellowed, as he began to get up out of his bed, the pain surging him forwards as he swung his legs out, over the side of the bed..

'I'm going to rip you limb, from fucking limb!'

Again... Something deep inside the Commander told him to stop what he was doing.. Stop and think..

As Chris looked downwards, he noticed the glint of light reflecting from the object he held..

Holding the object upwards, Chris stopped immediately, his anger replaced by sorrow and regret..

Lucy's dog tags..

Manic Shepard simply sat on the edge of his bed, his mind turning blank..

"Wait.. I.. I don't understand.. W.. Why are... Why are you ... Why are you showing me these?" Chris asked, his voice choked as a surge of emotions rushed forth..

Kaidan's glow ceased, as his anger began to subside as well, "You know why I'm showing you those... I'm showing you what you've lost.. I'm showing you what you were prepared to sacrifice everything for.."

"Don't you think I know what I've lost?! I.. I've lost everything! Every single fucking thing! I have nobody left! I'm an orphan, and my only friend, my only true friend is dead!" Chris shouted, as he clutched onto his dog tags..

Kaidan was silent for a moment, before he softly replied, "What does that make me then Shepard?... Huh? What does that make me?... Am I not a friend?"

"You know what I mean!" Chris angrily retorted as a tear trickled down his cheek..

"I don't. I don't know what you mean Shepard.. You just can't see what you have in front of you.. You have your own crew, some from totally different regions of the Milky Way, all ready to support you ... To kill for you.. To die for you.. Are they not classed as friends?" Kaidan asked, as his own voice became cracked once more..

"I.. I..." Chris couldn't answer, the sudden rush of guilt and regret leaving him speechless; the tags simply falling from his grip, clattering against the floor. Another tear rolled down his cheek..

Kaidan moved over to his Commander, his friend, before picking up the dog tags..

Whilst crouching, Kaidan spoke softly, looking upwards into Chris' agonised face..

"You need to remember who you are Shepard.. You need to be the man you once were.. The man who wasn't driven by a sense of revenge, but by a sense of honour.. A sense of pride.. You saved Tali.. You saved her from a fate worse than death on the Citadel.. Whenever she's around you, you're normal.. That's the man I'm talking too now.. The man you've locked away behind all of your mental barriers.. The man you've simply left behind... You need to move on! You need to break out of your own mental prison! You need to become the Commander I remember you being three years ago! If he doesn't come back, then there's no point hunting Saren.. We may as well give up, and accept our fate!" Kaidan stated, as he offered the dog tags to his friend..

Chris was silent for a long time, simply staring at his feet, his mind clouding over..

"Damn it Shepard! We need you! You may not realise it.. But we need you. Wrex needs you. Garrus needs you. Liara needs you. Ashley needs you. Tali definitely needs you. I need you. Hell, even Joker needs you.. You are not alone anymore.." Kaidan offered his hand once more, hoping his Commander would seize the moment..

Chris shakily moved his hand towards Kaidan's offered one, before taking the dog tags in his hand..

"She maybe dead, but a part of her lives on in your memory.. You have to move on, and get over her death.. Instead of carrying these tags as a reminder of what you failed to do, carry them around as a reminder of who she was.. Of what she would have wanted you to do.. Of who she wanted you to be." Kaidan softly spoke, as he continued to crouch down.

After another moment of silence, Kaidan stood up from his crouch, before he began to walk over to the hospital room's exit..

"W..Wait.." Chris croaked, as he turned his head slowly to meet Kaidan's..

"I.. I.. I'm sorry... I.. I.. I'm so sorry.. I.. I didn't think.." Chris stuttered out, as his tears began to build up once more..

Kaidan moved over to his friend, before sitting next to him on his bed, "Don't apologise.. You've messed up.. That's true... But nobody's dead.. You have a chance to fix things.. You just have to let go of your past, and move on. If not for me or for anybody else, then at least do it for Lucy. She wouldn't want to see you as you are now. Be the man she would have wanted you to be.. Be happy, live your life, and move on.. Find somebody or something that will make you the man you once were.."

Chris nodded his head, before he numbly began to move his arms.. The Commander slipped the dog-tags over his head, to rest around his large neck..

Kaidan smiled, as he saw the Commander shakily exhale, his body, soul and mind having been refreshed...

"Thank you Kaidan.. Thank you.." Chris softly said, as a small smile was placed on his face.

"You're welcome, Shepard." Kaidan said, as he stood up.

"Kaidan.." Chris said, as Kaidan neared the exit.

"Yes, Shepard?"

"Chris.. My.. My first name's Chris.." Chris said slowly, as he looked at Kaidan.

Kaidan stood for a moment, slightly confused, before Chris continued, "You're my friend.. It's only right you know my name."

Kaidan softly smiled as he nodded his head..

"Is it true?.. Does Tali.. You know.. Have that much faith in me?" Chris asked, as he began to place himself back into his bed.

"Yes.. She does have faith in you. We all have faith in you, but Tali is your biggest supporter... And no.. I won't mention how you feel for her.. I think she has to work that out for herself, don't you?" Kaidan said, as he grinned at his friend.

Chris' response was to simply blush heavily, and lower his head.

Kaidan continued however, "But no. I don't think she made the wrong decision in supporting you.. I only said it because I was angry.. Everything I said, was out of anger and frustration.. Because believe it or not, friends look out for each other." Kaidan replied.

"Thank you Kaidan.." Chris said once more, as he leant backwards into his pillows..

"You're welcome, Chris." Kaidan said, as another smile split his lips..

Kaidan was about to leave, before he remembered something extremely important, "Oh! Before I forget.. When do you want to see the X57 party? Would you like me to send them in now?"

"No.. No.. Could you send them in about an hour please?" Chris said, his body extremely tired all of a sudden..

"Aye aye, Chris." Kaidan said with a sharp salute, before leaving the hospital room.

Chris leant back against his pillows, before closing his weary eyes..

For the first time, in a very long time, Chris slept soundly, and peacefully..

"Commander? The X57 party's here." The intercom buzzed.

"Come in!" Chris shouted happily, as he sat up in his bed, adjusting the tags around his neck slightly...

If the Commander was honest, he was feeling.. Different.. Now.. Much more different... But it was a good change.. He felt relieved.. He felt.. Almost normal again..

The door opened, allowing three people, and the Lieutenant to enter the room.

"Is there anything else I can do, Commander?" Kaidan asked, as he stood at attention.

"No thank you, Kaidan." Chris replied, a small smile on his lips as he watched Kaidan's lips twist into a smile as well.

"Aye aye, Commander. I'll just be outside." Came the response from Kaidan. With that, Kaidan turned about face, before leaving the room. It was just Chris and the three workers from X57 in the room now.

Chris could recognise one of them.. An elderly, bald man, with a brown beard.. Simon Atwell..

The other two.. Chris just couldn't recognise them.. One of them was a fairly attractive woman, with blonde hair and blue eyes.. Around about the age of 30 if Chris could guess, and the other one was a young man, with blonde hair as well.. He looked a lot like the blonde woman..

'Maybe they're related?' Chris mused, as he prepared himself to speak.

"What can I help you with?" The Commander asked politely.

It was Atwell that spoke first, as he approached the Commander's side, "I.. We just wanted to express our gratitude sir.. To thank you for saving our lives on X57.."

"Please, just call me Shepard. And anyway, I did what needed to be done, along with the rest of my crew. Anyone would have done the same in my position, I'm sure." Chris replied, smiling.

It was the blonde haired woman that spoke next, "You're not how I expected you to be, but that doesn't matter to me.. I'm not sure if you know who I am Commander.. I'm Kate Bowman."

Chris was quite for a moment, before he recognised her voice. "Kate! The voice over the radio! It was you that warned us of the Batarians!"

Kate blushed slightly as she replied, "Yes.. I sent out the distress signal, and that message, before the Batarians captured me.. Before they nearly killed me.. But you saved me! You saved us!"

It was the blond man that spoke up now, moving over to Chris' side before speaking, "Thank you Commander.. My name's Aaron Bowman, and you saved my sister's life, as well as my own... I thought the Batarians were going to kill me.. They were about to, before the leader was told of your presence.. Once he had found out you were there, he simply put me back with the other prisoners.. You saved my life.. I'm in your debt.."

Chris blushed slightly himself, before he quietly responded, "Like I said.. Anyone would have done the same in my position.."

"Still.. Thank you Commander.." Atwell said, as he spoke next.

"You're welcome. But please, don't think I did all of that on my own.. I had a team with me.. They deserve your thanks, not me." Chris said, as he adjusted his left leg slightly, a groan escaping his lips from a sudden jolt of pain..

"We understand Commander, and that's why, the workers of X57, and the people of Terra Nova wish to show their appreciation.. If you wouldn't mind, we would like to hold a formal awards ceremony, to express our gratitude." Atwell said, as he stood with his hands behind his back.

The Commander was silent for a moment, before he slowly replied, "When would the ceremony be?"

"Well.. It's actually already been set up ... It's been planned to happen in 2 hours time... The doctors assured us you would be able to physically cope.." Kate replied meekly, as she waited eagerly for the Commander's response, hoping he wouldn't be angry..

"Well.. I suppose.. I don't really have much of a choice..."

Chris sighed, before he responded, "Sure. Why not? It'll do me good to get out of this room..." Chris said smiling.

"Excellent!" Simon exclaimed, as Kate hugged her brother.

"So.. In a couple of hours then?" Chris said, as he began to adjust himself on his bed.

"Yes! In two hours. I believe that Rear Admiral Stetson will be the one to give out the awards, on behalf of the people of Terra Nova." Atwell said, as he moved away from the Commander's bed..

The Commander was silent for a moment, his mind lingering on the mentioning of the Rear Admiral..

It was a well known fact in the Alliance that Stetson was an extreme racist, a true Xenophobe... He hated aliens with a passion..

But that didn't matter to Chris.. He would stand proudly with his crew, as they received their awards, alien or not. They deserved the praise more than he did, anyway..

Chris nodded his head slightly, before he replied, "That's fine.. My squad and I will be there in a couple of hours."

Kate clapped her hands with excitement, whilst her brother simply beamed.

Simon, however, had something else to say..

"Also Commander.. Due to the fact that you had to leave so soon, we didn't get the chance to fully express our gratitude.."

Chris simply sat in his bed, puzzled, as Atwell continued, "So.. I think it would be best, if we showed it now."

With that, Atwell typed something into his omni-tool, before he left the hospital room, Aaron following behind him.. Kate simply smiled in the Commander's direction, as she waited..

A few minutes later, Atwell re-entered the room again, Aaron close on his heels, with Aaron being the only one carrying what appeared to be a crate of some kind. Kaidan came in next however, also carrying a large crate.

With a thud, Aaron and Kaidan dropped the two crates in the middle of the room.

"What's this?" Chris asked curiously, as he looked at the group before him.

"Well.. We all thought it would be appropriate to offer you a reward for saving our lives.. It's not much, but we've tried our best to find some items that you would appreciate.."

Chris rubbed the back of his neck nervously, as he responded, "You didn't have to do this.. I don't need a reward.."

Kaidan simply smiled, as a bit of the old Chris began to leak through..

It was Kate that replied to the Commander's comment, "We just wanted to show you that we appreciate everything that you've done for us... So we all decided to present our own rewards.."

"Thank you.. I appreciate it." The Commander said, as he gave a genuine smile to the group before him.

At this, Aaron stepped forwards, before he spoke to Kaidan, "Lieutenant, if you wouldn't mind.."

"Not at all." Kaidan said cheerfully, as he moved to the first crate.

As Kaidan began to open the crate, Aaron spoke to the Commander, "Now.. I didn't know exactly what would have been appropriate, but the Lieutenant gave a list of the supplies you have, as well as informing me of the load outs your squad members possess.. I decided that this would be the best option.."

Chris nodded his head slowly, as Kaidan finished opening the crate. Aaron pulled out one of the objects from the box, a solid black box, before he began his explanation, "I thought that you would need some mods for your weapons and armor, as well as other pieces of additional equipment.. The slavers weren't going to need them, so we salvaged what we could.. Most of the equipment was extremely outdated, but some of it was still useful and very high-tech. As Engineers, we fixed and modified what we could, leaving the finished product."

Aaron passed the mod to Kaidan, to which the Lieutenant walked over to Chris, before passing it over.

Chris studied the piece of equipment carefully, before he spoke, "How many mods did you manage to make?"

"We made sure to make plenty so every member of your team is fully equipped." Aaron replied, his chest swelling with pride as Kate gently patted his shoulder.

Chris stopped his inspection, before he looked at Aaron.. A large smile on his face..

"You have no idea how much easier our lives are going to be now.. Thank you." Chris said.

"I'm glad that I could help.. You've saved my life, as well as my sister's... This is the least I can do.." Aaron said, as he stepped away from the crate, before falling in next to his sister.

"What do you think, Kaidan? Do you think Ashley's going to be fairly happy?" Chris asked, as he smirked in Kaidan's direction.

Kaidan lightly chuckled, as he replied, "I think she'll be ecstatic Commander.. Wrex will be as well.. I think I saw some Shredder VII mods, and some Combat Exoskeleton VIII's."

Chris laughed as well, as a mental image of Wrex laughing like a mad man became apparent in his mind..

Once the laughter died down, Kate stepped forwards, standing next to the second crate. Kaidan didn't move, letting Kate open the crate herself.

Once the crate had been opened, Kate stood up, and spoke to the Commander, "The Lieutenant informed me about the state of your armor, and how it's now unrepairable.."

Chris nodded his head, before he turned to address Kaidan, "That's a good point actually.. What happened to my armor Kaidan?"

Kaidan was quiet for a moment, before he replied, "Doctor Chakwas had to remove your armor from your body, so she could treat some wounds you'd gained from fighting.. Like that Varren bite.. The armor was wrecked anyway, so we decided to get rid of it. I emptied the different compartments from your armor, before it was placed in storage."

"So, I don't actually have any useful armor now.. Great.. That's just great.." Chris said quietly.

"Well.. Actually Commander, you do." Kate said, as she lifted a piece of armor from the crate she had opened.

Chris' eyes went wide, as his jaw remained opened..

Kate was holding a charcoal black helmet, with crimson segments and edges and a clear, transparent visor..

"Wow.. This.. This is amazing.. Thank you.." Chris murmured, as he looked at the beautiful helmet in front of him..

"According to the shop-owner, it's supposed to be the best armor you can buy on the market.. Colossus X Heavy Armor.. We had to have it specially made, but I believe it was worth the extra cost.. We had to scrounge for a lot of credits, but we had enough. It's supposed to offer the best protection against firearms, and some form of protection against biotic and tech attacks.. You might not be able to run very fast in it Commander, but at least you won't be without protection." Kate said, as she moved towards the Commander's side, before placing the helmet in his lap.

Chris looked at the helmet, before picking it up to inspect it, a large grin on his face.

"There's also supposed to be some added features according to the shop-owner.. I think you have to sync it with your omni-tool, before the VI comes on-line.." Kate explained, as she continued to stand to the side.

Chris' eyes went wide once more, before he looked at Kate, "The what?"

"The combat VI.. It's located within your armor .. It allows you to locate targets quicker and more efficiently, as well as having faster response times.. It's supposed to be a very useful feature." Kate explained, her own smile widening as the Commander's lips curled into another large grin.

"Oh.. I'm liking the sound of that..." Chris replied, as he gave the helmet back to Kate.

Kate nodded her head, before she moved away from the Commander's side. She moved back across to the second crate, before placing the helmet back. Once done, Kate closed the crate once more, before moving back to stand next to her brother.

"Kaidan, can we have that delivered to the Normandy?" Chris asked, as he looked at the crate appreciatively.

"Of course, Shepard. I'll have it delivered along with the weapon mods." Kaidan replied, as he moved towards the crates.

Kaidan didn't get far however, as Atwell suddenly spoke up, "Hold on a moment Lieutenant.. There's one more thing I want to give the Commander."

Kaidan simply raised his arms in mock surrender, before stepping backwards.

"There's more?" Chris asked incredulously, as Atwell stepped forwards.

"Yes Commander, there is... The Lieutenant has informed me that you have a Quarian in your squad, is that correct?" Atwell asked.

Something within Chris snarled, causing his response to be slightly sharper than it should have been, "Her name's Tali."

Atwell nodded his head, either missing or choosing to ignore the anger in Shepard's voice..

The elder Human then suddenly began to take an object off of his right arm..

"I offer you a choice, Commander. You can either take my own omni-tool. An object of my own creation... It's an incredibly powerful, and more advanced model then you shall find on the market.. It would be incredibly useful to use with your stealth cloak.."

Atwell looked towards the Commander, trying to gauge the man's response. Chris' face was simply impassive, as he waited for the second choice.

"Or.. You may choose a set of Quarian armor that was left on X57.. We initially used Quarian engineers and machinists when we began to create the facility, and the owner of this particular piece of armor simply left it behind when they returned to the Migrant Fleet. I offer you two choices Commander, what shall it be?" Atwell finished, as he looked towards the Commander.

Chris' response was immediate, "I'll take the armor."

Atwell seemed to be taken aback at this, and simply nodded his head in acknowledgement.

From the side, Kaidan had a knowing smile on his lips, as he looked at Chris.

'He did take me seriously then.. He does feel bad about what he's done, and he's trying to make amends..'

Atwell placed his omni-tool back on his right wrist, before he turned towards the exit of the room. Everybody was silent, as Atwell exited the room.

It was a few moments later, that the Human engineer came back into the room, carrying a large crate, similar to the other two in the room.

"Are you sure about this Commander?" Atwell said, as soon as he had placed the crate on the floor.

"Definitely. Tali needs some armor, that much is certain. I'm not going to put my own needs above the needs of a member of my squad." Chris replied, as he looked towards Kaidan.

"Do you think she'll like it Kaidan?"

"I would say so, Shepard.. I know I'd be happy with a new set of armor." Kaidan replied.

"Why? Do you need some armor? Because we can go and get some.." Chris said worriedly.

"No, it's fine Commander. My armor's fine as it is." Kaidan said.

Chris said nothing, as he made a mental note to check on Kaidan's equipment..

'If he needs some armor, then we need to get to the Citadel.. In fact.. I think I should get some new supplies for everybody..'

"Thank you again Commander.. It's not much, but we hope it's sufficient for your needs.." Simon said, smiling.

"It's more than I deserve.. Thank you." The Commander said, smiling himself.

Simon, Kate, and Aaron all made their own signs of acknowledgement, as they made their way towards the room's exit.

"The ceremony's in two hours Commander, in Arcturus' main hall. Please don't be late!" Simon joked as he stood in the doorway to the hospital room.

"We won't be late! I promise! Right, Kaidan?" Chris replied.

Kaidan simply gave a salute, before he responded, "The squad will be there on time."

Atwell simply nodded his head.

Simon left first, with Aaron following afterwards. Kate lingered for a moment, before she spoke up, "I hope you feel better soon Commander..."

"Thank you Kate." Chris replied softly.

Kate nodded her head, before she too left the room, leaving Chris and Kaidan on they're own.

Chris exhaled a long sigh, before Kaidan spoke up, "What do you want me to do Chris?"

Chris was quiet for a moment, before he responded, "Message Wrex, Garrus, Ashley and Liara. Tell them they have 90 minutes before I want to see them here. Tell them to get themselves presentable. There's probably going to be a lot of press there.. That means you as well Kaidan. I want you and Ashley in full dress uniform. I'm not having Stetson on my ass.."

"What about Tali?" Kaidan asked, as he brought up his omni-tool.

"Tell her to get here in an hour. I think she'll want to be in her new armor for the ceremony, don't you?" Chris asked, as he began to slide his legs over the side of his bed.

Kaidan simply nodded his head, as he typed out the messages to the other ground team members.

Once done, Kaidan spoke up, "Done. I'm guessing you want me to have the other crates delivered to the Normandy then?"

"Where would I be without you Kaidan?" Chris joked, as he unsteadily stood up.

"Probably dead on some rock somewhere, knowing you.." Kaidan said, as he moved over to a wall near the exit.

"Very funny Kaidan... Maybe you should be a comedian as well as a soldier... Knocking the enemies dead with your crappy jokes.." Chris retorted, as he leant over to pick up an object from the table next to his bed.

"At least I'd get some kills that way.. Instead of you simply killing everything.." Kaidan replied.

"Ouch Kaidan.. Kick a man while he's down.." Chris said as he pressed the button on the side of the cylindrical device he had picked up.

All of a sudden, an orange glow emitted from the end of the object, expanding down to the floor. It was the same length as Chris' left leg, ending when it reached his hip.

Kaidan chuckled as he remarked, "Wow.. Watch out Saren.. The Commander can walk now.."

"Fuck you, smart ass.." Chris replied, a smirk on his lips as he hobbled forwards with the use of the object.

"Omni-tools... Technology never ceases to amaze me.." Kaidan remarked as he leant against a wall.

"Yeah well.. I won't need it in a couple of days anyway.." Chris said, before he pointed to a door at the other side of the room, "Hey Kaidan, is that the bathroom?"

"Yeah, it is." Kaidan responded.

"Has it got a shower in it?" Chris asked.

Kaidan moved over to the airlock door of the bathroom, before he opened it. Looking inside, Kaidan shouted, "Yeah ... It's got a shower. Why do you ask?"

"Has it got any soap in there?"

"Yeah, It does.."

"Well that's alright then... I've got to make myself presentable for this ceremony, haven't I? ... That reminds me!" Chris remarked, as he turned towards Kaidan once more.

"Could you go and fetch me a few things Kaidan? Please?"

"Of course Chris. What do you need?" Kaidan said, as he moved towards the exit to the room.

"I just need my dress uniform, as well as something else.. They're in my apartment. Room 475, G-Wing." Chris said, as he turned around, before searching for something in the same drawer he had gotten his cane from.

"Okay.. I can get your dress uniform, but I don't know what else I'm supposed to be getting.."

"It's just a gift... I've had it for a long time, and I think someone else needs it more than me now.. It's wrapped up, and on a shelf in my bedroom. There's a harness to go with it as well."

"Right.. Okay. I'll go and get them then." Kaidan replied, as he waited for Chris to finish what he was doing.

After a moment, the Commander withdrew the Holo-key to his apartment.

"Here." Chris said, as he chucked the key to Kaidan.

Kaidan caught the object smoothly, before looking at it in curiosity, "A Holo-key?.. I thought they got rid of these? It's supposed to be all done by your Omni-tool now."

"Call me old fashioned." Chris replied, as he hobbled towards the clean room.

Kaidan simply smirked, before he headed towards the exit.

"Hey Kaidan." Chris said, as he continued to hobble towards the clean room.

"Yeah?"

"Did I mention how sorry I am? ... About earlier?" Chris said quietly.

"Yeah.. You did.." Kaidan replied quietly, as his hand hovered over the Holo-panel for the exit.

"Yeah well.. I guess I just needed a friend to tell me how much of an ass I am.." Chris said meekly.

"Yeah.. I guess you did... Everyone needs reminding every now and then.. But it doesn't matter.. All's forgiven." Kaidan responded.

"Alright Kaidan.. Thank you." Chris replied.

Kaidan said nothing further, as he opened the door, before walking out into the Hospital's wing, his first destination already set.

G-Wing, room 475.

Whilst Kaidan speedily set off, Chris stepped into the clean room, before locking the door, ready to have a long shower...

Before Chris turned on the hot water however, he ran a hand through the thick black hair on his face.. His mind debating on whether he should shave or not..

With a smirk, the Commander simply chuckled as he dropped his hand before turning on the water..

Time's were changing, and the Commander was going to change with them..

For the better.

Like I've said guys.. My sincerest apologies about extending the chapters for Recovery..

I'm just doing this for your benefit, more than mine...

I didn't think you all wanted to read a massive 15,000 word chapter, where the plot isn't really advanced..

It's better for it to come in 'bite-size' chunks :)

Thank you guys for still sticking with me and this story!

Finally, just to mention:

A huge shout-out to MP for his mentioning of me in his latest chapter, 'God's Gonna Cut You Down' ... If you guys haven't read this yet, then you are seriously missing out. No joke.

Another huge shout-out to Way of the Sheikah, for adding War in the Galaxy to his Community, 'A Quarian and her Captain' ... It means a lot to me, so thanks 'head-honcho' ;)

Also, a great big shout-out to Tali Zorah Fan! I hope you're still reading and enjoying this mate! :)

I also want to give a big shout-out to darkpd, for his positive reviews and continued support! Cheers mate! :)

And to finish off...

Who could forget the co-author himself?

A MASSIVE SHOUT-OUT to kill-phil for his support and guidance! :)

That's about it from me, so I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, and I am truly sorry for having to extend the Recovery section ^^

Cheers guys! :)