Author's Notes: Well, there you have it the introduction of my two original characters. And I do realize that the man in the white abyss has a real Illusive Man vibe to him. I actually realized this when I was writing that scene and when I read it for proofing I started to hear Martin Sheen every time he talked. But my intention was more for that character to seem familiar to Shepard but also show class, elegance, and power which is the point of the suit. Also it seems many of my stories I think of and characters I have in these stories seem to be heavily influenced by other works when I really dissect them. Anyway, I hope you enjoy Chapter 4.

Chapter 4 – For the Greater Good

Within an hour, Admiral Hackett had quarantined an area in the local hospital to prevent any information leaks. Rear Admiral Shepard arrived as Admiral Hackett was addressing the squad that found Commander Shepard. "Men, these are trying times. What happens in the next few months can make or break our unity with the other races. Right now, Commander Shepard is the only thing holding peace together. So I need you all to keep everything you learn classified from everyone, even military personnel. Understood?"

"Yes, sir!" the squad said in unison.

"Now, I know some of you may not like doing clean up duty but it is a job that needs done. However, there have been issues with Krogan and Batarians rebelling on Earth so we need some good men to keep the peace. Because of what you all have accomplished today I am granting you the opportunity to help protect the peace. Dismissed."

The squad gave Admiral Hackett a salute and marched off. Admiral Hackett pulled Lieutenant Harrison aside. "Sir?" Lieutenant Harrison said.

"Lieutenant, how has Petty Officer Jones been working out? I've heard rumors of him being reckless and possible doing things deemed suicidal. Yet, many high ranking officers and some politicians have spoken highly of him."

"Sir, I have been serving with Petty Officer Jones since I was rescued from the Reaper strike in San Diego. I will say that he has his own methods to fighting most of which would get a normal person killed but he always got the job done without a single causality. I am sure he is also highly regarded because he saved a lot of people's asses too."

"Understood. You are dismissed."

Harrison walked away and Rear Admiral Shepard approach Hackett. "Is it true, Admiral? Is my son still alive?"

"Yes, Hannah."

Rear Admiral Shepard hugged Hackett with joy as he patted her back to comfort her. "When will the Normandy crew arrive?"

"They won't." Rear Admiral Shepard looked at Hackett stunned that her son's crew had not been informed yet. "Rear Admiral Shepard, right now the doctors are not sure if he will make it. If the Normandy crew comes here the media will speculate that Shepard is indeed alive and if he doesn't make it the alliances he has made may shatter. Also I know some of his crew members are taking his death hard so him dying again will more than likely devastated them more."

Rear Admiral's Shepard face showed her displeasure but understood this may be for the greater good. "Understood, Admiral." She said then walked away.

Shepard's eyes opened to a hospital room. He scanned the room and his eyes stopped on a doctor looking at a datapad. The doctor's face seemed familiar then it came to him the doctor was the man in the suit from the white abyss. The only word he could muster was "You!"

The doctor jumped in fright and realized that Shepard was now conscious. "Shepard, you're awake." The doctor said.

"You!" This was Shepard's only reply.

"Are you okay, Shepard? You seem angry with me. I know we never met so I don't know why you seem so hostile. I do have some medi-gel, will that make things better?"

Shepard realized that his angry may be unwarranted because his previous experience must have all been a dream. He decided he needed some answers now. "Where am I?"

"You are at the London Municipal Hospital. Some marines were cleaning the area as well as pick up bodies so they could get proper burials. Then one of them found you still breathing. When you arrived we feared that your epidermal tissue was to far gone to regenerate. The feeling was if by some miracle you survived you'd have to live the rest of your life in an enviro-suit like a Quarian because without the epidermal tissue you would be more susceptible to pathogens."

The thought of this brought a grin to Shepard's face and he would have had something in common with Tali. The doctor continued. "As you can see we were able to regenerate the tissue. I should notify Admiral Hackett about this."

He walks to the door. "What about my crew?"

The doctor turned to Shepard. "I am sure Admiral Hackett will inform them of your condition. But is there anyone else that I should have him notify that he may not think of, like a spouse or child someone that gives you…purpose."

Shepard realized his initial reaction had been the right one. This was the same man from the white abyss. The man started to laugh. "I am sorry, Shepard, sometimes I need a laugh."

Shepard tried to get out of bed but the pain was too great. All he could do is snarl at the man. "Why are you doing this to me? Why can't you let me go back?"

"Shepard, Shepard, Shepard. You are on the verge of coming back to reality. In fact, you are in a coma in this exact room you see right now. However, I am asking you to just let go. I like you, Shepard. I don't want you to go through the misery that will follow when you get back to reality. In fact, if you need closure we can watch your friends and loved ones rebuild their lives. This is for the greater good. All you have to do is come with me."

"NO!" Shepard yelled.

The outburst gave the nurse in the room a start as she dropped her datapad. Shepard looked around the room and realized he was now in reality. He laid his head back on his pillow and stared at the ceiling. The nurse stared at him stunned and said. "Oh my god, Commander Shepard, you are awake. I have to inform the Admiral." She used her omni-tool to get a hold of Admiral Hackett. "Admiral, the dark room has light. Repeat, the dark room has light."