In memory of my laptop. And thanks for putting up with my long absence.

Garrus stood uniformly on the slightly raised platform of the communications terminal, waiting to be transferred to a secure channel. Truth be told, he had always viewed the increasingly restrictive communications protocol with quiet distaste, another corner they were being backed into by the ongoing conflict, having no choice but to carefully guard every bit of information, almost to the point of appearing paranoid.

But things were different now with Shepard onboard; Garrus felt an almost dire, intrinsic need to keep her safe, even if it meant triple checking feeds for possible security breaches and restricting non-crucial transmissions for the crew.

There was a small beep from the terminal as the transmission came through. It took a few seconds for him to realize he would not be speaking to one of his superiors for briefing, as was usually the case; rather, it was his father that greeted him.

"I wasn't expecting you, father," he admitted after a brief but telling pause. "I wasn't made aware that you had left Palaven."

His father glanced at his surroundings, as if to say he hadn't expected to be brought up to Menae either. "I was contacted by Quintus hours ago for a personal favor," he explained. "Apparently he wanted me to speak to you personally to ensure that his best interests were being looked after," he looked somewhat ruffled by the situation, something about the way he spoke. "His daughter, mainly. But there's also the issue of having his trading routes disrupted."

"I see," he muttered, knowing full well that the extent of his responsibilities when it came to Varia's family usually went beyond his oath to her. Still, some small part of him loathed that obligation, and looking at his father's weary gaze, he could see he wasn't the only one. That, and Quintus was a hard man to please.

Marrying up was a privilege in turian culture, a way to social advancement; that Garrus was engaged to join one of the most powerful families in Palaven was commendable, something to look forward to. And he seemed to be, for the most part, settling into a predictable routine. He put up with his duties to Varia's family for her sake, and furnished her with displays of devotion in public. In between his missions, they would meet in the Citadel, far from the ongoing conflict, and coop themselves up in a rented room. In that private, isolated space, they spoke, shared stories, laughed...made love.

But even those moments of intimacy felt like another requirement to fill, another part he had to play as he followed along a scripted path, fulfilling what was expected of him. It was something his father knew, and grudgingly accepted. After Shepard there was nothing left for him; at least this way his son had direction, something to get him up every morning.

"How is she?"

Garrus felt his mandibles clasp tight to his face, suddenly averting his eyes. His mouth felt terribly dry just then, and he could say nothing besides addressing the obvious.

"So they told you."

His father nodded, his eyes probing but sympathetic. "Only those directly involved with the initiative are aware of her true location," he explained. "I was the exception, though I like to think it is because I am your father...and not because there is something I need to worry about."

"Well I'm fine. I don't need you keeping an eye on me."

"Regardless, " his father said, "I will remain on Menae for however long our superiors determine I need to be. If you ever need to talk, I'll be here."

"She's here, father, " Garrus snapped. "What else is there to say?"

He apologized nearly immediately for his outburst. Only when he looked down at himself did he realize he was shaking. He swallowed hard.

"It still doesn't feel real," he whispered, "but she's here, the same as before...except everything has changed around her and I can't be there for her, not the way I would've been there before."

"Garrus, you can't help what's happened," his father reminded.

"No. And if there's something my years have taught me it's that life isn't fair. But I thought maybe, just maybe, it could have made an exception for her. Like she hasn't gone through enough with the war, watching her friends die in front of her... and now this?"

"Then the least you can do is be there any way you can."

"Yeah," Garrus replied, ignoring the pang in his chest as he recalled Shepard's words to him. 'We're as good as strangers,' she'd said, and it was like another burden had settled on his shoulders. But what could he say? In her eyes he had betrayed her.

They disconnected soon after. Garrus remained in front of the blank screen for a few moments, enough to regain his composure before returning to the deck.

"Sir, Jane just checked out of the med-bay," Aelia pointed out as he went in to brief her on their next trajectory. He stared blankly at the pilot for a moment, her words echoing in his mind and bringing forth a million deadly scenarios, not all of them necessarily possible.

"What the hell happened?" he demanded, forgetting about his briefing and heading down to the elevator. Aelia's voice followed him to the intercom inside.

"Nothing major, apparently. William said he caught her coming up from the training rooms with Ferox and she seemed fine."

"She's in no condition to be down there," he seethed.

"Really? Clovis seems to think she is. He's got her scheduled for training."

"Clovis? Don't tell me she-" the doors swooshed open. "Forget it. I'll find out myself." He went down the path to Shepard's quarters, hesitating as he saw Ferox lounging just outside her door, speaking with her. She was on the other side, and saw him instantly, giving him a brief glance before turning back to Ferox and shutting the door unceremoniously.

"Geez," Ferox complained, "I can't believe she wouldn't even let me give her a second opinion."

"How bad is it?" Garrus asked, as Ferox walked over.

"Just a bit of bruising, from what the doctor mentioned. She'll live. "

Garrus frowned, "She shouldn't have been hurt in the first place."

Ferox slowed his pace to to the elevator, Garrus overtaking him by a few paces.

"What are you suggesting, that she stay in her cabin all day? You do know who we're talking about, right?"

"I promised I'd keep her safe," Garrus said solidly, glancing at Ferox over his shoulder. "That's what I intend to do."

Ferox crossed his arms in response. "You're not doing her any favors with this whole... act. Since when were you ever overbearing?" A few crewmen passed them in the hall and saluted, receiving absent nods in return.

"She needs time to heal," Garrus insisted, summoning the elevator. "Tell Clovis she isn't fit for training just yet."

"As your second in command, I have to disagree. You'll only be making it harder for her if you treat her like she's incapable." The doors closed behind them, Garrus stared at him tersely.

"If she gets hurt-"

"She'll be fine. You've always said she was strong."

"Just..." Garrus ran a hand through his face wearily. "Keep me updated, please."

They arrived on their floor.

"Of course, sir."