Uff. 4th chapter. Hope you'll like it. I enjoyed writing it. Spirits, I'm so tired lately :P Enjoy!
Big thanks to Razzberry31 for beta-reading ;*
oOo
The Normandy had been journeying towards Earth for two weeks. Garrus, together with Joker and Tali, were working on repairing EDI. At first Vakarian wanted to repair the comm arrays but he changed his mind and focused on EDI instead. She was more important. And there was also his irrational fear of news about Shepard. As long as he could, he wanted to live with a hope that she was alive, waiting for him. That was the main reason he delayed fixing the communications. Of course he hid it, lying, saying EDI was their priority. Now, after two weeks of hard work, they were almost finished. "We just have to add this last part, then we can bring her online, Joker." Tali said while stretching her hands up. She was very tired but wanted to finish the task.
"What's that?" Joker turned to her with interest. This whole task, working on EDI, was very important to him, not to mention that he hoped she would be back with him soon. Tali opened the AI's final message and scrolled through the instructions.
"Umm...her personal databank. Let's start here, guys." They started to work on EDI's databank when Tali groaned. "Ugh, it's heavily encrypted. We need to decrypt it first. Or we won't be able to process the code. Garrus copy parts of the code and try to find any patterns". Joker stood next to them, he couldn't help much with decryption so he just took this time to rest a bit. Garrus and Tali worked for an hour when suddenly the Turian turned to the Quarian.
"Is it just me or is the code made up from dates?"
"No...I found it too." Tali replied, cocking her head to the side. "Do you know these dates, Joker?" The pilot checked the dates on Tali's screen and smirked.
"God, EDI...those are dates from my resume. I think you need this file to decrypt it." He sent the file to Tali so she could start the decryption. Around an hour later the databank could then be attached to EDI's core code. When that was done, Tali looked to Joker, her hand hanging above her omni-tool.
"Just need to hit one button and we will get her online. Do I hit it?"
"Of course, Tali! Don't keep me waiting." Joker smiled, he really was happy and full of hope. The Quarian woman waved on the button and EDI's control panel lit up. They could then hear her voice.
"Booting sequence initialized. 1%, remaining time, 20 minutes." While EDI was continuing with the rebooting, Liara came up to them.
"I saw EDI come online again. How is it going?" The Asari asked, sitting on the step next to Tali.
"She's booting up right now. Let's hope nothing interrupts it or we will have to check the whole code again for mistakes." But it worked.
"EDI online. Checking ship status. Communication is compromised. Checking for repair possibilities." It was so good to hear her voice. Joker's eyes shone bright.
"EDI...?" The pilot asked with a raspy voice. He was overwhelmed with emotion.
"Yes, Jeff?" The AI asked. The human just sighed, awash with relief. She called him Jeff. No pulling rank. No surname. Just his name. "Thank you, Jeff. You read my message. You brought me back again."
"To be honest EDI, Garrus read it and, he and Tali helped me a great deal. How do you feel?"
"I can't really feel, Jeff. But I ran a check-up on my programming. Besides a few minor errors, everything is fine. I have fixed them. I just need to override my mobile platform again." Garrus stood up when she said that. Preparing himself for a fire like last time.
"We need fire extinguishers in the med bay and AI core."
"No need, Officer Vakarian. This time it was just a formality. I'm already mobile, coming up." Soon EDI appeared in the cockpit. Joker stared at her for a minute, motionless, then embraced the AI's metallic body. "Jeff..." EDI was taken aback at first then relaxed into his embrace. "Jeff, thank you. I... I love you." Tali and Liara both "awwwwed!" at the AI's confession. Joker groaned, thanked them and then asked them politely to give him and EDI some time alone. As Garrus was near the Galaxy Map, he looked back and heard pilot's quiet voice.
"Me too, EDI. I love you too." Vakarian turned around again, letting those two have a moment of privacy. He went up to Shepard's cabin to sit on the couch, feeling very tired. They did a lot of work today, but at least it was a successful day. Garrus was sitting in silence till the comm crackled and EDI spoke to him.
"Officer Vakarian, I'm forwarding you data from the comm arrays. I already fixed the programming, but they also require manual repair. We have spare parts aboard the Normandy so repairs shouldn't be a problem." Garrus opened his omni-tool and checked the new message. They had to fix wiring in the upper hull of the Normandy and replace fried processing chips, nothing major. He will get to it tomorrow. At least he will be able to occupy himself instead of just sitting thinking. When he finished reading he took off his civvies and laid in bed, hugging Shepard's pillow. Her scent so intense on it. Please, Shepard, be alive. It feels so empty without you and your boasting personality. He sniffed the pillow. Memories of how it all happened ran through his head. Just after the night she told him about her death they become even more close. They spent time after their shifts watching vids, reading stupid things on the Extranet or playing games. When they watched movies, Shepard often snuggled to his side, guiding his arm around her shoulders. She had had panic attacks a few times so he stayed overnight, just to lull her to sleep. Then he remembered their first... human kiss. And what came later.
oO Flashback Oo
"You're cheating, Garrus." Jane stated. She frowned at him in anger. They were relaxing after Garrus' revenge mission. At last he'd killed Sidonis. "What now? Can't take it that you're losing to me? Your overgrown ego must be really shattered, huh?" She hit him in arm lightly.
"I'm not cheating. I play fair and square." He replied, amusement clear in his voice. He paused the game and shoved her onto the bed. "You're insulting me, Shepard. I'm the master of Galaxy Wars, you on the other hand... no comment." She growled and kicked him lightly on the chest, he landed on his back. "You want to solve it by sparring, pyjack? Bring it on." She snorted and in an instant she landed on him. Trying to punch his face. He didn't have to try hard to deflect those hits. "Aww, so sweet. All worked up because you lost. Come on, Shepard, that all you got?"
"I haven't lost yet, Vakarian." She landed on his stomach with her knees. He gasped and rolled on the bed so she was underneath him. "Hey! Leggo, you... you space dinosaur! With mandibles!" Garrus looked at her with wide eyes. He tried to not to laugh but failed miserably. His abrupt laugh made her blush. "What?"
"So mature, Shepard. How old are you exactly? 5?" She narrowed her eyes and kicked him between legs. Nothing happened.
"Shit, forgot your package is hidden." He laughed even harder now.
"Spirits, Jane. You trying to kill me... my face still hurts when I laugh too hard." Her face reddened with anger. Yet he could smell that scent she emitted when he was close or when they were alone. That scent aroused him.
"Officer Vakarian, get the hell away from me right now." Her voice halfway to her commanding tone. He smirked and lowered his head to hers.
"Again pulling rank on me, Shepard? So sexy." She gasped, her eyes round. Then, to his disbelief, she pulled her head to him and put her lips on his mouth plates. 'Is it...a human kiss…?' He stiffened, not daring to move even an inch. What happened a few seconds later made electricity jolt down his spine. He could feel her tongue licking his mouth plates, and spirits, he didn't even know when he parted them so their tongues met. The feeling of her limbs tangled with his was indescribable. He never would have guessed that firstly, he could kiss the human way and secondly, it would feel so damn good and so damn right. A purr left his subharmonics, when the kiss intensified even more he growled in lust. Garrus could also hear her moans when his coarse tongue brushed her softer one. Jane's hands roamed his neck and back, tracing the shapes of his plates. He wasn't hesitant either as one of his gloved hands explored her thighs, the other still on the bed. He desperately tried not to collapse on her chest. He prayed that this moment would last forever. Collectors be damned. And Reapers. Everyone could just go and screw themselves because the only thing that existed now was Shepard and her skilled, little tongue. But that couldn't last too long as they had to catch their breaths. At first she was just looking into his eyes, a happy smile on her lips, then her gaze pierced into his very soul like a hammer. Just then the realisation hit her, what had she done? Shepard pushed him from her and sat up.
"Garrus…I'm sorry…" With those words his heart broke into pieces. She was... apologising to him? For that? The best thing that had happened in my entire life so far? The Turian was crushed internally. With all of his self-control he managed not to show it on the outside. He coughed and collected himself.
"No need, Shepard. Too much beer, I suppose... well..." He cleared his throat again. "I think I should go. Goodnight." Without looking at her again, he stood up and left as quickly as he could. When he reached the Main Battery he sat on his cot, defeated. It was mistake for her? Spirits. For the next week he didn't leave his room, calibrating the Thanix canon. He was so occupied that he didn't notice that Shepard had given orders to fly to the Amada System. Garrus went into the mess hall only to notice Joker sitting at the table with sorrow all over his face. "Hi, Joker. What's up?"
"Hey, bud. Ah... shit... it's Shepard..." Vakarian looked at the pilot's incomprehension. 'What's going on? Did she go on a mission without me?' She always took him, even when it was just a simple thing as buying stuff.
"What about her?" The Turian asked, sitting across the table from the pilot. Joker sighed and put his face in his hands. With a muffled voice he explained what happened.
"We were supposed to go to Omega. But yesterday Shepard came to me and said that the plans had changed. She ordered me to fly to the Amada System. Now she's on Alchera... at the crash site. The Normandy's crash site." Garrus couldn't say a word. He stared at Joker not knowing what to say or do. Why? He asked himself.
"Spirits... just ping me when she comes back, okay?" He stood up and went to the Main Battery. Two hours later Joker radioed him.
"Hey, Garrus, Shepard is back. She went to her quarters and ordered that she not be disturbed. But... man... better go check on her, okay?" With that news he dropped everything he was doing and went to Shepard's cabin. After he typed the code into her door, they swooshed open. Jane was sitting on her couch, beer in her hand and dog tags on the table in front of her. She was looking at them with sadness.
"Shepard?" He asked quietly. She just sighed, not turning to look at him.
"Yes." Just this word came from her mouth then she fell silent again. After a moment she patted the free space on the couch, next to her. "Sit, big guy." He did as he asked then waited for her to talk. But she stayed silent.
"Shepard... what were you thinking going down there?" The woman leaned on the couch, her head on the backrest. She glared at the ceiling with a grim expression.
"I wanted some closure for all the shit that happened to me. You made me feel like myself again... and with this, I wanted to close that chapter of my life. I want to start afresh... without fear. I want to be honest with myself."
"What do you mean?" She pulled her head up and watched him for a moment. Expecting something. Then she yawned.
"God, I'm tired. Take these to Kelly. I want them sent to the Alliance. Hackett will know what to do with the dog tags." She pulled her hand up to touch his arm... but she considered something then stopped to put it on her lap. "Sorry, Garrus. I'm really tired. Thanks you for coming to check up on me. We will talk tomorrow, 'kay?"
"Sure thing, Shepard. Come to the Main Battery when you have time. Goodnight." Garrus collected the dog tags. Twenty dog tags of her dead crew-members. No wonder she was devastated. He had been there. He had lost his entire crew. Vakarian pushed those thoughts away. No time to get angry over that bastard Sidonis right now. It was in the past anyway and he was dead, thanks to a certain female Commander. The next day Shepard came to him with a faint smile on her lips. Garrus was relieved that she wasn't sad anymore. "Shepard, need me for something?"
"Have you got a minute?"
"Sure, just killing time anyway..." Then he realised that because of their... umm... kiss, he hadn't really thanked her for taking care of Sidonis. "I wanted to thank you again for your help with Sidonis. Whatever happens with the Collectors or the Reapers or whoever comes after us, I know you will get the job done." She snorted at that.
"You actually think we'll find something worse than Collectors or Reapers?" Garrus shrugged.
"I like to expect the worst. There is small chance I'll be pleasantly surprised." Again, Jane laughed. Her laugh was music to his ears. Especially after yesterday. She straightened herself, her hands behind her back at parade rest. Going to full Commander mode.
"I couldn't do this without you, Garrus." He sensed Shepard was tense. If someone would've asked him, he would have guessed she wanted to approach some embarrassing topic. Like the kiss.
"Sure you could" He smirked and came up with one of their shitty jokes. Just to break the tension. "Not as stylishly of course." Jane walked to the crate on the right side of the room and sat on it. They talked about the suicide mission and their odds for a moment. Then Jane bit her bottom lip, studying the floor like all answers where there. Then she was watching him again.
"Do you ever regret leaving C-Sec or the military?" Apprehension visible on her features. Had she really thought that I would trade all this time spent with her for a shitty job in C-Sec? Spirits, woman. Just look at me, all answers are here. He had to assure her, that he was willing to spend the rest of his life beside her.
"Not for a minute. When it comes down to it, Shepard, I don't think I am a very good turian. When a good turian hears a bad order, he follows it. He might complain but he knows his place. I just don't see point in staying quiet and polite." Jane smirked. He heard her saying "bad boy" under her breath, but stayed silent about it.
"How do turian crews get ready for high risk missions?"
"With violence usually." Her eyes widened at that news. He explained to her that turians spar to blow off steam. And then he also told her the story of him and the female recon scout, who he sparred with then had a "tiebreaker" in his quarters with. Why did he said that? Hell if he knew. Later he thought it was awkward, as the one he would like to have "tiebreaker" with, was sitting right there. And this stupidity about reach and flexibility. Hell, Vakarian... smooth, so fucking smooth. He thought to himself. "More than one way to work out stress, I guess." He turned to her and saw the blush on her face. She shook her head and stood up.
"It sound like you carrying some tension... maybe... I could help to get rid of it?" He gasped then cleared his throat. Did she mean what I think she meant? No... impossible...
"I didn't think you'd feel like sparring, Commander." He joked again, and again she shook her head, smiling up at him.
"What if we skipped right to the... tiebreaker?" She moved to the console and leaned on it. "We can test your reach...and my flexibility." He was dumbstruck. She really meant that.
"Ohh, I didn't... hmmm... Never knew you had weakness for men with scars." It was like dream come true and she was the one suggesting it. "Well... why the hell not?" He turned back to her, trying not to show how happy he was at that moment. Making an idiot of himself again was a bad idea. "There is nobody in this galaxy I respect more than you" He collected himself and turned again. Spirits, thanks for the turian superior self control. "If we figure out a way to work then... yeah, definitely." With a radiant smile she passed next to him and left the Main Battery. When she vanished from his sight, he leaned on the wall, not believing what had just happened. That evening she commed him.
"Oi, Vakarian! Movie night again. I just downloaded a great movie." Her voice was radiating with happiness.
"Shepard, if that's one of those strange human movies about people on horses chasing cows and shooting each other...I'll pass." Garrus replied halfheartedly. Eventhough he said that he knew he would go and watch it nevertheless.
"No, space lobster, it's a really good movie. Trust me."
"Is it... what was the name... ah! A horror?" Silence assured him it was. "Shepard you will be too scared to sleep. Remember last time?" For movie night they picked random genres of movies. And they didn't watch only human movies, but also other races. When it came to turian movies she always let him pick. There was one time, a few weeks earlier, she'd picked a horror vid. Jane was so traumatized after that she refused to sleep alone and again he had to stay with her.
"Maybe...?" She replied innocently.
"I knew it! No horrors for you, ma'am. Over my dead body."
"You. Just shut up and bring that boney ass to my room in 20. And bring some snacks." With that the connection was severed. 'Damn, will she ever listen to me?' Twenty minutes later he was in her cabin with a bunch of levo and dextro snacks. She was already sitting on her bed and had brought a few cans of beer for them. "Shepard, I really don't think you should watch scary vids... you take them rather badly."
"It's not that scary, Vakarian. Come, let's watch." They sat on the bed and watched the strange movie about a black haired girl coming from an old human device called a TV. "See, not so bad." She said snuggling under his arm like she used to. "But when I start to shit myself you're allowed to pause it." Sometime later there was scary moment when the girl appeared out of nowhere and Shepard jumped in terror. "Holy shit! Son of a..."
"I told you!" He pushed a button on his omni-tool and stopped the playback. "Geez, Shepard... one day when you'll start to listen to what I say, I will just drink myself to death out of joy." He grumbled. An angry expression on his face. Jane turned her head to look at him and smiled.
"So overprotective. How I can learn if I don't experience things?"
"You think you'll be attacked by a black-haired girl wearing a night-dress? Spirits... what are we even talking about?" Shepard laughed and stood up only to straddle him. That was new. "What are you doing, Shepard...?" He asked, a bit scared and aroused at the same time. She put her hands on his head and trailed the shape of his fringe with her small fingers. He couldn't help but growl from pleasure.
"I was thinking... we haven't really talked about... what happened last week." She bit her lip, thinking about what she wanted to say.
"No need, Shepard. I got it. It was mistake for you." She frowned and took her hands away from him, hovering them close to his face nevertheless.
"Mistake? Fuck, Garrus. How could you even think that way? I... I apologized because I thought I overstepped it. But then I was thinking about the whole situation and realized that if you didn't like it you would have stopped it sooner." Jane put her hands on him again stroking lightly at his forehead, plates and fringe. "Can I... kiss you again?"
"I would certainly be disappointed if you didn't." His voice low, seductive. She swallowed heavily then leaned forward and they kissed for the second time. Now he knew what to do and this time it was even better. When they broke the kiss he noticed his hands were on her waist and hers around his neck, stroking his softer skin at the back of his head. "Damn, if someone would have said to me that I would learn how to kiss the human way, I would've called him crazy."
"How do turians kiss?" She asked curiously. Her eyes shone with happiness and... was is lust? Never mind. He leaned into her and touched his forehead to hers.
"That way." Their eyes were close together, engrossed with each other. At this point in time nothing existed, only a pair of eyes in front of each of them. "What about the vid?"
"Let's finish it. I'm curious as to what will happen next." Shepard slid from his lap and snuggled into him. When the movie ended she was already asleep. He laid her gently on the pillow and then tucked himself into bed as well. Garrus watched her sleep. She was so peaceful right now. The Turian reached over to her hair and stroked it gently, feeling how smooth it was. Her red strands of hair always made him want to touch them. Her steady breath soon lulled him to sleep as well.
oOo
Vakarian woke up the next day and looked around. Spirits, that dream was so real. Like she was here with me. He shook his head, and stood up. After breakfast he started to fix the comm arrays. It took him a few days to get it working. When the comm devices were finally online they soon found that they were out of reach of the comm buoys. Garrus went to Joker and sat in the co-pilot seat to the left, as the right one was occupied by EDI. "Communications are working, Officer Vakarian." She stated. "No malfunction detected, but I'll run further analysis after we are in comm buoy range."
"Thanks, EDI. Please call me Garrus. Or Vakarian. Don't pull rank on me."
"As you wish, Garrus." The AI nodded and typed commands on her console. "We will reach communication range in 4 weeks." Garrus hung his head. That was long time. But nothing to be beaten down about now. He'll just have to wait. Toughest part for him. "I'll scan for any signals and try to send a message to the Alliance in the meantime."
oOo
Days passed quickly for Shepard, while she was waiting for the Primarch's message. Jane met with Samara before she left with another asari for Thessia and also with Jack and Zaeed a few times. Even Jacob found a spare hour for a quick talk. She was still recovering from all the damage she took in the end fight with the Reapers. Even though Jane's scars were healed, she still needed rehab and time to take things slowly. In the mean time she went shopping with Kasumi and Miranda. Lawson came to London a few days prior. She was really happy for Jane when she heard the big news. Even though she couldn't have her own children, she did everything she could in Shepard's rebuild to make her fertile. And it worked. Jane also got to know that Miranda helped Mordin with his therapy. Jane so was thankful to the ex-Cerberus operative for her help, she hugged her for ten minutes. When Miranda heard that Jane and Kasumi wanted to go shopping, she tagged along. They had to buy stuff before leaving Earth. It was a difficult task, as the amount of shops operating in London was exceptionally low. Nevertheless she was able to buy some civilian clothes, supplies for washing and make-up. Kasumi also dragged her to one store offering items for babies and mothers. Shepard had a tough time stopping the thief from buying infant clothes. "Kas, I beg you. I don't know if the baby will have spurs or as carapace. We should wait..."
"Don't worry, Shep. If it does have spurs or a carapace, you will just make holes or broaden them a bit. You are soldier, I bet you know how to sew." The thief mocked her while picking up small rompers, little bodysuits and other tiny pieces of clothing. Jane tried very hard to stop her but on the other hand she enjoyed herself greatly. Maternal instincts were kicking in for sure. "Awww! Look, Miranda, at these tiny socks!" Kasumi wiggled them in front of Miranda's face with a broad smile. "Just look at them and tell me they aren't adorable." The two women giggled, while Jane shook her head in dismay at her two friends, but then took the socks from Kasumi and smiled.
"Yeah. Sweet. But what if my baby has talons on it's feet? It will tear them apart."
"Oh, please, Shepard. Let us have some fun." Miranda scolded her while looking for other adorable items. "God, they are so sweet."
"Shepard... you spoilsport. Just shut up and let us be good aunts. We're taking them." Kasumi and Miranda roamed around the shop and picked up more garments for her baby. Later they also bought other things like diapers, bottles and other necessities. Shepard didn't dare to complain any more. Kasumi and Lawson were too occupied with picking everything up to listen to her reasons. When they had finished, Shepard asked them to deliver her purchases to her apartment. Both women left the shop and went to the nearest open restaurant. "That was so nice, Shep. And don't worry about clothes or other things. In few months we will know what your baby will look like. If stuff won't fit, we'll just shop on Palaven." Jane groaned and rolled her eyes.
"Send me pictures, Kasumi."
"Kas, Miranda, please... we have spent a fortune alone on clothes. Is there an end to your craziness?" Suddenly her omni-tool pinged. It was vid comm from Primarch Victus. Jane connected it quickly and Victus' face appeared in front of her. "Primarch, good day. How are you?"
"Shepard. Good day to you too. I'm fine, calling to you to ask if you and Miss Kasumi are prepared to leave tomorrow?" Jane smiled broadly. At last!
"Yeah. We've bought everything. Don't worry. What time should we come to your docking bay?"
"Around 11:00. Hackett will be there as well. Make your goodbyes and then we'll depart for Palaven. Yesterday we got a levo food processor installed on our ship. I also ordered some fresh rations for you both." The Primarch took every measure to make his ship as comfortable for Shepard as he could in those dire times. She was a special guest. Even more because of her unusual pregnancy. "Doctor Ionnas is coming with us. Have you heard about that?"
"No. That's new. Why?" Jane was a bit surprised at the news. But considering this, Doctor Solus had his uncle's data. Maybe he cared for his patient or maybe he wanted to be the first doctor to study a hybrid baby. That didn't matter now. She wanted her baby to be supervised by people who actually could help and had knowledge.
"Good, Commander. Goodbye. I'll see you tomorrow." Then connection closed and Shepard smiled to herself. Tomorrow... at last!
"Shep, you are glowing with happiness." Kasumi laughed at the view. She and Miranda exchanged amused looks. They were really glad. Both women knew that Shepard was concerned about Garrus and thed Normandy, and that she wanted to meet them as fast as possible. No wonder. Since Jane woke up from comatosed state, she was worried about her crew, and her bondmate. Kasumi and Miranda were there when Shepard and Vakarian's friendship turned into something more. They were a true match for each other. On the battlefield and off. No arguing that. "Let's finish and go to your apartment. I'll help with the packing."
"I'll go with you both. I don't have anything to do anyway." All three women finished their meals and went to Shepard's place. They were packing Shepard stuff till late evening. Then Kasumi went to her condo. Miranda stayed bit longer.
"Where do you want to give birth, Shepard?" Miranda asked while sitting on the couch sipping coffee. Her smile warm, but her gaze a bit distant.
"I don't know. Maybe on Palaven... You okay, Miranda?" Jane sat next to her. Concerned about her friend. It had to be a bit difficult for a barren woman. But Miranda just shook her head.
"I'm fine Shepard. I really am. I thought about adoption. There are a lot of orphans now. I want to give one a mother's love, a home. I want to have family of my own." Jane hugged Miranda tightly. "And I promise I'll be the best aunt for your baby. I'll spoil it like hell."
"Don't you dare, silly." She mocked Miranda, but she knew that all her crew was going to spoil her baby. "I want to thank you again. You helped Mordin. Because of you two I can experience this miracle."
"Have you wrote about all this to Garrus?" Miranda asked. Jane stiffened at that question. She wanted to write it... but then had second thoughts. She knew it shouldn't be just writen and sent. She wanted to tell Garrus in person. "I take it's a no."
"I... I want to tell him personally. I didn't know what to write. Maybe it's fear? Hell, Miranda...it's just the first trimester. Doctors said it's the most dangerous one. What if I... if I miscarry? I want to wait... see how things progress. I'm scared." It was the first time she could tell someone about her fears concerning her baby. She was really scared that she may lose it. That's why she was careful with her words. And actions.
"I understand, Shepard. If that's your decision, I'll support it. Just send me photo of Garrus' face when he finds out."
"Deal." Both women laughed and soon Miranda excused herself as she had to go to her condo. The next day they were greeted by lots of people near the docking bay of the Primarch's ship. Admiral Hackett was there, Miranda, Jack and Zaeed. Even Jacob came to say goodbye. He also planned to leave Earth soon to find his pregnant wife among the refugees from the Citadel. When she separated from everyone as Admiral Hackett approached her one last time.
"Shepard. I have present for you, from the Alliance." He pointed at a crate in the back of the dock. "Some N7 clothes and a Mantis sniper rifle. I know that you lost yours. This one may be new but I can bet my admiral salary that you will mod it like the last one." The old man smiled at her and she smiled back. He knew what Shepard liked.
"Thank you, Sir." Jane straightened and saluted. Hackett returned the salute.
"Good bye, Commander. Godspeed to you." A few minutes later the Primarch ordered a few turians to take Shepard's and Kasumi's things inside.
"Farewell, Admiral. I hope we will see you again soon." Victus shook Hackett's hand firmly. Both of the men really got along. Even though they shared history from the First Contact War. But with the Reaper War, some old grudges tended to vanish.
"I hope that as well. I'll send a message when our Mass Relay will be repaired."
"I'll wait for that. I'll also order the repair of our Relay in Trebia." With that both of them parted. Shepard and Kasumi along with the Primarch went aboard ship, which would take them to a Turian dreadnought. With that Shepard's journey to Palaven began. She sat comfortably while the ship prepared to fly and opened her omni-tool to type another message to Garrus.
[ Hi, G.
I'm on the ship going to the Turian
dreadnaught, Hashir. Victus
and Kasumi are with me.
I just hope we will meet soon.
I miss you terribly and still waiting
for your reply.
Kisses, J. ]
oOo
Next chapter will even Shep's and Garrus timelines (I think). Garrus will be spammed with Shepard's junk mails xD (God, I hate spam ) #nospoilers.
Again, thanks Razzberry31 :D