Author's Notes:
Just so we're clear, this version of Reunions is a re-write from the previous one to put things back in line with the game.
Reunions (Interlude II)
Location: Serpent Nebula / Widow System / Citadel / Presidium / Citadel Embassies
Sighing in equal measure of exhaustion and frustration as he left Udina's office, Shepard had to remind himself for the umpteenth time that politics, while a nasty world of business, were still a necessary evil. When it came down to it, everyone was scared, and thus, looked out for their own interests.
But it didn't mean he that had to like it.
He wasn't a political creature, so having to deal with other people's problems while the Reapers burned his homeworld and turned innocent civilians into God-knows-what abominations irked him to no end.
But it had to be done, he ruefully told himself as he flagged down a cab and sent the skycar on its way to Huerta Memorial.
'Anderson and everyone back on Earth are counting on me to do this,' he reminded himself, 'I can't let them down.'
'And I won't,' he vowed to himself.
~ o ~ O ~ o ~
Location: Serpent Nebula / Widow System / Citadel / Presidium / Huerta Memorial Hospital
As he entered the patient lounge, Shepard caught sight of a familiar grey haired medic speaking with one of her fellow carers.
"Here's Shepard now," he heard the second medic tell the first as he made his way over to them.
"Dr. Chakwas?" he queried as moved. "You're here?"
"Good to see you in one piece, Commander." The Normandy's former CMO turned to greet him as he stopped beside her. "You remember Dr. Michel?" she queried, referring to her companion.
"I do. It's good to see you again; it's been a long time." Shepard offering his hand and the red-haired woman shook it. "You've come a long way since that small clinic down in the wards."
"Because of you," she returned. "I don't know where I'd be if you hadn't dealt with Fist and his thugs. Now I'm the head physician of a Presidium clinic. You gave me this chance."
"As for me," Chakwas spoke again, "I've been working at an Alliance R&D lab down on Shalta Ward, coordinating closely with Admiral Hackett. But when I heard that you escaped Earth in the Normandy and that someone was critically injured, I came as soon as I could."
"We had a run in with Cerberus synthetic on Mars. Ash took the worst of it. How is she?" the marine questioned, looking between the two women.
"Very well, all things considered." Chakwas reported. "I'm impressed with Lieutenant-Commander Williams' resilience, as well as Dr. Michel's expertise."
"Her head trauma was severe, but we were able to reduce the swelling quickly," Dr Michel took over. "These types of injuries can go either way. She hasn't regained consciousness yet, but her vitals are strong. So I'm optimistic. You're welcome to go and see her if you like. She's in room sixteen."
Nodding his head in acceptance, the marine took his leave from the two medics, making his way into the inpatient wing.
~ o ~ O ~ o ~
Several doctors were making their way out of Ashley's room as Shepard approached it.
"Patient's stable for now, Dr. Perry," one, a salarian, stated to his colleges.
"That was touch-and-go. Good word, Dr. Fralik," Dr. Perry, a human woman, commended.
"Neurosplints are still the best course of action," the salarian advised
"I'll see if we have the required stratial bindings. Meet you back here," Perry responded.
The trio moved off as Shepard neared the door, raising a hand to activate the holographic panel. The door slid open, revealing its single patient to his gaze. Her prone form, now clothed in civvies, was nestled on the crisp white sheets, a blanket pulled up to her waist. The peaceful slumber that she appeared to be in was conflicted by the injuries she had attained on Mars as she'd tried to protect her comrades. Her face was a bruised mess, various shades of purple and blue marring her skin along with a few still-healing cuts and scrapes.
"Hey, Ash. It's X," he spoke softly as he approached the bed and took a seat. "I just wanted to check in on you, see how you were doing. Chakwas and Dr. Michel say you're going to be okay, that you'll pull through. Should have known that you would; you're stubborn. Always have been," he smiled wryly for a moment before he turned serious. "You scared me pretty bad there back on Mars," he admitted hoarsely as images of the confrontation with the Cerberus mech flashed in his mind's eye, "It's never easy watching one of your own go down, especially someone you're close too. First Kaidan, and now you…"
Behind him, the door to Ash's room opened and two medics entered, snapping Shepard out of his melancholy.
"I'm sorry, Commander," Dr. Perry spoke up. "But I'm going to have to ask you to leave."
"That's fine," the Spectre responded as he rose from his seat, looking to his former flame's appointed carer. "If you need anything, Doc, just let me know," the woman nodded as Shepard turned back to Ashley. "Get some rest, Ash, and I'll come back when you're better. We'll talk," he finished softly before he left the room.
Stoping in the doorway, he looked back one last time. "I'll see you soon, L.C."
~ o ~ O ~ o ~
Chakwas was still waiting in the patient lounge when he returned.
"I wish I could have been there on Mars to help you," she ruefully stated.
"The Normandy's not the same without you," Shepard readily agreed.
"I agree. You say the word and I'm with you."
"Then get your things and report to the ship. Docking Bay D24."
"Yes, Commander." The medic surprised him by then snapping to a salute. "And thank you."
"Eh, don't thank me just yet. Joker's still aboard," the marine reminded her.
"And I'll be surprised if he's been remembering to take his medication." Chakwas shook her head.
"EDI's been reminding him as best she can. But she had to be careful while the ship was undergoing retrofits."
"Undoubtedly. Though I'm surprised that EDI's still on the Normandy at all," she began, and then dropped her voice to a near whisper. "Her being an AI, and all."
Shepard grinned at that, but responded with an equally low tone. "There's quite a story behind it. But I won't steal Joker's thunder; you want to know, ask him."
The Normandy's CMO chuckled softly before she spoke again, her voice returning to a normal volume. "I'll keep it in mind. In the meantime, I just have to tie up a few loose ends down in the Wards and then I'll report in."
Shepard nodded his head. "See you there," he responded as the two of them went their separate ways, he to the elevator and she back into the hospital.
'Next stop; C-Sec Academy.'
~ o ~ O ~ o ~
Location: Serpent Nebula / Widow System / Citadel / Presidium / C-Sec Academy
"According to the Council, these galaxy-wide attacks are part of a massive and organized invasion plan. The Council called the invaders 'Reapers', the same term once used by a disgraced Commander Shepard to refer to a theoretical enemy."
Shepard couldn't help but snort at the news feed as he stepped out of the lift. 'Not so theoretical now, are they, oh wise and mighty Council?' he thought to himself as he made his way through the Academy and down to the Requisitions Office. The urge to rub that fact in the Council's face, or more specifically Sparatus', had been overwhelming. But knowing that it wouldn't get him anywhere with the galaxy at stake, he'd checked the craving in favour of making steps forward in order to stop the Reapers.
Without looking up the Req. Officer greeted him. "Yes?"
"I need equipment," Shepard informed the turian.
The tan-coloured officer rose from his seat. "Right this way, Commander." Crossing the room, the Turian entered a code on a holographic panel. A door opened beside him and he stepped inside, Shepard trailing after.
The room was exactly as the human remembered it; guns lining the walls, all of them looking as advanced and as powerful as ever. Mods, grenades, and explosives completed the arsenal.
"Just pick out whatever you need and I'll note it for the inventory logs."
Shepard went through the racks and picked out an HMWA Assault Rifle, an HMWSG Shotgun, an HMWSR Sniper Rifle, and an HMWP Heavy Pistol and set them on the table.
The Requisitions Officer typed it all in his holopad, "Mods?"
Shepard looked among the weapon mods, noticing a few new pieces since the last time he'd been here. "These the new thermal clip friendlies?"
The turian nodded. "Top of the line."
He'd read about the new weapon mods while he'd been on Earth and had worked out which would be best for him. "I'll take two Extended Barrels, one for the HMWA and HMWSR and a High Calibre Barrel for the HMWSG. Two Magazine Upgrades for the HMWSG and HMWP." His eyes caught sight of a new scope. "Thermal Scope?"
"They've just been released. Much better than the normal Precision Scope. Allows you to see your foe's heat signature through smoke and some light barriers."
'That'll make seeing through Centurion's smoke bombs much easier,' Shepard mused to himself. "What else is new?" He questioned aloud.
"From where you're standing onwards."
He browsed the racks for a few minutes, asking a few questions about a certain mod, before settling on his choice of the newer mods.
"I'll take two Thermal Scopes for the HMWA and HMWSR and a Heavy Barrel for the HMWP."
The Req. Officer typed on his holopad. "Ammo?"
"Incendiary for the HMWA, Armour Piercing for the HMWSR. Cryo for the HMWP and Shredder for the HMWSG. I'll also take an order of High Explosive grenades."
"The quartermaster will begin working on the modifications immediately. They should be done in an hour. Pick up or delivery?"
"Deliver it to the Normandy. Docking Bay D24. My Armoury Chief is Lieutenant Steve Cortez. Make sure they're in a secure case; don't want any of my crew to set off the security protocols."
"Considered it done, Commander."
"Thanks."
With a final nod of his head, Shepard left to room, heading once more for the elevators.
~ o ~ O ~ o ~
Location: Serpent Nebula / Widow System / Citadel / Presidium / Presidium Docks - Bay D24
Half an hour later found Shepard in the Passenger Lounge wrapping up a meeting/briefing with Alliance News Network reporter Diana Allers after she'd flagged him down when he'd been heading back to the Normandy. "Any questions?"
"How much gear can I bring?" Allers questioned.
"One footlocker. We'll be leaving at first light, so make sure you're aboard and settled in before then."
"Aye, aye, Commander," the reporter snapped to attention, which he returned, before she turned and sashayed away from him.
'I must have a reporter magnet strapped to me,' he thought to himself as he boarded the Normandy, shaking his head as he recalled the meeting he'd had with Kalisah Bint Sinan al-Jilani just before he'd met with the Council. 'Though, that said, I never thought I'd see the day that Kalisah al-Jilani would be friendly towards someone's she's been agitating since she first met him. I guess war does really bring everyone together.'
"Hey Commander," Joker greeted his CO, swinging his chair around as Shepard stepped into the bridge behind him. "You know, I had my doubts about the Council. But after years of ignoring your warnings, they're finally willing to step up to the plate and say they just can't help."
"You're surprised?" the N7 marine returned. His frustration about everything that had happened, which had been stewing in the back of his mind since he'd left the Council Chambers, finally boiled over. "They've never put stock in a single thing I've brought to them. Why would they suddenly start now by saying 'Sure, Shepard we'll give you all the resources you need, wrapped up in a nice little parcel? You can go save your planet now.'" Shepard began to pace. "And while they sit on their asses bickering as to what part of the galaxy they save, our homeworld is burning."
The Normandy's helmsman watched his commander pace with a sympathetic expression. The paragon soldier rarely, if ever, lost his cool with his crew. And it was a clear indication as to just how much he'd been affected by everything that had happened in the past few hours.
Letting out a heavy sigh, Shepard ran a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry, Joker. It's just with Earth… and now Ash…"
Joker waved it off. "It's fine, Commander. You wouldn't be human if you didn't vent every now and then."
"Still…"
"Did they at least validate our parking this time?" Joker suddenly asked, causing Shepard to stop in his tracks at the unexpected comment. "'Cause it costs a lot to dock here when it's out of our own pocket."
The beginnings of a smile began to grace the soldier's features at the left field comment, recognising what the aptly named pilot was trying to do. "Thanks, Joker."
"No problems, Commander. All part of the service."
With a full smile on his face, Shepard turned his attention elsewhere. "EDI?"
"Yes, Commander?" the unshackled AI responded.
"What's the Normandy's status regarding supplies?"
"The supplies you requisitioned are due to arrive in half an hour. Once aboard, the ship will be fully stocked with all necessary provisions," EDI reported back.
"Good. Can you send a message to all crewmembers still on the Citadel that the Normandy will be leaving at 0700 sharp tomorrow morning and if they're not aboard by then that they'll get left behind-" Joker snorted and Shepard turned to look at him. "Something to add, Joker?"
"To your message, no. But don't you think the whole 'I'm-threatening-to-leave-you-behind-but-I-really-won't-'cause-I'm-too-nice' routine is getting a little old? You've been doing it for what, three years now? And you've never left a man behind."
"Who's to say I won't start following though?"
"Bet you a hundred credits that you don't."
Shepard narrowed his eyes, "Bet you two that I do."
"Messages away, Commander," EDI announced, breaking the two men from their staring contest.
"Has Adams had any luck catching Jasper?" The Normandy's CO questioned as he turned on his heel and left the cockpit, making his way through the CIC.
"Not as yet."
"Then tell him that I'm on my way and that I've just got to grab some 'incentive' to lure him out from my quarters first," Shepard instructed as he entered the elevator and selected his destination.
"Message away."
"Then that's all for now. Thanks, EDI."
"Logging you out, Shepard."
~ o ~ O ~ o ~
"Just… promise me you'll be careful?" Oriana Lawson pleaded to her big sister via Shepard's personal terminal.
"I'm just as equally worried about you," Miranda responded. "I understand that you want to help the refugees however you can, but the colonies are easily isolated. If the Reapers were to attack—"
"It's the right thing to do, sis."
"I understand that and I'm proud of you for it, but now you have to understand my worry as well. The danger is equally real for you."
In the background, Miranda heard the door to Shepard's cabin swoosh open. "Ah. He's returned," Miranda stated before swivelling in her seat to lock gazes with the now stock still man.
He was still sporting the goatee and moustache that he'd grown during the suicide mission, but now he also bore a chin curtain that framed his handsome features.
"Miranda," he breathed out at last as his eyes drank in the sight of her as she rose from the chair.
She looked exactly the same as she had the last time he'd seen her; when they'd said their good-byes prior to him handing himself over to the Alliance. Same flawless heart-shaped face. Same beautiful, piercing, blue eyes. Same intelligent, confident appearance.
God, how he'd missed her. He hadn't realised just how much until that moment as he reached for her.
"Uh guys? Don't mean to break up the reunion, but I'm still here," Oriana spoke up, breaking the couple apart.
"Sorry, Ori," Miranda apologised as she turned back to terminal and Shepard trailed after her.
"I'm glad to see that you're okay, X," the younger Lawson greeted her sister's paramour.
"Likewise. Settled into your new home?"
"I was. But with the Reapers arriving, I've decided to help the refugees."
"A noble thing to do," Shepard voiced his approval. "But-"
"-Be careful." Oriana finished for him, wryly smiling at the two; they really were alike when it came to concern for those they cared about. "'Randa was just saying the same thing."
"She's right to be worried. The Reapers and their ground forces shouldn't be underestimated." 'Or Cerberus, for that matter,' he finished grimly in his mind.
"I'll be careful," Oriana assured the pair.
"Promise?"
"Promise."
"Then I promise to be careful too then, Ori. And contact me the moment you even sense something is wrong."
"I will. Bye sis," Oriana said.
"Bye, Ori," Miranda returned and while her voice sounded strong, Shepard saw that her demeanour was anything but. After the call was disconnected, she took a deep breath before turning away from the monitor.
"You okay?"
"As well as to be expected, I suppose."
"She'll be okay."
She gave him a fleeting smile before turning away from him and making her way further into the room. It was only now, as she sashayed away from him, that he took notice of what she was wearing. "Are you—?" he started to ask.
"No, of course not," she answered, turning back to face him, cutting him off. "However, it did suit my need for a disguise to get aboard."
Now Shepard frowned. "That's all it took?" he questioned.
"Well, that and EDI's endorsement. I simply identified myself as the executive officer that the Alliance had assigned to you and she collaborated with my story. Something about you having to meet with Alliance officials on the Citadel?"
"I was stripped of rank when I returned to Earth." He explained.
Miranda snorted. "I'm surprised that they didn't court-martial you. The Alliance isn't exactly known for its flexibility."
"They tried. Anderson and Hackett kept them off my back. Anderson also reinstated me just prior to us fleeing Earth, but with the comm buoys down, the order didn't reach the Citadel. That's why I had to meet with the brass here; to clear things up."
"And why you're docked here instead of in the Alliance's assigned docks. You had to use your Spectre status."
Shepard nodded. "With Ash critically injured, we couldn't wait for a commercial dock." He told her before addressing EDI. "Well played, EDI." He praised the AI. "Using my meeting to Miranda's advantage."
"Thank you, Commander."
"And since our escape was hasty, only a skeleton crew was aboard, meaning I am indeed lacking an executive officer."
Miranda raised one sculpted eyebrow at him. "And did you have any candidates in mind?"
"Nope."
"Do you mind if I resumed my duties, then, Commander?"
"Not in the least," Shepard answered immediately.
"Excellent," she said in an imperious tone, though her amused smile showed that she wasn't serious. She made a show of looking around his cabin. "Though I understand that Dr T'Soni has taken up residence in my old office."
"Yeah, along with all of her equipment," he replied as he rubbed the back of his neck. 'Which she's in the process of installing onto the Normandy as we speak. And I said that I'd help,' he silently reminded himself.
"I suppose that means I'll have to find alternative quarters then, won't I?" Miranda replied, snapping his attention back to her as she walked the length of his cabin with an almost predatory slowness, taking the space in and assessing it, before easing herself down onto the edge of his bed. Leaning back on her hands and crossing her legs again, she said, "I believe this will do nicely."
"Room enough for two," Shepard reminded as he settled on the bed beside her.
"Mmmhmmm," she hummed in agreement as he raised his hands to frame her face and draw her in for a kiss.
After six months apart, the ardour between them grew quickly. Shepard soon found himself bare-chested and on his back with his partner straddling him, pinning him to the mattress.
"Uh, Commander?" Traynor's voice crackled over the comm, interrupting the couple before they could progress any further.
"What's…?" Shepard started to question, before stopping to clear his throat, trying to rid his voice of its huskiness whilst his hands stilled Miranda's as they skated tantalisingly up and down the fly of his pants. "What's up, Traynor?"
"I'm sorry about bothering you, but Admiral Hackett's just contacted us. He's asked to speak with you as soon as possible."
Shepard let out a sigh. "Tell him I'm on my way."
"Aye, aye, Commander," the communications specialist replied before signing out.
"Sorry about this," Shepard apologised as he released Miranda's hands and she rolled off of him.
"It's to be expected," she replied as she watched him rise from the bed. "You are the Normandy's CO, after all."
"Still, not exactly fair towards us after six months apart," he responded as he searched for his discarded shirt.
"I'm sure you'll make up for it," she purred, before presenting the garment he was seeking. "Looking for this?"
Shepard chuckled as he rose from the floor, but as he made a move to take it from her she put it in her lap, forcing him to step closer in order to retrieve it. The move allowed her to steal a kiss.
"Mmmm, without a doubt," he assured her after they'd parted. "Have you had a chance to tour the ship?" he questioned, back to business as he pulled his shirt over his head.
"No. I wanted to see you first, so I came straight here to wait once I was aboard."
"Well, then, I guess I better do the honours," he overdramatised the importance of the act, like Miranda hadn't served on the ship for the six months that it had taken them to take the Collectors down. And the hectic three months after where they had aided Liara on bringing down the Shadow Broker. And, of course, the events of Aratoht and the Bahak system.
"I'm sure that the Alliance hasn't changed the Normandy all that much from its days as a Cerberus vessel," she responded, calling him out on his bullshit, rolling her eyes at his behaviour.
"Only a few major changes, like putting the Armoury back on Deck 5 and the War Room on Deck 2," he informed her with a wry grin. "But I thought it'd be a good opportunity to introduce you to the crew and squad before we leave the Citadel. Well, to those of the aforementioned groups that don't know you, at any rate," he amended.
Miranda conceded to his wisdom. "I'll meet you in the CIC after you finish your meeting with Hackett," she informed him as she turned away from him, picked up an overnight bag and went into the bathroom to change into her usual attire. She really did despise Alliance uniforms.
"As you wish," Shepard responded as he made his way out of his quarters and into the elevator and keyed in his destination.
"EDI?" he called out as the car began its descent to the CIC.
"Yes, Shepard?" the AI answered.
"Can you update the crew roster and make sure that Miranda has the appropriate access to the ship?"
"Certainly."
"And can you also tell Adams that I've been delayed and I'll get down there as soon as I'm free."
"Message away. Will that be all?"
"For now."
"Logging you out, Shepard," EDI chimed as the elevator came to a stop and Shepard strode out, turning towards the door on his right.
~ o ~ O ~ o ~
"Commander," Hackett's holographic image greeted Shepard as he stepped into the Normandy's comm room.
"Admiral," the Spectre returned the greeting. "I assume that Udina's filled you in on the happenings of my meeting with the Council?"
Hackett nodded his head. "Sounds like they're running scared."
"I can't say that I blame them; we did present them with a lot of unknowns. If the situation was reversed I know I'd feel the same; threatened and wanting immediate solutions. Not theories."
"Unfortunately, theories are all we've got to go on right now."
"Agreed."
"What's your plan?"
"I'm trying to get the turian primarch for a summit meeting with the asari and salarians. I intend to bypass the Council and appeal directly to the leadership of each race for their aid."
Hackett nodded his head in approval. "That's good, I like it. This is where we start to lay the groundwork for our counterattack."
"We don't have a whole lot to back it up right now, though."
"Then build alliances. Gather everything and everyone that you can for the cause."
"And what about the Prothean device?"
"Find me people who can help build it. And if you can't, I'll take ships, soldiers, supplies. Whatever you can get. We need to keep hitting the Reapers across every theatre of war that they open. Buy us time to figure out the device."
"And when it's finished?"
"Assuming it ever is, we pool all our resources. Think of it as a giant armada for delivering the device when the Reapers are at their most vulnerable. The stronger you can make that armada, the better its chance will be at punching through."
Shepard nodded his, understanding what Hackett was asking him to do. But his mind still lingered on his homeworld and the crisis it and its people were facing now. "What about Earth, sir?" he questioned sombrely.
"We'll just have to hope that Anderson – and what's left of the Alliance forces – can hold out until we've dealt with the enemy."
"I understand."
"Good. But before you head to Palaven, there are a couple of situations I want you to investigate. The first is on Eden Prime. A Prothean artifact was recently uncovered there by our scientists. We're not entirely sure what is, but it was enough to get Cerberus' attention. They attacked the colony over a week ago, and are currently still in occupation. I need you to infiltrate the colony and recover the artifact."
"What's the status of the colonists?"
"Unknown. Cerberus stopped all communications to and from the colony just before they arrived."
"Can you send me any intel that you have about the sitrep before the blackout? Liara might be able to dig up some more info before we get there."
"I'll have one of my technicians get it to you ASAP."
"Thank you, sir. And the second?"
"There's a Cerberus base on Sanctum that I want you to infiltrate, but I'll brief you about the sitrep and mission parameters once you're inbound."
"Understood, sir."
"Make it happen, Commander. I expect regular reports and updates on your progress. Hackett out." The holo flickered out as Shepard turned away from the comm and left the small room.
"EDI?" he called out to the AI as he crossed the War Room.
"Yes, Shepard?" she responded.
"Hackett's about to send me an e-mail with intel about the situation on Eden Prime. Can you download it onto a datapad for me, please? I've got to go see Liara."
There was no response from EDI for a few moments, then, "Task complete. The datapad is near your private terminal in the CIC."
"Thanks, EDI." Shepard paused as the bio-scanner ran over him and confirmed his identity before he stepped back into the CIC. "That's all for now."
"Logging you out, Shepard."
Grabbing the datapad from its perch, Shepard nodded his head in greeting to Traynor before turning on his heel and heading to the elevator.
~ o ~ O ~ o ~
"Hey, Loco," Vega greeted his CO as Shepard made his way through the mess hall.
"James," the Spectre nodded his head in return greeting as he watched the younger marine stop in front of the Broker's many data monitors. "You're back. And Liara's put you to work, I see."
"Yeah. Just trying to stay busy until we get going. Esteban said to tell you that he found the armour you were after, but it's not going to be delivered to the Normandy until morning. Something about needing to find all the components."
"Thanks for that. So, you still want to head back to Earth?" Shepard probed, curious about the lieutenant's change of heart.
"Hell yeah! But I get what you've been saying; it's not where I'd be most useful. Not yet, anyway. And we can't win this thing without help either, so I just wanted you to know that I'm with you. Whatever it takes to get us back home, I'll do, sir." Vega snapped to attention.
Shepard returned the salute. "I'm glad to hear it. From what I've seen of you, you're a good soldier and will be a valuable asset to the squad."
"Thanks, Commander. Coming from you, that means a lot."
Shepard nodded his head at the remaining computer screens as Vega picked one up. "This all that's left?"
"Yeah. Rainbows and Doc pretty much had it all in hand when I offered to help."
Upon hearing Vega's nickname for Feron, Shepard just shook his head as he tucked the datapad he was holding into his pants before bending to retrieve the last screen and trailed after the younger marine. "What is it with you and the nicknames?" he asked as the two men made their way into Liara's quarters.
Vega shrugged. "It's just my way of remembering people. Some people don't suit their names, so I just give 'em a new one."
"And I'm a 'Loco'?" the ebony-haired soldier questioned, unsure of how to take his new moniker.
"Yeah. I mean, I'm pretty crazy. But the shit you've done? Makes me look sane."
Shepard shook his head again. "So long as you remember who's in charge, I suppose you can call me whatever you like."
"Oh, I won't forget, Loco."
"I'm sure you won't," he drawled back as the two humans entered Liara's quarters. "Hey Feron," Shepard greeted the drell as he passed him.
"Commander," the multi-coloured alien returned, turning away from the hardware that he'd just finished installing as Shepard clicked his screen into place on the monitor wall before stepping back to allow James to do the same.
"You're looking much better than you did the last time I saw you," Shepard commented as he offered his hand to the information broker.
"I've had time to rest and recuperate," Feron responded as he shook it. "But now I'm itching to get back out there and do my part for the war effort."
Out of the corner of his eye Shepard saw Liara pause in her tasks to look at the drell, a worried expression etched on her features. But her attention soon returned to her terminal as her VI assistant, Glyph, reported something to her.
"Where are you headed?"
"The Terminus. Liara's put me in charge of operations there." The drell suddenly grinned. "Can't wait to see Tazzik's face when the Broker gives him the news."
"Tazzik?"
"Salarian. Huge for his race. He's also the Broker's best hit-man. It was him we had to go through, as well as the Collectors, to retrieve your body from Alingon two years ago. He's also the one who captured me after Liara escaped and brought me to Hagalaz."
"An interesting reunion is afoot, in other words."
The drell just chuckled.
EDI's voice suddenly chimed into the conversation as her avatar appeared beside Feron. "Shepard?
"What's up, EDI?"
"Executive Lawson has asked me to pass along a message to you."
"Oh?"
"Tell him that can he please stay put for a moment." Miranda's voice was heard over the comm.
Shepard chuckled. "She's been trying to meet up with me, I take?"
"And every time she has arrived at one destination, you have since moved on."
The Spectre chuckled again. "Tell her that I'll do as she's asked and that I'm in the old XO's office."
"Message delivered."
"Thanks, EDI."
"Logging you out, Shepard."
"Miranda's here?" Liara questioned, looking up from her terminal.
Shepard looked to the asari. "Yeah, she came aboard while we were speaking with the Council. But something tells me that you already knew that."
Liara only smiled in response.
"And on that note, I should get going," Feron spoke up as he pushed off the wall he'd been leaning against. "Good luck out there, Shepard. Stay safe."
"No promises there." Shepard clasped the drell's hand again. "Trouble tends to find me pretty easily."
"So long as it's you and not me, I'll be happy," Feron jested before looking at Liara.
"Be careful, Feron," she implored
"I will. Don't worry," he assured her. "Thanks for the help, Vega."
"Any time, Rainbows," the marine replied as Feron turned and left the room, the doors swooshing open as the drell parted and Shepard's paramour entered.
"Feron." – "Miranda."
"Sorry," Shepard apologised to her when she looked at him. "Hackett gave me some intel that I needed to get to Liara."
"It's fine," she reassured him before looking to the aforementioned Asari. "Good to see you again, Liara."
"Likewise, Miranda," the Shadow Broker returned before fixing her gaze on Shepard. "Intel?"
"I'll get to that in a minute," Shepard raised a hand to placate her before gesturing for Vega, who was leaning against the wall behind his CO, to step forward into Miranda's view. "Miranda, I'd like you to meet Lieutenant Commander James Vega." The Spectre inclined his head towards the burly soldier who nodded his head in greeting. "James, meet Miranda Lawson. She was a member of the squad that helped me take down the Collectors last year." Shepard informed the younger marine, pointedly leaving out Miranda's history with Cerberus. As far as he was concerned, and the former loyalist was no doubt likeminded, that little tidbit was on a need-to-know basis. "You also need to know that, as of now, Miranda's my XO."
"Nice to meet you, Lieutenant." Miranda greeted the marine.
"Likewise, ma'am," Vega snapped to attention as his superior advised him of the new chain of command. Miranda followed suit. When he relaxed, Vega looked back to Shepard. "What's our next step? From what Doc's told me, the meeting with the Council didn't go so well."
"That, James, would be the understatement of the millennia," Shepard dryly responded. "They've finally accepted that the Reapers are real, but won't lift a finger to help us take back Earth. Not unless we scratch their backs first."
"Typical Council attitude," Miranda spoke up. "But they must have given you something to get the ball rolling."
"Sparatus did, ironically enough," Shepard informed them as he sat down in one of the chairs that littered the Liara's office. "After the meeting with the Council, Sparatus approached me in Udina's office. According to him, Primarch Fedorian called a War Summit with the other Council races just prior to the Reapers arrival, but Sparatus lost contact with Fedorian when Palaven was hit. He's asked that we head to Menae to extract the Primarch to get the Summit meetings under way. And the way I see it, if the Council won't help us, then we need to take our request for aid straight to the leaders of the races, all of whom-"
"-will be attending the Summit." Liara finished for him.
"And the Normandy could easily facilitate them, as well as provide neutral ground for the meeting to take place on," Miranda continued, the two women catching onto his train of thought. "It's brilliant when you think about it, really."
Shepard shrugged. "I've been known to have my moments."
The warm smile Miranda sent his way informed him that such ideas were far more than a few.
"Never been to the turian homeworld," James commented. "Gotta say that I'm looking forward to it."
"Hold your horses for a sec there, Lieutenant." Shepard chuckled a little at the younger man's enthusiasm. "Hackett's asked us to look into a couple things first. The foremost of which is," the Spectre now offered the datapad to Liara, who had since turned to face her teammates when their impromptu briefing had begun.
The asari took it and scanned its contents before meeting his eyes. "Eden Prime," she finished for him.
"Mmmhmmm," Shepard hummed in agreement before turning to Miranda. "I'm assuming that EDI's brought you up to speed?" he queried.
She nodded, "About the events on Mars and the Prothean device, yes."
"Good," he responded before he reiterated what Hackett had told him to his squad.
When his explanations were finished he turned to Liara. "I was hoping you could dig up some more intel about the artifact, if it'll help Alliance R&D with the device, as well as finding out just what kind of SNAFU we're walking into."
"Not FUBAR?" James queried.
"I only get FUBAR on a good day, James. Most of the situations I walk into are way past that by the time I get there."
"I can attest to that," Miranda chimed in.
"Seconded," Liara added.
"No faith," Shepard faux-crossly muttered just loud enough for his companions to hear, earning the women's laughter.
"And worst case scenario?" James asked when the laughter had petered out.
His CO looked at him. "D'you really have to ask?"
"TARFU?"
"Bullseye."
Shepard turned to Liara, but before he could open his mouth, she was speaking, "Before you ask, Shepard; yes, I do know what was just said."
Shepard grinned. "Our little asari's all grown up." Liara rolled her eyes before turning back to her terminal to start digging for information. "And on that note, we'll get out of your hair."
As the three humans began filing out of Liara's quarters, the former archaeologist called out to Shepard. "I meant to ask before; what's the word on Ashley?"
"Just a sec. You heading back down to the armoury, James?" Shepard questioned the younger man as he strode ahead of the Spectre.
"Yeah. Esteban needs help squaring away the new equipment you got for us."
"Can you tell Cortez that the C-Sec Req. Office is going to make a delivery of a locked weapon's crate sometime this afternoon and that I'll attend to it in the morning."
"Got it, Loco. See you later."
"See you."
The Spectre turned back to look at the asari and Miranda also paused outside the doorway to listen in. "She's stable. Chakwas and Dr. Michel think she'll make a full recovery."
The asari maiden smiled with relief, shaking her head slightly. "I'm not surprised. If anyone could get better on will alone, it's Ash."
"No arguments from me there. Let me know when you've got something." Shepard replied before turning away. "In the meantime, I've got a wanted fugitive to catch.
"Fugitive?" Miranda queried as she fell into step with him as he made his way back to the elevator.
"Jasper. He got out of his cage while we were traveling to the Citadel and has since taken up residence in Engineering. I want to get him out of there before he causes any damage."
"Happy hunting."
"Thanks," he replied as he entered the lift and hit the button for the Captain's Quarters to retrieve the forgotten bag of seed. "EDI, tell Adams that I'm on my way. For real this time."
~ o ~ O ~ o ~
Arriving down in Engineering's lower deck, Shepard saw that Adams had recruited Ken and Gabby to help him.
"All right, where is he?"
~ o ~ O ~ o ~
Forty-five minutes later found a dishevelled and somewhat dusty Shepard returning to his quarters with an equally filthy lab rat in his possession.
"I should have called you Houdini," the human muttered in mock ire to his pet.
Even with the bag of seed, Jasper had given Shepard quite a run for his money, appearing and disappearing on a whim - clearly pleased with himself - throughout Engineering's lower deck before the marine had eventually cornered the rodent.
Approaching his office, Shepard placed the rat back in his cage, making sure that the lid was secure this time before he turned away and began shucking out of his dirty clothes. He'd have to look into getting a new cage for Jasper, preferably a larger one where the intelligent critter wouldn't get bored, before the Normandy left the Citadel.
'Which means an early rise for me in the morning. Hope Miranda doesn't mind the early wake up call.'
Once he was stripped off, Shepard dumped his clothes in the hamper and headed into the bathroom to take a shower, grabbing his shampoo as he turned on the water. Before long he was rinsing the shampoo from his locks, before blindly reaching out for his conditioner and squeezing a dollop of it onto his hand. But the moment it hit his palm, he could tell that something was off. Washing the suds from his eyes he saw that the bottle he was holding was not his, but Miranda's. Setting the pink container back by its twin before grabbing his own for real, he couldn't put into words how right it felt to see Miranda's things mingled with his own.
'This place really is home now,' he thought warmly as he slicked conditioner through his hair. 'Surrounded by friends and family. And that's something that is definitely worth fighting to the bitter end for.' After that, it didn't take long for him to finish up, brushing his teeth and washing his body in short order before rinsing his hair. Shutting off the water, he grabbed a towel and began to dry off as he made his way back into the main part of his room to fetch a change of clothes.
It was while he was fishing around in his drawers for a pair for briefs that the door to his quarters whooshed open, and the familiar click, click, click of Miranda's heels was heard as she entered, only for her to stop when she caught sight of his semi-naked form.
"See something you like?" he queried over his shoulder as he pulled on a pair of navy tracksuit pants and a singlet before turning to face her. The sultry smile that her lips curved into as well as the way her eyes were greedily raking over him, openly ogling his freshly cleaned form, gave the Spectre his answer.
Truth be told, Miranda hadn't expected Shepard to be back this soon.
Though she wasn't overly fond of him, she knew Jasper could be quite wily when he wanted to be, and she'd been counting on the rodent to keep the Spectre preoccupied until she'd returned. She'd brought a tray laden with food with her - their dinner - with the intention for them to have the night in.
"I thought we could eat here tonight," she told him softly as she came down the stairs, passing him as she headed towards the couch.
"A woman after my own heart," Shepard grinned as he trailed after her.
After the chaos of the past six hours, a night in with Miranda sounded absolutely heavenly to the Spectre. A chance to for him to relax and unwind with the woman that he loved. To cast the worries, doubts and stress from his shoulders for a time and just be Xavier the man instead of Shepard the saviour.
'Just what the doctor ordered,' he thought to himself as he settled onto the couch, Miranda nestling against him a moment later and he rested an arm around her waist as they began to pick at their food whilst softly conversing in between mouthfuls.
~ o ~ O ~ o ~
Author's Notes:
Ideas and a few exerts taken from Sharrukin's Memoirs series. Used with permission.
Ideas and a few exerts taken from LuxDragon's Fight for the Lost, Legacy of the Shadow Broker, Zero Hour and End of an Era. Used with permission.