Disclaimer: Mass Effect doesn't belong to me, nor do I intend to profit from this work of fiction.
"Commander Shepard and I maintained a professional relationship on board the Normandy," Kaidan lied between his teeth at the military tribunal being held nine months after her death. Despite the fact that she was gone, he didn't want anymore smears on her reputation, not to mention his own. He still had his career to be concerned about.
"Lieutenant Commander Alenko, need we remind you that lying under oath is grounds for court-marshal?"
Kaidan bit back a low growl, and instead gave the prosecutor a bored look, "Of course not. However, questioning me about events that never happened is a waste of my time and yours. Has any of the crew complained that we behaved inappropriately?" he snapped at the younger man, using the tone he used on his students when they were out of line. "I will not sit here and let this whitewash of Shepard's character continue. She was a damned hero, and deserves better than to have her every action dissected by a group of bureaucrats that weren't there!"
The prosecutor lost his composure and just stuttered under the full brunt of Kaidan's steely gaze. Admiral Hackett, who was begrudgingly on the committee, stood, "Thank you, Commander Alenko. You're dismissed."
Kaidan stood and gave a salute before turning on his heel to stalk out of the room. He nodded at Joker, who was sitting on a bench just outside. He looked terrible.
"Alenko," Joker said by way of greeting. "Good to see you."
"Yeah, you too, Joker," he said softly, and sat next to the pilot. "I heard they grounded you. Sorry for that. The Alliance needs you." Kaidan lapsed into awkward silence. While he didn't strictly blame the pilot for Shepard's death, he was certainly aware that it was a direct result of his actions.
"They tried to make me admit that you and Shepard were bumping uglies," Joker muttered out the side of his lips. "I denied everything. Shepard deserves better than this shit!" Joker ground out, showing his unstable temper. Kaidan could instantly see why he'd been grounded.
"Where did they come up with the-" Kaidan was cut off by a snort and a sharp gesture of Joker's hand.
"You weren't as discreet as you thought you were. The whole crew knew. But none of us would have said a word. Probably a rumor started on the Citadel by a civilian," Joker rolled his eyes, and carefully got to his feet, leaning heavily on his crutches. "You look good, Kaidan. Better than you have."
Kaidan nodded, and frowned slightly, "Take care of yourself, Joker. Shepard wouldn't like seeing you like this."
Joker shook his head, "I know, but they grounded me. Took away the only thing that means a damn to me. I'm taking an extended leave of absence. I have a few offers to fly freighters. Keeps me busy." He gave a slight shrug.
Kaidan got to his feet, slowly meandered with Joker as he hobbled along, "The brass just cleared me to go back in the field. I'll be installing planetary defense canons for some of the colonies in the terminus systems. But you can get in touch if you need me."
Joker jerked his head, "Heard the Council was making noises about you being a Spectre candidate."
Kaidan rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably, "Yeah, I don't know if that's job I would want to have though. Spectres tend to end up dead or swept under the carpet when it's convenient for the Council."
Joker snorted, but stayed silent.
"Anyway, I have work to do, so I should go. Seriously, Joker, take care of yourself."
"Thanks, you too."