Author's Note: First off, I apologize for how short this chapter is.

Now… As we near the heart of the story, the harder I have to work. I love how well this story is going. Everything seems to be forming perfectly. So anyway, Now that I don't have any more chapters in storage I'll be writing them on a day-to-day basis. Expect an update… every week or so.

Anyway… keep being awesome!

Chapter 8

Sean fiddled around on the extranet, coping with his boredom. He hadn't really been assigned a job yet on the ship, so the times between shore leaves were tedious.

His computer let out a beep as a message popped up on his screen. Sean quickly opened it. He saw it was from Kate and his heart plummeted once again. Feeling discouraged he turned away from the computer and flopped back down on his cot.

"Mr. Mason?" An electronic voice chimed as EDI appeared on a pedestal by the door.

"Yea?" Sean grumbled as he looked up from his cot.

"Mr. Taylor would like to speak with you in the armory. He asks you bring your weapons." EDI said.

"Alright. I'll head up there." Sean said slowly sitting up.

Jacob was quietly working on his terminal as Sean entered.

"You called?" Sean asked as he stepped into the armory.

"Yes." Jacob said sternly, slowly turning around, "I need to update your weapons."

"Wait what?" Sean said taken back.

"I need to update your weapons. Shepard found some useful upgrades. Her orders. All of our guns get updated." Jacob said.

"Wow, I guess an order's an order." Sean said removing the Mattock from his back.

"And your pistol." Jacob said pointing to Sean's holster.

"You're not touching this." Sean said placing his hand on the butt of the gun. "No one, but me, touches this."

"Fine." Jacob said taking the Mattock and placing it on one of the tables. The tensions began to rise in the room as Sean closely watched Jacob work on the Mattock.

Ten long minutes later, Jacob finished the updates to the rifle and returned it to Sean.

"There." Jacob harshly said before returning to his terminal.

"Thanks." Sean sarcastically said back. Sean examined the rifle himself before folding it up onto his back.

Sean returned to his room and gingerly placed his weapons back in their respective spots. He looked over to his computer and stared at the flickering warning of a new message. He tried to force himself to look away, but curiosity got the better of him. He quickly found his seat and opened up the mail.

Dear Sean,

I need to talk again. Just, try to listen to me. I have something important to tell you.

Kate

Sean paused after reading the message. It was extremely cryptic and he couldn't manage to put the words together. Another message appeared on his screen, pulling Sean away from the topic. Sean opened up the message and read it.

Dear Mr. Mason

This is Katherine's neighbor. Last night she came to see me about something she said was 'extremely important'. She said she didn't have much longer and she asked me to contact you warn you.

I have no idea what this means, but I have brought C Sec in on this because I believe her life is in danger.

Please contact me.

Jennifer H.

What the hell? Sean thought. Almost like the extranet read his mind a call appeared on his screen. Sean opened it and a turian appeared on the screen.

"Mr. Mason?" he asked

"Y- yes." Sean said deeply confused by the messages.

"I am Detective Trank of C Sec, I currently at the apartment of one, Katherine Bakers. She has listed you as a emergency contact." He said sternly.

"What's going on?" Sean said, his heart leaping up and into his throat.

"Sir you need to calm down." Trank snapped.

"Calm down! What's wrong with Kate?" Sean cried, unable to hold his emotions back.

Giving up, Trank said sighing, "It appears your friend has been kidnapped."

"Kidnapped! Good God! How?"

"We are currently unsure. But Mr. Mason we need you to return to the Citadel as soon as you can. We have no leads and we believe you can help us in this investigation."

"Yes, yes I'll head straight over!" Sean said. "Thank you Detective." Sean quickly killed the comm. Link and rushed up to the captain's quarters.

Shepard had just left a long conversation with Garrus and planned to grab a few hours of rest as the Normandy was plotted for Illium. She wearily entered the elevator and keyed in floor one, captain's quarters.

Shepard took a long stretch then flopped down onto her comfortable bed. She closed her eyes, slowly relaxing.

"Commander!" Sean said barging in through the doors.

"Hmm? Wha-" Shepard stuttered as she looked up.

"We need to go back to the Citadel!" Sean ordered.

Groggily sitting up Shepard asked, "And why would I do that?"

"Kate. I. Gone." Sean sputtered trying to search for the proper words.

"Calm down." Shepard said standing up and helping Sean onto the couch. "Take an deep breath and tell me what's wrong."

Sean paused and breathed, trying desperately to calm himself. "I just got a message from a detective on the Citadel. He, he says Kate's been kidnapped."

"Who's Kate?" Shepard asked.

"Kate's my best friend. That's, that's who I met up with on the Citadel. I need you to head back there. Her life might be in danger!" Sean said.

"EDI." Shepard commanded.

"Yes Commander?" EDI said appearing.

"Tell Joker to set a new course back to the Citadel."

"Yes Commander. At once." EDI said disappearing.

She turned back to Sean and said, "We'll get to the bottom of this as soon as we get back. Alright?"

"Yes. Yes, thank you." Sean said hopping up and giving Shepard a hug. Shepard jumped as Sean hugged her but relaxed. "You don't know how much this means to me." Sean said, tears welling up in his eyes.

"Alright. Just try to get some rest. We'll be there in a while." Shepard said peeling herself away from Sean.

Sean slowly exited the cabin and headed back to his room, his head buzzing with questions.