Bioware owns Mass effect, not me. Sexy Kaidan would be dancing everywhere.

To Reviewer ClarkesLaw:

I do not consider any criticism a flame unless it plainly says 'BOO YOU SUCK!' So this is not flame you back but to explain a bit. I understand your concerns with my concept of biotics for this story and I totally agree. I am making them a bit magic-like with the telepathy and everything. It is with purpose. And I also agree with you about the mass effect fields. BUT! This is fanfiction and I've taken a few liberties. This is a story with a certain goal in mind. Future fics with Mass Effect will not be like this (biotic wise).

I appreciate the concern, but I hope you stick with the story to see the turn out though. Thanks for the review!

Die Another Day - Madonna

"You're pregnant?" Kaidan asked slowly.

Garrus had his pistol aimed at Kaidan. He watched Kaidan closely as Shepard stood up out of her seat. He knew that Tali was itching for her shotgun at the moment. He couldn't say anything about Kasumi, but he knew Joker was furious with Alenko. Garrus had a long talk with the pilot privately while he was in the medbay. They now shared a similar protectiveness and love for the Commander, one that was like a sibling.

"I really don't think that's any of your business Commander Alenko," Shepard said slowly, her expression blank as she push Garrus's gun down.

Kaidan gritted his teeth at that. It hurt to be called by not only his rank, but his last name too. "Do you really think you should be on active duty in that condition?" He couldn't say it. If she was pregnant, then that would mean she was with someone. Someone that wasn't him.

"Do you think you could stop me?" She asked.

"Damn it Shepard," He glared at her. She still held her expression as he tried to control his anger. Every time he was with her, she tested his control. "Didn't think you'd be this difficult…"

"It's part of my charm." She said.

"I know I enjoy it." Kasumi answered.

"You haven't known her long enough yet," Tali said to the thief.

Shepard smiled at the banter, but focused back on Kaidan. "I think you should continue with what you were doing." She said.

"I wanted to talk to you." Kaidan said.

"No, you just don't like the fact you aren't privy to all the answers anymore." Garrus said.

"Stay out of this Garrus," Kaidan warned only to have Shepard step into the way as the pistol was aimed toward him around her. She put a hand on Garrus's arm, making him lower the weapon again.

"Shepard, you agreed…" the turian said as he put the gun away.

She didn't look away from Kaidan. "Now Garrus, I don't feel like running to C-Sec to negotiate my XO's release."

"Yeah Garrus, it wasn't in the budget that Wolf gave us." Joker added as he leaned forward on his arm. "I don't think the man needs to pay for the clean up bill and your bail." The Staff Commander's eyes turned to the pilot.

"Joker…I see that your talents aren't going to waste." Kaidan said slowly.

"Well Alenko," Joker raised an eyebrow as his former friend's hand twitched. "Since flying is the only thing I'm good at, I was glad to leave that boring…what was I doing? Oh yeah…nothing." He gave a small sadistic grin. "Plus I am not the one who decided to forget what we original fought for."

"I didn't forget!" The biotic argued in a calm voice.

"You just let everyone else shove it under the carpet while you played errand boy," Tali added supporting Joker.

"That's not –"

"Enough," Shepard command was sharp and crisp. "I think Commander Alenko needs to go." She nodded to something behind Kaidan. He turned to see Jessica walking into the restaurant. "Go on," She said softly. He turned to see Shepard with a sad smile on her face. "Go, your LT is waiting Commander. Don't keep her waiting."

"Shepard…"

She didn't say anything as she turned and sat back down and resumed eating her sushi, this time with much less vigor than before. Garrus glared at Kaidan while the others went back to eating their food too. The biotic knew when he was dismissed. He frowned and was going to say something, but stopped. She told him to go back to Chavis. She knew. Kaidan's shoulders dropped as he turned and walked away. There was no point in talking with her now if the whole crew was against him.

"I see I was right to come find you," Kaidan paused and turned to see the man he threw against the wall the other day. The brown haired man was looking from him to Shepard. He noticed that the group seemed to have relaxed in his presence also.

"Julian," Shepard voice said softly. "You know how I feel about you spying on me."

"It's not spying if you know I'm looking sweetie," Julian answered as he moved forward putting a hand on her tense back. He turned and glanced at Kaidan. "Plus, I received news from Wolf. He has a surprise for you from Earth."

"Earth?" This perked Shepard up.

"Kaidan," Jessica called as she walked up to him, putting her arms around him. "I was wonder where you were this morning." Kaidan glanced at the group to see Julian looking at him, while blocking Shepard by leaning over her chair. "Come on, there is something I want to show you." Chavis said.

"Alright," Kaidan said softly as he followed her out of the restaurant. He glanced back at the group to see Garrus and Joker watching him walking away as Shepard raised a piece of sushi to Julian's lips. The man smirked and took the sushi into his mouth. The brunette's hands were on her shoulders rubbing the tension away as he munched on his snack. It was then he realized he never got an answer to if Shepard was pregnant or not. Sighing, Kaidan turned his head and continued to follow his LT out.

"Well that was interesting," Joker said they walked out of the restaurant. "Remind me to bring a camera next time."

"I should have stolen something from him," Kasumi murmured.

"No stealing," Shepard commented as she stood between Garrus and Julian.

"Can I hack his olfactory filters in his apartment then?" Tali asked.

"You can do that?" Julian asked.

"Don't tempt her," Garrus answered.

Tali smirked. "If you can point a gun, I should be able to hack something."

Shepard rubbed her forehead. "Guys, can you just drop it? It's over…"

The pilot of the Normandy looked over at their commanding officer. She looked worn and tired, like someone beat her down. He knew she had many things on her shoulders, but she always stood tall and confident under the weight. Joker didn't know how, but Shepard knew how to hide the signs when she was guarded. Now that she was surrounded by trusted friends, she let them down and he could see the weight that was pushed on her. She looked older than she did two years ago, much older than she did a few months ago. The situation with Kaidan only made matters worse.

"So, ah…what now?" Joker asked. As he asked, they saw someone get thrown out of a small bar by biotics. He looked into the bar and smirked. "I found Jack."

The tattoo woman marched out of the bar with a wild grin on her face. "This is what I'm talking about!"

"Nice to see you not causing trouble Jack," Shepard said as she crossed her arms.

Jack turned to look at them, immediately noticing the taller human in the group. "Who's the newbie?"

"Julian," He answered as he raised his hand. Jack eyed the hand before grabbing it. She flared as she gripped his hand, sending miniature shocks into his hand. The man's grin just widened as he tightened his grip on her hand, before yanking her close to him. "Sorry to disappoint, but I was trained to withstand biotics by someone much more powerful than you. This is nothing but a bug bite compared to his power."

Jack scowled and was going to amp up her power when Shepard was suddenly there putting a hand on Julian's arm. The convict listened as the Commander spoke in a rapid-fire language. It sounded vaguely like Italian.

"You are no fun regina," Julian said as he pulled his arm away. "I would have been fine."

"That's right I suck the fun out of everything," She said as she turned to Jack. "Enjoy your fight?"

"Hell yea," Jack grinned. "He was just the last of them."

"What did they do?" Tali asked.

"Nothing," She replied with a shrug.

"We should get going," Kasumi said. "Before they decide they want compensation or more people show up."

Shepard nodded as she turned to Julian. Garrus herded everyone away as he saw the look in Shepard's eye. She looked up at the man with soft eyes. "Julian, do you know when my brother will come back?"

"He should be back by tomorrow morning. He said he wants to start retraining you as soon as you deal with Anderson and Hackett." Julian said.

Her lips thinned as she nodded. "I'll send them a message that I want to speak to them in the morning."

Julian cupped her cheek and smiled. "Everything will come full circle Volpe," He said gently.

"No Julian, it won't." She said as she reached up and grabbed his hand. "But thank you for trying to comfort me." Kissing his palm, she let go of his hand and turned to follow her crewmates.

Julian watched as Shepard walked away. His mind went back to when she left the White Lotus the first time. He saw the young brunette walking by herself, disappearing into the the night leaving all those she trusted behind. Her face was stoic but her eyes held determination of doing things herself. This was Madonna Volpe, Fox of the White Lotus. Now, though the stance and posture were the same, her eyes were of a defeated woman who has seen things that no one else has. Volpe was now a broken animal. Julian truly hoped that Wolf can help their favorite girl, if he couldn't….the universe might have to pay for it.

Staring out into the darkness of space, Brian felt a tug on his senses. He mentally followed the tugging and found his sister on the other side. Relief flooded through him. He had thought the bond they once held would be broken because of what happened. He was glad to see after he shifted through her memories it had started to repair itself.

He saw flashes of the Collector's and her crew dying. Brian frowned. She was having nightmares.

"Is everything okay?" Alma's voice asked pulling Brian back to himself. He didn't look at her as he crossed his arms. "It's Shepard isn't it?"

"Nightmares," Brian answered. "She's dreaming she didn't succeed, that the Collectors win."

Alma hummed as she stood up and walked to Brian. "You are going to retrain her aren't you?"

"She is more powerful than me," He answered. "If left unchecked, she could become a danger to everyone. The only reason she hasn't was because of her focus on her mission, but now…"

"She still is focusing on her mission." Alma protested.

"But this is now a political game until the Reapers attack." Brian said. "And she doesn't do politics." The undercover scientist chuckled. "Do you have the warehouse set up?"

"Yep," She said. "It is the same warehouse she tracked Harkins to when she helped her turian XO."

"Good," Brian nodded. He saw the White Lotus scientist shift in the reflection of the window. He raised an eyebrow. "Do you have something to say Alma?"

"Signore," She said slipping in her Italian accent. "About mia regina's former Lieutenant…"

"She knows that Alenko is with Chavis," Brian answered. The woman shook her head and allowed her biotics to flare around her hand. Brian's eyes widened at the implications his espionage scientist and confidant was telling him. "You can't mean…"

"Nothing for sure, but if his relationship with Chavis continues…"

Anderson looked at the time and frowned. Shepard said she would meet with them at nine, it was already five of. He glanced at Hackett to see the man raising an eyebrow at him. With a shrug he turned his eyes to Alenko. The Staff Commander was staring wordlessly at the door. Shepard's message didn't ask for Kaidan to be there, but Anderson figured since he was there for the explanations Garrus gave, he could be here for the rest of it.

Just it turned to nine, the door slid open. Garrus walked in first, just as he did before, armed and alert. Behind him, an Asari dressed in red leather walked in. She barely spared them a glance. Joker grinned as he ambled in effectively leading their eyes to Shepard who was in the doorway glaring at Julian. She pushed him back toward the outer door and said something to him in Italian.

Kaidan twitched as he watched the man blew a kiss to Shepard. She rolled her eyes and walked into the room ignoring him as he said goodbye. He watched as Joker waggled his eyebrows at her as she passed him, only to get pushed into Garrus, who had moved to stand behind Joker. He noticed that Shepard was dressed in casual clothes. She wore a pair of black jeans, looser than the ones she wore at the club, a pair of black slippers and a dark green long sleeve shirt with belled sleeves.

"Sorry for the delay," she said as she stood beside the Asari. "There were some things that needed to be dealt with."

"Such as?" Hackett questioned.

"My health for one," Shepard said in a crisp voice. "Going to the Galactic Core and fighting Collectors isn't exactly a vacation Admiral."

"That's an understatement," Joker murmured earning a slight jar from Garrus.

"Why are Joker and the Asari here?" Anderson asked.

"I am Samara, an Asari Justicar." The blue skinned woman answered.

Shepard crossed her arms. "While Garrus and I led the separate teams during the first phase of our attack, Samara was part of the team that held off the attack while he and I went further into the base. Joker is here because he has collected information from EDI who extracted it from the base while we were there. Not only that but he was able to monitor all of us during the mission."

"EDI?" Kaidan questioned.

"The damned AI in the ship," Joker said. "Cerberus was desperate what can I say?"

"I see…" Anderson murmured, obviously not like that the ship has an AI.

Shepard gave a fake smile to the Councilor. Not that it was ever a problem before, but she didn't get enough sleep last night. With the nightmares rampaging through her mind and the scene at the restaurant haunting her while she pretty much gave up on sleep and ended up doing reports all night. Now she was tired, but she knew if she fell asleep her subconscious would show her what she has been suppressing since she woke up.

"Shall we get onto the questions?" Shepard asked lightly.

Hackett straightened, "Let's start with a report on what happened on the other side of the Omega-4 Relay."

Shepard nodded and glanced at Joker. The man huffed out a loud sigh before he began to tell them how the crew was kidnapped and how EDI helped him purge the Collectors from the ship. He continued all the way until the ground teams disembarked onto the base. Once he was done, Garrus picked it up explaining on his end what happened as they got to their rendezvous point. When he was done, Shepard finally took up the story.

Kaidan noticed she had a slight glazed look in her eye. She spoke in a calm, stoic voice that implied that she wasn't really paying attention to what she was saying. No, she was reliving going through the Collector Base in her mind. Minor details in the structure were sprouted up as she gave a detail dealing with the drones and the Harbinger that took over some of them. When she got to part when they found the pods she paused.

Garrus and Samara were quick to fill in the silence that Shepard left behind. Her fists clenched as she listened to them retell the three humans of what happened. She was too slow to save Yeoman Chambers…too slow to save so many more. The colonists and members of her crew suffer because of it. Shepard grinded her teeth in agitation. Joker was at her side suddenly, his presence bringing her back from the dark thoughts. He tossed a slight smile to her as the two other teammates finished.

"What were they doing?" Hackett voice rumbled thickly.

"Making material for their pet project," She said, her voice cracking slightly.

"Genetic material?" Anderson questioned earning a nod. "What were they building?"

Shepard stared blankly at the desk before turning her darkened eyes on Anderson. He flinched at the blankness in the violet depths. "They were processing the colonists in order to make a human reaper."

After a bit of silence, Kaidan spoke so softly that if Shepard wasn't who she was she might have missed it. "What?"

Samara laid a hand on Shepard arm before she could talk. She explained what Shepard decided to do as she took Garrus and Tali further into the base. The asari's report was short and concise. She did not waste time telling them how the hordes of drones tried to swarm them.

By the time Samara was done, Shepard was able to compose herself enough to finish out the tale. She explained how Tali, Garrus, and she defeated the human reaper before setting the charges for the base to explode.

"Yea," Joker interrupted. "Timmy-boy wasn't too happy about that."

"Timmy-boy?" Kaidan raised an eyebrow.

"The Illusive Man pseudonym is TIM, Joker likes to make fun of it." Garrus explain with a chuckle.

"I do what I can," The pilot said with a shrug. "He even called Shepard while she was setting the charges to try to change her mind." He lifted his omni-tool and played the recording he had of the conversation.

'Shepard, you've done the impossible.'

'I'm not finished here yet. This base is ten minutes from extinction.'

Shepard voice was clip and annoyed. They could hear her tinkering with something in the background but since it was only audio, could only speculate that she was arming the bomb.

'Wait, I have a better option.' The Illusive Man said. 'I'm looking at the schematics EDI uploaded. A timed radiation pulse would kill the remaining Collectors, but leave the machinery and technology intact.'

Kaidan's eyes widened as he listened to the man try to sway Shepard into keeping the base. He couldn't possibly think that was going to work! His eyes sought out hers, only to find her with her eyes closed, hands behind her back. Her posture was straight and tense.

'They liquefied people. Turned them into something horrible. We have to destroy the base!' Her voice was angry now.

Garrus shifted closer to Shepard as they listened to the conversation again. He let his hand slip to her lower back. It was a comforting gesture he knew she appreciated. He watched her roll her shoulder before opening her eyes a bit to stare at the floor.

'No matter what kind of technology we might find, it's not worth it.'

'Shepard, you died fighting for what you believed. I brought you back so you could keep fighting.' The Illusive Man said. 'Some would say what we did you was going too far, but looked at what you've accomplished. I didn't discard you because I knew your value. Don't be so quick to discard this facility. Think of the potential!'

'We'll fight and win without it. I won't let fear compromise who I am!' She growled at the man.

'Shepard! Think about what is at stake. About what everything Cerberuss has done for you. You-'

'Was he still talking? Sorry, my finger slipped.' Garrus's voice said.

'Here Shepard,' Tali's voice said. There were some more sounds of tinkering before Shepard spoke again.

'Let's move. We've got ten minutes before the reactor overloads and blows this whole station apart. And personally, I would like to see the fireworks from a safe distance rather than be apart of them.'

Joker cut off the audio and looked them. "The ground teams and Mordin and the crew made it back to the Normandy. Shepard and her team were radio silent for eight minutes after that. They just barely made it back."

"I don't think they need the commentary Joker," Garrus said.

Anderson looked up from his folded hands. "If the Collector Base had fallen into Cerberus hands…"

"I know sir," Shepard said automatically, her mind slowly coming back from her memories. She blinked a few times before rubbing her head. "The base was destroyed along with the Collectors. We were able to evade the blast and jump back into the Terminus space."

"Oh the call on the way into Omega was a cozy show." Joker grinned. "I have actual video of that." He quickly pulled it up before anyone could stop him. An image of Shepard appeared over his omni-tool. She was favoring her left side and wasn't moving her right arm, but she looked good considering.

'Shepard, you're making it a habit of costing me more than time and money.'

'I'm sorry, I'm having trouble hearing you. I'm getting a lot of bullshit on this line.'

'Don't try my patience,' The Illusive Man said. 'The technology from that base could have secured human dominance in the galaxy. Against the Reapers and beyond.'

'Human dominance or just Cerberus?'

'Strength for Cerberus is strength for every human. Cerberus is humanity.' He continued ignoring the snort from her. 'I should have known you'd choke on the hard decisions. Too idealist from the start.'

'I know what you are, and the price of dealing with you. I will not compromise myself or this galaxy for you.' Shepard's voice said sternly. 'We do thing my way from now on. Harbinger is coming. And he won't be alone. I'm going to make sure we are ready when they get here. You can fall in line or step aside, but don't," She hissed at him. 'Get in my way.'

'You sure that's what you want? You're taking a hell of a risk Shepard!'

'Joker. Lose this channel.'

The image disappeared and Shepard was rubbing her temple in annoyance. "That could have waited."

"What?" He shrugged at Samara's and Garrus's stares. "They needed to know she cut timmy-boy off."

"I think this cements the fact she's no longer with Cerberus." Anderson said looking at Hackett.

"Yeah, no more four billion toy they can jerk around to do their bidding anymore." Shepard said bitterly as she pulled her hand from her forehead. "If you want I will have our reports sent to you later."

"I'd appreciate that Shepard," Anderson answered with a smile. Shepard didn't return it, instead she looked at Garrus.

"Is there anything else you or I have failed to inform them of?" She questioned.

"The Collectors were Protheans." Samara said abruptly.

Shepard's body straightened. The images of dead Collector bodies flashed before her eyes as the Harbinger's voice echoed in her head.

'You escaped us before, Shepard, not again. You will fall like them.'