A/N: I told you it would be up soon! ;) Thanks to Schizoid-Freak, Nefaria Darksoul, and Vorcha Girl for the reviews! They seriously made my day. :) I hope everyone reading enjoys this next little chapter!
The year was 2176. Three years already, Kaidan thought. So much had happened since he joined the Alliance. Boot camp, promotions, honing his biotic abilities, and meeting her.
It surprised Kaidan that even now, three years later, he would be reminded of Shepard. Not all the time, but every now and then, he would see something, crimson red hair, grey eyes, or a similar silhouette, which reminded him of her and that blissful day in Vancouver. Kaidan hadn't been home since, and found himself missing both the girl and the place. He thought about going back to visit, but he didn't even know if Evelyn was still stationed there. Her reply to his message three years ago had been so professional, and didn't request a response. Kaidan wondered back then if he should have sent her another message. He had debated it for a while, and then, after a few weeks, thought that it had been too long since he received her message. He figured he ought to focus on his career, and decided that if it was meant to be, he would see her again.
Kaidan was sitting in a cafeteria on Arcturus Station when a news report came on. The broadcast caught everyone's attention; the cafeteria fell silent, and Kaidan, along with a number of other soldiers, stood up as the violent images of a human colony being attacked by batarian pirates filled the screen.
"The colony of Elysium had been under attack for hours before Alliance reinforcements arrived. The colony would like not have survived if it weren't for the actions of one off-duty Alliance marine -"
Oh my god. It's her.
"Evelyn Shepard. The engineer and brilliant tactician was there on shore leave, but that didn't stop her from putting her skills to work. A natural leader, Shepard rallied the colonists to assist her in defending the colony by keeping the batarians out. When the defenses were breached, Shepard ordered the civilians to safety and single-handedly held off the invaders. The remaining batarians fled when additional Alliance ground arrived, and not a moment too soon. Shepard was shot in the knee and is expected to make a full recovery. We were lucky enough to get a comment from her; all she had to say was 'I was just doing my job.'"
A million thoughts ran through Kaidan's head during the news report. An engineer, eh? Civilians fighting? She did that all on her own? How incredible. She was injured? Damned batarians. Thank God the Alliance showed up in time. I hope she makes her recovery soon.
The other reporter chimed in, "I would say she went above and beyond 'just doing her job,' and hope Alliance marines are inspired by her to have such a dedicated sense of duty. Shepard will be receiving a promotion, a Star of Terra, and an N7 recommendation as a result of the events on Elysium. The colonists are extremely grateful, many stating 'we owe her our lives.'"
Kaidan thought about writing her a message, and even started a draft, but decided against sending it. You spent one day with her three years ago. She probably doesn't even remember you. He considered that she might, given that she had some "firsts" that day and that he had given her a kiss on the cheek, but still talked himself out of messaging her.
Shepard sat up in her hospital bed, tinkering with her omni-tool, when her mother entered the hospital room.
"Evelyn! Are you alright? I was so worried when I heard Elysium – "
Her mother noticed that Evelyn was playing with her omni-tool and rolled her eyes. "What are you doing, Evelyn? You should be resting, not working."
"There's no reason I can't research upgrades to my combat drones while I sit in this damned bed. Besides, these pain medications are really good. I feel fine. I need to think."
Her mother sighed, "there's no talking you out of anything once you set your mind to it. Could you pause to visit with your mother at least?"
Evelyn smiled and closed the omni-tool, "Of course, mom. I was just saving my research. I might not have gotten shot in the knee if my drone's shields had held up just a bit longer…"
"There you go, analyzing everything again." Her mother sighed, shrugged her shoulders, and smiled proudly all at the same time. "That's my girl."
"You really didn't have to come, mom, I know you're busy," Evelyn said. "I can take care of myself, you know."
"Of course I know that, silly, but," Hannah Shepard's eyes welled up with tears. "You're all I have left. So, let me take care of you for once, please."
Hannah Shepard placed her hand on her daughter's. Even though it had been over a decade since Evelyn's father was killed in active duty, losing him still affected Hannah from time to time. Evelyn grabbed her mother's hand. "Of course, mom, I'm sorry."
Hannah blinked away the tears and smiled. "Thank you. Now, I've heard all the news, but want to hear the story from your view. When you're ready, that is."
Evelyn paused for a long time before responding. She swallowed, her throat feeling like a hard lump was filling it up. "Another time, please."
"Sure, darling. What would you like to talk about?"
Evelyn smiled broadly. "Did I ever tell you about my first day on Earth?"
A/N: Chapter 5 is coming along nicely as well, and starts getting into the events of Mass Effect 1. I know, two chapters of no Shenko interaction is just agonizing. I promise, it's coming.
Grades are due at work next week, so I'll either drop off the grid due to stress or stick around for sanity's sake. But, spring break is just around the corner!
On another note, I am in serious need of some cover art, so if you know any affordable artists that draw Kaidan particularly well and take commissions, please let me know!
As always, reviews are greatly appreciated!