So, another chapter begins.
Thanks to all of you who read and reviewed and stuff! You are awesome and deserving of many rewards, perhaps cookies.
Also, I realized I forgot this on the first chapter, so disclaimer: I don't own Mass Effect. Wish I did though.
Anderson's funeral was a small affair. There was no body to bury. Shepard had barely escaped the Citadel with her life, let alone managed to carry him out, too. He had been a war hero, of course, but the grand displays were being saved for the public memorial on Elysium. The funeral was for close friends only, and Anderson had made few of those.
The surviving crew of the SR-1 had come to pay their respects. Kahlee Sanders, in full dress uniform, eyes red-rimmed and speaking of a million missed chances and lost opportunities, attended. Anderson's ex-wife and son were last to arrive. Shepard's heart skipped a beat when Jason entered. He looked so much like a younger version of his father that for a moment she half-hoped...
Admiral Hackett gave the eulogy. It was short and to the point, but there was not a dry eye in the room by the end.
After the ceremony, Anderson's son approached Shepard.
"You're Commander Shepard, right?"
"Yes."
"He-he said a lot about you, in his letters. He really cared about you." He couldn't hold back a slight note of jealousy.
"He was one of the greatest heroes the Alliance has ever had, and I'm honored to have known him."
"Thank you." Jason looked down at his hands, then back at Shepard. "You were with him at the end. Did he...did he say anything about me? Was he thinking about me?"
"I'm sorry. He didn't say anything about you."
Jason swallowed hard. "No, it's fine. I wasn't expecting anything else."
Shepard placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Jason, no matter what he said, I know he loved you very much. I'm sure he was thinking of you."
She saw her friends gathered by the door, and pulled her arm back.. "I should go."
He nodded. "Thanks for telling me. I'm-I'm glad you were there with him. He wouldn't have wanted it any other way."
Shepard almost lost her composure right there.
Yay for significant final lines! They're my sometimes trademark.
But in all seriousness, I'm not sure this one is as good as the first one, but I also wrote it at 9:45 last night, when I probably should have been studying or sleeping.
Anyway, reading, rating, and reviewing always appreciated!