When Fates Collide

Chapter 32

~ ~ That's Gotta Hurt ~ ~

Citadel / Normandy

Inside the entirely glass vertical transport, the quarian engineer stared at the back of the harden warrior as she doted on her asari patient. "Shepard!" shrieked the woman's voice drowning out the sound of the soft hum from the elevator. Hastily snapping their heads around, the council's champion and prothean expert searched to see what Tali was suddenly alarmed over. Activating her omni-tool, the suited woman limped towards her fearless leader. Shock emitted from the engineer's voice, "You have a piece of metal sticking out of your back."

"What?!" The greatly concerned azure skinned alien blurted, as her commander breathlessly inquired the same question. Propelling the spectre around like she was a rag doll, the professor began to physically examine the unusual metal protrusion. The other humans watched in amazement as the powerful biotic gently inspected the warrior's armor. Liara desperately probed the affected area, "By the Goddess Shepard, how did you not feel this?"

Tali's synthesized voice reported thankfully, "Excellent. Your unexpected protruding object is not toxic to carbon based beings."

Confused by exactly what the quarian meant, Shepard questioned, "…to who?"

Answering for the highly intellectual masked woman, the crested female responded, "Humans. It is not toxic to humans".

Still unsure of what the fuss was all about, the soldier replied nonchalantly, "Well, that's good to know. I think."

Stunned, the asari maiden prodded, "I am truly shocked you can not feel it, Shepard."

"Feel what?" quizzed the reluctantly wounded soldier.

Several uncomfortable glances exchanged between Liara, Captain Anderson and Tali, before the quarian finally reported. "Well, there is a shard of an unidentifiable object protruding out of your back."

Beginning to sense the uneasiness in the small room, the green eyed woman glanced over her shoulder, attempting to spot the protrusion before she cautiously inquired, "What do you mean 'an unidentifiable object'?"

"Presumably metal, but my omni-tool isn't showing what type of metallic material, nor any known possible fusion of alloys." Tapping slightly harder than normal on her glowing wrist, the engineering genius added, "Perhaps it was damaged during the explosion."

Based on the expressions on everyone's face around her, the commanding officer was becoming a bit more concerned as she questioned, "What does it look like?"

Before anyone could answer, the elevator doors open and the occupants stepped out to further investigate the mysterious item distending from the spectre's shoulder. Hoping her close companion would give her a better description, the redhead inquired, "Liara, what does it look like?"

Holding onto the armored soldier for stability, the prothean expert started, "Well..." Her crest quickly disappeared from the commander's view as she examined the shoulder. "…without completing a metallographic microscope examination first, it appears there is a jagged piece of metal protruding from your back." Carefully tugging at the armor around the object, the archeologist continued her on-site analysis, "It looks to be wedged under your left scapula."

"My what?" She blankly muttered. Consumed by the day's horrific events that had unfolded, her in-depth medical training briefly slipped the squad leader's mind.

Answering the question for her, the senior human officer reported, "Just above your left shoulder blade, kiddo."

"Oh", Shepard voiced, presently cognizant of her new injury.

The well trained scientist continued. "It appears to be at least 5 centimeters in length…" Her piercing blue eyes squinted as she further studied the object, "…but it is unclear exactly how long it is since it is penetrating your skin."

Looking to her trusted companion for confirmation, the characteristically daring warrior quipped, "You're kidding right?" Surprised that she was unable to feel such a large injury, the veteran soldier tried to self-examine her back, but was greatly hindered by her increasingly painful shoulder she was trying to ignore.

Shock filled the prothean expert's voice as she spoke, "You can't feel that, can you?" touching the questionable object. The indigo woman was ripped from her own inspection as the savior of the galaxy replied with a shake of her head back and forth. Shooting a confirming glance at her squadmate and quarian friend, Liara's right hand began to slowly glow brilliantly.

As the powerful biotic inched closer to the unknown obstruction extending out of the human's back, Tali warned, "Be careful, it doesn't seem to be completely intact. Try to remove it slowly; to prevent it from splintering." Forcing out a heavy sigh, the highly skilled professor nodded in acknowledgement of the young engineer's suggestion.

The N7 officer had barely begun to experience a small stinging sensation in her back, before feeling the asari's other hand suddenly and firmly grip her truly injured left shoulder. Tightly shutting her eyes, the redhead fought the urge to wail out in agony. All her years of training were needed as she compartmentalized the pain in her dislocated shoulder. Clinching her jaw, the illustrious heroine held back the tears that threatened to stream down her dirty face. Not now, not like this, she beckoned to herself. There is no pain! There is no pain! She repeatedly told her mind. A hard tug on her body and the release of Liara's grip broke the green eyed woman's concentration. It was finally over.

Everyone believed the council's champion was hiding the discomfort of the metal entity, when in reality she was hiding another source of intense agony. Wheezing, she watched the asari maiden and quarian genius further inspect the mysterious object. "Well, what the hell is it?" The battle worn warrior questioned.

"I don't know" replied the worried friend. Shifting her weight to one side, Tali's synthesized voice added as she tapped along the electronic gizmo engulfing her right forearm, "My omni-tool is registering no known substance."

Hoping to contribute, Captain Anderson stepped forward and offered, "Perhaps its part of the Citadel itself?"

Tilting her head to visually examine the 10 cm object within the asari's grasp, the dumbfounded quarian engineer responded, "Possibly."

The suggestion did nothing to ease the spectre's mind or aching body as she stared at the indigo woman rather than what she was holding.

Feeling void of having any use, First Lieutenant Peterson chimed in a deep male's voice, "I have never seen anything like it."

Shepard lifted her hand silencing any further comments or suggestions, abruptly ending the discussion of what the mysterious object might be. "Well, it's out now. It can't hurt me anymore."

A well timed interruption solidified the change in subject as Joker's voice resounded over the redhead's comm unit. "The Normandy has arrived at gate C2 as prescribed Commander."

Glancing at the asari professor who was still studying the metal object in her hand, the hardened warrior stoically informed the prothean archeologist, "Liara, just toss it. I've got bigger problems to deal with right now."

Acutely aware of her own injury, the asari maiden did as advised; pitching the seemingly harmless and still unidentified object onto the deck beside them.

"Well done Joker. We'll be there in five." Shepard promptly announced, answering the alliance pilot.

A few minutes later, the Normandy's airlock doors recessed, allowing Dr. Chakwas and a small band of support members to come rushing towards the group making their way down the loading dock. The distinguished medical officer first approached the commanding officer with the prothean expert at her side. Before the gray haired woman had a chance to begin her initial assessment of the couple, the spectre conveyed, "We're good for now. Check Tali's suit first. I think she might have received a puncture."

The clinician specialist nodded quickly before affirming, "Sure thing Shepard."

After the day she had, the weary soldier started struggling as she and the injured asari made their way across the long distance separating them from the ship's opening. The redhead had barely completed her encouraging words, "Come on doll, we are almost there" before Chief Williams came running around to the other side of the powerful biotic. Without permission, the brunette woman slid under the maiden's free arm and began helping the exhausted pair towards the ship.

When the gunny felt two sets of eyes peering at her, she looked briefly at the duo before maintaining her focus on the ship's entrance. "You two didn't think I'd leave you hanging did you?" Pleased with how far she had come in the last few months, the spirited marine announced, "Besides, I need to make sure you two actually make it down to medical in one piece." Taking her eyes off the ship's quarterdeck for a second, Ash glanced over the two before chuckling, "And no offense, but you two look like hell."

To her own surprise, Shepard had never been so happy to see the Alliance marine, as the trio staggered towards the infirmary.

Behind the slow moving triad, Garrus approached the man holding Tali with the Normandy's chief medical officer right on his heels. The former C-Sec officer glared at the Alliance officer carrying the quarian engineer. Standing taller than normal, the palaven native ordered, "I've got her now Lieutenant."

Suddenly feeling a lot like Lieutenant Peterson, the physically fit marine gently placed the suited woman cautiously down on her one good foot. Just as the masked woman was thanking the young marine for the free ride, much to Garrus' displeasure, an unexpected buzzing resonated throughout her suit as the refined medical officer's omni tool began examining her. "Dr. Chakwas…" The quarian giggled, "…you've got to warn a girl before you do that."

Sympathetic and slightly amused, the chief medical officer was able to maintain her professionalism as she announced in her British accent, "Shepard said you might have punctured your suit."

"It's nothing really" claimed the quarian, suddenly lost in the turian's presence. Not directly speaking to the medical physician anymore, Tali uttered, "A piece of rubble may have landed on my foot. It is likely I have strained my cuboid bone, it is a bit difficult to place any weight on it right now."

Exasperated, the Vakarian's flanges flared, "You what?"

Responding for the entranced quarian, Chakwas' British accent translated the technical analysis, "Her foot. She thinks something crushed her ankle."

Trying not to show how stupid he felt next to the engineering genius, the man coughed, "Of course, her foot. I knew that. "

Shutting down her especially amped omni-tool, the experienced doctor proclaimed, "Well I can't see much out here. I need to get her inside where I can conduct a more thorough examination."

"No problem doc" replied the turian soldier as he gingerly lifted Tali in his arms. "You lead and we'll follow."

Slinging her stethoscope back around her neck, the gray haired woman expressed her gratitude towards the eager avian, "Alright then. Away we go."

Stopping the specialized practitioner her tracks, Captain Anderson grabbed Dr. Chakwas' arm. "Don't forget about Shepard and Liara." Relaxing his desperate grip on the woman's arm, the line officer beseeched the medical officer, "I mean… I believe they are both more injured then they are leading on to be."

Motioning to Garrus toting Tali, the clinical specialist instructed the former C-Sec officer to head to medical without her so she and the captain could speak freely. Once the Palaven native was out of ear shot, the human female's British accent started, "I understand your concern Dave. I saw the seeping wound in Miss T'Soni's left thigh. And as usual, Shepard looks like she's been through hell and back; again." Patting the man on the shoulder, the distinguished medical officer offered her reassurance, "I also saw how Liara was leaning on Shepard. I know how to spot a shoulder injury from a distance. I've patched more than a few soldiers in my time Dave. I promise you, I will tend to their every need. But I really need to get in there. I'm not sure what the extent of their injuries might be."

Intentionally backing away from the certified medical professional, Captain Anderson nodded, and then smiled, "Thank you Karin. I knew that you were the best physician out there." Waving his hand at the ship behind her, the distinguished line officer disclosed, "That's why I handpicked you to be on the Normandy. " Ushering the refined MD back to the airlock, the Alliance officer requested, "Now go take care of your new captain and her crew." Adding to his light hearted remark, Dave quipped, "Now that's an order doctor."

Displaying her wisdom that came with her multiple years of experience, the chief medical officer chimed, "Now that order, I can follow."

"Captain", the woman with slate colored eyes acknowledged as she said goodbye.

An equally respected "Commander", returned Anderson as he shuffled back down the pier. Even the senior Alliance officer knew how rare the proper term was used by the often cynical but always cultivated doctor.

Inside the med bay, Dr. Chakwas quickly directed the former C-Sec officer as she fired up a large piece of scanning equipment. "Garrus, since you two are the first to arrive, place our quarian friend on that middle table." The medical healer's hands moved skillfully over the holographic keypad, "I need to create a sanitization chamber as soon as possible for safe keeping."

"A what?"

"A decontamination bubble" answered Tali for the Alliance physician. The quarian explained further so the avian species could understand, "In case my suit was damaged."

Placing the suited woman down on the middle gurney as ordered, the sniper toting man quickly replied, "Of course, yes."

Chakwas leaned over her patient's body, "Are you sure there are no tears?" she inquired in a refined British accent conducting a thorough inspection of the woman's environmental suit.

Laughing Tali answered, "Yes, I am sure. Shepard gave me quite the pat down, in front of everyone I must add."

The turian soldier chortled before admitting, "Yeah, she did that to me once too." Encouraging the good mood of the injured quarian.

Keeping the light mood going, instead of focusing on the massive battle that was just fought, the three of them chuckled heartedly unaware of the events that were about to come crashing down on them. The entrance to the med bay unexpectedly slid open stealing the attention of the room. Shepard and Williams assisting the young T'Soni staggered through the doorway.

Slow moving and filthy, the trio dragged themselves further into the infirmary. Although though they were soldiers of war, they looked pretty beaten up. And even Williams, who had not been directly in the fight, was filthy from where the dirt and grime covering the prothean expert had rubbed off on the side of her armor. Agonizing to keep as much weight off her bad leg as possible, Liara torturously limped closer to the infirmary beds.

The chief medical officer had seen more than her share of serious injuries, that had become mundane during her time in the service, however it greatly unnerved the gray haired woman when she saw the silent plea from the harden soldier's face to heal the young maiden. The doctor's slate colored eyes flickered helplessly as she watched the threesome stagger in.

Glimpsing at the equally concerned turian, the distinguished medical officer shot the man a sideways smirk before acting. Lightly patting the quarian on her good ankle, the medical specialist revealed, "I'm just gonna check on Liara real quick, make sure the bleeding has stopped."

The engineer knew she was in stable condition at the moment, just as a precaution she had sealed off that part of her suit; afraid for her friends Tali nodded. "Please attend to them." The turian and the quarian nervously clasped each other's hand as they watched the certified doctor rush over to the tattered women.

Feeling the angst from one of Shepard's closest companions, Garrus reassured, "She is an excellent doctor, Tali. She will take good care of them."

Activating an opaque holographic curtain between the two beds, the physician watched as the N7 officer and the gunny carefully placed the injured asari on the gurney. "Williams, why don't you inform Pressly that the commander is back on the ship?" The specialized practitioner stated, speculating that the green eyed human would not want anyone's presence during the examination. The tone in the slate eyed woman's voice made it clear to Ashley that this was an order and not a request. Turning to leave as instructed, the dark skinned human glanced at the pair; silently wishing them good luck with the diagnosis. A brief smile from her commanding officer reassured the faithful Alliance soldier that they were in good hands now.

Dragging the heel of her boot before doing a full about face, Ash freely responded, "Aye. Aye doc. Take good care of my friends."

The chief medical officer wasted no time firing up another scanner high above the bed. In a sweet and charming tone, worthy of having an excellent bedside manner, she stated, "Ok ladies, let's see how bad this wound is." Dr. Chakwas quickly looked over the professor's injured leg before attempting to remove the field dressing. Struggling to bury her personal feelings for the young couple, the experienced physician's eyes remained glued to the scanner as a bright green light pulsated up and down the powerful biotic's frame. So subtle was her distress that the savior of the galaxy would not have noticed the lack of breathing from the gray haired woman during the examination. Pleased with the results and not finding more serious injuries, the clinical specialist relaxed her rigid stance and unconsciously gripped young asari's arm. Being well knowledgeable in asari anatomy, the medical officer calculated that the wound would heal cleanly and possibly without scaring.

Now all she had to do was convince the worried couple that the worst was over. In a tone that was soothing and calm, the certified MD asked, "So Liara, how are you doing today?" Hoping to calm the harden warrior, the specialized practitioner behaved as if she were conducting a routine checkup.

At first, Shepard scowled at the doctor's unusual question. They had just been through a hell and back. Doc, have you not been paying attention to the last 48 hours? The council's champion mentally questioned. But as fast as the doubt flooded her mind, she saw the senior physician withdraw a pen like flashlight from her smock and thoroughly examine the damaged limb. Her actions were tranquil and relaxed in an instant the heroine knew that her favorite prothean expert was going to be fine.

Lying flat on the table, staring aimlessly at the ceiling above, the asari maiden gritted her teeth as the pain began to slowly get stronger. The adrenaline and shock from the battle were now beginning to wear off. Upon hearing the experienced doctor's question; the cerulean expert forced out a deep sigh and looked down at her bloodied thigh. The professor slightly flexed the muscles under her bandage, causing yet another deep grimace.

Falling back onto the table, a dry and raspy voice replied, "I must admit Dr. Chakwas, I have had better days." A brief laugh filled the space between the patient and physician before the Thessian native looked up at Shepard. Her piercing sapphire eyes penetrated her worried lover's soul; the commander squeezed the asari's hand a bit tighter and laughed.

Slightly maneuvering the miniature flashlight within her fingertips, the gray haired woman activated the pen into a cutting instrument. Within seconds, the chief medical officer lanced the make-shift bandage allowing it to slide off the maiden's leg: leather belt and all. Not wasting a minute to look at either patron, the MD announced, "There we go. Now Liara, let's get you cleaned up and get a proper bandage on there."

"Hey!" softly sounded the woman at the asari's side. "I did the best I could in the field, doc."

Shooting the redhead a sideways smile, the specialized practitioner quipped back like an older loving aunt, "Oh, no disrespect intended Shepard. I simply meant that she needed a clean dressing."

Realizing she was being a bit protective, the harden warrior relaxed as she fully intertwined her fingers with that of the powerful biotic. The savior of the galaxy lifted the young maiden's hand to her soft rosy lips and placed a chaste kiss on the back of her hand.

Addressing the distinguished medical officer, the council's champion asked, "Well, what's next?"

"According to her scan, all vital signs are normal as well as no internal injuries." Relief sounded within the medical specialist as she spoke.

"That's good to hear" echoed the royal blue eyed patient.

"I just need to give you a sedative before cleaning this wound." The refined woman's voice shuddered as she glanced at the gash.

Thrusting her cobalt head back on the table, Liara grunted, "I wish I had just one syringe of Dealac."

An unexpected chortled permeated from the cultivated MD. Reaching down to tenderly grasp the prothean expert's arm, Chakwas declared, "Oh Liara dear, I have at least five liters onboard. With ten more liters set aside for my disposal at Huerta Memorial on the Citadel."

Lifting her head off the pillow, the indigo woman's eyes shot wider, "Really?"

"Of course. You didn't think I would allow myself to be inadequately equipped for our presiding asari professor did you?"

Interjecting the light humor, the edgy warrior snapped, "Excuse me. I don't mean to interrupt, but what is Dealac?"

Knowing it would be best received from the woman she had grown so close to, the certified physician let the prothean scientist explain. "Dealac, translates to Goddess' milk. It is a specially developed sedative used for asari commandos in battle and a select group of asari elite. It is strictly sanctioned by the Asari Republics."

Tenderly stroking Liara's soft cheek, Shepard affectionately asked, "Ah, no offense but how do you rank?"

Once again borrowing the heroine's cocky smile, the young maiden responded, "I'm a T'Soni Shepard, remember?" When no expression of recognition flitted across the N7 officer's face, the Thessian native added, "My mother was Matriarch Benezia."

Immediately the illustrious warrior blushed. How could I have forgotten that? Caressing the top of Lady Benezia daughter's crest, the commander replied, "I see. I'm sorry."

Smiling back at the redhead who made her heart chambers flutter, the crested woman stated, "That is understandable after the busy day we have had Shepard." Finishing her explanation, the powerful biotic added, "Dealac was created to help relax an asari while keeping our vitals strong."

A few seconds later, the experienced doctor retrieved a narrow syringe from under the gurney that the prothean expert was resting on. "Ok, this will sting a bit." She warned. The clinical specialist held the Dealac high above, ensuring all the air had escaped before injecting the sacred potion. Quickly removing her battle gloves, Shepard intertwined her fingers with those of the asari's as she eyed the strange glowing liquid. Placing the needle-less shot just above the jagged opening on the professor's thigh, the grey haired woman slowly counted down from three. When the soothing British accent got to one, she gradually introduced the serum into Liara's flesh, using an air compression injector.

The stinging sensation caused the maiden's biotics to flicker shortly before she was able to control them again. Gasping as she tried to keep air in her lungs, the young asari cried out, gripping her lover's hand. "It burns Shepard! Oh Goddess it burns!"

The ship's commanding officer clasped the delicate blue hand tighter until she felt the asari maiden's body begin to go limp. As promised, the powerful biotic's vital signs were strong as ever as Liara's sapphire eyes stared loopy eyed at her savior.

Having never personally seen it used on an asari, the veteran medical specialist was impressed by how fast the drug had actually worked. "Well, that should knock you out for a while Liara." Dr. Chakwas' slate irises beamed at their success as she faced the captain and added, "Shepard, keep an eye on her. I'm going to check on Tali, I need to start decontaminating her suit. I should be back in a couple of hours." Slipping her hands back into the large pockets that draped the front of her lab coat, the specialized practitioner stated, "If you feel any pain or need anything…" Glancing between the young asari and the seasoned soldier, the doctor continued, "…I mean anything, let me know at once."

Already feeling the groggy effects from the drug, the blue eyed asari slowly nodded. Returning a warm smile, the refined woman straightened and headed back towards her quarian patient. The hardened warrior started to focus solely back on the asari below her just as Chakwas poked her head back through the medical curtain. "And Shepard, don't think I missed that messed up shoulder of yours. After Tali and Liara are patched up, you're next." The distinguished medical officer disappeared once more behind the curtain before the council's champion had been able to protest, leaving the N7 officer grumbling under her breath; she had been unable to successfully hide the searing pain in her right shoulder.

For the first time, Shepard looked down and saw how much blood the asari had truly lost. Both uniforms were badly saturated; the dried life giving substance looked like eggplant rather than the bright purple it should have been. Feeling the young asari's grip tighten around her hand tore the heroine's attention away from the nasty wound. Struggling to keep air in her lungs, Matriarch Benezia's daughter began to pant. Clinching her fist, the asari maiden declared, "Shepard, I'm scared."

Smirking nervously, the commander squeezed the prothean expert's hand even harder, "You're going to be ok Liara." With the edge of her thumb, the redhead tenderly wiped away a bead of sweat from the prothean expert's pasty azure brow as she reiterated, "I promise."

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Slicing through space like a hot knife through butter, a massive warship traveled powerfully on the other side of the galaxy. The vessel's enormous size would surely strike fear into many, if she ever entered a planet's atmosphere. On the starboard and port sides, two goliath guns stretched almost the entire length of the enormous boat, visually enhancing her colossal dimensions. Deep within her haul, a faithful and highly trained crew floated about like busy bees; ensuring the ship maintained battle readiness at any moment. Beyond the multiple layers of steel and metal, one particular individual sat, who through years of dedicated service and esteemed reputation earned the right, no the privilege, to call this mighty war craft home.

A sudden ping from the desktop intercom stirred the black haired woman, raising her out of a warm leather chair that she had been sitting in for hours. Leaning over her desk she pressed a button to listen the incoming call.

"Bridge to XO, this is Commander McElroy."

"Executive Officer here, go ahead McElroy."

"Sorry to bother you so late Captain Shepard, but we just received word from Systems Alliance to report to the Sol system as soon as possible ma'am."

Pushing out a worrisome gust of air, Hannah Shepard asked the question she already knew the answer to, "Was there any indication why?"

Short and to the point, Commander McElroy, the acting Command Duty Officer, replied, "No ma'am, only the coordinates."

Barely giving the request a second thought, the savior of the galaxy's mother ordered, "Alright then, McElroy. Set course for the Kilimanjaro to rendezvous at the appointed location, as instructed."

"Yes ma'am." The man hesitated a moment before asking, "Excuse me ma'am, but should I inform the Commanding Officer of our new destination?"

Knowing he had turned in hours ago, the sympathetic officer reported, "No, don't bother. He wasn't feeling very good this evening." Snickering a bit, the senior officer disclosed, "I told him that asari escargot should never be frozen."

Stifling a chuckle of his own, the CDO replied, "Copy that Captain. Have a good night then."

"You as well McElroy. Hope you have a quiet and boring watch Commander."

"Me too" replied the man with a bit of enthusiasm in his tone. "Me too."

As normal, the dark hair, blue eyed beauty was up late into the night, ensuring everything was running smoothly onboard the ship; reviewing the daily reports from engineering, navigation, and even medical. The senior officer checked on the number of officers and enlisted that had been affected by the evening's surprise asari dish. Slightly twisting in her chair as she reviewed the names, the seasoned officer apprehensively massaged her temple as she witnessed how many personnel would be out of commission for the next forty eight hours. This made the executive officer cringe as the list continued on and on. Hoping to break her discouraging mood, the galactic officer fantasized about sending the galley's Master Chief out one of the air locks for serving such an ill-prepared meal. The woman chuckled as she repeated the unintentional pun out loud, "Ill-prepared alright."

Performing her nightly ritual for bed, Hannah meticulously undressed, leaving two uniforms out for immediate usage. The first was her formal working uniform; which she wore daily as acting executive officer on the massive fifteen thousand crewmember ship. The second was her XO coveralls; the sleek one piece outfit was designed for emergencies such as a sudden fire onboard, or a spontaneous enemy attack. Whichever the case, the Kilimanjaro XO had to be ready for anything, she knew that on a ship, everyone pulled their weight or all hands could parish.

After slipping into her custom embroidered sweat pants and t-shirt, the senior Shepard made quick work preparing for bed. The reputable Black Irish slowly removed her omni-tool and placed it carefully on the night stand. She then removed a thin silver bracelet from her left wrist and gently placed it next to the electronic device. Standing erect, Hanna kissed the Christian cross draped around her neck and headed over to the full length mirror. Suddenly halting her nightly ritual of brushing her thick midnight black locks, she and stared absentmindedly at her reflection. You're getting old Shepard. Flashes of the adventures she encountered over the years washed over her. Tilting her head sideways, she stared at her reflection. Nah! You're just getting started old girl.

The brightly colored emblem on her upper left chest caught her eye. The neatly woven gold words boldly stood out from the dark blue material that made up the Alliance slumbering attire. Gingerly tracing her finger over the inscription, the senior officer repeated the writing as she passed over them. U.S.S. Kilimanjaro. Executive Officer, Captain H. Shepard. Systems Alliance. All that the officer had to sacrifice and undertake during her career briefly clouded her thoughts. It's been a long road old girl.

Resting on the edge of her mattress, the executive officer commanded, "Lights off!" to the room's sensory system. With only a dim light remaining, Hannah concluded her nightly ceremony by going down on bended knee adjacent to her bed. Whispering a prayer for her daughter, the blue eyed woman hoped she would be able to succeed in saving them all; stopping the rogue spectre and all that he conspired to do. She relished the thought that her only child was alive and well, but the senior Shepard also worried about having to go through the agony of losing her all over again. A small tear cascaded down the Black Irish's cheek as she implored; this weight she must bear, I hope I have prepared her well enough. I pray I have taught her the necessary skills to succeed. She is a combination of her father's brains and my leadership. Lifting her head to the ceiling to pray for something greater than herself, the black haired beauty beckoned, where will she conjure such great strength from, I don't know? I pray she finds someone who can be her compass like she was for me.

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The last thing the redhead remembered was spending the past few minutes speaking with Liara before dozing off. A gentle shake on her good shoulder woke the slumbering commander from her much needed rest. Gradually peeling open her sleepy eyes, the battered soldier recognized the slender Dr. Chakwas hovering above her. The room was dim and the only sound in the clinic was the humming of the medical equipment. "How is she?" Shepard enthusiastically questioned, before the good doctor had been able to utter a single word.

"Liara will be fine. She has been sleeping peacefully for a couple of hours now."

"A couple of hours?" The hardened warrior asked, stretching the best she could in the chair that sat next to the gurney before wincing at her nearly forgotten painful shoulder. Wiping what little sleep she did get out of her eyes, the groggy warrior checked on her favorite asari. Her parched and husky voice crackled, "What time is it?"

Massaging the back of her own neck, exhausted from a tremendously long day, the esteemed MD answered, "About midnight." The chief medical officer was just finishing what seemed to be a quick glass of ice brandy.

"Had a rough day too?" Shepard inquired in shock.

Allowing a small laugh to escape her pale lips, the experienced physician stared at the beverage of choice before slamming the rest of it in one swallow. "That's not for today. That is for what I have yet to do."

Brushing off the confusing answer the doctor provided, the concerned savior of the galaxy motioned towards the unconscious asari. "So really doc, how is Liara doing?"

Placing her crystal snifter on a shelf next to Shepard, the medical specialist announced, "She went through the surgery just fine. No problems."

The redhead's emerald irises shot wide as she stared blankly at the towering clinical specialist. "What do you mean surgery?!" Turning back to the crested woman lying on the med bay, the council's champion quickly examined the sleeping maiden. As perceived, the prothean expert was resting peacefully, and her left leg was neatly bandaged in white gauze. Stammering over her own words, the N7 officer questioned the grey haired woman, who stood stoically above her. "Why didn't you wake me?" Immediately saturated by the horror of what might have gone wrong during the surgery, the illustrious heroine breathlessly gasped, "Oh Goddess!" as incredible images shrouded her thoughts. "What if something had gone wrong?" Bloodshot eyes effortlessly stared into the doctor's pupils. "Why didn't you wake me?"

To Shepard's surprise, Chakwas' face remained unphased as she informed the stunned warrior. "This is exactly why I didn't wake you. You're worried sick and she is fine. Look at her…" Both set of eyes lowered to the bed below, fondly gazing upon the asari as if she were a particular slumbering character in fairy tale. "She is sleeping soundly and is expected to have a full recovery."

Once the watchful practitioner was satisfied that Shepard was calm, she interrupted the galactic warrior's swirling thoughts. "There is a little something I need your help with in the back room, do you mind?"

Letting a heavy breath escape, the illustrious warrior trailed her hand over the sleeping beauty before answering, "Let's make it quick doc."

The two women moved without another word as they entered the back storage room that Liara conducted her research in. The exhausted commander's head focused solely on the metal grating until she suddenly realized they were not alone in the room. Shooting a weary glare towards the refined medical officer at her side, and then back to the other occupants of the compartment, the deadly spectre inquired calmly but suspiciously, "Dr. Chakwas, why are Ash and Garrus in the back room at this hour?" Catching the teammates off guard, the green eyed woman scrutinized Ash as she removed herself from a peculiar position; one that looked as if she was showing the turian something to do with a shoulder.

"Oh no particular reason dear." The devious MD answered as smoothly as she would coo a young infant to sleep.

The ship's commanding officer watched cautiously as the three surprised crew members encircled her; blocking the only exit out of the room. Striking her battle ready stance, the redhead sneered, "What's going on doc? I'm not really in the mood for games. I need to get back to Liara."

Forcing out an unwilling breath of her own, the distinguished physician retorted, "Our residing prothean expert will be fine, as I said. She just needs rest." Clearly moving out of the path between the spectre and the trio, Dr. Chakwas casually mentioned, "Now you on the other hand…" A simple nod to the squad members signaled them to narrow the gap between themselves and their fearless leader.

Now extremely apprehensive, the council's champion questioned, "What about me?"

"You know that shoulder needs to be set." shot back the clinical specialist, hoping her plan would work against the typically uncooperative redhead.

"I don't know what you're talking about doc!" blasted the unwilling patient as she attempted to shrug her painful injury.

"I also know, you know, how much this is going to hurt."

Knowing she was badly outnumbered in her physical and mental state, the commanding officer tried to bluff her way out of the precariously situation one last time. "Doc, I don't have time for this. I have things to take care of."

The gray haired woman strolled over to the harden warrior and spoke in an even more soothing tone, capturing her entire attention. "Shepard, you saved us all. The galaxy is safe, so it is now time to take care of you." The N7 officer started to turn her head away, but a delicate finger led her chin back to the chief medical officer's line of site. Chakwas' years of field experience dealing with stubborn marines shinned through, "Shepard, it's ok. It's all over now."

Just as the spectre was about to dispute, she felt herself being forcibly tackled to the ground by her formally faithful companions. Slamming hard to the floor, the commanding officer didn't know if she was angrier at being so aggressively taken down, or being betrayed by her friends. As her head slammed back on the metal grating beneath her, the spectre vowed, there will be hell to pay for this, I promise you.

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A/N: Ok before anyone gets their panties in a bind about how painful a dislocated shoulder really is, and that Shepard wouldn't be able to with stand it for an hour, much less a couple of hours, I am sorry. I needed a shoulder injury and that is what I picked. I know it is not realistic, but for those who have to be extremely particular, guess what? There is no such thing as an all blue female race and reapers don't exist either.

A/N 2: 'Dealac' (pronounced as day lack) is actually Latin for Goddess' milk.

A/N 3: A Command Duty Officer, CDO is a qualified officer trained to take control of the ship in the Commanding Officer's or Executive Officer's absence. For example, after hours or when they are off the ship. This responsibility rotates among several highly trained line officers. They will assume the role of Commanding Officer until their return.