When Hannah first saw the Kilimanjaro, it took her breath away. After being on a carrier for so long, the dreadnought's size overwhelmed her. Admiral Novikov met her at the dock, sizing her up and ready to take her on a tour of his ship. She'd read up on the admiral right after she accepted his offer. He hailed from a long line of Novikovs, his family able to claim an almost unbroken line of Russian ancestors, a rarity at this point in humanity's history. Few people alive today could claim any kind of national purity. Novikov boasted czars in his family tree and was known for the tight ship he ran. Even so, everyone Hannah talked to informed her they would kill to work on his ship. Novikov sought to fill the Kilimanjaro with the best and the brightest.
When Hannah saw Novikov in person, she found herself slightly amused. She'd expected him to look the part, to be the larger than life person everyone made him out to be. However, he was surprisingly shorter than her by at least two to three inches. Still, he gave off the unmistakable impression he was a man on a mission, belying the fact that he was actually quite spry and a force to be reckoned with. His eyes were sharp as a hawk as he inspected Hannah, running his eyes over her, assessing her suitability for his ship. Hannah looked him over as well, not only amused by his height, but by the upside down impression of his face due to the fact that he was completely bald on top and yet sported a hefty brown beard on his chin.
"Commander Shepard," he said as he took her hand, his handshake firm, maybe even a bit too tight.
"Admiral Novikov," she returned, letting go of his hand and saluting.
"I've heard nothing but good things about you. Your record is sound. I expect you to bring the order and dedication we need on this ship."
"Thank you, sir."
"I'll show you around."
Hannah followed Novikov all through the Kilimanjaro, marveling at its spacious interior and the obvious step up that was a dreadnought. The medical facility could have specialized in any disease, human or alien, the way it was stocked to the brim. The engineering section was ten times bigger than the Einstein's. The ship's main gun took her breath away, being able to fire the kinetic energy equivalent to 38 kilotons of dynamite. The amenities were also impressive. There was a substantial gym on board, a small pool for lane swimming and a combat room for the marines to practice in. Her own room was much larger than the one on the Einstein, including a lounge area as well as a sleeping area.
Finally they made it to the bridge, where Novikov introduced her to the bridge staff. She tried to remember each name as she heard it, wanting to appear capable right off. She was shocked when she realized there was one name she wouldn't have to work to remember.
"This is Lieutenant Cox. He's our technical specialist and quite talented. You need anything hacked, he's your man."
The Lieutenant stood in front of her, grinning from ear to ear and shaking his head. "Didn't think it was true when I heard the name of our new XO. Hey, Red."
"You know each other?" Novikov asked, his gaze alternating between his Lieutenant and his new XO.
"Indeed," Hannah said, breaking into a smile and shaking the hand of the man she'd been reintroduced to. "Lucas. Good to see you again."
"Ma'am," Lucas nodded, still smiling broadly. If she hadn't been tipped off by Lucas' surname, Hannah thought she might not have recognized him. He'd definitely aged; seemed heavier than she remembered, though not overweight. He'd also grown some ridiculous goatee that looked like a rat attacking his chin. But the goofy grin and the humor in his eyes left no mistake: he was definitely the Lucas Cox she'd gotten to know during basic training.
"We'll catch up later," Lucas said, waiting for Hannah to nod before turning back to his station.
Novikov introduced her to the rest of the bridge staff and the helmsman, then turned her loose. "Dinner's in an hour. Until then, I give you the freedom to explore my ship at your leisure, Commander. Your duties begin at 0400 tomorrow morning."
"Yes, sir," Hannah said, saluting.
Novikov returned the salute and Hannah walked to the elevator, taking it back down to her room. She spent the next twenty minutes putting away her bag of belongings, then lay down on her bed, smiling up at the ceiling. Executive Officer of a dreadnought. She'd get used to this easily.
When the time for dinner arrived, Hannah made her way to the officer's mess. Lucas was there and waved her over. She walked over and sat across from him, still marveling at how much time had changed him. He was forty-five now, same age as her. Do I really look as old as he does? Hannah wondered.
Lucas reintroduced her to Lieutenants James, Spangler and Ramirez. They chatted as they ate, Hannah asking questions, eager to get to know her new crew members and earn their trust as soon as possible. After a while, all the lieutenants left, save Lucas. Lucas remained seated, staring and smiling at Hannah.
"What?" Hannah asked, feeling as if she was being scrutinized.
"It's just been a long time," Lucas said. "What, like thirty years?"
Hannah nodded slowly. "Something close to that."
"I've heard about your daughter. She's all over the news. You and Daniel did good."
Hannah now smiled broadly. "Thanks."
"Speaking of Daniel, how is he?"
Hannah's face fell. "I guess I assume everyone knows." She took a deep breath, then blew it out slowly. She hated having to tell people this. "He passed away eight years ago now."
A look of surprise passed over Lucas' face. "Oh. I didn't know. Sorry."
"I've learned to live with it," Hannah said quietly.
Lucas twisted his drinking glass on the table, concentrating on its movements, awkward now that he'd found out Daniel was dead. "Last time I saw him was during the First Contact War."
It was Hannah's turn to look surprised. "He never told me."
"Well, we didn't exactly talk long. It was one of those quick 'hi and bye' moments." He paused, then fixed her with a solemn gaze. "How'd he die?"
"Docking accident," Hannah said shortly, not wanting to go into further details and unearth painful memories again.
Lucas nodded pensively. "He was a good man."
"Yes, he was," Hannah agreed. She decided to delve into Lucas' own past, wanting to change the subject. "So, enough about me and my troubles. What about you? Lieutenant? I thought you never wanted to be an officer."
Lucas smiled ironically. "Time changes things. That and children."
Hannah glanced downwards. She didn't see a ring on his finger. "You have children?"
"Not plural," Lucas said. "Just one. Child."
"Girl or boy?"
"Boy."
"Congrats."
Lucas picked up his glass and downed the contents. "It's not exactly that kind of situation."
"Oh. What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong with him, just me and his mother."
Hannah could tell Lucas was a bit reluctant to discuss the matter, but she pressed forward, curious. "So…you divorced?"
"Never married," Lucas said. "It was one of those quick flings. I met her on leave, we 'fell in love' as they say, had a whirlwind of a good time. I think it was her accent that got to me—Scottish brogue. Downright sexy at the time. So, I left and then the next time I saw her we're in an argument and breaking up. Then she writes me a few months later telling me she's pregnant and she's keeping it."
"Him," Hannah stated. She didn't like the way Lucas referred to his child as it.
Lucas looked over at her, his eyes only slightly offended by her clarification. "Him. Anyway, so then my wages got garnished for child support payments and I needed to do something. Turns out being a technical specialist is right up my alley, especially after we discovered these." Lucas held up his arm, pointing to his omni-tool. There was a pause in the conversation. Hannah finally spoke again, uncomfortable with the silence.
"Do you see your son often?"
Lucas shook his head. "Pretty much never, but he's got to be near your daughter's age by now." He stared into the distance, seemingly trying to calculate his son's age.
"What's his name?"
Lucas sighed forcefully. "I don't know. Kevin, Ken, Fergus, something like that."
"Fergus?"
"Well, okay, not Fergus. The point is I've only seen him twice or so."
Hannah couldn't believe how blasé Lucas was regarding his own child. "You don't want to be part of his life?"
Lucas snorted derisively. "His mother made it quite clear she didn't want me to be part of his life."
"You don't want to fight for the chance to see him?" Hannah pressed.
"What's with the twenty questions?" Lucas came back at her, his voice tinged with anger. "He's better off without me, if you ask me." He turned his head to the side, finding the door to the mess entirely fascinating.
Hannah didn't respond, feeling chastised inside. It was clear Lucas was hurt by the whole matter, though not willing to say so. What he'd experienced in the last thirty years, she didn't know, but he'd certainly not come out better on the other side. The way he talked, he certainly didn't like himself very much.
"Sorry I pushed you to tell me," Hannah apologized.
Lucas shook his head, looking at her again. "I'm sorry. You just wanted to catch up with me. In a nutshell, my life hasn't gone anywhere good."
Hannah didn't know what to say to that. She didn't know Lucas well enough now to give him any kind of encouraging advice on where to go from here, so she just kept silent. She stood up from the table.
"I'd like to get some good rest tonight, to be ready for my first day on duty tomorrow."
"Sure." Lucas stood up as well. "Walk you to your quarters?"
"Alright."
As they walked, Hannah and Lucas avoided discussing anything important, their conversation staying in the realm of small talk. They said good night at her door and Hannah entered the spacious room that would be her home for next several years to come.
Two Years Later
Hannah focused on her computer screen on the bridge of the Kilimanjaro, contemplating the route traced on the galaxy map. The ship was following the route, but not directly, keeping several kilometers distant, not wanting to attract attention. Their orders were to trace it to its end and take out a pirate base along the vector. They'd be upon the base in thirty minutes and hopefully take control as peacefully as possible.
"Thirty minutes to arrival, Admiral," she spoke aloud.
"Acknowledged, Commander," Novikov responded, his hand combing through his beard thoughtfully. Over the last two years, Hannah had come to anticipate Novikov's gesture whenever something big was about to happen, though she didn't know whether his habit of running his hand through his beard indicated nervousness or excitement as Novikov kept his emotions deeply hidden at all times. One could never tell anything much by his face.
Hannah caught Lucas looking at her from his station. He tilted his head to the side and crossed his eyes. Hannah pressed her lips together to keep from laughing. Lucas was always trying to bait her, get her to lose it in front of the Admiral. He hadn't won that game yet.
Based on her observation of Lucas over her time on the Kilimanjaro, Hannah had concluded Lucas hadn't really grown up yet. He may have been older, but she didn't think she'd describe him as entirely mature. He seemed to relish avoiding any action that might prove he'd aged appropriately. She couldn't help but wonder if his display of youthfulness wasn't just posturing, a way to push aside a past he didn't like by pretending it didn't exist. Since the first night they'd arrived, Hannah hadn't been willing to go back down the road of Lucas' past. She let it lie and he hadn't brought it up again.
Despite Lucas' pretense of immaturity, Hannah had been more than willing to rejoin their friendship from years ago, provided any personal chats remained off the bridge. Lucas tried to call her "Red" once on the bridge in front of the other officers and had received a sharp reprimand from her in return. So he quit calling her that when on duty, using the nickname only in personal conversation and she found she didn't mind then. She'd been glad to have one friend on board the Kilimanjaro right off. Lucas was an extrovert and ended up breaking the ice for her with most of the crew members as she discovered he'd sung her praises to most of them.
Hannah turned back to the map, pushing thoughts of Lucas and his antics out of her mind so she could concentrate. With this latest mission, the Alliance was hoping to end the threat from the batarians forever. Earlier this year they had retaliated for the Skyllian Blitz by launching an attack on Torfan, taking out its criminal bases, especially the batarian ones. The Kilimanjaro hadn't been involved, so Hannah had been absent that mission, but Jane had been there. She hadn't said much about it to Hannah, but, of course, the news came through the grapevine that Jane had excelled, protecting troops and exploiting enemy weaknesses and in general, saving the day again.
Over the last six months the Alliance had tracked the FTL vectors of pirate vessels using secret monitoring devices on the moons of Theshaca. Pirates were known to use Theshaca as a drive discharge point. As a result, eight major pirate anchorages had been exposed as well as the routes to four bases. The Kilimanjaro had been sent along with a small fleet of frigates, cruisers and carriers to raid one of the bases; at the same time, three other fleets were to attack the other three bases. The action had been timed down to the second to avoid any kind of warning passed from one pirate base to another.
Time ticked by, Hannah calling out time checks at fifteen minutes, then ten, then five and then counting down to one. The planet Inti had been detected ten minutes ago, but the Kilimanjaro moved towards it in such a way as to hide its approach behind Inti's sun. The ship rapidly closed the distance in the last two minutes, barreling towards the planet concealing the pirate base. They entered into orbit around the planet, shuttles and fighters leaving their hangar bays immediately, the shuttles making for the ground with marines on board and the fighters patrolling space, ready to catch any pirate ships that might try to make a break for it.
For Hannah, the action was minimal. Reports filed in as the marines took down the base. They must have had it under their control within fifteen minutes, only small groups of pirates continuing to fight back. Most surrendered and were arrested.
When the base was secured, data began to be uploaded to the Kilimanjaro, Lucas now going to work digging through it and breaking encryptions to discover any useful information on pirate activities throughout the galaxy. The only bit of information that came to the forefront immediately was a pirate raid planned for three days hence on merchant ships orbiting Joppa. Novikov ordered Hannah to make contact with the Alliance and let them in on the details of the coming raid that still might take place.
Hannah was supposed to remain on the bridge until 0200, but Novikov ordered the rest of her shift to be spent with Lucas, examining the data they'd recovered. Hannah met Lucas in the war room, where they sat side by side as he scrolled through the data, pointing out the various important bits he'd uncovered.
"This is a list of financiers," Lucas said, his finger touching the screen.
Hannah skimmed through the list. Batarian Hegemony, no surprise there. A few unscrupulous businesses—the Alliance would probably funnel the names of those businesses to ANN, putting pressure on them to cease and desist. Lots of support from gangs on Omega, also not surprising.
"What's this?" Hannah queried, pointing out a bunch of gibberish in the list.
Lucas sighed and eyed Hannah. "A bit of specialized encryption I haven't been able to break yet. My guess? Politicians."
"You think members of the Parliament are supporting these thugs?" Hannah asked doubtfully.
"Why not? They have goals to achieve and some of those can be achieved by causing as much trouble from the Terminus Systems as possible."
"Terra Firma," Hannah muttered.
"Them and others. I think they want a war. I wouldn't be surprised if they'd covertly provide humanity with the incentive to declare it."
Hannah scanned the jumble of unbroken code. She knew Terra Firma wanted humanity out of the wider galaxy, but supporting pirates against humans? She just didn't think they'd go that far.
"Well, let me know if you crack it and then what you find."
"Will do." Lucas tapped on other lines of data, revealing resource lists, financial holdings and maps of flight paths. Lastly, a list of clientele appeared, disclosing those who had hired the pirates for their own reasons. As the list scrolled by, Hannah suddenly called out.
"Wait! Go back."
Lucas drew his finger over the screen, moving the list back up again. "What? See a name that means something?"
She did see a name that meant something, but she didn't understand why. One name leapt out at her as if it had been bolded: Keta La'ali. She hadn't seen Keta since the first time she set foot on the Citadel, but she still held a high opinion of the batarian. Why was her name here? She had used the pirates? For what? She knew Keta's career wasn't exactly kosher, but it still bothered her to see her name on the list. Hannah followed the line with Keta's name across the screen with her finger, looking for a date. Keta had hired the pirates three years ago.
"Who is it?" Lucas asked, eyebrows drawn together.
"A..." Hannah paused. She had been about to say "friend," but was Keta really a friend? They had only met once and yes, Keta had helped her, but they weren't buddies. "An acquaintance," Hannah said instead.
"Anything to report?" Lucas asked.
Hannah considered. She didn't know much about Keta, just that she was a gun for hire. She didn't even know if Keta still lived on the Citadel between jobs. Hannah shook her head. "Not someone I know well enough to report anything. I only met her once. Just a chance meeting."
Lucas nodded. "Alright." He continued to scroll through the list of clientele. Several times the title "Shadow Broker" showed up.
"Who's this Shadow Broker?" Hannah questioned.
Lucas grinned. "What I wouldn't give to be able to take down the encryption of the Shadow Broker. He or they, no one knows which, trade in information, but they keep it lucrative by holding back enough info to make their services needed continually. Shady characters and secretive as mice."
"Why would they need pirates?" Hannah wondered aloud.
Lucas shrugged. "Retaliating against people who failed to pay their debts?"
Hannah nodded. "I guess that would make sense."
They spent another hour rummaging through the information, Hannah directing Lucas what to put in his report for the Alliance. When they finished, it was early morning, almost 0230.
"Well, good night," Hannah said, standing up and stretching.
"What about a drink first?" Lucas suggested, his hands in his pockets.
"This late?"
"I'm buying."
Hannah laughed. There was no buying on an Alliance starship. "Well, alright," Hannah assented. A drink to end a long day wouldn't hurt.
The officers' mess was empty when Hannah and Lucas entered the room. Lucas walked behind the counter and reached underneath it, pulling out two glasses and a bottle of wine. He sauntered over to a table and sat down, Hannah taking a seat across from him. Lucas uncorked the bottle.
"Granger likes to keep the good stuff to himself, but I've done him enough favors. I don't think he'll mind." He poured Hannah a glass and pushed it over to her, then filled his own. Hannah sipped the wine. It was good, flavorful, tinted with a slight raspberry taste.
"Where's this from?" Hannah asked, holding up her glass.
Lucas grinned. "It's not human. Asari. Good, isn't it?"
"Um hum," Hannah intoned, taking a long sip.
"Heard from Jane lately?" Lucas inquired.
Hannah shook her head. "She's gotten too busy. I only hear from her once in a blue moon. She's doing well, though. Every time she sends a message she tells me she's getting recognized for something."
Lucas nodded, looking down at his glass. His eyes had turned serious all of a sudden.
"What are you thinking?" Hannah asked, probing Lucas' thoughts.
Lucas blew out a slow breath, not looking up. "You're so proud of her. Kind of makes me wonder what my son's done with his life."
Hannah hadn't heard Lucas mention his son in two years. She figured the late night and the wine was getting to him. "Write him. Better yet, call him."
Lucas grunted, eyes still fixed on his glass. "I wouldn't even know how to contact him."
"Your child support went somewhere. Write his mother."
Lucas sucked in a long breath. "I'm not going to open old wounds." He picked up his glass and took a long swig, emptying it. He picked up the bottle and poured himself some more.
Hannah didn't want to press the issue. Some day Lucas would have to pull up his big boy pants and face his son himself. She just hoped he'd do it before he didn't have the chance anymore.
Hannah finished her glass of wine. "Thanks for the drink. I think it's time for bed." She made to stand up, but Lucas' insistent voice rooted her to her seat.
"Hannah, stay."
Hannah cocked her head at him. He spoke so softly, carefully. She gathered there was something else on his mind besides his son.
"Lucas, what's going on? Be straight with me."
Lucas took another sip from his second glass of wine, then rubbed a hand over his goatee. "We're getting old, Red, and I've been thinking." He paused too long for comfort.
"And…" Hannah prompted.
"Well, when you get older, it just gets harder to find people you really trust. People you're willing to risk something on."
Hannah leaned back, staring at Lucas warily. Was he going where she sensed he was going?
"And now that we've been thrust together again, I was thinking…you just might give me a chance."
Uh oh. He was going where she thought he was going. How had she not figured this out in the last two years?
"Uh…Lucas…I'm not sure…"
Lucas interrupted her. "Do you know why I got involved with Maira?" Hannah guessed that must have been Lucas' son's mother. "I was on the rebound because someone married Daniel Shepard."
Hannah stared, flabbergasted. "Please tell me you're joking right now," she pleaded.
Lucas avoided her eyes. "Maybe a little…but only a little."
Hannah's chest moved in and out rapidly. She was trying to figure out how to let him down lightly so she didn't destroy him.
"You never said anything," Hannah commented, biding for time.
Lucas now chuckled and looked across at her. "You were my superior. What was I going to do? Walk up to you and say, 'Hey, Lieutenant, I'll follow your orders, oh, and by the way, I've got a huge crush on you.' Yeah, that would have gone over well."
The thought of Lucas saying that to her all those years ago caused Hannah to laugh. No, it wouldn't have gone over well at all and he would just have gotten his heart crushed more aggressively then. He was still going to be crushed now, but she'd handle it in a nicer way than she would have done when she was younger.
Hannah spoke slowly. "Why do you think I still wear this ring, Lucas?" she asked, holding up her left hand and pointing at the golden band on her finger.
Lucas twisted his lips, Hannah perceiving he knew the answer. "Still tied to him?"
Hannah nodded. "I made a promise there would never be anyone but him for me."
Lucas sighed sadly. "I should have guessed that. You guys were so in love. Everyone knew it." Lucas finished his second glass, then plunked it on the table, smiling gently and staring across at her. "If you hadn't made that promise, would anything be different?"
Hannah paused, not wanting to hurt the man in front of her who had obviously seen rough days, but needing to give an honest answer. She shook her head without saying anything.
Lucas put up both hands in a gesture of surrender. "Alright, I got it. I'm being rejected. It's cool."
"I don't mean to hurt you," Hannah muttered, feeling sorry for him.
"It's okay. I'm used to it."
"No hard feelings?"
Lucas smiled. "Nope. We'll keep 'being friends.'"
"Good," Hannah said, standing and moving towards the door. Lucas spoke up once again, causing her to pause before exiting.
"But that's a rash promise to make. What if someone comes along who you have to break it for?"
Hannah shook her head. "Won't happen."
"You never know. Night, Red."
Hannah left the officer's mess. She'd told Daniel once that she'd liked plenty of guys, but they'd never liked her back. She'd never considered the fact that a guy may have liked her, but she didn't like him back. She wished she hadn't had to hurt Lucas, but she had no feelings whatsoever for him. And he was dead wrong, she knew. There would never be anyone to rival Daniel in her affections.