Anderson dropped Hannah off at the Agrippa, shaking her hand good-bye and assuring her of Jane's safety one last time. He'd informed her that he'd handpicked every crewmember of the Normandy and highly doubted any of them were Terra Firma spies. Still, he promised to scrutinize each of their files and backgrounds again. For her part, Hannah vowed to Anderson she'd order Jules to contact Jane and confess he'd written a program to track her ship, then tell her how to remove it.
Once Anderson departed, Lucas popped up out of nowhere, having guarded the ship from out of sight as he'd been commanded.
"So, is it over?" he asked, making a beeline for her.
"As over as it's going to be for now."
"They're not in jail, are they?"
"No, but I think Jane's safe. Anyway, Anderson will make sure of that."
Lucas considered the retreating figure of the formidable man. "If you trust him, then I do."
Hannah smiled. Good old, Lucas. Always her friend to the bitter end.
"So where's Keta?"
Hannah shook her head. She'd been wondering herself where the batarian went to. "I thought she would have found me by now. We'd better wait a little, see if she needs a ride somewhere."
"I've found my own way off the station," Hannah heard Keta's voice absent the modulator. It came through the comm in her ear. She scanned the room.
"Keta? Where are you?"
Lucas cocked his head, then pointed to his ear. Hannah nodded, affirming Keta was talking to her.
"I'm not near you at the moment."
"Then how are you…"
"You still have my omni-tool. It's a security measure so if it was ever taken from me, I could hear what was happening on the other end."
"So, you heard what went down then."
"Yes." There was a short pause. "And I don't like the way it ended. I know your hands are tied, but I'd rather those three had met their maker. Still, your friend Anderson seems capable and trustworthy."
"Sorry, Keta, that you're still perhaps in danger."
"I'm not worried. Besides, I think I'm finished. I'm tired of hiding and running. I'm going to retire. Settle down on a beach somewhere and get a tan."
"Batarians can tan?" Hannah asked, actually surprised.
"We turn a nice shade of golden red. Maybe I'll invite you to go along with me."
"Thanks, but I've got my hands full with the Alliance."
"Maybe some day, when you have the time. Hey, tell the grufax bye for me. I think I might miss him. Does that make me insane?"
Hannah looked at Lucas. "She says good-bye and she'll miss you." Lucas grinned.
"You weren't supposed to say that last part!" Keta hissed out.
"Oops."
"Tell her, 'See you round,'" Lucas interjected.
"You catch that?"
"Yes."
"About your omni-tool…"
"Keep it. I've got others. You'll find some software on there that will come in useful. Keep my weapons, too. I've got loads of those. And Hannah…I just want to thank you for your trust in me and your…loyalty. It's been…refreshing."
"My pleasure, Keta," Hannah answered, suddenly feeling she would miss her batarian friend greatly. "Take care of yourself."
"I'll be in touch." Hannah's comm went silent.
"So that's that."
Lucas nodded. "What now?"
"Let's go home."
The journey back to Arcturus Station was uneventful. Lucas and Pat spent most of the time playing checkers and sometimes poker as long as Lucas agreed they play with credits off the table. Pat declared he didn't want to lose the money from his pension all in one trip. He'd made a wise decision as Hannah discovered when Lucas confided in her that Pat didn't challenge him at all and he missed Keta's skills.
In fact, Lucas seemed to be missing Keta a lot. He'd moan and groan when he had nothing to do, and often end by wishing Keta had come back on the ship with them. Hannah thought it all too humorous considering the animosity they'd started the mission off with. The only thing that seemed to satisfy Lucas in regards to Keta was that she'd left her guns behind, meaning he could have permanent possession of her modified shot gun.
The minute they had pulled out from the Citadel, Hannah had confronted Jules, demanding he contact Jane, admit what he had done and instruct her how to remedy the situation. Jules was reluctant, but had no choice; he conceded it needed to be done. So he'd sent the e-mail. Nothing came back. Hannah assumed Jane was too busy to answer, whatever covert mission she was involved with taking all her time.
Hannah did her own duty and sent a message to Steven, letting him know they were on their way home, that she thought Jane was safe and she'd tell him more when they arrived. A day into their trip back, she received an unexpected message from Keta, who she hadn't thought she'd hear from in a long time.
I knew there was a reason I saved your daughter (besides my loyalty to you). Next time you see her, tell her I'm forever in her debt. –K
There was a link at the end of the message. When Hannah tapped it, it pulled up an article on the extranet from a news source. It detailed an attack on Terra Nova, how a group of batarian terrorists had commandeered Asteroid X57, intending to crash it into the colony. Luckily, Commander Jane Shepard, the first human Spectre, assaulted the asteroid, halting the batarian attack. The leader of the attack, Ka'hairal Balak, had escaped and was currently being hunted by Alliance forces.
Hannah shook her head at the irony. She pondered for a moment if certain people were destined to be drawn to one another, even if they were enemies. Twenty years ago, she'd had her run-in with Balak and survived. Now her daughter had her own run-in and had defeated him. She then took a long, shaky breath. Jane had been near Balak. She couldn't stand this watching from the sidelines. This never knowing where Jane was and what was happening to her.
It's a good thing Jane's an only child, Hannah thought to herself. If I had more than one, I'd be in an asylum, I'd go so crazy.
Hannah pushed thoughts of Jane's current mission out of her mind. If there was one skill she'd acquired over her years in the military, it was how to cover her emotions. She was an expert at keeping them at bay. She knew worrying over Jane would accomplish nothing.
The Agrippa pulled into hanger 56 as smoothly as it had taken off, thanks to the capable hands of Pat Morales. Hannah had called ahead, letting Steven know of their imminent arrival. She'd also called Lourdes, who was beyond ecstatic to find that Hannah had brought her prodigal home. So it was that when they stepped off the Agrippa, they were greeted by two people eager to see them, though for different reasons.
Lourdes rushed forward, throwing her arms around Jules who embarrassingly patted her back and persuaded her he was alright. She then turned to Hannah and hugged her tightly, tears in her eyes as she thanked her. After Lourdes and Jules left, Hannah said good-bye to Pat, thanking him for his service and help. The older man smiled and let her know if she ever needed him, he'd gladly escape the retirement center.
"So, Red," Lucas said as he watched Pat leave, "permission to go?"
Hannah smiled at him and shook his hand. "Of course, Lucas. Keep close, though. You never know when I'll need you."
"Just call me." Lucas left the hangar carrying his new shotgun and whistling.
That left Hannah alone with Steven. They sat next to each other on a couple crates and she began her story, tracing the events on Omega and then on the Citadel. Steven kept his arms folded over his chest the whole time, his eyebrows rising and falling as he listened to different parts of her story.
"Udina's changed since I last saw him," he commented.
"I wondered why you said I could trust him. He's paranoid…And I don't think he likes Jane much."
"He was all for her when we recommended her as a Spectre. Something's changed. I suspect it has to do with…" He abruptly cut off his statement, then eyed her apologetically. "Something I can't tell you, not yet."
"Not even a mother can know Alliance secrets?"
"It's not that I don't want to tell you. There's just more going on here than I can say."
"I understand." Hannah really did get it, but she wished she didn't have to be kept in the dark in regards to her own daughter.
"I'm glad Anderson was useful, though. If he's watching Jane's back, I'm certain she's safe."
Hannah nodded.
"Terra Firma…" Steven shook his head. "They've gained more respect around here over the years. They speak so positively about humanity and their arguments make sense on some level, but I've always thought they were more anti-alien than even they would admit."
"Jane must drive them nuts," Hannah replied, thinking of her alien-loving daughter as Saracino called her.
"I checked out every office and every person on my staff. I didn't find anything. I think we're safe on this end as well."
"Good."
"Well, now that this is over," Steven said, standing up, "I'd like to show you something."
Hannah stood up as well and narrowed her eyes, noticing the hidden smile at the corners of Steven's mouth. His sky blue eyes danced as well. "What?"
"You'll see. Follow me."
They left hangar 56 and walked down the hall, farther down the docks. Steven turned a corner, pacing several more meters. As they walked, Hannah sighted more engineers and dock workers, scurrying here and there. Steven finally stopped at a large window that looked out into the docking field.
"Take a look," he said, pointing.
Hannah stared out the window. Stars were only partially visible. A large dreadnought under construction took up most of the view. It was a sight to behold, dominating the landscape. She saw flickers of fire bloom and suffocate as workers in enviro-suits welded pieces of the ship together.
"Kilimanjaro class," Hannah observed.
Steven nodded. "It's going to be a fine ship, fresh on the inside, equipped with all the latest technology available…And she needs a captain."
Hannah swung her head in Steven's direction. The way he said that last bit…was he saying what she thought he was saying?
Steven now grinned. "I specifically asked for you and Mikhail put in a glowing recommendation. Your promotion has yet to come through official channels, but it's a go. That ship'll be yours in a few months…Captain."
Hannah couldn't find the words. She gawked at the dreadnought, nothing but a shell at the moment. But soon, it would take shape, growing into a beauty of a giant. And it would be under her command. She could hardly believe it. She'd wanted a ship for so long, a real ship, not just the tiny Agrippa.
"It's about time you were promoted," Steven said, smiling at her inability to speak. "It's long over due, in fact. I figured dropping your own career to save humanity's first Spectre deserved some kind of reward."
"It's…I just…thanks," Hannah eventually managed to stammer out.
"Oh, I don't deserve as much credit as you think I do. Your record is impeccable and impressive. All I had to do was get the ball rolling."
Hannah kept gazing out the window. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to look at Steven who was trying to hold back a laugh. "You've got leave until it's finished. Enjoy it. Once you become mother of that bird, you won't rest much at all."
Hannah smiled slightly. "Yeah, good point."
"I've got a meeting I need to keep. See you later, Captain."
"Yes, Admiral," she answered, saluting. "Thank you again."
"My pleasure." Steven left, but Hannah stayed next to the window, enthralled with the prospect of skimming the stars in a dreadnought under her direct control.
"Oh!" she heard Steven call out. She peered at him over her shoulder.
"Yes?"
"The crew will be assigned by the Alliance, except they'll let you pick an Executive Officer. They figure you know enough people in the Navy who'd be good in the position."
"Got it."
Steven ambled off down the hall. Hannah looked at the dreadnought outside the window. She did know a lot of people in the Navy. And even though he wasn't exactly the most strict or orthodox of officers, she knew exactly who she wanted by her side on her ship.
Hannah punched the panel outside the door for the second time, impatient for an answer. She tapped her foot, waiting, rubbing her hands. When there was still no response, she hit the panel again. He could be out, she thought. But they'd just come back, so she found that unlikely.
Suddenly, the door swooshed open and Lucas stood there in a pair of navy pants and a white undershirt. His hair was wet and he was rubbing it with a towel.
"Oh no," he said, dropping his hands. "What this time?"
"I don't need you right now," Hannah said. "But can I come in?"
"Yeah, sure. Just give me a second to clean up." He eyed Hannah suspiciously. She guessed the grin on her face had something to do with his uneasiness. She couldn't help it. She was trying to maintain a professional demeanor, but she was just too darn excited.
Lucas walked back to his bedroom. Hannah skimmed his apartment. Honestly, she hadn't been in it much, only once or twice. As a rule, she kept her relationship with Lucas strictly limited to the Kilimanjaro. She still feared his feelings for her, but she valued his friendship too much to cut him off. Of all the people in her life, he was the one she counted on the most to have her back at all times. He was just the kind of man she'd need as her second in command.
Lucas returned to the living room, his hair combed, wearing a dark purple pull over. "Tea?"
Hannah raised her eyebrows. "Tea?" she echoed, surprised.
"I want something to relax me, something comfortable, but that won't dull my brain for the next several hours."
Hannah smiled and nodded. As Lucas stepped into his kitchenette, she contemplated her friend. She'd never thought he would be the tea-type. She imagined him with a beer in his hand, not a delicate porcelain cup. As she waited, she glanced down and saw his data pad sitting on the coffee table, a message on its display. She hadn't planned on intruding and reading his mail, but the name of the sender caught her eye: -K . Keta? Hannah read the message.
Oh, so that's how you want to play, is it? Next time I see you, we'll just have to see who's the best shot. You're going down, grufax. Take care. –K
Take care? Hannah turned her attention back to the kitchenette, watching Lucas pour hot water into two mugs. She suddenly felt she'd missed something back on the Agrippa.
Lucas sauntered back into the living room and handed her a mug with a tea strainer in it. "You want sugar?"
"No, this is fine."
Lucas sat back in an easy chair and sighed loudly. "Good to be home." He placed his mug on the table and rubbed his back.
"Your injury alright?"
"Oh, it's mostly healed really. Just an ache now and then."
Hannah decided to venture a little. "So, you heard from Keta?"
"Huh?" Lucas' startled face amused her. His eyes darted to the data pad and then back at her. "Uh…only a little message here and there. Making sure she's okay, you know?"
"Uh huh," Hannah said, intoning quietly. Was something brewing between Lucas and Keta? Because if it was, she found that entirely weird. "How is she?"
"Great. Good. I don't know where she is. She won't say. Protecting herself, you know." Lucas found his tea interesting, picking it up again and concentrating on it, tapping his fingers on the mug.
"That's good," Hannah commented, dipping the strainer in and out of the water in her mug.
"So, what's up?" Lucas asked, now looking at her again. Hannah thought he seemed eager to change the subject.
Hannah smiled widely. "There's a new dreadnought being built. I'm going to be the Captain."
"What? Wow. Congratulations." Lucas grinned at her.
"And the thing is, you know the brass will choose the crew, but they're letting me choose my own Executive Officer." Her smile broadened even further.
Lucas tilted his head. "And…"
"Lucas, you've always been there for me, no matter what. You've been loyal, you're skilled, you know the Kilimanjaro backwards and forwards. So, I'd like to ask you to be my XO."
Lucas dropped his mug onto the coffee table again. "You serious?"
Hannah laughed. "Yes. I want you on my ship."
Lucas chuckled and tapped the coffee table with his fingers. "I never thought of myself as XO material," he said thoughtfully.
"I'll agree you aren't typical, but I don't want typical. When you're working on a puzzle, you're as good as anyone else trained in the Navy. But I don't want just anyone else. What you have is the ability to unify a crew. Everyone on the Kilimanjaro loves you. You're a natural at getting people to lower their guards and make connections. That's what I need in an XO, someone who can be a trusted conduit between me and the crew."
Lucas nodded, thinking over what Hannah had said. "It's a great pay raise, that's for sure." His eyes now twinkled. "I accept, Red."
"Good. But don't you dare ever call me Red in front of any of the crew. You got that?"
Lucas laughed at the mock severity in her tone. "Never. Got it."
"Well, then," Hannah said, taking a sip of her tea. "Welcome aboard, Commander." She held out her hand and Lucas shook it.
"Thanks, Captain." Lucas leaned back in his chair and sipped his tea contentedly. "So, when does this new ship get under way?"
"A few months. I've got leave. You'll probably get it, too, once I inform Steven who I've picked as Executive Officer."
"Good. I need the rest," Lucas said, laying his head back on the chair.
"You'll get it. I doubt we'll see any action for a long time."
As it would turn out, Hannah was right about her ship. It wouldn't see action for a while. But she was entirely wrong about herself.
Author's Note: Thanks again to everyone who's following this story! Stay tuned for the next chapter. Circumstances are about to draw Hannah and Jane back together again.