A/N: This is a short one, but just whetting your appetite for more updates this week! Thanks for reading!

HIS

Walking slowly into the office, Kaidan remembered the last time he had talked with Admiral Hackett. He had refused his promotion and chose to stay on the Normandy. I still have no regrets. The time we had was…worth it. Weeks had passed since Shepard died, and Kaidan had come to accept the pain as a normal part of his life now. It was like a part of his body. It couldn't be removed without maiming him.

"Sit down, Lieutenant. It's good to see you again, although I am sorry about your loss." Hackett's words knifed through Kaidan's soul. What does he mean?

"I'm sorry, sir, but I don't understand. Commander Shep—"

"Was more than just your commanding officer, Alenko. Don't try to deny it," Hackett's voice was gentle, but firm. "Your relationship with her was not a well-kept secret on the Normandy, especially after your outburst to Shepard's mother on the Kilimanjaro."

Kaidan's eyes were on the floor, looking about wildly. "Sir, I'm sorry, sir. It was a lapse in judgment. I accept any punishment you deem fit."

Hackett put his hand on Kaidan's shoulder. "Settle down, son. You aren't in trouble. We were received a notice of your relationship a few days before the Normandy went down. It was signed by her father, Col. Grant Shepard. He had given his approval of the relationship and actually said he thought you were a good fit for his daughter. Coming from him that's high praise indeed," Hackett chuckled. "He's always been kind of a hard ass."

Kaidan smiled at Hackett's candid remark, but he felt dumbstruck. I don't think that man said hardly 10 words to me when we met.

Hackett continued, "I invited you here because of the change in circumstances. Col. Shepard has requested you to be a part of his repair detail on the Citadel. You would be put in charge of repairing defense systems particularly in the area around the Presidium. You would also be given that promotion you're due. Will I be sending word that you've accepted?"

Kaidan felt a bit bewildered, but his face showed no trace of it. "Sir, yes, and thank you."

"Thank you, Commander Alenko. You are to report to the Citadel in 48 hours." Commander Alenko. She said that to me when she was drunk. 'I will be Commander Rachel Alenko.' God, I miss her.

Kaidan rose, shook Hackett's hand and left.