Chapter III
After multiple surgeries and skin grafts, Shepard was placed in a medically induced coma to attempt to restore her brain activity and to let her body heal. Some of humanity's best surviving doctors had been summoned to assist in Shepard's recovery. Miranda was mandated to coordinate those involved, and, incidentally, she was again in charge of ensuring that her patient receive the best possible care.
It had been a couple of weeks since the war ended, and little by little the comm buoys across the galaxy were being reactivated. Despite the Alliance trying to keep news of the Commander's condition quiet, people from all walks of life and of all species sent Shepard greetings, well wishes, and presents. Visits to the hospital, however, were restricted, as Shepard's condition was too unstable. Even her old crew wasn't allowed, but Miranda had made the effort to send out regular updates to all of them. They had been kept too busy by the Alliance to be able to visit anyways.
Jack had volunteered to assist in Vancouver's rebuilding efforts. Her student, Ensign Rodriguez, who had lost most of her relatives during the Reaper invasion, had stayed with her. Others had rejoined Jack after spending a few days with their respective families. Grimsson Academy would temporarily be relocated on the outskirts of Vancouver until they could head back to the Petra Nebula.
Urdnot Wrex, Urdnot Grunt and the rest of the Krogans were grounded on Earth while their ships were being overhauled. They had requested to be situated in a dry climate and the Alliance had complied by placing them in the Nevada desert. The military facilities there were ideal for the Krogans' needs. From there, the Krogans were strategically dispatched to help reduce the surge of rebel groups and unruly mercs that were popping up all over the planet.
Jacob Taylor was now stationed in London and settling in with Brynn and his newborn baby. He was still providing intel to the Alliance and lining up work as a consultant for surveillance and security companies.
Samara had made final arrangements to board a cruiser that was headed toward the Traverse. Her obligations now laid with her daughter, Falere. Although the decision to leave without properly giving her respects to Shepard had been difficult, her place was with her only remaining child. Moreover, she knew in her heart that Shepard would understand.
The SSV Orizaba, Rear Admiral Hannah Shepard's starship, had been one of the few that had escaped the Crucible's blast in time and reached the rendezvous point. They had contacted Alliance command within a few of days of the detonation. The starship had suffered only minor damages, and they would be arriving to Earth in under a month. Hannah was eager to see her daughter, proud of her accomplishment, but worried that it would be too late to say goodbye.