Chapter IV
Communications between the Normandy and Alliance command had been very sporadic. There had been no more news on Commander Shepard's condition. So far everyone on the Normandy knew that all synthetics, including the Geth, had ceased to function, which would explain EDI's demise. It was also known that the mass relays were destroyed, but at least the galaxy was finally rid of the Reapers. The crew had started to mourn the loss of Admiral David Anderson, who died a hero. A small ceremony had been held for the Admiral, who was captain of the original Normandy. It was short but very touching.
Joker had requested that EDI's name also be placed on the memorial wall, which Kaidan, understanding Joker's grief all too well, had agreed to. It was Joker's way of saying goodbye and the only way he could focus on the return to Earth.
Shepard's plaque had also been made, but Kaidan wasn't willing to place it on the wall. No one was. Her friends knew that she had it in her to survive, that no matter her condition, she wouldn't let go without kicking and screaming. Soon enough they were proven right. Reports of Commander Shepard had been arriving daily, and although she wasn't out of the woods, there was hope, and Kaidan had found a new purpose. He would let nothing stand in the way of getting back to her.
The regular updates from Earth also gave the members of the crew the push they needed to keep going. Within a few days, the Normandy was ready to head out into space. The excitement was palpable. Heads were held high and smiles were contagious. Joker and Garrus had even been able to pinpoint their present location thanks to the recon drones sent out by the Alliance.
"Tali, have you calculated our approximate ETA to the Sol system?" asked Kaidan as he was rechecking the ship's systems.
"If Joker's calibrations are correct, we should be within Earth's reach in 4 months' time," she responded.
"Hey! I heard that!" exclaimed Joker, "My calibrations are always accurate," he argued in true Joker fashion, giving a sideways look at Garrus. Garrus glared at Joker, mandibles tense. All at once, everyone on the bridge burst out laughing-and with that they were set.
"Attention crew," Kaidan said through the intercom, "We are ready for lift off. To all crew on deck, proceed to your posts. Joker, take us out."
Engines were purring, propulsions were steady, and all systems were running smoothly. They were in the air, rapidly going through the planet's atmosphere. Emotions were high and there were plenty of cheers. It was a good day. Within a few minutes, they were already in space looking back at the shrinking planet they had nicknamed Gulliver.