Resistance

by ela11

With the Reapers gone, the Leviathans are ready to resume their place as the apex race. One child, Aurora Alenko, threatens that goal, and they want her eliminated. This time the galaxy's races have pledged their aid to stop this from happening, and two human Spectre's once again lead the Resistance. A sequel to 'Struggle'.

28. Chapter 28

Chapter 28 – To Err Is Human

Watching Virmire shrink in size until it was completely gone, Shepard hoped never to see it again.

Yes, this time she'd walked away with everyone she cared about, but…here, in the quiet, with time to take stock of events, she feared she'd lost an important part of herself in the process.

Trying to put it behind her, Shepard turned away from the observation window and left Samara to her meditation. She needed sleep but the tension that had been building since Rorie's abduction was slow to dissipate, leaving her restless. Maybe a hot drink would help her relax. She moved across to the Mess in time to be handed a mug of tea by Cortez.

"Steve, you're a mind-reader."

"That's why I made sure our 'special guest' was given a room and company," he smiled, with a glint in his eye.

Taking a sip, Shepard thought about that. "It can't be Jack, else Antella would be in little pieces."

"No need for a room then," agreed Cortez. "Not that she didn't offer."

"I bet." Her fiery biotic friend had, like James and herself, been quickly fixed up and had escaped medbay at the first opportunity, with the comment that she'd happily finish off all those who'd 'gotten off lightly' on Virmire. Jack wasn't as prepared to accept that Oriana and the lab personnel shouldn't be used as target practice, and she'd been very vocal in her opinion that Antella should be dissected slowly with full awareness.

When it came to Antella, Shepard was unsympathetic, but she was haunted by her last decision on Virmire. She'd gone somewhere she'd never thought she'd go. She may not have pulled the trigger, but she'd given her blessing. In that moment, her heart had been ice that had spread upwards into her thoughts where it had influenced her actions. It should have been contained – acknowledged but inconsequential. That's why she refused to allow Antella any other fate than a prison cell. She couldn't risk crossing that line again.

"I thought Grunt was the perfect companion."

Steve's voice brought her back to the Mess, and his self-satisfied grin pushed back the sombre thoughts. "Grunt, huh? I think I'd quite like to be a fly on the wall right now. Edi?"

"I have redirected the camera feed to your omnitool."

Steve crowded in to get a look as she switched to the starboard cargo-hold camera.

Antella was pressed into a corner, Grunt standing right in front of him almost nose to nose, statue-still, shotgun in hand, and staring unblinkingly into Antella's painfully uncomfortable face.

"Could I…" Antella audibly swallowed. "Could I have some space… please?"

"No."

"Some water?"

"No."

"What about a bathroom break?"

"No."

"I want to speak to Shepard."

"No."

"Nice," Shepard laughed, turning it off. "Krogan hospitality."

"Nothing like it," Steve chuckled. "Apart from the doctors assisting Chakwas, the rest of the facility staff are making themselves as comfortable as possible in the shuttle bay for when we rendezvous with Hackett's ships. Oriana Lawson asked for a quiet space, so Edi suggested Life Support. It's about the only private area we have left."

Oriana… Shepard had been consciously avoiding her. "How was she?"

"Subdued," was all Steve said.

Shepard couldn't look at him then, her eyes dropping to concentrate on the curls of steam rising from the mug in her hands. How could she face Oriana after what she'd done? What would Kaidan think…?

Leaning back on the edge of the counter, Terra looked into the medbay at the three bed-ridden people inside. Hackett was sitting up, head buried in a datapad, impatient for Chakwas to release him, but the shot had been close to his heart and Karin was taking no chances. Kaidan and Garrus were conversing with each other and Teryck, who stood at Garrus' side. They were in high spirits considering what they'd been through, most of what skin was visible either discoloured by bruising, pasted in medigel, or in heavy-bandages. At Kaidan's nape, the broken tracker had been removed with ease, and a lot of relief.

"They look terrible," commented Steve.

"They look great," she smiled. "When I think about what could have happened…."

"Yeah."

Shepard noticed the far-off look on Steve's face, nudging him with her shoulder. "Where did you go?"

Steve blinked out of the trance he hadn't realised he'd been in. "Sorry, Shepard. Actually, I was just thinking about everything that's happening now – Lawson, the Leviathans - and how I'm glad I'm here with you through all this."

"Couldn't do it without you, Lieutenant." Shepard studied him for a second, a question she'd asked herself many times, re-surging, and she decided to voice it. "Why didn't you accept the Commander rank? At first I thought it was because you didn't feel ready for it, but there's more to it, isn't there?"

Steve chewed on his answer for a few seconds. "I refused because you don't need a flight commander to fly a shuttle," he said, simply and honestly. "Joker gets away with his rank because there's still no one as capable of flying this girl as him. But if I took that promotion I'd probably be re-assigned to train new recruits. A worthy pursuit, don't get me wrong, but… I want to be here. You're all the family I've got, and I just want to hold on to that."

Her heart flipped. The last thing she wanted was for him to hold back from progressing because of her. "Steve… You'll always be a part of our family, no matter where you're placed."

"I know, but it's more than that – and this will sound completely illogical – but, I took my eye off Robert and I lost him. If I'm not here…I have this fear that I'll lose you all, too."

Terra truly didn't know what to say after her friend's heart-breaking confession. So she put her mug down and hugged him.

Cortez let out a soft chuckle. "I needed that. Thanks, Shepard."

"I can understand where you're coming from," she said. "After what so nearly happened to Rorie I wanted to be the one protecting her - because I wasn't with her when the Leviathans came for her. Leaving her afterwards was incredibly difficult, and then Lawson happened." Anger bubbled beneath her skin. "Now the Leviathans are standing in my way, Steve. And I know that before I go and face whatever army they've amassed in the yahg, that I'm going to have to leave her behind again."

"You have no choice."

"No. But I know there are others who can look after her. I have to trust in them, because the alternative is to sit stagnant, and that does no-one any good."

Steve nodded slowly. "You think I should take the promotion."

"You deserve it, and the higher pay-grade and respect it brings with it. And don't go thinking that I'm going to give up my favourite pilot easily."

"Heard that," a voice butted in over the comm.

"Knew you would, Joker," grinned Shepard as Cortez laughed. "That's what you get for eaves-dropping."

"Public space, Shepard."

"Private conversation, Joker."

"Damn it. Okay, you win, I'm going. But you owe me one for that. It hurt my heart and everything," Joker said with feigned sadness.

"I've allowed you to remain in the pilot's seat for a while longer, so I don't owe you anything."

"Doh! I never win with you."

"Thanks, Shepard," said Steve, sincerely. "You're right. It's time to stop being afraid of what might happen. I'll let Command know I've changed my mind. After the Leviathans are gone."

"Deal."

"You won't be leaving Rorie for long. We're all determined to see her safe," Cortez stated. Then he stifled a yawn. "I'm beat. Better get my head down. You should do the same," he advised, with a gentle nudge.

She nodded distractedly as he moved past her. The sudden and intense urge to get herself up-to-date with current developments with the yahg came over Shepard. Recent events had taken her attention off the Leviathans, and that was a dangerous thing to do. Finishing her tea with one last swig, she stood up with new purpose.

"I know that look."

The husky voice travelling down her spine, Shepard was surprised to see Kaidan exiting medbay. He was hunched in obvious discomfort as he tried to get a shirt on, his torso thickly bandaged, and she quickly crossed to him. "What are you doing out of bed?"

"Momentary reprieve only, on the proviso…" he had to suck in few breaths before he could continue, "...that I head straight back a-sap. I've got a small…mission to complete of the utmost importance. Edi informed me Rorie's waking up."

"Ah." She smiled, helping him with the shirt which would cover the worst of his injuries. "Then allow me to accompany you, General."

"Your presence is always appreciated, Admiral."

He gave her a way-too-heated look for a man in his state, and Shepard cursed her body's pointless reaction when he certainly wasn't capable of what it wanted. Ignoring her inappropriate libido, she looped her arm in his and they walked slowly across the Mess.

"So, what has you fired up?" Kaidan asked.

"Leviathans. Or yahg. I need to re-focus again."

"What you need is a decent night's rest."

"I'm fine," she brushed off. "It's vital I know what's going on."

"It's vital that you're in a condition…to face them," he finished with a puff.

She frowned over at him. "Shouldn't you be saving your breath?"

"Nice try, Beautiful. When it comes to you, I've got plenty of air."

"Hot air?" she grinned, mischievously.

"Hh! I'm going to remember that one. And you haven't…succeeded in distracting me from the issue. Knowing you're looking after yourself…will also help me rest easier, too."

"Ugh! Okay! I'll get some sleep first."

"Thank you."

"Blackmailer," she grumbled.

"When needs be."

"Just as well I love you."

"Love you, too."

He gave her the sexy side-look, and she was squirming inside. "Blast it, stop looking at me like that. It's cruel."

They'd arrived at the door, Kaidan rather breathless, but he leant in to kiss her anyway. He couldn't linger as long as he wanted – his air reserves currently in short supply – but the brief teaser of her taste, the feel of her soft lips on his, was no less satisfying. Being incapacitated was going to drive him mad.

Then they were entering Rorie's room to see her sitting up blearily, her hands balled into fists which she used to rub the sleep from her eyes. Shepard stayed at the door watching as Kaidan lowered himself cautiously to sit on the bed.

"Daddy!"

Rorie threw herself at him, and Terra heard his pained grunt which he covered with a laugh. Regardless, Kaidan hugged her close.

"I missed you, honey."

Rorie smiled up at him. It turned to a small frown, her fingers raising to run gently down his face. "Did the bad mans hurt you, Daddy?"

Kaidan caught her little hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "You don't need to worry about them anymore."

"You and Mommy stopped them," announced Rorie, like it was a known fact, "to save Uncle Gus."

"Absolutely." Kaidan looked back at Terra, thankful she'd kept his sacrifice for Rorie's safety from her. His breathing became a little shuddery as his attempts to keep his sentences whole suddenly drained him.

"Look, Daddy!" Rorie jumped up and pointed excitedly to the poster on her wall. "Sarni got Blasto to put my name on it!" She clapped her hands and bounced.

"Wow, that's great, honey." He sent Terra several unspoken questions, including why her face clouded over at the mention of this 'Sarni'.

"I'll explain on our way back to medbay," she sighed, then addressed Rorie. "You must be hungry. Go see what you'd like to eat, sweetie, and I'll fix you something."

"Kay."

Rorie skipped vibrantly from the room, and Terra helped Kaidan stand.

"Something tells me it's quite a story," Kaidan guessed.

"Isn't it always?" This one Terra was hoping Garrus wouldn't find out about. She'd already made it clear to Massani she expected him to keep well out of Garrus' way.

"Uncle Gus!" came Rorie's thrilled shout, followed quickly by "Ganpa! Why are you in there?"

Her parents both winced at the sound of stampeding little feet headed for medbay.

"Chakwas probably should have kept the windows blacked out," commented Kaidan.

"Yep."

They both laughed. It was great to be back together again.

oOo

oOo

Shepard had still not managed to sleep.

They were well on their way back to the Citadel, and Antella and the displaced personnel had been transferred to other ships in order to answer a few questions. Asides from Antella, the rest would all be released without charges; Shepard was confident that they were ignorant of their employer's scheme. That left Oriana. When the ships had rendezvoused, Edi had advised Shepard the young woman was in a deep sleep, and so Terra saw no reason to disturb her, allowing her to remain on board. She intended to ensure that Oriana face no charges over this, not because she was completely innocent, but because she truly regretted it and had done the right thing when it was most needed, even though it placed her against a sister she had loved no matter that it was unrequited.

Terra had then felt compelled to write up her report– a way to wrap it all up and move on. Shortly after that, she'd been called to the War room for a vid-conference with Coats and Osoba, for which Kaidan and Hackett had been linked in from their medbay beds (which Chakwas refused to let them out off) via omnitools.

It was an update. A team had been assembled and were already on route to Parnack, consisting of the best infiltrators of each species, and Spectre Jondum Bau to represent the Council. His was the only name Shepard recognised, though she'd never met him personally.

Satisfied things were in hand and she now knew what was going on as much as anyone did, it was a relief to know that, until the Intel came in from those on Parnack, her family and crew could use the time to heal - in more ways than one.

Checking the time, she smiled. She'd be able to catch dinner.

O

Terra's report in his hand, Hackett looked across at Garrus, who was easing himself onto his feet while Chakwas scanned him.

"Everything looks satisfactory," Chakwas was saying. Giving Garrus a serious look accompanied with a burdened sigh, she placed a thin dressing over the small wound in his forehead. "You were very lucky, Garrus. A millimetre more and it would have been a very different story."

"Hm," scowled Garrus. "I'd rather not think about it."

"Done." Chakwas stepped back. "Okay, off you go, but remember what I said. You take it easy and check in regularly, or I'll have you back in that bed for the next two weeks."

"Consider me warned, Doc," surrendered Garrus.

"If I could have a word, Garrus," Hackett spoke quietly.

"Of course, Admiral."

Chakwas was walking out to join the others in the Mess, so Hackett got up and moved closer to the AI Core and further away from Kaidan and Rorie, who were involved in a call with Kaidan's parents. "I've just read Terra's report. It's as detailed as ever…until it gets to Miranda Lawson's death. All she states is that Lawson was killed. There's nothing about the circumstances."

Garrus' jaw flexed, his eyes glancing at a thankfully-distracted Kaidan. Like Hackett, he kept his tone low. "That's because I finished what I started four years ago. I executed her."

"Personally, I think you've done the galaxy a favour. I'm sure you're already aware after the way I handled Rahna that I don't have the same viewpoint on such things as my daughter. I'm the product of a far more…unforgiving upbringing. Some people aren't worth a reprieve, regardless of whether they prove to be an immediate threat or not." Ignoring the uncomfortable feeling in his chest from his healing wound, Hackett waved the datapad between them. "But Terra didn't put your actions down here at all. That indicates to me that there's more to it. I want to know what."

Garrus swore under his breath. "I knew I shouldn't have taken that gun. Her gun. She offered it to me. She knew what I was about to do, and she…" He shook his head in regret.

"She's feeling guilty. Because she assisted you."

"No. Not assisted. She just gave me the gun and… and waited outside the door," Garrus frowned. "She didn't try to stop me. I was expecting her to. … That's what's eating at her, isn't it? Damn it."

"Whatever her reasons, she needs to find a way to come to terms with it. I'll explain it to Kaidan."

"Are you sure that's the right way to go? He'll be pissed at me, and I have no problem with accepting that, but what if it drives a wedge between them?" worried Garrus, knowing Kaidan's stance on this.

"Give him more credit, Garrus. More than anyone, he'll see what she's going through over it."

"Admiral Hackett," came Chakwas' firm, unimpressed voice.

They turned to see her in the entrance, arms folded, with a stern face.

"I can see you from the Mess, and I'm certain I did not give you leave to get out of that bed."

"I was just-"

"No excuses. Back. Now."

"But-"

"Now."

"Naughty Ganpa," added Rorie, copying Chakwas' cross face.

While Kaidan sent him a sympathetic face, the snort from the turian next to him prompted Hackett's brief glare before he did as he was told. Dignity was well and truly out the airlock.

O

Entering the Mess, Shepard absorbed the happy chatter of the crew as they trickled in. She checked through the medbay windows and grinned at the sight of Rorie and Kaidan huddled together on his bed, Rorie with Puppy back in hand and chatting animatedly into his omnitool while Kaidan tried to get a word in edgeways. It had to be Kaidan's parents. She'd been fielding their calls since they arrived on the Citadel, trying to reassure them that everything was fine – that they'd just had to rush off, Kaidan was on an urgent mission. She'd hated dodging round the truth, but it had seemed the right thing to do to minimise their worry over Kaidan.

She knew there would be some missing from the table asides from those stuck in medbay. Liara had sequestered herself away with Javik, Samara seemed to be in constant meditation in the observation lounge, and Massani was wisely avoiding most of the crew and had wheedled his way back into the starboard cargo-hold by winning over Grunt with his battle stories. Oriana was also evading contact with anyone, and Shepard had spotted her slipping into the lounge.

Then she saw Garrus limping his way out of medbay and over to join her.

"Are you supposed to be up already?" She took in the heavy-bandage that held together the plating beneath his left eye, and the gauze that was taped to his forehead. Unusually gloveless, his left hand was also bandaged.

"You really think I'd dare invite the Doc's wrath?" He jerked a thumb over his shoulder towards Chakwas.

Shepard had to laugh at seeing Chakwas looming authoritatively over her slightly red-faced father as he got back into his bed.

"So… we're returning to the Citadel," sighed out Garrus.

"Not eager to get back to normality?"

He shrugged, settling into a seat beside Shepard. "Sometimes I wonder about changing careers."

"Uh oh. Better not let your father hear you say that." Shepard checked around her to confirm Teryck wasn't here already, though she'd gauged Garrus was only teasing.

"I'm telling you, it's a booming business for psychiatrists right now. There's a lot of messed up people out there, thanks to Cerberus and Reapers. And Leviathans. And Lawson."

Shepard sent him a dubious look. "You, a psychiatrist? I'm seeing a whole lot of prospective vigilantes in my future," she joked.

Garrus nodded, seemingly in thought. "You're right. I could have a whole army at my disposal. We could take back the galaxy. All they have to do is hand over their minds to me. Oh wait... That sounds a lot like the Leviathans. Damn."

"Doc definitely gave you the okay?" Shepard asked, sceptically.

He waved it off. "Didn't lose anything vital. Just my patience."

"You didn't have that to begin with."

"Oh. My common sense then."

"I'm right here, Garrus. As always."

"There's nothing common about you, Shepard."

"Sweet-talker."

Garrus' face dropped into a deadly serious one as he reached up to his forehead. "Oh no. I've regressed. … Into Vega."

"Stop it," she admonished with a laugh.

Pleased he'd amused her, Garrus then sobered. "You okay, Shepard?" he asked under his breath. In an instant, all trace of her amusement fell away and he wished he'd just left it alone.

"I don't know," she murmured, honestly.

Garrus felt self-reproach over placing her in the ambiguous moral place she obviously was. It was the only thing he regretted about pulling that trigger. He searched for something to say…

Rorie appeared in a rush of happiness, and saved Garrus. "Mommy! Ganma and Ganpa are at our partment!"

"They are!?" smiled Terra. "Well, we'd better hurry back then!"

Rorie placed Puppy onto the empty seat beside her, then climbed onto Terra's lap. "Uncle Joker! You have to go back up and drive the ship faster!" she said earnestly and loudly to the far end of the table.

Joker was mid-mouthful when everyone looked at him with grins all round, including Edi. He swallowed down his half-chewed food with a wince. "How many times do I have to tell you? It's fly the ship. And talk to Altair. I'm officially back to 'training' not flying," he grimaced.

"I shall do my best, Admiral Alenko," saluted Altair, more than happy to play to the youngster. "Please may I have your permission to finish my meal first? I'm really hungry, Ma'am."

"Hm…" Rorie tapped the table with her fingers as she thought about it. "I need to ask my mommy. Hang a minute." She turned to Terra who was sitting straight-faced.

"I'm fairly sure that pilots fly better when they have full tummies," imparted Terra.

Rorie returned her attention to Altair. "Okay. You can eat first. But then you have to fly really faster."

"Aye, aye, Admiral," laughed Altair.

Content, Rorie began to tuck into her own dinner, until Knox nearly sat down on the seat next to her. "Don't sit on Puppy!"

Knox looked perplexed, then spotted the toy. "Sorry." He hesitated a brief moment. "Actually I've, uh, got something that belongs to you…Rorie," said Knox, a little awkwardly, fishing into a pocket. "I meant to give it to you earlier."

"It's mine?" she frowned. "Did you borrow it?"

"No."

"You took it without asking? Mommy says that's naughty."

Knox huffed, a tiny smile escaping. "You dropped it." He crouched down and held out her possession, watching her face light up.

"My cap!" Instead of taking it she bounced off Shepard's lap and towards Knox, hugging his neck. "Thank you, Corpal Knox!"

"It's Will. You can…call me Will."

She beamed at that, and he placed the cap on her head. So delighted, she did a manic march on the spot as she held the cap down with two hands. She then grabbed Puppy off the seat. "You can sit here." Then she ran over to James and Jack as they came in. "Look! Look! My cap!"

"Forget the cap and get a haircut like mine," grinned Jack. "Or a tattoo."

"Whoa!" laughed James. "Don't listen to that, Nugget. It looks great."

Still a flurry of excited energy, she whirled around and bashed into Adams, but it was Clay beside him who caught her before she fell back.

"Steady there. Where's the fire?"

Rorie looked confused. "I don't know," she answered sincerely, before her excitement took over again. "Look, Cay! Look, Uncle Geg! Will found my cap!" Before they could respond she was off again, shouting, "Uncle Joker!"

"I know already," Joker drawled, rolling his eyes over, though there was a trace of the grin he was trying to conceal. "They can hear you all the way down in the shuttle bay you know."

Terra laughed. This was why she would never miss dinner.

oOo

The Mess was emptying. Shepard had already gone to check in with Kaidan and Hackett, and Garrus twisted in his seat to watch her through the window, wondering if they were talking to her about Virmire.

"Everything all right?" Teryck asked from beside him.

Garrus swung back to meet his father's intense gaze. Immediately, he knew he didn't want his father finding out about Lawson's demise. "Sure." The scrutiny continued for a few excruciating seconds longer. Then Teryck went back to his meal, leaving Garrus able to breathe.

"Hey, Garrus!" called James, getting up and walking backwards to the lounge, led by Jack. "We're taking the opportunity to chill out with a few drinks. Wanna join us?"

"Be there, shortly."

"Mr V?"

Garrus had to nudge his father. "That's you."

"Oh... No. Thank you, Commander Vega. I need an early night."

"Esteban?" invited James.

"I'm coming," Steve said as he rose to follow. "Knox?"

In the middle of putting away his plate, Knox took a few seconds to answer, surprised at first to be included. "Sure. Thanks."

"The more the merrier," grinned James. "Oh hey, where's Big G?"

"I'm guessing bathroom," answered Steve, gesturing to the queue outside the men's. "Someone seriously needs to tell Grunt that it would be much easier without the armour."

While James went to invite Grunt through the door, the others carried on.

Finished in the kitchen, Knox caught up with them to find that the tattooed woman, Jack, had come to an abrupt stop as the lounge doors opened. He peered between them to see that the other Lawson woman, Oriana, was standing at the window, looking out, unaware of their presence.

"What the hell are you still doing here?" sneered Jack, walking straight up to her, the biotics already forming at her fists.

"Jack-" started Cortez.

"You've got no business being on this ship," continued Jack, getting right in Oriana's downcast face.

"Cut her some slack," implored Cortez. "Shepard trusts her."

"Shepard trusts everyone." Jack flung back without unpinning Oriana with her glare. "And I don't 'cut slack'. You're not worth her forgiveness. You should be as headless as your sister."

Oriana gasped, her face pained.

"Bella, stop." James pushed his way past Knox and Cortez, Grunt behind him, and countered the thundery visage Jack sent his way with one of his own. "She proved herself when it counted. There's no need to cause more hurt."

"Too damned soft," Jack chided before resuming her hard stare at Oriana. "I'm watching you."

"Back off," warned Knox. He found himself at the end of that furious gaze, but he didn't care. "We all make mistakes."

"Oh yeah? Well, when that 'mistake' puts your family at risk, you can comment. Until then, shut the fuck up."

"Oh-kay." James slung an arm around her shoulders and aimed her towards the bar. "Let's take it easy, wildcat. We've got enough enemies out there without making new ones in our own home, no?"

"Whatever," bit out Jack.

"How about I mix you all up my specialty?" James said brightly, encompassing the whole group with his eyes, and moving them on.

"Uh oh," joined in Cortez. "Then it's just the one for Knox and I. Some of us need to be functional by the time morning shift comes round."

"One? Only if you're a lightweight," Knox added dryly.

"Oooh!" chimed James. "That sounds like a challenge, Esteban! Gonna let a grunt get the best of you?"

"Revenge is a dish best served cold, Mr Vega. When our new friend here's getting reamed out by Shepard in the a.m. for being half-cut, and put on bathroom cleaning duty, he's going to be wishing he listened to someone far wiser than he."

"Especially after Big G's visit," laughed James. "No one's heading in there anytime soon."

Grunt grinned over at Knox. "Heh, heh, heh."

Knox surrendered. "Okay. One it is."

"Wuss," smirked Jack.

James was already behind the bar, tossing bottles about in an impressive display.

"Quit showing off. You're a hunk, we know." Jack regretted her words the moment they registered on James' face. "Just make the damn drink, you grinning buffoon."

…

His father now retired for the night, Garrus started collecting up their plates, his gaze still flicking to the medbay.

"Can I chill out too?" asked Rorie, who was camped out beside him, her own plate empty and finishing off her mother's leftovers.

"Sure. But only water for you. You're a minor, after all."

Her fork clattered down on the table. "I am not!" she retorted, indignantly.

"Uh, yes you are."

Rorie stood up, put her hands on her hips, and gave him a stern look. "Uncle Gus, do you know what a miner is?"

"Uh…yes?" He was now lamenting his choice to argue, and questioning himself in the face of what was, clearly, a very offended little human.

"Do I look like a dorf?" she pressed, crossly.

"A what? A- A dorf?" stammered Garrus.

Her shoulders sagged with her heavy put-upon sigh. "Ask Antie Edi. I'm going to chill with Uncle James." Grabbing Puppy, she gave him one last unimpressed look before flouncing off.

Left alone in the Mess like he'd been isolated because of his stupidity, he rubbed his forehead. Maybe something had been damaged…. "Uh…Edi?"

"I believe there has been a miscommunication," came Edi's amused tone. "The miner Aurora was referring to is a person who extracts ore from stone."

"Aah! Miner! Huh!" Then he frowned again. "Dorf?"

"Earth mythology often depicts miners as dwarves. She recently watched an animation in which they appeared. Aurora was protesting you likening her to a small, rotund, bearded person."

"Hm." He chuckled to himself. "Well, one out of three isn't bad."

…

Drink in hand, Knox looked over at Oriana. She made a beautiful but intensely sad picture. Vega placed another glass in front of him, then tipped his head towards Lawson. Getting the hint, Knox rolled with it, picking up the second drink and crossing to her.

"You okay?" he asked softly, keeping the conversation private.

She just nodded uncomfortably. "I should leave."

In response, Knox offered her the glass which Oriana took in reflex. "Forget about what she said. If Shepard trusts you, I'm good with that."

"Just like that?"

Knox took a deep thoughtful breath, taking in the stars for a second or two before deciding how to answer. "If she's got it wrong with you… then she might have it wrong with me, too. I've gotta believe I'm not past redemption yet."

"Redemption?"

He took a sip from his own glass, then had to try very hard not to choke as the strong alcohol hit the back of his throat. "Maybe I'll tell you about it sometime," he said, hoarsely. He quickly cleared his throat. "Will Knox," he introduced himself.

She let out the smallest smile. "Oriana."

Then the door opened again, this time making way for a happy Rorie. Her eyes travelled the room until she saw the one face she didn't know, and instantly walked up to Oriana.

"I'm Rorie."

Surprised, and aware of the many eyes on her, Oriana could only weakly smile at the gorgeous little girl she'd helped place in danger. "Hello, Rorie. I'm Oriana."

"You're pretty. Like mommy. Are you a princess? Or a solder?"

"I think that was meant to be soldier," said James as he moved round to settle on the sofas.

Oriana couldn't help but laugh at the only two options offered in such a sweet tone, crouching down to Rorie's level. "Neither. I'm just a normal person."

"Do you help save people, too?"

"I'd like to help people." Oriana's eyes dropped as Jack, who sat sullenly at the bar, huffed. "But by providing homes. New colonies. At least, that's what I was working to, before…" Looking at the adorable child, Oriana had tears in her eyes. "I'm so sorry you were taken, Rorie."

"Don't be sad, Arna. I'm alright." Rorie then hugged Oriana.

It had been so long since Oriana had felt affection that at first she was startled by it. She'd didn't deserve this, but she wrapped her arms around the innocent acceptance and comfort she was being offered, closing her eyes so she didn't have to see the disapproval from the other woman. When Rorie let go, Oriana released her reluctantly, realising belatedly that the room was close to silent. She swallowed her discomfort. "Thank you, Rorie. You're very kind."

"Too kind," Jack muttered loudly.

Joker entered, looking miffed. "How come nobody told me this was going on?"

"You weren't at the table," reasoned James. "Besides, I thought you always had an ear on everything."

"Just as well, or I wouldn't have known," Joker grumbled.

"I have a cap," Rorie pointed out to Oriana, ignoring the pilot.

"It's lovely," smiled Oriana.

"Now I'm Pee-Liance!" she announced, proudly.

That had the whole room glancing at each other in bemusement, while Joker face-palmed.

"That's going to haunt me forever," he sighed.

Then Garrus' entrance distracted them all. On his way to the bar he gave James a second look. "You look like you've just beat Shepard's score at the Armax Arena."

James was grinning like an idiot. "Apparently, I'm a hunk."

"Hah! Who told you that?"

Jack moaned as she buried her head into her arms.

"Jack!? I'm- I'm shocked," ribbed Garrus. "What were you thinking? Like his head isn't big enough already. Now you've gone and stroked it and created a monster."

James was chuckling now, as Jack looked up with a loaded grin.

"You've got a dirty mind, Garrus," smirked Jack. "I like that." Slapping his back in approval, and leaving Garrus confused, Jack took her drink to the poker table.

Getting up, James patted his shoulder. "Don't feel too bad about it, buddy. Some of us are just Gods amongst men." Then he went to join Jack.

With sudden clarity, Garrus groaned. "I need a strong drink."

oOo

The hour late, James and Jack were the only ones left in the lounge, still playing poker.

"So… Wanna raise the stakes?" Jack said, wiggling her eyebrows before swigging back the last shot on the table.

James paused in mid-deal. "Ah…You've had a bit to drink. Doesn't seem fair to play for credits."

The look she sent him was unimpressed. "You've been matching me drink for drink, jarhead, and I was talking about clothes."

"Whoa! Huh!" James swallowed, his mouth suddenly dry. "Believe me when I say I'm not complaining, but you don't exactly have a lot to lose there."

"What's the matter, Vega? Can't handle the heat?"

"The heat's not the problem, Bella," he answered softly. "I don't want to take advantage."

With a pout, Jack crawled her way seductively over the table towards James. "What if I want you to?"

James wanted her badly, but when he placed his hands on her upper arms, it was to still her. "Like I said: I won't take advantage. I want all of you, without any possibility of regret on your part later. When we get back to the Citadel we'll have a chance to spend some time together. No expectations, just getting to know one another." James stood up and kissed her nose. "Goodnight, Bella."

Stunned, Jack was ripped right out of the alcohol-induced haze. She realised she'd been testing him … and he'd passed. No one had ever done that before; every man she'd met who'd shown a modicum of interest in her had taken her advances without question. But not Vega.

Now she was left here, not sure what she should do about it. Climbing off the table she stood there for a few minutes, reflecting on the evening that had passed by. She'd really enjoyed it. He'd made her laugh, and not once had there been any awkward silences or boredom on her part. He was an easy person to be with; an easy man to like. Then the alcohol had helped bring out the defensive side of her that didn't trust anyone at face value, and had messed it up. Disappointed and confused, Jack decided she should probably go sleep it off before she did something else she'd regret. Because it mattered to her what he thought of her. That in itself was a revelation to her.

In the elevator, Jack's finger hovered over the Engineering deck. The thought of her below-deck hideout - a place she equated with being safe and alone - suddenly wasn't so appealing anymore.

"Do you need assistance, Jack?" enquired Edi.

"Is Vega in crew quarters?" she asked quickly and quietly, before she could chicken out.

"He is in the shuttle bay."

Jack wasn't sure why he'd be there this late, but she headed down, unsure what she hoped to achieve when she got there.

He was working out, his t-shirt gone and sweat glistening at his back, punching the hell out of the bag.

"Is that what I do to you?" she smirked, then mentally kicked herself. That was the cocky Jack - another defensive part of herself, she realised with dismay.

James had swung round at the sound of her voice. "Only a cold shower will sort that, Bella. I meant what I said-"

"I know. I'm not... asking for that." She desperately sought the right thing to say. Something that wouldn't end in her returning to that solitude. Honesty…. If she knew nothing else about him, she knew he was a man who appreciated sincerity. She inhaled deeply. It was another of those 'leap of faith' moments that scared the hell out of her. He hadn't let her down so far…. "I don't want to be alone, Vega," she whispered, her voice failing her.

Searching her face, James reached out, his thumb wiping away the tear she hadn't been aware had fallen. Then he stepped into her space and wrapped his arms around her. "You don't ever have to be alone again, Bella," he spoke gently at her ear. "I'm here for you, no matter what."

Exhaling a shaky breath of relief, she clung to him, trusting in that promise, and accepting that she didn't need to be alone to feel safe.

A short while later, they were laying together in each other's arms on the floor of the shuttle in a sleeping bag, fully clothed, and fast asleep.

O

Kaidan lay in medbay, the lights dimmed to near darkness, the windows blacked out. Although Hackett was on the other side of the privacy screen Chakwas had erected between the two of them, Kaidan felt very alone. After Terra had left for the night, Hackett had handed him Terra's report and filled him in on what was missing as told by Garrus. He stared up at the ceiling, his thoughts refusing to be silent as he worried for Terra. She'd be re-living Virmire, tormenting herself. He wanted to go to her, but Chakwas had attached him up to machines and getting up would mean detaching them and setting off alarms that would notify the Doc of what he was up to. He was under no illusion that she'd be right in there with a look to intimidate a krogan.

The doors opened and for an irrational second Kaidan actually expected Chakwas to enter, to tell him not to even think about it. But it was Terra, and that made him very happy. She'd paused in the entrance, her eyes needing to adjust to the lack of light in here, so he let his biotics ripple over him, sending her an added light. Her loving smile hit him all the way from there.

"Couldn't sleep either?" Kaidan whispered when she neared, their hands entwining. He hoped she'd confide in him.

"I can't stand another night without you."

He carefully shifted over. "Jump on board, Beautiful."

A voice cleared from the other side of the privacy screen. "At this point, I feel the need to warn you I'm also still awake," said Hackett, a smile in his voice.

His face burning, Kaidan buried his face in his hands as Terra laughed quietly beside him.

"Don't worry, dad. No funny business going on here."

Terra lay down beside him, and Kaidan gladly tucked her closely against him, enjoying her contented sigh.

"This is all I need," she whispered.

They lay in silence, but Kaidan could feel the tension in Terra. She couldn't relax.

"Kaidan…."

He waited.

"I- … I lost myself on Virmire."

He tightened his hold on her and pressed his lips to her temple. "No, you didn't."

She shook her head. "You don't know what I did. What I allowed to happen."

"I know," he assured her. "Your father spoke to Garrus."

"Oh my God," she rushed out, her hands covering her face in shame. "How can you look at me? I became no better than Lawson. I let the anger numb me. I felt nothing, Kaidan."

Pulling her hands away, he gripped them, running his thumbs over the backs of her fingers as he looked into those watery dark eyes he adored. "But you do now. You feel it to the heart of you. That's what sets you far apart from Lawson. And apart from Garrus."

"Don't say it like that," she frowned at his last comment.

"I will. You know it's true, as much as you love him. He shouldn't have done it. He shouldn't have put you in that position. But Garrus is who he is, and I know you won't hear anything said against him, so I'll end it there."

"I have a mind of own, Kaidan. It wasn't his fault I stood back and did nothing. I have no-one to blame but myself."

He considered that for a moment before continuing. "I can't even begin to imagine what you felt like at that moment you thought you would have to choose one life over another. For a second time. Regardless that thing's went well, that feeling would have lingered. I can understand why the hatred took over."

"You're making excuses for me."

"Yes, I am. Because, like Garrus is just turian, you are just human. When someone is hell-bent on making your life hell, we can all lose ourselves in the heat of the moment." The memory of slamming Vyrnnus into that wall was one that would forever be vivid in his mind. "It's what comes after, that matters most," continued Kaidan, searching deep into her eyes to be sure she was accepting this. "You said it to Knox after his actions on the Citadel, and this is no different. If I know you the way I think I do, you'll do anything not to be in that place again. So I think no less of you for being human and falling foul to a moment of weakness in a crazy, unenviable situation. Now, you move on."

"And do better," she murmured.

Kaidan was sure he saw a little of the weight lift from her. Running her hand down the side of his face, she kissed him in a way that conveyed not only her love, but also her gratitude.

"You have no idea how much I love you," she said over his lips.

Kaidan kissed her back. "On the contrary, I feel every bit of it."

The medbay door opened again, this time the visitor bringing her own biotic light. Terra got up to go to their daughter, who was re-dressed in her pyjamas, Puppy dangling from her hand.

"Not tired, sweetie?"

Rorie yawned. "I woke up!" she said, like it was an unbelievable concept. "So I come see daddy. Did you want daddy, too?"

Terra nodded. "Great minds think alike."

"Well, I'm more than happy to have my two favourite girls keeping me company," grinned Kaidan. "We might need a bigger bed, though."

Without a thought, Rorie biotically pushed the nearest bed up to Kaidan's.

Terra picked her up and Rorie scrambled to the middle and wiggled until she was snuggled between Terra and Kaidan.

"Lights out, young lady," Terra whispered, and Rorie's biotics fizzled out.

Smiling to himself, Kaidan was surrounded by their warmth, no longer alone in any sense of the word. Everything important to him was right here in his arms.

Kaidan's words of comfort lingered in Terra's mind, suppressing her worries for her soul. She would learn from her mistakes and she wouldn't fall to it again. With the weight of Kaidan's arm across her middle, and Rorie's steady breathing sending a warm caress over her cheek, Terra finally found peace, and sleep.

oOo