My contribution to the N7 Day celebration. James receives his N7 designation...and a couple other things he didn't plan on.
Happy N7 Day everyone! :D
"Are you serious?"
Kiliane looked down at the datapad in her hand and back up at Admiral Hackett, who nodded.
"Absolutely. I made the recommendation, and the Admiralty Board agreed unanimously."
She smirked. "Like they would dare disagree with you."
"True as that may be, this is a good idea."
"Of course it is. And I can't think of any other hands I'd rather leave her in. It's just…"
"Hard to say goodbye?"
"Yeah. That and…"
"What, Shepard?"
"I know he's ready. You know he's ready. But don't you think other people will question this?"
"Let them. And honestly, I don't think many will. He's earned this. N school was a formality, and we both know it. He earned this when he was serving with you. Trial by fire. Everyone knows that."
Kiliane smiled. "Thank you, Sir."
"Don't call me 'Sir'. And sure as hell don't thank me. Like I just said, it was earned. Plus, it'll mean he'll be away from you for long periods of time."
"He would have been anyways. We're both soldiers. We knew what we signed up for."
"I'm proud of you both. Frankly, I wish it weren't necessary. Sure I can't convince you to stay on a bit longer?"
"I'm sure. It's time."
Hackett sighed. "I know. So...you want to tell him or should I?"
"Ha! It would make a spectacular wedding present, wouldn't it? Handing over the keys to the best ship in the galaxy?"
"Indeed it would."
"Nah, you tell him."
"Very well. So...speaking of, have you decided when the wedding will be yet?"
Kiliane considered for a second, looking down at the datapad in her hand one more time before answering.
"Not specifically. But soon, before he ships out. Actually...an idea just occurred to me."
"Oh yeah?"
She grinned. "Yeah, but that's for later. Right now, we both have somewhere else to be."
"That we do. Shall we?"
Hackett held out his elbow, Kiliane slipped her hand through, and together they made their way out of his office. The admiral would be presenting James with with his N7 designation and Kiliane would be watching with pride.
Several hours later, several of their friends were gathered in James and Kiliane's small apartment to celebrate his new rank. Kaidan and Miranda were there, probably discussing Spectre business with Garrus and Tali, who had made the trip to Earth from Rannoch. Joker, EDI, Ken, and Gabby were all chatting with Greg Adams. Kasumi was around here...somewhere. Liara and Feron were standing with Admiral Hackett and Dr. Chakwas and of course, Steve and Blake, fresh from their honeymoon, were there standing in the corner talking with James.
Kiliane looked around and smiled. These were the people who were most important to her. They were her family. She thought about the idea she'd had earlier and went to pull Hackett aside. After a quick conference with him, she walked over to her couch and stepped on top of it.
"Hey guys! I'd like to say something."
Conversation stopped and then all eyes were on her. Kiliane suddenly felt very nervous and started doubting herself. Was this even a good idea? Then she caught James' eye and he smiled at her. All her doubts flew out of her head. He was constantly surprising her with amazing, wonderful things. It was her turn.
"The first thing I want to say is to you, James. Since the first time I saw you, back on Omega, I knew that you'd be here one day. You're one of the best soldiers I've ever worked with, and an even better man. You deserve this, and I'm proud of you."
She raised her glass to a round of 'here-here's' around the room. Once everyone had quieted again, she continued.
"The second thing I wanted to say is to all you in this room. You are our family, the people we love more than anything. As you all know, James and I are planning on getting married one of these days. I was just thinking...well, you're all here."
She met James' eye across the room and was grateful that he looked surprised, but was grinning.
"So, James. What do you say? Marry me? Today? Hackett can perform the honors. I'd want to do it aboard the Normandy, though."
James crossed the room and placed his hands on her hips, lifting her off the couch and spinning her around before setting her on the ground and kissing her. He pulled back and grinned.
"I say let's do it, Lola."
The small ceremony, and the impromptu party after, ended up being exactly what she wanted.
And after, when Hackett pulled James aside to give him his new assignment, the look on her husband's face...well, it was the perfect end to the perfect day.