10
The trial had not been kind to Shepard. Kaidan knew she had been in solitary for all of it. Only being allowed to see Anderson or Vega unless a military lawyer needed to see her and then only under intense scrutiny. Since the abrupt end to her otherwise stellar career and the Alpha Relay no one had known what to do with her. Even the Cerberus team she had built had paled in comparison to that horrific event.
The data that she had recorded against the organization and sent to Anderson showed her loyalty to the Alliance even after they had turned their backs on her. The good word from Hackett also backed up the intel that had lead up to the Alpha disaster. Another hard choice that weighed heavy on the Commander's shoulders that Kaidan had no idea how to bring up to her.
But the Alliance had called on many witnesses for Shepard's good character, even played the recording of her attempt to warn the Batarian's. Even after the fact and knowing the outcome it was hard to hear the near panic in Shepard's voice as the courtroom played that recording . She was only set free at the appearance of the Reapers, she had a reason to be angry but that didn't make being on the receiving end of it any easier for the Major.
He polishes off his drink, choosing his words carefully.
"I just needed you to know I am with you Jane. No matter what."
He couldn't argue with her, he couldn't accuse given everything that had happened. What right did he have? Just looking at her made everything come rushing back. He knew he had stayed away simply because it had been easier than facing her.
She puts her head on his shoulder and he holds her in silence just looking at the void of space flying by.