Author's Note: Thank you to those commented, followed, or added the story to their follow list. I loved the comments after the last chapter and am very happy you are enjoying Sloan and Kaidan's story. I'd love to hear what you think of the rest. Enjoy! - TLC
Chapter Twenty-Three
They were assembled in the comm room early the next morning. The ship had departed Arcturus just over an hour ago, and they were waiting for Shepard to start their meeting. Kaidan knew it was a lead on Saren, but only because he had been with her when she had gotten the message. The rest of the group were speculating quietly as they waited.
Shepard breezed in, caught Kaidan's eye and smiled before turning to face the room from her usual spot at the comm controls. As soon as she turned to face the room, any hint of their conversation from the night before was gone. Kaidan chanced a glance at Ashley, and she was grinning at him with a gleam in her eyes. He returned the smile with a gentle shake of his head before looking back to Shepard. When she started speaking, a hush fell on the room. "The council has received an urgent message from one of their infiltration regiments in the Traverse," Shepard spoke, her voice hard and cool.
"You mean… spies?" Ashley asked, shifting uncomfortably in her seat.
Shepard nodded, "Yes. The Council currently has several infiltration units scattered throughout the border regions of Citadel space. This specific unit was gathering Intel on Saren." For just a moment, Kaidan was surprised to hear that the Council's reach extended that far out of Citadel space. Then, when he really thought about it, he wasn't surprised at all. It made sense that they would have their feelers stretched out to gather and monitor as much as they could.
"What did they find?" Garrus's two-toned voice rang out.
"Well, unfortunately, the message the Council received from the group was little more than static. The belief is that the team must be in a situation where they can't set up proper interstellar communications, but the message was sent on a channel reserved for mission-critical communications," Shepard answered as she looked over the room. "So, whatever they were trying to tell the Council was important. So, we're heading to Virmire. I want all hands on deck for this one, we have no idea what we'll be walking in to when we get there. Williams, Tali, Virmire is hot and humid. I'd like you to work together to check the mods and the weapons to make sure everything is set for the environment. Everyone else, check your armor and be ready. We've got just over a day before we land," Her eyes moved around the room one more time, landing on each person before moving on. "Dismissed," She ordered and leaned back on the console as everyone filed out of the room.
Kaidan decided he would head down to his console and check out some more information on the planet to see what the history and landscape was like. He was hoping he would learn why Saren had chosen this planet. He was lost in his research and didn't hear anyone join him at his console until she cleared her throat behind him. He jumped, startled, and turned to find Ashley sitting behind him with her legs crossed and her arms folded over her chest. "Can I help you, Chief?" Kaidan asked as he turned his attention back to his console, knowing he wouldn't be getting any more work done while Ashley was at his station with him.
"Just checking in, been awhile," She said simply as her eyes followed him to the seat next to her. She stretched her arms above her head. "Feels good to be moving against Saren again," She commented as she brought her arms down and folded them over her lap. Kaidan agreed with her as he sat with his elbows resting on his thighs. They spoke a little more about Virmire and the information Kaidan had found on the planet. "I'm glad we finally got this lead, I mean, for awhile there it seemed like the Council was, I don't know, protecting Saren," She paused and looked up to him. "Or am I crazy?"
Kaidan thought about it for a moment, "No, you're not crazy but I don't think they were trying to protect him, they just didn't want to admit there was anything going on. Shepard and I actually had almost this exact conversation," He answered her and noticed the mischief in her eyes.
"Yeah, I can see that. Like I said, I'm just glad to be moving again," She repeated with a sigh and Kaidan nodded. "Think we'll get some leave time when this is over?"
"I haven't heard specifically but that's how Shepard makes it sound. I mean, this was supposed to be a quick shakedown, so I'm sure Brass is going to order her into dry-dock when we're done. That way they can check her out afterwards," Kaidan explained and he looked over at her. Her face held a knowing smile and he shook his head.
"You have anything planned for leave, then?" She asked him, as they heard footsteps behind them. She turned as he looked up and found Shepard walking towards her cabin. Her eyes focused on her omni-tool. She didn't look up once, like muscle memory alone took her to her quarters. She was in full Commander mode, all business.
Kaidan spoke without moving his eyes from her, until she disappeared into her room, "Nothing specific, yet, but yeah, I've got plans." His eyes moved to Ashley, and she was grinning.
"I bet you do," She teased and Kaidan chuckled softly and turned the question back to her. "It will depend how long we get. If it's a significant amount of time, I'll be heading home to see my mom and sisters," She answered. "It's been over four months since I've been home, and I miss them." It had been even longer since he'd been home to see his parents. He felt guilty for a moment, that he had made plans to spend leave with Shepard instead of going home to visit his family. It only lasted a moment, though, as he thought of their conversation from the night before; they way she had blushed, the tone of her voice, and the way she looked in her Blues. His mom had already threatened him with a set up. He would visit home another time.
"That will be nice," Kaidan commented, and she agreed. She checked her 'tool and stood letting him know she had to get back to work. "See you later, Ash." He watched her go, glad they had been able to pick her up on Eden Prime. She had truly been an asset to this mission and team. Not to mention, she's a genuinely good person.
The rest of the day was uneventful, and when Kaidan closed himself in his sleeper pod that evening he couldn't help the anxiety he felt in his core for the next day. Who knows what they will find on Virmire? For all they knew, tomorrow could be the end of the mission, if Saren was there himself. He tried to focus on other topics, he nearly resorted to counting sheep to clear his mind. Eventually, he fell asleep, but it was a restless night.
The next morning, the crew was geared up and awaiting their arrival at Virmire. Kaidan was with Shepard, Joker, and Pressly in the cockpit as the pilot steered the ship into the planet's atmosphere. Kaidan was sitting in the co-pilot seat while Shepard stood behind Joker and Pressly was at her left. "Commander, I'm reading a signal. Must be our Salarian infiltration team," Joker announced as he steered the ship towards the signal.
"Check out those defense towers," Kaidan pointed out the large Anti-Aircraft guns housed in towers near the base and looked over his shoulder at the Commander.
"Drop us in the Mako, we'll go in hot and take out the towers," Shepard ordered and Joker nodded. She signaled for Kaidan to follow her down to the cargo bay. They fell into step together and made their way, silently, down the stairs to the crew deck to access the elevator. The tension from the coming mission was palpable as they entered the car. "How are you feeling, Kaidan?" She asked him softly once the doors were closed.
"I felt good until I saw those defense towers. In all the research I had done over the last 24 hours, I didn't see any type of settlement that would warrant that kind of protection," He informed her as they leaned against opposite walls. They had to be there to protect whatever it was Saren was doing on the planet.
"Between you and me?" She asked and he nodded, "I've got a bad feeling about today." She muttered as she pulled herself away from the wall and stretched her neck from side to side. He heard the joints pop. He wasn't surprised she felt apprehensive; he'd felt it, too.
"Well, I've got your six, Shepard," He promised, and she sent a gentle smile his way. He could see the appreciation in her eyes. She wouldn't say it, he knew that, but he could have sworn he saw some of the tension leave her face at his words, and he felt a heated buzzing in his ears as their eyes remained locked. The door opened, allowing a rush of cooler air to enter the elevator and the breeze cleared Kaidan's head. He watched as she turned in front of him and led him towards the Mako.
Everyone was geared up and waiting for orders outside the Mako. "We're going to have to drop in the Mako first, Vakarian and Alenko, you're with me for the initial drop. Once we reach the camp and are able to assess the situation, I'll be able to give out more specific orders. Hang in there with me, until we find out what's going on," Shepard asked and Ashley saluted while the aliens nodded. Kaidan was waiting at the Mako's open door while Garrus strapped himself in. He met Shepard's eyes at the door, and she turned her back to him in a silent request. After checking each other's armor, they climbed inside the vehicle. Shepard started powering up the systems, while Kaidan entered the coordinates into the navigation system.
"We're nearing the Drop Zone, Commander," Joker's voice rang out inside the Mako. Shepard looked to Kaidan and Garrus for a moment. "I'll get you in under their radar," He promised as the bay doors started to open. Joker counted them down, and released the hold on the vehicle and it rolled out of the ship and dropped to the planet's surface. It landed in a shallow river and Kaidan ran a quick scan to ensure the depth wouldn't be changing. "You got a clean drop, Commander," Joker's voice held a measure of pride and Kaidan shared a smile with Shepard. He really was the best helmsman in the Alliance. They were lucky to have him.
"Nice job, Joker. Now, stay out of range and continue evasive maneuvers until we can bring down those AA towers," Shepard ordered as she steered the vehicle towards the blinking signal on the navigation.
"Yeah, yeah, I know the drill," Joker responded, mock annoyance playing in his tone and Shepard and Kaidan exchanged an amused glance. "Meet you at the camp once those towers are offline. Joker out." He was lucky he was the best pilot, he wouldn't get away with half of the things he says if he weren't.
The ride in the Mako was quiet and tense as they searched out the AA Towers. They did find pockets of geth on the way, and due to Garrus's skill on the guns accompanied with Kaidan's work on the thrusters and Shepard's justifiably reckless driving, they were able to keep the damage to the Mako at a minimum. After close to ten minutes of driving, the approached the AA Tower. They exited the vehicle and dispatched the geth and a few Krogan mercenaries who were defending the guns before Shepard signaled for Kaidan to hack the controls and take it down. "We're good, Commander," Kaidan confirmed for her, and with a nod she radioed Joker to let him know the way was clear as they went back to the vehicle.
Once they were out of the tower, and steps away from the Mako, they saw the Normandy pass overhead and then climbed into the vehicle. "Commander," Joker's voice rang out inside the vehicle as Shepard started the drive to the base. "Normandy's touched down at the base but it looks like we're grounded. The Salarian Captain can explain when you get here."
"Fuck," Shepard mumbled, "Thanks Joker, hang tight. We're almost there."
They rounded a corner and the base was within sight, which Garrus pointed out as they reached the area. They parked the vehicle and climbed out heading up the beach towards the Salarian Captain. "So, what are we supposed to do now?" Ashley asked, her frustration plain in her tone.
"Stay put until we come up with a plan," The Salarian answered, his voice deeper than Kaidan expected, but his words still came out quick and nasally.
"Are you in charge here? What's the situation?" Shepard asked as she approached the group. Ashley stepped back and stood next to Kaidan behind Shepard.
"I'm Captain Kirrahe, Third Infiltration regiment, STG. You and your crew have just landed in the middle of a hot zone. Every AA gun within ten miles has been alerted to your presence," He introduced himself as his eyes moved quickly over Shepard's group assembled in front of him.
"Well, I like to make an entrance. What now?" Shepard asked as she scrubbed her hands over her face.
"We stay put until the Council sends the reinforcements we requested," Kirrahe responded and Shepard laughed. She actually laughed, throwing her head back and turning her back to the Captain. Kirrahe shot a look at Kaidan in response to Shepard's unexpected reaction.
"We are the reinforcements," Kaidan responded, his voice defeated.
"What?" Kirrahe nearly shouted and Shepard turned back around with a deep sigh, all traces of humor gone from her face. "You're all they sent? I told the Council to send a fleet!"
Shepard's empathy was written on her face, "They couldn't understand your transmission, so they sent me to investigate." It was hard to read the Salarians reactions on his face. Kaidan hadn't spent too much time around this species.
Kirrahe's voice was hard, and annoyed when he continued, "That is a repetition of our task. I lost half my men investigating this place." Kaidan contributed by asking what they had found and the Salarian turned his large, black eyes to him. "Saren's base of operations. He set up a research facility here. It's crawling with geth and very well fortified."
"Is he here? Have you seen him?" Shepard asked quickly, her eyes bright.
"No, but his geth are everywhere and we've intercepted some comms referring to Saren. This is his facility, there's no doubt about that," Kirrahe explained and Shepard nodded, slightly deflated, and asked what Saren was researching. "He's using the facility to breed an army of Krogan."
Wrex seemed to appear out of no where, it amazed Kaidan that the Krogan could move so quietly. His gruff voice rang out, as his red eyes glared at Kirrahe, "How is that possible?"
Kirrahe looked slightly nervous at the lack of distance between himself and the angry Krogan, "Apparently, Saren has discovered a cure for the genophage." Kaidan felt his heart drop to his feet. That couldn't be possible. Wrex's hands clenched at his sides.
"The geth are bad enough, but a Krogan army… he'd be almost unstoppable," Shepard spoke, her voice quiet, almost like it was an afterthought. Shepard's eyes were stuck on Wrex as he heaved with each breath he took. The confusion rolling off him.
"Exactly my thoughts," Kirrahe started. He glanced quickly at Wrex and took a small step away from him before turning his eyes back to Shepard, "We must ensure that this facility, and its secrets, are destroyed."
Before anyone had a chance to respond, Wrex's biotics flared as he shouted, "Destroyed?!" He took a few slow deep breaths, the anger pulsing and his biotics responding. "I don't think so. Our people are dying. This cure can save them!"
To Kirrahe's credit, he didn't flinch at Wrex's power display, if anything his overlarge black eyes hardened with resolve; as if his display proved his point. He stared down the Krogan for a long second before turning his attention back to Shepard, "If that cure leaves this planet, the Krogan will become unstoppable. We can't make that mistake again."
Wrex moved so he was well within the Salarian's personal space, and turned his head slightly so one red eye could focus on the Captain. He pointed a finger to his chest, nearly touching him but not. "We are not a mistake," His voice was grave and firm. He glared at Shepard before stalking off. Kaidan watched him go, not liking the tension he could sense from the mercenary.
"Is he going to be a problem?" Kirrahe asked gesturing towards Wrex's retreating form. "We already have enough angry Krogan to deal with." Shepard signed and pinched the bridge of her nose allowing herself just a moment.
"He'll be fine. I'll talk to him," She promised, and Kaidan exchanged a doubtful look with Ashley. They had never seen Wrex this angry, and he was an angry being by nature. Yes, Shepard had a silver tongue and had proven more than once that she could talk someone down off a ledge, but Kaidan worried that maybe this was a little out of her league. That was the first time he had that thought about her, and he really hoped he was wrong.
Kirrahe let a relieved sigh slip from his thin lips, "I'd appreciate that Commander. My men and I need to rethink our plan of attack. Can you give us some time?" She nodded and promised she'd check back in a few minutes. She turned towards Kaidan and Ashley.
Kaidan spoke first, his attention moving between the two women standing with him, "Looks like things are a bit of a mess." He knew it was an understatement and as soon as he said it he felt slightly foolish for stating the obvious.
"Yeah, I wouldn't be so worried if it weren't for Wrex. Looks like he's going to blow a gasket," Ashley agreed as she glanced over Shepard's shoulder as Wrex's shotgun rang out over the water. Shepard turned and followed her gaze as Kaidan did the same.
She spoke without removing her eyes from the Krogan, "You think I should go talk to him?" She sounded apprehensive. An angry Krogan was not someone anyone would look forward to approaching. Kaidan didn't think Wrex would do anything. Then as his shotgun rang out again, he wasn't so sure.
"It wouldn't hurt," Ashley answered and paused when Shepard turned to look at her with her eyebrow raised, "Well, it might actually. Just, do it carefully." Shepard let out a snort of a laugh that turned into a sigh.
"I'll be careful, but be ready… just in case," Shepard requested as she turned to head over to the Krogan. Ashley responded that she was already ready. Kaidan suggested she move to the opposite side of the pair and he would keep his eyes here, just to be sure they had a good view of all the angles of the confrontation. Ash agreed and left Kaidan alone near the water's edge. Even though they were quite a few feet away from him, Kaidan could hear their entire conversation.
"This isn't right, Shepard. If there's a cure for the genophage, we can't destroy it," The anger was bubbling in Wrex's voice. Kaidan didn't like that Wrex didn't holster his shotgun when Shepard went to speak to him.
"I understand you're upset, but we both know Saren's the enemy here. He's the one you should be angry with," Shepard insisted as she took a few steps closer with her hands raised, palms out.
"Really?" Wrex said, his voice doubtful. "Saren created a cure for my people. You want to destroy it," He paused and his voice lost its anger, taking on a pleading tone that sounded odd with his deep rumble, "Help me out here, Shepard. The lines between friend and foe are getting a little blurry from where I stand."
Kaidan spotted Ashley passed the arguing pair, she was behind one of the Salarian's tents with her pistol out and ready. Shepard continued as Kaidan's biotics fizzled with the possibility of an attack, "Wrex, this isn't a cure, it's a weapon and if Saren is allowed to use it, you won't be around to reap the benefits… None of us will."
Wrex scoffed at her, and Kaidan's hands clenched at his sides, "That's a chance we should be willing to take!" He insisted as the desperation returned to his voice, "This is the fate of my entire people we're talking about. If you can't give me a better reason than this to destroy the hopes of my people, then I'm done with you."
"I can't let you jeopardize the mission," Shepard insisted, her own hand flirting with her sidearm. Kaidan swallowed hard and made eye contact with Ashley across the beach. Wrex had no idea they were ready should he make an offensive move.
Wrex was silent for a long moment, staring at Shepard with one bright red eye. He sighed, resigned, "So, that's it? All this time, and that's all I get from you? How can you not see what this means to the Krogan? This base can't be destroyed..." He paused, and in the blink of an eye pulled out his shotgun and aimed it at Shepard's midsection as he shouted, "I won't allow it!"
Shepard had pulled out her pistol and had it aimed, steadily, at the Krogan's large head. Kaidan noticed Ashley had moved closer and had her weapon pointed at Wrex as well, but all of Wrex's attention was on the Commander as she continued, "These Krogan are slaves of Saren; puppets, tools to be used and discarded. Is that what you want for your people?"
Wrex's stance seemed to soften, his overlarge shoulders slumping with the weight of her reminder. He dropped his shotgun with a heavy sigh. "No, we were tools for the Council once. To thank us for wiping out the Rachni, they neutered us all. I doubt Saren will be as generous," He holstered it, and Shepard did the same as Ashley followed her lead and made her way back over to Kaidan as Wrex continued, "Alright, Shepard, you've made your point. I don't like this, but I trust you enough to follow your lead. Just… one thing. When we find Saren, I want his head," Wrex grunted and Shepard sighed.
"You'll have to get in line for that one," She said and Wrex chuckled softly as she turned and headed towards Ashley and Kaidan. Captain Kirrahe met her there.
"Thank you for speaking with the Krogan," Kirrahe stated simply and she nodded at him. "The assault on Saren's base will be difficult enough as it is." Shepard's eyebrow cocked at the Salarian and she asked if that meant they had a plan. "Of sorts. We can convert our ship's drive system into a 20 kiloton ordinance. Crude, but effective," He explained and Kaidan had to admit, it sounded solid if they could set it and get out of range in time.
Ashley was much more impressed, "Nice. Drop that nuke from orbit and Saren can kiss his Turian ass goodbye."
"Unfortunately, the facility is too well fortified for that. We will need to place the bomb in a precise location," Shepard followed the Salarian to the table set up in his tent. Kaidan and Ashley trailed behind and once they reached the map he pointed out where the bomb needed to be planted to be effective. "The bomb must be taken to the far side of the facility, here," His finger tapped a spot in the center of the breeding grounds. "Your ship can drop it off but we'll need to infiltrate the base, disable the AA guns, and pacify any ground forces first."
Kaidan couldn't help himself as he reviewed the base's schematics, "You want us to go in on foot? We don't have enough men." Shepard turned and locked eyes with him, he could tell he had voiced her concern as well.
She turned back to Kirrahe, "It does sound a bit risky. Is there no other way?"
Kirrahe looked over the map again, "We've been pouring over this map and the odds for what feels like forever. There is no other way, but I think we can work around that," He paused for a minute and took a deep breath. He pointed at different areas on the map as he explained their plan, "I'm going to divide my men into three teams and hit the front of the facility. While we've got their attention, you can sneak your 'shadow' team in the back."
Shepard's eyes were narrow as she took in the information on the map. She looked over the base. Her eyes ending on Ashley and Kaidan. She sighed deeply with a gentle shake of her head as she locked eyes with the Salarian. Her voice was soft when she continued, "It's a good idea, but your people are going to get slaughtered."
Kirrahe's voice was resolved when he continued, "We're tougher than we look, Commander, but it's true. I don't expect most of us will make it out alive," He paused, and though it was still hard to read the thoughts passing over the Salarian's face, this one was clear. He did not want to continue, but he had no choice. Kaidan braced himself, "That makes what I'm going to ask you even more difficult. I need one of your men to accompany me, to help coordinate the teams."
Shepard's spine straightened, and she squared her shoulders. This is what they had been waiting for: the catch. She sighed as she looked over the map again. She didn't want to give over one of her crew, but as she reviewed the information before her, she knew Kirrahe was right.
Her voice was rough when she continued, "We'll need someone who knows Alliance communications protocols," She agreed and Kirrahe seemed to relax with her agreement.
Kaidan spoke without thinking about it, "I volunteer, Commander." Shepard turned to face both Kaidan and Ashley.
Before Shepard could answer him, Ashley spoke up, "Not so fast, L.T., Commander Shepard will need to you arm the nuke," She turned her eyes from Kaidan to Shepard. "I'll go with the Salarians."
Kaidan's face flushed in not quite anger, but a heated frustration. Who did she think she was? "Will all due respect, Gunnery Chief, it's not your place to decide." He knew Ashley would know that he had used her rank as a reminder, and he knew it was a low blow. It had been made clear she was worthy of at least one if not two promotions. Her family's name holding her back. Her anger was warranted.
Ashley glared at him when she responded, her tone bitter and harsh, "Why is it whenever someone says 'with all due respect' they really mean 'kiss my ass?'" Shepard scrubbed her hands over her face with an annoyed sigh.
"Son of a bitch, knock it off both of you. Goddamn, if I had known you were both so eager to die for this mission we could have worked something out already," She said, and Kaidan looked away from Ashley as the embarrassment at her reprimand burned his ears. Shepard's eyes bounced between the two of them. Kaidan could tell this was a hard decision for her. He knew she would not appreciate her team not being with her, but the mission parameters had changed and it was necessary.
"Williams, you'll accompany the captain. No heroics, understood?" Shepard ordered, pointedly not looking at Kaidan, and Kaidan couldn't help but admit part of him was glad she had chosen Ashley. This way he could stay at her side as he had promised to.
Ashley saluted and had the decency not to appear smug, "Aye, aye, Commander." She returned the salute and turned back to the Captain.
"I will have the ordinance loaded onto the Normandy and brief your crew on its detonation sequencing," Kirrahe stated with a nod and he turned to speak with his crew. Shepard turned back to Ashley and Kaidan.
Ashley seemed tense, and rocked on the balls of her feet, "Well, this is it. Don't do anything stupid while I'm gone, L.T. You too, Commander." Kaidan couldn't help it, he promised her everything would be fine. As soon as the words left his mouth, he wished he could take them back. It felt like he was tempting fate.
Ashley looked at him for a long moment, her figurative mask up high over features so her thoughts were hidden fairly efficiently, "Yeah, I just… good luck," It was Shepard's turn to pry as she coaxed the concerns from the Chief. "I don't know it's just… weird… going under someone else's command. I've gotten used to working with you. All of you. I – it's been an honor serving with you, Commander."
Shepard sighed and took a step closer to her, she placed a hand on her arm and spoke, her voice sincere, "Listen, Ashley, it doesn't matter if we're not in the same unit. We're still a team. Watch each other's backs. Keep your eyes open and fight like I know you can; both of you," Her eyes flitted from Ashley's to Kaidan's before she continued. "We'll all come out of this in one piece."
Ashley smiled, mollified, "You bet, Commander." Shepard tapped her arm and returned the smile before calling her group together as Ashley moved to where Captain Kirrahe was reviewing the plans with his teams.
Shepard's remaining crew met near the Normandy's airlock door and Shepard reviewed the plan with the team. She would be taking Kaidan and Garrus with her as part of the infiltration team. She had considered taking Wrex, but his emotions were too wound up in the mission and he understood that. She asked if Tali and Liara could figure out some way to hack into the base's computer systems and see what information they could gather without affecting the security system. Tali looked to Liara and then back to Shepard, she seemed confident that they could route some of the power from the non-essential functions to boost the signal to allow them to hack into the network and Shepard nodded. She asked Wrex to be available if they needed back up once the bomb was set. Shepard took a second to make eye contact with each member of her team.
"We've got this," She promised, and everyone nodded. "Dismissed." At her final word, the group dispersed. Wrex, Tali, and Liara moved back onto the Normandy. Garrus, Kaidan, and Shepard exchanged an anxious look before she signaled for them to follow her and the made their way to the back entrance of the base and awaited the go order from Kirrahe.