A bit shorter this time. If I'm honest? I have more but I didn't like the cut off of the chapter. So instead we're getting a shorter chapter followed by a longer chapter at some point in the near future.

Chapter 10: Getting Better

Mallory opened the locker and found a change of clothes inside. Alliance issue fatigues and boots. The ex-ganger made a face before shutting the locker and turning around to look at the Normandy's hangar. The place was full of the disparate oddities that Shepard had accumulated. Mal stared at the Mako Infantry Fighting Vehicle as she took stock.

One very motivated Alliance Recon Marine.

One Krogan Battlemaster.

One Turian C-SEC officer.

One Quarian teenager.

'And one drug addicted biotic.'

Mallory sighed and then leaned against the locker as Kaidan approached. He raised his hand in hello.

"Hey, Mallory. The Commander asked me to bring you up to Doctor Chakwas."

Shepard had informed Mal that Chakwas would be running her through some tests regarding overall biotic potential as well as any damage she may have done to her central nervous system by brute forcing her biotics. And regarding her Red Sand abuse.

As if to make that point, a little blood ran from Mal's nose. The ex-ganger swore and put an arm up to the trickle of blood. Kaidan turned and held out a small cloth. Mal eyed it before taking it and holding it up to her nostrils. She turned a questioning eye on Kaidan and the Lieutenant shrugged.

"I'm an L2. Nosebleeds come with the territory." Kaidan turned to walk to the elevator and Mallory followed. Mallory sniffed and then wiped the other side of her nose as a little blood ran from it.

"What's an L2?"

Kaidan punched a button and the elevator began to rise.

"An L2 biotic implant. It was the first successful implant developed by the Alliance. L1 came before it and it was pretty much a stop gap measure. Most people use the L3 nowadays. L4 is getting rolled out soon I heard."

As the elevator stopped Mallory and Kaidan walked off and turned to the left to walk to the sick bay. Mallory licked the roof of her mouth, trying to get the coppery taste out of her mouth.

"So why is an L2 bad besides it being the pawn shop implant?"

"Because they have some relatively minor side effects. Psychosis, hallucinations, migraines, brain bleeds, and spontaneous severe nosebleeds." Kaidan chuckled. Some Alliance crewmen and Marines peered over from the table in the galley before turning back to their card game.

"So why not swap it out?" Mallory held out the bloody cloth to Kaidan who made a face and shook his head.

"Because the surgery might kill me." Kaidan opened the door and gestured for Mallory to enter. Mallory hesitated for half a step before walking inside to see Doctor Chakwas setting out some equipment.

"I guess that's as a good a reason as any…"

Kaidan snorted and followed after Mal. Doctor Chakwas looked up and smiled.

"Ah. Mallory. Please take a seat on one of the cots."

Mallory sat on the edge of one of the beds and Chakwas walked over with some medical instruments. A piece of tape was wrapped around the end of her finger and Chakwas held up a data slate to the side of Mal's head.

"Well…your blood pressure and pulse are elevated, but we expected that."

Mallory's eyes dropped to the floor before looking at the wall over Chakwas' shoulder. The doctor shook her head.

"Mallory. I work with servicemen. Do you think that you're the first drug user who has walked through my door?"

Mallory made a face and looked at the doctor. Chakwas took the tape and data slate away before listening to Mallory's lungs. The doctor frowned before looking at Mal.

"Have you any sort of nosebleeds? Excretion of blood in urine or stools?"

Mallory shrugged as Kaidan frowned.

"I mean I've puked up blood a few times in the last few weeks."

Chakwas blinked twice and gave Mal a disbelieving look before shaking her head.

"Lay down. I'll need some x-rays."

Mallory laid back. She heard the door open and Ashley entered. The Gunnery Chief went to stand next to Kaidan.

"Doctor Karin Chakwas, Chief Medical Officer, SSV Normandy, Patient: Deidre Shepard."

Mallory sat up and gave Chakwas a dirty look. The doctor shrugged helplessly.

"My name isn't Deidre."

The doctor pursed her lips.

"Would you be amenable to Mallory Shepard then? I must have the last name associated given your current status in Alliance databases has you being identified as 'Deidre'."

Mallory sighed and looked at the wall.

'Not even allowed to choose my own goddamn name. Going to take that from me to.'

Ashley, surprisingly, offered a solution.

"Hey, doc. How about just Mallory, for now? It's not like we're going to have a hard time finding her she's right here."

Chakwas looked disapproving but then shrugged and deleted the recording before starting again.

"Doctor Karin Chakwas, Chief Medical Officer, SSV Normandy, Patient: Mallory."

Mallory laid back down. Chakwas moved a small device around Mallory's person while staring at a screen. The doctor repeatedly made faces. None of them positive.

"Patient experiencing minor hemothorax in both lungs. Likely due to substance abuse."

Mallory scowled as the doctor ran the device lower on Mal's body.

"Patient experiencing bleeding from the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract."

Mallory sighed as the doctor set down the instrument before picking up another and placing it near Mallory's head.

"Mallory, please roll to your right. As slow and smooth as possible, please."

Mal did so.

"Now to the left."

Mal did as requested.

"Ok. You may lay down back down."

Mal did so and the doctor walked over to the terminal before speaking.

"Neuro examination patient presents possibility of at least one transient ischemic attack. Likely more due to patients use of biotics unassisted by an implant or amp. Additionally patient presenting heterochromia iridum. Again, likely due to substance abuse." The doctor turned and presented a block to Mal. The block was black, featureless, and seemingly just a lump of metal.

"Mallory, without forcing it, try to lift this block."

Mallory made a face and then grabbed the block from the doctor and raised it over the doctor's head. Kaidan began laughing as Ashley looked as bewildered as Mallory. Chakwas chuckled and shook her head.

"May I have that back?"

Mal handed the block back.

"With your biotics, please. Remember, don't force it."

Mal stared at the block and breathed out before raising a hand trying to focus enough energy to raise the block.

Nothing.

Mal leaned forward and made a fist.

The block took on a blue hue and Chakwas made a face. A coppery taste came back to Mal and somewhere in the back of her mind, she heard Kaidan saying something.

Her hand suddenly glowed.

The block flipped onto one side and then Mal leaned back breathing hard. She turned to look at Kaidan who pointed at his nose. The ex-ganger cocked her head before realizing and taking the bloody cloth out of her pocket. She wiped her bloody nose before looking at Doctor Chakwas.

The Doctor was staring at Mal in naked astonishment. She hurriedly rushed over to her terminal. On the terminal was a flashing light. Chakwas cleared her throat.

"Patient shows exceptional biotic potential and is likely an excellent candidate for L3 implantation."

The doctor turned off the recorder and then whirled on Mallory.

"First, I told you not to force it. Second…could you have tried harder?"

Mal shrugged.

"I mean…probably? I've gone until I passed out before."

Chakwas shook her head.

"You're as stubborn as our good Commander. Lieutenant?"

Kaidan regarded Chakwas.

"Please inform Commander Shepard that Mallory's biotics are absolutely combat viable."

Kaidan nodded and exited the room with Ashley. Chakwas sighed and sat down at her desk.

"I need a cup of coffee."

Mallory smirked.

"Sorry for the commotion doc. Didn't know I was oh so special."

Chakwas didn't laugh. Just looked up at Mal.

"Mallory. You're one of the strongest human biotics on record."

Mallory froze and blinked at the doctor. The doctor turned her screen. A picture of Mallory…that was a mug shot actually…anyway it was next to the name "Deidre Shepard." The name was flashing blue and was directly under two others. The one on top was called "Subject White." The photograph panel was blank. The date on it was decades ago. The numbers describing her biotic potential spread out from the name.

The second was named "Subject Zero." No photo on this one either. Her date was much more recent. In the last decade. Her numbers were about half of Subject White.

Beneath Zero was Mallory. The date entered was today. Her numbers were maybe two-thirds of Zero's.

Mal looked at Chakwas.

"Mallory the next time we hit a comm buoy this information will be uploaded to the Alliance database."

Mallory swallowed. A whole lot of people were about to see her face and name.

Commander Shepard entered the room and looked at Chakwas.

"Doctor?"

Chakwas turned the computer around and opened a palm towards it.

Shepard turned white.

Chakwas nodded.

"Agreed. Congratulations, Commander. You've acquired a walking talking weapon of mass destruction for your crew."

Mallory furrowed her brow.

"Hey!"

Chakwas smiled.

"It's a compliment, darling. If I'm honest I can't wait to see what you can do after we get you healthy and implanted with an L3. Or an L4 for that matter."

Shepard was still pale and silent. Chakwas leaned forward.

"Your thoughts, Commander?"

Shepard swallowed and looked at Chakwas.

"I haven't told my mom and dad, yet."

Chakwas laughed and Mallory smiled.

"Well, you'd better send the message before we contact the next comms buoy."

Shepard nodded before turning to Mallory.

"We're on our way to search for an Asari on a planet called Therum. You'll sit this one out. When we are done on Therum we'll head to the Citadel for a resupply and, if you want, we'll get you outfitted with an implant while we're there."

Mallory grinned.

"You sure you wanna make me more dangerous than I already am? I mean…I'm a felon."

Shepard shrugged.

"I've known a few felons in my time in the service."

The Commander turned and walked out of the sick bay.

Chakwas sighed and then stood.

"Alright, Mallory. First thing is first."

The ex-ganger gazed at the doctor holding up an IV bag.

"We're going to get you some medicine for the bleeding in your stomach and intestines. You have some bleeding in your lungs, but it appears to be superficial enough to heal on its own. Provided you cease using."

Mallory winced.

"Uh, doc…"

Chakwas held up a second IV bag.

"I've got something to take the edge off the withdrawals. Are you ready?"

Crystal's face flashed across Mallory's mind and the ex-ganger nodded confidently.

"Yeah. Let's do it."

Chakwas smiled kindly.

"Then please lay back and relax."

Mallory shrugged off her coat and hat, placing them behind her head. Her sheared short brown hair fell out and Mallory sighed as she let her toned arms go limp. Mal felt the IV needle enter her arm and the fluid begin to flow.

I'm going to be better. Gonna be better, Mom.

Mallory lay on the sick bay cot and groaned before leaning to her left and vomiting a bucket. The withdrawing woman groaned pitifully and wiped her mouth. Doctor Chakwas looked over her shoulder from where she was typing. Seeing Mal back on her back, the doctor went back to her work.

The door opened and, to Mal's surprise, Garrus Vakarian entered. The C-SEC officer nodded at Chakwas before he came and sat on the cot next to Mal's.

"How's the guts?"

Mallory grunted and winced. Garrus laughed once.

"Heh. Yeah. Never seen someone just breeze through withdrawal, but every time you get it out, it's a little more of that poison that's out of you."

Mallory sighed and looked at the Turian. The bird like alien just looked so…wrong.

"What do you want, Vakarian?"

Garrus regarded Mal.

"Well…I'm afraid that the Commander has left me on the ship while he took Williams and Wrex down to Therum to find this Asari girl. I thought you may be bored and want to talk."

Mallory snorted.

"From what I've heard the spikes don't like humans very much."

Garrus was silent at the slur. Chakwas gave Mal the side eye at the same.

"Well. Turians are also raised to value our team. At the moment, that includes you."

'Oh, I see how it is. Seeing if I can keep up?'

"Don't worry Vakarian. I won't slow you down."

Garrus laughed once more.

"Heh. I didn't think you would. From what Deckard told me, you were about to tear Harkin limb from limb."

Mal didn't acknowledge the statement.

"Anyone willing to do what needs to be done to protect the weak is in my good books, Mallory. Human or Turian. Addicted or clean."

Mallory rolled over and stared at the Turian. In return the Turian held out a data slate.

"I downloaded some books that Joker said are popular with humans. A few different ones."

Mal swallowed and looked at the data slate before reaching out and taking it.

"Thanks, Vakarian."

The cop nodded.

"I'll be up at the main batteries if you need anything."

Garrus stood and moved to leave the room before he stopped and turned.

"I hope I can change your mind about my people, Mallory."

Mallory didn't answer as she watched the Turian leave. Mal could feel Chakwas' disapproval but couldn't be bothered to care as she felt another wave of nausea.

Red vomit splattered into the bucket and Mal swore as she dropped her head onto the cot in exasperation.

It was sometime after that that Tali'Zorah nar Rayya entered. She waved at Chakwas and then moved over to Mallory.

Mal wasn't sure how to feel about the Quarians…sure they weren't human…but they also didn't look down on Humanity like the Council races did.

Tali waved.

"Hello, Mallory."

Mallory sighed and raised one exhausted hand.

The vomit bucket was empty.

The Quarian sat on the empty cot, near the same place as Vakarian.

"How are you feeling?"

As an answer Mallory refilled the vomit bucket before rolling onto her back and looking at Tali who looked to be wincing behind her visor. Mal smiled.

"Peachy."

Tali cocked her head.

"I'm sorry?"

Mal laughed.

"Sorry. It's human sarcasm. I mean that I could be better."

Tali laughed back.

"Oh. Sorry."

Mal shook her head.

"Don't apologize. What's up?"

Tali crossed her arms.

"Joker told me that you left Earth for the first time, not long ago…"

'I'm going to break his bird bones.'

"That's true, yeah."

Tali rubbed her hands on her legs and then grabbed one wrist with the opposite hand.

"Do you ever want to go back?"

Mal smiled at the Quarian teen.

"Ya homesick?"

Tali straightened.

"Homesick?"

Mallory let off another volley of vomit before groaning and nodding.

"Yeah. It means you miss home and family."

Tali was stock still before nodding.

"Then…yes. I'm homesick."

Mal smiled sadly.

"Me to."

Tali cocked her head.

"What do you do to get over homesickness?"

Mal shrugged.

"Get used to where you are. Make friends."

Tali was still for a moment.

"Garrus said he brought you some novels to read."

"Yeah?" Mal sighed and pointed over her shoulder at where the data pad was lying on the cot. Tali reached for it and scrolled through them.

"Do you like any of them?"

Mal mumbled something and Tali edged closer.

"Come again?"

Mal groaned and looked at Tali.

"I'm not too good at reading. I get by but books and I don't get along."

Tali was quiet for a moment and Mallory waited for the laugh. Chakwas looked over, apparently interested.

"Oh…well would you like to hear one?"

Mal blinked once at the question. Twice. Thrice. The Quarian sat still and awaited the answer.

'Fuck it…'

"Sure, why not? You pick."

Tali nodded and opened an application before selecting one of the books to pop up. The Quarian began to read.

"This book is largely concerned with Hobbits, and from its pages a reader may discover much of their character and a little of their history…"

Doctor Chakwas ceased her typing and turned to listen as Tali read the book to Mal, who sat and paid attention to Tali's oration.

"'I am called Strider,' he said in a low voice. 'I am very pleased to meet you, Master Underhill…if old Butterbur got your name right…'" Tali scrolled further down and looked up at Mallory who was still in rapt attention.

"Your people have strange legends, Mallory."

Mal smiled as her eyes drooped.

"Well hell. You seemed to like it."

Tali nodded.

"I do! Quite a bit, actually!"

Chakwas spoke up.

"That novel was written 100 years ago. It's one of the most popular novels in human history."

Tali said something in return that Mal didn't hear. Everything was suddenly muted as Mal's eyelids drooped and before long all was black.

For the first time in days, Mallory slept soundly.

Alright. So we're going to be dipping into addiction and going sober. Sobriety can be a real bitch as our friend Mallory is going to learn.