A/N: Well, this sure took longer than I'd hoped! Thank you all for your patience and thank you SerenityFalconNormandy, Kirabaros, Jules Hawk, spaceconveyor, Paige, and Alley McNally for your wonderful reviews. They made my day! Last but not least, thank you Vorcha Girl for beta reading! Now without further ado, on to Grissom Academy. Enjoy!

The shuttle door opened, revealing a deserted docking bay. Kaidan's eyes scanned the empty shuttle bay, and he grimaced at the sight of the large Cerberus logo revolving over the shuttle bay doors. The Alliance emblem next to the door was defiled. It was disturbing.

They passed through the doors and he cast a withering glance at the Cerberus logo visible on every screen as they made their way down the empty hallways of Grissom Academy. It was eerily quiet aside from the announcements Cerberus continuously broadcasted over the PR, but the sound of weapons fire broke the silence as they went on.

" … Surrender, and you will not be harmed …"

Shepard scoffed, and Kaidan glanced at her.

" … We understand that you are scared. Your teachers have filled your heads with Alliance propaganda. But Cerberus can keep you safe. We're the only ones who can …"

The stationwide transmission continued, now addressing students by name. Kaidan's hair stood on end, discomfort running through him. The very thought of Cerberus getting their hands on these talented kids made his blood boil. He had seen enough of their so-called experiments in the last few years. In a swift, fluid movement Nick brought up her rifle and shot the nearest speaker.

"We better step on it before they succeed in messing with these kids' heads," she said, stopping at the next door. It was locked. "The control room should be up ahead. Kaidan, open that door for us."

He stepped to the control panel, running an override sequence on his omnitool. The door slid open, revealing several Cerberus troopers bearing down on a lone figure in Alliance uniform. The soldier struggled to erect a biotic barrier under the barrage of enemy fire, the undulating blue flickering and wavering unsteadily before dissipating, allowing several enemy bullets to sink home.

Kaidan's eyes widened when he recognized the Alliance soldier as a member of his Black Ops team. The air filled with static as he released a wave of dark energy, knocking back two hostiles.

A single shot rang out, and a third enemy crumpled to the ground. Soon the Cerberus troopers were overwhelmed.

"Liao!" he called, racing toward the fallen Alliance soldier. Liao had been the first name on his list of potential candidates he had handed Hackett after accepting command of the special operations biotic division; he was one of the best Adepts he had ever worked with. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Nick talking through gap in the door. It opened, and she threw a short look his way. Kaidan signaled for her to go on, and dropped to his knees next to the young man.

"Alenko?" the young man rasped. "Fancy … seeing you … here." Blood pooled slowly around him, seeping through his uniform.

"Don't talk," Kaidan told him, focusing on assessing his former student's injuries. His expression grew darker as he studied his omnitools readout, and he set his jaw. It didn't look good, not with the equipment he had. All he could do was try to stem the bleeding.

"Tamsin and I … were here … to recruit -." Liao broke off, coughing. "How's … it look?" he continued, his voice growing weaker.

Kaidan glared at him. "I said, don't talk." He fell silent, eventually rocking back on his heels, covering his mouth with his hand. "It looks bad," he admitted. "There's a lot of internal bleeding." Too much. "You have to get to a med bay quick." Even there chances of survival were low.

Liao nodded weakly, a knowing expression on his face. His eyes closed.

"Tam was with … the students," he whispered after a short silence. His breath came in short, labored gasps. "Don't know … if they've been … taken." He coughed, blood trickling from his lips.

Gritting his teeth, Kaidan continued trying to save his former team mate and student, but deep down he knew it was hopeless. Steps and voices came closer and he looked up, seeing Nick and Kahlee Sanders coming his way, before turning his attention back to Liao, who had fallen still. Kaidan frowned and searched for a pulse, for the slightest hint of breath. He opened his omnitool again.

No life signs.

No.

NO.

Swearing under his breath, he began CPR. He refused to let this happen. He refused. A hand dropped on Kaidan's shoulder. He glanced up, not stopping his efforts.

"We have to move on. The remaining students are in Orion Hall," Nick said softly, sympathy and curiosity alike in her eyes. "Kahlee will take care of him."

Feeling sick, Kaidan cleaned the blood off his hands. He knew Nick was right. They had to move on and help the living. And he knew there wasn't anything he could do for his friend any more; it was a lost cause. That didn't make it any easier. Drawing a shaky breath he took Liao's dog tags and spare ammunition. He stared at the lifeless body for another moment, then straightened up, putting the tags in his pocket. Turning around he offered the ammunition to Kahlee Sanders, who declined.

"I think you can put it to better use, Major."

"Let's go," he replied, his voice catching in his throat, not quite able to hide the anguish and helplessness he felt.

Nick narrowed her eyes, but didn't inquire further. With a swift gesture she signaled for them to move out. Kaidan looked at the Cerberus emblem revolving on the vid screens overhead, inhaling deeply. It made his skin crawl. Fury welled up, bubbling just under his skin. He had to focus; he couldn't let the death of one of his former second-in-command rattle him. There would undoubtedly be many more.

Gripping his pistol firmly, he followed the others.

Kaidan's mind wandered as they moved through the facility. What had become of the staff or the students that had put up a fight? Was the whole group holed up in Orion Hall? Was Tamsin still with them? Did they have wounded? Casualties?

His thoughts kept revolving around these questions as they continued their sweep, checking every office and every classroom for stragglers. The station was a shambles. Upturnt furniture lay scattered in the hallways and classrooms. Chairs, tables, knocked over plants. Some had clearly been used to build barricades, others seemed to be where they had fallen as people scrambled for safety. Bullet holes adorned walls and upholstery. Kaidan grimaced as he looked closer, spotting blood stains. Somebody was obviously wounded.

Commanding voices ahead pulled him back to the present. Nick pressed herself close to the wall, peeking around the corner.

"Two hostiles," she whispered, pulling back and readying her sniper rifle. "One student holding a biotic barrier. Hostiles have their backs to us. I have clear sight."

Kaidan watched her line up her shot. He was itching to make Cerberus pay, but Nick had them in her sights. He waited. Two quick shots followed. Shepard broke cover, motioning for them to follow as she walked up to the student cowering on the floor.

"Hey," Nick said softly to the teenager, "it's okay, they're gone. We're Alliance. I'm Commander Shepard. You can drop the barrier for now."

The boy looked up, his eyes darting over their armor, and lowered his arms with a weary sigh. The barrier dissipated. "Thank you. Reiley Bellarmine, ma'am. I don't know how much longer I could've held them off."

Kaidan dug into one of his belt pouches and pulled out an energy bar. "Take it. You've burned a lot of calories."

"Thank you, sir," Reiley mumbled, taking the bar with shaking hands. He swallowed drily. "My … my sister Seanne is here somewhere. We got separated from the group. And then -."

"You two got separated as well," Nick finished his sentence.

He nodded, biting into the energy bar and chewing slowly. James offered his water flask. Reiley gave him a grateful look, took a big gulp, and handed it back. "Thank you."

"The way to security is clear. Kahlee Sanders is waiting there," Nick told him. "Rest up a few minutes and then take the shortest route to meet with her. If we find your sister we'll send her as well." Reiley nodded again and Shepard turned to her team. "Move out."

Shortly after meeting Reiley Bellarmine the sound of running feet caught their attention. They headed through the next door only to see a fleeing student being gunned down by Cerberus infantry. Kaidan flared brightly, Reaving the nearest enemy before taking cover. Anger rolled through him in thick waves as he brought up his rifle and began firing.

Cowardly bastards. Shooting unarmed kids from behind.

More troops filed in the room, heavily armed. Kaidan overloaded the shields of the first Centurion and a blast from Shepard's shotgun sent the enemy reeling back into the next Cerberus operative. The short bark of Liara's pistol filled the air, taking out another trooper.

They found Seanne Bellarmine at the far end of a hallway, a short ways from where they had encountered her twin. She struggled to stand up at the sight of them only to collapse again. She appeared to be either wounded or completely exhausted, or both. Nick broke into a run.

"Kaidan," she said simply when they reached the young woman.

Seanne tried climbing to her feet again.

"Stay down," Kaidan told her firmly. He dropped to one knee, running a diagnostic with his omnitool, his face set. He pulled out a sachet of medigel. "This is going to stop the bleeding and the worst pain," he told Seanne quietly. He stood up and walked to Shepard. "She needs proper medical treatment soon. I can only patch her up enough to keep her alive for now. But she'll have real trouble, if she runs into any hostiles. She's in no condition to fight."

Nick pursed her lips, nodding thoughtfully. Her eyes landed on James. "Lieutenant, bring Seanne to Kahlee Sanders and help them get to the shuttle. And take Reiley along, if he hasn't gone yet. We'll meet you there." She turned to her remaining squad. "We should go."

Kaidan glanced back over his shoulder and watched James steady Seanne on the way back, hoping they made it. He grimaced, curling a fist. If not, Cerberus would pay. He pushed down the rage welling up in him again.

Smoke billowed from the destroyed Atlas mech, black and oily. It mingled with the sharp, acrid smell of gunfire and the ozone of biotics. Kaidan's amp port was starting to tingle. He had to cool down, both physically and mentally. He wiped sweat off his brow with one hand and followed Nick. She walked briskly toward the far staircase, weapon still at the ready in case more Cerberus troops made it into the large hall. Before she reached the stairwell a young woman addressed her from the balcony.

"Kahlee said she was putting out an SOS. I had no idea the Queen of the Girl Scouts would show up." She vaulted over the bannister, slowing her fall with her biotics and landing smoothly. Kaidan blinked in surprise. That was not something you saw everyday. And apparently she knew Nick.

"Hey Jack," Nick said simply. She seemed unimpressed by the biotic display.

Jack strode toward her ignoring the others, and slapped her hard. Kaidan reacted instinctively. He flared, dark energy surging through his body. Jack crashed onto the floor a few meters back and jumped back to her feet, dark energy gathering in her hands.

"Touch her again," Kaidan said coldly, fist clenched, stepping between Nick and Jack, "and you'll regret it."

"Try if you like!" Jack sneered, sizing him up dismissively. "And what's it to you, pretty boy? Shepard can take care of herself."

"Stand down, both of you!" Nick snapped, her gaze darting back and forth between them. Glaring, she opened a comm channel. "Kahlee, we have them."

Kaidan shifted his weight and rubbed his neck sheepishly. Guilt about his outburst crept slowly up his throat. It had been a long time since he lashed out with his biotics like that. Taking a deep breath he glanced over the group of students resting while Nick spoke to Jack hoping to spot Tamsin among them. His heart sank. She was not there. Either she was dead or captured. Neither prospect made him feel better.

Liara joined him.

"You seem … unsettled," she began.

Kaidan huffed. "Yeah, you could say that." He paused, searching for words. "This mission is rubbing me the wrong way, I'm not even sure why. It went pear-shaped right off the bat." Before he could continue Nick waved them over. Her gaze settled on him as she began speaking.

"Our shuttle is a no-go. Cortez just radioed the Cerberus cruiser is coming back, and it's getting too hot for him to stay. Kahlee says there's another shuttle pad on through the Atrium. She needs us to get her camera control."

"With a shitload of Cerberus troops between us and the shuttle?" Kaidan asked.

Nick flashed a grin. "Of course."

He sighed. "Awesome."

She let her eyes wander over the group of students. All were busy, either resting or eating. None were paying attention to their group. Nick stepped close to him, putting a hand on his arm. It was a comforting gesture. "We're going to talk about what's bugging you later," she told him in a low voice. It wasn't a question. "I can feel your anger. Use it wisely." She paused and winked. "For now, I need you to hack those camera controls."

Kaidan chuckled lightly despite himself and walked over to a console. He tapped into it, running algorithms on his omnitool. Watching the code was almost soothing. Finally, it beeped.

"I've got it," he let Nick know.

'Shitload' didn't even come close to describing the amount of troops in the Atrium. Cerberus was there in numbers, and it was taking all their tactical prowess and combat experience not to be overwhelmed. Faint yells and weapons fire from the upper level indicated the remaining academy students were also engaged in combat.

"Fucking engineers!" Nick swore loudly, diving into cover with a combat roll. "Kaidan! Take out that turret at one o'clock! We don't have time for this shit."

"On it!" he replied, Overloading the turret's shields and immediately detonating a tech burst with a Warp. Another missile whirred through the air, forcing him to take cover.

"We have incoming!" Liara called urgently, catching two troopers in a Singularity.

"Oh, for fucks sake," Nick groaned as more Cerberus troops poured into the spacious atrium. She snapped a fresh magazine into her rifle and lined up her shot.

Kaidan fired short, controlled spurts at the advancing hostiles. Ducking back into cover he quickly checked how many rounds he had left. Not nearly as many as he would have liked, but they would have to do. At least the mech couldn't close in on them, but Cerberus had more than enough other ground forces deployed. He glanced over at Nick's position. His eyes widened. Two Cerberus troopers were lowering themselves from above only a few feet behind her.

"Nick! Four o'clock!" he called out in warning. Nick spun around, hammering the butt of her rifle into the face of the first enemy. He staggered back. Kaidan vaulted over his cover, Throwing the other soldier back forcefully. The amp port at the base of his skull burned as dark energy surged through him. He ground his teeth, ignoring the pain stabbing at his brain.

"I think it's time we took care of that mech before even more reinforcements drop by," Nick said drily, carefully surveying the room. She glanced up at a balcony overhead. One of the students - Prangley, if Kaidan remembered right - held up a hand in greeting. "I doubt those kids want to hang around here any longer than necessary."

Kaidan agreed, opening his omnitool and priming a tech grenade. With a powerful throw he tossed it toward the mech, detonating it just as it hit its target. The mech's shields crackled as the Overload disrupted it. They opened fire, whittling down it's defenses until it exploded, and pressed on.

They had to get to that shuttle.

The shuttle raced away from the space station, the academy students aboard talking excitedly. They had held themselves extremely well and now many of them were on a high. Kaidan sat in the corner, listening to the banter around him. And yet, he wasn't sure they were ready for the front lines. His gaze fell on the Bellarmine twins. He wondered what Nick thought, or their teacher. He watched them talking quietly on the other side of the shuttle.

Dull pain throbbed through his skull and blackness danced at the edge of his vision. His amp was slowly cooling off, but he knew he had pushed it to its limits. He administered a dose of his migraine medication, leaned against the cold bulkhead, and closed his eyes, waiting for the medication to set in.

"Where are we going next, ma'am?" Prangley asked Kahlee Sanders. "We're ready for more."

She considered before answering. "I was going to suggest a support role, but perhaps you're right."

Nick and Jack exchanged a short glance.

"We need them in support roles," Nick said.

"What? We trained for artillery strikes!" Prangley bristled.

"I'm sure you did, ensign," she replied calmly. "But we need stronger barriers for our frontline troops and, more importantly, secure supply lines and reinforcements."

"That's bullshit," Rodriguez scoffed.

Kaidan shifted in his seat, arching an eyebrow. That was the wrong thing to say, he could tell by Nick's stony expression.

Nick narrowed her eyes at the young woman, slowly walking her way. "Bullshit?" she asked in a treacherously soft voice as she built herself up in front of her. "Have you ever been cut off from your unit? Trying to hold a position alone, your ammunition slowly running out, not sure when backup was coming?"

Rodriguez shook her head.

"Then take it from someone who has," Nick said coldly. "Defending the supply lines is just as important as the front line war. Never forget that."

"We're coming in," James called from the helm, breaking the awkward silence now filling the back of the shuttle. The Kodiak slowed as he guided it into the shuttle bay, setting it down with a soft thud.

"Good job," Nick told him as they stepped into the shuttle bay. Facing the students she continued, "You guys grab a bite to eat. I'll get back to you in a bit." She turned, making her way to the weapon's bench.

Kaidan joined her.

"I've got this," he said quietly. "Go ahead and report in, and find out what's going to happen to those kids."

Together they watched the students file into the elevator.

"Alright," Nick answered after a moment, giving him a quick once-over. "But only if you join me for dinner later and tell me who the soldier back at the academy was."

He smiled sadly. "Deal."

A/N: I hope you enjoyed it! Reviews are most welcome :)