It seemed that the hospital didn't get any less busy since Kacey's last visit here. For the most part, she tried not to dwell on her anxious thoughts; about the summit, about Kaidan, about the war. She needed a clear head. Hopefully, this was the start of those fears being put to rest.
She spotted Thane right away, as the only drell within the hospital's lobby. He was punching the air, keeping himself in shape. Thane was an assassin, a retired one at that. But also a very unorthodox assassin. He was as efficient and as ruthless as you'd expect an assassin to be, yet spiritual and courteous. Thane was an invaluable asset to the team during the assault on the Collector Base, all while being ill.
"Commander Shepard." Thane said, just as Kacey approached, "When I heard Earth was under attack, I tried to call. I never got through."
"Thane." Kacey said, "Good to see you're staying in shape."
"My disease kills slowly. With enough care and a healthy lifestyle, it can be delayed for a few years." Thane replied, "Of course, my allotted time has come and gone. Now I exercise because it pleases me. What are you doing here?"
"I'm visiting a friend who got hurt protecting me. Kaidan." Kacey said.
"Ah, yes. The human biotic in intensive care." Thane mused, "I saw the marks of his implant."
"You know of him?"
"Yes. We have spoken a few times." Thane elaborated, "And your pilot had a lot to say about him as well, as I recall."
Kacey groaned, "I'm going to kill Joker. I can't believe he told everyone that."
"Your enemies may try to finish him off here. As long as he is here, consider him under my protection." Thane said.
"I appreciate it, Thane." Kacey replied, feeling more at ease.
"I am near the end of my life. It is a good time to be generous." Thane said, "Kepral's Syndrome has put most of my other plans on hold."
"Do you know how much time you have left?" Kacey said as the pair went to sit down on the chairs by the window.
"I've been to several doctors. My favourite gave me three months to live…nine months ago." Thane explained, "It's freeing to find no requirements placed on me. No responsibilities, no fears. It is a good end to a life."
"Are you in a lot of pain?"
"At times. The oxygen transfer proteins don't form correctly. Your human equivalent would be hemuoglobin. As a result, my blood is low in oxygen. No matter how much I breathe in, I get tingling, numbness…and that is the best of it." Thane replied, "As for my brain, I cannot track the damage. I just experience dizziness from time to time."
"I wish the best for you, Thane." Kacey replied.
"And I for you." Thane replied, "Do not grieve for me. I have good doctors. My son visits regularly. Perhaps we will keep up via the extranet now that you are free. Until we meet again, Shepard."
"Goodbye Thane." Kacey said as she stood and they parted ways.
…
If Kacey had one weakness, it would be that she became very directionally challenged in large buildings or complexes. All the walls in the hospital looked the same to Kacey, and despite her previous visit here, she still couldn't find the intensive care ward even with the signs. Luckily for her, she ran into Doctor Michel again, and the doctor was kind enough to take her to the ward, even offering a few tips to find her way for next time.
Once she had swallowed up her anxiety, she opened the door, and found Udina standing by Kaidan's bedside, a serious look on his face.
"I'd like an answer, Major." Udina said firmly, "The galaxy has need of exceptional soldiers like you, now more than ever."
"You'll have it soon, Councillor. I promise." Kaidan replied.
"I look forward to it." Udina said.
As Udina turned, he looked at Kacey with a sense of disgust and he didn't even look surprised by her arrival.
"Commander." Udina said curtly with a glare as he walked past her.
"Councillor." Kacey replied briefly, wondering what Udina's problem was.
She, however, turned her attention back to Kaidan, who was looking a bit better than he was before. While he still had a black eye, most of his other superficial injuries had healed and the fact that he was conscious was a reassuring sign for Kacey.
"Hey." Kacey said with her trademark smile.
She was pleasantly surprised to see Kaidan's face light up as he laid eyes on her.
"Kacey, hey." Kaidan said, "You just missed snack time–actually, that's probably a good thing. Thanks for coming."
"No problem." Kacey replied as she pulled up a chair, "So, what did Udina want?"
"He's offered to make me a Spectre." Kaidan answered, sounding a little conflicted.
"And? You're taking it, right?" Kacey mused.
Kaidan chuckled, "It's a big honour…a huge responsibility. Just need to be sure."
"I thought as much." Kacey smirked, "You always fussed over the little things."
"Am I that easy to read?" Kaidan laughed.
"A little." Kacey teased, "Oh, and I got you this."
Kacey had managed to pick up a bottle of wine before arriving at the hospital. A little get well gift. Kaidan looked at the bottle and smiled as he took it.
"Wow. Thanks, Kacey." Kaidan said, "That's really great."
"Just a little pick me up."
"Maybe when I'm out, we can crack it open and celebrate." Kaidan replied, "I'm so ready to get out of here, Kacey. You can't tell, but I'm tied to this bed by medical red tape. I mean, Doc…Doc says I'm good to go, but then she always finds 'just one more test' to run."
"Yeah well, if you try to get up and moving before you're well enough, I'll have to tie you down." Kacey joked, and Kaidan laughed, "But in all seriousness, how are you doing, really?"
"My implant got a little…rattled, so Doc wants to keep the biotics offline for a little bit." Kaidan said, "It's no big deal, really."
"It sounds like a big deal to me." Kacey replied, concerned, "It's not going to cause anymore complications, is it?"
Kaidan clearly noticed her change in tone, and looked at her with a sympathetic face, "Not anymore than usual. It should be fine after the doctors are done with it. I'll be fine, Kacey."
She wasn't sure if she was as reassured by that as he thought. Kacey had a lot to be worried about; she had some concerns about Udina suddenly making Kaidan a Spectre; he deserved to be one, but it seemed that the councillor wanted it done as soon as possible. Something about it didn't sit right with Kacey, but she was still happy for Kaidan nonetheless.
"I'll take your word for it." Kacey mused, "I'm glad you asked me to come. It's good to see you're going to be okay."
"Thanks."
"You almost died on my watch." Kacey said solemnly, "It was horrible to see. And I care about what happens to you."
Kaidan rested his hand on top of hers, "Me too. That means a lot, Kacey. Don't blame yourself for what happened, please."
"I–"
"Kacey, I know you. And I know that you definitely blame yourself every time someone gets hurt under your command." Kaidan said.
"You know me well."
"I do." Kaidan replied, "So, I want to make sure…after Mars, after Horizon. You and me, we're good?"
Kacey smiled, "We've been through hell together, had each other's backs. That kind of bond is hard to break."
"But no, not just that." Kaidan clarified, "You were my Commander, sure. But you listened too. And when I told you about how Rahna broke my heart, you didn't judge me. You knew I needed that. We went through Ash's death together…"
"Yeah, we did." Kacey replied, "We went through a lot of good times and bad times."
"So, what do you say?" Kaidan asked, "Are we good?"
"We're good." Kacey replied, "It was great to have you back on the Normandy."
"Thanks." Kaidan replied, "I'm really glad you came by. Talking to you like this, reminds me how much I like you. We're good together."
Kacey turned red as she tried to process what he had just said; maybe there was a little hope after all.
"Feel like we've cleared the air?" Kacey asked.
"Yeah." Kaidan agreed, "You know, I'm not sure that I've been wrong about Cerberus…but I've been wrong about you."
"Yeah, you were definitely right about Cerberus. No doubt about that." Kacey mused.
"Glad we can agree on that." Kaidan mused, "Anyway, I should probably let you get back to it, before the crew go looking for you."
"If they do, I might be a little concerned." Kacey said.
"I wish I could come with you." Kaidan mused.
"Take care of yourself, Kaidan." Kacey said, standing up, "We need you at a hundred percent."
"Will do." Kaidan said, "Thanks for coming, Kacey."
…
Kacey's next stop was the Spectre office, mostly to check the terminal. She mostly went to see if there was any intel worth knowing or passing on, and found a request for military pardons for two familiar faces; Kenneth Donnelly and Gabriella Daniels. She hit the button to authorise their pardons and reinstate them on the Normandy. Adams could use the help, after all.
Afterwards, she found herself on the Presidium, browsing some of the stores absent-mindly as people stared as she walked past. She saw EDI standing by the counter of one store, while Joker sat on the bench on the opposite side of the storefront.
"Hello, Shepard." EDI greeted Kacey as she approached.
"You look like you're gathering data." Kacey said.
"That is a safe assumption." EDI replied.
"Anything big and world-shaking?" Kacey said in a teasing tone, "Man's inhumanity to man? Does objective reality really exist? That kind of thing?"
"I was running scenarios in my head to analyse Jeff's behaviour." EDI explained, "I believe he has a strong affectionate attachment to me, but he has not stated it to anyone yet. Shepard, you have first hand sexual experience. How do you know when someone is romantically invested?"
Kacey's eyes widened as her cheeks went scarlet red, "I–What? Who told you I had–? Ohhh…It was Joker wasn't it?"
"Yes."
"I swear I'm gonna kill him." Kacey mused, "Oh, and your question; well, they'll usually show signs that they can't stop thinking about you. You know; asking you out, giving you presents, maybe playing music…"
EDI contemplated Kacey's answer before replying, "I lack material wants other than hardware and software upgrades and my core programming does not assign values to music. Perhaps we could discuss how to provoke Jeff into an emotional commitment."
"That's not how to think of it." Kacey said quickly, "It's got to be natural. You need chemistry."
"I see. There are a number of pharmaceuticals I could inject to simulate the desired emotional state."
Kacey facepalmed; she wasn't exactly sure how to explain it to the unshackled AI, mostly since she barely understood it herself. She racked her brain trying to think of a way to make it clearer for EDI.
"No, I mean relax and do something you both like." Kacey said, "Something simple. For example, you both like humour."
"Correct." EDI replied, "I will see if there are comedic entertainment shows being presented on the Citadel. Scanning…Do you think he would like 'The Man Who Hung Himself'? It appears to be about an amorous plastic surgeon."
"EDI the important thing is to have a good time, wherever you go." Kacey explained, "And if you're having fun, he probably will too."
"Then the outcome is an unknown quantity but you are saying I should attempt it anyway."
"Nobody ever fell in love without being a little bit brave." Kacey replied.
"I see." EDI replied, "I believe you have improved my chances, Shepard. Thank you."
"No problem." Kacey added before heading over to where Joker was sitting. The pilot waved her down as she joined him.
"Hey, Commander." Joker said as Kacey sat down, "Check it out! Big news; the new Blasto movie is breaking opening week records! There's also a big expose on quasar tournaments, tips on how to make your apartment look bigger and…oh yeah, a big ass Reaper invasion. These people have no idea."
"People are either scared or in denial." Kacey mused, "People tend to cling to what's familiar in situations like this."
"You say that like it's a good thing." Joker scoffed.
"It's not, but it's better than riots in the streets." Kacey countered.
"I guess." Joker relented, "I just wish there were a middle ground. You know, a little less gardening advice, a little more war prep."
"It'll happen." Kacey replied, "Once there's something people can do to help."
"Meanwhile, they ignore the unshackled AI walking around the Presidium." Joker mused.
"She run into any trouble?"
"No, no, she's my 'mobility assistance mech'." Joker replied with a smirk, "Thanks to Vrolik's Syndrome, I'm legally entitled to bring her everywhere. Finally getting some use out of those disability benefits."
Kacey laughed, "I'm sure she appreciates getting out to see the sights."
"Ah…She's earned a little shore leave." Joker said.
"She has." Kacey replied, "Oh and before I forget…"
She slapped Joker on the upper arm, but not hard enough to accidentally break any bones. The pilot looked at her with surprise.
"What the fuck was that for?" Joker asked.
"That was for discussing my sex life with your new copilot." Kacey replied, "I'm still pissed off that you told everyone on the ship about it. Twice."
"Not my fault that you and Kaidan aren't subtle about it." Joker replied, "Speaking of Kaidan, how is he?"
"Why are you asking me?"
"Kacey, let's be honest, you and I both know that the minute we stepped foot onto the Citadel, you were going straight to the hospital to check up on him." Joker smirked, "As much as you pretend otherwise, you still care about him."
"I'm not pretending."
"Does anyone but you believe your lies?"
"Seriously, Joker?" Kacey scoffed, "He's doing good and he's getting better. That's the most important thing."
"That's good to hear." Joker replied, "But you guys didn't make up?"
"My conversations with Kaidan are private."
"I'll just ask Garrus later."
"I won't tell Garrus either."
"You will." Joker laughed, "You usually do."
"Joker." Kacey said firmly.
"Alright, alright. I'll stop teasing." Joker said, "For now."
…
Kacey reached the Purgatory nightclub with little issue. Nightclubs weren't really her thing, and neither was the idea of going out to dance and get wasted. Nightclubs were too loud and way too crowded for her liking, and her own sense of self-preservation, or rather what was left of it, relied on her being able to see and hear everyone around her. Something that didn't translate well with nightclubs.
Kacey could see quite a few Alliance marines on shore leave in the club, drinking, partying and having a good time forgetting about what was going on outside. The solution to war wasn't at the end of a beer bottle, she knew that. No matter how much others wanted to.
She saw James by the lower bar, chatting away. She figured she could at least check in with the marine before finding out what Aria wanted from her. As she approached the bar, Kacey could see a few of the marines hovering around, staring at her. She hated it and was about to walk away before James saw her.
"Hey, Commander." James said, "Nice to see you down in the dirt here with us grunts."
Kacey crossed her arms, "You don't think I like getting dirty?"
"Whoa, now. Come on." James replied, "I didn't mean anything by it, Lola."
"Uh huh." Kacey said in disbelief, "What did you mean, then?"
"See those marines over there?" James said as he gestured towards the marines that looked at Kacey on her way over, "None of them are officers—just soldiers fighting the war."
"Yeah?"
"They've been buying me drinks all night. You know why?" James asked, "Same reason they got all quiet and serious when you walked in."
Of course, she already knew why. Since Elysium, she found herself being viewed as a rather intimidating figure by other marines. She could see how she could come off as intimidating; she kept to herself and the wild stories and rumours about her did most of the work in that regard. She didn't particularly care about it, but was curious about why James brought it up.
Especially since James certainly didn't find her intimidating in the slightest.
"I'm well aware, and you don't seem intimidated by me in the least." Kacey replied bluntly, "In fact, you could use a little more deference."
"Ha, sure…but I've fought with you." James explained, "I've seen you in action. Don't get me wrong. You're good. Probably one of the best."
"Probably?"
"And you fill out a uniform like nobody's business." James mused as Kacey gave him a stern look, "Just sayin'. But I know you're human, just like me."
"But not them?"
"Nope." James replied, "Hell, I still remember the day they made you the first human Spectre. I watched it on the vids, just like all of them. But to them, you're still larger than life."
"I know. I'm well aware of how I'm perceived." Kacey replied, "Look, I've seen a hell of a lot, but I'm still just a soldier. I'm still one of them, no matter what I've done."
"Sure, but they don't know you. They just know what they've been told." James replied, "Listen…you want them to see you're one of us, right?"
"Do I?"
"Buy them a round."
"Why?" Kacey asked, "What's buying a round going to do? Pretty sure they'll still be intimidated by me regardless of whether I buy them a drink or not."
"Maybe. But would it hurt to try?"
"It could." Kacey said, "Besides I tend to keep to myself for a good reason. I don't need any more trouble."
"I get that. Look, see those two in the corner over there?" James pointed to two soldiers in the corner, "Those two are cool. And they sure could use a drink."
"Them, or you?"
"Both." James admitted.
"Right. I'll do it, but I'm not sticking around." Kacey replied, "Funnily enough, I did have a reason to come here."
"Appreciate it, Commander." James replied, "At least have a small chat with them before you bail, yeah?"
Kacey sighed, "Five minutes. I'll do five minutes."
She was breaking her own personal rule. But she also had to admit James had a point. She left the rumours and wild stories to spiral out of control. As the two marines headed over, they flattered her with simple platitudes and flattery. She put a smile on her face and kept things simple, polite and courteous. As they spoke, Kacey could see their hesitancy in the expressions. And it was starting to unnerve her a little.
As she excused herself and left the group, she took a deep breath to gather her thoughts. She could see Aria sitting on the sofa across the way, a scowl on her face. Aria wasn't one to mess with, then again neither was Kacey. As she approached, she could hear Aria arguing with a C-Sec officer, who looked like she was at the end of her rope.
"So, you admit you and your thugs came here illegally." The officer said.
"Yes, and it only took C-Sec three weeks to figure it out." Aria snapped.
"I don't care who you are–you're required to go through processing like all other refugees. Come with me."
"I don't think so." Aria growled, "Sheerk, get me the asari councillor."
The man was quick to call Tevos, who greeted Aria with a restrained voice, "Greetings, Aria. Is there something you need?"
"I'm being asked to submit to immigration processing." Aria replied.
"Of course you are." Tevos replied, "Done. Anything else I can do for you?"
"Nothing, thank you." Aria smirked.
"My pleasure." Tevos replied as the call ended.
"I think we're done here." Aria snapped at the C-Sec officer, who stormed off in a huff, "Enjoy the show, Shepard?"
"Certainly. You know, I don't think I've ever seen Tevos that cooperative before." Kacey said as she sat down, "I guess there's only one rule on the Citadel, huh?"
"I guess so." Aria grumbled, "I hate this place. So sickeningly uptight."
"Then why are you here?"
"Cerberus stole Omega from me." Aria said angrily, "The Illusive Man is now squarely at the top of my shit list. He will pay for every second I've spent in this bureaucratic hellhole."
"Same here." Kacey mused, "How'd he piss you off?"
"Deceit. Distractions. And a big fucking army." Aria snapped, "They lured me away from Omega and ambushed me. I escaped, but Cerberus had already laid siege. By the time I could launch an assault, they were too entrenched."
"At least you escaped to fight another day." Kacey replied.
"And that day is coming." Aria said, "So, how did he end up on your shit list?"
"He pissed me off." Kacey replied, "And nobody fucks me over."
"Is that so?" Aria mused, "I'll take Omega back, but I'll get to that. You're here because I have a proposition."
"Nah, I just came here to sit on my ass."
"Smartass." Aria scoffed, "The way I see it, if you don't defeat the Reapers, we're all dead. Won't matter where I'm sitting. You might be a reckless, explosion-inducing asshole, but you know how to kill Reapers, so it's in my interest to help you."
"What are you offering, Aria?" Kacey asked.
"On Omega, I kept the Blood Pack, Eclipse and Blue Suns in check." Aria explained, "Now, they're running amok. Nobody wants that. Unite them under my rule, and you'll have a powerful and ruthless force for your war. I've laid the groundwork with all three groups. I need you to close the deal."
"Is there a reason I have to close the deal?"
"You'll see when you go. Why don't you think it over?" Aria smirked, handing Kacey a datapad "I'll be in touch."
Kacey stood up and walked away, looking over the datapad. She couldn't believe she was seriously considering this. But then again, to win this war the entire galaxy needed to be united, whether they were soldiers or mercenaries no longer mattered. She sighed and headed towards the first meeting, hoping it would all be worth it in the end.