I'm back! Sorry that I have been MIA for so long! I really missed writing this and posting it for all of you! Comic Con was awesome! And I did get to see a few Shepards and even a Liara! I will try to get back on track here so that you don't have to wait several weeks for the next chapter, I know what it is like to wait for the next installment and I apologize for making all of you wait! Ok, I won't ramble on because I know you want to read what happens next, so a big THANK YOU to everyone still hanging around! Hope you enjoy! And as always, feel free to send me any questions/concerns. (And I apologize if there are a lot of mistakes) Thank you!

Chapter 16

It could have been minutes or hours, it was hard to tell. His head was ringing and his eyelids felt like they were sealed shut. His breathing was labored and there was a pain in his side, but it wasn't as bad as his arm and leg, but at least that let him know he was alive. Forcing his eyes open, he blinked several times to focus them. Slowly, his hearing came back to him though there was still a high-pitched noise.

"John? John, please stay with me. John?"

He tried to push himself over at the sound of his name, but his disorientation took over. He felt himself vocalize a groan and he struggled to move his arm towards the sound of the voice. A three-fingered hand wrapped around his when he twitched his fingers. "Tali?" he vaguely heard her respond with confirmation, relief evident in her voice. Taking a few deep breaths, he managed to roll onto his side and take in his surroundings. He could still see the lights of fires flickering through cracks of rubble and a bright light shining from another side but he couldn't tell where it was originating from. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. Most of the rubble missed me, but I think you got hit over the head when it came through. You also have a few cuts from the glass but your armor took the worst of it."

John shifted again and this time was aware of the crunch of glass around him. He groaned again and touched his head, now feeling the sticky blood that had begun to dry. "Where are Jane and Garrus?"

Tali shook her head, "I don't know. I haven't tried to move anything or search farther back."

They heard movement coming from the blocked path and John allowed himself a small bit of hope to creep into his mind. Instead of the two faces he was hoping for, a stranger appeared; a young alliance soldier pushed back the piece of rubble and he gave them an elated smile.

"Captain Anderson! We found 'em, they're in here!" the man yelled.

John tried to sit up a little more and was soon greeted by the face of Captain Anderson peeking through the rubble.

"Take it easy," Anderson said, "It's over, you're safe now. Where are Vakarian and Shepard?"

John shook his head, "I don't know. Just woke up myself."

Anderson made a signal that John couldn't see then reached in to help pull him out. John instead reached over to Tali and ushered her out first, glad to see that Anderson helped her and didn't argue with him. John saw that she did stand, though a little wobbly and then crawled out himself with the Captain's help. Once he was safely out, he saw they had a gurney waiting for them but he gave a small wave, "I don't leave until we find Jane and Garrus."

The asari and salarian medical team both looked at Anderson who nodded, "At least sit down, John." He waited for the Shepard sibling to sit and saw the quarian join him before he turned back to the debris before him. "I'm going to – " before he could finish his sentence, they heard someone call out, prompting Tali and John to jump up as best they could.

"Sir! We found the turian!"

Anderson held his hand out, motioning for John not to follow as he rushed over to where the Alliance private was waving. As soon as he reached the man, Anderson helped to lift the metal sheeting off of Garrus. "Vakarian, it's Captain Anderson. Where's the Commander?"

Garrus raised a taloned hand to his head and looked around. He was groggy, he knew that much. "Jane?" the question finally registered in his head and he pushed himself upright, ignoring the protest of his muscles. He looked back at the Council platform. Nothing. It was all gone. There only seemed to be metal and debris from Sovereign covering the area.

Anderson followed his gaze, dread filling his features. He looked over to where John and Tali were struggling to move closer. Their faces met his then looked at Garrus and their eyes fixed onto the same terrible sight. How could she have possibly lived through that?

Tali bit back her tears and struggled to hold on to John as he shouted his sister's name. After all she had done, how could she go out like this?

The medical teams began to speak up, insisting on taking everyone to the hospital, but no one moved. It took a few people to move John back a few steps but no one dared to approach Garrus, his eyes still locked on where he had last seen her, even though that spot didn't exist anymore. Anderson turned his back on the location, unable to face it anymore.

A loud bang echoed through the room.

Everyone stopped.

Another loud thud.

Everyone turned.

Jane bit her lip as she kicked the metal off of herself. Rolling onto her hands and knees, she brought an arm to her side, a broken rib, most likely. She had heard voices; unless she had been imagining it. She wasn't dead; there was too much pain for that. Putting everything she had into it, she forced her feet to move, struggling to hike over the debris. A wall of metal stood in her way but she was determined to get out. Moving up the Sovereign shard, she looked down and allowed herself a sigh of relief and a small smirk. She could feel everyone's eyes on her as she began to hobble down the wreckage of what used to be the Citadel Tower. She heard someone moving closer to her but her breathing was becoming more labored and she focused on her movement. Black specks were encroaching on her vision. No. You will not blackout. This is not Commander Shepard, she told herself. You will not –

Her chest rose and fell in an even rhythm. The heart monitor was the only sound in the room. Garrus watched her quietly a few feet away from her bedside. Leaning his elbows onto his knees he scratched his mandible as he stared at the floor. A small part of himself said it was inappropriate for him to be here, but it was where he wanted to be, and besides, John had requested it.

His friend was still ordered to his bed and hadn't been given permission to get up to even visit Jane since she was in stable condition. John had a broken arm, a concussion and a fracture in his leg, so he was still under observation. Tali and Garrus had gotten off pretty easy with only a few minor injuries and no broken bones. Jane was extremely lucky, all things considered. She did have fractures in two of her ribs, some soft tissue damage but was mostly just physically (and mentally) exhausted. They had been through a lot in the last few days; how she hadn't crashed before was a miracle. Glancing at her again, Garrus at least took comfort in the thought that she was able to rest now.

Closing his eyes, he rubbed his talons under his fringe, the events of a few hours ago still playing in his mind.

They had been standing at the top of the stairs, looking out the window at the battle raging outside. Sovereign had fallen into view and a series of explosions littered the machine. It began to break apart, the once invincible machine turning into nothing more than a series of oddly shaped scraps. Then they saw the danger again. As if in a last ditch effort to kill them, Sovereign had sent a piece of itself floating toward them.

Jane had shouted, ordering them to run as far away as they could. He remembered Tali and John moving forward and Jane and himself right after. But Jane wasn't moving as fast as she could. Her exhaustion already taking a toll on her from the heavy use of her biotics, but he had stayed with her. He held her hand trying to take her with him but they were falling behind.

She shouted at him to keep going, to go without her, but he ignored her. Jane had shouted at him again but her voice was lost in the sound of shattering glass and the piece of Sovereign came closer to them. He stopped when she tore her hand from his grasp but just as he reached for her again, he felt a gentle blast of energy push him farther away from her and the danger. Her biotics.

He had awoken to the sound of movement and people shouting. Then there was the Alliance Captain over him, asking him something. The only word that came through was 'commander,' triggering him to think of Jane and the last seconds he had seen her. He looked to where he had last seen her, felt her, but nothing was there anymore, only a pile of rubble that only said 'doom'. Time had stopped for him and he couldn't tell if everyone had gone silent or if it was just his mind playing tricks on him.

He remembered feeling someone grab him and his hand acted on its own, lashing out at the intruder. She had to be alive, she couldn't be dead.

And then it happened, the sounds of banging and then an angel emerging from the wreckage. He was barely aware that he was moving towards her until he saw her begin to sway. She stumbled on a small outcropping and swayed again. When she tried to correct herself, she went too far to one side and began to fall, but he had been there to catch her. He cradled her in his arms, too afraid to hold her more tightly, fearing he would further damage her.

And now he was here, several hours later, sitting at her bedside. Now that they had escaped death, maybe he should tell – the sliding of the door interrupted his thoughts and he turned to see Councilor Sparatus in the doorway. Garrus stood, turned and saluted the Councilor and in a hushed tone asked, "Councilor, what can I do for you?"

"Vakarian, I came to see Spectre Shepard, but I am surprised to find you here."

"She is my commanding officer but a friend as well. Her brother isn't able to be here as well so I am filling in," it was the truth but Garrrus hoped he sounded convincing.

Sparatus inclined his head for a moment then gave a slow nod. "Well, since I have you here, I would like to speak to you, too."

"Yes, sir."

"I understand that you had once been viewed as a potential Spectre candidate."

Garrus nodded, "One of many."

"I am curious… do you have any intention of following up on that opportunity?"

The question had taken him by surprise. Yes, he had thought of it more frequently after serving with Jane, but for Sparatus to take notice, that meant something. He struggled to keep his composure but he could tell his mandibles were still a little slack, "I have given it a little thought, but I had been planning on continuing to serve under Shepard."

Interesting, Sparatus thought to himself, I wonder if he has given any thought to what his father might say about this. "I will be honest, Vakarian, I would like to hear that you go into training for Spectre candidacy. I think you would make a fine addition."

"Thank you, Councilor," Garrus struggled to get out.

Sparatus nodded to Garrus. He took a quick glance at Jane then back at Garrus. "Good day."

Garrus watched the turian leave and continued to stare at the door even after it shut. He had once thought of that as an option, Jane had commented that he could be one, and now the Councilor; maybe he could do it. No matter what, it was a lot to think about.

"I guess I should congratulate you," a voice said behind him.

Garrus jumped a little and turned to see Jane trying to sit up in the bed. "What?"

"Sorry," she winced after finally sitting up and gave him a weak smile, "I heard the end of the conversation." She tried to bring a leg up to her chest but didn't get halfway before she gave up on bending that way. "I have to say, I am going to miss you."

Garrus returned to his seat near her bed and brought it a little closer, "What makes you think I will go?"

"Come on, Garrus," she laughed lightly, "We both know you. And with everything that has happened and what you have been through, I don't think – wait, I know you are not going to pass this up."

Garrus flared his mandibles in a grin and looked away before looking back up at her, "Are you sure you can manage without me watching your back? You'll be dead within a week."

"Wow, thanks for your confidence in me, big guy," Jane rolled her eyes. "But seriously, I will miss having you on the battlefield with me."

"I know you'll be fine, Jane. I will miss serving with you. But maybe one day we could be the first Spectre pair." He watched Jane turn a little red and look away from him; she was keeping something from him. Garrus wanted to say more, but if he did go into Spectre training, there were a lot of uncertainties hanging in the air; he would have to find out more about his situation before saying anything. He watched her chew on her lip, mulling over a thought as her face fell. When she turned back to him, she had a faint smile, a question behind her eyes. "Is something wrong?"

"I was just wondering… how long have yo – " she was cut off by the sound of the doors sliding open behind Garrus and a loud shouting of a familiar voice.

"Goddammit! I don't care if I should be in bed. I haven't seen her since she was first put in here!" John limped into the room with an asari nurse and Tali behind him trying to rein him back in.

Garrus knew it was pointless arguing with a Shepard, so he stood and helped John into his seat.

John nodded thanks to his friend and gave an awkward hug to his sister, trying to avoid their injuries, "I was so worried about you," he whispered to her. "I'm so sorry I didn't help you."

"John, there was nothing you could do."

"But I am your big brother. I am supposed to watch over you." He released her and eased back into the chair.

"You know that you can't always be there. And sometimes the younger sibling has to look after the older one."

"Not in this family," he chuckled.

"Jane," Tali said while coming up beside John, "it is good to see you awake, you had us all worried."

"Thank you, Tali. Are you feeling okay? You sound a little different."

"Just a little sick. Had a few suit ruptures from the debris. We should really let you rest, all of us." She glared at John and he struggled to his feet again giving Tali a small smirk.

"And another one joins the crippled club!" Joker chuckled as he hobbled into the room on his crutches. "Even though it is just temporary, but you know, I do have a spare set of crutches if you need them."

"Hardy har har har…" John rolled his eyes.

"Hey, Jane," Joker said coming closer to her. "Still alive and well I see… more or less."

"Joker," Jane smiled, "Good to see you. So, I hear the Normandy was at the head of the fleet."

"You know it. Would have been nice to have kept you out of harm's way though."

"Come on, you know that isn't my style."

Joker looked over at Garrus who was now leaning against a wall on the outside of the group, "I am surprised that Big Scaly over here didn't take the hits for you."

"So, it is my fault she is injured?" Garrus said a little indignantly.

"It's not his fault, Joker," Jane said while catching Garrus's eye for half a second. "If anyone is going to take the blows, it will just be me. And once I have my mind set, it is a little hard to change it."

"Don't I know it…" Joker rolled his eyes.

The doors came open again and everyone turned to see Karin Chakwas enter the room.

"Doctor!" Jane greeted loudly, "Come to release me from this prison?"

"Here to end visiting hours actually."

"Awww… Karin…" Jane sighed, "But what about the rest of the crew? I haven't seen everyone yet and I have been sleeping for who knows how long."

"You were out for eight hours. After a little more rest you can see more of the crew. Besides, it is nighttime anyway. And we both know that a little more sleep would not kill you," Karin raised an eyebrow at Jane who looked away a little ashamed. Chakwas looked around at everyone, "All of you. Out. Now." She watched them all leave then turned to look at the last one left in the room, "That means you too, Garrus."

He nodded but paused at the door and glanced at Chakwas before looking at Jane again, "Shepard, did you want to ask me something?"

Jane bit her lip as her eyes flickered between her two visitors.

"I can give you two a moment," Karin smiled between the two.

"No," Jane feigned a grin and waved her hand as if batting away the comment, "Forget it. It was nothing."

"Get your rest, Commander. It will be good to see you on your feet again."

The receptionist at the desk took a long sip from her cup. The artificial coffee was never as good as the real stuff, but really, she should be grateful for the fact that she had any at all; the Citadel was being rebuilt and new shipments were coming in all the time. Sitting down at the desk, she began to run a few files with her free time; the early morning shift was always the worst.

Just as she had started to zone out, she heard the elevator ping for her floor. Curious, she leaned over the counter to see whoever had arrived. She was expecting another individual, asari or maybe a turian, delayed at checking in with wounds from the attack on the Citadel. Instead, she saw a fit, healthy, unscathed, human Alliance soldier. He was handsome. She wouldn't mind chatting things up with him, hopefully getting him to linger at the desk. But… he was obviously here to see someone else; the flowers were a clear indication on that. How he was able to get those flowers at a time like this proved how much he cared for whoever he was visiting.

"Hello, dropping off?" she said while nodding to his flowers.

"Actually, I came by to visit someone," Kaidan said.

"I'm sorry sir, but visiting hours don't start until nine."

Kaidan glanced at the clock, that was about five hours away, he couldn't wait that long. "That doesn't really work for me. I just… I really need to see her now."

"Again, I am sorry sir, but I am not supposed to let you in for visitation and I am pretty sure that whoever you need to see is asleep right now." She watched him look away from her; he seemed really hurt that he couldn't get in to see this mystery person. It's a loved one, that's for sure. But why can't he just come back later? "If you like, you can leave your name and the gift for her and we can place it in her room."

"Look, I am Lieutenant Kaidan Alenko of the SSV Normandy. Maybe you have heard of it? I serve under Commander Jane Shepard, or as she is probably listed here, Spectre Jane Shepard. That is who I am here to see."

His abruptness and his standing caught her off guard. He was a big deal. He had been so sweet before, but now she had the distinct impression that there might be something more to this. "I suppose that since it is to see your commanding officer, I could let you in. Just this once. Um… how long will you be?"

"Not long," he smiled, "Thank you."

"Down the hall, first right, second left, room 548."

Kaidan smiled to the woman, his charm returning to his face. Kaidan had used his charisma a few times before to get what he needed. Normally, he felt guilty after interactions such as those, but not this time. He had to see Shepard and he was pretty sure that she wouldn't see him alone. He made his way through the halls, his feet gaining weight with each step he took. He clutched the bouquet of flowers tightly in his hand and closed the distance to her door.

The door seemed to open in slow motion and he waited in the doorway. It seemed to be a pretty good room, spacious; he was sure that her status as Spectre and "Savior" helped her bequeath such a room. He looked down at her sleeping form, she looked a little uncomfortable but peaceful at the same time. Kaidan sat down in the chair that had been placed close to the bed.

"Hey, Jane," Kaidan whispered as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Don't worry, I'll keep this short. I know this is a little silly… I don't even have the courage to face you right now. Then again, I don't think you would even see me or let me explain. There were just a few things resting on my mind. Keeping me up, you know.

"I'm sorry for the way I talked to you. I shouldn't have said the things I did. I just care for you… more than you care for me, I suppose. But, when we hadn't heard from the team after taking Sovereign down… I just didn't know what to do. I don't know how I would deal if I lost you. You are the first person that I have really cared for. How do I just move past that? Act like nothing happened? I can't. I am so relieved that you are okay. I just want you to know that I am here for you with whatever you need. I feel so privileged to be serving under your command." Kaidan stood up and stared down at her. He couldn't imagine anyone else doing the things that she had already accomplished. Cautiously, he reached down and lightly pushed back a loose strand of her hair. He loved seeing it loose, out of its military constraint.

If only she would give him a chance.

As the thought crept into his mind, he leaned down and gave a quick kiss to her temple, wishing that he would have the opportunity to have her attentions once again. With the edge of his thumb, he softly stroked the edge of one of the flowers. He then set them down on the nightstand next to her bed and walked out the door.

Jane groaned at the sound of footsteps leaving her room and cracked an eye open to see Kaidan leaving her room. She rubbed her eyes and turned her attention to the flowers sitting on her nightstand. Her mind was still hazy from sleep and medication but the bright colors were still clear. Reaching out, she pulled a flower from the bouquet and ran a petal between her fingers.

Real. How did he ever get these? She looked at the door again as she slowly rolled the flower between her fingers, reveling in the silky texture of the petal. Letting out a small sigh, she rested her hand on her chest and closed her eyes.

Jane awoke to the sound of voices outside her room. In the attempt to sit up, she felt something roll off her chest. Looking down at her lap, she found the flower resting against her leg. So, I didn't dream it. She reached over to the bouquet and saw the note.

Sorry, I hope you can forgive me. – K

Her mouth twisted in thought as she ran her fingers over the flower again. As she rubbed her fingers across her forehead, she heard the door open and quickly dropped the flower on the bedside table with the bouquet. "Mom?! What are you doing here?"

Hannah Shepard entered the room looking as regal and refined as always. "I came to see my children, especially when they are in the hospital and my daughter is becoming known as the 'Savior of the Citadel'."

Jane sighed and gave a weak smile, "Thanks, Mom. Have you seen John yet?"

"Not yet. I came here first."

Jane looked away, feeling sorry for her brother and the lack of a solid relationship with their mother. With her daughter obviously in thought, Hannah surveyed the room. The older Shepard's eyes fell on the bouquet of flowers then quickly back to her daughter. The door opened again and both women looked at the newest visitor.

"Ah, David," Hannah greeted. "It has been too long."

Captain Anderson smiled at his old friend and accepted her hug, "That it has, Hannah." He smiled at his friend then moved to the side to look at the commander. "Commander Shepard, good to see you made it out alive."

Jane shrugged, "Just lucky, I guess."

"Still, it was nothing short of amazing what you and your team did. Everyone in the galaxy owes all of you a debt of gratitude."

"Thank you, Captain," Jane smiled shyly.

Anderson nodded and looked between the two women, "Unfortunately, I am here on business as well. The Council would like to meet with you. I would like to think it is because they would like to formally thank you, but I have a feeling there is more to it."

Jane chuckled, "I would have to agree, Captain. When and where?"

"The Council Chambers are destroyed, so it will be in the Presidium. And you know how patient the Council is, so I am also here to escort you there."

"No rest for the wicked, huh?" Jane held her side as she laughed. "So, the fact that I just woke up from severe injuries doesn't count for anything?" she laughed again as she saw Anderson crack a smile but it was cut short by the disapproving look on her mother's face. Jane glanced around the room, "No chance my gear is still here, is there?"

"It has already been taken back to the Normandy. I have your uniform here," Anderson held up the bundle of clothes that Jane had barely noticed before. "One of your crew was kind enough to bring them to me."

"One of your crew members has access to your quarters?" Hannah raised an eyebrow.

"No, Mom, not like that anyway."

Anderson knew how Hannah could get sometimes and thought it best to head off any confrontation now, "I am sure Shepard has not been giving out codes to her quarters, but I don't believe there is an encryption that turian couldn't crack." He set the clothes on the foot of her bed and nodded to them, "I will just wait outside."

Jane did her best to turn and sit on the edge of the bed without wincing, and for the most part, she had succeeded. Walking was the next task to accomplish but wasn't as bad as she had anticipated since most of her injuries were contained in her torso. Picking up the uniform she made her way to the bathroom.

Once the door had shut, Hannah quietly moved around to the other side of the bed and picked up the bouquet. An eyebrow quirked up when she noticed the flowers were real. She slipped the tag between her fingers and flipped it to see the message signed with a simple "K". Before her thoughts could dwell on who K was or what relationship he had with Jane, the bathroom door slid open and Hannah set the flowers down.

"Mom?"

"Yes, sweetheart?" Hannah eyed her daughter. She was so proud of her; a human biotic who took to the military with ease, become the first human Spectre, and had made a name for herself long before the title of "Savior of the Citadel". But Jane was still a little too stubborn for Hannah's liking.

"Can you help me with my hair? I can't raise my arms high enough."

"Of course," Hannah made her way over and ran a strand through her fingers. "You know, it would be better if you just cut it." Jane didn't respond.

"Ambassador, Captain, Commander" the asari Councilor Tevos greeted, "We have gathered here to recognize the enormous contributions of the Alliance forces in the war against Sovereign and the geth."

Valern, the salarian, continued, "Many humans have lost their lives in the battle to save the Citadel. Brave and courageous soldiers who willingly gave their lives so that we, the Council, might live."

The turian, Sparatus, finished the opening, "There is no greater sacrifice and we share your grief over the tragic loss of so many noble men and women."

Tevos spoke again, "The council also owes you a great personal debt commander. One we can never repay. You saved not just our lives, but the lives of billions from Sovereign and the Reapers."

Heads moved to look at Valern, "Commander Shepard, your heroic and selfless actions serve as a symbol of everything humanity and the Alliance stand for."

"And though we cannot bring back those valiant soldiers who gave their lives to save ours. We can honor their memories through our actions," Sparatus said.

Tevos eyed the three humans before her, "Humanity has shown it is ready to stand as a defender and protector of the galaxy. You have proved you are worthy to join our ranks and serve beside us on the citadel council."

Jane fought not to show her surprise. This was a big deal; unheard of for a new race to be welcomed to the Council so soon.

Ambassador Udina spoke up and Jane had to hold back an eye roll, "Councilor, on behalf of humanity and the Alliance, we thank you for this prestigious honor and humbly accept."

Valern eyed the Ambassador but returned his attention to the Spectre, "We will need a list of potential candidates to fill humanity's seat on the Council."

"Given all that has happened," Tevos startd, "I am sure your recommendation will carry a great deal of weight, Commander. Do you support any particular candidate?"

Jane raised her eyebrows, definitely surprised she would be able to throw weight behind a specific candidate. She looked between the two men standing with her. Udina narrowed his eyes at her and nodded as if to say "You know I am the right choice." Fat chance, Jane thought. When her eyes met Anderson's, his face remained calm but his eyes seemed to be saying, "Not Udina". Turning back to the council, Jane said, "We need someone with the courage to stand up for what he believes in. Someone, like Captain Anderson."

"Him?!" Udina couldn't stop his outburst, "You must be joking! Anderson prefers to let his fists do the talking."

Anderson mumbled, "Only with you Ambassador, only with you…"

"Are you sure about this Commander?" Udina rounded on Shepard. "The Captain is a soldier, not a politician."

"We already have too many politicians on the Citadel" Jane said calmly as Udina crossed his arms, "The captain would be perfect for this job."

Tevos bit back a grin, "I think it is an inspired choice. The council will welcome him with open arms, should he accept."

"I am honored, Councilor," Anderson bowed his head, "As humanity's representative, I'll do everything in my power to help the Council rebuild."

Sparatus spoke up to bring the conversation back the tasks on hand, "Sovereign's defeat marks the beginning of a new era for both humanity and the council."

"Sovereign was only a vanguard, the Reaper fleet is still coming. Hundreds, maybe thousands and I am going to find some way to stop them," Jane had to control her voice. Maybe now that she had saved the Council, they might actually listen to her about the Reapers. Only time would tell.

"Shepard is right," Anderson chimed in, "Humanity is ready to do its part. United with the rest of the council, we have the strength to overcome any challenge. When the Reapers come, we must stand side by side, we must fight against them as one! And together, we will drive them back to dark space."

Jane placed her hands on the railings, desperate for the support and to slouch a little to give her ribs a rest. The meeting with the Council had gone pretty well; even got a little more than a simple thank you. But there was still a nagging feeling in the back of her mind that they wouldn't take her seriously. When she and Anderson mentioned the Reapers, they had barely batted an eye.

"That went better than expected."

Jane looked over to see that Anderson had joined her and he leaned over the railing. "Yes, sir," she smiled. "So, what was that about 'talking with your fists'?"

"I chose to override the controls through Udina's office," he chuckled.

"How come you get to punch him and I don't?"

"Who knows, maybe one day you'll get to shoot him." They shared an awkward laugh no matter how unlikely (or in Udina's case, likely) that situation may be.

"Sorry to interrupt," a rumbling voice sounded behind them. They straightened to find Wrex standing a respectable distance away from them.

Anderson nodded to the krogan, "Not at all. I was just leaving. Shepard, if you need anything, let me know. It is good to see you up and moving around. The galaxy needs someone like you."

"Thank you, sir," Jane gave her best salute despite the pain in her side then turned back to Wrex when the Captain began to walk away. "To what do I owe the pleasure, Wrex?"

"I actually came by to see you in the hospital, but they said you had left. Wanted to see how you were," he said awkwardly and mumbled most of his words.

"Awww! Wrex! You came by to see how I was?"

"Hey, don't push it, Shepard."

"I know, I know," she chuckled. "But I do appreciate it. Thank you, Wrex."

Wrex straightened himself a little more and rolled his shoulders, "I was also chosen as the one to bring up the topic of when our drinking match would take place. Otherwise known as 'Commander Shepard's defeat'," he boomed a laugh.

Jane shook her head at him with a smile. "Well, I guess we should make it soon then. I am off of pain medication, so, safe to go drinking. How about end of the week? Put an end to this trash talking once and for all?" She brought up her omni-tool, ready to type the message.

"To borrow a human expression," Wrex brought his head down to hers and grinned, "Bring it on, Shepard."