Shadows of Horizon

*This story is based on characters and other elements from titles in the Mass Effect universe which are owned by EA and Bioware.  I do not claim any legal ownership.*

Chapter 1

Kaidan had woken up early that morning and was surprised to still see Shepard sleeping soundly. He couldn’t help but smile as he watched her. She was lying on her stomach, the sheets draped softly over her body. She was so beautiful. He still found himself wondering, after all these years and everything they had been through, how he had been lucky enough to get her to fall in love with him.

It had been a little over 5 years since he had been assigned to the Normandy with her. Since then they had faced threats like Saren, Sovereign, the Geth and even the Reapers. Somehow they had both made it through, survived the impossible. Through it all he had loved her. It had been the one constant thing in his life for the past 5 years. Long before he could tell her and even when he was certain he had lost her, he never stopped loving her.

When the Normandy had been destroyed and she had been taken from him he had tried to move on. He had thrown himself into his work. He never took leave and often volunteered for extra assignments. His coworkers had eventually convinced him to try. He had reluctantly gone on a couple dates. He had gone through the motions of moving on, but in the end his heart just couldn’t. Even though he had been so certain she was gone forever, part of him refused to let go.

Now, looking at her lying there, those 2 years without her seemed like a distant painful memory. One he was happy to try and forget. Kaidan closed his eyes for a moment trying to push thoughts of the time they had lost to the back of his mind. He looked back at her and gently brushed her hair away from her face. She stirred slightly, but did not wake. He lightly ran his fingers down her spine stopping at the small of her back. As hard as it was to leave her be, he decided he should let her sleep. Besides, he had another idea on how to wake her.

Shepard slowly stretched under the sheets. Her eyes were barely open as she tried to linger in sleep for a few more moments. Soon the aromas of breakfast cooking urged her eyes open. She smiled to herself, if this was what retirement was all about she should have done it a lot sooner.

She slowly sat up in the bed, pulling the sheets up to her chin as she leaned against the headboard. She had worried about adjusting to early retirement. She also had felt guilty knowing her choice to take it had encouraged Kaidan to follow suit.

Still things had been good, very good. A sense of effortlessness and normalcy had replaced the duties, missions and regulations that had come first in their relationship for so long. The only conflict they had faced in the 6 months since their early retirement came from trying to decide where they were going to permanently live.

For now they were residing in the retirement home she had earned for shattering the records at Pinnacle station. Kaidan had suggested moving to Earth where they could be closer to his family. She had been trying to convince him they should buy a shuttle and travel. She had spent her entire life moving. Each time her parents got posted somewhere else they would pull up stakes. The idea of just staying in one place was a bit hard for her to come to terms with, but Kaidan could be very convincing. She could also tell it would mean a great deal to him. Actually, she had recently decided she was willing to give in and move to Earth, she just hadn’t told him yet.

Kaidan smiled lovingly as he carried a tray over to the bed. He carefully sat it down on the bedside table, “Breakfast is served.”

She leaned up scanning the tray. “You even cut my toast into triangles,” she said grinning.

“I have been told it tastes better that way,” he said as he handed her a glass of orange juice.

Using a playfully defensive tone, “It’s true.”

Kaidan just shook his head. “So, I have been thinking. My father’s birthday is next month. I thought we might consider taking a trip back to Earth to see him. There is something I need to pick up from his home anyway.”

Mara took his hand, “Something?”

Kaidan knew she was going to want a better explanation, but he wanted to keep it to himself for now. “Just some family heirloom,” he said hoping that would be enough to temporarily satisfy her curiosity.

Mara sensed it was best not to push it right now, “Alright, we can make plans to go, but it will cost you.”

Kaidan laughed nervously, “Fair enough, what’s the price?”

She grabbed his shirt with her hand and pulled him close. Mara whispered in his ear, “A kiss.”

He smiled at her, “I suppose I could manage that.”

Mara leaned in and softly kissed him.  Suddenly, her private terminal chimed, indicating she had received a new message. “Hmm…suppose I should see who that is. Maybe my mother has finally decided when she wants to stop by during her shore leave,” she said as she reached down to the floor to grab her shirt.

“Your breakfast and I will be waiting right here”, he said as Mara pulled her shirt on and walked over to the terminal.

Mara opened her message, it was from Councilor Anderson. She read it and then again. It was simple enough and yet she had a feeling the implications were not.

Kaidan could tell something was wrong. Mara was sitting tensely as she read the message in silence. He got up and walked over behind her placing his hands on her shoulder. “What is it,” he asked with concern.

She closed the message and walked quickly to the closet. “We have to go to the Citadel,” she said as she pulled their luggage out and opened it.

Kaidan was really worried now. He walked over and knelt on the floor next to her. “What did the message say,” he asked as he took her hands in his.

Her mind and heart were racing. She took a deep breath and tried to keep herself calm. She told herself, there was a chance she was reading too much into it. Maybe it didn’t have to mean bad news. She looked at him feeling uneasy, but trying not to show it. “It was from Anderson. He said he needs to see me on the Citadel as soon as possible and that it involves my mother.”

Kaidan looked puzzled. “Your mother, I thought she was scheduled to be on shore leave for the next two weeks.”

Mara shook her head still trying to make sense of it. “She is, but I haven’t spoken to her for a while. If you want to stay here you can, but I need to speak with Anderson. I need to make sure…make sure she is alright.”

Kaidan nodded and kissed her forehead. “We will go there right away. Everything will be fine Mara, you’ll see.”

Chapter 2

They scheduled for a transport shuttle from Pinnacle Station to pick them up and began packing. When the shuttle arrived 2 hours later they were ready to leave. Whatever Anderson needed to tell them they will learn soon enough.

Neither of them spoke much on the trip to the Citadel. Kaidan had tried to start a conversation with Mara a few times, but he could tell she was too wrapped up in her thoughts to talk. Instead he decided the best way to help calm her nerves was to simply hold her hand. A few times he would feel her start to tremble slightly. He would squeeze her hand gently until she was calm again. He had seen her face down things that would cause most people to run in the opposite direction. Not once had he seen her afraid. When facing a problem she could be angry, defiant, frustrated even worried, but never afraid. This was different, this was very personal. He tried to imagine how he would be handling things if it was his father mentioned in the message instead. He had no doubt he would be much more visibly upset than just having trembling hands.

The silence was broken when the transport shuttle pilot made an announcement. “We have reached the Citadel. ETA to the docking bays is 10 minutes.”

Kaidan felt Mara tense as the Citadel came into view. He leaned close to her and said softly, “Whatever we find out in there, I am here for you.”

“I know,” she said giving him a brief smile.

Anderson had been notified when Commander Shepard’s shuttle had landed. He was staring out over the Presidium trying to decide just how he was going to tell her what had happened. He hadn’t seen either her or Commander Alenko in several months. He had suspected their relationship had grown into something more personal, but had always respected the way they handled themselves. Now that they had both officially taken early retirement from the Alliance he thought they deserved some time alone. He was glad though when he heard Commander Alenko was coming with her. Shepard was definitely stronger than most people he knew, but he suspected even she would need support.

Anderson greeted them both as they entered his office. “I am glad you both could make it so quickly. I have some news that shouldn’t wait, but I needed to tell you in person.”

“What has happened to my mother,” Mara asked impatiently.

Anderson gestured to the two chairs in front of his desk, “Please sit.”

They took their seats and Mara stared nervously at Anderson. “Just tell me what is going on,” she pleaded.

Anderson took a deep breath. “Your mother, as I am sure you were aware was slated to start shore leave 2 days ago. We know she had booked a room at a resort in the city of Serenity Falls. We also know she never showed up to check-in to that resort.”

Mara looked at him confused, “I don’t understand. What do you mean she never checked in?”

“I mean your mother is missing Shepard,” answered Anderson.

Kaidan looked over at Mara. She was holding together, but Kaidan knew her well enough to see the cracks in her outward armor starting to spread. “Sir, we need to know any details you have.”

Anderson nodded, “I am afraid there are not many. We know she was on the shuttle when it landed in Serenity Falls. We know she checked through security. After that we are not sure. We believe somewhere between the docking bay security check and her room she was taken.”

Mara looked at Anderson with growing concern, “Taken by who, where?”

Anderson continued, “The Alliance received a transmission one day after she went missing. In it are a set of coordinates and a message for you.”

She wasn’t sure if she wanted to hear his answer, but she had no choice. “What did the message say?”

Anderson sighed, “It is a ransom letter Shepard, but they are not asking for money. They are asking for you.”

Anderson and Kaidan watched her unsure of what they could say to make the news sound any less grim.

Mara sat silently as the news of what had happened slowly sank in. “I am going to those coordinates. I am going to find my mother.”

Kaidan reached over and took her hand. “If that is really what you plan to do then I am coming with you.”

She looked at him and nodded, “Then we should get some things sorted out. We will need some supplies.”

Anderson interrupted her, “Actually, I have already made the arrangements. There is a shuttle waiting for you and with the necessary provisions inside, but Shepard…please be careful.”

Mara stood and saluted Anderson, “Thank you sir. We should get going.”

Anderson and Kaidan watched as she headed out the door. Anderson grabbed Kaidan’s arm before he could follow her. “She is going to need you, no matter how this turns out.”

Kaidan nodded and quickly ran to catch up to Mara. He wanted to talk to her. To try and somehow make what they had just heard not sound so terrible. Kaidan knew he would never get her to truly open up in the halls of the Presidium. It would have to wait until they were alone.

Anderson had not been lying when he said he had already gotten things prepared. They found a small, armed shuttle waiting for them in the docking bay. On board they found Anderson had supplied them with new armor, weapons and various weapon mods. There was also a large supply of medi-gel and food rations. If they found themselves in combat they would be well prepared.

Chapter 3

Kaidan piloted the shuttle towards the Mass Relay and punched in the coordinates provided in the data pad. It would take them the better part or twelve hours to reach the destination. Kaidan was glad for the down time. It gave him an opportunity to talk with her and hopefully help her deal with the mess they had just found themselves thrust into.

Mara had not said a word since leaving Anderson’s office. She knew the signs of shock well enough to know she was definitely experiencing it, but that gave her no comfort. She sat on a crate at the far back of the shuttle with her eyes closed. She was trying desperately to tune out everything except for the hum of the engines and struggling with it. There was a question resonating through her mind,

“Why?”

She put her head in her hands and took a deep breath. She had to stay focused. She would be no good to her mother if she allowed herself to fall apart. She could yell, scream and even cry, but only after her mother was safe.

Kaidan quietly made his way to the rear of the shuttle and pulled a crate in front of her. He sat down and just watched her for several minutes. He had no idea what he could say to make the situation any better. He did know he needed to be near her right now. He could tell she was on the verge of breaking down and he hoped somehow at least him being near her was helping.

Close to twenty minutes passed before she was able to lift her head and look at him. “Thank you for coming with me,” she said quietly.

Kaidan tried to lift the mood and gave her a half smile, “Well, I wouldn’t make much of an impression on the mother of the woman I love if I let her daughter run off into danger without me.”

Shepard knew she probably shouldn’t be smiling given the nature of her task, but looking at him she couldn’t help but feel a little less hopeless. “True this will earn you a few brownie points,” she said smiling briefly.

Kaidan placed his hand on her cheek gently, “We will get through this Shepard.”

She placed her hand on his and nodded, “We will.”

Kaidan stood up and extended his hand to her, “Now let’s get you something to eat and then you are getting some rest.”

She smiled and took his hand.  “I am glad you are here Kaidan.”

“Me too,” he said nodding in agreement.

Chapter 4

Shepard woke to the beeping of the shuttle’s console. She sat up and rubbed her eyes as the realization of where she was and why came rushing back.

Kaidan was already sitting in the pilot’s seat. He quickly turned off the signal on the console and looked back to see if Mara had managed to sleep through it.

“Are we there,” she asked as she got up and walked to join him in the cockpit.

He nodded, “We are about fifteen minutes from the landing pad. I assume you have a plan?”

Mara stood looking out the window as they made their approach. “Yes, we meet up with the recon team and then get my mother back.” She took a deep breath, “Take us down; it is time to get started.”

With that Mara headed to the back of the shuttle and began getting out their armor and weapons. She let her mind focus on her current task. It had been over six months since she had donned her armor and putting it on caused memories of countless battles to come flooding back. She closed her eyes and took a moment to let her mind sort through the patchwork of memories. She knew she would need to be focused if she was going to succeed. She felt the shuttle slow as it lowered onto the landing pad.

“Time to get to work,”

she thought to herself.

Staff Lieutenant Stevens stood waiting anxiously for Captain Shepard’s shuttle to arrive. He was eager to shift the mission from recon to extraction. He felt confidant with the first human Spectre aiding them they would rescue Admiral Hannah Shepard and make those responsible pay. He had heard all the stories, watched all the vids of Captain Shepard. Not only was she the first human Spectre, she had single handedly saved the Citadel and was instrumental in the defense against the Reapers. When Councilor Anderson had suggested he lead the recon team groundside and personally assist with the extraction mission, he had jumped at the chance. As he saw the shuttle making its approach he smiled, soon those responsible would pay and Admiral Shepard would be safe.

Mara and Kaidan now equipped like proper Alliance soldiers exited the shuttle and headed over to where Staff Lieutenant Stevens was waiting.

The lieutenant watched as they exited the shuttle. He thought they both looked the part of seasoned war heroes, but there was something special about Shepard. She walked with an air of confidence and she was much more beautiful than he had expected. The lieutenant saluted as the pair approached. Looking at Shepard proudly, “It is an honor ma’am to meet you. Your reputation precedes you. I only wish it was under better circumstances.”

Kaidan watched as she instantly transitioned from the distraught daughter to the in control Captain. He thought this is why people follow her willingly into hell and back. They know no matter how tough things get she can get tougher, at least until the mission is over.

Mara nodded, “So do I, lieutenant.” Gesturing towards Kaidan. “This is Commander Alenko, he will be helping me extract Admiral Shepard.”

Lieutenant Stevens anxiously saluted him, “I did not mean any disrespect sir. I only meant that Shepard is well known.”

Kaidan smiled, “It is alright lieutenant, the Captain does have a bit of a reputation.”

Shepard wanted to stop with the pleasantries and proceed with the task at hand. “Take me to the building where they are holding her,” she said with a hint of urgency.

“Of course Captain Shepard,” the lieutenant answered. “I can fill you in with what we know on our way there.”

Chapter 5

Shepard and Kaidan listened intently as they walked down a rough path that cut through the thick jungle. The lieutenant told them they had seen several armed people believed to be mercenaries. He and the other two members of his team had seen no sign of Admiral Shepard. Nor had they seen whoever was leading this operation. They had heard the mercenaries talking into their radios to someone referred to as

Omega

and assumed that he or she was the one in charge.

“Omega,” asked Shepard deep in thought. That was a word that held strong memories for her. She had spent a great deal of time on the colony of Omega when she was recruiting her team to face the Collectors. It was also, of course, the name of the relay she had braved traveling through in order to destroy the Collector threat.

Kaidan watched her with a sense of regret. He knew that word held a great deal of meaning for her. It also represented the one time he had refused to help her. Instead, he had allowed her to face the possibility of death with someone else by her side. His absence on the Collector base was something he had tried to come to terms with for a long time.

He had apologized to her more than once and she had forgiven him each time. When she had asked him to come with her back on Horizon he had been so certain going with her was a mistake. He was an Alliance soldier and she was working with Cerberus.

Of course, he realized shortly after he had walked away from her that his decision had been based on his emotions and not logic. He was angry and hurt over the time they had lost and about not hearing from her sooner.  He knew he should have trusted her. After she had returned from the Omega-4 relay he had worked hard to repair her sense of faith in him.

They both had guilt and pain they had to work through.  It had taken some time, but he was surprised to see how quickly their trust and love had repaired itself. This above all else was why he was here. Saving Admiral Shepard was a noble and important mission, but no matter what their assignment had been if Mara was there he would be too.

The lieutenant was trying to keep from accidentally wandering off of the barely visible trail. It took him a moment for Shepard’s question to register. “Umm, yes ma’am. We are certain that is the name we have heard. We are aware of the ties that name has to you. It seems quite certain that this is all aimed at personally getting to you.”

The lieutenant’s final statement had Kaidan deeply concerned. He knew the fact that they had taken her mother and then asked for her specifically had certainly indicated a personal interest, but he had been trying to convince himself otherwise. He did not like the idea that someone was focusing their attention on her in that manner. The use of the name Omega seemed to make it all too true. His thoughts were interrupted by Lt. Stevens.

“We are here Captain,” the he said. “Let me introduce you to Corporal Wilson and Private Tucker.”

They both quickly stood at attention and saluted.

“What can you tell me about the current situation,” Shepard asked peering at the structure in the distance.

Corporal Wilson nodded, “We still have not seen any sign of the admiral. However, we can make some assessments about those holding her. We estimate their numbers to be around a dozen. They appear to be a mixture of tech specialists and soldiers. We would have dealt with them already, but were under strict orders to wait for your arrival.”

The private added somewhat nervously, “There is one other thing about their defenses you should be made aware of. They have a heavy mech. It had been positioned outside the bunker, but recently they moved it inside.”

Kaidan and Mara both knew the possible implications of the mech’s new location would be for the admiral’s safe extraction.

Kaidan nodded, “That will make it a bit more interesting inside.”

Mara walked over and picked up a pair of binoculars. She watched the activities at the bunker for several minutes. “We will go at dusk. They are no doubt aware of our arrival. There is no point in putting off the inevitable for much longer.”

The others had been watching her quietly. They all knew she was right. There would be no element of surprise. They mercenaries had the advantage of a fortified defendable position, a heavy mech and simple numbers. Kaidan and the recon team had one thing the mercenaries did not however, Captain Shepard. They had to hope their one advantage proved to be enough.

As the sun set heavy in the sky the small team under Shepard’s command finished their final preparations for battle. Kaidan knew they were more than capable of taking out the mercenaries. He was more worried about what they would find inside the bunker. He was certain of one thing; he was not letting Shepard out of his sight. He was not going to lose her again.

Shepard was trying to maintain the outlook that this was just another high risk mission, even though she knew the potential consequences were very personal. She was about to head into a firefight with the man she loved in order to save her mother. She needed this battle to go quick and clean. Any casualties were simply unacceptable. She took a deep breath to focus herself before she addressed the team. “Lt. Stevens, I want you and your team to find cover and hold position just in front of the bunker. Your job will be to draw the mercenaries’ fire. Once that threat is dealt with I want you to remain outside and watch for any potential reinforcements. Kaidan and I will enter the bunker, deal with the Mech and retrieve Admiral Shepard from this Omega.”

Lt. Stevens nodded hesitantly. “Ma’am, are you certain you do not want me or one of my men to accompany you into the bunker? The mercenaries are not a serious threat and we are unsure what defenses may be like inside.”

Shepard looked over at Kaidan briefly before addressing the lieutenant’s concern. “We will be fine.”

“Very well, ma’am,” he answered with still a bit of concern in his voice.

Chapter 6

The lieutenant and his men moved towards the target making sure to make their approach a bit obvious. The idea was for the mercenaries’ attention to be on them while Kaidan and Shepard quietly flanked them and made their way to the bunker entrance. The mercenaries seemed to fall for the ruse completely. Gunshots and tech drones were aimed at the recon team’s position. The recon team was taking the mercs down with purposeful delay. They wanted the mercs to feel they had a chance for at least a while, so none would decide to seek refuge in the bunker.

Satisfied the mercenaries’ attention were adequately occupied Kaidan and Shepard made their move. They were forced to occasionally take cover not to avoid fire, but the notice of a mercenary. Shepard was pushing them quickly to the entrance. The firefight would not go unnoticed by those inside. She needed to get in before they had a chance to refortify or do anything drastic. She felt her pulse quicken as they reached the entrance and discreetly slipped inside. Part of her was scared of what she might find. Her mother may have been tortured, or worse…killed. She shook her head and pushed that thought to the back of her mind as she approached the door that led to the main room of the bunker. She motioned for Kaidan to take cover on the far left side of the doorway while she moved to the right. She was about to push the button to open the door when Kaidan spoke up.

Kaidan looked at her worried. “Mara, just be careful in there. Whoever this Omega is, he used your mother as a way to get to you.”

Shepard knew what he said was true and that he probably had a right to be worried. She forced a small smile to try and reassure him. “Don’t worry Kaidan, we’ll get through this.”

With that she pushed a button on the small keypad and the door rushed open. Mara quickly scanned the room. The mech was in the far front left corner of the room. Its weapons locked onto the doorway but it made no attempt to fire or advance on their position. Then her eyes moved to the center of the back wall. Her mother was lying on the ground with her hands bound and mouth gagged, but appeared to be otherwise uninjured. Then she saw a familiar face. It took her a few moments to place it, but eventually the memories of their last meeting came into focus.

Kaidan had also taken notice of the mech’s lack of aggression. He assumed whoever Omega was they wanted to talk with Shepard before they tried to kill her. His assumptions proved right on, although he was completely surprised as to who exactly that person turned out to be.

Delan looked down at the ground and shook his head with disbelief, “Hmph, I knew my trap would draw you here Shepard, but to bring you here too Mr. Alliance Soldier. I guess karma is finally catching up to the both of you.”

Shepard looked at him having a hard time believing the scared mechanic she had met back on Horizon was now standing before her. She approached him slowly still trying to wrap her mind around it. It didn’t make any sense, why would he be behind this.

Kaidan was more angry than confused. This man had kidnapped an Alliance Admiral and had dragged Mara into this bizarre and dangerous situation.  And for what?  Kaidan stepped through the doorway and approached him furious. “What the hell are you doing Delan?”

Delan just laughed at him. “You really have no idea. I guess that makes sense, you obviously got what you wanted. Life must be real good for you. Sorry I am inconveniencing you.”

Mara moved slightly between the two men trying to calm the situation. “Delan, it is obvious you are very angry with me. If you let my mother go with Commander Alenko, I promise I will stay and try and work this out.”

Kaidan looked at her stunned, “No, Shepard I won’t just leave you here.”

Seeing the look of concern on Kaidan, Delan grinned. “You just don’t get it Shepard. I am the one who gets to decide who is saved and who isn’t. Just like you did back on Horizon.”

Suddenly things were starting to make a little sense to Shepard. He had lost someone during the Collector attack, someone important to him. She tried to think back to that moment, to remember exactly what Delan had said to her. Then a name came to her. “Lilith, this is about Lilith.”

The mention of her name made him clench his hands. “You just let them take her, let them kill her. You could have saved her, but instead once you saw your Alliance soldier was safe you just left.”

Shepard slowly took a step closer. “I am sorry Delan. I wanted to save everyone, I tried.”

Delan looked at her hurt and angry, “No, you were the great hero. You saved the Citadel, the Council, everyone else except Lilith.  You could have saved her if you really wanted to.” He closed his eyes for a moment as thought of Lilith wracked him with guilt. “I was going to ask her to join me for dinner that day, after our shifts were done. I had wanted to ask her for over a month, but had kept putting it off.”

“It is obvious you are hurting,” Shepard said softly. “Let my mother go with the Commander, Delan. She is not part of this.”

“Alright,” he said as he nodded and moved closer to the mech.

Kaidan looked at Mara with concern, “I can’t just leave you.”

She smiled reassuringly, “I will be fine. I just need you to get my mother to safety, please Kaidan.”

Kaidan sighed deeply, “Ok, but I am coming back for you.” He walked over to where Admiral Shepard lay bound on the ground. She seemed uninjured, but was unconscious. Kaidan realized she had most likely been drugged. He hoisted her over his should and carried her back outside.

Chapter 7

Lt. Stevens and his men had made quick work of the mercenaries once Captain Shepard had made it into the bunker. They now waited anxiously for any sign of how things were going inside. He ran to the doorway when he saw Commander Alenko carrying the admiral out.

“Is she alright,” the lieutenant asked with great concern.

Kaidan walked to where the rest of the recon team were taking cover and laid the admiral on the ground gently and removed her bindings and gag.  She stirred slightly and tentatively opened her eyes. She looked questioningly at the faces staring down at her until she realized she recognized one of them.

“Commander Alenko,” she asked with concern in her voice.

“Yes,” he answered. “I know you have questions admiral, but I can’t answer them right now.”

She sat up and took his hand. “Just answer one, where is my daughter?”

Kaidan looked back towards the bunker, “She is still in there.”

“Then go back in there and get her,” she said firmly.

“Aye-aye, ma’am,” he said as he turned to run back into the bunker.

Chapter 8

Delan watched as Commander Alenko carried the admiral out of the bunker. “He really loves you, doesn’t he?”

Shepard was taken aback by the question for a moment. “Yes, I suppose he does. Delan, I am truly sorry about what you have gone through.”

Delan raised his gun at Shepard, “I should kill you. I should make him feel what I feel.  He should have to suffer the way I have.”

“Is this really what Lilith would want,” she asked gently.

He looked at her feeling broken, “He shook his head, no. But, it is what I want.”

Delan hunkered down in the corner and instantly the mech sprung to life. Shepard ran and slid behind a small crate as a missile soared past her head. The mech advanced on her position. She glanced around the room quickly trying to find better cover. Her eyes landed on the one large pillar that stood in the middle of the room. She waited for the mech’s brief cool down period between rounds before running and taking cover behind the column.

The mech had begun firing before she completely reached her destination. She felt the rounds tear at her shields. Suddenly she realized she had another problem. The mech’s missiles were making quick work of the pillar, soon she would vulnerable to its full attack. She aimed her assault rifle and began firing. She was slowly whittling away at its shields and armor, but it was making much quicker work of the column she was using for cover. She switched to her shotgun as the mech closed the distance between them. The shotgun’s incinerate rounds tore through the mech’s armor. The mech moved within a few feet of her and fired another missile at her. She felt what was left of the column turn to dust and rain down on her. Now without cover she fired with a sense of desperation. The mech finally fell but, it was able to launch one final missile. The missile flew up towards the ceiling. Mara smiled to herself as the mech’s final attack missed, until she realized it might have hit its target after all.  In an instant large pieces of stone and metal that once made up the ceiling came crashing down on her. She had only enough time to raise her arms over her head in a vain attempt to shield herself from the debris. The collapse of the ceiling was made worse by the mech’s explosion when it finally fell. She tried to free herself, but when she moved shockwaves of pain shot through her body. She felt her lungs struggling to take in air and her eyes became heavy. She stilled her mind and focused on trying to take slow, deep breaths. As she laid there she had one thought: “I am not going to die like this, Kaidan will be here.”

Chapter 9

Kaidan heard the sounds of the mech’s attack as he approached the bunker. He threw up his barrier and ran into the main room. As he entered he saw a wall of dust blowing out and quickly shielded his eyes. “Shepard,” he called out desperately. He coughed as he inhaled the dust riddled air. He blinked his eyes and cautiously moved through the room trying to find any sign of Shepard. As the dust settled he saw the destroyed mech and then something caught his eye. He moved closer until he could see for certainty what he looking at. It was Shepard, her hand extended out from a pile of rubble.

“Shepard,” Kaidan said as he kneeled down and grabbed her hand. His heart leapt as she squeezed his hand softly.

“What took you so long,” she asked wincing slightly.

He squeezed her hand and then let it go gently. “Sorry, I guess I am out of practice.” He quickly looked over the scene and began carefully moving pieces of debris and setting them down behind him.

Delan had been hiding in the corner as the mech had launched its attack. He had wanted to make her feel some of the pain he had felt in the past years. It had taken him over a year to come up with his plan, longer to come up with the credits he needed to pay for it. He had leveraged everything for his need for revenge. Now that he had finally seen it come to fruition he thought he would feel happy, relieved or at least a sense of closure. Instead he felt regret. Regret for waiting so long to tell Lilith how he felt about her and for all of the choice he had made that had led him to this point. Now he heard Commander Alenko’s desperate search for Shepard and he realized he had gone too far. He couldn’t help Lilith, but he could help Shepard.

“I’ll help you,” he said as he approached Kaidan tentatively.

Kaidan stood up quickly and looked furiously at him. “You, you want to help?”

Delan thought Kaidan might hit him right there or shoot him, but he didn’t back down. “Yes I do,” he said with sincerity.

“Alright, but do not think this forgives what you have done here,” Kaidan said sternly.

The pair began to carefully remove chunks of debris until there was only one large piece remaining.

Shepard knew she would never be able to get herself free until the final chunk of rubble was removed.  She also realized it was far too heavy to be lifted without heavy machinery.  “Kaidan, you need to get my mother to a medical facility.”

Kaidan shook his head rejecting what Mara was suggesting.  “No, I am not going to lose you again.  I can’t.” 

She smiled at him with tears beginning to run tracks down the dust on her cheeks.  “You have to let me go.”

He looked down at the ground.  He refused to accept what she was saying.  “No,” he said defiantly. 

Suddenly a blue aura began to form around Kaidan.  He closed his eyes and clenched his teeth as he focused his biotic energy.  He would need to be extremely focused to make sure he did not injure Mara even more.

Delan watched silently unable to believe what he was seeing.  He had heard of people with biotic abilities, but he had never seen someone use them in person.  The blue aura began to extend from the Commander until it surrounded the large piece of debris.

Beads of sweat were rolling down Kaidan’s forehead.  He focused intently as he lifted the sizable chunk of rubble slowly into the air.  He then forced it to move slowly across the room until allowing it to land with a resonating thud in the far corner of the room.  Once it landed he ran over to Shepard and knelt beside her.

Mara forced a small smile, “This is one time I am glad you didn’t listen to me.”

Lt. Stevens came racing into the room.  He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the scene before him.  Commander Alenko was kneeling down on the ground with his back to the Lieutenant.  From his vantage point he could not tell what the Commander was looking at.  He did however notice Captain Shepard’s absence.  He also observed a man standing off to the side clenching his hands together.

Delan was watching the scene feeling pains of guilt over what he had done here and what he had not done on Horizon.  He wished he had been able to be more like the commander.  He swallowed hard and walked over to Kaidan and Shepard. 

“I am truly sorry,” Delan said quietly his voice deep with guilt.

Kaidan felt his anger boiling over until suddenly Mara touched his hand.  He looked down at her and immediately realized Delan was not was important right now, she was. 

“Lets get you out of here,” Kaidan said lovingly. 

Mara smiled warmly at him forgetting for a moment the pain she was feeling.  “I’d like that,” she said softly as her eyes became heavy.

Kaidan gently scooped her up into his arms being careful not to hurt her further.  He glanced once at Delan and then to the lieutenant before heading back outside.

“Lieutenant Stevens, take Delan into custody and see he makes it the proper authorities,” Kaidan said flatly.

The lieutenant nodded and motioned for Delan to exit the bunker. 

Outside Hannah Shepard was pacing anxiously as she watched the entrance to the bunker.  Her heart sank as she saw her daughter being carried out by Commander Alenko. 

“What has happened,” the admiral asked her voice seeped with concern. 

“We need to get her to a med facility soon,” Kaidan replied pausing only briefly before heading down the path that led back to their shuttles.

“I will be fine,” Mara said in a raspy voice coughing slightly.

Chapter 10

Kaidan led the group along the path towards the shuttles as quickly as he could manage while still carrying Mara.  He felt badly every time he stepped unevenly on the ground and heard her wince.

Delan walked with his head down, trying to avoid the looks of those around him.  He kept seeing Shepard laying there, unable to move.  Then in his mind Shepard would be replaced by Lilith.  She was trapped, scared and desperately needing his help.  Help he was unable to give.  He shook his head trying to get the twisted memories out of his mind.

Lieutenant Stevens made sure to keep Delan within arms length.  He had secured him hands even though he could tell Delan had already surrendered to his fate.  He thought somehow Delan actually looked relieved to be caught.

As they approached the landing pad Admiral Shepard took charge of the situation.  “Commander, get my daughter on your shuttle.  Lieutenant Stevens, I expect you to see that Mr. Delan makes it to the proper authorities.  I will submit my report on the situation once I am certain my daughter is being tended to.”

Delan raised his head to look at the admiral and swallowed hard, “I am sorry, I was just so….so angry.  I thought I was angry at your daughter, but I know now I am angry with myself. “

The admiral sighed, “There is more than enough grief in this world without adding to it ourselves.  I hope you remember that.  Now, I have to tend to my daughter.” 

The lieutenant and the rest of the recon team loaded Delan onto their shuttle and headed back to the Arcturus Station.  Alliance authorities were waiting to hold and try Delan on a number of charges.  The lieutenant watched as the admiral’s shuttle lifted off.  “Be well Captain Shepard,” he said quietly to himself as his own shuttle lifted off and started for its destination.

Chapter 11

The doctor entered the room quietly reading through the patient’s chart. Looking up he noticed the scene in the room had not changed. Shepard still slept quietly in the hospital bed under the careful watch of numerous monitors and the man who had accompanied her in still sat next to her bedside. Kaidan was sleeping in a very uncomfortable looking position while still holding her hand in his. The doctor moved to her bedside and began examining her more closely. Kaidan stirred at the sudden activity in the room. He sat up and stretched his neck and back in a vain attempt to work out the kinks. “How is she,” he asked as he looked at her with concern.

The doctor smiled at Kaidan trying to reassure him. “She is quite the fighter isn’t she,” he asked still thumbing through her charts. 

Kaidan nodded softly and watched her quietly sleeping for a moment.  “She is the strongest person I have ever known,” he said with sincerity.

“Indeed,” the doctor said in agreement.  “She has recovered far faster than we would have expected considering her injuries.”

Needing further reassurance Kaidan asked, “So, she is going to be alright?”

The doctor lowered the charts and looked over at Kaidan and nodded.  “Don’t worry son, she and the baby are doing just fine. In fact, she should probably be able to go home in a couple of days.  Of course she will need to take it easy for the next couple of weeks.”

Kaidan looked at the doctor feeling confused. The lack of decent sleep was apparently catching up with him. “I am sorry doctor, I think I misheard you. I haven’t slept much the last 3 days.”

Nodding understandingly the doctor repeated himself with more clarity. “That is understandable. I said she is doing very well and we should be able to take her off the sedatives tomorrow. I will keep her here for a couple days after that for observation, but then she should be able to go home. Also, we checked and there are absolutely no signs of trouble with the pregnancy.”

Kaidan looked at Mara feeling confused. He tried desperately to make sense of the doctor’s words.

The doctor noticed Kaidan’s puzzled and worried expression. He put his hand on his shoulder, “I should have realized you didn’t know yet. I just assumed you hadn’t asked about it because your focus was on her. Don’t worry about her not telling you. Judging by how far along things are she probably only discovered for herself a week or so ago if she knew at all.”

Still feeling a bit confused Kaidan stumbled over his words.  “I want to…thank you, really for everything.”

“I am glad things worked out so well,” the doctor stated sincerely.  “Now, I am going to let both of you get some rest.”

As the doctor headed towards the door, Kaidan asked in a slightly panicked voice, “Does the admiral know, about the baby I mean?”

Shaking his head the doctor smiled at him.  “No son, I think that is something best left up to the two of you to tell her.” 

Kaidan nodded at the doctor and then turned his gaze back to Mara.  He heard the doctor leave the room as he watched her sleeping.  He had only recently been able to allow himself to focus on them as a couple and now they were going to be a

family

.  He struggled to wrap his mind about what it was going to really mean.  He had always wanted a family one day, but it was always sometime in the distant future.  Actually, he was more concerned about how she was going to take the news.  Shepard was still struggling with adjusting to retirement life.  It was odd since early retirement had been mostly her idea. 

Kaidan could still remember her sitting in her cabin on the Normandy.  She had called him up, which had not been unusual.  Even after defeating the Reapers, though they had tried to project a strictly professional relationship.  Although, they both realized at least some of the crew was aware of their closeness.  She had just looked tired when he entered her cabin that evening.  When she had mentioned she had been considering early retirement he knew she was wanted his opinion before proceeding. 

In the end, his love for the Alliance was beat out by his love of her.  She needed to be done with the constant stress, to retire and he needed to be with her.  So, the decision had seemed clear enough and he had never regretted it.

His thoughts were interrupted as he heard footsteps approaching.

The admiral walked in and stood at the foot of Mara’s bed.  “I spoke with the doctor a few minutes ago.  He says she is doing very well.”

Kaidan sat up straight in his chair as he attempted to hide just how tired he was.  “Yes, he says she can come home in a couple of day.”

Hannah nodded, “Indeed, I think she has surprised them all.  I am actually glad she is resting at the moment.  There is something I wanted to tell you.”

Kaidan felt his jaw clench.  He forced himself to relax a bit before responding to her.  “Is everything alright, ma’am?” 

Hannah smiled warmly at him, “I am not being an admiral for this conversation.  I am being her mother.”

“Alright,” Kaidan said still  a bit uneasy.

Laughing a bit she said, “Relax Kaidan, if I didn’t think you were good for my daughter I would have told you by now.”

He nodded and allowed her to continue.

“The Alliance would like to debrief me about what happened with Delan as soon as possible,” she stated.  “I told them I needed to wait until I knew Mara was going to be alright.”

“They are no doubt eager to get the whole situation sorted out,” he added.

“We all are,” she said in agreement.  “Which is why I am leaving in about an hour.”

“Leaving,” he asked a little puzzled.

She placed her hand on his shoulder and smiled.  “The doctor has told me she will make a complete recovery and after watching you with her these last three days I know she will be well looked after.”

Kaidan was not sure what to say and so he simply sat quietly watching the admiral.  He had no doubt Mara had gotten many of her traits from her mother.  The admiral was strong, duty focused and beautiful.

The admiral let her hand fall from his shoulder.  “You love her, that much is obvious.  You look at her the same way her father looked at me up until the day he died.  Equally obvious is the fact that she loves you.  You are a good man, Kaidan and I know you make my daughter very happy.”

Kaidan felt himself blush from the unexpected compliments.  “I am glad you approve, ma’am.”

Hannah shook her head and laughed.  “I do, but we will have to work on this ma’am thing.  Especially once the two of you finally…well, I suppose there is no great rush.”

He swallowed hard at her innuendo of making his relationship with Mara more official.  It was not that he had not thought about it.  In fact he had been thinking about it a lot lately.  He just wanted, needed everything to be perfect.  And so far the timing just felt off.  Although, hearing her mother’s endorsement of him was one thing he had been wanting to have before proceeding forward.  Being a bit closer to actually asking Mara made him feel a little anxious.  He pushed the thought to the back of his mind.  For now he needed to simply focus on making sure she was alright.

Hannah walked over and kissed her daughter on the forehead before heading out the door leaving Mara and Kaidan alone in the room.

Kaidan kissed Mara’s hand before allowing his exhausted mind and body some much deserved rest.  He leaned back in his chair, still holding her hand and quickly fell asleep.

Chapter 11

   

Mara struggled to open her eyes.  They still felt heavy and were having trouble adjusting to the light.  She took a deep, slow breath and scanned the room.  Her memories were vague  and cloudy, but she did remember being brought to the medical facility.  She did not, however, remember the room she was currently in.  Then she saw Kaidan sleeping soundly, albeit awkwardly positioned in a chair.  She looked down at her hand and smiled to herself.  Mara squeezed his hand softly in hers and watched as he began to stir. 

“You’re…you’re awake,” he asked trying to assure himself he wasn’t just dreaming.

Seeing how tired and worried he still looked Shepard felt a bit guilt for waking him.  “Are you alright?”

He gave her a half smile.  “I think I should be asking you that.” 

“Maybe, but don’t worry I am fine,” she said trying to sit up.  “Where is my mother?  Is she alright?”

“She is fine,” he replied.  “Delan apparently took excellent care of her, even if he did keep her sedated most of the time.  She returned to the Citadel to be debriefed after she knew you were going to recover.  She promised to come and see you once you were back home and feeling up to having visitors.”

Shepard let out a sigh of relief and then stated flatly, “Good, I am glad she recovered.  I am certain the Alliance brass and Councilor Anderson are eager to here her account of the situation.”

He shook his head and sighed softly.  “It is alright to be a bit upset over what has happened.  You don’t always have to be so strong, not with me.”

“I know, it just habit,” she replied wincing a bit from her attempt to sit.

He stood and gently helped her to sit up, cringing a bit every time she grimaced in pain.  “Well, I think now of all times you should let someone, let me take care of you.”

Something in the way he had said that made her pause.  “I thought I was doing pretty well, but now you honestly have me a bit worried.  Did the doctor say something I should know about?

Kaidan realized she didn’t know and now he had to find a way to tell her.  He had always figured when it happened she would be the one to tell him.  This scenario he wasn’t really prepared for.  He swallowed hard before answering her.  “You are going to be just fine Shepard but, the doctor did have some surprising news.”

Shepard looked at him uncertain as to what his meaning could be.  “Kaidan, what is it?”

He took her hand and looked at her lovingly.  “He said you are pregnant.”

She looked down and tried to let what he had said sink in a bit.

Pregnant?

 

How did she not know?  And what about Kaidan was he going to be ok with this?

Seeing her struggling to respond he squeezed her hand and smiled at her.  “I know this is a bit of a surprise, but I promise everything is going to work out.”

Shepard sighed softly, “Kaidan, are you really alright with this?”

He shook his head, “Shepard, I love you and there is no woman I would want to be the mother of my child besides you.  I know it is a bit overwhelming, but if we can defeat Saren and the Reapers, surely we can handle one small baby.”

She giggled slightly and the sighed softly.  “Kaidan, it is just this, well I know this is not how you…I mean we had things planned.  This just doesn’t leave you much of a way out.”

Kaidan smiled at her.  “You still think I want that with you?

Before Shepard could answer the doctor entered the room.  “I see you are awake.  How about we talk about when you get to go home?”

Epilogue

Shepard closed her eyes as the chilly night air blew lightly across her face.  She had not been back on Earth for quite a while.  After being released from the hospital almost two weeks ago she had insisted they not put off their trip to see Kaidan’s father.  Kaidan had been attempting to wait on her hand and foot since returning home.  Shepard was having a hard time being on the receiving end of so much attention.  She was also finding it much harder to accept the idea of her pregnancy than Kaidan was.  Going to see Kaidan’s father seemed like a good way to focus her thoughts on something else for a while.  Plus, despite his protests, Shepard knew Kaidan was really anxious to see his father for some reason.

Kaidan stood watching Shepard as she stood overlooking the night sky from the small balcony of the guest room.  He had felt a bit guilty leaving her alone for so long, but he needed to talk to his father in private for a bit. 

Shepard turned to see Kaidan standing there quietly.  “Did you have a nice talk with your father?”

“I did,” he answered quietly and then took a deep breath.  “Shepard, there is something I need to ask you.”

Shepard felt her pulse quicken as she watched Kaidan walk up to her before slowly kneeling on one knee.

Kaidan looked up at her and realized he had never been so sure of anything in his whole life, but that fact didn’t help with his nerves.  “Shepard I love you.  I need you to know just how much you mean to me.  I want to spend the rest of my life with you and our child.”  He cleared his throat a bit and held up a ring.  “Will you do the honor of marrying me?”

Shepard was speechless and for a moment all she could do was look at him.  Finally, she pulled her thoughts back together.  “Kaidan, if this is because of the baby, you don’t…”

He cut her off mid-sentence and looked at the ring he was holding.  “This is the ring my father gave my mother.  After she died he kept it because she had wanted me to give it to the woman I would marry.  Getting this ring is one of the reasons I needed to come home.  I want you to have it because I love you.”

Her eyes began to well up with tears.  She took a deep breath and tried to regain her composure without much success.  “I would love to marry you.”

Kaidan smiled broadly and slipped the ring on her finger as he rose to kiss her.  “I love you Shepard.”

She kissed him back and grinned.  “I suppose you are going to have start calling me something else before too long.”

He pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her tightly.  “I suppose you are right.”