Citadel II (Kaidan and Shepard)

Kaidan Alenko

Kaidan was beginning to regret not leaving for drinks with Ashley and the others. Not that things were going poorly, but everything connected to Shepard was so frustrating.

“Dammit! How can they just sit there and ignore multiple counts saying that the Reapers are a threat!” Shepard smashed her fist against the nearest wall, wincing as her injured hand took more damage in her moment of anger. Their first stop aboard the Citadel was with Anderson in Udina’s office, where they were greeted not with warm welcomes, but instead a video call from the Council.

The Council wanted to speak with us after having the chance to question Shiala. Kaidan had the poor sense to have a sense of optimism with the call, hoping that with Shiala’s reinforcement and experience with the Protheans, the Council would finally accept the threat of the Reapers.

Instead, they made it clear that the Thorian could have just as easily been lying to Saren to get what it wanted. It may have known of the Conduit and the Protheans, but that did not mean that any claims of Reapers were true or correct. Shiala herself tried to argue this but they shut her down, claiming she could still be working for Saren and attempting to mislead those pursuing him.

Granted the councilors were a little bit more torn on that idea, with Tevos adamantly denying the possibility of the Commando being deceptive. At the same time, Sparatus made it clear he thought it was the most likely. She was going to be questioned further to confirm her role in things, but that was where the call ended.

“Calm down Shepard, the Council is correct in doing their due diligence in verifying claims as… imaginative as yours.” Udina might have been attempting to placate Shepard, but given that Kaidan could see the vein beginning to bulge in the Commander's neck he was pretty confident it was having the opposite effect.

“Enough ambassador, Shepard brought good evidence forward once more. The Council’s decision to ignore it again is just another case of wilful ignorance.” Anderson placed a hand on Shepard’s shoulder, actually having the intended calming effect, allowing Shepard to relax if only for a moment.

“Good evidence is certainly a stretch, but I suppose some evidence is better than the nothing you had before. It just isn’t enough to conclude as extreme as a galactic purge. There are more likely explanations and that’s what the council and myself find more believable.” Kaidan was having enough of this jackass and his constant preening.

“With all respect ambassador, the simplest answer for these scraps of evidence is the Reapers. You all are the ones searching for alternative explanations to pretend it could be something else. Avoiding jumping to conclusions by ignoring the actual answers just makes you look stupid.” Kaidan said the words, eliciting a similar bulging vein to appear on the ambassador's neck. He was unable to act out, however, and instead chose to adjust his tie, before standing.

“Hm, spoken like a soldier. I have work to do, and given what I’ve heard so do you all. Anderson make sure you show them out of MY office once you are done catching up.” The Ambassador stood making his way to leave, interrupted by Shepard.

“And you speak like a politician. I wonder which is going to survive the coming war.” Her words were dripping with venom, and the ambassador flinched. However, he did not look back, choosing to exit the room, leaving the tension behind to fade as he neglected to act.

It evaporated as Shepard moved to a nearby chair, practically falling into it and bracing her head in her hands. For probably the first time since Kaidan had met her, Commander Shepard didn’t feel larger than life. Right now she felt like a regular woman, who was in way over her head.

“You have to be careful with saying things like that Shepard. Even if Udina is a bastard, he’s still an ambassador, and words like that could be easily considered a threat. He won’t touch you because you’re a Spectre for now, but he’s the kind of man who holds a grudge.” Anderson sat in one of the other chairs at the table, giving Shepard space, but Kaidan felt that was the wrong decision. Shepard looked isolated, like she felt alone, without anyone to help in the coming fights.

“Fuck him, if the ambassador, if the Council themselves wants to bury their heads in the sand and pretend the Reapers aren’t a threat then we’ll deal with it on our own. We all believe you Shepard, everyone on the Normandy and in this room is with you.” Shepard raised her head from her hands, looking Kaidan in the eyes.

He had expected tears or some kind of weakness to be shown, given the exhaustion she had been presenting. Instead, as she looked him in the eye all he saw was her determination, an unending depth of strength and will, someone who would need to be killed before they allowed themselves to be broken.

She was beautiful.

“He’s right Commander. Even without this… vision of yours, my investigations and research found evidence of extermination, and that the Protheans may not have been the first. The Council may not believe you yet, but there is enough evidence to have me believe that is what happened. And if it is, it's only a matter of time before they see that too.” Liara spoke for the first time since they had entered the ambassador's office. She was a quiet woman, but her words carried a weight and determination Kaidan would not have expected from her.

“Your crew is right Shepard. Despite everything, you still have a team in this. Besides if we can stop Saren from reaching the Conduit we have time to stop this all from happening. Focus on the mission, we still have time.” Anderson spoke calmly, giving a nod to Kaidan and Liara at their words.

“We don’t even know where Saren is, or what this Conduit even is. We have no idea how much time we have. Forgive me for not relaxing when we could already be losing!” Shepard raised her voice standing suddenly and pushing the chair back and away.

She walked to the balcony in Udina’s office, the view overlooking the flowing water in the center of the Presidium, and leaned on the railing. There was a sigh as she took in the view. Anderson remained seated, but Kaidan and Liara both walked to join her at the railing. There was nothing to be said, it’s not like Shepard was giving up, she was just frustrated. Who wouldn’t be at this point?

“I thought being made a Spectre meant the Council trusted me. Meant that they believed me. Instead, they’ve questioned every incident and decision made on this mission so far, and rejected any information I gave them.” She wasn’t speaking to anyone in particular, more so just out loud at the world itself.

“As easy as it is to be mad at them for their foolishness, look at what they are dealing with from their perspective.” Liara gestured to the view of the Presidium itself. “There are dozens of species within the Citadel Council's pervue, all with different cultures, values, and beliefs. Of them, only four have ever had members of their race chosen as Spectre’s. The fact you were given this privilege at all shows a degree of trust, even if it isn’t always shown.” Liara spoke softly, not looking at Shepard as she did, instead taking in the view as well.

Kaidan couldn’t help but do the same. He had been on and off of countless space stations before, both alliance and alien if he counted his time at the BAaT. And yet he had never seen anything like the Citadel. Its sheer size was something else entirely, and then what it housed. Millions of different lives each coming and going and living entire lives on a station so large it might as well be its own world. Shepard being chosen as a guardian of this place, by the people who ran it was a privilege he could have only ever wished for. The opportunity to be a part of something greater, to have your strength and heart be acknowledged in such a way, was something else. He couldn’t help but look at Shepard as she took in the view.

She was something else. He respected her of course, what she did on Akuze was something few soldiers could boast about. And it wasn’t often Kaidan met a human biotic more powerful than he was. There were a few of course, but being a L2 meant few could pass him in raw power. Shepard was one of those few, and he had heard stories of a woman so dangerous she was pawned off to the Asari but hadn’t heard anything about that one since. Rumors and stories were mostly what surrounded biotics.

In traveling on their mission though, Kaidan had begun to think more highly of Shepard. She was smart, and capable and had this passion in combat that seemed beyond just a need for a mission. It was as though she thrived when her life was in danger. He would admit faster than most he was falling for her. But it’s not like that was unique on this ship. The Asari doctor had known Shepard for less than a day and he could already see her interest growing and that didn’t even account for Jenkins. The man was smitten by her, even if it was clear he would never act on that out of some sense of duty, or a fear of rejection perhaps.

Kaidan liked Jenkins, the man was kind, and most of all he was just fun to be around. A kind of relaxing and comforting that was hard to find among the sort of elites Anderson had recruited. He wasn’t surprised when he noticed certain members of the crew watching him. Ashley would never admit it of course, but he noticed how she always looked for him when she entered the mess hall of the ship. How Tali had begun to seek him out for advice and company while aboard the Normandy. Hell when Jenkins had offered and begun working to try and help with Kaidan’s migraines he had felt things towards the man he hadn’t expected.

It was clear after several weeks however that Jenkins just wasn’t interested in him like that, which was fine. Kaidan had never thought to act on those feelings, military protocol aside he was just happy to have a proper friend. And when he saw that friend failing to notice a certain Quarian too afraid to make her interest known, of course, he helped him out. It was what he would have wanted someone to do for him after all. Besides watching the confusion on Jenkins’ face as he sorted it out was not something he would want to trade.

And if he and Tali working out just happened to keep him away from Shepard, then there was no problem with that. He smiled as he looked at Shepard. He doubted there was any potential between himself and her, but as things were he felt he would regret it if he didn’t try. Just not yet. Not while things were so tense, while everyone was worried and planning for the next mission. There would be more time later to sort these things out. For now, he would just support her where he could.

She turned to look at Kaidan, catching him watching her. He could barely contain the jolt it sent through him as she smiled at him, before straightening her back and stance. Anderson approached, placing another hand on her shoulder as he spoke.

“Dr. T’soni is right. Things are more complicated than just going all in on preparing for the Reapers. There are lots of complications in managing all these different races. We all have our roles to play. I will make sure Udina stays on task, and he will make sure the Council at least listens to our suggestions. You focus on stopping Saren.” He spared a glance at both Kaidan and Liara as well. “All of you.”

Kaidan could recognize an order when he received one, and nodded in answer. Liara flinched a moment, only hesitating for a second before she answered.

“Of course.” Her nod was determined, despite the hesitation in the response. Perhaps the doctor was tougher than she appeared.

“Yeah. You’re right. I can’t focus on what I can’t change. Only what we can do right now. And right now we just need to slow down for a bit. Take it easier. Maybe learn a thing or two.” Shepard sighed as she spoke, before trailing off, looking thoughtful as she finished speaking. She turned to face Anderson directly.

“Thank you, Anderson. I think we will be taking the rest of our time taking a look around the embassies here. Meeting some of the races, learning what we can.” Anderson smiled at her and nodded.

“Of course, Jane. Look after yourself, and try not to make it all about some greater objective. Downtime is as important to a mission as combat, you know this.” Shepard only gave a nod in response and a strained smile before gesturing for Kaidan and Liara to follow.

Kaidan fell into step without hesitation, interested to see exactly what Shepard was looking to do here. Liara was right behind him. Shepard left what is normally Udina’s office, and instead of turning left and taking the path down towards the lobby of the embassies, she looked around a moment. Instead, her path took her to the right, walking to the room at the end of the hallway.

Unlike Udina’s office, this doorway had two signs on the outside of it. One read Volus Embassy, while the other read Elcor Embassy. Kaidan was honestly confused, not only by the fact they were visiting an alien's embassy office but by the signs themselves.

“Two races have to share a room for their embassy office?” Kaidan asked the question out loud, and even Shepard paused, seemingly confused as she noticed the same detail.

“The Volus, despite the length of their existence aboard the Citadel, and their economic skills that laid the foundation for all Galatic Finances, have little influence on the higher levels of the Council. They were owed a place on the main floor of the embassies, but their culture had little in the way of military might or excess resources. As being able to supply ships, supplies, and funding to the Council is a necessity of being made a Council race, the Volus are ineligible. The Council likely saw a single office as unnecessary since they cannot join the Council itself.” Liara, surprisingly, had an answer to the question Kaidan was wondering. Shepard simply nodded in thought, before heading through the door that slid open upon approach.

“I understand what you are saying, but these allegations are very serious. I can not just--”

“This is serious. My reputation is at stake. I spoke with the Consort in confidence, and her alone. And she betrayed that confidence.”

“Alright. I will look into it for you. In the meantime, do not do anything rash.”

The voices that spoke were heavy and deep, the air itself almost vibrating with the strength of their bass. In the room could be seen a Volus and two of what Kaidan could only assume were the Elcor. The Volus were recognizable, he had seen one when he and Shepard had to deal with Barla Vonn. They were short, squat creatures that had to wear enviro-suits like the Quarians, but had no distinguishable characteristics involving gender.

The Elcor were the opposite in appearance. They were almost like elephants, massive 8-foot-tall creatures that stood on four legs. Or not, as Kaidan looked closer he could see that the front two limbs were actually arms, with hands curled into fists that supported their weight on the floor. Each arm was nearly the same thickness as Kaidan’s torso. And the back legs are even thicker. Their faces were flat, but with defined musculature lines across the face and by the eye sockets. No mouths were visible, at least not traditional ones, but there were a series of vertical slits taking up most of the bottom half of the Elcor’s face.

The one Elcor, the one that they had heard first as they entered was likely the ambassador, given their position behind the desk in the room, but the other was a visitor of some sort, and judging by what they had said, they had some sort of issue. Not that it was likely to be a serious one, they didn’t seem to have any concern in their tone. Shepard, despite the size of the creature, approached without hesitation, with the Elcor taking notice right away.

“Hello there Human. Sincere apology, but I am here on business and can not be distracted right now.” Yeah, it didn’t sound concerned at all. There was little inflection in their voice whatsoever. From when Kaidan had first heard them speak to now, they had the same monotone voice.

“You seem distressed. Is there something I can do to help?” Shepard asked the question without concern, and even the Elcor ambassador looked up from their computer to now watch the interaction.

“Alarmed response, you overheard that, did you? This is all going so wrong, and it is the Asari Consort’s fault. She is the one who started all this.” The Elcor’s voice did not change again, and Kaidan began to notice a pattern in the words, it wasn’t… was it?

“Elcor communication uses a lot of pheromones and facial expressions that other races can’t pick up on, so they will start their speech by saying the intended feeling when speaking with other races.” Liara leaned in and whispered the answer to what Kaidan was wondering as he watched Shepard continue the interaction.

In a moment like this Kaidan kind of understood Jenkins’ fascination with aliens. The Elcor were weird as hell, but in the kind of way that made Kaidan want to learn everything about them. He was absolutely on board with helping this Elcor out, with whatever their issue was.

Wait did he say the Asari Consort?

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Jane Shepard (thirty minutes later)

Jane needed to have a word with Jenkins. Several words actually. The man was constantly breaking and rebuilding any preconceptions she had of him. First, he was passionate, excitable, and driven by his rather idealistic view of heroism and war. Then he was determined, controlled, and calculating, maneuvering through the Council and Udina’s goals and conversation to both get his point across and limit any consequences to himself.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

Then he was focused, blinded by the goals of the mission, and easily angered by those who rejected his plans. And those plans. Convoluted if viewed on their own. Seeking out the daughter of one of our targets, and disabling her before securing a silent colony. On its own, it appeared like a decision made by an officer solar-systems away. Decisions made by someone looking at information on paper, with no acknowledgment of reality.

Then two of those missions come to pass. And suddenly things made more sense. As much as Feros needed the support, the colony would have lasted days longer without interference. And while the information the Thorian carried was important, at least according to Shiala and Jenkins, it wasn’t something that needed speed. Recruiting Liara showed that aside from being a resource when facing the Matriarch, she was a powerful asset. Biotics far beyond what would be expected from the young woman. Seeing things now she could see how recruiting Liara, facing the Matriarch and then going to Feros would have been the best order of events to take. Jenkins certainty in it was suddenly the sort of thing that made more sense, and less all at once.

Did he know what the missions would entail? How powerful Liara would be, and how little value could be gained from Feros? How facing the Matriarch should have been prioritized? It didn’t make sense, there was no way for him to know those kinds of details ahead of time, and yet everything made it seem like he did. His knowing these things explained a lot about his behavior. He suggested she recruit Tali as well, even though he couldn’t have known she would volunteer to help.

Even today alone, he had suggested she investigate the embassies, the Elcor specifically. Jane had looked into the man’s history before, he should know little to nothing about the other races, especially the more obscure ones like the Elcor. Even back on Eden Prime, he knew of Turian religious practices and was able to say a few words for Nihlus. Jenkins had never worked with an alien race before, all of his missions were staffed solely by humans, and the few combat encounters he had were either against Batarians or Vorcha. No contact with the Elcor, yet he recommended it to her.

And that encounter with the Elcor, asking her to see this Asari Consort about whatever information had been allowed to slip. Jane had never heard of the Consort before, but both Liara and Kaidan seemingly had. Kaidan from other soldiers who had taken leave on the Citadel before, and Liara from her education from her Mother.

The Consort ran a service that provided different forms of care and comfort to people. It sounded very much like a brothel at first description, but more information made it clear sexual services were rarely provided, and the service was more like counseling or therapy. Providing an ear to listen to, and advice to those who may have needed it.

It was an interesting idea, but most of the services were provided by people who worked for the Consort. The woman herself was particularly skilled at this sort of aid, and therefore her time was highly coveted. Liara said this skill was apparently due to the woman being something called a seer. A myth among Asari was that some biotics could train their powers to the point of being able to get glimpses through time, both the past and future. It seemed that the Consort could do this as well, and used the talent to better understand and provide aid to her clients. Shepard didn’t buy the whole visions of the future thing, but it was clear her talents were still highly sought since three months was the earliest someone could get an appointment with her.

Shepard had been willing to give up at that point, if helping the Elcor wasn’t possible then so be it. She wasn’t going to waste their limited time off pursuing a dead-end avenue, but as they were about to leave they got word that the Consort wanted to see Jane specifically. The rest of the team was told to wait and were allowed to speak with any of the Consort’s workers while they waited for their Commander’s meeting. Neither accepted, choosing instead to wait by the door for Jane to finish.

The meeting itself was interesting. The consort introduced herself as Sha’ira and was a … forward individual. She made it clear she knew who Jane was, her role as a Spectre and soldier, and was quick to tell her what she wanted. Sha’ira needed help dealing with an old friend, a Turian General named Septimus who wanted more from her than she could give and in turn, had begun spreading lies about her. One of those lies had been telling the Elcor that Sha’ira was the one who revealed his information when it was Septimus who had uncovered and leaked the information.

The Consort made it clear that she wanted Jane to talk to Septimus, remind him of his duty and purpose, and get him to stop spreading lies. In return, she would offer her services to Jane. Given how throughout the conversation she had been very forward with where she put her hands and body, brushing the hair from Jane’s face and standing close enough it could have been considered a hug, Jane had a pretty solid idea of the sort of services she would be providing.

Jane wasn’t the type to normally just throw herself into something like that, but she would be lying if she said she wasn’t tempted by the idea. Even the little talk, the small touches, and the closeness hadn’t made her uncomfortable. It was the opposite, somehow despite having never met the woman she made Jane feel relaxed, comfortable even. Even without the promise of a reward, Jane would have offered to help. It was of no difficulty to her, and she had the time anyway. She shook the thought of the Asari’s touch from her mind as they made their way to the front of Chora’s Den.

The bar was where the Consort said Septimus spent most of his time, and recalling a familiar Turian the last time Jane had come through she had a pretty solid idea of who she was looking for. What she did not expect to find was half of her team. Ashley Garrus and Wrex were all already at the bar. They were loud and laughing with one another, the three of them pounding back drinks without a care in the world. If it had just been the drinks Shepard wouldn’t have been concerned, but given that there were a dozen or so individuals in various degrees of unconsciousness scattered around the bar she was slightly more worried.

“What are you three doing?” The question was asked loudly, with enough volume for all three to hear it over their supposed celebration. Ashley and Garrus flinched, both pushing themselves out of their seats to stand at attention. The slight sway Ashley had to her stance and Garrus’ sudden coughing made it clear who in the group had been partaking in the drink more than any of the others. Wrex for his part just spun around on the chair, leaning back on the bar to watch Shepard.

“Uh, Commander” -- “Commander Shepard.” Both Ashley and Garrus sought to respond right away, Ashley’s usual professionalism seemingly haven fallen away. How much did they drink?

“Does someone want to explain what happened here? Garrus you said you were keeping an eye on things.” Jane wasn’t that bothered by things. The three of them sharing some drinks and getting closer as a team wasn’t something that bothered her. They didn’t need to know that yet though.

“Ah, yes well. Wrex had convinced Miss Williams to partake in a Krogan beverage called stiff, while I had only been sipping on a beverage hoping to, as I said, keep an eye on things.” Garrus responded, and Ashley flinched slightly, looking at the floor as she was called out.

“Just sipping on a drink huh? Which one was that?” Kaidan asked the question the smile crawling onto his face as he saw what looked like a half dozen empty glasses at Garrus’ seat. Shepard had noticed it as well but allowed Garrus to explain himself.

“Ah yes, well. I had been sipping on one beverage, but then some thugs came in looking to make an example of our bartender here since she’s an informant for C-Sec.” Garrus gestured to the woman behind the bar, a human with short brown hair who had a tired look in her eyes. She looked like she had spent a solid fifteen minutes terrified and was now too tired to respond in any other way.

“And well one thing led into another and we fought them off. No guns, of course, didn’t need to make it a whole incident, but yeah. And since we won a barfight outnumbered three to one I thought a couple of drinks to celebrate wouldn’t hurt.” Garrus finished his explanation, looking away as he finished, clearly understanding his lack of professionalism. Wrex was just chuckling to himself at the story.

“Right. So does someone want to explain to me why the woman who was nearly the victim of an assault and had her position exposed is still serving drinks at the bar and why C-Sec hasn’t been informed?” Now this was something that had Jane a little annoyed. The woman needed to be reassigned, and the C-Sec needed to be informed of what would happen if they lost an informant. The fact these three were still just sitting here drinking instead of dealing with that wasn’t something she had expected, but a look at Wrex told her who was responsible for this.

“Well if we called C-Sec they would have shut down the bar and wanted to question us. I wasn’t interested in losing our drinking time thank you.” Wrex huffed as he raised another glass of the drink to his mouth.

Jane stepped forward, stopping his hand with her own and removing the glass. Wrex managed to hide his surprise well, only raising an eye in a moment of confusion. Jane sniffed the drink for a second, not smelling anything and without hesitation threw it back herself. If Ashley had been drinking it without trouble then she should be fine for a glass. Wrex just smiled at her seemingly happy to see the commander taking a drink he was not happy with her next words, however.

“Liara, Kaidan. Call C-Sec and stay with these three, make sure the report goes smoothly, I don’t want another incident with Executor Pallin.” Wrex frowned at this before sighing and Garrus and Ashley at least had the decency to look embarrassed. The two nodded at her.

“Yes, Shepard.” -- “Yes Commander.” She nodded to them, instead turning her attention the the task at hand.

Checking around the bar it was emptier than she had first expected, but given the bar fight and that she had clearly announced to call C-Sec to her team, it seemed a good chunk of the clientele had decided they wanted to be elsewhere. Not a bad decision all things considered. Jane wasn’t bothered by it as she noticed her target was still present lounging on a chair in the corner of the room with a drink in hand. The Turian and a far darker carapace than most she had met so far, with white facial markings and faded green eyes. He might have been one of the oldest Turians she had met, given some of the features, but given how few she had encountered she didn’t want to assume age. She made her way over and as she stood in front of the table he spoke to her first.

“Commander. What do you want?” It caught Jane off guard for a moment, but she didn’t show it.

“You know who I am?” The Turian sighed in response to her words, sitting up straighter and setting his drink down.

“You’re the first human Spectre, Commander Jane Shepard. Not many on the Citadel who don’t at least know your rank. Those of us who get around will know more than even that. So like I said, what do you want?” He was looking her in the eye but Shepard noticed quickly he wasn’t focused on her. There was no passion, no anger, or strength in the old General’s gaze. He looked tired and weak.

“I’m here on Sha’ira’s behalf. Your lies are hurting her.” Jane hoped they could solve this amicably.

“Good! Her lies have been killing me for days. I’ve seen a lot of horrible things in my days, and there is only one woman in the damn galaxy that helps me forget it.” He sunk onto his knees for a second, and the exact depth of the man’s struggle and age became apparent to Jane, even if she still couldn’t understand his motivation. If you care about someone why hurt them?

“If you feel that way then why spread lies about her, why hurt her.”

“Because she rejected me. Me! Septimus Oraka! General of the Turian fleet.” He raised his voice sitting straighter once again. It became clear to Jane that the Turian in front of her was a drunk, and likely not very stable given how he flipped from quiet defeatism to this aura of pride and anger. Sha’ira wanted Jane to remind him of his pride, she had a pretty solid idea of how to do that.

“Some General. What kind of example are you to your men, sitting drunk in a bar and spreading rumors about the first woman to turn you down?” She could have tried to be reasonable, understanding to the man, but in honesty, he was pissing her off. The idea of getting this petty and resentful over a rejection was ridiculous, especially if you cared about the one you were acting like this about.

“The men can kiss my leathery backside! All I wanted was to retire and be with her.” So his image didn’t even matter to him. He was that lovestruck by this woman. It was fine, Jane had another idea for how to get the Turian to see sense. If he felt defeated and broken, then all she had to do was remind him of his duty and how to get out of it.

“General, have you ever won a battle by moping in a bar?” She asked the question as genuinely as she could, sitting down across from him.

“Ha, battle! That’s what this feels like alright. How did I let it come to this?” He was sinking into his arms again, supporting his head with his hands, the defeat in his tone apparent.

“You cared about her, you put your emotions on the line and they got hurt. Sometimes we lose battles General, but one defeat doesn’t end a war.” Jane looked him in the eyes, as he sat back and looked at her. There was a look in his gaze returning that she hadn’t seen before, a sense of passion or hope perhaps.

“You think it's that easy? Just straighten up and act like a General?”

“I doubt it could hurt, even if Sha’ira can’t be won at least you won’t be making a fool of yourself or burning any possibilities in a temper tantrum.” Jane leaned back in her chair, watching the Turian as he sighed.

“You’re right Commander. Sha’ira is worth the effort, even if she won’t have me back.” Jane couldn’t help but smile lightly as the idiot figured it out. Turns out love making you act stupid isn’t exclusive to humanity. Even if she avoided the subject herself whenever possible, she had seen it more than enough times to understand.

“Good. This is no place for a General, Septimus.”

“Yes. I’ll go to her. After a cold shower anyway. Or two.” Jane nodded taking the chance to stand and leave. But Septimus spoke once more.

“Actually, would you want to make a couple of extra credits?” Jane was confused but turned back to see what he meant.

“There is an Elcro Diplomat who thinks Sha’ira gave up his secrets. If you could tell him I lied about that, to try and ruin her image, I would appreciate it. I have proof of how I got his secrets here, if you show him that he will believe you.” Jane saw the file that Septimus sent over to her, and she nodded to him.

“I can take care of it.” Somehow these things came full circle. How convenient.

“Thank you.” The general stood, taking one last sip of his drink. “Here’s to soldiers acting like soldiers.” And with that, the Turian got up and left. Shepard watched him go for a moment, before turning to look at her omni-tool and the information she had received.

Everything that had happened led back to the Elcor Diplomat. The meeting with Sha’ira, finding Septimus. It was all connected to a chance encounter in the embassies. And it resulted in something Jane was actually looking forward to. She didn’t know exactly what the Consort’s services would look like, but even if it was just reassurance, Jane felt she needed that more than she had realized. Anderson’s words and behavior in his office, even Liara and Kaidan’s. They were all efforts to reassure and support her. It must have been visible from her face and stance how drained she had been feeling by everything, and Jenkins just so happened to encourage her into stumbling onto a path that led to a solution?

It seemed unlikely. A coincidence of course, but there were a lot of coincidences surrounding some of the things Jenkins said or did. Once was chance, twice is a coincidence. Three times is a pattern. Jane wasn’t certain exactly what count they were on for strange things just happening to play out in a way that benefitted all of them, with the key detail at the center of everything always being Jenkins. She had questions for the man, but first, she needed to take care of this task.

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It didn’t take long for Jane to get back to the Consort. The Elcor diplomat was embarrassed by his overreaction to the idea his information had been leaked, and was extremely apologetic, begging Jane to go back and apologize on his behalf. She agreed of course, since she was coming back anyway. There was no waiting in line this time, and she was simply waved through by the woman at the door. Making her way into the Consort’s private office she was surprised to see the woman smiling at her happily as she entered.

“Commander. Do you mind if I call you Jane?” Jane hid her flinch for just a moment, not many people used her first name, either preferring her rank or last name when referring to her. Her mom, and occasionally Anderson were the only real exceptions to this. She didn’t realize how much she missed the familiarity that came with being on a first-name basis with someone. She nodded to the consort.

“Jane then. Thank you very much for taking the time to help me. I received a lovely message from Septimus, his apology was heartfelt at least. Although I regret not being able to give him what it is he truly wants, I am happy to be able to know him and help where I can. Even Xeltan has withdrawn his words against me. You do excellent work.”

“I was happy to help.” Jane smiled at the Asari, and Sha’ira stepped closer taking Jane's hand in both of her own.

“You are kind Jane, but I do not expect this kind of assistance for free. I have a gift to offer you if you are interested.” The woman’s voice lowered lightly, taking a softer, more sultry tone.

Jane considered herself a master of her feelings but even she felt her heart rate pick up slightly. Did she want this? Everything her body was telling her said yes, but there was a part of her that was not sure. Was it okay to take this sort of comfort with everything happening? The weight of their mission bore down on her shoulders, and she realized in truth that if she failed, it was likely going to spell the ending of everything. Taking comfort in the time there was left wasn’t something she should feel shameful about.

“I would happily accept whatever you offered me.” She gave the Asari a look, and the woman smiled at her, before stepping closer, placing their bodies almost against each other. Her hands moved from holding Janes to supporting the sides of her head. Their warmth and presence were a comfort Jane hadn’t expected, and she closed her eyes as she felt a wave of comfort and support move through her mind with a single gesture.

“Then I offer you a gift of words. Affirmation of who you are, and who you will become…” The Asari’s tone dropped further, and it was as though her words echoed in Jane’s mind.

“I see you, Jane. Your uniform fits as if you were born wearing it. You are a soldier, through and through. Proud, solitary, and alone, but it gives you strength.” Jane felt no pain or regret at the mention of the words solitary and alone. Jane found pride in her strength to stand alone and face challenges without fear or worry, and even with her eyes closed here in this moment she could tell Sha’ira knew the same.

“That strength is what kept you alive when everyone around you was dying. You alone survived. You will continue to survive.” Akuze. Jane’s greatest regret and a moment that still haunted her dreams some nights. Yet here, with these words, it didn’t feel like a burden. It was her birth as the woman she was. Akuze is what made her a survivor, and a survivor is what was needed in the battles to come.

“This may be who you are Jane, but it is not who you will become. It only forms the basis for your future greatness. Trust in your strength and will and you will not falter. Trust in the bonds of those you care for, and you will never be led astray. Remember these words when doubt descends, Commander Jane Shepard.” With her final words, Jane felt a surety she hadn’t felt for months. She opened her eyes to see Sha’ira looking at her closely, her eyes as wide and clear as galaxies. They were only words, yet they spoke to every aspect of Jane’s person and had her feeling a comfort that felt deeper than she expected.

She understood now, why people obsessed over the consort. The words alone were a comfort she didn’t know she needed, but she’d be lying if standing where she was, only inches apart from the woman, that she didn’t want more. That she wasn’t hoping for something else.

“Thank you. Sha’ira. That was… there are no words.” She smiled at the woman but did not pull away, maintaining their closeness. She could feel the Asari’s breath against her face and could imagine she felt the same. Sha’ira did not pull away either instead looking at her closely. Her hands slid, from the side of her face down, one finding purchase beside her neck, and the other sliding down onto her chest. She imagined that Sha’ira could feel Jane’s heartbeat, it was all she could hear in her head. Her heartbeat, and Sha’ira’s words.

“There are only words, Jane. They are intent and desire, given form. They embody all we are, and all we want. Words will be one of your strongest tools, second only to the strength that embodies your character. That is a lesson you will learn, however. For now, close your eyes, and relax.”

Jane found herself obeying, trusting the woman in front of her completely. And as she felt Sha’ira’s lips find her own, her breath was stolen, and all else faded away.