So we can aaaaaaallll squee with the normandy crew when they find her. In fact I wont even describe my Shepard physically. Much. IE Green eyes ect.Ch 1: Whatever Happened to Commander Shepard?
Hey! Shepard! Wake up...
Her brown eyes look harried and somewhat serious. "Commander! You still have a job to do...I cant pick you up again. Dont make that face at me Skip, it wont work! You arent gonna leave her behind this time are you? You know how angry she'll get!"
Ash? I cant see anything...where are you? God, I cant feel my arms or legs anymore.
"Heh means your still alive Shepard...dont fall on this sword for the universe. Remember what you told me? Virmire? Dont make everything I did in vain Ma'am. Otherwise Ill go poltergeist on your ass and Alenko's."
A sharp intake of breath...smoke...burnt flesh.
I'm tired Chief....just go...
"Go? Hah! Is that what you'll tell those kids of yours later on from a fraking hoverchair....wah! I give up! I kicked the ass of the Galaxy into motion but not my own??
I bare my teeth in a grimace of outrage.
FUCK YOU CHIEF!
"No ma'am! Thats not in my job discription! Besides I dont want to end up in a non-exsistant coffee cup for trying that manuver." Her brown eyes twinkle merrily. "Besides Im not yours remember?" The grin in her voice is umistakeable.
Such sadness in those blue eyes.....a person could......
Initalizing Cerberus Protocol EMS........Stabilizing Heartrate.....Respiration Normalizing....Sending automated SOS...
Meanwhile....On the Normandy:
"Joker...I know you hate it loco but we gotta go!" James Vega detested this corse of action it to his very core...bitter that once more this type of decision fell to him but everyone else on the crew would die to gain thier commander back. He would too but it was akin to an outsider still peering in to a close nit family.
"Jeff...." EDI's eyes looked hallowed out. If such a thing was possible for an AI.
"DAMMIT!", Joker pounded the console until his knuckles spilt....."....damn......."
The Normandy relucantly jumped to the point of no return...at least thats how it felt to everyone aboard.
"Jeff..." Something in EDI's voice caused the pilot to glance over and he stared in shock..."Who's going to explain this to Liara?"
Joker's eyes closed shut. Oh no.....
To say that Liara T'soni was angry would be a gross understatement. There were no words needed. Luckly Dr.Chakwas wasnt in medbay when Tali told the young asari the sitrep. It was a sublte quaking at first. Tali could feel the slight brush of biotic power engulfing the room. She nervously withdrew to the safety of the dining hall. Garrus reguarded her with sympathy and held out his hand.
The quarian took it like a lifeline, feeling adrift in the emotional chaos, greatful that friends were here but saddened that the one that needed comfort the most found no refuge from the storm.
"EDI!!!" Such anguish in that one cry.
EDI felt something tugging at her concious mind. Well of course it wasnt a mind really but she felt that way all the same. She tried to turn to Jeff but her limbs no longer responded. Suddenly she saw something. A white light, the Reaper forces arrayed against Earth and...SHEPARD! The commander was talking to someone or something...the AI let herself drift amoung the cybernetic pathways....NO! SHEPARD! DONT BELIEVE IT! She could see the AI for what it truely was....quicky she reached out to the Geth hive mind and sent out a warning....the Reapers hold over everyone would soon be delt with. With some difficulty she was able to locate the cerberus SOS orginating from within the Commander. Soon they would find Shepard and the AI's newfound family would be whole once more.
Quitely she slipped back onto the familiar paths of the Normandy. Unfortunately her sudden departure caused quite a stir.
"Jeff?"
Everyone looked around the Crew Hall in shock.
"EDI? Where are you!?!" Joker's voice cracked with worry.
"Well it appears that the Commander was successful in Eliminating the Reaper AI hub. Fortunately I was able to warn the Geth in time to retreat to the Consenus hubs. Unfortunately our Physical shells are inoperable. Furthermore her Cerberus EMS activated and we should return to the Citidel asap. "
Tali pratically jumped up and down, dragging a grinning Garrus along for the ride, he didnt seem to mind one bit.
Back at the Citidel:
"Having strange dreams ma'am?"
Shepard was sitting with Ash on a chair, overlooking a wonderful crystal clear beachfront, wondering where this Serrice Ice brandy came from.
"Ha! Wow! Everyone marooned on some pretty gem of a planet? Plus poor Anderson with a memorial? When did you get that notification Skipper?"
Shepard turned to Ash with a frown on her face.
Are you Sassin me Chief? Oh lord...the Ally HQ is gonna have a field day with my brain. Ohhh look....Im having conversations with the dead. That will look great in the after action report.
"Unpleasent implications there Shepard...99% probablity this is a near Death Experience." Mordin grins at her, "but luckily you seem to survive many impossible odds yes?" Mordin picks up a sea shell. Hums a familar tune and smiles at the Commander. "Wake up!"
A storm gathers overhead and rain falls, soaking Shepard, sending her mind reeling even further.
David Anderson was having one hell of a day. The last thing he remembered was following Shepard through the Beam Relay to the Citidel. Groaning he stood up and looked around.
Bodies littered the floor everywhere. Keepers were everywhere, dragging corpses to and fro with no clear goal in sight, almost like a vital system or command was missing from thier usual brisk if somewhat detatched manner. Like a man walking on hot coals Anderson made his way forward.
A flash of white ahead caught his attention and then the world suddenly exploded in an array of Red light. The last sound he heard before getting knocked onto his ass was the wretched sound of a Dying Reaper. But not just any Reaper. The head bastard himself was screaming in pain. "Thats my girl!!" Anderson's smile became wolfish then something all together odd happened. The room shifted suddenly until a doorway appeared. Rising unsteadily to his feet the Adimiral causiously made his way to the apex of the room then gasped in shock and dismay.
A battered and brusied form lay slumped over the console. Her N7 armor was chiped and cracked everywhere. A rictius grin plastered across her face. The image of Harbringer wavered above the console. Its howls of fury turned to desperation. It moaned weakly..."we were your salvation....now....you merely play at......you shall regret this Shepard...we were merely the.......Vangua....." With one final horrendous cry the entity known as Harbringer died. Its yellow eyes turned to Anderson and then dimmed. Quickly he recovered from his shock and made his way towards the Commander praying that his dear friend still defied the impossible.
((OK in room with DJ playing his musics and such in the chat and too much volka in this wolf from screwdrivers so dont want to write something silly, nmore tommorrow.))
With suprising speed Anderson made his way through the rubble. His whole body shook with worry as he inspected the Commander. Her hair was disheveled and matted with blood, a new scar ran across her face, while the rest of her looked like a mass of brusies. As gently as he could he moved Shepard to the center of the room. Then set upon the grim work of removing her damaged armor in order to apply much needed first aid. All the while his tears fell like rain upon her face. "Don't you give up on me Shepard, you need to wake up, yell or scream or demand some R and R! Otherwise Ill throw you in the council chambers for the rest of the day!"
The rain continued to fall and Shepard felt like a child again, not knowing anything, needing the confort of something familiar to cling to.
ASH! MORDIN!? ANYONE??
"Dont you give up on me Shepard!!"
Anderson? Where? I cant see you! I....why is it so cold here....
I peer around me and all I can hear is the roaring of the waves and the thunder overhead. A form takes shape in the mist. Familiar. Heartbreaking but as sure as Death itself.....Thane. Why am I dissapointed with this....
"What do you want after this is all over?" Her eyes light up with mirth. I want to see her smile forever.
He grins at me. He scans his surroundings with practiced grace. "Shepard, my friend you are breaking your promise! This sea is not ment for you yet. Why do you cling to it? This isnt your home." As he points behind me I turn and see a building in the distance. Maybe a mile or two inshore. With renewed vigor I head towards the house. A hand clasps my shoulder. I glance over and nearly trip.
Mommy?
"Funny....it takes this to see my baby girl again....I knew I should have mailed you more but with the Reapers and all and protecting your father...Earth....all those lame ass excuses seem trivial now."
Meanwhile: Triage Center Alpha. Presium Level.
Adm.Hannah Shepard nearly decked the insolent clerk blocking her access to her baby. The one person that made much of this victory possible and this BIG DUMB JELLYFISH was denying her? HER OF ALL PEOPLE! A familar tick ran along her mouth. Grinning wildly she changed her stance. Hoping to catch the Jelly off guard and give it a sound thrashing with her fists, both synth based and flesh, but a familar alliance gloved hand stoped her.
"Hannah?"
She turned and smiled grimly.
"Steve."
Hackett smiled gently at Hannah. "If you'll allow me Admiral? Your daughter isnt in this ward but rather Ms. Lawson took her to a specialized ICU. Apparently she was notified by Anderson and now they have your daughter in surgery."
Hannah's fists clenched then relaxed. "Ill com Thomas then we'll meet you there....thank you Steve." Shooting the beligerent Hanar one more daggered look she turned on her heel and headed towards the Docking Bay to meet her husband.
Abord the Normandy:
Joker turned the intercom on. "Confirmed citidel control, proceeding to docking bay D84, Normandy out."
In Shepard's Cabin:
Startled by the sudden announcement Liara nearly dropped the old framed photograph of herself and Shepard. Sighing with some relief she gingerly set it upon the bedside table and hung her head. Her whole body ached. All she wanted was packed tight into this one room. After everything that happened some part of her couldnt believe the Reapers were truely gone. She sank greatfully into the oversized bed and wraped Shepard's N7 jacket around her. It almost felt like her bondmate was there, just holding her in a loving embrace, with a ready smile and "looking for trouble" glint in her eyes.
"I really should apologize to Chakwas for the medbay," she mumbled. She knew Kaidan, Tali, Garrus and everyone else just wanted to help but it felt like her whole world just stopped. In a way she resented it. The cheers on Earth, Palavan, Thessia and all across the galaxy seemed to just add further salt to a wound. The Shadow Broker in her just saw everything anaytically. Yes yes, trillions saved, very good! Now on to these steps to rebuild but the best parts of her, the core that was Liara T'soni was still reeling with emotional shock and outrage. Yes she was angry. Angry at Shepard for taking foolish risks, proud of her for saving everyone, heartbroken that she left her behind to be evacuated and a million other feelings crashing around like a hurricane ripping thru the desert.
One whisper in the dark held so many things: "Why...why did you leave me behind?"
Garrus glanced up from his datapad while everyone else gathered in the airlock, ready to disembark, then winced when he saw Liara step into the chamber with them. Haggard was the best way to describe her. Puffy red rimmed shot eyes looked gloomily ahead seeing nothing. Her usual coat was missing and in its place was Shepard's N7 jacket. She turned to Garrus and nodded. Kaidan looked at her and tried to smile but the tears threatening to escape down his cheeks ruined the effect. As one the crew of the Normandy left and headed out into the main bay.
Liara's throat tightened and she almost cried out in joy but at the last second she realized it wasnt her Shepard but her bondmate's mother. Standing close by the hatch was Dr. Thomas James Shepard. Formerly a Med Professor interning with Alliance command. Mainly his job was to help research new ways to improve medigels and other forms of cybernetic implants to help wounded vets recover from battles. Hannah held out her hand to the young asari. "Well well, my baby girl sure knows how to pick them huh? Well at least she wont need something blue at the ceremony." The slight comment about human marriage ceremonies went right over Liara's head but the look in Hannah's eyes was sad but welcoming at the same time.
The look on that young woman's face broke Hannah's heart. Not giving two shits about protocol she walked over to Liara and gathered her up into a bearhug that would scare even Wrex. No words were needed. Just the small bit of physcial comfort from someone so dear to her bondmate was enough to send the young maiden over the edge. Hannah just held Liara until the slient tears abated. The keening turned into muffled sobs then finally her breathing evened out. By now there were no dry eyes in that docking bay. Then as one group they all made thier way to the medical facility where maybe one more impossibility would occure.
Medical Ward Omega. ICU section.
Thomas Shepard wasnt always so emotional but for the past few years his life felt like one giant rollercoaster ride. Between the antics of his wife and child he was somewhat amazed that his hair wasnt completely grey by now. He was touched and amazed by the courage Lawson displayed. She looked ragged beyond belief but her blue eyes were clear and focused.
Miranda was almost flabbergasted by the amount of lives the Commander had. Of course she had seen her in a much worse state during Project Lazarus but that seemed like a lifetime ago. Now looking down upon the sleeping specter she couldnt help but wonder what really went on in that Crucible chamber. From what Anderson said it looked like hell had swallowed Shepard up and spit her out again. She glanced over to the bedside once more and hoped that the presence of so much family and friends would somehow wake the Commander from her coma. Only time would tell if thier efforts would finally pay off.
When first entering the room Liara and everyone else were terrified on some level of what they would see. How much of Shepard would be left. Fortunately thanks to Miranda and her knowledge of Shepard's enhancements for the most part it looked like the commander only got into a fight with a drunken Krogan. Well execpt for her synth bandaged face and her right shoulder that is. Liara could feel the tension drain somewhat from Hannah. Dr. Shepard on the other hand went immediately to the EKG chart displayed next to the bed.
His voice sounded somewhat distant, almost detatched, mainly due to letting his professional exterior take over. The father in him was terrified. "How much cranial damage is there?"
Miranda winced and then spoke:
"Substantial but her enhanced skeletal implants prevented some serious brain damage. Its almost like something was attacking her on a mental and physical level all at once. After Anderson did some triage he looked around the area but no other bodies or blood other then Shepard's was in that room."
Hannah laid her hand upon her daughter's shoulder then spoke softly into her ear.
"Funny....it takes this to see my baby girl again....I knew I should have mailed you more but with the Reapers and all and protecting your father...Earth....all those lame ass excuses seem trivial now." Her voice cracked slightly and she grasped her child's hand.
"We're all here for you kiddo. Dont you dare give up now. Especially...." Her voice trailed off with a trace of sadness. Liara sat down next to Hannah and then placed one of her hands tenderly upon Shepard's cheek.
"I am yours", she whispered sliently into Shepard's mind.
Thomas almost dropped the chart. His daughter's eyelids fluttered abit then she settled down once more. Then he walked over and sat next to Liara and all 3 of them waited patiently. Hoping that thier concern and love would shine like a beacon in the darkness of thier loved one's mind.
Shepard glanced around but wasnt able to find her mother along the path.
It almost feels like she's here. But where? Hello???
Something warm and loving brushed against her mind. Automatically Shepard touched her cheek then smiled slightly.
The sky above lightened somewhat and she gasped in shock.
Leering yellow eyes peered down at her. YOU WILL SUBMIT!
You bastard! I killed you! Your not allowed here!
Shepard began a mad dash for the house setted upon the trail. One last battle would be fought and she was determined to see it to the end. No matter the cost. Everything in her life led to this moment.
Ive already sacrificed loved ones and friends you cuttlefish abomination! Genetic destiny my ass!
Summoning her remaining energy Shepard sprinted even faster. Her eyes steely and certain. The archway before the house appeared and with a great leap she vaulted over the fence and laughed like once possessed. Blocking her way to the door was none other then Saren and just beyond him was the Illusive brat himself.
Shepard merely glared at them both. I made a promise! I wont fail her again!
Saren bared his teeth and then started to scream as husks rose up from the ground, grasping and clawing at the turian's legs and torso, tearing him apart until a reddish hued skeleton remained. It looked a Shepard with dead eyes and said, "You have won nothing. We were merely the Vanguard."
Shepard gave it one of Jack's favorite responses and smiled wolfishly as the ground swallowed the skeleton whole. Then she turned her attention towards the other Reaperized fool blocking her way.
Shepard's pulse started to race. Not this time you maniac! This time Ill make damn sure your dead.
The gloating look on TIM's face faltered then he snarled at the Commander.
"We were ment to control them Shepard! You wasted so much potential!"
I glared at the utter stupidity of his statement. How in the hell did he get so successful in the first place? People like Miranda carrying him? My hands clench then I grin at him. Just for shits and giggles and for some odd reason highly satisfying:
Mildy Amused: Potiental? Really? The honor of being the center of the Reaper's attention would only mean that the next cycle would have been munched on by a bunch of stupid apes with wierd digits for fingers! The elcor would have been a truely horrid looking reaper. Murderous Intent: Submit Fleshy Organic Cycles to our massive bulks of swirly paste.
Extreamly satisfied Clarification: Ha! I sent them strait to hell or darkspace or whatever freakish void they came from. You failed and I cant wait to see what kind of idoicy you try next.
I almost take the mockery even further but the sight of TIM's eyes rolling into the back of his head stops me. His whole body starts to convulse and then sinks into the ground after Saren. I eye the door with some trepidation and then I slowly turn the handle.
Anderson smiles at me warmly from the couch.
"How many times do I have to tell you Shepard, call me David from now on, we just saved the fracking universe!"
Inside the ICU: Approximately 1am EST
Joker placed his Omi-tool next to Shepards bedside. It was loaded with the complete set of Elcor Hamlet. He smiles to himself: I dont care if she gets pissed at me later. This stuff is crazy enough to wake anyone up.
Aboard the Normandy EDI could only shake her virtural head with bemusement. Either the Commander would appreciate the gesture or it would be entirely possible that Liara would find him and extract some form of payback. Hopefully for Jeff it would be of a humorous nature.
ICU: 8am
Anderson walked over to the Commander's bedside and smiled slightly at everyone gathered there. "Mind if I join in? I figure maybe if I keep talking she'll wake up and decide to take a decent vacation for once."
Hannah smirked then nodded. Liara looked at Anderson with some amusement. "Well when she does get out of bed dont plan on sending her out for anything for the next 1000 years! She made a special promise to me."
Hannah and Thomas shared an affectionate look. Dr. Shepard whispered to his wife: "So want to take bets on how many grankids?"
Anderson decided the best way to get a pep talk in would be to just address her if she was awake.
"How many times do I have to tell you Shepard, call me David from now on, we just saved the fracking universe!"
He clears his throat then in a suprisingly gentle tone....
((For reference....well guess what this conversation is happening in real time for Anderson but Shepards responses are still in the Coma house. It had to be inserted. If you want based on preferences for blue babies and such you can think dad to yourself if ya wish.))
Liara's blush deeped and she hid her face using the hoodie on Shepard's Jacket.
Anderson gave her a joyfully paternal look. "Ill be first in line for Uncle of the Year! Well if Wrex doesnt get there first."
Hannah put her arm around Liara and whispered," Just dont let then push you into it! Knowing my husband and that cheeky old coot over there they will be planning for a Shepard clan takeover of all major Alliance forces. Even if they are blue and last 1000 years."
"Keelah! Joker! How is that going to help her at all?"
"Come on Tali! IF anyone needs some humor its Shepard. Besides its gonna be a few hours before the rest of them get back anyway!"
Tali shook her head with resignation. "If Liara catches you.....jeez. Wonder what kind of effect this is having on my captain's dreams....."
Joker positioned the vid screen closer to the bed and grabbed more popcorn. "This is gonna work! Next Ill get my private collection out! What do you think? Blue Moon in the Mist or would Justicars of the Universe work? That would cause a reaction for sure!"
Tail mentally counted out the number of hours Joker would live outside a coffee cup. It wasnt looking good for him.
Meanwhile within the mental corridors of the Commander's headspace:
Why do I have the oddest feeling Joker is here?
Turning I see another door appear. Its simle but elegant. Completely white with a gold handle. For some reason a part of me was somewhat nervous. Hmmm. well might as well make a go of it!
Yea....someone pinch me.....gotta be dreaming or orr.......umhhh....
Liara was stark naked on the bed with a delighted look on her face.
"Hiiii...." Oh great! Thats a smooth one! Why do I feel like Im mentally running into everything when your here.
One simple smile and my world melts. Doesnt take much with her at all. The great Commander Shepard completely at a loss for words. Yea, only you could do that to me T'soni. Right now...so tired...hmm...you and that bed look nice.
The more I tried walking to that bed the further it got away from me.
"Hey Liara! Seriously...oh god!...."
Hmm? Is it really that simple? I can hear something....like glass breaking and then....voices...
"Hey Liara! Seriously....oh god...umm....It works in the movies!!" Right now Flight Lt Monroe thought he would die in many interesting ways.
Hannah started to laugh until she couldnt see anymore. Dr Shepard wasnt doing much better. In fact he was leaning over the tableside, gulping in air at a terminal rate, tears rolling down his face. Liara didnt know what to do about Joker's "assistance" with Shepard's recovery, instead she went over to the vid and shut it down just as the "Justicars" on the screen were apprehending suspects for being too sexy.
"Godess...how is that supposed to help her come back?!" She went over to the bed and nearly yelped in suprise.
Shepard's eyes were open and she looked strait at the Asari with affection and a familar glint in her gaze.
"Hey...hon....dont...kill...Joker....ship...flyin...beaches....swimsuits....you look good in white...."
Everyone in the room turned to Joker....then Garrus spoke up.
"Joker, did you break Shepard's brain?"
Hannah and Thomas went over to Liara and looked down at thier daughter. The matriarch of the family took over for a moment.
"Kiddo....welcome back and this time try to duck will ya?? Its sad enough that poor Garrus over there looks like he won that challenge!"
Everyone started talking at once but Shepard had eyes only for Liara. Both elder Shepards grinned at the goofy look on thier daughter's face. As careful as possible Liara climbed into the bed and laid her head upon her bondmate's shoulder and for the first time in weeks slept soundly.
As for Commander Shepard she glanced over at all her friends and family in the room and gave them a huge thumbs up. "Mission Accomplished....now wheres the liquor you promised me??"
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