Chapter Text
Lonely Hearts in Space
Chapter 2 – February
Red. The color of blood. Anger. She blinked once, the walls coming closer. Air no longer into her lungs. She looked at the far walls, they were closing, faster, trapping her within her own prison of emotions running rampant--
She exhaled softly as the doors to the main battery opened.
“You ok, Kitten?” asked Garrus behind her as he paused in his own musings.
She nodded, “yeah. I'm fine,” she breathed in softly with a shake of her head. “Just going to check out the ship.”
Garrus nodded as he looked over his shoulder. His ice blue eyes enjoyed to linger a bit longer, watching her leave with quiet, elegant steps. The way her wide hips sways from side to side as she placed a foot after the other. Garrus shook his head as his mandibles fluttered in appreciation of the small beauty that chose to stay by his side.
Emerald eyes looked around. No more were the blue walls around. Bright lights instead of soft dim ones. She smiled at Mess Sergeant Gardner as she walked down the small steps that lead to the mess hall. She turned her head, deep in thought, as she looked through the medical bay windows. Dr. Chakwas placing a datapad on her desk, filing it with the rest of the pile. Her eyes lingered on that datapad for a moment.
She placed a datapad with the rest on the table as she turned, a bit startled to see ocean eyes stare at her.
“How long was I out, Blue?”
She shook her head, “more than ten hours…”
“Shit… Fuck!”
She went to her side. Her emerald eyes looking at ocean eyes in sadness.
“You should rest, Midnight. Please.”
A deep sigh escaped her ruby red lips as she looked down at her own hands.
“I can’t, Blue. I just… can’t…” she spoke softly.
Jessica placed her hand on top of her light brown ones that laid on her lap. She smiled reassuringly. Oceans eyes looked back at her.
“It’s going to be ok.”
She sighed again, nodded softly and laid back down. Relenting.
“At least give me the reports. Don’t leave me here without doing anything,” she grouched as she crossed her arms over her chest.
Jessica giggled with a shake of her head as she went back to the table and handed her a stack of datapads, sitting next to her to tackle the paperwork together.
“You ok?” came in Bryant’s soft southern hispanic accent, disrupting the memory, as he approached her.
“Yeah. I'm fine,” she reassured as she turned around to look at his calm sky blue eyes.
Bryant raised a skeptical golden eyebrow at her but nodded nonetheless. Jessica never much shared what she felt with him anyway. He just hoped she was alright.
“I'm just checking out the ship,” she elaborated as she looked around the mess hall. “Getting… familiar with it, I suppose,” she shrugged.
“Cool. Let me know if there is anything you wished changed,” he responded as he began to walk away, typing into his datapad he had in hand.
Jessica only nodded, turning around to look at the door to the Main Battery and then back in front of her, her mind already set to explore the ship.
****
“Alright Kaidan. You know what we have to do and I trust you to get it done,” said the officer in command as he looked at the datapad in his hand. “Take Gustav and a small squad to the spaceport and get those towers working.”
Kaidan saluted, did an about face and went to the small group of soldiers ready to instruct them to follow him to the spaceport where the towers were located. He turned his head, amber eyes landed on a tall man, sitting on a boulder, hunched slightly over, typing away at him omni tool. The morning wind softly rustling his short black hair.
“Gus! You ready?” he called out.
Steel-Blue eyes looked up from his omni-tool and nodded at Kaidan. His musings halting as he stood to full height.
“Come on,” Kaidan gestured with his hand and looked at the four soldiers at the side, one staring at Gustav from a distance with a soft smile. “Hey, you four! Follow me!” he ordered as he lead the way.
The woman rolled her eyes, grabbed her assault rifle and walked slowly to Kaidan, waiting for Gustav to approach.
“This is so boring,” she began to speak as Gustav walked beside her. She looked at him as he continued to look ahead, his bright blue eyes scanning the area ahead of him. “Aren’t you bored?” she questioned in curiosity with a tilt of her head.
Gustav hummed, registering her voice, “you are always bored,” he responded. He heard her say that same before in the last colony. Actually she had been saying that for a while. “Why join if all you do is complain?”
“That’s a very good question. One I would like the answer to,” chimed in Kaidan as he walked on the other side of the woman with the cheerful voice.
For Kaidan and Gustav, she much reminded them both of Ashley Williams. Except more cheerful and taller. Same brown hair and amber eyes. And a bit more positive than Ashley. Her name was Amilia. Gustav looked at the sky at the mere thought of Ashley. The dawn of the sky was a beautiful orange color. It reminded him of her eyes.
Amilia hummed, snapping Gustav out of his reverie and eyed her from the side. She smiled slyly and winked at Gustav, “for the view of course.”
Gustav paused in his step, eyes narrowed as Kaidan and Amilia continued walking. It didn't go unnoticed by him the exaggerated hip sway she did with her heavy armor. Gustav shook his head, a faint blush spread across his nose and cheeks. With a clear of his throat he walked faster to catch up to them.
“I can’t stand these missions. They don't even want us here,” she huffed in slight annoyance as Gustav catched up to her.
“Whether they want us here or not, we have a mission to do,” responded Kaidan with a soft grunt.
“Not like I was ever wanted anywhere anyway…” Gustav whispered to himself as his eyes finally saw the bunker where he had to work to get the towers on the other side, working.
Kaidan side-eyed Gustav when he made that small comment to himself. He shook his head as Amilia gasped softly in horror.
“What the fuck is that?!” she pointed to the massive object in the distance.
Kaidan and Gustav both took out their weapons, looking through their scopes to see the massive object that landed, creating a wave of dust to pick up and blow in their direction. They all covered their eyes, blinking and looking through their scope again. A dark cloud was coming at them, the hairs on Gustav’s neck stood on end. It wasn’t good.
“Gustav, get inside the bunker and get those towers operational,” ordered Kaidan as he started to walk backwards. “Amilia, stay with him, you three with me!”
“But what about--” too late was Amilia’s question as Kaidan ran in the direction of the central area of the colony. She heard a weapon being put away and the door behind her opening. She turned, to see Gustav go inside the bunker, her heart accelerated when screams behind her began to echo in her ears. She went into the bunker, closed the door and held her assault rifle tight. Her eyes looked at Gustav, observing him as he opened his omni tool and began to type away as quickly as he could to access the controls.
“Gustav…” she whispered in fear as she swallowed hard. He seemed unfazed by the screams outside.
At the soft whisper of horror, Gustav closed his eyes and exhaled softly. He didn’t really know what to say. How to calm her mind. He just knew he had to work. So that is what he did, when he opened his eyes again and began to type away at the glowing keyboard in front of him, hacking away to gain access to the controls towers even if the screams out there, were getting loud.
There was a loud bang on the door, followed by another and then another until multiple loud bangs were interrupting his thoughts.
“Let us in!”
“Please!”
“Open this door!”
“Don't let us die!”
Amilia backed away from the door. Fear gripped her heart. When she woke up this morning, she wasn’t prepared for something like this to happen. Her mind still barely waking up.
“Let them in,” Gustav ordered of her calmly.
That seem to faze her back to reality of the situation. She opened the door, rifle in hand as many people ran into the bunker in a wave, almost stepping onto each other.
“Watch yourselves! Quickly, come on!” she instructed as she gestured to the people to get inside, touching their shoulders to guide them in. Her heart pounded in her chest as she heard rifles shooting in the distance.
“Close the door!” one of the civilians shouted in horror.
Amilia did as she was told and locked the door. She turned, eyes scanning to hear cries and soft murmurs among them. She didn’t know what awaited outside. She only hoped that Kaidan was alright and as she looked to see Gustav working, she prayed that the towers were operational soon.
****
Bryant hummed a tune to himself as he read the datapad in his hand. He felt slightly better knowing he had two people who had familiar faces aboard the ship. Two people who he could count on and had no connection to Cerberus.
‘I like that melody,’ responded Celestine’s voice in his mind.
“I thought you might,” he chuckled softly to himself as he walked towards the elevator after making sure Jessica was ok.
“The Collectors hit the colony hard. Think anyone got out of there alive?” asked one of the crew members nearby. Bryant paused in his step and raised a golden eyebrow at that.
“The colonists, no. Heard one of the ships is still there though…” commented the other.
“What colony is this?” asked Bryant as he interrupted their conversation, placing his datapad down on the table softly, hands on the surface, leaning close so no one else heard their conversation.
Both crew members were startled as they looked at him.
“New Canton,” informed one of them.
Bryant’s eyes widen at that. “Mierda!” he cursed loudly as he raised a hand to his ear, tapping his earpiece gently. “Jessica?”
“Go ahead,” she answered.
“Didn’t you tell me, Gustav is in New Canton?” he wondered as he picked up his datapad and went for the elevator.
There was a moment of silence on her end which had Bryant’s heart pounding in his chest, waiting for her answer as the elevator stopped at his cabin’s floor.
“Yes, he is. Why?” she questioned calmly.
“I need you to get ready, New Canton has been hit,” Bryant responded as he entered his room and went to grab his armor.
“I am always ready,” affirmed Jessica.
Bryant tapped his earpiece again and began to place his armor on.
“Joker, I need you to fly faster. Gustav needs our help.”
“On it!”
****
Steel-Blue eyes narrowed as they stared at the numbers presented to him on his omni-tool.
“Gustav! Return back to the ship!,” came in Kaidan’s voice in his ear.
Screams echoed around him as he tried to drown them out. He had to continue working. He had to get these defense towers operational. He had to make it count. He couldn’t leave without trying.
“And maybe even grab a cookie after this…” he whispered to himself.
“Gustav?! Can you he--” it cut off and Gustav exhaled softly, his fingers still typing away at the glowing keyboard.
“On it, Commander!” came Amilia’s voice from across where he stood.
“Gustav, we have to go!”
Gustav ignored her, fingers continued to move, staring at his work, his mind trying to desperately not think of her voice, narrowing his eyes to concentrate.
“Gustav!” she shouted at him, grabbing his elbow to make him look at her.
Gustav sighed in annoyance, “I won't abandon them,” he growled softly, pulling his arm away from her grasp and went back to the panel, his mind re-focusing at the task in hand.
Amilia could only stare at him in slight shock. He had never spoken to her that way. In the two years she had served alongside with him. She looked down, not knowing who to listen to. Her Commander or her Captain. She looked at the civilians huddled around, holding each other in fear and trying to comfort one another. Her eyes narrowed, determination sparkled in her amber eyes as she gripped her rifle tighter. Her heart set on her choice. She was going to protect these people and her Captain at all costs.
****
“ETA Joker?” asked Bryant as he left the armory with his shotgun in hand, checking it as he entered the elevator.
“60 seconds,” responded Jeff over the PA system.
“Jessica?” he asked as the elevator stopped on the third floor and walked in Garrus fully armored and with his assault and sniper rifle on his back. Bryant nodded at him as the elevator door closed behind him and continued going down to the cargo bay floor.
Jessica didn’t respond. He pursed his lips for a moment, almost asking again if she was ready when the elevator doors opened and he saw her, arms crossed, her hip cocked to the side, looking at him and Garrus with determination. Garrus, however, knew better, as her ingenious emerald eyes glanced into his ice blue ones. He saw worry and impatience. An urgency.
“Are you ready?” she asked him as he stood in front of her, his gun still in hand.
Bryant cocked his shotgun once and with a nod, placed it on his lower back, giving her his own determined calm stare, “always.”
****
“Damn! Work you piece of shit!” Gustav cursed under his breath.
Everything was connected the way it was suppose to and yet it still didn’t power on. The generator to the colony was a ways off from the bunker. He closed his eyes, tilting his head back slightly, trying to come up with a solution without leaving his post. He lost communications with Kaidan sometime ago. Only Amilia was with him and frightened civilians. His ears twitched as he slowly opened his eyes, drowning out the frightened whimpers and soft cries, he heard nothing. Silence.
“Gustav, why isn’t the towers operational by now?” Amilia whispered softly as she stood next to him, her amber eyes scanning the civilians.
His eyebrows knitted together in annoyance, “it needs more power,” he grouched and continued to type away at the glowing keyboard. “Ding deng dong dong ding…” he whispered to himself.
Amilia raised an eyebrow at that last part but nonetheless she nodded, holding on to her rifle, “I’ll go and see if I can connect them.”
Gustav paused for a moment, too late to turn around and tell her to stop. She was already out the door and the button turning red at her departure.
****
Emerald eyes narrowed as the shuttle landed on the far side of the colony. Something massive was on the other side. Sensing her tense, Garrus squeezed her hand softly, like he had done so many times. A habit to remind her that he was there and that everything was going to be alright. Her thoughts disrupted momentarily as she blinked and turned her head slowly until their eyes met. Her soft pink lips upturned into a ghost of a smile. He thought he was imagining it as he looked ahead at the object in the distance. He felt her hand squeeze his softly in return and let his hand go, instantly missing the comfort of her hand in his as she walked out of the shuttle, following Bryant.
Bryant’s eyes took in the whole environment around him. Having that same feeling he did in Freedom’s Progress: sorrow. He sighed softly as Jessica stood next to him, her eyes taking in the buildings and the hauntingly silent colony. The wind softly rustled her hair, the stench of death creeped into her nose, causing her to swallow hard, her heart pounded in her chest, already knowing some were dead.
“Empty,” Bryant uttered softly as his voice intruded in her trouble thoughts. “It was the same on Freedom’s Progress…” he added in with a shake of his head and took his shotgun from his back, rotating his shoulders once and took point, exhaling softly as he came to the first building, checking to see if anyone was around, hopefully hiding.
“Why are they targeting colonies?” Garrus voiced his thought out loud as his eyes widen in slight horror to see plates with food still on tables. His visor scanning and telling him, those plates were still warm.
“That’s what we need to find out,” Bryant responded as he went through the next building. He paused as he watched Jessica slowly stand, a small object in hand. He placed a hand on her shoulder in comfort, looking away, closing his eyes as a soft sigh escaped her pink lips.
Garrus looked at them, he felt his heart drop to his stomach at the small doll in Jessica’s hand that once belonged to a child.
Jessica closed her eyes, letting Bryant’s hand fall to his side as she moved to the table in front of her and placed the doll on the table.
“We should have been here sooner…” Bryant said softly. Seeing dolls, just thinking of children in danger or dead, he knew brought her sadness. It brought him sadness too. An innocent’s future taken from them. It wasn’t fair.
Before Jessica or Garrus could respond, shots fired caught the trio’s attention. Bryant, Garrus and Jessica looked at each other and quickly ran out of the building and up the small hill where they saw a person. By the looks of it, the person was wearing heavy armor. The person grunted as a slug went through her shoulder. The soldier took a step back, tripping on their own two feet.
“I got you,” said Bryant as he caught the soldier before she fell completely back.
She looked up into his sky blue eyes, smiling in gratitude. Bryant returned her smile with one of his own.
‘Charming…’ She thought of his dazzling smile as Bryant helped her get behind better cover.
“Got your six, Kitten,” relayed Garrus through her earpiece.
Jessica smirked turning around to look at him, “like I need you at my six. You only want to stare at my ass.”
Garrus laughed, “well no one told you to keep buying me mods to upgrade my scope!” And then he looked through his scope, humming appreciatively, “the view is quite nice the closer I magnify,” he smiled as he saw her green eyes in his scope. Those green eyes that always made his heart skip a beat.
Jessica shook her head, turning back around as her biotics came to life. She counted to five and she lifted the first three of the several enemies in hiding, into the air and Garrus’ sniper rifle rang out. She placed a barrier on herself and ran forward, jumping high, her biotics flaring out to draw the enemy out and on queue, they started to shoot at her.
“What’s your name?” asked Bryant as he gestured to the gauntlet on her arm. “May I remove this?”
“Amilia,” she responded with a cough and nodded to give him permission.
Before Bryant could proceed with removing the top gauntlet on her arm, a small wave of dust came at them. Bryant and Amilia covered their mouth and nose with their hands, coughing and then waving away the dust. Curious, Bryant leaned over from cover. His eyes widening in awe as he witnessed the way Jessica landed softly on her feet, the enemy, dead around her. The cold stare, the hands balled into fists, the way in which she stood, had Bryant captivated. The moment their eyes met, however, Jessica Shepard was replaced with his sister. No longer were ingenious green eyes staring back at him but stormy ocean depths. Bryant shook his head, blinking rapidly and looked at her again. She raised an eyebrow, slowly approaching him.
“You ok?” she asked him as he turned back to attend to Amilia.
“Fine,” he answered dryly as he took off the gauntlet.
“Ouch,” said Garrus beside them both as the three of them looked at the wound.
“What kind of weapon’s fire is this?” asked Bryant, curious as he analyzed the wound on Amilia’s shoulder.
Jessica turned on her omni tool and scanned her, “what happened here?” She began to ask as she placed Medi-Gel on the wound. “Where did they come from? Where is the rest of the colony?” she continued to bombard Amilia with questions.
Amilia softly groaned, “my commander and a small group of soldiers accompanied our chief engineer to the spaceport where he had to get the towers operational. We saw a massive ship land in the distance,” she yelped softly as she tried to move her arm, exhaling a strained breath. “My commander told me to stay with our chief engineer as he went to the center of the colony. Next thing we know, we heard screams. We both were inside the bunker when people banged on the door, screaming in horror. My captain, the chief engineer, told me to open the door and let them in. They are still in the bunker. What is left of them anyway…”
A small sigh escaped her pink lips. She hoped that the Captain she was talking about was Gustav. She had hoped he was on his ship and not down here but then, the messages they sent each other detailed he had been helping colonies. If it was Gustav that Amilia was talking about, then he was safe and alive. Her anxiety not leaving her alone until she absolutely knew that he was fine and well in front of her. Resolved to not leave the colony until she saw him.
Bryant looked around as Garrus looked at the towers ahead, “that was some suicide run you did… the towers and the bunker are a ways off…” he informed impressed.
“Why aren’t the towers operational?” asked Bryant as he looked at the massive object in the distance.
“The towers need more power. That’s why I took the risk. They… those things… they took the colonists and placed them in pods…” she said horrified.
“Pods? For what purpose?” asked Jessica curious as she went to scan the blood stains and the enemy body nearby.
“Garrus, see if you can place more power to the towers,” ordered Bryant as he began to analyze the dead bodies of the enemies, his eyes alert, looking around for anyone nearby.
“On it!” acknowledged Garrus and went into the building next to Amilia.
“I don't know for what purpose… there was a massive dark, cloud coming our way and then people just were screaming… one civilian said that the dark cloud carry bugs… the bugs touch you and you become --”
“Paralyzed,” finished Bryant sentence for her as he stood up and closed his eyes.
Jessica raised an eyebrow as she too got up and stared at him.
“In Freedom’s Progress, I met Tali,” Bryant began.
“Tali? She is doing well?” Jessica asked a bit happy to hear about her quarian friend.
Bryant nodded, “yeah. She was leading a small squad through the colony to find one of their people. His name was Veetor. Veetor survived the colony attack. He pieced together security footage and in that footage, this enemy, the Collectors, placed the colonists in pods. They were paralyzed. Unable to move. Veetor explained as such.”
“Wait,” Jessica shook her head, trying to place everything he just said in order. “What was Veetor doing in a human colony and why wasn’t he taken?”
Bryant shrugged, “we thought maybe it was his suit that didn’t appear in the Collectors, scanners. Even he, himself, didn't know why they didn't take him. As for why he was there, he was there on pilgrimage and they can choose where to go. Veetor chose a small colony as he is nervous in crowds and such,” Bryant finished explaining.
“I see,” Jessica concluded going into deep thought for a moment.
“I need to get back to my Captain. He needs to know that i'm alright,” Amilia informed as she got up, holding her rifle in her hands. She winced as she tried to move her arm to grip the rifle better.
“Oh no. You are in no condition to fight,” advised Bryant. “Stay with us. We will get you there safely,” he promised with a nod.
Amilia sighed in slight annoyance but nodded nonetheless. She was injured and she couldn’t shoot straight if there were more enemies nearby.
“Got it!” shouted Garrus from inside the building.
Jessica turned around as Bryant and Amilia looked ahead, seeing the towers rotate and began shooting at the ship. The three of them walking forward, Garrus close behind as he left the building to join them.
****
Gustav closed his eyes, dragging his hands down his face in annoyance. A soft whimper caught his attention, letting his hands fall to his sides and he looked at the civilians he had under his watch. They all seemed lost and part of him felt for them. He just didn't know what to say to make them have less fear. Or even how to make them feel better. The whimper caught his attention again and it came from a teen girl, with long black hair, knees to her chest, holding herself nearby. He blinked, his mind wandered to a face, long ago forgotten, if only for a split second and then vanished from his sight.
He shook his head with a tired sigh as a beep sound from the console made him turn his head away from the little teen girl and back to his task. He raised a brow as finally the towers had full power. All he had to do now was aim and fire.
The bunker rumbled as the towers moved and fired at the ship. He quickly left out onto the spaceport to witness it leave. A massive wave of dust came at him, covering his face. He coughed, waving away the dust as it subsided once the ship was out of the planet, his eyes narrowed, his mind racing with so many questions and he needed answers to them all.
****
Soft cries and murmurs were surrounding her. Emerald eyes scanned every civilian that came out of the bunker. All scared and lost. She approached each and everyone that came out of that bunker, asking if they were ok. Some were grateful and others just couldn't snap out of it.
“Captain!”
Jessica turned her head at hearing Amilia’s voice. Her heart pounded fiercely in her chest as she watched Amilia approached a man over six feet tall, hunched over the panel of the towers, muttering to himself. She inhaled deeply in relief, her worries melted away at seeing him safe. She smiled softly as she approached them.
Steel-Blue eyes looked up to find Amilia alright and in front of him. Amilia saluted at him and turned around, ready to introduce the people who saved her life but was interrupted as Jessica beat her to it.
“Excuse me but do you know which way the programmer went?” she asked as she stood near him with her hip cocked to the side and a hand on her hip.
His eyes landed on mischievous emerald eyes. Her small pink lips upturned into a sly smile.
“He went data way,” he responded with a smile of his own.
Jessica giggled and punched him in the arm.
“Ah, I see you two are acquainted?” Amilia asked with a raised brow.
Gustav nodded as he turned back to the console.
“I will leave you two alone to catch up then…” said Amilia as she looked between the two and walked away.
“Why don’t you answer your messages, girl…” demanded Gustav.
“Sorry. I forget about them…” Jessica replied. “And i'm not a girl,” she huffed as she crossed her arms.
“Why are you here? How are you here?” he asked as he looked at her. His expression now serious. His smile gone replaced by a frown. “Command never said they were sending another ship.”
“I came to ask for your help.”
Gustav raised a brow in confusion at that.
“We need a tech expert --” she began.
“We? Who is we?” he interjected.
Jessica hummed, “The Normandy needs a tech expert.”
Gustav’s mind raced as he remembered the faces aboard the Normandy SR1 the times he visited for missions. “The Normandy was destroyed…” he said softly, remembering the news and the panic he had that he thought he would have lost Jessica and Ashley in that horrible attack.
Jessica blinked rapidly as she remembered Bryant telling her to get out and help those she could to the pods. That he had Jeff and would be right behind her. She nodded slowly, “it is destroyed. The SR1 is destroyed…” she paused for a moment. “It was rebuilt. It’s now The Normandy SR2.”
Gustav shook his head, “The Normandy is a classified ship. No one, not even the Alliance, rebuilt it. Who would rebuild it?”
Jessica sighed softly, “Cerberus.”
Gustav’s eyes widen, “Cerberus? Are you telling me you are with Cerberus?!”
Jessica narrowed her eyes, “like hell I would willingly be with those fuckers. I am working for my own reasons. Bryant Leon Shepard. You remember him right?”
Gustav nodded as a tall man with sky blue eyes and golden hair, smile bright appeared in his mind. “He is dead… wasn't he?” now skeptical of what he was saying.
Jessica nodded looking down her face now in sorrow, “he was…” she whispered as her mind took her back to that fateful day.
She stared at the Normandy as the unknown ship decimated what was left of the SR1. Of what was left of her home. Her anxiety rising as her eyes scanned the empty void of space and the debris for the last pod that would be ejected from the cockpit.
“There!” said Kaidan beside her.
She looked and saw Jeff’s pod from a distance.
“Joker? Can you hear me?” she radioed in from her earpiece as her hand softly touched the device in her ear.
“Jess?...” came in his haunted voice.
Jessica paused as she heard his voice.
“Jess… I… I didn’t… I never…”
“You never what, Joker? Where is Bryant?”
“Jess… I failed… Lighting… forgive me…”
Jessica’s hand fell to her side as realization hit her hard. She sat on her seat, lost in thought as her mind tried to comprehend what had just happened. How it happened.
“Jess? What happened? What did he say?” came in Kaidan’s voice beside her.
“Bryant…” she looked at amber eyes in shock. “Bryant didn’t make it…”
“You lie!” came in Ashley’s voice in hurt surprise.
Jessica looked down at her hands, “I… I should have stayed… I should…”
Kaidan sat in his seat as their pod was dancing in the dark void. The occupants now in quiet shock as the realization hit them all. Their Commander went down with the ship.
Jessica swallowed hard. He was back. That’s what her eyes saw. But she didn’t know if that was really Bryant. For all she knew, he was a clone or… a cruel joke. A reminder that she failed to protect him.
“No matter what happens. Protect Bryant. He is… everything.”
She remembered her soft-spoken french voice. The way her ocean eyes started at her with great uncertainty. And then she was taken from her. She couldn’t save her best friend either. She failed. It was all just a cruel joke that life was playing with her.
‘Or a second chance…’ her mind tried to reason.
“He was dead. He was resurrected by Cerberus to investigate the Collectors,” she replied to Gustav’s question.
“Are you crazy?” he asked of her as he took a step back to gauge her face. “They hurt you! They did horrible experiments! They do horrible things!”
“I know, Gustav. But the Alliance isn't going to do anything. Colonies have been disappearing en mass. If Cerberus is willing to expel that many resources to bring back Bryant and rebuild The Normandy then we should use those resources to save those colonists!” she argued.
Gustav shook his head, “I cannot believe what i'm hearing. The Alliance saw the ship --”
“One ship! You really think they are going to listen? This is why I left the Alliance!” she snapped. “They won’t listen. And people are disappearing and suffering who knows what! Those defensive towers won't do much! It’s a fucking sham!”
Gustav looked passed her to the wall ahead of him. “They will do something. Our ship saw and witnessed what happened. I cannot just leave.”
Jessica shook her head in disapproval, “if you want to waste your time, banging your head at them, go for it. I came to ask for your help and to help these people,” she turned on her heel and began to walk away. “I hope they listen to you, Captain.” she emphasized his rank in annoyance as she left the bunker.
Gustav sighed as he turned back to the panel and downloaded all the data that the defense towers had and the blueprints for it. Maybe he could do something better for the next colony. He just knew he had to do something. But yet in his mind, Jessica was never wrong. He looked back to the exit she left through.
“I want my skycar…” he whispered to himself. “Not enough in the savings,” he responded to himself.
He sighed in annoyance.
****
“There. You will recover,” said Bryant as he finished patching up Amilia.
“Thanks,” she replied in gratitude. “Hey, can I ask you something?”
Bryant nodded as he placed the supplies back into the first aid kit.
“That woman and my Captain…” she began her question with a tilt of her head, now a bit uncertain if she should ask. “Do… Do they know each other?”
Bryant chucked. He had heard the sound in her voice before. Jealousy.
“Yes. They are very old friends. That is all I know,” he responded.
“Is she… an ex?” she leaned forward to see into his eyes for the answer.
Bryant turned his head to look at her and smiled, “don't know.” He shrugged, “you should ask them,” he advised as he stood up.
Amilia frowned and stood up as well. Her heart heavy in her chest at the mere thought that they were together. She had suspicions of Gustav being with someone. But he never talked about it. Or anything about his private life. Always to himself, away from everyone, isolated. Always seeking solitude.
Bryant only shook his head at her pensive look.
“Amilia! Are you alright?”
Bryant’s ears perked up at the familiar voice.
“Commander Alenko, sir!” saluted Amilia quickly as she was snapped out of her thoughts.
“At ease, Amilia. I'm glad you are ok,” his amber eyes scanned her quickly and then landed on golden hair and sky blue eyes. “Bryant…” he breathed.
“Kaidan. Commander now huh?” Bryant smirked.
Kaidan responded shocked as he approached him, “you were dead…”
Bryant sighed and nodded once, “I was…” he reassured. “I was resurrected…” he said softly with a shake of his head. “It’s… good to see you…” he smiled, changing the subject. His eyes began to water, seeing more familiar faces made him happy. He missed everyone he was familiar with. He was happy to find his family again.
Kaidan looked at Amilia, “get Gustav and both of you report back to the ship.”
“Aye, Aye,” Amilia saluted to Kaidan and then nodded at Bryant in gratitude.
Bryant return the nod and watched as she ran to the bunker.
“I… We mourned you… I… why didn’t you contact me?” Kaidan said angrily suddenly as he turned his head to stare at him. “I would have followed you!”
Bryant raised a brow at that, “follow me where? I was in a fucking medical table, Kai.”
Kaidan shook his head, “for two years… I…” he glared at him.
Bryant rolled his eyes. The moment now gone, “I was dead. Cerberus just spent two years --”
“Cerberus?!” Kaidan interjected. “Are you fucking nuts?!” he began to yell at Bryant.
“First, calm the fuck down. Second, no i'm not fucking nuts. It’s fucking truth,” Bryant argued back.
“Have you forgotten the horrible shit they have done? The things done to --”
“Don’t. Finish. That. Sentence. Alenko,” Bryant threatened. His biotics slightly ghosting on his armor as his anger started to rise.
Kaidan paused as he saw the anger in his eyes. He was suddenly reminded of his sister. Always angry. As if she knew of rage and hate only and nothing else.
“I know what Cerberus has done. You don't need to fucking remind me,” Bryant inhaled deeply as he tried to find some calm in his mind. “However, i'm not working for them. They brought me back and gave me a ship. I will take down our enemy using their resources. If no one else is going to do anything about the disappearing colonies then I will,” he finished clarifying.
Kaidan began to pace in front of him, shaking his head in denial of his justification to work with the enemy.
“I have to report back to the Alliance. I will tell them everything you have said. I know they won't sit on their asses and let our people out there without any defense to attack back,” Kaidan concluded as he turned on his heel.
“You don't have to go. You can help me, defeat them. Besides, Jessica left the Alliance because they wouldn’t listen and she is never wrong. They dismissed everything she said.”
Kaidan stopped walking and sighed looking at the ground, “I cannot believe what i'm hearing. You two working for the enemy…”
Bryant sighed in annoyance, “did you not hear what I said?”
“I will never work for or under Cerberus. My loyalties lie with the Alliance. I put my faith in them…” Kaidan began to walk away again. “Light would be disappointed in you both.”
With that, Bryant watched Kaidan disappear from sight. That was a hard pill to swallow.
“Light would be disappointed in you both.”
Bryant closed his eyes as he felt defeated. As if he had gone through an entire army all by himself. A tear fell, hitting the grass as his words echoed in his mind.
“Light would be disappointed in you both.”
‘Bryant…’
Bryant opened his eyes and looked up at the sound of her soft, silvery, french voice. She stood before him. Short white dress with a long fishtail and knee long black raven hair softly dancing with the wind. Light brown skin glowing softly with the sunset. Ocean eyes looking at him with calm. Kindness.
She approached him, looking up at him as she stood in front of him. Her hands cupping his face. Her ruby red lips upturned into a smile.
****
Gustav left the bunker, following Amilia out when he saw familiar golden hair in the distance. He blinked as he softly walked in his direction, stopping over the small hill. He watched as Bryant placed his hand on his own cheek and leaned into his own hand. His lips moving as if he was speaking to someone in front of him even though there was no one around or in front of him. The display made him feel a little sad.
“Gus?” came Amilia’s soft voice from behind him.
Gustav turned around to address her and then back to Bryant only to see that he had left the area.
“Coming…” he responded to her as he turned around and followed Amilia back to their kodak and onto their ship.
****
Garrus was waiting inside to the shuttle when Jessica appeared.
“So? Is he coming?”
Jessica huffed a bit angrily. “No. He couldn’t just leave. He believes the Alliance will believe what him and his ship witnessed.”
Garrus shook his head at that.
“How are the civilians?” asked Bryant softly as he entered the shuttle last.
“Traumatized but the Alliance will see to them,” responded Jessica as the shuttle closed its door and began to fly out of the colony.
Bryant nodded as he sat down and placed his face on his hands sighing in slight defeat.
“I saw Kaidan…” commented Jessica softly.
“Yeah… I just talked to him…”
“What did he say?”
Bryant leaned over, elbows on his thighs as his hands went through his hair and locked behind his head. “That Geai Bleu would be disappointed in us for working with Cerberus even after I explained that I wasn't working for them… I even asked him to come with me but he said he wouldn't betray the Alliance. He knows where his loyalties lie.” Bryant sighed, “guessing Gustav probably said the same?”
Jessica nodded, “pretty much… not in those words but, he can’t leave his post. He does have a point but… he thinks they will listen. Because his ship witnessed it.”
“At least it wasn’t for nothing. I am glad we were able to get those defense towers operational…” Bryant responded weakly.
“Yeah…” both Garrus and Jessica responded softly with a nod.
Jessica shook her head and mimicked Bryant’s position. Both pensive in the words Gustav and Kaidan had told them. Both a bit lost.
“We are here with them to save the colonists. If the Alliance won't do anything or The Council, then we use what we can. We are here for them,” Garrus reminded them.
Bryant and Jessica nodded. Both knowing that. Still, ties to Cerberus was going to hinder this mission. Cerberus was not to be trusted. In Jessica’s mind, she knew that. But part of her was relieved to have Bryant back.
“It’s still Cerberus behind his resurrection…’ her mind reminded her. ‘Imagine how he feels…’ her mind tried to reason. Jessica sat straight as she looked at Bryant. He was still downcast, eyes closed.
“Be real with me you two…” spoke up Bryant as he sat up straight and looked between Jessica and Garrus. “Do you trust me?”
Garrus stared at him for a moment trying to get his mind to focus on the question. Trust was a heavy word to just throw around. And they all had to work together to make sure The Collectors were defeated and the Reapers weren’t to come back. The trio knew that Cerberus was not to be trusted. Garrus trusted Jessica in all that was him and vice versa. But then it came to Bryant.
‘Was he trustworthy?’ he asked himself.
“I don’t know, Bryant. And that is the truth,” spoke up Jessica. “Cerberus brought you back but it’s still Cerberus. And with them… there are many unknowns. Even you have said it yourself, you don't even know if it’s actually you when you look in the mirror. Trust is not a commodity to just throw around. It’s earned.”
“I believe it’s you but even I have my own… doubts. As she said, it’s still Cerberus but I won’t abandon you or those colonists,” added in Garrus.
Bryant nodded. It was fair what they have said. If he, himself, couldn’t even answer that question, he really asked a stupid question to them. In the end it still was Cerberus. And he was brought back by them.
“Then I will have to earn your trust.”
Garrus and Jessica looked at each other and then back at him as he stood. The shuttle docking inside the cargo bay. Doors opening Bryant was the first to leave. Jessica and Garrus stood but didn’t leave the shuttle yet.
“I want to trust him…” she said her thought out loud.
“I know. I can see it.”
Jessica sighed as she left the shuttle, followed by Garrus. Both pensive in the entire situation.
****
Kaidan sighed, leaning on the desk to support him. He was so exhausted. The day wasn’t a good one and now that he had a moment to reflect, he felt that he might have said something a bit to hard.
‘I shouldn’t have said that…’ he berated himself. The door to the conference room opened, and walked in Gustav as his amber eyes looked up to see him.
Gustav saluted, “you called for me?”
“Yeah, Command wants us to go back to Arcturus Station to question us. Also evaluate what we witness was accurate.”
Gustav narrowed his eyes as he stood straight, hand going to his side, “what do you mean, go back to Arcturus Station? Almost the entire colony was taken!”
Kaidan sighed as he stood to full height, grabbing the datapad in front of him and turning to him. “I know, Gus. I was there. But orders are orders. It’s what they said to do. And we have to do them.”
“Did they at least tell the other ships out there and warned the other colonies about this attack?”
Kaidan shook his head, “they need to question us. And they don't want a mass panic.”
Gustav shook his head, “call Command and tell them to --”
“I already tried Gustav. I did all I could to make them see reason but they told me to return to the station. I have no choice but to turn this ship around and go there.”
Gustav couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “So… they are not going to do anything? Not even warn them…”
Kaidan shook his head, “they won't warn them until they know for certain.”
“Colonies have been disappearing en mass.” What Jessica had told him, echoed in his mind.
“Has the Alliance known about the disappearing colonies?” Gustav inquired as he glared at the floor.
Kaidan mused over his question. “Yes. They have heard the rumors. They have sent teams to check out the said rumors and found empty buildings but nothing else. They don’t want to create a mass panic over just rumors.”
“Colonies have been disappearing en mass.”
Gustav shook his head as he closed his eyes.
“Colonies have been disappearing en mass.”
“How many more lives must be taken before the Alliance mobilizes….” he whispered to himself as he did an about face and began to walk out of the conference room.
“Gus wait!” called out Kaidan as he ran after him.
“Once we dock, i'm leaving to the Citadel.”
“For what?” asked Kaidan as he caught up to him.
Gustav didn’t say anything else as he went into his room and left Kaidan at the door.
****
“Light would be disappointed in you both.”
Even if Celestine in his mind told him otherwise, he couldn’t help but feel that what Kaidan said was true. Some part of his mind just told him that she would be disappointed in him. He could’ve taken the ship and went to the Alliance and -- he shook his head. Even if he had gone to the Alliance, they still wouldn’t believe him and take the ship to take apart and see what was new about it without much care of what was happening. He was dead for two years and he started to wonder if the colonists were disappearing for two years. That idea horrified him. That the people he served under, the people his father gave everything to, would leave those colonists defenseless. He couldn’t even think straight by just the sheer volume of that thought alone. Those were too many souls gone and being taken to who knows where.
Bryant shook his head and left his cabin to go to the CIC.
“How long until we arrive at Korlus?” asked Bryant from the galaxy map.
“About thirty minutes or so. Might want to start suiting up,” answered Jeff from the cockpit’s PA system.
Bryant nodded and turned to Kelly, “can you tell Garrus and Miranda to join me in the cargo bay please.”
“Right away, Bryant.”
Bryant went back to his cabin and took out his armor. He sat down as he looked at his armor.
“Hmm… might need to --”
He took a marker that was on his nightstand and began to place small marking on parts of his armor to adjust later. He didn’t have time to make the changes at the moment but when he got back, he was sure to make it happen.
“Bryant. We are at the planet,” announced Jeff.
“Be down in a second,” he answered as he placed his armor on and with a final adjustment to his gauntlets, left the cabin. He met Miranda and Garrus already inside the shuttle, both of them looking anywhere but at each other.
Bryant sighed, “we have to work together. Please try to get along,” he advised as he took his seat next to Miranda for Garrus to have more space.
“I can get along, Bryant,” said Miranda as the shuttle took off. She crossed a leg over the other and crossed her arms, leaning back on her seat.
“So can I,” said Garrus softly as he still continued to look at the wall next to him.
Bryant shook his head, “Miranda. Is it possible to get another room?”
Miranda turned to look at him with a raised brow, “is something wrong with the cabin?”
“Ah… how do I explain…” he mused over his answer. “Nothing is wrong with the cabin but I just… I can’t be in it… it makes me feel… too alone…” he added softly at the end.
Miranda raised a brow but nodded nonetheless. “Very well. Any room you wish to have?”
Bryant shrugged, “I will take a look at the rooms again. I don't need it big. Small is fine. With room for myself. I just need a small room.”
Miranda tilted her head as her eyes looked at the dark ceiling in thought. “The only small room is the crew’s quarters and Life Support. However, it’s a bit airy in there.”
Bryant nodded, “I will take it.”
The kodak landed on the planet. Miranda was the first to leave once the doors opened, followed by Bryant and then Garrus last.
Bryant took out his shotgun from his back and got behind cover. He exhaled, getting his mind to stay focused on the mission.
“The dossier doesn’t say if Okeer is on this planet by choice,” Bryant began to explain as he turned his head to look at Miranda. “Assume hostiles.”
Miranda nodded.
“There is only one measure of success: kill or be killed! Perfection is your goal,” came a voice over loud speakers.
“Broadcasting orders over loudspeaker? Charming,” voiced Miranda.
‘Someone enjoys the sound of their voice,” added in Garrus as he followed Bryant.
“Who doesn’t like their own voice,” Bryant sighed and shook his head. Banter was easy to get into but he felt drained. He didn’t feel like himself. “Stay focused. We’re looking for a krogan warlord.”
“Right,” said Miranda and Garrus as they followed Bryant.
****
“And that is all that happened, sir.”
“I see…”
Gustav’s eyes scanned the four Admirals in front of him. They asked question after question. He hated being integrated. As if he did something wrong.
“Are you positive this is what happened, Captain Bertrand?”
“Do you doubt what I have seen, Admiral?”
Amber eyes looked back at him through her glasses. She scanned his face, gauging any reactions.
“In truth, yes. I am a bit doubtful. But yet all those colonists and those who served with you, also mentioned Cerberus. Is it a coincidence that Cerberus was there as was the attack?”
Gustav’s eyes narrowed, “Cerberus had nothing to do with it --”
“Do you have actual proof that Cerberus wasn’t involved?”
Gustav paused for a moment to dissect the question itself. Did he have proof? Would it even be enough to mention Jessica? Would that get her in trouble? He didn’t know. But she did say the truth. And this was just a waste of time.
“Colonies are disappearing en mass, Admiral. We should mobilize the fleet to help them!”
“I didn’t know you were giving orders now, Captain.” She placed her glasses down on the table and looked at him with a cold stare. “The truth of the matter is that you have no proof. And unless you can prove to me and us, here and now that Cerberus was not involved, we will not arouse a massive panic.”
“Admiral, please listen, Colonies --”
“That’s enough, Captain. You may leave the room.”
Gustav softly growled and muttered curses to himself as he got up from his chair and left the room.
“Gus!”
Gustav didn’t stop walking as he went straight for the human resources office.
“Gus, stop!”
A hand grasped his forearm making him turn around with a glare.
“What?” he softly growled.
“Are you really leaving? I need you aboard the ship, Gus--”
“There are plenty of people in engineering to help, Kaidan. I will not sit idly by and let more colonies disappear. If the Alliance isn’t going to help, then I will do something about it.”
Kaidan sighed letting his arm go. “Be careful.”
Gustav nodded, entering the office leaving Kaidan to contemplate the actions being taken by the Alliance.
****
“You gave me time, Bryant. If I knew why the Collectors wanted humans, I would tell you,” came Okeer’s voice as Bryant, Miranda and Garrus ran into the lab. He looked near the tank only to see Okeer dead.
Bryant sighed as he closed the scientist’s eyes, placing his shotgun behind his lower back. He stood and looked inside the tank.
“Why would someone so fanatical sacrifice himself for one krogan?” wondered Garrus.
“No telling what Okeer jammed into this thing’s head. Releasing it may not be wise,” advised Miranda.
Bryant sighed, “you are right Miranda. He is an unknown. I don’t know what will happen once he is out. I need time to analyze all possible scenarios. Take him aboard the ship for now and keep him in the tank. Lock that door.”
“Affirmative,” nodded Miranda.
Bryant placed his hand onto his earpiece and with a sigh gave the order for the krogan to come aboard. He looked back at the tank with narrowed eyes, “and he’s a big one.”
“Copy that,” said Jeff in his earpiece.
****
“What the hell was that Shepard?”
Emerald turned around to address her captain as she stood in front of her a few feet away.
“That was me making sure everyone got out alive.”
Ocean eyes narrowed. Rage filled her eyes.
“In this ship, you will do as I command, Shepard. Do I make myself clear? I will not lose a crew member to heroics.”
She huffed in annoyance, “I know what I am doing, Captain. And that was not me trying to be heroic. I was only --”
“You were almost left behind and possibly could have died by not listening to orders!”
“I had to make sure Liara got here safely! She is top prio--”
“Bullshit. I don’t want fucking heroics! That shit doesn’t impress me. That shit annoys me. Obey the orders given to you, Commander Shepard, are we clear?”
“And lose, Liara T’Soni? The woman who can tip the scales?” she questioned.
“What scales? She doesn’t even know why the geth were after her, nor does she know what the fuck we are looking for.”
Emerald eyes narrowed at that. “We still need a prothean expert and I am willing to do what it takes to get this mission done.”
She shook her head, “this is why you have two people with you on missions. If I want you to go alone, I would have said so. I'm not losing a brilliant woman to heroics.”
Jessica pursed her lips at that.
“I know you are beyond brilliant, Commander. I will take you over anyone. I know brilliance when I see it. Follow orders. Are we clear?”
She only nodded.
Soft pink lips smiled as she remembered their first almost argument as she scanned the entire ship for anymore bugs that Cerberus planted around. She sighed softly as she waited for her program to scan the ship. Her heart always remembered those she lost. A burden she carried alone. She closed her eyes and their faces appeared in the dark. Smiles of better times. She shook her head and looked at her omni tool again, nodding and satisfied that there were no more bugs to destroy.
As she turned off her omni tool, her ears perked up to the sound of voices inside the elevator. She drank the last of her coffee and placed the cup in the sink, quickly walking to the elevator.
“Don’t touch anything!”
“He is so real looking…”
“Just don’t touch anything. The Commander will get angry. He was specific on this.”
Jessica hummed and pressed the button for the elevator to return back to her floor. She entered the elevator once it appeared and went down a floor. She looked to her left, seeing two of the crew placing a huge tank inside the room on the far left. She went inside the first door to engineering and waited by the doors, leaning on the wall with her arms crossed as she heard the two crew members walking away and back to the elevator.
She left the engine room and went through the door, raised an eyebrow as she stared at the krogan in the tank.
“You are not authorized to be in this room, Jessica.” Announced EDI in the room.
“Why is he in the tank?” she asked as she neared the tank.
“It is advised you leave the tank alone, Jessica. Bryant was clear that no one should be in this room. And the Krogan stays inside of the tank. The Krogan is an unknown and Bryant needs time to analyze all scenarios to be prepared to deal with the Krogan.”
“Scenarios?” Jessica shook her head. “That could take forever, at the speed he gets things done. He shouldn’t stay there. I’m opening the tank EDI,” she declared as she went to the controls of the tank.
“You are not authorized--”
“Fuck authorization. We will deal with this now. He shouldn’t stay inside the tank,” she interjected EDI. “No one should be left to be caged.”
“Very well, Jessica. The controls are online. The switch -- and consequences -- are yours.”
Jessica shook her head and pressed the button on the panel for the tank to begin its process of draining the water inside. She took a step back, her emerald eyes observing the tank cautiously as it drained and the glass opened, the Krogan fell to it's knees, coughing up the water it was in. She took a step forward to help him but he was quick to look at her and slowly get up to full height. She paused, as the krogan blinked once, twice, his mind sparking words in his mind to create images as he looked at her. Instinct to survive kicked in for Jessica as the krogan ran to her, picked her up by her waist and tackling her to the crates nearby.
Her eyes closed, grunting softly as she took the small impact. She glared at the krogan. Bright blue eyes stared at her fierce emerald green as the krogan’s forearm on her neck held her against the crates.
“Human. Female,” the krogan analyzed. “Before you die, I need a name.”
“I’m Commander Jessica Shepard, that good enough?”
The krogan shook it's head, “not your name. Mine. I am trained, I know things, but the tank…” he paused. “Okeer couldn’t implant connection. His words are hollow,” he huffed at the end. “Warlord, legacy, grunt... Grunt,” he paused as he repeated the word in his mind. “Grunt, was among the last. It has no meaning. It’ll do,” he softly growled. “I am Grunt. If you are worthy of your command, prove your strength and try to destroy me.”
Jessica huffed, “why does everyone want to die all of a sudden?” she asked sarcastically. “Why do you want me to try and kill you?”
“Want?” questioned Grunt as he blinked twice. “I do what I am meant to-- fight and reveal the strongest. Nothing in the tank ever asked what I want,” Grunt shook his head and narrowed his eyes at her. “I feel nothing for Okeer’s clan or his enemies. That imprint failed. He has failed,” he smiled at her. It was a dangerous smile. One that should place fear within her.
She wanted to laugh. It was cute.
“Without a reason that’s mine, one fight is as good as any other. Might as well start with you,” he concluded with a smirk.
Jessica hummed softly, “tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Someone is a very bad krogan. I released you, you know. I could have left you in there. Caged. For a year. I mean, you won't stand a chance, let’s face it, i'm not just an ordinary human and you can see it.”
Grunt raised a brow.
“I may be tiny but I have been known to bring anyone to their knees. You really want to test your new found luck?”
Grunt chuckled, “luck?”
Jessica nodded, “Yep. Luck. I haven’t kicked your krogan ass yet. Count your lucky stars.”
In that moment the door swished open to Grunt’s room.
“Put her down. Now!” Demanded Bryant as his biotics ghosted on his skin. Two security guards plus Jacob were behind him with a shotgun pointed at the Krogan.
Grunt and Jessica both turned their eyes to meet with very angry sky blue eyes.
“I said, put her down,” Bryant said in a dangerous tone.
“And if I don’t?” taunted Grunt.
Bryant narrowed his eyes in response.
Jessica rolled her eyes, “I’m fine Bryant. We all are. Listen, Grunt, I may not command this ship, but you’ll have a purpose. Killing and war and battle isn't everything. There is more to living than war. I can help you find it.”
Grunt turned to look back at her.
“Nothing in the tank imprints indicated humans could be so forceful.” Grunt turned to look back at Bryant. “You command as thought you’ve earned it.”
“I have fucking earned it,” responded Bryant coldly. “I am giving you this damn chance to let her go.”
“Don’t fucking hurt him, Bryant,” interjected Jessica.
“Shut up. He wasn’t suppose to leave the fucking tank,” said Bryant as he looked at her now.
“Don’t tell me to shut up--”
“You are aboard my fucking ship. I make the fucking rules. I don’t have time to fucking babysit you. I have enough with the enemies that fucking threaten us--”
“Enemies?” interjected Grunt.
Both Jessica and Bryant looked at the krogan.
“Yes. Enemies. Enemies that have been a damn thorn at my side and reason why i'm back.”
Grunt thought for a moment and nodded, “That’s… acceptable. I’ll fight for you,” said Grunt as he looked at Jessica when he said that last part.
“I am glad you saw reason, Grunt,” said Jessica with a sly smile.
Grunt huffed and then heard something softly scratching on his armor. He looked down and let her go, smiling as he did so. He chuckled softly, “Ha! Offer one hand, but arm the other.” He nodded, “Wise, Jessica,” he looked back at the tank. “If I find a clan, if I find what I… I want, I will be honored to eventually put them against you.”
Jessica shook her head in amusement, “our enemies are already in hell, Grunt. They just don’t know it yet.”
Grunt chuckled.
“To the debriefing room, Shepard. Now,” commanded Bryant as the security guards, Jacob and himself turned around, leaving Grunt’s room.
Jessica glared at Bryant’s back as she began to walk away. She paused at the door and looked at Grunt’s back as he looked inside the tank. She hummed softly and left the room completely. Bryant already inside the CIC as she pressed the button to take her to the same floor. With quiet, quick strides she left the elevator once she reached the second floor and made her way into the debriefing room. She saw Jacob glance at her and shook his head. She rolled her eyes. It was disappointment that she saw in his eyes. She didn’t care.
As soon as the doors to the debriefing room opened, she felt it, in the air, the cold, tense atmosphere. Bryant was at the opposite end of the room. His biotics ghosting still on his skin. Sky blue eyes were no longer gentle but angry. Pissed. He was leaning on the wall behind him, arms crossed as he stared at her coldly.
She blinked and those sky blue eyes were replaced by midnight blue eyes. The same eyes that were always cold. Always angry.
‘They are so alike…’ She thought in her mind as she started at an unrecognizable Bryant.
“So, I gave orders to not open that tank,” Bryant began. “Do you want to explain why you went behind my back and disobeyed orders?”
Jessica gave him an equally cold stare, “no. I am not going to explain anything.”
Bryant nodded as he looked away from her. Agitation now showing, “you do know that I command this ship, yes?”
She rolled her eyes at that.
“I cannot have you aboard this ship, breaking my rules, Shepard.”
She wanted to laugh in that moment. Her last name. What a weird way the Shepard siblings addressed people they are angry with or don’t know.
“Bryant, I am not breaking the rules. However, this one rule was stupid.”
Bryant raised an eyebrow at her in question.
“Deal with everything that comes aboard this ship. We don’t have time to analyze things. Plus, he had nutrients that could last him a year. Then what? You were going to let him die?”
Bryant narrowed his eyes, “I never said I was keeping him there for a damn year. He was an unknown. I don’t know what the fuck Okeer planted within him--”
The doors behind Jessica opened. She looked back and rolled her eyes. Turning back around to stare at Bryant. Her emerald eyes looked at the ceiling, closing her eyes and praying for patience.
“Why did you let the Krogan out?” demanded Miranda as she came into the room.
Bryant shook his head, “I am handling this Lawson--”
“She had no reason to go into that room! That Krogan could have attacked everyone on this ship! He could have killed you!” Miranda emphasized with a glare to Jessica.
“He wouldn’t and didn’t kill me nor anyone aboard this ship. I won’t explain my actions. I let him go and everything is fine,” Jessica responded with calm and grace.
“That isn’t, nor wasn’t --” Bryant began but was cut off.
“If Celestine were here, you wouldn’t question her,” Jessica interjected.
Bryant’s heart froze at the name.
“She would have done the same. And I know you wouldn’t question her. So why question me?”
Miranda took a step back at the mention of her name.
“She isn’t here, Jessica…” spoke up Bryant softly. His anger now gone. Biotics now gone. His arms were to his side in defeat. “And even if she was, I would still --”
“Bullshit and you and I both know it.”
Bryant looked at Jessica with pained filled eyes.
“I released it. It didn’t go berserk. We need all the hands for this mission. Being scared, won’t solve anything. Grab your balls out of your purse and put them on. This is war, Bryant. Stop bullshitting around,” advised Jessica as she turned around and left the debriefing room with angry silent steps.
Both Miranda and Bryant looked at each other. Bryant sighed and gave a nod to Miranda.
“Back to your post, Miranda. I will announce when we have arrived at the Citadel.”
Miranda nodded and left the room. Her heels clicking on the floor as she walked away. Bryant slid down the wall he was leaning on, sitting down on the floor. His knees to his chest as he wrapped his arms around himself. He placed his head on his knees and exhaled softly.
“She would have done the same. And I know you wouldn’t question her. So why question me?”
That lingered in his mind.
“She would have done the same. And I know you wouldn’t question her. So why question me?”
Bryant shook his head softly as tears fell from his eyes. He closed his eyes, and there she was. Staring back at him.
“Bryant…”
He opened his eyes and looked up, to find her sitting on her legs looking at him with a soft smile.
“Don’t cry…”
She reached to his face. It was warm. A ghost of a touch. But it didn’t wipe his tears. But she didn’t care. She only smiled softly at him.
“She is right you know… if you had opened the tank, I wouldn't questioned it…”
She shook her head softly, “that isn’t true. You and I would be bickering.”
Bryant chuckled softly at that, “true…”
He sighed. He was tired. Since he woke up, he was tired. Empty. Cold. A part of him felt like it was missing. He looked back at warm midnight blue eyes. Her eyes, no longer stormy. But peaceful.
“Take your time to adjust, Bryant. Everything is going to be ok. You’ll see,” she said with a smile and closed her eyes.
Bryant shook his head softly as he reached for her cheek, “nothing is ok… you are not here…” he said softly as his hand landed on her face. He could swear he felt her soft skin under his fingers.
She leaned into his touch and opened her eyes, her smile still in place.
“Siempre estoy contigo, mi Cielo. Siempre. Nunca estás solo,” she said softly.
Bryant blinked twice, as she stood.
“Come on. You have a mission to finish,” She encouraged.
Bryant sighed but nodded as he got up. She started to walk away, he followed her until they reached the CIC. He turned to look at her and thank her but the words died in his throat. She was gone from his side. He sighed and shook his head. He had almost forgotten that she was only a fragment of his imagination.
****
Jessica left the elevator and went straight into the main battery. Garrus turned around to greet her but he felt the air change as she walked in and sat on their bed.
“Kitten…” Garrus whispered her nickname softly in worry as he left his console and sat on their bed beside her.
“You are not going to questioned me too, about the Krogan?” she asked sarcastically.
Garrus shook his head, “no.”
Jessica exhaled a breath softly, “well, at least that’s someone who trusts in my judgment.”
Garrus placed a hand on her back and softly began to rub her back.
“He did give orders though, Kitten.”
Jessica huffed, “Bryant needs to learn that there is no time to analyze things! We need all the help we can get. A krogan can very much tip the scales! He is a powerful ally. And there was no way I could be aboard this ship and know that, he was caged in! No…” Jessica shook her head. “No one should be left like that… no one.”
Garrus felt her tense under his touch. He embraced her, feeling her distress.
“It’s ok, Kitten. I understand and trust why you let him out. The good thing is that you didn’t get hurt. Everything is going to be ok. Give Bryant a moment. You know he will apologize once he has a moment to take everything in,” Garrus tried to soothe.
Jessica huffed, “if he will keep questioning my actions, we are going to have a problem…”
Garrus nodded, agreeing with that sentiment. But also, Garrus understood Bryant. He looked absolutely lost. As he was just wandering around aimlessly.
“Give it time, Kitten. That is all it is. He did come back from the dead and practically thrust back into the action. He hasn’t had time to even probably, let that thought sink in.”
Jessica sighed, closing her eyes, feeling guilt for causing Bryant trouble when he himself also seemed troubled.
“Take a nap, Kitten. Come on, try,” Garrus advised.
“I can’t…” she whispered.
Garrus got up, leaving her arms for a moment and took off his armor, leaving him only in his civilian clothing. He got on the bed and laid down, patting the space next to him. She hummed, taking off her boots and unzipping her catsuit to her chest and laid down next to him. She placed her face in the crook of his neck as he embraced her, keeping her flush to him. His fingers caressing her back. She sighed softly, feeling relaxed. He knew what to do to melt her worries away. She loved that about him.
“Garrus…” she whispered softly.
Garrus hummed in response.
“Could you sing to me?...”
Garrus chuckled. He wasn’t much of a singer but for her, he would try.
Jessica smiled as she felt his rumble of a chuckle in her ear. It prompt her to giggle softly.
“I hear you're feeling down,” he began to sing. “Well I can ease your pain. Get you on your feet again. Relax.”
Jessica giggled and snuggled into his neck as he sang a song of her favorite band. She sighed softly and closed her eyes as she took his voice, into her world of dreams.
****
He blinked several times as the noise of people around him flooded his ears. He stood to full height as he left the vehicle. Looking around, he began to walk. Bright lights catching his attention as he continued to look around. His stomach softly rumbling, he paused and touched his stomach.
“I'm hungry…” he whispered to himself and grabbed a small clear bag from inside his jacket pocket and took out a cookie. He happily bit into it and continued to walk around, watching people pass him by. Laughter, chatter all noise around him when suddenly he raised a brow and turned around. “I have been here… haven't I?” he asked himself as he turned back around. Now suddenly feeling lost.
‘For fuck sakes, use your omni tool!’ Jessica in his mind berated.
“Oh. Right,” he answered the voice in his head and turned on his omni tool and looked at the map, now knowing where to go to find Anderson’s office.
****
Bryant hummed as he went into his new room after having a small talk with Kelly. Kelly was nice and all but he really couldn’t talk to her like he could with Karen. He didn’t know if it was because she worked for Cerberus or if it was just her personality that was a bit too overly sweet. He chuckled to himself at that thought as he grabbed his armor and placed it on his table. Miranda making the arrangements for his things to be in the Life Support room. He felt much better. It was smaller and he actually didn’t feel alone and he had a nice window to look at the ship’s core. Something he really liked. It looked really cool.
He grabbed a few tools and began to work on his armor when the doors to his quarters opened. He didn’t look up as he continued working.
“Is this better?” asked Miranda as she sat on the chair in front of him.
“Much,” he responded as he made the adjustments on his cuffs of the armor.
“Something wrong with the armor?”
Bryant hummed as he placed the cuff on the table and looked at Miranda, “you are here for a reason. What’s up?”
Miranda raised an eyebrow at the casually put question. She sighed softly, her leg began to bounce softly as she thought of a question to ask. Or how to ask it.
Bryant observed her and her obvious discomfort.
“You seemed to take a great hit when my sister’s name was mentioned,” claimed Bryant as he grabbed his chest plate and began to work on it.
Miranda swallowed and nodded, “I want to know… what was she like…” she voiced softly.
Bryant shook his head and smiled, “for what purpose?” he asked as he looked at her again. He really had a hard time to keep eye contact with her. For the mere purpose that they looked alike. With slight differences but she was there. Right in front of him. It was odd to him. He turned back to his chest plate and mused over her request. “Geai Bleu --”
“What?” Miranda interjected confused.
“Geai Bleu, was her nickname. A nickname, my father and I used to call her since she was eleven. When I first met her,” he shook his head at the memories.
“Why?” inquired Miranda as she leaned into her chair crossing a leg over the other, to listen.
“Because she reminded us of a blue jay. Blue eyes, black hair, her bullines, her boldness… born in the stars, meant to fly free…”
Miranda hummed in response.
“Geai Bleu… was… an incredible woman. Brilliant. She was… cold, ruthless, merciless… deadly. You knew not to fuck with her when she walked passed you,” he began to describe her. “Ashley calls her ‘Honey Tongue’ for always getting out of situations without even raising hell. She enjoyed taunting her enemies. Provoking them. Placing fear in them. Men and woman see her and can’t resist her. She is tempting. Seductive,” he shook his head as he remembered the one guy who dared to touch her and he ended up with a broken arm. “But to all of us in the SR1 she was kind, loyal to the core. Protective. Honest. Fearless,” he looked at Miranda with a smile. “Jessica and Geai Bleu are the same in that. We used to call them Twins for that reason.... Well many other reasons, but they are vastly different when they are side by side,” he sighed as he placed his chest piece down, staring at the N7 logo. “Jessica and her were… an incredible team… Geai Bleu trusted her with her very person. Trusted her to make the calls and never once, questioned her after Feros… she trusted her judgment…” Bryant paused now feeling guilty. “I shouldn’t question her judgment…” he whispered.
Miranda shook her head, “you had every right to --”
“No Miranda,” he interjected as he looked at her with pained eyes. “Celestine, not once, after Feros, questioned her. After Virmire, she took command of the ship, while I was in complete and utter denial. I didn’t question her command. I was suppose to command as I was the second XO. But Celestine never asked me for strategies. I was happy being in the engine room. She always came to Jessica even before the Feros mission. Jessica took command while I was destroyed, and none of us questioned her judgment. I followed her. I was lost. And so was she but she did something I couldn’t and that was lead even with a broken heart...” he paused as the guilt hit him full force. “She was right that I wouldn’t question Celestine. I never questioned my sister. For anything, I never did. And I know for a fact that if she was here, Celestine would agree with her choice to let the Krogan out of the tank…”
Miranda stared at Bryant as he looked at his chest plate in complete guilt and shame.
“Bryant, it’s ok. You didn’t know how unstable the Krogan was. I agreed to it. I even said so…”
Bryant shook his head as he grabbed the next piece and began to make adjustments, “I have no reason to question, Jessica, Miranda. Jessica’s instincts are never wrong. When she speaks, there are not wasted words and best heed them,” he paused as he looked at Miranda. “Jessica Viorica Shepard is always one step ahead of everyone and never wrong.”
Miranda raised an eyebrow at that, “you make her sound almost invincible.”
Bryant chuckled at that and continued to work on his armor, “she is still human. But she has wisdom for a young woman.”
Miranda hummed, “sounds like you admire her a lot.”
Bryant smiled and nodded, “I do. Ever since I laid eyes on her,” he confessed. “Unlike many men, I shook her hand. I was so honored to meet her. I heard much about her work with the colonies. I showed respect. You can see her brilliance when you meet her but she carries this… mystery about her…” Bryant paused in his thought, his eyes staring at the tool in his hand.
Miranda giggled, “sounds like she has you entranced.”
Bryant smiled, “not going to lie. Jessica is gorgeous. But i'm not her type. The birb is,” he laughed. “I know when I don't have a chance with a woman. Especially when they have that spark of love. And I never get in between of love.”
Miranda smiled hearing his laugh.
“Bryant, we are docking at the Citadel,” announced Jeff through the PA system.
“On my way,” said Bryant as he finished his adjustments. “I will see Anderson. He wanted to see me. And I also have a few questions for him… I need to catch up on what is going on.”
Miranda nodded as she got up and began to leave the room.
“For the record, I don’t think you made the wrong choice to questioned her. It’s ok to re-familiarize yourself. You are human after all.”
Bryant paused in his work as she spoke.
“I brought you back exactly as you were, Bryant. This is really you. The way you handle situations, is exactly why I spent two years bringing you back,” and with that she left the room completely.
Bryant swallowed.
‘So… have I always questioned everyone?...’ he wondered.
He shook his head and sighed, placing on his armor. He touched his earpiece to connect to Jessica and Garrus’ earpieces.
“Hey, we are already at the Citadel. I am going to see Anderson.”
“We will be behind you,” responded Garrus softly.
Bryant sighed softly as he finished placing his armor on.
****
“I see…” said David as he exhaled, his brown eyes looking at the sky cars that passed by the presidium traffic. “So? What do you want me to exactly do, Gustav?” he asked as he turned around to look at him.
Gustav sat at the desk. Staring at the datapad in front of him. It detailed his leave of absence.
“I need you to contact, Bryant. I want to help,” he said softly as he continued to stare at the datapad.
David sighed softly and in that moment the doors opened.
“David,” nodded Bryant as he walked into the room.
“Bryant…” softly gasped David as his eyes stared at golden hair, 5’11 feet tall of a man with sky blue eyes very much alive in front of him.
“Councilor,” came Jessica’s voice behind him.
“Councilor,” greeted Garrus as he came behind Jessica.
“Bell…”
At the mention of her nickname she turned her to look at steel-blue eyes.
“Gus? What are you doing here?” she asked as she walked towards him.
“I came to… to help…” he said as he watched her sit on the table crossing a leg over the other.
“What changed your mind?” Bryant asked as he stood next to Anderson.
“The alliance isn’t mobilizing to save those colonists. I won't sit idly by and not do anything. However, I am not working for Cerberus…” Gustav made clear.
“Who said I was working for them?” asked Bryant a bit agitated.
“I didn’t say you were. I said I am not working for them,” responded Gustav annoyed already.
“None of us are working for those fuckers. Like hell I would work for them. We are using their resources. Yes, they brought me back to life and gave me the fucking ship, but i'm not taking orders from Cerberus,” elaborated Bryant as he narrowed his eyes at Gustav, already annoyed with his tone of voice. His voice, even as a guy, reminded him of his sister. Both having french accents. It was making his heart ache. He didn't want to hear him talk anymore.
Gustav shook his head, “I only want to help.”
“You are welcome to come aboard and help us,” interjected Jessica as she intertwined her fingers and placed them on her knee.
Bryant nodded at that, grateful for her voice.
Gustav nodded and grabbed his datapad, placing inside his duffle bag and closing it.
“Garrus and Jessica can take you back to the ship. Unless you have questions for David.”
Jessica shook her head as he got up from the table, “just came to see how… an old friend was doing these days.”
Anderson smiled at her, “I am doing fine, Jessica. And you?”
Jessica nodded, “I will be ok.”
Anderson chuckled and nodded at her, “keep safe.”
Jessica smiled and nodded, gesturing for Gustav to walk ahead of her. He rolled his eyes and looked at Anderson, nodding at him once.
“Thank you, Councilor.”
Anderson shook his head, “thank you for the update. I will do what I can to mobilize the Alliance. They have to listen.”
Gustav looked away and began to walk out the office with Garrus and Jessica following him out.
“You said you wanted to see me…” began to speak Bryant as he watched David go to three panels.
“Anderson,” greeted the Turian Councilor.
“This meeting would be more productive if Udina was to join us,” said the Asari Councilor and then her eyes met with Bryant.
“My advisor is unavailable. As Councilor, I represent the voice of humanity and the Alliance,” David began. “And Bryant is here as I said he would be.”
Bryant saluted to the Councilors.
“We’ve heard many rumors surrounding your unexpected return. Some of them are… unsettling,.” spoke up the Salarian Councilor.
Bryant sighed.
‘This is going to be one long ass day…’
****
“They didn’t listen, did they?”
Gustav kept looking forward, his steel-blue eyes scanning his environment as his mind was preoccupied with his own musings. At the sound of her soft British voice his musing cease for the moment and he turned his head to the side to stare at her only for a few seconds to register her face and then back in front of him.
“No. They didn’t,” he answered with a soft growl of annoyance.
Jessica shook her head. She knew they wouldn’t listen. She knew it was all futile effort to make the Alliance mobilize. She sighed softly. A heavy, familiar warm hand was placed on her shoulder. She looked up to find warm ice-blue eyes stare back at her. She smiled, rubbing his hand on her shoulder softly in appreciation for being there to soothe her worries.
The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. Gustav already feeling like eyes were following him. He hated that feeling. However, it seemed Jessica already knew that they were being followed as she turned her head to the tube advertisement. She shook her head and approached the tube.
“Please tell me your password,” said the shadowed figure that appeared so suddenly on the advertisement tube.
Jessica placed a hand on her cheek as the other folded across her abdomen, “silence is golden,” she answered bored.
"And duct tape is silver..." whispered Gustav prompting Garrus to cough to cover up for his laugh.
Jessica shook her head in amusement, dropping her hands, “only you would do these things, Kas.”
Kasumi hummed, nodding in greeting.
“You know me. Have to remain in the shadows.”
Jessica nodded, “yes, yes. Best thief in the business, not the most famous.”
“Well, who pissed in your coffee this morning?” Kasumi asked slightly amused as she cloaked and landed in front of her, decloaking, looking at her with a smirk.
Jessica shook her head and crossed her arms over her chest, “so. You want something.”
“Don't I always?” Kasumi winked and waved at Garrus and Gustav.
They in turn waved back.
“What do you need?” Jessica asked to get to the point.
Kasumi looked around and got close to Jessica, prompting her to walk with her.
“I need help obtaining a grey box. However, I don't have all the details. And I heard your Commander is alive,” she whispered as they continued to walk.
“And?” Jessica questioned to get her to say what she wanted to say.
“And I want to help. A favor for a favor.”
Jessica hummed in response as she continued to walk. Her mind slightly distracted but also alert as she came to stop at a familiar road ahead of her.
“I need to speak to Bryant,” said Jessica and turned to look at Kasumi. “I don't make those decisions. But once he is done with his meeting, I will tell him.”
“I can go wait in the ship,” sing-songed Kasumi.
Jessica turned back to the road in front of her and nodded, “that’s fine…” she paused in her musing as she watched Bryant turning and going down the road.
“Actually, let’s go. He is right there. I know where he is going,” she said as she quickly walked to catch up to him. Garrus, Gustav and Kasumi followed behind her.
They came to stop at a large home. It was beautiful and pristine white like everything else in the Presidium. Jessica’s eyes brimmed with tears that she blinked back, keeping her composure as she saw Bryant stand in front of the wooden door, key card in hand. She watched as he exhaled a breath and insert the keycard in the slot and the door opened. With hunched shoulders he walked in. She didn’t know why but she followed right behind him, entering the home. The smell of pumpkin spice invaded her senses, closing her eyes as memories of the SR1 danced in her mind.
Garrus sighed softly as he walked into the home, his gloved fingers touching the leather on the cream colored couch that greeted them as they both walked into the living room, the door closing behind him as Kasumi and Gustav stayed outside.
“What are you doing in here?”
The two of them looked up to find Bryant looking at them with curiosity.
“I'm sorry Bryant, I…” Jessica was the one who spoke up as she looked around.
Bryant sighed shaking his head, “don't be. This is your home too, remember?” he reminded her with a soft murmur as he walked to the tea table and picked up his family portrait.
Jessica looked down, closing her eyes as she saw Bryant’s tears stream down his face, softly landing on the frame.
It blurred the imagine in front of him. He touched the faces of his father and Celestine. How he missed them. He sniffed, sitting down on Celestine’s favorite red recliner chair, the picture still in his hand.
“I miss them…” he whispered brokenly as more tears streamed down his cheeks.
“I know…” said Jessica as she sat on the side of the chair and placed a hand on his back in comfort.
Bryant looked around the living room, hearing their laughter, remembering better times. He swore he could smell pastries since both his father and his sister loved to bake. He got up, Jessica letting him go as he placed the picture back on the table and left the living room, she followed suit as did Garrus, both knowing where he was going as he stared at a navy blue door. With a soft exhale he opened the door. The smell of roses and mint invaded their senses. It almost caused Bryant to fall to his knees as he walked into the room. Jessica had her arm wrapped with his to keep him upright as her chest tightened in pain. Garrus didn't even mind the gesture at all as the trio walked into the room.
Each one going to different areas in her room. Jessica softly opened a violin case and almost let tears fall as she touched the smooth surface, remembering when her Twin played for her. Even had a special song for her that she played. She closed her eyes, the music played in her ears clear as day.
Garrus went to the display case and saw the small crystal figurine that he gifted Celestine on her birthday. How she lit up in excitement at the small cute thing in her hand. He opened the case and took out the crystal, holding it in his hand.
Bryant sat at the end of her bed, staring at the last thing she painted. The bed shifted next to him.
“The eyes that always followed…” explained Bryant with a gesture to the watercolor portrait that was unfinished. “She drew those eyes a lot… never knew the person who it belonged to. Called them Steel-Blue Eyed Knight.”
Jessica hummed as Garrus placed the figurine back into the case and went to sit next to Jessica, staring at the painting.
“It’s so soft… she colored them with so much care…” examined Jessica as she tilted her head to the side. “I would say she painted this with… love…”
Bryant nodded, “she loved those eyes. She always dreamed of meeting those eyes in person. To the person it belonged to and… thank them.”
Jessica looked at Bryant, “for what?”
Bryant got up and touched the painting gently, “for rescuing her. And for… being a constant companion…” he whispered at the end.
“Think that person is alive?” asked Garrus.
Bryant shrugged, “if they are not, I hope she got to meet him… wherever she is… and if he is alive… I hope she is watching over him just as how he watched over her…”
“What do you mean?” inquired Garrus.
Bryant shook his head, “it's… a long story. But as I said, they always followed. A constant companion. The only thing that kept her sane when she was young. I thought it went away but it seems it didn't…” he explained as he looked at the date in pencil at the corner of the cavana. “She painted this the same day she became Spectre and our dad died…”
Jessica placed a hand to her lips as they began to quiver. She looked at Garrus with so much sadness, it was starting to break his very soul. He embraced her, petting her hair softly as she leaned into his embrace.
“These eyes… always brought her peace. Always guided her. Always showed her the way. She once told me, that if she ever met these eyes, she knew she would find her future as that is all she saw within them,” he paused as he tilted his head to the side. “A dream that would never come true. He was just a fantasy. An unreachable reality...”
Jessica smiled sadly as Garrus rubbed her back in comfort and purred softly. That was beautiful to hear but at the same time sad. And understandable as the person who saved her had their fate unknown.
“She was sixteen when she said that. I remember being so jealous. What person could hold so much power over her? I wondered. She was so entranced with these eyes,” he shook his head in amusement.
“Did you ever ask her again about this?” asked Jessica softly.
Bryant turned around and looked at her, “yeah. I did. She said she would hug them. Thank them. But nothing more. When I reminded her what she said all those years ago, she blushed scarlet. I think she still had that in mind,” he shrugged. “But I knew, that when she had that far away look, she was seeing those eyes. When she was on auto pilot, I knew she had those eyes in her mind. It was all in her mind. A fragment of her imagination but he was real to her.”
“He?” asked Garrus.
Bryant nodded, “yes. He. It was a boy who saved her. Who set her free. Or made sure she was free…” he sighed and looked up at the starry ceiling. “If I ever meet the holder of these eyes, I want to thank them. Thank them for making sure she was free. And tell them… what kind of person she was. I'm sure, that he would be happy to know, she got better. Had a life and… lived as best she could…”
Jessica sighed softly. She knew the upbringing Celestine and Bryant had. Celestine gave more detail than Bryant. She couldn’t believe the mother that they had. And the kindness Celestine spoke about her mother in the end.
“She wasn’t perfect but… she brought me into this world, Blue. She is the only mother I have…”
Those were her words. And she said it with so much pain and sadness but also with anger. She never asked Bryant about it. But the soft anger in his voice at the end of his sentence, made it clear that he was angry with his step-mother. Or, rather, ex step-mother now. Since she was widowed. And now engaged to his uncle.
His soft sigh brought her back to the present. She stood as did Garrus when Bryant left the painting and looked around the room.
“We should get going,” Bryant advised as he started to walk out of the room.
“Bryant. There is a friend… who wants to help but is asking for help in return,” detailed Jessica as she followed his out.
Bryant paused and nodded, not thinking twice about it as he turned around and looked at green eyes.
“It’s your friend, I will defer to your judgment.”
Jessica blinked, her brows knitted together in uncertainty.
“I was wrong to question your judgment. And you were absolutely right. Had Celestine done what you did, I wouldn’t question it. Jessica, Celestine never questioned you after Feros. Shit, even before that, the times you both argued was because of your lack of safety but she always came to you for everything. Your council. She heeded your advices. And I should do the same. I don't… trust Miranda nor Jacob,” he paused and looked down with a sigh. “Not yet anyway. And having you… I need someone I do trust. And I trust you. Even if you don't trust me.”
Jessica sighed softly and nodded, placing a hand on his shoulder.
“I'm sorry that I went against your orders. I should have… spoken to you first. Maybe I could have convinced you to release him.”
Bryant shook his head, “nah. You are a grown woman who knows what she is doing.”
Jessica smiled. She enjoyed hearing that from him. Even if she was young, he had so much respect for her and didn't see her as a child or even a piece of meat like many men. He saw her straight in the eyes and always spoke to her with respect.
“So I will let you be the judge of your friend. And any help is welcomed,” he finished with a smile and continued to walk down the hall and turned to a green door.
“Staying for the night?” she asked as she watched him.
“I think I will. I want… to be surrounded by something familiar… if that makes sense…”
Jessica nodded, understanding.
“Accommodate your friend and Gustav. And give Gustav the post of Chief Engineer.”
Jessica raised a brow at that.
“David recommend that I did that. And seeing as how you recommended him as well, then I want him at the front of that engine. Give him all access to the systems and anything he will need to get to work. You trust him. So I will too,” Bryant said with conviction as he entered his room.
Jessica fluttered her eyes in surprise and then looked at Garrus in shock. He shrugged but smiled, his mandibles fluttering softly. With a surprised smile and raised eyebrow she turned around, walking out of the home and saw Gustav looking at a small bush of white and red roses nearby while Kasumi was sitting on a bench nearby looking at people walking by. At the sound of the door closing behind Jessica and Garrus, both of them looked in their direction and approached them.
“So?” asked Kasumi as she stood in front of Jessica.
“You okay?” asked Gustav softly next to her. Her eyes were a bit puffy. As if she was doing a great effort to hold back tears.
“We accept the help, Kas and we will help you.”
Kasumi grinned, “it’ll be fun. And if we’re lucky, you won't even have to draw your gun.”
Jessica smiled and nodded, taking the lead for them all to go back to the ship.
“And yes, Gus. I'm fine,” she reassured him.
Gustav knew that she was hiding it. She wasn't someone who displayed her sadness in front of anyone. But he knew her well enough to see the signs.
****
“Welcome back Jessica and Garrus,” announced EDI.
“Hey EDI. Joker,” greeted Jessica as she walked into the ship after decontamination.
“Hey!” he greeted in return as he turned his chair around.
“Hey, Joker,” waved Garrus. “I will see you later, Kitten,” he whispered in Jessica’s ear.
She nodded and watched as he walked away.
“Gus?!” Jeff exclaimed surprised.
“Hey Joker,” he greeted as he came to stand next to Jessica.
“Ash isn't here, Gus,” Jeff smirked in amusement.
Jessica placed a hand on her lips and giggled as Gustav rolled his eyes and scolwed. He always came aboard the SR1 when he was in the Citadel and always came to see her and Ashley. Suddenly, a thought entered her mind and her eyes narrowed. Now that she thought about it, Celestine never met Gustav during his visits. She found that odd.
“Huh…”
Both men looked at her as she spoke.
“What’s wrong?” asked Jeff in worry now.
Jessica waved her hand dismissively, “nothing. Just musing things over in my head. Anyway, Gus is staying and I also brought a friend. Her name is Kasumi.”
Jeff looked around, wondering what other friend.
“Right here,” Kasumi called next to him.
Jeff turned around seeing her wave at him.
“Hey. People call me Joker,” he introduced himself.
“Kasumi Goto at your service, space man,” she smirked.
Jeff laughed, “nice one. Welcome aboard. Where is Bryant?” asked Jeff as he turned his head to look at Jessica.
Jessica looked down, “he… decided to stay at… his home…” she finished her sentence softly.
“His… oh…” Jeff leaned back in his chair now sad.
“I hope he will be ok. By the looks of your faces, it must be… sad…” observed Kasumi.
Jeff sighed, “he had a sister… who lived with him there. Being brought back to life and not having his sister alive… well… you can imagine the hurt he is right now.”
Kasumi did an O with her lips and now understood the sadness since Jessica served with the SR1.
“The Legendary Captain Celestine Claire Shepard,” said Kasumi as she stood from her chair.
“The Butcher of Torfan…” Gustav whispered softly.
“She is more than that…” Jessica interjected as her hands fisted.
“So much more…” Jeff added in as he too fisted his hands and turned around.
“Come with me,” Jessica ordered of them as she began to walk away.
They all went to the debriefing room and Jessica pressed a button on the small panel on the desk. It displayed the ship and the rooms.
“The top floor is the Captain’s quarters but it's unoccupied. Bryant didn’t want to use it. Then we have the Armory and Lab,” she began to explain as she pointed to the direction of the Armory and Lab. “and where we were just in is the CIC where the galaxy map is and where Joker is, that is the cockpit. Third floor is the mess hall, the main battery where Garrus and I sleep, the medical bay, the bathrooms and we have the Starboard Observatory, The Crew’s Quarters, Life Support being used by Bryant--”
“Why is the Commander of the ship not in the Captain’s quarters?” asked Kasumi confused.
“He didn’t want a big room so I moved his things to the most smallest room that was available. He said he felt too alone,” came in Miranda’s voice as she walked into the room.
Jessica rolled her eyes, closing them to gain patience.
“Who are they?” Miranda more demanded than asked.
“Gus, Kas, this is Miranda,” Jessica introduced as nicely as she could.
“Kasumi Goto,” nodded Kasumi.
“Captain Gustav Bertrand,” Gustav saluted.
“Miranda Lawson. XO of the Normandy and again, what are they doing here?”
“Isn't it obvious? To help,” Jessica explained now a bit annoyed. “And before you ask, Bryant is fine with this. And he won't be here for the night.”
“Where is he?” Miranda inquired with a raised eyebrows and arms crossed.
“At his home. He wanted to be surrounded by something familiar. As you can understand, being brought back from the dead is not an easy thing to comprehend,” Jessica explained sarcastically at the end.
Miranda looked up, shook her head and left the debriefing room.
“I can see you don't like her,” observed Kasumi.
“She is annoying. Anyway, Life Support, the Port Observation are all in the third floor. Fourth floor we have the engine room, Grunt is staying in the Port Cargo area, we have a Krogan aboard and the room across from him is the Starboard Cargo Area and then the fifth floor is the cargo bay with the shuttles. So, what rooms do you both want?” finished Jessica as she looked at both of them.
“I will take the Port Observation. I want a big window. And it has a bar!” squealed enthusiastically Kasumi.
“Lets pop open a wine bottle to celebrate your room then,” laughed Jessica.
“Deal!” laughed Kasumi.
“I want the room where the engine is,” said Gustav as he leaned back on the wall.
“Sure. Oh, which by the way, Bryant made you Chief Engineer and I am to give you all the access to all the systems and give you anything else you need,” Jessica explained with a proud smile.
Gustav raised an eyebrow, “he… he doesn’t even know me… and he trusts me… that quickly?”
Jessica nodded, her smile still in place, “Bryant isn’t a person who trusts easily that’s true BUT he has seen you at times aboard the SR1. You two didn't talk at all, I know but he trust me and my judgment. Besides, i'm the one who said to go and get you.”
Gustav nodded, understanding as he picked up his bag.
“Go to your rooms, settle in and then Gus, we will talk about the engine okay?”
“Okay,” he agreed as he walked out of the room.
“I should go make sure he won't get lost...” sighed Jessica as she quickly left the room with Kasumi cloaking and laughing behind her.
****
Bryant sighed as he went to his backyard. His eyes scanning the yard. He smiled, grateful that Anderson took the time to care for this house. The grass beautifully cut. The flowers and roses still in bloom. He walked across the grass, barefoot going to the gazebo where his piano lay.
He pressed a key, closing his eyes as the single note brought him a sense of calm. With a sad sigh he opened his eyes, sitting on the chair and placed his feet on the pedals. He placed a holo tape on top of the piano and pressed a button on the device. He smiled softly as there she stood.
Her knee long raven hair billowing softly from the wind. Her ruby red lips upturned into a smile. Her face calm and soft. Her ocean eyes at peace. The artificial light of the Citadel making her light brown skin glow. Her dress was a simple white dress, the top adorned with lace, held by a belt on her waist and the rest hugging her wide hips and flowing down, expanded around her.
He went back to his piano and closed his eyes, following his heart, he began to play the first note and then another until it created music that flooded the home.
“Te miro, respirars, y duermes callaaada y un ángel me ve sonreiiiir,” he began to sing softly. “El tiempo se acorta y presiento, que pronto te iraaaas,” he took a soft breath and looked at her as she smiled at him. “Despiertas, caminas y se hace un silencio que parte en pedazos mi feee. Tus ojos me anuncian de pronto, que aquí ya no estaaaas.”
He smiled at her and began to play in earnest.
“Vuela mujer pasajera, con alma viajera, te llevas mi seeeer…” he paused and sighed softly, closing his eyes. “Hay amores que sangran, que son de cristaaal tan fácil se pueden rompeeeer, amores que nada se puede atrapar…” he stop playing. Tears streaming down his face as he looked at her hologram. “... y debes dejarlos volaaar…” he sang softly.
He stood, watching her as she followed him. He wanted to touch her. But all his hand did was go through her. It broke his heart.
“Why did you leave me…” he whispered brokenly and watched the hologram unfold with many memories he placed inside the device. The many times she sang with him. Played with him. When their father used to sing and play with them too. Talked to them, gave them advice. Hugged them, laughed together, the many food fights and baking moments, all unfolded in front of him.
‘Bryant…’
He sniffed, closing his eyes as tears streamed down his cheeks.
‘I hate seeing you cry…’ She whispered sadly looking at him.
He chuckled followed by a sob. He shook his head.
“I feel so alone…” he whispered to her as he looked at her.
‘You are never alone. I am always with you.’
“No…” Bryant shook his head and looked at the sky. “I want you here. I want dad here. Right here with me…”
‘Principito!’
Bryant sighed sadly as he heard his voice next to him.
‘No estas solo. Animo, hijo. Andale.’ His father encouraged.
Bryant looked at them both, standing next to each other. His father’s hands on Celestine’s shoulders both staring at him with soft smiles, peaceful eyes.
“Hay amores que sangran, que son de cristal tan fácil se pueden rompeeer,” began to sing his father.
“Amores que nada los puede atrapar y debes dejarlos volaaaar,” sang Celestine softly.
Bryant sniffed and stood in front of them both.
“Hoy te dejo en libertaaad....” he finished the song.
He wished to hugged them but knew that he couldn't. He smiled. Feeling a little lighter after seeing them both in front of him. He closed his eyes and felt them hug him instead. He felt warm. Safe. He didn't dare open his eyes. He wanted to feel this moment forever. But it came to an end as the door to the backyard opened.
“Bryant?” came in Anderson’s voice.
He turned around and nodded, “yeah?”
“You alright?” Anderson asked as he approached Bryant.
“No,” Bryant whispered and then cried when Anderson hugged him.
“You shouldn’t have been alone, son,” Anderson whispered as he held him tight.
****
A knock interrupted his thoughts. He sighed and got up from his bed and went to open the door.
“Hey,” greeted Jessica. “Everything okay? Can I come in?” she asked.
Gustav nodded, moving out of the way and gesturing for her to come into his room. She walked in, hands in front of her as she looked around.
“Organized,” she smiled as she took a seat.
Gustav hummed and went to sit down on his bed, watching her.
“Everything is okay,” he answered her earlier question. He tilted his head to the side, “are you okay?”
Jessica sighed softly and looked down, “is it that obvious?” she asked sadly.
“Bell, you are talking to me. Of course it's obvious to me. I’ve known you since you were a kid,” he softly explained. “Still are,” he huffed.
Jessica glared at him, “I am not a kid. I'm fucking 24 turning 25.”
“You are to me,” Gustav continued and grabbed his duffle bag from the table, and took out a heavy object.
Jessica rolled her eyes at his comment and sighed, staring at him as he took out something from his bag. She blinked rapidly, doing a double take as he held the object in his hand.
“What are you working on?” she came to ask her Captain as she found her working late.
“My weapon,” Celestine responded and moved out of the way for Jessica to see.
“Oooohhh, this is awesome! It’s a sword!” she tried to pick it up but it was heavy.
“Careful. Its heavy. But it's more than a sword. It's called a Gunblade,” Celestine explained as she picked it up and Jessica watched mesmerized by the long blade changing into a sniper rifle. “I call it the Enkindler,” Celestine winked at her.
Jessica laughed.
“What? Is it that funny?” Celestine laughed with her.
Jessica couldn't speak as she doubled over in laughter, trying to tell a joke or something but it was too funny for her. After their laughter died down a bit Jessica broke into giggles.
“So what are you going to tell your enemies? Enkindle this?” she laughed out loud. Waving her hands mouthing sorry as she practically died in laughter.
“Spirits but that’s a good one, Blue!” Celestine laughed with her.
“Where did you get that?” Jessica inquired in curiosity as she got up from her chair and approached him.
Gustav coughed, “um… you know… somewhere…” he tried to hide the actual fact of where he got it.
Jessica narrowed her eyes at him.
“Where is it?!” she groaned in frustration as she looked all around the weapon’s area.
“What are you looking for?” Jessica asked Celestine as she came out of the elevator. According to Garrus, she was like a demon throwing things around, cursing like a sailor, trying to find something.
“My Gunblade! I KNOW I left the bloody thing right here! Merde!” she cursed.
Jessica coughed a laughed. Celestine cursing in french was funny every time.
“This isn't funny, Blue! I know I left it here! It was right here! Dammit it all to oblivion! Which asshole misplaced my weapon?!” Celestine demanded as everyone gathered around her.
“Madeline! You are here all the fucking time, where is my gunblade?”
Ashley placed her hands in surrender, “I don't know, Cele. Honest.”
“I want that blade fucking found!” she ordered of everyone. No one dared to disobey the order especially when she was very pissed off.
“Son of a bitch,” Jessica cursed. “Midnight had us looking everywhere for this weapon and it's now suddenly--” she paused as she remembered now the very last time she saw the weapon. Gustav was talking to Ashley. And then the next day it was gone. “I hate you,” she laughed.
Gustav raised an eyebrow.
“Celestine had us looking, top and bottom for this weapon. It was her project. Her baby. It's named the Enkindler. Made a joke about it,” she smiled as she touched the blade with a finger. It was still smooth and sharp. The light glinted beautifully on the weapon.
“Sorry… it was just… there and… um…” he stuttered, trying to find an explanation for why he took it.
“It caught your attention. It caught mine too. As a biotic vanguard, shotguns were boring for her. So she designed a weapon that could not only help her in close combat, but also from afar as she had infiltrator skills. Assassin skills.”
Gustav fluttered his eyes rapidly at that, “so this is also a rifle?” he asked as he tried to find a way to see the rifle part.
Jessica smiled, “it turns into a sniper rifle. But only she could make it change as it's coded to her biomatrix.”
Gustav groaned in slight annoyance. He wanted to see it change. Jessica giggled, enjoying his childlike behavior, all entertained with the weapon in his hand.
“Here,” she gestured for him to move and by the handle, there was a something she did and something clicked and both watched fascinated as the blade changed into a sniper rifle.
“It's a fucking Javelin!” Gustav said in awe as he held the rifle with two hands.
“Yep. She never misses,” she smiled softly as she went back to sit on the chair and continued to watch Gustav fascinated with the thing. She tilted her head to the side. “If she was still alive… you two would get along…” she whispered softly.
Gustav stopped looking at the rifle and then his eyes landed on Jessica as she looked down.
“Funny, I never met the Captain of the ship,” he voiced.
“Funny, I was thinking the same thing when we were talking with Joker.”
Gustav hummed and looked at the handle, finding what Jessica did and watched as the sniper transformed back into the blade. He grabbed a cloth nearby and began to clean it, making sure to keep it in good condition. Jessica watched the way he took care of it. And then he placed it on the wall, taking a step back, admiring the blade with his hands on his hips.
“And that has you sad still, doesn’t it?” Gustav inquired as he sat back down on his bed and looked at her.
Jessica sighed and leaned back, crossing a leg over the other.
“Seeing Bryant… being in this ship… makes me miss her… She was… my best friend. My other half. We called each other Twins. I frequently called her Midnight and she called me Blue. Midnight Blue…” she began to explain softly.
“Why Midnight Blue?” Gustav wondered with a raised eyebrow.
“Because we enjoyed the night. The stars. The night sky is midnight blue. I called her Midnight for her eyes. She had… ocean eyes. Color of the ocean depths. And she called me Blue due to my favorite color and well… when we were alone, she called me Bluebell. Blue for short,” she sighed as she remembered.
“I am… surprised you let someone call you like that…” he swallowed as he suddenly got nervous. He never dared called her by her middle name.
Jessica smiled, “I only allowed her to call me that during very private moments. Garrus sometimes calls me that too but only in private. Very rare though. Celestine was the only one who said it when we had those bonding moments. Where… she got to be herself and not the “Captain” facade that she had to show to the galaxy,” she looked around his room. “Being back here… even if it's a new ship… brings all of that back. And seeing Bryant…” she sighed.
“What’s wrong with Bryant?”
Jessica looked down, “I want to trust him. I want to believe that it's truly him staring at me in the face. But…” she got up and began to pace, crossing her arms across her chest. “He was brought back by Cerberus, Scout…”
Gustav smiled softly. Her nickname for him.
“Cerberus… there are so many unknowns and I… I don't know, Scout,” she placed her hands on her hips and looked up at the ceiling trying to find an answer in the pristine metal ceiling.
“Maybe this is a second chance, Bell…” he voiced what he had been thinking for quite sometime since he saw Bryant alive and in front of him. The disbelief but also the great relief mixed with uncertainty, was seen in her eyes. Heard in her soft sighs, the subtle glances.
“That’s… what I have been trying to figure out… if… if this is a second chance or just a cruel joke…” she closed her eyes, trying to contain her tears.
“Well, you won't know until you interact with him more. Until then, just do what you do. Observe him,” Gustav advised her as he stood and approached her.
Jessica turned around and nodded looking at him with a sad smile. Gustav sighed and hugged her. He hated seeing her so sad. So confused and lost.
“I'm here if you need anything,” he whispered to her as he closed his eyes, inhaled her sweet scent of coffee and chocolate from her hair.
“I know,” she whispered in return and hugged him back. He smelled of gun polish and the day after it rains. It brought her comfort that somethings never change. She could always count on Gustav for that.
“You should go rest,” he advised as he took a step back. “You can give me all the details of the engine tomorrow.”
Jessica nodded and smiled, turning around and began to go to the door.
“Thank you,” she said as she paused at the door.
“For what?”
She looked at him, “for being here.”
He nodded, smiling in return and watched as she left, the door closing behind her. He sighed tiredly and went to lay down on his bed. He didn’t like it much but it would have to do. Once his head hit the pillow he went to sleep.