ME: All the Things That I've Done Ch.24

Chapter 24 – Taking Out the Trash

Vido Santiago held a hand up to his people, halting them from doing anything. He sauntered to the middle of the empty space between his group and the two Spectres. Mira’s eyes narrowed, her gun never wavering its aim at the Blue Suns leader. He started to smile, which unnerved her. Kaidan chanced a look to Mira but she silently communicated to let her do the talking.

“Well, well, well, the woman who has caused me so much trouble and a lot of money these past few months. Tell me, do you still hang around that mongrel, Zaeed?”

“Maybe but then he isn’t your concern. I am.” Mira’s voice turned icy and dangerous, her body flickering with a dark blue corona.

“True, I am more concerned with you and getting compensation for the assets you have destroyed.”

“Oh, the assets your mercs had swindled from helpless colonists? Such as, murdering helpless civilians of a couple of mines or ransacking archaeological digs and all for what? Money?” Mira tilted her head a bit to the side.

“Tsk tsk, such harsh accusations. It is just business and I am only fulfilling my clients’ needs.”

“You need to find new clients then.” Mira’s voice dropped dangerously low. Kaidan’s body matched hers in hue, knowing the hard commander tone of her voice. “I really am getting tired of taking out the trash.”

The merc leader’s nose flared at the subtle insult Mira shot at him. His eyes narrowed, body bristling with contained anger. “You are in no place to threaten me, Shepard. Cerberus isn’t at your back anymore, protecting you.”

“I don’t need them protecting my back, Vido. My team can handle themselves quite well without them.”

The man paused at the serious tone in Mira’s voice as she said that. Even without the pro-human group, the mercenaries in the Terminus knew Shepard was a force to be reckoned with. Her team was also quite formidable, even for a bunch of misfits. The woman was a Spectre to boot and the law wouldn’t touch her. “And where are they now? It is quite dangerous to wander the back streets of Omega alone.”

“She’s not alone.” Kaidan broke in, his voice quiet and equally threatening as Mira’s.

Vido looked over to Kaidan for the first time since cornering Mira. “Who are you?” His face showed disdain for this unknown man.

“A fellow Spectre.” Kaidan answered simply.

The Blue Suns leader sniffed and waved his hand. “I never heard that the Council inducted another human Spectre.”

“It happened rather suddenly.” Kaidan gave the mercenary a feral grin that didn’t show any warmth or mirth. Mira was surprised to see this new ruthlessness in Kaidan, this tight cold control that she had honed her whole career exuded from the Sentinel. It intrigued her Mira had to admit. What else had changed since her long sleep?

“So, Vido, are we going to stand here in this alley and exchange pleasantries all night?” Mira snapped sarcastically. “I do have an appointment to get my nails done and I hate to be late.”

“I agree this conversation is getting tiring. As are you, my dear, for destroying my business.”

“Then come and get me, if you can.” Mira challenged, without any telling mnemonic gesture, a pushing wave burst from her toward the Blue Suns, knocking them back a couple dozen feet. Kaidan’s eyes opened a fraction in surprise, glancing at her. Nodding her head, she turned on the balls of her feet and ducked into an adjoining alley. Her eyes found a good defensible spot and she vaulted over the crates, crouching down to her heels. Kaidan joined her, knees bent enough to get adequate cover for him and able to cover Mira.

“I hope you have a plan, Mira.”

“Nope, I’m flying by the seat of my pants.” Mira turned to smile up at Kaidan, her face and eyes open and warm. He couldn’t help but smile back, shaking his head slightly.

“Somehow, that doesn’t surprise me.”

Before she could comment, the first pair of Blue Suns tentatively entered the alley, only to meet a warp field and overload of their weapons. While they fumbled around for a weapon to use, Mira and Kaidan lined up their shots, each of them taking one of the mercenaries, felling them at the mouth of the alley. Another pair of mercs rushed the entrance, rifles blazing bright streaks toward them and ricocheting off the walls. Mira hand motioned to Kaidan that she was going to lift the two closest and he was to take his shots. He nodded and waited as Mira’s body flared and hand rose up, fingers closing in a fist as the first two mercenaries of the group inched closer to them. They yelled, startled, losing their footing, and flailing in the air. Mira set her jaw, holding them up as Kaidan raised his pistol and shot one then swung the pistol to the other and shot the second mercenary.

She let out a burst of air as the pressure was released. No more Blue Suns came into the alley but camped at the opening, pinning down the pair from moving out from their cover. Kaidan released another steaming thermal clip and slapped a new one in, giving a small frown. “I have three more clips. I wasn’t expecting to get into a pissing match with the Blue Suns, Shepard.”

“Neither was I. Damn, where is Zaeed when you need him? He would be all over Vido like a flea on a dog.” Mira curled around the edge of the crate and fired another burst, grunting as she got another twitching Blue Sun.

“I’m surprised there is no security coming to the party.” Kaidan commented.

“On Omega?” Mira snorted. “The gangs are the security, dear. When there is a shootout with a big merc group like Blue Suns, they tend to scatter to the dark holes and wait until there is no more gunfire.”

Kaidan slammed back against the crate and looked to Mira. “So, how do we get out of this with our hide intact?”

“Pray?” Mira shrugged, giving him a small smile.

The Sentinel snorted softly, “Still the same old Shepard. Can’t be serious in the middle of a firefight.”

“You are right there with me, Kaidan, every step of the way.” Mira laughed.

“You corrupted me.” Kaidan chuckled. He sighed then, realizing how much he had missed this, being in the thick of a battle with Mira, throwing barbs back and forth.

“SHEPARD!” A voice roared over the gunfire and from behind their attackers. Then the sound of a frag grenade echoed back to them.

Mira grinned, “The cavalry has arrived.”

The crack of a sniper shot followed shortly afterwards, giving Mira hope. Even Kaidan couldn’t mistake Garrus’ sniper rifle and smiled. They turned back to the fight and let loose, biotics flaring along with gunshots. Mira dodged out of the cover and stormed out of the alley to the scarred visage of Zaeed, just as the last of Vido’s henchmen fell dead at the Blue Suns leader’s feet. He started to make a run for it but Mira’s biotics picked him up, while Kaidan wrapped a stasis barrier around Vido.

“Ah, you wrapped up a present for me.” Zaeed’s cockney accent rumbled out roughly, half of his mouth grinning.

“Well, we had to break his toys first.” Mira laughed.

“Cheeky woman.” He nodded to Kaidan, remembering the man from Horizon. “Good to see you again, Commander. Thank you for keeping this stubborn woman’s head on her body.”

“Heh, it’s a chore at times to keep it that way.” Kaidan quipped, giving Mira a little wink.

“Ha! True enough!” Zaeed laughed. He stalked over to the imprisoned mercenary. “Well, well, well, bit off more than you can chew, eh, Vido?”

“Did you think I could let that bitch destroy everything I built?”

“Everything you built?” Zaeed growled. “You mean everything that I BUILT, you lying piece of shit! I helped Shepard destroy those bases and mines.”

Vido’s eyes glittered in fury at the former Blue Sun leader’s confession. “You son-of-a-bitch!”

“How do you think she found those rat holes?” Zaeed stalked around the held man. “This is my turn to do payback. However, you aren’t worth my time.”

“WHAT?” Vido snarled.

“What do you want to do with him?” Mira asked Zaeed.

“Oh, I think there are some who would enjoy a nice visit from him.” A feral glint lighted in the scarred man’s face. “I do believe there was still a sizable bounty by Eclipse that has yet to be collected. It would be enough to retire on.”

Vido’s eyes widened and he started to stammer. “Look…Zaeed…I could give you back the Blue Suns. I’ll just leave with my shares and you can have your old group.”

“Pfft, why would I want that bunch of whiners? They are barely worth the time and investment to train them properly.”

“Why not just hand him over to Aria?” Mira suggested.

“Hmm, there is a thought. This is her town and you have made quite a bit of trouble for her. She would pay handsomely too.” Zaeed tapped his mouth.

The mercenary leader paled more at the mention of the Asari crime-lord’s name. Kaidan kept quiet, watching the routine between Mira and Zaeed. She was still the commander but she actually wasn’t that stiff or stand offish anymore, relaxing more into the role and wearing her power easily. Kaidan was impressed that Mira had finally grown into the role, accepting what she is and letting others know. Since her revival, resurrection, whatever you wanted to call it, Mira had found a new level of control and power. He had to admit; he was fascinated and turned on. Kaidan’s heart squeezed hard in his chest with want for the woman he had missed for two years. He could believe that Mira told Cerberus to fuck off.

“You said you wanted retirement, Zaeed?” Kaidan spoke. “The Council could give you that, along with a new identity, so old…friends wouldn’t come calling. Mr. Santiago has quite the warrant list with the Council, too.”

“Well, there are three options.” Zaeed grinned widely, like a cat that ate the canary. He propped his rifle on his shoulder and got into Vido’s face. “Now, it depends on how merciful I feel.”

“Zaeed…” Vido swallowed, “Do not give me to Aria. She would kill me before I stepped in her presence.”

“So would the Eclipse.” Zaeed nodded.

“Then I think the Council would be a good choice.” Mira agreed with Kaidan’s choice. “We can transport him to the Citadel once the repairs are done. And well, hope I can get a cut of the reward so more work can be done on the Normandy.”

“It’s a good plan, Shepard.” Kaidan nodded. “Besides, I think Anderson would like to know you are alive and well, and reported in on your status once in a while.”

Their charge was safely locked up in one of the storage bays, Grunt keeping an eye on him. Zaeed scolded Mira for going off alone on Omega, fatherly concern showing in his voice. He muttered when he finished and cursed stubborn women as he stomped down the corridor. Mira sat back against one of the crates in the cargo bay and rubbed at her eyes, her vision slightly blurry from overuse of biotics. She had more power now and better control, but it took more out of her than the old L3 implants. Raising her face, she noticed Kaidan watching her. “What?”

“You’ve changed.” Kaidan said, though not angry or disappointed to find out the woman he loved had changed. He had too.

“So have you, Kaidan.” Mira shot back, a smile quirking the corner of her mouth.

Kaidan frowned at the gray and black uniform Mira wore but took heart that the faint outline of a Cerberus patch had been ripped off the shoulder. “I’m happy you came back from the relay but what a suicidal plan, Mira!” Concern and disapproval laced his warm voice, as Kaidan folded his arms across his chest.

“And going after Saren was no less suicidal?” Mira quirked an eyebrow up, and spoke calmly. She thanked Samara for teaching her those calming meditations.

His mouth opened to retort and then snapped shut. “God, Mira, why didn’t you tell anyone what you were going to do? You were off the grid for two weeks!”

“Who was going to listen or believe me?” Mira did snap, straightening herself up off the crate. “Since waking up, Kaidan, I have been slandered, abandoned, and kicked while I was down. Then I find myself trapped in a situation that played on my morals and duty to help those less fortunate, because I’m a fucking hero, an Alliance officer, and a Spectre. Oh, let’s throw in an N7, while I’m at it. Cerberus used that to do a job that no one else was doing! What the fuck was going on for two years?”

Kaidan blinked at the flash of anger from Mira, not expecting it and never having truly seen her temper, he didn’t know how to deal with it. “Doing what we could behind the Council’s and Alliance’s back.” Kaidan ground his teeth. “Hackett and Anderson kept up the fight and worked behind the scenes. In fact, Anderson and I got hold of some paperwork regarding the Lazarus Project before we knew you were alive!” His voice rose in response, his own temper flaring. God, the woman exasperated him with her taking on the whole galaxy and not letting anyone to help! “Damn it, Mira, we tried to do what we could!”

“Still thousands of our people were taken! You know we suspected something like this was happening before…before…” Mira choked, tears falling down her cheeks as the memory of the Normandy SR1 being torn apart flashed before her eyes. She angrily wiped at the tears then felt Kaidan’s hands wrap them in his. The anger he showed was gone, replaced with a deep sorrow and pain. “I still clearly see that bear lying in the road, the smoke…I relive the Normandy’s destruction every night, Kaidan! For you, it was over two years ago but for me? It’s been weeks!”

“Mira…” Kaidan said roughly.

“Then I wake up in a Cerberus lab, surrounded by the enemy that murdered Kohuku and those Marines on Akuze! I had no way to reach anyone! Thankfully Joker was there, and Chakwas. You can’t understand what it is like to have your world turned upside down!” Mira cried out in anguish, letting all the pent up anger and grief out.

“I do understand.” Kaidan responded quietly. “My world turned upside down when you didn’t come back with Joker in the escape pod. Did Joker tell you what happened afterwards on Alchera?”

“N…no.” Mira’s eyes were that stormy grey that indicated great turmoil going on in her. Kaidan brought her hands to his lips and kissed the knuckles, resting his forehead on them briefly, happy to have his dream woman alive and in the flesh before him.

He took in a shaky breath and raised his eyes to hers, “I broke inside, Mira. I was so hurt and so angry, I blamed Joker for not saving you. I hit him, slammed his body against the pod, breaking several of his bones.”

“Oh, god, Kaidan…”

“I didn’t want to live as the one thing that was worth living for was taken away by a cruel twist of fate.” Kaidan’s mouth twisted in a bitter smile. “When we got back to the Citadel on the Hastings, Anderson and Hackett tried to have me put on medical leave. The migraines came with blinding force every day and I found that I could drink myself to numbness so to not feel the pain. But I wanted to work, so I wouldn’t think about you and what happened.”

“Joker mentioned you two had drifted apart.”

Kaidan laughed that bitter and ironic laugh again, “That is being kind. We hated each other for a while. We both withdrew and did our fair share of drinking. He would be tossed out of the bars, I would sit in the dark in my apartment. Anderson and Hackett wouldn’t tell me what assignment I had to do, so I would stay holed up there for days. God, Mira, I felt your touch every night for months! I heard your laugh and soft whispers around every corner. I thought for sure I was finally going crazy because of the L2! I couldn’t let you go, even when it was the year mark of the Normandy’s destruction and Joker bitched at me for not showing any public emotion toward your death. I…punched him in the mouth, not sorry for doing it at the time but later I did, after I sobered up.” Kaidan paused, his eyes bright with held back tears. “So, yeah, I know, I understand, Mir. Don’t ever think again that you are alone with this pain.”

He rested his forehead against hers; the simple closeness with Mira was a soothing balm to a wounded heart. Mira slipped a hand out of his and behind his neck, caressing her fingers through the hair. Kaidan missed those little gestures so much it made his heart ache. “Come on, I’ll buy you some coffee and a donut.”

His dark gaze looked into Mira’s blue-gray, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “You actually have donuts?”

“I keep my mess chef happy.” Mira smiled. “He then gives us some special treats. Today, it’s donuts.”

Mira made to pull away but Kaidan stopped her, wrapping an arm around her waist. Leaning down, he tentatively kissed her, still needing to feel that Mira was real and in his arms. When her lips pressed back, Kaidan gave a small moan and pulled her in deeper, their mouths opening to each other. Their bodies flared blue and melded together, adding a deep thrumming through them. Needing to catch their breath, Mira and Kaidan parted their lips, though Kaidan nudged and nuzzled at Mira’s cheek. “I’ve missed you, Mir.”

“Same here, Kai.”

--/*\--

Joker sat in the cockpit and watched the conversation. He felt a pang of jealousy run through him when they kissed, his hand curling on the armrest of his chair. Still, hearing what Kaidan told Shepard, made his own hurt and anger at the man lessen. They were once friends and Kaidan was genuinely sorry for what he did to Joker. Shit, Joker would have done the same if the situation were reversed. Sighing deeply, he shut off the feed and decided to get out of the pilot’s chair and head down to the mess. It was going to be difficult, but Joker felt he owed Kaidan a huge apology.

But how was he going to go about it? Joker didn’t apologize to people who pissed him off. The only one that he ever said sorry to was Shepard. Then there was the fact that the last time he crossed paths with Kaidan was at the Flux on the one-year anniversary of Shepard’s death. He was an ass, Joker knew it, and he egged Kaidan on to where he got that punch in the mouth and deservedly so.

The door to the elevator opened up on the crew deck and Joker slowly walked out. Peeking around the corner, he saw Shepard and Kaidan over by Gardner, accepting their coffee and deciding over cinnamon donuts or glazed. Damn, what was he going to say?

He hobbled slowly over and nodded to Gardner to get him a cup of coffee. Shepard looked over and smiled at the pilot. Joker’s insides melted at her smile and he nearly lost his nerve to confront the darkly handsome Commander standing next to her, eyeing him with unreadable eyes. Kaidan had changed, Joker noted. The hair was still neat but not perfect anymore, and the five-o’clock shadow stood prominently on his face, lending the man a rakish air. Nevertheless, the guy exuded confidence and power, which made Joker’s tongue stick to the roof of his mouth.

“Commander,” Joker nodded to Shepard and then turned to Kaidan. “It’s Commander now, right?”

“Yup.” Kaidan answered.

“Congrats.” Joker shuffled a little and took his coffee, standing there with the couple feeling like the odd man out. “Look, Alenko…couldn’t help to overhear what you were saying to Shepard…”

“Still snooping in on conversations, I see.” Kaidan’s mouth twitched.

“I may be more mobile now but I still need my entertainment in the cockpit.” Joker said snarkily.

“Was it entertaining then?” Kaidan’s dark eyes hardened at Joker.

“Uh…what I’m trying to say…what you said and all…um, look, this isn’t easy!” Joker said in exasperation. “I’m sorry, man. Sorry for being such an ass towards you and doubting that you didn’t care about Shepard.”

Kaidan blinked at the pilot, shocked by what he had said. Joker ducked his head and took a large gulp of hot coffee, nearly choking as it burned its way down his throat. When he felt Kaidan’s hand on  his shoulder, Joker wanted to shrug it off but Kaidan’s grip tightened and made him look up.

“Apology accepted, Jeff. I’m sorry too, for what I’ve done. I realize that we both love Shepard and were hurting.”

“If she didn’t have to get me…” Joker looked over to Shepard, who smiled gently at him.

“Jeff,” Shepard broke into the men’s conversation. “it was my job to get my crew off the ship. Fate just happened to throw a wrench in things. Don’t blame yourself anymore for my death. After all, I came back, better and badder than ever.” Her mouth quirked into a grin that made Kaidan sigh and roll his eyes, and Joker grin back.

“Come on, Joker, grab a donut, and let’s talk.” Kaidan prodded him.

Joker’s head spun from the surrealism of the moment and nodded dumbly. He snatched a glazed donut and joined Shepard and Kaidan at the table. The trio tentatively started talking about what happened with them over the past few months. Kaidan revealed more of what he had been up to for a year, which made him and Shepard gasp a bit. Joker grinned evilly at Hackett’s machinations, liking the admiral even more.

--/*\--

Listening to Kaidan tell of his N-training made Mira remember her own back at the Academy. It wasn’t an easy program and that Kaidan had made it through with flying colors and gained the seventh rank, made her grin. Though, why Kaidan was out here in the Terminus, still puzzled her and he didn’t go into detail regarding that. Joker was smiling and fell back into the friendly banter with Kaidan again, like they had never been estranged.

Joker was called back to the cockpit, leaving Kaidan and Shepard alone again. “So, Staff Commander Alenko, want to tell me why you are here?”

Kaidan’s eyes snapped at her, “To the point, eh, Shepard? I’d rather not discuss it here.”

“Then let’s go to my office.” Mira drained the last of her coffee and stood up. She walked toward the elevator, not waiting for Kaidan to catch up. She knew he would be right there behind her. When they stepped inside, Mira leaned back against the wall.

She didn’t invite any conversation and Kaidan didn’t initiate any. They stood in silence, the little bit of distance between them was strained now with the sudden shift to business. The elevator opened up to the small landing area of her quarters. Mira pressed the button to the doors and walked in. She watched Kaidan as he entered, his eyes roaming around her quarters, taking in the fish tank, ship models, his eyes lingering a little on her bed. She stood at her desk and waited.

As he stepped up to her, the motion set off the picture frame on her desk, revealing his picture. His mouth twitched. “Not one of my best photos.”

“It was all that could be found.” Mira gave a small smile. She had to tilt her head up to look at Kaidan, her heart quickening as she inhaled his spicy scent. She had to remain focused, despite wanting to run her hands under his shirt and across his skin. “Why are you here, Kaidan?”

He looked down at her, the serious set to his mouth signaling her that she wasn’t going to like what he had to say. However, Mira was prepared. “Anderson wants a sitrep but I think now, you can give that in person since we are going to the Citadel to turn over Santiago. However, there was something else he mentioned which I can’t grasp. He told me to tell you that the wolves are nipping at your heels?”

Mira’s soft intake of breath made Kaidan stare intently at her. “This confirms what I have found out through some special sources. Alliance IA is gaining ground.”

“Hackett had said they are pursuing a case after you and he is doing everything he can to put them off. He’s watching out for you, for me too.”

“Why?”

“IA is starting to question my time on the Normandy and my relationship with you.”

“Oh, shit.” Mira hissed. “I don’t need this when a greater threat is out there!” Mira turned her face away but Kaidan put his hand under her chin and turned it back to look into her eyes.

“That is why I’m here, to get away from IA’s agents and to help you.”

“But being here is just going to put you in the thick of things! I have no doubt Cerberus will start hunting us down because well, I stole the Normandy.”

“Not to mention the investment they put into bringing you back, Mira. You know once you step back into Alliance space, you will be escorted to the nearest brig.”

“They don’t have any charges!” Mira cried softly.

“They believe treason and fraternizing with the enemy is enough to warrant capture.” Kaidan’s thumb smoothed away the downward turn of her mouth. “They can charge Joker and Chakwas for desertion.”

“Damn. I don’t need this shit.”

“What is your next move after destroying the Collectors base?”

“I…don’t know. We got some pieces of intelligence about the reaper Harbinger, the one that was communicating with Saren, and that we should expect them soon. There is no definite timetable and no way to know where and how they are going to get here from dark space. Liara is looking into everything possible to find some little piece of the puzzle.”

“Liara?” Kaidan’s eyes hardened.

“She’s an information broker now, Kaidan.”

“That doesn’t make me trust her more. Look, first, talk with Anderson, get the Normandy’s repairs done, and we will take it from there.”

“Are you inviting yourself along, Commander Alenko?” Mira’s lips curved upward.

“That is Spectre to you and yes, I’m coming with you.” Kaidan answered her smile with an intense look.

“My, we have become the demanding and commanding one.” Mira teased lightly.

He leaned closer to her mouth, his lips nearly brushing hers. “Well, I am your superior officer, Lieutenant Commander.” Kaidan gently teased at Mira’s lips, having her lean into the kiss more, aching for more of his touch after being apart for so long. He paused for a moment, his breath hot across Mira’s mouth. “Not that I will hold that against you, Shepard.”

Mira’s body trembled with intense emotion, her hand sliding up Kaidan’s arm and shoulder, caressing at the exposed skin above his uniform collar and across his jaw. “This is my ship, Alenko, and thus the commanding officer.” Her voice told him, thick with held want for the man before her.

“I wouldn’t dare question your orders on your ship, ma’am.” Kaidan’s voice was raspy and low, sending shivers down Mira’s body. His hand slid along her jaw and took a hold in her hair at the neck. Kaidan captured Mira’s mouth, exploring, loving and possessive. He claimed the woman he longed and grieved for so long.

As much as she wanted Kaidan’s mouth on her, to taste it endlessly and have it sear over her skin, Mira got enough self-control and pulled away from him, panting a little at the overwhelming kiss. Kaidan looked questionably at her, slight hurt in his eyes. “Kaidan, I want nothing more than to feel your touch again but…are you ready for this?”

“Damn it, Mira!” Kaidan choked out, pulling back more from her and running his hands through his hair. “Since Horizon I have dreamt of your touch and loving you until I woke up aching! I went through hell to find a way back to your side and give you the support and help you need!”

Mira lowered her head, her heart aching as she heard the pent up emotion and anxiety in Kaidan. She stood up from her desk and walked past Kaidan down to the living area of her quarters, stopping at the aquarium. The water plants swayed lazily in the generated currents. “I just don’t want this to be a mistake and done because of a memory of what we once shared.” She wrapped her arms around herself.

Kaidan stalked down the little set of steps and turned Mira around to look at her. His fingers searched around her neck and brought out the chain that held his dog tag. “I didn’t wait for you for over ten years to just forget what we have, Mir.” His voice was thick as he brought up the tag so she saw it. “I didn’t give this to you on Horizon because it was a token of what we had. We still have this!” Grabbing her  hand, Kaidan placed the tag in Mira’s palm and closed her fingers around it, wrapping his own hands around them. “Yes, I was upset and angry by what I thought of you turning your back on me by being with Cerberus. Then, I think I know you pretty well from over the years to know better. I would damn the regulations again to be with you!”

“We might not make it through this thing with the Reapers.” Mira’s lips trembled.

“No, we might not but you need me, Mir.” Kaidan rested his head against hers. “I need you. We are stronger together than fighting against each other.”

“And if IA catches up to you?”

“Then we will deal with that when it happens. I’m not ashamed of throwing the regs out to be with you that night before reaching Ilos. I won’t lie to them, even if it means that I lose my commission and get dishonorably discharged. It doesn’t matter if you are not there at my side.”

“God, you should run for the Parliament.” Mira giggled.

Kaidan sighed and then gave a little chuckle. “I curse my mother for coming out at these times. Where do you get your smart mouth?”

“The Major.” Mira grinned.

“Your father was a very complicated man, just like his daughter.” Kaidan looked into Mira’s blue eyes, the blue light from the aquarium adding to its brilliant and stormy depths. “I love you, Mira, that hasn’t changed, even when I was ready to move on with my life. I am here, for you, for us. This,” he shook their clasped hands and brought it to his chest where their combined tags and St. Valentine rested on his chest, “is what I’m fighting for.”

“It hasn’t been an easy road for us.”

“No, it hasn’t but it’s worth it.”

“Yes, it is.” Mira smiled with that personal smile that was just for Kaidan, which made him weak in his knees and his heart pound. She brought his mouth to hers and kissed Kaidan, pouring all the love she felt for the man through her lips.