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The pain was unbearable. Whatever they've injected to his bloodstream, it set his body to the fire; the remains of his sanity screaming in never-ending agony. His body convulsed on the cot, the muscles tightened so much, he couldn't breathe. He barely could make the shapes of his human tormentors as everything became fade to black. He was dying. Someone's hands grabbed his shoulders and pushed them roughly down the cot. Another hand grabbed tightly his forearm and he felt the familiar sting of the needle piercing through his skin.
Major Alenko you need to calm down. The unfamiliar male voice resonated in his head. Your stress level is too high. But how he was supposed to calm down when he was in such a pain?! He could only wish that his death will come swiftly to him and end this nightmare. You need to calm down. Something cool washed over his body and after a few agonizing seconds, the pain began to slowly fade, the muscles in his legs relaxing slightly.

'Give him more sedatives.' One of the men instructed above his head, while at the same time someone pressed at the nape of his neck. 'Someone get Edwards here! He might displace the implant while he was trashing around.'

'If he did, Edwards will have your head.' The female voice spoke up.

'I thought you were checking his vitals.' The man snapped annoyed and someone, preferably him, pressed harder on Kaidan's nape. Kaidan screamed in pain. 'Shit! Give him the damn sedatives, now!'

'I can't inject him when he's moving. Keep him in place!'

'Christ, you're so fucking useless, Crawford! Get out of my way.' Something crashed down the floor, and the woman cried in pain. 'I don't get why you've been hired in the first place.' The man muttered angrily and grasped Kaidan's right shoulder. 'Sweet dreams, boy.' The last thing Kaidan felt was a stinging pain in his neck.

***

He was awakened by the sound of the explosion. The walls around him rattled dangerously at the same time as a loud signal echoed around the room. Disoriented, he shifted on his cot and looked around the immersed in the dark room. He heard hurried steps coming through the door followed by the familiar sound of shots. Before he could make a sense of what he was hearing, another explosion blasted somewhere near, making the farthest wall from his cot crumple down.
His vision shifted when the abrupt wave of air turned his cot upside down, bringing him down with it. He moaned in pain when the left side of his body collided with a cold floor. Whatever was going on, he was sure now it wasn't part of his tests.

Major Alenko you need to get out of this room. Again, that voice. I'm going to unlock the door for you. Follow the red light.

'Who are you?' He asked in a husky whisper and confused looked around the dark room. There was no one else except him, yet the voice was so loud and clear. Was he losing his mind? He jerked surprised when a familiar sound echoed in the room and moment later a door from his cell opened swiftly. Follow the red light.

Outside his cell was total madness. The cells across his were opened and without occupants, the white tiles were covered with a thick, dark substance that could be blood, but he couldn't tell for sure as the whole corridor was illuminated with a red, flashing lights.

Emergency lights, it crossed his mind once he understood that the loud signal in his room had been an alarm. Major Alenko you have to move on. He tried to kneel, but he barely could move his legs. He was wiped off of any strength, locked in this cell for God's only know how long, deprived of food and water. His muscles shook violently and he knew that without someone's help he won't be able to leave the room, let alone the building.

'I can't....' He rasped and lied down. For a second his thoughts flew to Shepard – probably the most stubborn and brave human being he has ever had a pleasure to meet and work with – and he wondered what the man would think of him if he saw him sprawled over the tiles, begging death to come swiftly to him. He'll be ashamed of you, his mind supplied for him, disappointed for sure. Shepard had always talked highly of him and has been almost blind to his flaws. Shepard had made him believe that indeed he has his worth; he was a fighter, and he couldn't give up. If not for himself then for Shepard.

With gritted teeth, he began to slowly crawl forward toward the opening of his cell. He was in the half-way when he heard a series of shots down the hall and a few cries. Whoever attacked this prison was still there, and as far as Kaidan knew they might pose a threat to him the same way as those who kept him as the prisoner. Major Alenko we are about to approach an obstacle. You need to use your biotic powers to move the debris out of your way.

'You have to be kidding me.' Kaidan muttered in disbelief and tried to sit so he could examine the situation himself. 'I'm barely able to move, let alone use my biotics.' He continued and frowned when he noticed a hole in the wall next to the other cells, covered with everything that falls down along with ceiling. This is the only way. The main door was destroyed by the explosion and the other corridor is full of enemies. In your current state, you will not be able to protect yourself. 'How do you even know where is the way out?' Kaidan asked sharply and wildly looked around the seemingly empty place. 'Who are you?' He demanded. There is no time to explain this, Major Alenko. You need to move. Quickly. 'How can I be sure you're not leading me into a trap? As far as I know, you can work with whoever locked me in there. Is there any way you can prove to me you're my ally?' He wasn't going to move anywhere till he'll get some answers.

No. The short and curt answer rang in his head, making him grit his teeth in frustration. They were just going nowhere with this. 'Can I at least see you?' He called into the empty corridor, close to believing that he had lost his mind completely. I am not who you think I am. 'What the hell that supposed to mean?!' He asked annoyed. You either trust me Major Alenko or stay here and die in the hands of your captors. The decision is yours to make. 'That for sure improved my situation.' He groused and flinched when another series of shots rang down the corridor, this time closer to his place. There's no doubt he had to act quickly before he'll be discovered, and so far he only saw two options; he either trust the mystery voice and follow its orders or try his luck and explore the prison by himself in hope he'd find the safe escape route.

No matter how much he hated to admit it his first option seemed to be the most, in regards to his current position, sensible one. He was too weak to move a few feet, let alone explore the whole building, and he didn't have any weapon. He was vulnerable and on his own. 'Are you sure that's the only way out?' He asked in dismay and propped himself into knees. He was afraid that if he uses the remains of his strength to use biotics he'll not be able to move anywhere else. Yes. Kaidan took a deep breath and mentally prepared himself for inevitable as he reached out his right hand toward the obstacle. If he wanted to live he needed to take his chance.

He heard the familiar drum of his biotics and soon his hand was enveloped in a blue field. Every muscle in his body screamed in agony once he launched his powers at the obstacle, a streak of warm blood spilled from his nose. It ended just as soon as it started and he collapsed on the floor with a shout. To his dismay, the part of the ceiling was barely moved from the entrance. He was still trapped and to make his situation worse he was barely able to move his finger. 'Shit...'

'Hey, did you hear that? Someone is behind that rumble.' Out of sudden a female voice resounded from the entrance and Kaidan's heart stopped beating. Someone was out there and he stupidly exposed himself.

The voice lied to him.

He was lying flat on the hard floor, his breath quick and shallow, as he tried to assess his chances with the unknown enemy. Was she the one who attacked the prison, or was his captor? How many of them were there? You need to calm down, Major Alenko. You are very close to getting out of here. 'Close?' Kaidan asked in a small voice and would laugh ironically if he had any strength left. 'Thanks to you I am a dead man, now.' But if he thought about all the pain he had to endure during his captivity, the swift death might be considered as an act of mercy. A way out of this hell.

And maybe that was all behind the voice's plan. A death as his way out.

'Oh, dear, you don't look good.' Kaidan was startled when a sudden shadow falls over his face and he realized that someone was glowering about his head. It was the same female voice he had heard before.

He blinked rapidly not quite believing his eyes when he finally could see her. She was a salarian; not armed, wearing a white synthetic gown and holding in her arms an oval object. She couldn't be the attacker, neither his captor, Kaidan reasoned quickly. He noticed a few bruises on her face and the welts on her left forearm. If anything, she was a prisoner just like him. 'You need to see a doctor.' She said once she gave him a once over. 'It's a good thing we heard you.' She added with a soft smile.

'Zana! What the hell are you doing out there?!' Another feminine, sharp voice cut through the room. 'Come back here, we need to move before this place collapses for good.'

'Or before they send reinforcements.' Another female. Kaidan frowned. 'We won't stand a chance, we need to leave now.'

'But we need to take him with us.' The salarian shouted back, her dark eyes still fixed on Kaidan. 'He won't survive without our help!'

'The orders were clear, Zana. We were supposed to take only you and Kesh and so we did it. No one was saying anything about extra passengers.'

'I will not leave him!' Salarian insisted and Kaidan was grateful for that. Maybe, after all, there's still a chance for him.

'That's not up for discussion, Zana, I... What the fuck you think you're doing?!' Kaidan heard as someone walked over the rumble and moment later a female turian armed with an assault rifle joined them.

'She won't leave without him.' The turian had called toward the third member of their strange little party before she glanced down at Kaidan. 'Shit, you were right. It's surprising he's still alive.' She commented, her mandibles flickered.

'I still can hear you.' Kaidan muttered in a weak voice. The turian took a step back.

'Right, sorry.' She muttered back, her cheeks suddenly getting a slight bluish tinge – a turian way of blushing, if what Garrus had told him was the truth. 'Evana, I need you to give me a hand. I doubt he can move anywhere on his own.' She turned and called toward the rumble. 'And ask Drack to come over.'

'He's busy pestering over his granddaughter.'

'First off, Drack is never pestering about anyone...'

'So he said so.' Came back the sarcastic reply.

'Do you really want to have this conversation with Drack?' The turian asked back, her mandibles flickering in the way that Kaidan recognized as a smile. 'Just come over, here.' A turian called and then gently grabbed salarian's arm and steered her back. 'Stay behind us till we reach others.' She ordered and crouched down next to Kaidan's body. 'Damn, I don't even know where to touch you to not cause you more pain.' She admitted quietly as she took another glance at him.

'Just take me outside.' He replied through gritted teeth. He had been in pain for days or maybe weeks, he doubted the level of the pain he was feeling right now could get any higher.

'Right...' A flash of worry crossed her dark eyes. 'Evana, help me to pull him to a sitting position.' He was surprised when a moment later he felt someone's hands pushing on his back, while the turian as gently as she could pull his arms up. He hissed through his teeth when another wave of pain hit him. 'Grab his left arm, while I take the other side. Did you contact Drack?'

'He should be here soon.' Kaidan's vision shifted when he was unceremoniously pulled onto his feet, two sets of arms wrapped protectively around his back and shoulders. His head lolled down and he felt the first wave of nausea hit him hard. 'I know it's a hardly comfortable position for you, but we have to move quickly.'

'Is it normal he's getting so pale?' The turian asked once she gave him a once over.

'How I am supposed to know, that? I don't know many humans...' The other female retorted annoyed and pulled the man forward. 'Let's go. We can't do much for him anyway. It doesn't matter if he dies here, or there.' She concluded grimly.

'Evana!' The salarian cried in astonishment. 'You shouldn't be saying things like that.'

'I'm only being realistic. Just stay quiet Zana and follow us.' She ordered and without second word Kaidan and all women began to move through the entrance. The man was wobbling on his feet, his head swimming. He felt lucky that both women were strong enough to keep him straight and practically carrying him over. Last time he felt so useless was on Virmire; if not for Shepard he'd be long gone now. He tried not to think about Ashley, and her fate.

She wouldn't have looked so pathetic as him.

'I think he's going to be sick...' He barely could make any shapes as his vision blurred, his stomach heaved. He moaned and before he could make any other move of warning he threw up.

'For fuck's sake, not on my armor! Solana take him away from me!' He wanted to apologize, but instead, he heaved again, hoping that this time it will splash on the floor beneath his feet. 'That's so disgusting!'

'Ha! Never thought a puddle of vomit can turn you into pyjack.' A low, male grumble resounded somewhere near Kaidan, but he couldn't see a thing. Everything was turning black, his legs starting to give up.

'Just fuck off, Drack.' Kaidan moaned louder when his vision shifted once again as something strong and relentless grabbed him around the waist and pulled him up. In one moment he was floating, in another, his stomach rested painfully on something hard. Kaidan felt sick again.

'Hey, kid,' the male rumbled, 'if you want to puke, keep the head down.'

'Good. I don't want to be the only one with his fluids splattered over my armor.' Kaidan groaned pitifully.

'Give the kid rest. Save your energy for the troops. They sent reinforcement. We need to take him and Zana to the shuttle before it gets too hot.'

'He needs to see a doctor. He lost lots of blood.' The salarian added.

'First, we need to get out, then we'll think about the doctor.' The turian said. 'Zana you go with Drack and human. I and Evana will cover you...Ready to go? Go!' Everything swam when Kaidan's body lurched forward, someone's one hand wrapped painfully tight around his right thigh, the other kept his arm in a deadlock.

'Hold on, kid. We're almost there.' Kaidan tried, but his body was failing him. Before he lost consciousness, in the distance he heard a series of shots.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

With most of their armors and guns stocked safely in the armory, most of them could finally settle down around the oval table in the mess hall and take a well-deserved break. They were already too far away to be worried about Cerberus troops getting on their trail, and more importantly they had accomplished their mission; Zana and Kesh were safe and again back with them, and if not for their extra unwanted passenger, they'd get it all done in hundred percent – the perfection that Drack would gladly boast around to anyone who'd happen to listen to him. But the reality was they were still stuck with the unknown male human – a subject of whatever sick and inhuman experiments he had been subjected to by Cerberus – who might happen to be some kind Pandora's box as far as they could tell. 'I thought they were only experimenting on females.' The asari broke the silence as the first, perched at end of the table, her hands armed with cleaning supplies are vigorously scrubbing the rest of vomit and blood off her armor. 'So they did.' Kesh replied with a shrug of her arm. 'They could just keep him for entirely different reasons. Tortured him for sure.' She added once she took a glance at the unconscious man lying on the seats on the opposite side of their little gathering. Zana was seated on his side, her hand gently cleaning up his face off the dirt and dry blood. 'We shouldn't take him. He only might bring more troubles on our heads.' Asari muttered. 'Who fucking knows why Cerberus was so interested in him.' 'He was alive, you couldn't just leave him there, on the mercy of Cerberus' troops.' Kesh fixed her with an irate look. 'Even if he dies, it'd be better if it happens somewhere far away from that wretched place.' 'Do you have to do this right here?' The turian growled from her seat, watching warily as the asari keep cleaning her armor at the table. 'It stinks. And I want to eat, thank you very much.''Well, I wouldn't have to do this if you hadn't decided to play a good Samaritan.' The asari snapped back annoyed. 'We shouldn't be taking him with us.' She added through gritted teeth, looking with a challenge at younger turian. 'But he's already there, and deal with it.' The turian growled, raised up from her seat and grabbed a pack of some snacks lying on the table. 'Sometimes I'm forgetting how cold bitch you are.' 'Fuck off, Solana.' Before it could escalate any further, Solana walked off to the other side of the room, grabbed a free chair and pulled it next to Zana. 'How's he?' She asked quietly, her gaze softened as it rests on the man's swollen and bruised face. 'Not good.' The salarian answered with a deep sigh. 'He needs to see a doctor as soon as possible. He's very weak and probably in pain... From time to time he moans and twitches. Kesh gave him some sedatives and Drack dressed his wounds, but none of us know much about medicine. He's not bleeding, though.' 'He seems to be a strong type.' Solana said and placed her hand on Zana's thin shoulder. 'He'll be fine, Zana. And you need to rest, too.' 'I can't leave him, right now.' Zana frowned. 'Sometimes he regains conscious and he's getting very anxious until he sees my face. I think my presence calms him down.' 'Well, you saved his life, that shouldn't be surprising.' Solana said softly. 'I'll stay at his side and you eat something and take a nap. If anything happens, I'll wake you up.' Zana bit down on her lip worriedly and cast a glance toward the table. 'Don't worry, I won't let Evana gets close to him. If I need a break, I'd ask Drack to cover for me.' She could tell the salarian wasn't happy with the new arrangements, but even she had to admit she needed a rest. 'Besides I thought you'd just like to spend more time with your little one.' She added, her mandible twitched in a smile when Zana's eyes went wide in excitement. 'Yes, you're right. I can't do much more for him, anyway.' She cast a look at the man. 'But I'll return soon. He needs to know he's safe now, and not alone.' 'Don't worry, I swear I'll stay at his side.' Solana assured her and once Zana left her spot on the man's side, she took her seat. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed that Kesh and Evana were still arguing about something; which surprisingly was nothing new, yet she'd never guess they'd return to their old ways of communication so quickly. Evana's dirty armor was already lying forgotten under the table and Solana wondered idly who's gonna to clean up that mess from the floor. Solana almost jumped out of her skin when out of nowhere she felt a sudden, strong pressure around one of her hands. Startled, she looked down and was surprised to see that the man was staring back at her with bloodshot eyes, his hand painfully wrapped around one of hers.'Garrus...' The man said quietly, his eyes raking over her face as if he was searching for something particular. 'What did you say?' She asked with a frown. The man flinched and narrowed his eyes as he watched her once over. He grunted with dissatisfaction and shook his head. 'Hey, look at me...' But the man already closed his eyes back, his fingers loosened around Solana's hand. 'Hey...' She gently shook his shoulder to get his attention, but the man didn't respond. He was either unconscious or simply didn't wish to talk anymore once he realized she wasn't the person he had thought she was. 'Damn...''Like the old times.' Solana looked over her shoulder when Drack's amused voice carried over the hall mess. The krogan was standing behind Evana's back with a folded arms. 'I thought you were supposed to be resting, now?' He glared at Kesh. 'Something urgent came out.' She replied evasively and smirked slightly when Evana glared at her. 'Right.' Drack eyed both females carefully. 'So, what is all about?''Nothing that should concern you.' Evana snapped, ignoring Drack's burning gaze. 'It's between me, Kesh and Solana.' At the mention of the last name, Drack snorted amusedly. 'Solana, too?' He glanced at the turian. 'And how did they manage to involve you? I thought you're above the childish quarrels.' 'Hey!' Both Evana and Kesh cried in unison. 'It's about human.' Solana shrugged.'What about him?' 'Nothing at all, just Evana's playing a heartless, cold bitch ready to drop the dying man out of the airlock.' 'Hey, I'm only worried about our safety!' Evana argued hotly. 'We don't even know who he is and why he was kept there. He was the only man in the whole facility, don't you find it a bit surprising?' 'There were a few more.' Drack chimed in and continued when all three women looked at him in surprise. 'I saw a few male humans on the lower floor. They were all dead. Seemed like they were experimenting on them, but they hadn't survived whatever they've been doing to them. I guess this one, 'Drack pointed at the unconscious man, 'was strong enough to survive them.''That would explain why he was moved in on the upper floor.' Solana mused. 'Whatever they were doing, it seemed they accomplished it.' 'Another reason to worry about.' Evana stated crossed arms against her chest. 'He might be dangerous.' Kesh snorted at this.'Just look at him. He's barely alive, how he's supposed to pose any danger to any of us?' The female krogan reasoned. 'Well, maybe not him, as per see, but Cerberus will want to take him back. And they'd do anything to get their hands back on him.' 'They may try, but they don't stand a chance against us.' Drack growled, his eyes sparkled. 'We already destroyed half of their facility, why do you think we won't do it again?' 'Alright! I fold.' Evana snapped annoyed, and raised her hands in surrender. 'Do whatever you want, just don't run back to me, when things got hot.' She ducked under the table and picked up her armor. 'I think we manage without your assistance.' Solana couldn't stop herself from a remark. Evana tucked the armor under one arm, showed the turian a rude gesture and stormed off the mess hall. 'Nice played.' Kesh said amused.'I'd really like if you get along.' Drack fixed both females with a heavy stare. 'At least until we reach our destination. Don't give me that stare Kesh, I'm not asking you to go shopping together, but just to be civil with each other.''Anyone who doesn't want to bust her head off is civil enough for me.' Solana muttered with a growl. 'Whenever she opens her mouth I just want to shot her.' 'I believe that's rather a common reaction.' Kesh stated and slowly raised up from the chair. 'I'll get along with her as long she stays away from me.''Same here.' 'Just don't let it end in any bloodshed.' Drack sighed with resignation. 'She's a powerful ally and we need her till we reach our destination. She's the only one who is able to get help for the human without alerting anyone.' 'Why do you want to keep his presence in secret?' Solana frowned. 'We should contact the human's ambassador and let them take care of him.' 'Because they'll ask questions.''Alliance isn't Cerberus' friend. And I'm sure they'd appreciate if we return one of their own.' 'You're aware that some of the things we've been doing for the past few months aren't completely legal, right?' Kesh chimed in with a deep sigh. 'If you think that alliance will let us go without any consequences because we return the human, then you know about politics even less than I thought.' 'And how do you know he's just a simple human, one of many?' Solana fired back, slightly annoyed.'And why would you think he's someone of importance?' Drack asked back, his dark eyes watching her intently. 'Is there something you're not telling us?' 'Well, I'm not sure, but... When he regained consciousness he said a name... If I'm right Alliance will be happy to have him back.' 'Can you be any more cryptic?' He asked sarcastically. 'Just let me check a few things. I don't want to make any assumptions until I got any proof. I have my sources.' 'Fine. Keep me informed.' Drack grunted and nodded at Kesh. 'Now, I believe you should be already halfway to your cot. You don't really want me to drag you there, do you?' 'Fine, you stubborn mule.' Kesh sighed deeply and slowly dragged herself toward the door. She grunted in annoyance when Drack followed her relentless. **It was late into the night cycle when Shepard finally reached his cabin. With a deep sigh, he slumped down on the couch with a mug of coffee in one hand and a datapad in another, ready to finish another rapport. Most of his crew was already sleeping, but he barely had time to rest these days. There was always something important to do, somewhere else to be. But even John had to admit that the lack of sleep and rest began to manifest on his physics, signalizing it was the time to take a break. He was re-reading the same paragraph once again, as his tired mind was trying to make a sense of it when Joker's voice filled the cabin through the comm. 'There's a message for you, Commander. It's urgent.' Was it ever not be? Shepard sighed heavily and threw datapad on the seat next to him. It seemed like he was not going to end this rapport tonight. 'I'm taking it cannot wait till morning?' Shepard asked with a little hope. 'It's from Anderson, sir.' 'Anderson?' Shepard repeated and straightened up in his seat in surprise. 'How did he...''It looks like he has his own ways, Commander. The message came about two hours ago from the unknown source. EDI decrypted it...''To the point, Joker. What the message said?' Shepard asked impatiently, knowing well it had to be something serious if Anderson went for such lengths to contact him. 'He wants to meet you with at the Citadel, in Fluke's, ASAP. Didn't say anything else.' 'Then let's not keep him waiting. And Joker?''Yes, Commander?''No word to anyone about this.' 'Understood.'

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Once she knew what and where to look for, it didn't take long to track down the man. He was present on many vids circulating around the net, always in the company of the only one John Shepard. Solana's mandibles flinched in a nervous manner as she waited for the best moment to share her revelations with the rest of their crew. She already knew that Evana will throw a fit and try to persuade others to throw the man out of the airlock, and while she knew that Zana and Kesh will never think about following her plan, she couldn't say the same about Drack. His priority was to keep Kesh and Zana safe and that meant they couldn't have Alliance breathing down their necks.She was fidgeting with the idea to keep it all to herself, lie to Drack about failing to find any clues about the man's identity until they'll reach a safe port. She had her ways and if it was needed she'd be able to take care of the human, in case Drack will decide he's not worth the trouble.But Drack wasn't the one to be fooled around. She knew he wouldn't simply let the matter go and soon he will demand some answers.Solana waited till the night cycle when most of their crew was scattered around the ship. She waited at the table in the mess hall, until Drack had returned from the cockpit after checking out on their pilot and slumped down on the near chair once he had spotted the turian. He crossed his arms against the chest and leveled her with an intensive stare as if he knew she was hiding something important from him.'Something on your mind?' Drack broke the silence as the first, his black eyes boring a hole in her head. Solana twitched on her seat.'I know his name.' Solana announced after a short pause, her mandibles twitching nervously.'Well? Don't keep us hanging.' Drack smirked a hint of amusement coloring his voice.'His name is Kaidan Alenko.''Allenko, eh?' Drack squinted his one eye. 'The name rings the bell. Wasn't he serving with Shepard by any chance?''Yes, he was.' Solana confirmed reluctantly, averting her eyes.'So he's not some ordinary Alliance soldier...''No, he isn't.' She admitted.'How did you know who is he?''Once he regained consciousness he mistakes me for my brother. I kind of thought the most logical place for both of them to meet was on Shepard's ship.''That you were right.' Drack nodded with a grim expression. 'So is your brother still serving with Shepard?''I don't know.' She shrugged and looked aside. 'I didn't hear from him for some time... Besides, Shepard's not with Alliance anymore, so it's quite far-fetching to assume my brother or Shepard will know what he was doing in Cerberus facility.' She concluded, knowing well enough where Drack was heading with his questions.'Well, Shepard works for Cerberus, or so I heard.''You think he'd allow Cerberus to torture his old comrade? You should see the vids with the two of them.' She snapped.'Do you imply something?' Drack asked amused.'What? No! I mean, I don't know, it's just they look like they were close. Doesn't mean they have to be in a romantic relationship, though.' She muttered, her cheeks getting a bluish tinge. 'You can feel a strong connection with someone without being in love with them.''Alright, alright, I was only teasing you.' He rolled his eyes and raised up from the chair. 'I need to tell others.''Do you have to? Can't you wait till tomorrow?' Solana sighed heavily.'And what would that change? They need to know about the risk...' He gave her a knowing look. 'Evana will want to kick the human out no matter if I tell her about him tonight, or tomorrow.''And what are you going to do with him?' She asked quietly.'I don't know, yet. I have to think.' Drack answered after a short pause.'Of course.' She nodded grimly.'For now, go to human and relieve Zana from her duty. I think she again falls asleep on the chair.' Solana saluted with a small smile and then headed toward their quarters, kind of grateful that she wouldn't have to witness Drack's conversation with Evana down in the armory.**Shepard had a strong feeling of deja-vu when he entered the Fluke's and spotted Anderson sitting at the same table they have met last time, sipping a drink. He swiftly moved through the small crowd and with a slight nod of his head at Anderson, joined the man at the table.'It's good to see you again, Shepard.' Anderson greeted him with a soft smile and motioned at his half-empty glass. 'Want something to drink?''No, I'm good.' Shepard drummed his fingers over the table, his eyes fixed at the man. 'It has to be something important that you took a risk to contact me.''It is.' Anderson nodded grimly and downed the rest of his drink. 'It's about Horizon. You've been there, haven't you?''That I have.' Shepard nodded, a look of guilt and sorrow passed through his face as he recalled the events. 'We did our best to save...' Anderson lifted a hand to stop him.'Now, I know you did what best you could.' Anderson placed a hand on Shepard's forearm and gave it a comforting squeeze. 'And I'm not here to blame you for anything.''Then what's this all about?' Anderson moved a hand across his face and sighed tiredly.'I wanted to know if you met there Kaidan Alenko.''Yes, we did meet on Horizon.' Shepard admitted reluctantly, looking aside. He felt a rush of emotions when Kaidan's amber eyes met with his. Until now he wasn't aware how much he was longing for the other man, how much he missed his presence. He wanted to grab him, pull into an embrace and never let him go. He wanted to say to him so many things, until...
He noticed how Kaidan's face fall, his body all tensed and there was unfamiliar alertness in his beautiful eyes. As if he was facing a potential foe, not a long time not seen comrade, a friend. 'I don't want to have anything to do with you, Shepard.' Shepard felt how in this one moment his heart shattered into pieces.
'I presume you talked with each other?' Anderson prompted, not aware how hard it was for Shepard to talk about Kaidan, being asked to recall their last conversation. 'Yea, we chatted for a bit.' He needed a drink. 'Just reminiscing over the old times. Nothing interesting.' Just stop pushing. 'Was he still there when you left Horizon?' Anderson was relentless in his questions. I don't know you anymore. 'What's the point of these questions?' Shepard asked angrily, finally losing his patience. 'Did he say something? He filled an official complaint against me or what?' Who are you Shepard? 'We lost the sight of him.''You lost...what?' Shepard frowned, not quite understanding the meaning of his words. Anderson was staring back at him with a grim face. 'I don't understand...''After you left Horizon, Kaidan Alenko disappeared into thin air. We tried to track him down, but we found nothing.' His amber eyes, a shy, private smile he loved so much. 'How can I help you? I have resources, just say one word...' The words left his mouth in a rush, fingers dug painfully around the edges of the table as if he was trying to ground himself.'We believe it's Cerberus.' The rest of the words died on Shepard's mouth as he tried to process the last information. 'We have evidence that for the past few months Cerberus is kidnapping biotics officers from Alliance, and takes them God only knows where. We also believe he's responsible for kidnapping one of the salarian's scientist, Zana Beldano. The mechanic you saved on Horizon recognized one of the men that kidnapped Zana Beldano. He worked in Alenko's team.' How can you believe them, Shepard? After everything we've seen they're capable of...' 'It doesn't mean anything.' Shepard said in a hollow voice.'It's enough to make me worry about Alenko's whereabouts.' Anderson retorted and fixed Shepard with a heavy stare. 'We have enough evidence to be certain that Illusive Man has secret labs where he's conducting some inhuman experiments, not only on humans. We need your help to track them down.''Do you really think he'd tell me about them?' You signed a pact with the Devil, Shepard. Oh, how much he wanted to believe that Kaidan had been wrong. 'And what about that evidence you found? If you have anything essential you'd know where the labs are.''Those are top-secret information, son. I told you as much as I could.' Anderson's face softened. 'If it wasn't for Alenko, I'd probably didn't even mention any of these... But I know you two were friends and you'd like to find about his disappearance from me rather than hear it somewhere in the news.''Yes, you were right. I'd prefer to know about it from you.' He said in a small voice. 'I appreciate your effort, I know you're risking your own career for contacting me.''Don't worry about that, I have my ways, son.' Anderson offered him a tight smile and leaned closer over the table. 'Now, the question is how much do you trust the Illusive Man?''I don't know.' Shepard replied quietly, feeling lost. 'I couldn't say I ever truly believe Illusive Man, yet the things you say...I cannot believe he could do something like that behind my back.''Will you be able to check any abnormal activities of Cerberus troops?''It'll be hard, but I'll find my way.''Of course, I don't have to ask you to be discreet.' Shepard nodded. 'Let's order some drinks then. You look like you could use one.' John couldn't agree with him more.**'That's fucking great! We're totally screwed!' Evana cried out just as everyone had predicted when Drack shared the news with the rest of their little crew. The asari raised up from the chair and began pacing back and forth around the tight space of their crew quarters.'I don't really understand what's the problem.' Zana said puzzled from her seat at the Kaidan's side and looked over her companions with big, innocent eyes. Evana snorted and threw her hands out in the air in exasperation.'He's a major, Zana. That complicates some things.' Kesh said from her cot.'I told you to drop him off the ship, but no one wanted to listen to me.' Evana snapped. 'Now we have an Alliance breathing down our necks!''Said the voice of reason.' Solana remarked under her breath, her eyes watching warily the asari.'We'll decide how to deal with the problem, once the human gets healed.' Drack suddenly decided, all women heads snapped into his direction in surprise.'You still want to keep him?!' Evana stopped in the track and stared at the Krogan in disbelief. 'You have to be fucking kidding me.''That's not up for discussion, Evana. He's already with us.' He said firmly and folded arms against his chest. 'We cannot go to Citadel, for obvious reasons...'Which obvious reasons?' Zana asked with a frown, her hands gently wrapped around Kaidan's wrist.'I'll explain you later.' Kesh said softly with a gentle roll of her eyes.'If we don't go to Citadel, how do you want to help him?' Sorana inquired. 'We know nothing about humans biology.''We'll go to Omega, I know a doctor or two that can take a look at him without alerting anyone else.''Oh, no, do you really want to hand him to some shady medic?' Zana said in exasperation. 'They might kill him!' Drack rolled his eyes in irritation.'They're good doctors, Zana, not some charlatans. And they're good people, too.''Oh, please you cannot be talking about her.' Evana growled. 'Besides where do you want to keep him for the remaining of the time? He needs time to recuperate.' Her eyes widened, when Drack sent her a knowing look, lips curving into a grin. 'Oh, no! Don't you think you're already were out my welcome?''Me? Never...It's only a matter of a few days...''Two weeks at least.' Zana added.'Ah, come on, don't listen to her! She knows nothing about humans.' Drack drawled with an unfading grin. 'They recover quickly...'But Drack his injuries are...' Sorana wrapped her hand around Zana's mouth, effectively shutting her up.'So, as I say, it won't take long.''You're owning me big time.' Evana growled.'I knew I can count on you.' He sent her a kiss and laughed loudly when the asari flipped a middle finger at him.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Shepard dismissed all questioning stares from his crew and went straight to his cabin and locked himself in. He threw his leather jacket on the couch and went to the small table to pour for himself a large drink. A pair of warm hands wrapped around his calloused ones grounding him, a gentle smile on his face as he offered him words of comfort. Shepard shook his head as if he wanted to shook the memories out of his head and downed half of the drink in one gulp. Shepard didn't know what to do. Delicately speaking, his hands were tied. He couldn't snoop around the Illusive Man things without alerting him, and he doubted Miranda or Jacob will help him to find a safe route to check the Cerberus' more prominent scientists whereabouts. He was always there for you. Yet, he couldn't fail him right now. Even if it isn't for his sake, but for his own.The problem was Miranda always believes and protects the Illusive Man, even then when she had seen with her own eyes what has been happening on Pragia. It doesn't mean he has to know about it. He is not able to supervise everyone. Her faith in the man was so strong sometimes Shepard envied it. If only Kaidan could do the same for me. But did he really want him to follow him so blindly? Back there didn't he admire him for standing up for his own ideas? Miranda idolization of the Illusive Man makes her blind even in the light of the evidence, such as those in Pragia.
Pragia.
Shepard slammed his glass down and hastily glanced toward the ceiling as the most obvious thing came to his mind. 'EDI, tell Jack to come to my cabin.' 'Of course, commander.' He gingerly sat down on the couch and impatiently waited for the woman. She appeared a few minutes later, waltzed confidently into his cabin and stopped at the top of the steps. She leaned against the wall and whistled when she took a look over his private space. 'So that's how the Illusive Man's favorite toy room looks like.' Shepard glared at her and she smirked back at him. 'So, what did I do that I earned the privilege to see your private quarters, Commander?' She asked sarcastically, her arms folded against her chest. 'You should see the glare the cheerleader sent my way.' 'Do you still have access to Cerberus data?' Jack's gave him a curious look, her smirk disappeared.'Why?''I need to find someone. And it looks like you're the only person that can help me with that.' The woman tilted her head and stared at him for a few long moments, as she was debating something. Finally, she began to slowly walk down the stairs. 'You're not going to offer me a drink?' Shepard raised up from the couch and walked to the small table to pour another drink. 'Thanks, Jack.''I didn't say yes, yet.' She reminded him and threw herself on the couch, her arms spread over the back of the couch. 'Tell me everything and then I'll think about helping you.' 'I helped you on Pragia.' Shepard reminded her once he returned and handed her a glass. 'That you did and I'm grateful for, however, you ignored my warning. I told you to not trust the Illusive Man.' 'So, I might make a mistake.' Shepard said reluctantly as he sat next to the woman, and looked into her eyes. 'And this time it's me who needs help.' Jack's face softened a bit, the fingers of her hand drummed against the glass. 'And Miranda can't know about it.' He added and as he expected that caught the woman's attention. A familiar smirk reappeared on her face. 'Keep talking, Shepard.' **When Kaidan regained consciousness he found himself lying on the bed covered with a thick purple blanket, in the unfamiliar, immersed in a dark room. His whole body was still sore, but the ache was bearable. Carefully he lifted his head and noticed that his left forearm covered in dark bruises was hooked to the half-empty drip; his hand and three fingers were wrapped in a white bandage. Kaidan quickly assessed his surroundings; there was a white desk with a black chair standing on the opposite side of the wall, a simple looking wardrobe in the left corner of the room and a few white shelves placed above the desk and the legs of the bed he was lying in, all full of the books. Presumably, he was in someone's home, Kaidan concluded surprised. But whose house could that be? And where the hell he was? How long he was unconscious? Kaidan was so busy analyzing his current position and trying to recall his last memories, he hadn't even heard when the door opened with a quiet swish and someone came in. He hadn't noticed the presence of another person, until they stumbled over the leg of the chair, and sent it crashing on the floor. Kaidan jumped slightly on the bed, scared to death. 'Shit, sorry!' The unfamiliar feminine voice called out, as the person scrambled back to her feet. Kaidan pulled back until his back collided with the headboard. 'Don't get closer!' Kaidan growled with a raised hand that was suddenly wrapped in blue light. The offender quickly froze in the track and raised their hands in surrender. 'Relax, I won't hurt you. I only wanted to take a look at you...' Kaidan lowered his hand slightly, yet stayed on guard. 'I've hardly seen any humans in my life. I was just curious.' The man blinked in surprise and lowered his hand completely. 'I didn't mean to startle you, and you shouldn't use your biotics yet, you're too weak and you could hurt yourself.' With raised hands, she took a few tentative steps forward, and a light from the small window above his head enlightened her face. She was an asari, clad in a violet jacket and khaki pants. 'What's your name?' He asked softly.'It's Pebble.' She muttered and lowered her hands. 'Don't laugh.' She quickly added with a wince.'I wasn't going.' He replied calmly and offered her a small smile. 'Name's like a name.' 'Still, there are many who found it hilarious.' She muttered with a shrug and took a tentative step forward. 'Mother was wondering if you feel better.''So, is she the one who brought me here and take care of me?' 'Not really.' Pebble winced a bit. 'I think it was Drack's decision to brought you here. And the mother doesn't really give a shit about your injuries, well, not in the way you'd probably expect her to be. She just wants you to feel better so she can get rid off you as quickly as possible.''Ouch.' 'Don't mind her, Drack's in charge, not her. However, it's her place, so you understand...' She shrugged again and moved to the end of the bed. 'So, how are you feeling? Still in pain?''It's bearable.' He answered and winced slightly when he tried to move his right foot and felt a pain surge through his entire leg. 'Shit, is my leg broken?' 'Your ankle was dislocated, but dr Lexi took care of it. You broke your middle finger at the right hand, though. She had to put it into splinter.' Kaidan hummed in acknowledge, grateful there were no more broken bones. 'You want something to drink? Dr. Lexi said you're allowed to drink.' She offered. 'Something strong, perhaps.' He said in amused voice and the asari grinned back at him. 'I don't think that's what she had in mind for you.' She glanced down toward the legs of the bed and after a moment of hesitation sat down on the free spot, next to his left leg. 'You should feel and look better in a few days. For now, you have to rest and gather strength.' 'I think I rested long enough.' Kaidan muttered and Pebble offered him a sympathetic smile. 'I wish I could stand on my own feet.''I don't want to ruin your hopes, but it may take some time before you'll be able to do it.' 'Was afraid you'd say so.' He sighed heavily and took a look around his surroundings. 'So, we're on Illium?' 'No, at Omega.' Kaidan raised his eyebrow surprised. 'Drack knew a doctor here. Solus his name. But he moved somewhere else weeks ago, so Drack had to ask his old friend to take a look at you.' 'You could take me to the hospital on Citadel.' He said with a frown. 'Why you didn't take me there? That's quite an obvious destination.' He reasoned. A cold shiver run down his back when Pebble bit down on her low lip and looked away. 'Who are you exactly? And why where you attacking Cerberus base?' 'Hey, I wasn't even there...' Pebble argued. 'You had to know why your mother was there... Why you didn't want to take me to Citadel?' He repeated his question, his pulse quickened. 'You're hiding something.''They only wanted to save Zana and Kesh. Look, they're not criminals, well, not in the way you think they are...' 'What do you mean by that?' He asked sharply. Then a terrifying thought formed in his mind 'Am I your prisoner?' He asked quietly, his heart rate accelerate. Something was wrong. 'Look, just calm down, you're not...' Pebble leaned over him with a raised hands. Before she could finish her sentence, the door opened again and someone else walked in with swift steps.'You were only supposed to check on him and give water if he wants it, not torment him.' A sharp feminine voice made Pebble bolt from the bed and stood up with a rigid back.'Mother, I wasn't doing anything...''You did enough.' The asari snapped and get closer to bed. 'Now, you should be resting.' She added once she pinned Kaidan down with her hard steel eyes. 'You're straining your injuries when you're half-sitting.' 'We were only talking.' Kaidan finally spoke up, suddenly feeling irate with the way the woman was treating her own daughter. 'She hadn't done anything wrong.' 'That's what she always says.' The asari snapped with a cold smirk, her eyes moved to the younger asari. Pebble was coveting under her hard stare. 'Leave.' She ordered and without a second glance at the man, the asari bolted out of the room. 'I hope she didn't wake you up. Sometimes she can be a handful.' She turned back toward the man. 'She doesn't give such impression.' Kaidan said back, his gaze burning with anger. 'She seems nice.''It's in both our interest that you feel better enough to leave my place. I don't want you here, and I believe you don't want to be here, either. Once you can stand, you're on your way to Citadel and we can forget about this whole deal.' 'Why you didn't take me there in the first place?' He snapped. 'Because I don't want Alliance soldiers snooping around my things... So you lay down and rest, and I make sure Pebble will not bother you for the rest of your time here.' She announced in that kind of voice that meant she was not about to listen to any objection. 'So, since you're awake and I am such a good host, would you like water to drink?' Kaidan's throat was dry as Sahara, but he didn't want to ask the asari for anything. 'I'm fine.' He replied curtly and moved down the bed so he could lay his head down on the pillow. 'Suit yourself.' The woman shrugged and gave him one last look before she waltzed out of the room as quickly as she had come in. 'Bitch...' Kaidan muttered under his nose. It wasn't wise to decline her offer. You've been unconscious for four days. Your organism is very quickly dehydrating. Kaidan sat down on the bed with a shout, when the familiar male voice broke the silence. 'It's you again!' He shivered. Was he losing his mind? He has to... There is no other explanation. It was not my intention to upset you, Major Alenko. I was assigned to monitor your health and react once it became to rapidly decline. I did not assume I might be the cause of your distress. 'What the hell they have done to me...' Kaidan whispered to himself. I shall not alarm you with my presence for the remaining time of your convalescence. 'What? No! Wait, you can't just disappear like that without any explanation!' The man shouted angrily into the empty room, idly wondering what the asari would think about him if they see him right now. They'd think you're insane, that's for sure, Kaidan thought grimly and once again called for the voice to came back. Unfortunately, it never did.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Kaidan was angry and restless. He had tried to escape the room only once, and of course, after failing miserably - apparently they had been right when they’ve said to him he’s too weak to leave the bed - that bitch dared to use her biotics to pin him back to the bed and had tied his hands to the bed. Now immobilized and at her mercy, Kaidan was at least sure of one thing; he’s had enough of asari for a lifetime.His all muscles strained and teeth gritted in the wave of anger that washed over him, once the door suddenly opened, and Evana walked in with a familiar nonchalant air around her.‘Well, hello to you, too. I’m taking you rest well.’ If Kaidan could move, he’d fucking strangle her with his own bare hands.‘Just get out.’ He seethed. She only smirked at him with a hand rested on her hip.‘I would gladly do that, but I brought you a guest. It should please you, she’s a doctor. Once she does her all tests you’re finally able to go and we wouldn’t have to see each other ever again.’‘Sweet.’ Kaidan replied shortly with eyes locked on the ceiling. Evana fixed him with an incredulous look.‘And that’s all you have to say?' She probed and moved closer to his bed. 'I thought you’ll be beside yourself with happiness. Especially after yours yesterday’s little spun.’‘That’s all I have to say to you.’ Kaidan snapped back, partially angry with her presence in the room, and partially confused with his feelings. Of course, he was happy that finally, he’ll be able to leave this place and return to his old life, but on the other hand, the doctor’s visit made him feel nervous. He didn’t wish for any more tests, and what if she finds out about the voice that he’s hearing? They’d think he’s nuts and decide he’s not fit to be on his own. They’d keep him forever, tied and broken, without anyone knowing about his whereabouts. His parents. They have to be so worried, and Shepard...Shepard. Bile rosed in his throat and he had to blink rapidly to stop tears from forming in his eyes. The last thing he wanted is to burst in tears in front of that bitch.‘Fine with me.’ Evana retorted with a shrug of her arms, bringing him back to the present. She walked back toward the door, opened it, and after a moment Pebble and another asari came in.

The unknown asari immediately strolled toward his bed and put a heavy-looking bag at the free space next to his feet. Evana rustled behind her back, her eyes observing her each move, while Pebble stayed at the threshold, shooting unsure look toward her mother as if she was asking what she’s supposed to do. Like most of the time, Evana ignored her.

‘Hello, Mr Alenko. My name’s Lexi T’Perro.’ The asari introduced herself once she caught his eyes. ‘I was asked to take a look at your injuries...’ Her voice trailed off when her eyes moved from his face to his hands. Her jaw tightened and she whipped her head toward Evana. ‘Why is he tied to the bed?’ She asked sharply.

‘Why do you think it was me?’ She retorted with a smirk, arms crossed against her chest.

‘Only you could’ve fallen for such a stupid and inhuman idea.’ Evana’s face darkened, her smirk dropped. ‘You strapped to the bed a battered, bedridden man.’

‘Not so much bedridden.’ Evana quickly opposed with a dark expression. ‘Yesterday, he tried to escape.’

‘He wouldn’t go far.’ Lexi countered back.

‘He left scratches on my door.’ She pointed toward a few faint marks in the middle. ‘Removed his drips and soiled my carpet with his blood.’ She continued relentlessly and pointed at the dark stain under the bed. ‘It’s a new apartment!’ Lexi looked unimpressed.

‘From now on, whenever I’m here with my patient you’re not allowed to come in. I’ll ask Drack, or even better Zana, to accompany me.’

‘And you’re forgetting you’re in my house, Lexi.’ Evana growled with a raised fist, her body suddenly wrapped in blue. Lexi straightened up with a hard face, something sharp glistening in her right hand. Kaidan was sure in a moment he’ll find himself in the middle of a fight when a booming voice cut through the room.

‘Back off you two, if you know what’s better for you.’ A Krogan male warned from the threshold, Pebble was hidden safely behind his back, watching the unfolding scene with wide, scared eyes.

‘But, Drack...’

‘Evana, that’s enough! Let Lexi do her thing.’

‘Fine!’ Tha asari snapped angrily, and with the last resentful look toward Lexi, she shut down her biotics and rushed toward the door. On her way out she made sure to collide her shoulder with Drack. The male growled in warning, but Evana was already gone.

‘It’s the last time I’m helping you Drack, when she’s around.’ Lexi said to the krogan once she relaxed her stance and reached out into her bag. ‘Next time find someone else.’ She pulled on the pair of plastic gloves.

‘I hope there won’t be next time.’ Drack answered and looked at Kaidan. ‘How are you kid?’

‘I’ve seen better days.’ Kaidan replied and managed a small smile when the krogan huffed a laugh.

‘Still looks better than when we found you. We patched you as much we could and Pebble is making sure you eat proper meals...’ His eyes shifted down. ‘Why is he restrained?’

‘Ask your charming host.’ Lexi replied and removed something else from her bag. Kaidan tried to back up, when the asari towered above him, a scalpel in her hand. ‘Don’t be afraid, it’s not for you.’ She smiled weakly and with one swift move, she cut through the first set of restraints.

‘I will talk to her.’ Drack promised with a deep sigh and shook his head. ‘Did you already take a look at Zana?’

‘That was the thirst thing I did.’ She nodded and smiled when Kaidan was finally free. ‘I gave her some prescriptions. I’ll check with her next week.’

‘Good.’

‘I also left some vitamins for you. I gave them to Kesh, so I can be sure you’d take them.’ Drack growled in annoyance. ‘And I’m expecting you in my clinic by the end of this week. It’s been forever since you did blood tests.’ She continued relentlessly and returned the scalpel to the bag.

‘I think I’d talk with Evana. I leave you two with Pebble.’

‘Don’t even think you can avoid it.’ Lexi called after him and removed a few tubes filled with liquids, bandage and a small flashlight. ‘The old, stubborn bastard.’ Lexi muttered under her nose. ‘I hope you’re better patient than Drack.’ She added louder as she fixed Kaidan with a serious look.

‘It depends on.’ He shrugged and nodded toward the tubes in her hands. ‘Are you going to inject me with those?’

‘No. But I can’t promise I wouldn’t use any needles during my next visit. Drack mentioned your neck was badly injured.’ Kaidan cringed. ‘From what I gather, you’re biotic?’ He reluctantly nodded. ‘I’m not prepared today, but next time I’d like to check your implant.’

‘Everything should be fine with it.’ Kaidan lied quickly. ‘It doesn’t bother me, and I don’t have any migraines or bleedings.’ Lexi narrowed her eyes as she carefully studied him.

‘Did you use your biotics recently?’

‘No.’

‘So, how you might know your implant is intact?’ Kaidan licked his lips nervously, trying to quickly come up with something else. ‘Is it because I’m asari?’ His eyes widened in surprise at her next question.

‘What? No, why...’

‘I was working closely with human doctors and we treated biotics, Mr Alenko. I know a thing about implants and you don’t have to worry I’ll mess it up.’ She said in a soft voice, her eyes staring into his. ‘It’s only a quick check-up, to make sure it works properly.’ It didn’t calm Kaidan’s nerves. He’d prefer if she doesn’t know a thing, so she wouldn’t find out that Cerberus had been messing with his implant, so now he’s hearing a voice in his head. 'So, there's nothing you should be worried about. Today, I'll just redress your bandages and give you antibiotics. And maybe I gave you some salve for your wrists.' She added after she assessed the red, swollen belts at his wrists. 'Pebble, can you give me a hand, please?' The younger asari quickly rushed toward them. 'So, can we start Mr Alenko?'

'As far there are no needles involved...' He said with a small smile.

'No needles.' She confirmed and gently began to unwrap bandage from around his neck. 'Not today, at least.' She added quieter with a gleam in her eye.

* * *

Shepard was standing on the remains of Okeer's laboratory, fighting with his thoughts, when his crew had carefully recovered the tank with a krogan inside and began to take it aboard the Normandy.

'Something's bothering you.' Shepard startled when out of nowhere Garrus smooth voice rang behind his back. The man whipped his head around and was met with a familiar, inquisitive look. Nothing could pass the turian's attention.

'I'm still wondering if it was the right call to retrieve the tank.' He replied evasively and turned his attention back toward their ship.

'That's not what I'm asking about.' Shepard closed his eyes and sighed. Of course, he could fool anyone he wants, but not Garrus. Shepard should know that. 'And don't try to pull on me that I don't know what are you talking about speech.' The man almost growled in frustration.

'It's not related to our mission, Garrus.' Shepard reluctantly turned around.

'That I figured out.'

'You're frustrating, you know that?' Garrus mandibles twitched in a smile.

'And you know you can tell me whatever is troubling you, right?' The turian retorted, and Shepard's expression softened. 'You're distant, losing your concentration during the fight. Last time they almost got you in the head.' Shepard winced. He was careless enough to get himself flanked by one of the Collectors. If not for Jacob, he'd be dead by now. Instead, he only left the battlefield with a few scratches on the cheeks and forehead and helmet beyond reparation. 'Dr Chakwas is worried about you, and so is Tali.'

'I don't want any of you to get involved in it.' Shepard replied quietly with hunged down head.

'But apparently, you need help, Shepard.' He already had help – Jack. She had already gone through most of the data and although she had marked a few interesting points, none of those turned crucial. They had nothing, and that was what was killing Shepard from inside. The unknowingness. 'If not us, then speak with someone outside our team. There has to be someone you trust.' Garrus added after a short pause.

'I can't ask Anderson for help.'

'I wasn't thinking about him. There's still one person with enough connections to help you, Shepard.' The man looked at him puzzled until a familiar name crossed his mind. His eyes widened when the realization dawned upon him. 'Now, I think we're on the same page. Good.' Garrus said in an amused voice. 'You don't have to thank me, Shepard.' He added cockily and clasped his hand on the man's shoulder before he sauntered off toward the shuttle.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Two days later after dr. Lexi's visit Kaidan was allowed to leave the bed and encouraged to do simple exercises, under the supervision of Zana and Solana. He had been doing three ten-minute sessions per day, and although he had been sure he can do more than that, he pretty soon had to realize he was way too optimistic. His right ankle was still in a bad shape and his back started screaming for mercy already after the two sessions. 'Don't force yourself.' Zana chided him again when he had grimaced and almost lost his footing. 'I'm okay. I can continue.' He lied, but Zana, a sweet and gentle soul, didn't have it. Whenever she saw a sign of discomfort on Kaidan's face, she'd coax him back to bed and order to take a rest. This time wasn't different. She pushed herself into his personal space and he knew that he either stops, or she'd call Drack. Kaidan was aware that if Krogan will get involved in this, he'd ban him from doing exercises for a few days. To avoid it, with a slight limp, he reluctantly returned to his bed and sat on it heavily. 'Good.' Zana said with a happy smile and sat on the chair next to his bed. 'I think we'll cancel the last session, today. You're exhausted and I'm afraid you're straining your ankle too much.' 'I'm only following dr. Lexi's orders.' 'Well, maybe she should re-think her schedule.' Zana said worried and handed him a dry towel so he could wipe the sweat from his face and neck. 'I'm fine, Zana. It has to hurt a bit before it goes better.' He assured her with a small smile. 'Don't worry about it. It's not the first time.''You should take better care of himself.' The salarian continued relentlessly and handed him a plastic cup and two small pills. 'I'll ask Pebble to bring you lunch.' She added once he popped the pills down and washed them with a cup of water. 'In the meantime maybe you'd like to take a shower?' 'A shower?' Kaidan repeated surprised. Through his residency here he had never left his room. He had been washing in his bed with only wet cloths brought by Solana or Zana, and he was aware even this was not enough. He felt dirty and unruly. In dire need of a shower. 'Since you're back on your feet, we could give it a try. Maybe, it'd make you feel better.' She prompted shyly. 'I'd do anything for a shower. You're right, it'd make me feel better.' 'Good!' Zana said with an exciting look at her face and clapped her hands together. 'Let's move on, then.' She raised from her chair and offered Kaidan her arm. The man accepted her help without fuss and with a slight wince raised up from the bed. 'Careful, now. There's no rush.' The salarian wrapped her one arm around his waist and they began to move toward the door at a steady and slow pace. Kaidan reached out for Zana's shoulder when his ankle throbbed with pain and he shifted his body to put less pressure on it. 'You alright?' He asked softly when Zana huffed a breath and for a moment lost her footing. Kaidan immediately felt guilty. She was a fragile, small thing, while he, although he lost a bit of his weight, was still about twice her size. 'I'll manage. Don't worry.' She assured him in a rushed, little breathless voice. But Kaidan was worried. He could tell he was too much to handle for the salarian.'Maybe we should ask Solana to give us a hand.' He suggested with a guilty face. 'She's out. And no, we're fine. The bathroom is just across your room.' The door opened with a swish and Zana gently pulled for his arm to encourage him to move forward. 'I asked Solana to install a chair for you in the shower cabin, so you can wash in private and don't have to worry about losing your footing.' 'You're the best.' 'It's nothing.' She mumbled and looked shyly away. 'Let's move.' Kaidan took a deep breath when for the first time he crossed the threshold of his room and found himself in a long, narrow corridor illuminated with little point lamps. There was another door in front of him, and Zana reached out to open it. Behind it was hiding a small white-tiled bathroom, with a huge shower cabin taking the most of the place. As Zana had said, there was plastic, white chair installed to one of the walls. Everything looked clean and sterile. It looked like his cell.Kaidan stopped dead at the track, feeling anxious. His heartbeat accelerated, the blood rushed in his ears. Suddenly the back of his neck throbbed with severe pain, making Kaidan groan. His right hand clasped around his bandaged neck, fingers massaging it fervently as if he was hoping it'd diminish the pain. Black dots flashed before his eyes.
You are safe now. Kaidan gasped and went rigid when after a few days of silence, the voice resounded in his head again. Calm down, major. For an incomprehensible reason, he felt how his body began to relax, the pain in his neck fading.

'Kaidan, are you alright?' Zana's worried voice reached his ears, but he couldn't focus on her. You are safe.

Something crashed at Kaidan's left, making him snap back to reality. On instinct, his head whipped toward the source of the noise on his left and noticed Pebble standing at the end of the corridor, a metallic pot lying at her feet.

'Are you alright?' She called with a worried expression, her hands hanging in the air as if she didn't notice she had dropped the pot.

'We're alright, Pebble. I'm just helping Kaidan to get to the bathroom.' Kaidan was grateful he didn't have to answer. He doubted he was able to formulate a coherent response.

'Oh, okay.' She said with an unreadable face. 'I didn't make lunch yet.'

'Don't worry about that. It'd take him some time to wash.' Zana said and gently nudged Kaidan. 'You think you can move to the bathroom?' She asked quietly, her eyes searching his.

'Yea, I think you were right. I overdid with exercises.' Kaidan replied with a fake smile, his voice a little weaver. The salarian watched him with keening eyes for a long moment, and the man is sure she has to know he's bluffing, but instead of pushing, her face lightened up with her own version of the fake smile.

'Of course.' She finally accepted his answer and nodded toward the bathroom. 'You think you're ready to take shower on your own?' Kaidan nodded. 'Good. Take a seat. In the meantime, I'll bring you some towels and clean clothes.' Kaidan glanced over his shoulder and noticed that Pebble was still standing and watching him with wide, worried eyes. She didn't budge until Zana approached her and ushered her to another room.

The pot lied forgotten on the floor.

**

'Why the fuck no one answered when I called you?!' Evana snapped for the welcome once she entered a crowded kitchen lifting a heavy-looking crate full of food. Solana gave her a once over from her seat at the end of the white table, some magazine resting between turian's hands. 'This shit is heavy.' Evana bristled and with a groan dropped the crate at the other end of the table.

'Didn't hear a thing.' Solana said with a shrug and returned to her lecture. Evana sent her a murderous look before she moved her eyes toward two other females occupying the small space. 'And what about you two?!'

'I can't lift anything heavy.' Zana shrugged with innocent eyes and continued rummaging through upper cupboards.

'I'm preparing food for Kaidan.' Pebble quickly answered. She was perched on the barstool, her eyes trained at the datapad in her hands.

'By browsing on extranet?' Evana snapped angrily at her daughter.

'Humans eat different food. I am searching for easy, healthy recipes that I could make with what we have for lunch.' The younger asari replied without missing a beat.

'You're almost like his personal slave.' Evana rolled her eyes and moved past Pebble.

'He can't do food on his own, and from all of us only asari and humans have a similar diet.' Solana explained without taking her eyes from the magazine. 'I figured out much you wouldn't do that, so we're only left with Pebble.'

'You figured out good.' The asari said and leaned against the kitchen cabinet. 'What's this?' She nodded toward the plate hidden behind Pebble's back, covered with two triangular, brown sponges or whatever it was.

'Ah, it's Kaidan's snack.' Zana replied and removed a small bowl from the cupboard. 'It's called a sandwich, I think.'

'So he already has food.' She pointed out with an annoyed face.

'No, it's only a snack.' Zana disagreed. 'Something light to eat after his training. Lexi recommended it.'

'Course, who else could that be.' Evana muttered under her breath and opened one of the drawers. 'There's some cutlery missing. Again. Goddamit, Pebble, did you throw them to the bin by accident, or what?!' She slammed the drawer back. The younger asari whipped her head around with an apologetical look on her face and opened her mouth to say something when Zana chimed in.

'I know you're angry Evana, but don't take it out on Pebble.' The salarian fixed the older asari with a serious look. 'You could always call Drack to give you a hand.'

'You think, I didn't do it?' She snapped back. 'He ignored me.'

'He probably switched to the silent mode when he went to Lexi. She's supposed to exam him.' Pebble chimed in and slightly raised on her bar stool so she could check the content of Evana's crate. 'You bought human food, too?'

'Yes, I asked a human smuggler to give us something to feed your little pet.' Evana rolled her eyes. 'I didn't forget.'

'He's not a pet.' Pebble disagreed quietly with a frown.

'You're right, he's just a parasite. I used the wrong word. So silly of me!' She said sharply. Pebble darted her eyes away, bitting down on her low lip.

'If you're done with offending everyone around you, can you take a look at things that Jarvis brought us today?' Solana chimed in. 'There's some stuff for you.'

'Yea, I was waiting for that package for ages.' Evana nodded after a short pause and as nothing happened she exited the kitchen.

Solana sighed heavily and threw the magazine across the table. She could feel Pebble's eyes staring at her back.

'Maybe you shouldn't ignore her calls...' She started shyly, but the turian quickly get into her word.

'It wouldn't matter. She was in the bitch mode since the dawn.' Solana shrugged. 'You know how it is with her. Let her lash out. Once she gets tired, she'd be back to normal...Well, as normal as she can get.'

'Define normal.' Pebble snorted and rolled her eyes.

'Point taken.'

'But the good thing is that after her morning fit, Drack finally decided to go to see Lexi.' Zana chimed in with a smile and handed Pebble the bowl. 'He needs to take better care of himself. He's not young anymore.'

'If Drack prefers to get probed with needles and other strange devices, Evana had to be in her prime this morning. Normally, nothing would force him to see a doctor. Shame, I wasn't there.' Solana's mandibles twitched in amusement.

'Believe me, you didn't miss much.' Zana muttered and handed Pebble an old apron. 'Start making lunch for Kaidan. I'll help you once I get him back to bed.' She ordered.

'Aye, aye captain.' Pebble said with a toothy grin and moved toward the crate in search of needed ingredients.

**

Kaidan wasn't sure how long he was sitting under the spray of warm water relieved that hot shower lessened the pain in his body. He used every bottle from the shelf he got his hands on not caring to whom they belonged and scrubbed his body from the grim and dry blood. He felt relaxed and for the first time since he had awoken clean and fresh.

He grabbed a fluffy towel Zana had brought for him and wrapped it around his waist. He stepped out from the shower and was going to change into the clean clothes when he noticed a sink in the corner with a small mirror hanging above it. Without a second thought, he hobbled toward it. He wiped the steam from the mirror with his hand and gasped.

The man staring back at him was barely recognizable.

His hair was long, almost touching his shoulders. The upper part of his face that wasn't covered with a thick beard was covered with blue and violet bruises and there were some cuts on his forehead and left side of the nose. Only the eyes were familiar. Though they lost their sparkle.

'Damn it...' Kaidan muttered under his breath, already regretting he had decided to take a look at himself.

He didn't remind himself.

But what else was he expecting? He was out cold for weeks, maybe months.

'Kaidan, are you alright?' There was a soft knock and Zana's gentle voice came through the door.

'Yea, I'm fine.' He lied as always and moved a hand across his face. 'I'm putting on clothes.'

'Alright, shout when you're ready to go to your room. I changed the sheet on your bed.' Kaidan didn't want to go back there, though he knew he didn't have any choice.

He grabbed clothes and began to dress up. Once he put on the blouse with too-long sleeves, he stepped out of the bathroom. Zana was already waiting for him in the corridor. She gently wrapped her arm around his waist and helped him hobble back to his room. If she noticed his eyes were puffy and red-rimmed, she didn't say a thing.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

With the passing days, Kaidan was getting stronger and finally was able to leave the bed for longer periods of time. At Dr. Lexi's

suggestion

to strengthen his mental stability

he was also allowed to leave the room during a day, however, he couldn't leave the apartment. Drack has insisted it wasn't safe enough to let him wander around the Omega until he gets fully healed. Kaidan wasn't overly excited with the krogan's decision, but he was realistic enough to know it'd probably take weeks before he'd be able to move all by himself. He wondered idly if he ever gets back into shape – he hasn't recalled being ever so thin in his whole life, and the muscles from the years of intensive training were partially gone. He was moving around the crowded apartment with a limp that he's worried it will stay with him forever. He's worried the bones in his ankle fused badly since they've never taken him to the real hospital. He knew Dr. Lexi was doing a good job trying to get him back on the feet, but he was afraid that's not enough. 
 
His dreams about him returning to the Alliance slowly turned into nightmares. He's sure if they could see him right now, they'd deem him unfitted to work. They'll discharge him and Kaidan didn't even want to think about what is he going to do. Alliance was his whole life. There's no other place he could go. No other place to work. 
 
His sole existence was Alliance. Without it, he was no one. 
 
Kaidan dropped his gaze toward a single crutch leaned against the desk. Dr. Lexi had brought it for him insisting he should use it whenever he moves around the apartment to keep pressure off his ankle. A stubborn part of him didn't want to use it. He was pretty much capable of moving around the small apartment, hobbling. Those were short distances he could beat without putting on a sweat. 
 
He didn't need crutches. 
 
'Don't even think about that.' Dr. Lexi suddenly chided as if she could read his mind. 'You need the crutches, Mr. Alenko. Once your ankle gets better, you'll be deemed fit to leave the apartment and move without them. I don't have to remind you we're on Omega, and the last thing you want to do is to wander around with two crutches, completely vulnerable.' She continued relentless and Kaidan realized she had a point. They weren't on a Citadel. 
 
'I guess, I just have enough of watching the same scenery over and over.' Kaidan admitted with a sigh. 'I wish I could go home.' 
 
'Soon, Mr. Alenko. You're getting stronger with each passing day and I have to admit it's the first time I see someone heal so quickly like you.' Kaidan shifted under asari's scrutinizing eyes. Something was disturbing in the way she regarded him. He felt uneasy and vulnerable. 
 
'You think so? Strange, because I feel like it's taking ages.' 
 
'That's because you don't

realize

in what state you have been brought here, Mr. Alenko.' She said with a deadpanned expression. 'When Drack told me about you and your injuries, I was sure you wouldn't make it.' Kaidan felt like someone dropped a bucket of icy water over his head. 'I advised them to give you sedatives and keep you comfortable for the rest of the time you had. But then, out of nowhere, you start to heal. You recovered without any serious complications and that's something you don't see often.' 
 
'Are you always so straight-forward?' Kaidan asked in a strained voice, her words still ringing in his ears. Of course, he knew he had been in really bad shape and that he might die, but to hear it. He felt like she just slapped him on the face.
 
'I have to be honest, Mr. Alenko.' She replied, her gaze burning. 'And you need to understand that whatever is happening to you, as good as it is, it's not something normal. That's why I'm so concerned about your amp. I can tell someone played with it, but I cannot assess yet how much damage they did to it. If there's anything you'd want to tell me, now it's the right time to do it.' Kaidan's eyes widened slightly at the implication. Did she know about the voice? But how? She didn't check his implant yet. 'I'm being honest with you. And I'm expecting you to do the same.' But he didn't want to admit he's hearing a voice in his head. Even asari has to know that's not a good sign. 
 
'I ca-an't think about anything.' He lied timidly, his gaze dropped down to his lap. He could feel her burning gaze on himself. Kaidan hoped he could see what was going on in the asari's head. 
 
'Alright. I'll check your implant using the standard method.' Dr. Lexi suddenly announced as if she was content enough with his clipped answer, and quickly turned her attention to the clipboard in her hand. She began to scribble something down when Kaidan focused his attention at the whirl of cables resting on his lap connected from his amp to the portable computers she has hauled into his room with Drack's help. His hand snatched to the back of his neck when one of the cables has tickled the sensitive skin. 
 
'Hands back, Mr. Alenko.' Dr. Lexi ordered an authoritative voice without taking her eyes off the clipboard. 'If you move the cables, we'll get incorrect readings.' Kaidan gently scratched the skin with two fingers, hoping she wouldn't notice it. 'Do you want me to sedate you? Or I can give you another shot and start everything from the beginning. Your choice.' Kaidan growled in frustration but obediently dropped his hand down. He didn't think he is capable of enduring another shot without hitting the asari square in the face. His veins have felt like they were full of lava and the fingers of his right hand got numb for a couple of minutes. 
 
'I'll be good.' Kaidan said reluctantly. Dr. Lexi nodded and moved swiftly to one of the computers. She quickly typed something and Kaidan could see colored diagrams appearing on the screen. She frowned upon seeing something. Kaidan licked his lips worriedly. 
 
There was a soft knock on the door. Without waiting for permission it opened with a swish only to reveal Zana, Solana, and Pebble standing in the doorway.  
 
'So, how's he doing?' Solana asked in a cheerful tone as she stepped in, her eyes flickered toward Kaidan. 
 
'I prescribed him pills to improve his mental stability.' Dr. Lexi replied without taking her eyes off the computers. 
 
'Hey! What about the patient's confidentiality?' Kaidan snapped hotly. 
 
'I'll take it into consideration once my patience stops keeping things from me.' Dr. Lexi countered. 
 
'I didn't lie - ' 
 
'You didn't mention to me your little breakdown in the shower room.' Kaidan paled on the face, his eyes shot up toward Zana. The salarian was shifting on her feet behind two women, staring at the floor with a guilty expression on her face. 'This is not something you should feel ashamed of. After what you get through, it's a normal reaction. Like I said I prescribed you some pills. They should help with your anxiety panics.'
 
'You want to keep me medicated for all the time?' Kaidan didn't want more pills. He needed to get out. Once he takes a breath of the fresh air, he'll be back to his old self.  
 
'At the moment I'm more concerned with your mental stability than your physical health. Solana makes sure you'd take them after your breakfast.' Dr. Lexi ordered and began typing on the computer. 'And please, don't move your head around. Stay still.' Kaidan fumed, but did as the asari had told him. 'And you three, stay quiet. I need to focus on.' She added when she caught Pebble whispering something to Zana. 
 
They stayed in relative silence for about fifteen minutes, the only sounds in the room were the gently buzzing coming out from computers and the sound of clicking when dr Lexi was typing. Kaidan felt his eyes began to close, the need to take a nap overwhelming his senses. As in cue, dr Lexi straightened her back, a familiar frown marring her face as she took in the results. 
 
'Something not right?' Zana asked in a small voice, a concern written over her face. 
 
'There are some readings that concern me.' She replied after a moment, her fingers hovered over one of the cables. 
 
'My amp is an old model and not very stable, but it works for me.' Kaidan suggested with a slight shrug. He got used to hearing the familiar things from Dr. Chakwas and Michelle. 'Cerberus has to messed with it badly.' 
 
'I know about your amp, Mr. Alenko. And no, that's not the reason.' Dr. Lexi said firmly. 'But that's probably something I'd concern myself at a different time. I'll need to discuss my findings with colleagues. I'm afraid it's beyond my knowledge.' She admitted with that strange look on her face. 'Today, we'll focus on your biotics. You told me you didn't use them since your escape.' She finished with a questioning look.
 
'That's correct.' 
 
'I hope so. We have to trust each other.' She approached him and swiftly began to disconnect him from the cables. Kaidan hissed in pain when one of the cables tugged sharply at his amp and sensitive skin. 'I apologize. I'd try to be more gentle.' Kaidan doubted asari can be gentle at all. Speaking from his experience gentleness was not in the asari's nature. Even sweet looking, innocent Liara could turn

lethal

in the blink of an eye. 
 
Once dr Lexi dismounted all devices from his neck, she gently probed on his amp. Zana smiled encouragingly at him, her black eyes shining in excitement. 
 
'Your implant should be working by now. Everyone take a step back. Kaidan needs some space to practice.' She ordered as always and dropped on the bed a mix of different objects. 'We'll start with the basics. I want to see if you have control over your biotics. Then we'll move further.' Kaidan wondered idly what she meant by moving further. He didn't think he'll be capable to lift his finger after the first use of biotics. He was still too weak. 'You ready?'
 
'Not really, but I don't have a choice, do I?' For the first time that day the asari smiled at him. 
 
'I'll go slow on you.' Kaidan snorted amused. 'For your first assignment use your biotics on this box and try to lift it out of the bed. Don't worry if you don't get it on your first try.' Kaidan sighed heavily and reached out his hand toward the carton box. His brows furrowed in concentration, his attention entirely focused on the object of his task. 
 
Kaidan felt the familiar surge of power surging in waves through his whole body, a flicker of blue light grazed the tips of his fingers. The smell of ozone filled his nostrils and suddenly Kaidan felt stronger like never before. 
 
He felt so alive. 
 
The box was enveloped in a blue field and skyrocketing toward the ceiling in record time. He heard the women gasp in shock and surprise. 
 
'Well done, Kaidan!' Zana beamed at him, clapping her hands. He smiled back in return, feeling proud of himself. He did it. At first try. Even though dr. Lexi thought he wouldn't do that. 
 
Kaidan whipped his head around, his eyes searching for the asari. Dr. Lexi was staring back at him with that strange look on her face. She was not smiling. She looked spooked. Kaidan's heart stopped, his smile dropped. Her stare was scrutinizing again, and he felt like a bug under the magnifying glass. 
 
'You keep amazed me, Mr. Alenko.' She finally spoke up in a little strained voice. 'We can continue if you feel well.' She used that tone of voice that rather suggested or was hoping to hear he's too tired to keep going with exercises. Kaidan toyed with the idea to call it off and try to coax from the asari what get her so shaken. But a voice at the back of his head reminded him how good he has felt. 
 
'Let's keep going.' Dr. Lexi glared at him heavily, then with a sigh turned her attention to the clipboard. 
 
'Let's do something harder, then.' 
 
It didn't take long to catch Evana's attention with that loud cheerings and clappings going on, whenever Kaidan accomplished his tasks. The asari strolled casually to his bedroom with arms crossed against her chest and a permanent scowl on her face. 
 
'Teaching your pet new tricks?' She asked in a nonchalant voice, her cold blue eyes resting on Kaidan. 
 
'I thought I made it clear I don't want you to be in the same room as my patient.' Dr. Lexi said in a clipped voice, her eyes shooting daggers at another asari. 
 
'Believe me, I don't want to be here, either.' 
 
'So what are you doing, here?' 
 
'I was trying to get some sleep, but your cheerleaders keep waking me up.' She responded, her gaze moved toward the rest of their group. Pebble quickly cast her eyes down, teeth worried her low lip in what Kaidan has learned was a nervous tic. 'Could you tone it down? What's so fascinating about him lifting things in the air? I can do the same.' 
 
'You're asari, Evana. And he's human.' Zana said, still looking giddy. 'It's impressive what he can do with his biotics. Especially after all injuries he sustained.' Evana rolled her eyes at her with a snort. 
 
'Impressive you say? Well, why don't your pet show me what he can do.' Evana smirked at him. 'Maybe he can surprise me.' 
 
'You bet I can.' Kaidan fired back, a challenge evident in his voice. 
 
'Actually, why not.' Dr Lexi chimed in with a blank expression on her face. 'Why don't we move forward and do something harder, hmm? Kaidan, choose one thing in the room. A chair, preferably. Use as much power you can muster to push it away.' 
 
'A chair? Don't be so tough on him, Lexi. Pillow should be enough.' Evana suggested, a smirk playing on her lips. 'It's not like he'd impress me by pushing a chair around the room.' 
 
'He'll be fine.' She replied with a too-sweet smile plastered to her face that didn't reach her eyes. 
 
'Whatever, you're a doctor, here.' She spread her hands at sides. 'Come on, pet, show us what you can do.'
 
Kaidan gritted his teeth and reached out toward the desk chair. His body drummed with power, a blue field wrapped around his body like a glove. 
 
'You can do it, Kaidan. Just let it go!' Dr. Lexi encouraged him for the first time this day. Through the blue barrier, he saw Evana staring at him down with a cocky smile. He felt a rush of anger and before he knew it he moved his hand toward the hated asari. His palm opened up at the same time as Evana's eyes widened the mix of shock and disbelief. His biotics hit her square in the chest. Her body jerked up like a rag doll. She was thrown across the room until her back collided with the wall outside his bedroom. Evana slumped down with wide eyes and agape mouth. 
 
The power field was drumming around him. Pebble screamed and rushed toward her mother. He didn't even think asari can get pale on her face. He heard Zana's shocked gasp and a familiar chirping sound of the bird as Solana cackled aloud, bent, with arms wrapped around her middle. Kaidan cast a glance at dr Lexi. The asari was looking so smugly. 
 
He shut his biotics down. 
 
'I don't think I could think of choosing a better target.' She said to him nonchalantly, her lips stretched in a genuine smile. 'Well done, Kaidan. I think you managed to impress even Evana today. Didn't he?' Pebble wrapped her arm around his mother and helped her to stand up. Evana looked at them coldly, her one arm clutched around her ribs. 
 
'Shouldn't you check on her?' Zana asked in a quiet voice as she watched the asari hobbling away. 
 
'She's a strong one. Don't worry.' Dr. Lexi replied and picked up her clipboard. 'Okay, I think that's enough for today. Take a rest Mr. Alenko, and you two make sure he drinks plenty of water today. I don't' want him to dehydrate.' 
 
Kaidan sighed heavily and dropped down on his bed, suddenly feeling weary. He couldn't help but smile bashfully as he kept repeating in mind the last few minutes.