Lazarus Project: Mass Effect 2 (Shenko)

Chapter 20

Milky Way/Artemis Tau Cluster/Qiatera System/Fehl Prime

Earth year: 2184 CE --- December

"Staff Lieutenant Alenko?" Greeted the Alliance rep. A petite brunette with sparkling blue eyes gave him a welcoming smile as she took his hand in greeting.

"Yes ma'am."

"Pleased to meet you Lieutenant. I'm Ambassador Sienna Parks. I'm in charge of greeting every visitor who comes to our colony here on Fehl Prime. Just one of the many things I'm responsible for."

"Likewise ma'am." Kaidan said, releasing her hand as he moved to the seat she indicated.

"Admiral Anderson tells me you're interested in meeting with Captain Toni?"

"That's right."

"Captain Toni is something of a celebrity around here. He and his squad helped stop a Collector attack almost single-handed."

"Single-handed?" Kaidan frowned. From what Anderson had said, Captain Toni's squad had been only one of five squads deployed who had survived the Collector attack.

Sienna's brow wrinkled, watching him with interest. "Okay, so maybe not exactly single-handed, but still... they're all heroes as far as everyone in the colony is concerned."

"Of course Ambassador, that's to be expected."

"Well anyway, I'm sure you didn't come here to listen to me talk about Captain Toni's heroics. If you need to speak with him or any member of his squad you can usually find them at the local watering hole. They run regular patrols around the colony perimeter, but in their off-duty hours they always head to the Platinum Tavern."

"Platinum Tavern?"

"Oh yes. It's the most popular Alliance bar in all of Fehl Prime." Sienna assured him. "If Captain Toni isn't there, then his First Lieutenant, James Vega will be."

"Thank you ma'am, that's very helpful." Kaidan said, rising from the chair to leave.

"Oh and you won't have any trouble spotting Vega." Sienna continued, walking him to the door. "Built like a brick wall and loves his poker and tequila."

"Tequila?'

"Yeah. I'm not sure how he gets it through Alliance requisitions, but he's always got a good supply on hand."

Kaidan smiled. "The good ones always find a way. Thank you again Ambassador Parks, both for the warm welcome and your assistance. I appreciate it."

"Anytime Lieutenant. It was a pleasure meeting you."

----xxx----

After leaving the Ambassador's office, Kaidan headed to the address listed on his omni-tool where he'd be spending the next two weeks.

"Sir." Tanner greeted as he approached her. She was leaning against the wall outside their new apartments.

"Corporal. How's the room?"

"The room's great. Gonna take some getting used to though. Won't have Mason's snoring to lull me to sleep at night."

"For the last time, I do not snore." Mason said, stepping into the hall.

"I have a recording that says otherwise." Tanner grinned.

"Hey! You said you were going to erase that."

Kaidan smiled. Listening to the two of them argue made him feel at ease, like he was back aboard the Normandy listening to Ashley and Garrus argue over the size of their weapons. At the memory, Kaidan felt himself stiffen and wished he hadn't thought of it.