Lazarus Project: Mass Effect 2 (Shenko)

Chapter 21

Milky Way/Caleston Rift/Qiatera System/Fehl Prime

Earth year: 2185 CE --- January

Four days after their arrival on Fehl Prime, Kaidan caught up with Captain Toni. Delta Squad had been out on patrol for the past week when they'd arrived so he'd had to wait for their return. Unfortunately Captain Toni didn't have much to add to his original report. The Collectors had come in fast and hard in a ship larger than anything he or anyone in his squad had ever seen.

That they'd survived while the other squads had not still weighed heavily on the Captain. His eyes were haunted by whatever he'd seen that day, combined with the guilt of surviving. Kaidan understood the look and knew that if Anderson hadn't found him, he would have looked the same. The Captain apologized for not being able to offer more.

"My Lieutenant might have more for you though." He said, walking Kaidan to the door. "He was in charge of a small ground force during the worst of it. You can probably find him at the Platinum Tavern, loves his drink and cards. Just don't let him talk you into a game of poker, he'll clean you out of your life savings if you let him."

Kaidan laughed as he shook Toni's hand. "Thanks for the warning Captain. It was nice meeting you sir."

"Likewise Lieutenant." Toni nodded at him. "Anderson told me you're an exceptional soldier, but it's nice to put a face to someone who was part of the Normandy's crew."

"Thank you Captain." Kaidan hesitated.

"Don't worry Lieutenant. My squad has no knowledge of your history with the Normandy. Anderson insisted, and after what my team went through last year, I understand why."

"I appreciate that sir."

"Oh and don't worry about Vega finding out. He's smart and talented and a good soldier in his own way, but unless it directly affects him, he isn't one to go digging through someone's past."

Kaidan felt himself relax. "Thanks Captain. I'm sure if it does come up it won't be a problem."

"Take care Lieutenant. Try to enjoy your shore leave, from what I hear, you've more than earned it."

----xxx----

"Lieutenant James Vega?" Kaidan asked as he approached the tall, muscular man who was seated near the bar inside the Platinum Tavern.

"That's my name, don't wear it out." Vega said, lifting his glass in salute.

"Lieutenant Alenko." Kaidan said, offering his hand.

"Sir." He said, gripping Kaidan's hand in his with a firm shake. "To what do I owe the pleasure? Captain Toni said you might show up, but didn't say what you were here for."

"May I?" Kaidan asked, pointing to a seat near Vega.

"Be my guest."

"I'm just here to find out what you have to say about the Collector attack a year ago."

Vega's arm stilled it's movement to his lips as a cloud passed over his  eyes. "Collectors huh? Figured that might be why you were here. Not sure what I can tell you that isn't already in the report Captain Toni sent the Alliance."

"Well I'm not here in any official Alliance capacity." Kaidan said, catching Vega's eye.

"No?"

"I'm here at the request of Councillor Anderson. He wants me to get your perspective on the Collectors. He thought you might have some insights about them that wouldn't have been included in the reports."