Lazarus Project: Mass Effect 2 (Shenko)

Chapter 28

Milky Way/Shadow Sea/Iera/Horizon

Earth year: 2185 CE --- May

"I don't get it sir." Tanner grumbled for the tenth time that day.

They were walking the perimeter of the colony.  Not for any specific reason, but to get away from the hostile looks they were getting from the colonists.

"So you've said. Several times." Kaidan replied, sounding tired.

"What the hell did we miss over the past year and a half? Why do these people hate the Alliance so much?"

"I don't know Lieutenant. I'm aware there were problems with something they did or said regarding the geth attack on the Citadel, but I don't know the details. Anderson mentioned something about the Alliance denying the Reapers' existence, but what we've seen here seems to indicate something more."

"I think we need to know what that something more is sir." Tanner muttered, scuffing her feet through the grass in frustration.

"I agree. I've got Zima going through both the Alliance and Citadel News Network archives as we speak."

"Really?" Tanner couldn't keep the surprise from her voice.

"I have my moments Dlaney." Kaidan drawled.

"Sorry sir. I didn't mean..."

"At ease Lieutenant. We've worked together a long time and I know what you think of my relationship with the Alliance."

"I...."

Kaidan stopped and turned to face her. "Look, I know I haven't always been open about my past, but I'm aware that because of that I've let a few things slide. I don't know what's going on with the colonists, but I should. Some animosity is expected, but here, well... it's a bit extreme. So Zima is checking. He should have a full report ready by the time we get back."

"Sir? If I may say something, off the record?"

"Of course."

"I wasn't going to say anything about your command sir. In fact, I speak for myself and Corporal Zima when I say you are the best commanding officer we've ever worked with. We respect you a lot. We  both know what happened to you two years ago, and... Well, I hope that if something like that ever happened to me, I would do as well as you have to move on from it."

"I'm surprised Lieutenant, but thank you."

"Understood sir." Tanner said,  breaking eye contact.

"Come on Dlaney, let's get back. I want to know what Zima found."

----xxx----

They joined Mason in his quarters when they returned to the colony. They'd stopped to pick up beer and pizza on the way, not wanting to delay or interrupt whatever he might have to tell them. Kaidan busied himself getting plates and glasses while Zima finished up what he was doing on his terminal.

"So Zima," Tanner began, grabbing a plate and taking a healthy swig of beer. "What deep, dark evil has turned the colonists against the Alliance? Did they refuse to enlist children? Confiscate old lady kitty cats? Swipe canes from the elderly?" She teased, her mouth full of pizza.

"Uh... not exactly." Mason replied, his usual exuberant tone subdued.

"So what then?" Tanner asked, tensing.

"What is it Chief?" Kaidan prompted, watching Mason's gaze go to the floor, clearly uncomfortable.

"Okay Zima knock it off." Tanner growled. "This isn't funny."