Aftermath

Chapter 18

Shepard couldn't help the emotion that welled up in her as she watched the Normandy descend through the low clouds that had gathered in the afternoon sky. The ship was still sleek and beautiful and the sight of it brought a buffeting of emotions. The cargo bay door opened for them. Shepard and Liara stepped on board together, sparing just a moment to glance back at the small cabin on the hillside, the iconic windswept tree just a hilltop over. They'd come back, she promised herself. As the bay door closed and cut off her view she turned her attentions inside.

Steve Cortez was standing at the door controls and snapped off a salute and grinned at Shepard. "Commander Williams, Captain Shepard and Dr T'soni are aboard. We're squared away for departure."

"Copy that, Lieutenant," Ashley's voice responded.

"Breaking atmosphere," Joker's voice. "When somebody cares to let me know where we're going I'll be happy to plot a course."

"Welcome back, Captain," Steve said with a genuine smile.

"Thanks Lieutenant, but I'm not back. Just hitching a ride."

"Yes, ma'am." Cortez sounded unconvinced. "Commander Williams will meet you in the CIC."

"Good to see you, Steve, " Shepard said, giving him a pat on the arm as she passed.

"Same to you Captain."

###

Liara and Shepard found Ashley standing in the cockpit behind Joker. She nodded to them when they entered.

Liara tapped her omni-tool. "Joker here are the coordinates."

"Any idea what kind of reception we're going to get from our old pal Miranda?" Joker asked as he set the course.

Shepard rubbed her scar, "Somewhere between highly annoyed and downright pissed."

"So the norm," he mumbled. "Coordinates set, eta one hour."

Shepard and Liara filled Ashley in on the information Feron had provided, spotty as it was. A while later they found themselves back in the cockpit crowding Joker's chair, peering out of the window at a space station in orbit above the swirling gases of Jupiter.

"Sensors are scrambled," Joker commented, his fingers moving swift and deft over his console.

"As expected," Liara added.

"Communications?" Shepard asked.

"We can give it a shot. Opening channel."

"Unidentified Station this is Captain Shepard of the Alliance. Please identify yourself and prepare for docking." Shepard's voice was strong and controlled. Liara resisted the grin that threatened to break out listening to Shepard here in the cockpit of the Normandy. She was certain the nostalgia of the moment was affecting Ashley and Joker as well. She noticed Ashley spare a quick half smile at Shepard's profile.

After a moment a clear voice came through the com channel. "Alliance vessel this is a private operations base. Docking is not permitted. Change course or prepare to be fired upon."

"Yep, she's pissed," Joker mumbled.

Shepard gritted her teeth, her eyes narrowing, "So am I."

"Unidentified Station, you tell Miranda Lawson that we are docking this ship. If she wants to blow the Savior of the Galaxy out of the sky she's welcome to try," Shepard's voice was low and dangerous.

Ashley openly grinned.

After a moment the voice came back, "Alliance vessel, proceed to bay four for docking. Lawson Station out."