Lazarus Project: Mass Effect 2 (Shenko)

Chapter 30

Milky Way/Shadow Sea/Iera/Horizon

Earth year: 2185 CE --- May

"Commander Alenko." Anderson said as the vid-call connected to the Citadel. "This is a surprise. I didn't expect to hear from you until next week."

Kaidan nodded as he squared his shoulders. "I realize that sir, but something's come up and I need some answers."

"Commander?" Anderson asked, bracing himself. "What's this about? It sounds serious."

"It is sir." Kaidan agreed, taking a deep breath. "Why didn't you tell me what the Alliance was saying about Shepard and the Reapers?"

"Alenko... " Anderson looked away. "I'm sorry. You were out in the Traverse, doing well and getting on with your life. Telling you about the shit storm going on back here felt like opening old wounds."

"That's understandable, but I was just on the Citadel a week ago. You could have said something then."

"I know and for what it's worth, I'm sorry." Anderson looked beat. "Both the Alliance and the Council have let me down on this. They let Shepard down, and every member of the Normandy's crew down. I pushed back at every opportunity to not let this slide but it hasn't done much good. Hasn't made me any friends either, but I don't care, you all deserve better."

"I appreciate that Anderson." Kaidan said, some of his tension easing.

"Was there something else Commander?" Anderson asked noting that Kaidan's expression hadn't change.

"Yes sir." Kaidan sighed. "We've heard some rumours here that are coming out of Omega."

"What kind of rumours?" Anderson asked, his voice hard.

"Rumours about Shepard. They're saying she's alive."

"Goddammit." Anderson swore.

"So it's true?" Kaidan pressed, feeling his anger rise.

"Alenko, as far as I or the Alliance is concerned, these reports are nothing more than someone's idea of a bad joke."

"So it's nothing then?" Kaidan didn't believe what he was hearing. "Reporters don't make a habit of reporting on speculation sir."

"No, no of course not." Anderson agreed, still avoiding Kaidan's eyes. "But I assure you, we're looking into it. Someone started this, for reasons I can't begin to imagine. So far we've found no evidence to support the claims being made."

"I see." Kaidan said, relaxing a bit more. "But why didn't you mention this? You know what this would mean to me. How could you let me find out like this?"

"I know Commander and again, I'm sorry." Anderson acknowledged, his voice sad. "I was hoping it would go away. You're a good soldier Alenko, a better Commander and a valuable member of the Alliance fleet. Both you and Shepard deserve better."

Kaidan said nothing. He'd heard this speech before and he liked knowing Anderson valued and appreciated his service. But he also knew that despite his words, Anderson was first and foremost a loyal Alliance soldier and an effective, if not happy, politician. He had no doubt that if Anderson didn't want him to know something, he wouldn't.

"I promise you Commander, should we find any evidence regarding Shepard's return, you will be the first to know about it."

"Right. Of course. Thank you sir."

"Now, was there anything else?"

"No. That about covers it."

"Good. I'm glad we could clear the air. I look forward to receiving your next field report. Anderson out."