Lazarus Project: Mass Effect 2 (Shenko)

Chapter 35

Milky Way/Hourglass Nebula/Osun Orbit/SSV Normandy SR-2

Earth year: 2185 CE --- July

Once aboard the Normandy, Callie had just changed into her BDU's when Joker alerted her to an altercation taking place in the war room between Jack and Miranda.

"Uh Commander? Jack and Miranda are having a 'discussion' in the briefing room. Could you head that off before they tear out a bulkhead?"

"I'm on it Joker."

"Don't touch me bitch!" Jack threatened as Shepard entered. "Tell the cheerleader to back off."

"I wouldn't dream of it." Miranda retorted.

"Jack, you'll have your access." Callie said, facing Jack. "Miranda will forward you all the files you need."

"Hear that princess? We're going to be best friends. I'm going to be learning all about all your dirty little secrets." She said, sauntering to the door. "I'll be reading. Somewhere near the bottom. I don't like a lot of through traffic."

Miranda shook her head in disgust. "It's good you came by when you did Shepard. I'll be in my office if you need anything."

----xxx----

"Commander." Kelly called as she passed through the CIC. "The Illusive Man wishes to speak with you. He's waiting for you in the briefing room."

"He'll have to wait Kelly." Callie said. "I need an hour or so to myself. I'll be in my cabin."

"Of course Commander. I'll let him know."

Callie headed went for her desk where she'd stashed the bottle of whiskey she'd picked up when they'd been on the Citadel. Bottle in hand, she headed to the couch, knocking back a shot before she even sat down.

She felt as though she'd run a marathon over the past three months. There'd been to so many systems and engaged in so many firefights, she couldn't remember the last time she'd stopped to just breathe.

Pouring another shot, she sipped at it allowing the smooth, golden liquid to loosen her tense muscles. It hadn't been like this on the old Normandy, she mused. She'd always had plenty of downtime to visit with and get to know her crew. Sit down for a meal or just take a moment with a trashy novel and hot cup of coffee.

Outside Kelly and the two engineering staff, she didn't know anyone else aside from those she'd recruited. What the heck were those engineers' names anyway?

Her mind was so frazzled she couldn't even recall what she'd said to them, and that was unacceptable. She felt disconnected from the ship and those aboard it, but if the Illusive Man needed to speak with her she didn't have time now to rectify it.

Aside from the coffee she had every morning, she couldn't remember when she'd last read anything that didn't include extranet messages, mission reports or dossiers. Yet though she longed for a respite from her constant activity, she knew why she wasn't trying harder to fit it into her schedule.

Her mind never failed to go to thoughts of Kaidan. Where was he? Why hadn't he tried to reach her? Was he okay?

After Anderson's abrupt response to her inquiry regarding her former Staff Lieutenant, she knew he was alive.  But it didn't tell her where he was or what he was dong. It didn't tell her why he continued to ignore her.

Maybe he's found someone else, her mind whispered, the thought squeezing her heart painfully. No... no. She shook her head at the thought, even though it was entirely reasonable. Two years was a long time even if she thought it had been months. She still couldn't wrap her mind around it. But it didn't change the fact that her memories contrasted painfully with the reality of how everyone she'd known had moved on. She felt like a stranger in her own life, even as everyone and everything around her continued to move forward oblivious to her confusion.

She finished her second shot and poured another before setting the bottle aside. She knew her limits and if she had to deal with the Illusive Man, she wasn't going to do it without at least attempting to calm herself.

A small part of her clung to the hope that once the mission was over and she survived, she'd be able to talk to Kaidan and see where she fit in his life, if at all. She hoped with all her heart she wasn't already too late. Feeling herself slipping into melancholy, she set aside her whiskey and stood up. She couldn't afford to get drunk. At least not now.

She checked her appearance in the mirror and after downing a large glass of water, headed for the CIC and the Illusive Man.