ME: Lost

Reminisce

Huerta Memorial's vast lobby hummed with voices when Kaidan emerged from the long hallway. Every seat available carried an occupant, some even held two at a time.

Visitors crowded into the corner next to the elevator, merging into the single-file line that snaked to a desk in the middle of the room. The harried asari behind it tapped on her console in impatience as she waited for the elcor at the front of the line to lumber away.

The corner closest to him held pallets, overflow from crowded patient rooms. Temporary glass partitions gave a small measure of privacy, but the wounded soldiers didn't seem to care. This mix of humans and asari boasted minor injuries and infections; all mild enough to warrant giving up their beds to those on the brink of death.

The longest wall on either side of the rectangular room was made up entirely of large glass panes. This was, perhaps, an attempt to give the illusion of warmth; but the white walls and floors simply reflected the light and highlighted the sterile atmosphere.

On one side of the room a dozen or so chairs lined the windows, facing out. Some patients rested in these while conversing with visiting loved ones; others draped themselves comfortably over the backs to allow a view of the entrance - where a large screen showed the current news.

The other side of the room featured small tables, each with a extranet console; it was this side that Kaidan turned towards.

This path took him directly past a strange humanoid figure standing at the window.

Kaidan had never seen a drell in person before; but as a field medic, and a human with a studied interest in other races, his knowledge of xenobiology was exceptionally thorough.

The reptile-like figure turned to study him as he passed, nodding slightly in greeting before returning his stare to the presidium grounds outside.

The console lit up as Kaidan settled into the seat and typed in the code given to him by one of the receptionists. According to the impatient asari, this code reset every hour to discourage a patient from monopolizing one of the few consoles available.

Several options appeared on the screen, and Kaidan selected the small Alliance image before keying in his military ID and personnel code.

He scanned through the handful of new messages, noting any of interest, before shifting his attention to the folder titled 'previously read'. Thankfully he seemed to have maintained his fanatical need for order over the last several years. This folder was free of useless messages, in fact almost all of them contained a header marking it from either Alliance military or his mother.

Buried in the midst of these, though, were about two dozen marked simply 'commander'.

As he began highlighting them for future viewing, Kaidan felt a prickle creep along the base of his skull. The distinct feeling of being watched came over him and he turned slightly to scan the room.

The drell he'd passed earlier now leaned against the window on the other side. His arms were crossed and, when Kaidan met his gaze, he continued to stare unblinkingly at him. No threat or dislike showed on his face; in fact, he remained completely expressionless.

After several moments of this wordless standoff, Kaidan forced himself to turn back to the console. The drell showed no interest in crossing the room to converse with him, and he had no information to help him in this situation. If this alien was a previous acquaintance or enemy, the most helpful course of action would be to regain his memories so he knew what trouble he was walking into.

A quick scan found the last email he remembered receiving. It was dated the day he'd arrived back on base and contained a brief note from his mom thanking him for visiting on his leave.

He grinned as he read through it. She always sent one even though he'd spent every leave in the past nine years at his childhood home. Manners were important to his mother, she believed that every gracious action, no matter how small, deserved a thank-you note.

The next message contained a set of orders; detailing his transfer to the command of Captain David Anderson, and instructing him to report to dock 422 the next morning.

Time passed quickly as he methodically worked through the next six month's worth of messages; till eventually a yellow box flashed on the screen, a reminder of his rationed time.

Kaidan stretched, logged out, and returned to his room.