The Making of a Commander (Prequel to "At Long Last") Mass Effect Fan Fiction

Born To Make History

 Jane tied the grey ribbon around her neck so it would be easy to see, then she grabbed a pair of scissors from her bag, cutting a lock of her hair. She took some of the vanilla scent she adds to all her hygiene product, and placed some on the inside of the green ribbon, then tied it around the cut locks of hair. She gently placed it in a envelope, and sealed it. She slipped on her cap and gown then headed to the gym. She walked in as the last group of recruits were taking their seats, She walked up the stairs of the platform pass Grave, (he smiled as he recognized the grey ribbon) his future mate, and guest speaker General Victus to take her seat of honor next to him. The room grew quiet, as General Victus approached the podium. "First I would like to congratulate all of you for finishing your training. This is the first multiple species graduating class, meaning  each one of you have made history today." Everyone clapped. "I would like to introduce a fellow class mate, she graduated head of her class, and was excepted to the N-7 program, your valedictorian Recruit Jane Shepard." Jane stood as she received a standing ovation. She glanced at Grave, and saw his chest puff with pride. Jane raised her hand to silence the crowed. "I really hate speeches, so I'll get right to it so we can get to the punch and cake." The crowed laughed, and clapped. "So in the words of the late great Gwen Stacy;

"I am proud of all of us, now go out there, make your mark, and kick some ass." Jane held both hands in the air, as the crowed went wild. General Victus handed her her certificate, and shook her hand. She once again lifted her hand holding her diploma as her fellow recruit shouted and cheered. Jane turned, and stood by her chair. She shook each class mates hand as they received their diploma, and walked pass her. After the ceremony was over, and all recruits had received their diplomas, it was time to head to the mess hall for cake and punch. Jane was happy to fine that someone had added ryncol to the punch. She definitely was in need of some liquid courage to face the reception line consisting of Grave, his future mate, General Victus, and a half dozen other nameless people she had no interest in shaking hands with. Jane quickly drank down the punch, and choked. "They must have just added punch for color." Tanis chuckled. Jane walked over to the young turian, and wrapped her arms around him hugging him tight. "Tanis, congratulations, and how is Tara." she asked "Thanks, and you, congrats on being Valedictorian, and on the N-7 thing." He smiled "Oh and great speech by the way, but I doubt many know who Gwen Stacy was, I only knew because of Tara." He broke their embrace. "Tara is doing great, she wanted me to tell you she is so proud of you, and misses you like crazy." Jane grinned. "I miss her too." She took in a deep breath, and looked over at the line where Grave and his future mate were standing. "Well I better get this over with." Tanis looked at his Sargent, then back at Jane. "Want me to go with?" "No, I gave a speech in front of hundreds of recruit, I can walk down a line by myself." She frowned. "Okay then, good luck." Tanis hugged her again. "Thanks" She squeaked as she headed to the other side of the room. 

Jane went through the first half of the line with ease shaking hands excepting congratulations, and making small talk. When she reached General Victus, her heart rate began to increase. She was wishing she had another cup of punch. Victus grabbed her hand "Congratulations soldier, how proud you must be." "Yes sir" Jane smiled. He turned to the female turian next to him "Sidera, this is the soldier Kandros talked so highly of." "Ah Miss, Shepard, it is so nice to put a face to a name. Kandros speaks of you quite often with such pride. It seem you were his prize pupil." Jane lowered her head, as she felt the red form on her cheeks. Grave looked over, and noticed how uncomfortable she looked. "Soldier" Grave reached over, and took her hand. "Congratulations, great speech. We are all very proud of you." Jane looked up and met his eyes, she felt a rush of heat travel through her body settling between her legs. "God, he is so beautiful" She shook the thought from her head "Thank you sir." She smiled as she released his hand, and walked down the line to the next hand shake. At the end of the evening, Jane watched as Grave walked General Victus, and his sister to the shuttle waiting outside. He stood outside until the shuttle was safely in the air, then retreated to his quarters. Jane followed a small distance behind so he wouldn't notice her. Just before Grave opened the door to his room, he caught the scent of vanilla, and musk. He smiled as he walk through the door shutting it behind him. Jane walked forward,and quietly faced the door in front of her. A few moments later Jane heard a muffled voice shout out from inside the room. "I know you are there Jane, I can smell you." Jane rolled her eyes took a deep breath, and opened the door.

  Jane saw Grave standing by his desk as she stood just inside the door. She tried to move, but her legs felt like they had melted into the floor. Jane watched as Grave quickly walked over to her never breaking eye contact. He reached down, and lifted her into his arms. Jane wrapped her legs around his waist, and her arms around his neck as she raveled in the familiarity of how he felt. "I have missed you so much my little Varren." He growled as he inhaled her sweet fragrance. Jane held on tight, never wanting to let go. Finally Grave let her go as she placed her feet on the floor. "I wanted to see you before I left in the morning." Jane looked up at him "I'm glad you did." He smiled and laced his talon through her beautiful hair. "I have something for you." Jane handed him the envelope she had tucked in her pocket. Grave opened it, and pulled out a lock of hair tied with the green ribbon the same color of her eyes. He lifted it to his nostrils, and inhaled. Jane heard a rumble form in his chest, and watched his mandibles click. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I love it, and will keep it with me always." Jane placed her hand on his cheek, Grave opened his eyes. "Goodbye Grave." "Goodbye my little Varren." Jane turned and opened the door leaving her pass behind her, and walking into her future. 

 Some years later, General Kandros walked into his favorite bar for a glass of turian whisky before heading home to his Bond-Mate, and kids. The bartender had just handed him his glass when a picture of a stunning auburn haired human female with green eyes flashed on the Vid Comm over the bar. Grave reached into his pocket, and pulled out a small box. He opened the lid, and gently lifted the strands of hair wrapped in a faded green ribbon to his nose. The fragrance of vanilla was almost undetectable, but it still brought a smile to his face. He carefully placed the object back in it's box, and tucked it away into his pocket. "Bartender, can you turn the sound up." Grave pointed to the Vid Comm. A human female appeared next to the photo that was the source of the news feed. "Commander Jane Shepard first human Specter, will be arriving on the Citadel later today." Grave raised his glass to the screen, "Here's to you my little Varren." He winked, as he finished his drink then placed the class back on the table, and headed home to his family.

                                                                               The End

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 Jane left Garrus, and primarch Victus in the war room then went to her cabin to change before heading back down to talk with the primarch.  "Primarch!" Jane extended her hand. "Ah Commander." Victus grabbed her hand, and shook it. "Where's Garrus?" She asked "He headed to the main battery, saying something about calibrating." Jane chuckled "That sounds like Garrus." "Commander, I hope you don't mind, but I sent for my war adviser." Jane heard the door open behind her "Ah, here he is. General Kandros, I believe you two know each other..."