Ashes Part 5

Medical Ward Omega. ICU section.

Thomas Shepard wasnt always so emotional but for the past few years his life felt like one giant rollercoaster ride. Between the antics of his wife and child he was somewhat amazed that his hair wasnt completely grey by now. He was touched and amazed by the courage Lawson displayed. She looked ragged beyond belief but her blue eyes were clear and focused.

Miranda was almost flabbergasted by the amount of lives the Commander had. Of course she had seen her in a much worse state during Project Lazarus but that seemed like a lifetime ago. Now looking down upon the sleeping specter she couldnt help but wonder what really went on in that Crucible chamber. From what Anderson said it looked like hell had swallowed Shepard up and spit her out again. She glanced over to the bedside once more and hoped that the presence of so much family and friends would somehow wake the Commander from her coma. Only time would tell if thier efforts would finally pay off.

When first entering the room Liara and everyone else were terrified on some level of what they would see. How much of Shepard would be left. Fortunately thanks to Miranda and her knowledge of Shepard's enhancements for the most part it looked like the commander only got into a fight with a drunken Krogan. Well execpt for her synth bandaged face and her right shoulder that is. Liara could feel the tension drain somewhat from Hannah. Dr. Shepard on the other hand went immediately to the EKG chart displayed next to the bed.

His voice sounded somewhat distant, almost detatched, mainly due to letting his professional exterior take over. The father in him was terrified. "How much cranial damage is there?"

Miranda winced and then spoke:

"Substantial but her enhanced skeletal implants prevented some serious brain damage. Its almost like something was attacking her on a mental and physical level all at once. After Anderson did some triage he looked around the area but no other bodies or blood other then Shepard's was in that room."

Hannah laid her hand upon her daughter's shoulder then spoke softly into her ear.

"Funny....it takes this to see my baby girl again....I knew I should have mailed you more but with the Reapers and all and protecting your father...Earth....all those lame ass excuses seem trivial now." Her voice cracked slightly and she grasped her child's hand.

"We're all here for you kiddo. Dont you dare give up now. Especially...." Her voice trailed off with a trace of sadness. Liara sat down next to Hannah and then placed one of her hands tenderly upon Shepard's cheek.

"I am yours", she whispered sliently into Shepard's mind.

Thomas almost dropped the chart. His daughter's eyelids fluttered abit then she settled down once more. Then he walked over and sat next to Liara and all 3 of them waited patiently. Hoping that thier concern and love would shine like a beacon in the darkness of thier loved one's mind.



Shepard glanced around but wasnt able to find her mother along the path.

It almost feels like she's here. But where? Hello???

Something warm and loving brushed against her mind. Automatically Shepard touched her cheek then smiled slightly.

The sky above lightened somewhat and she gasped in shock.

Leering yellow eyes peered down at her. YOU WILL SUBMIT!

You bastard! I killed you! Your not allowed here!

Shepard began a mad dash for the house setted upon the trail. One last battle would be fought and she was determined to see it to the end. No matter the cost. Everything in her life led to this moment.

Ive already sacrificed loved ones and friends you cuttlefish abomination! Genetic destiny my ass!

Summoning her remaining energy Shepard sprinted even faster. Her eyes steely and certain. The archway before the house appeared and with a great leap she vaulted over the fence and laughed like once possessed. Blocking her way to the door was none other then Saren and just beyond him was the Illusive brat himself.

Shepard merely glared at them both. I made a promise! I wont fail her again!

Saren bared his teeth and then started to scream as husks rose up from the ground, grasping and clawing at the turian's legs and torso, tearing him apart until a reddish hued skeleton remained. It looked a Shepard with dead eyes and said, "You have won nothing. We were merely the Vanguard."

Shepard gave it one of Jack's favorite responses and smiled wolfishly as the ground swallowed the skeleton whole. Then she turned her attention towards the other Reaperized fool blocking her way.