First Came Duty 3: Getaway (part 1)

Title: First Came Duty
Author: blackcherryangel
Game: Mass Effect
Characters: Blakely Shepard & Kaidan Alenko
Disclaimer:  I don't own any of these wonderful characters.  All are the property of Bioware.



"I think you should see this."  Kaidan said.

He used his omni-tool to transfer and combine the latest intel reports from the Alliance to the data pad.  Shepard hated that duty planned to separate them again.  This time Kaidan was leading a small compliment of marines  for some training exercises.  

"Silence seems to pay well these days." He continued.  He seemed irritated with his new found fame.   As Shepard stepped forward as the Savior of the Citadel, Kaidan became the face of the Alliance.  He was the example of Alliance might and intelligence.  

The Alliance had a harder time claiming Shepard solely as their own because of her Spectre status.  She had brought down the rogue Spectre Saren and uncovered his plot to destroy the Citadel.  Kaidan, on the other hand, was purely Alliance.  Add that he was a biotic.  There were rumors that the Alliance planned on starting another Biotic program.  They were interested in creating the next generation of biotic soldier based to the model of Lieutenant Alenko.

"Sorry, what did you say?" Shepard looked back at Kaidan. 
  
He continued.  "A boat load of armor upgrades are on the way."

"That makes everything better."  Kaidan handed her a data pad. She allowed her hand to slowly drag over his hand.  A little too long.  Careful.  They both had to be so careful now that all eyes of the galaxy on the crew.

"Garrus, Tali and I will drop planet side to get more of a visual.  Something down there is interfering with communication channels." Shepard scanned the information. "They can't be serious here.  The Alliance doesn't  believe there's a pattern here." The endless reports began to bore her.

"In their eyes two missing ships doesn't create a pattern."  Kaidan said. "Politics at play.  It was rumored that the nephew of  some high ranking officer was on one the ships. So they would like for us to check it out.  No hurry. Other things take priority, right."

Shepard hurried to catch up with  Kaidan as headed into the elevator.  He held the door for her as she read more info.  Nothing new here. She scrolled down.

Then an animated version of Kaidan popped onto the pad's screen with a bunch of realistic looking red roses.  The character spoke with his voice, but the lips movements were slightly off.  "Hope this makes your day brighter, as you have often brighten mine."

"Kaidan."  His  blushing was turning into a smile.

"I had to do something for my special lady."   Kaidan leaned back against the wall.  "I should have something before our night before Ilos.  But, Regs, Reapers, and Rogue Vis.  It a little difficult to date and save the galaxy at the same time."

Quickly she kissed him on the cheek.  "Thanks."

"The Alliance planned a few training exercises for the marines to keep them sharp. Are you free for a few days?" The elevator opened. "I've all ready programmed all the parameters of the exercise."   

Kaidan acknowledged the Rec office as they both headed towards the makeshift armory located down there.  They arrived to see a nice selection of guns spread out before them. He placed his hand on her lower back reaching past her to  pick up the shotgun in the back. "I want you there."

This sounded promising.  "For what?"  She hated that her voice got that girly purr when she thought about Kaidan positioning himself over her. She put the data pad down.

"To adjust then set the difficultly levels.  If it's challenging for you, it will be a nightmare for them.  I'm also interested in seeing if the VI programming can keep up with you."

"Setting the bar high aren't we?"

"The reapers are coming, Shepard.  We might not have much say with the Council or Alliance.  But I'm making sure everyone under your command has the best training possible.  The Reapers are still out there."

"I'm thankful to have you watching my back."  Shepard lifted her hand to touch his cheek.  She stopped herself. Deciding to concentrate on the weapons on the table. "It will give them a chance to get familiar with all the new toys the Alliance sent us."

"And we can use it as a legitimate reason to get away together."  He added.

Shepard looked at the weapon running her fingers along it before picking it up.  "This has been modified to use heavy ammo."

"Kaidan sighed.  "Shepard."

"But I'm suppose to accompany Garrus and Tali."  She couldn't resist him while he was being so charming.  Some alone time together was just what she needed.  "I'll think of something."

"You always do."

Garrus's timing was becoming as bad as Joker's.  "Will Kaidan head to the surface with us?"  I know you didn't select him for your team this time."

"My marines won't head down until you discover and secure what's scrambling communications.  Kaidan gave Shepard that look.  "I'm heading to the training grounds early to make sure everything is prepared for their arrival."

"I'm going to run through the simulation to make sure it's safe."  Shepard knew she wasn't fooling Garrus.  "Kaidan will check the parameters."

"Right, calibrations.  Not a problem Shepard."  Garrus chimed in before leaving.  "I'll make sure Tali's ready.  We'll come find you if we get into trouble."

Shepard turned to leave.  She was getting sloppy.   Very sloppy.

Kaidan stopped her. "And don't bring your spectre guns.  Standard issue only."

"Oh.  Are you're giving me the opportunity to handle your weapon too?"  

Kaidan chuckled before clearing his throat.   "Yeah, I'm going to show you what standard issue can do."

"Really?"

"If you think you can handle the pressure."

"Lieutenant, I do some of my best work under pressure.

"I can vouch for you on that one.  Personally. Ma'am."

　

Back in her cabin, Shepard tore through everything she had to find something to wear. He said, "Don't forget to bring something sexy, Shepard."  I'm making a fool out of myself.  Sexy.  Nothing says sexy like dress blues. There wasn't a v-neckline to be found amongst any of her casual wear.  She found a boat neck, long-sleeved slate blue dress that stopped just below her knees.  This will have to do.

Kaidan was a rare breed. His quiet strength helped smooth her roughness. That was why she for the first time was willing to risk her career on a relationship   Her ego enjoyed the fact that the hottest guy in the Alliance wanted her.  Not a sexual conquest.  But a partner.  Maybe something more.

I can't believe I don't own one pair of heels.  He's going to laugh at me.  She threw a few pairs of the sexiest underwear she had into her pack.  Grabbed her cleanest pair of combat boots and rushed out her cabin.