Sideways Part 4

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Chapter 30:

Revelation [End of Part 4]

Fandom: Mass Effect Trilogy, post-war

Pairing: FemShep/Kaidan Alenko

Rating: Mature

Available: AO3 (beginning, new chapter)

Summary:

Shepard, a paragon for galactic peace and devoted family woman, wakes up in another timeline. War-torn, brutal, and hurting toward destruction, it’s a timeline formed by renegade decisions.

To see her family again, she’ll need to do the impossible before time runs out. Powerful enemies and dangerous secrets stand in her way, but the alternative is worse than death.

“Talk about what?” Shepard said cautiously.  She hadn’t forgotten Dr. Quigley’s conversation about a second blow coming Kaidan’s way.  Had he finally told Kaidan?

“Talk about?” Kaidan shrugged.  “Nothing.  Everything.  I don’t care.” 

The elevator pulled to a stop.

“So, anything from favorite colors to the existential meaning of life?”

“From burritos versus enchiladas to the ubiquitous desire satisfied by cross-species religions.”

“Enchiladas,” Shepard decided, “over burritos.”

“Blue, my favorite color.”

“And religions satisfy the desire for meaning.”

“The meaning of life is to create our own meaning from the arbitrary.”

The elevator doors opened to pure darkness.  Shepard blinked at it. Even the bottom ring that was under construction wasn’t this dark, but perhaps this was a different section that hadn’t been accessible to her.

“Hmm, well …” Kaidan checked his Omni-Tool.  “We just exhausted our conversation topics in thirty seconds.  Guess, I should get you back to your room, eh?”

Shepard edged across the threshold of the elevator into a metal hallway.  “Dark, alone, unknown location.  Should I have told someone where I was going?”

“How could you?  It’s an unknown location.”  Kaidan stepped out beside her.

Sideways Part 4

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Chapter 29:

Here Comes the Groom

Fandom: Mass Effect Trilogy, post-war

Pairing: FemShep/Kaidan Alenko

Rating: Mature

Available: AO3 (beginning, new chapter)

Summary:

Shepard, a paragon for galactic peace and devoted family woman, wakes up in another timeline. War-torn, brutal, and hurting toward destruction, it’s a timeline formed by renegade decisions.

To see her family again, she’ll need to do the impossible before time runs out. Powerful enemies and dangerous secrets stand in her way, but the alternative is worse than death.

“When does this start?” Joker mumbled and reached up again before catching Shepard’s look.  He dropped his hand.

“I don’t have a pocket for rings, so I definitely don’t have a comb and hairspray.  Don’t make me look like a negligent Best Person.  Allison doesn’t want the nuptials immortalized with your Einstein hair.”

“Yo, back down, Drill Sergeant.”  James pushed back the arbor’s roses to see her.  “You made the right call with our roles, Joker.  Imagine if she had the speaking part.”

“You’d have him drunk on tequila.  It’s a good thing I’m the Best Person.”

“You’ve got the rings, right?” Joker asked for the tenth time.

“I know the drill.  I hear, ‘Now the rings,’ and I’ll dig ‘em out of my bra.”

“What?” Joker choked. 

“This dress doesn’t have pockets.”  She opened her palm in front of him with the rings.  “Lucky for you it also doesn’t have a back.”

“Huh?”

“Means I don’t have a bra.”

“Yuck, just … ah.”  Joker cringed and pushed her hand back.  “Why do you think I wanna know that about my Best Person?”

“Tell us more about your wedding, Lola?”  James pushed rose petals firmly out of his face.  “We talking courtroom?  Wedding chapel?”

“Shut up, or I’ll bop you around next.”

“Best Person, the Officiant Brawler?  Ha! That’d be–”

“Shh!”  Joker cut the air between them with a hand.  “Look.  They’re seating Alli’s mom.”

Sideways Part 4

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Chapter 28:

Imposter*

Fandom: Mass Effect Trilogy, post-war

Pairing: FemShep/Kaidan Alenko

Rating: Mature

Available: AO3 (beginning, new chapter)

Summary:

Shepard, a paragon for galactic peace and devoted family woman, wakes up in another timeline. War-torn, brutal, and hurting toward destruction, it’s a timeline formed by renegade decisions.

To see her family again, she’ll need to do the impossible before time runs out. Powerful enemies and dangerous secrets stand in her way, but the alternative is worse than death.

Shepard tore the pistol out of her desk drawer.  She aimed it at the back of his head.  “Tell me, you bastard.  Or, so help me God, I’ll blow your brains out from between your eyes.  Is it that damned project in the Far Rim?”

Cicero’s back straightened.

“Is it?” she yelled.

He glanced over his shoulder.  “Tomorrow night.  That’s the deadline.”

“Tell me!  Stop!  Stop walking!”  She ripped him around by the shoulder and slammed him back against the wall.

“Don’t hurt him.”  It was Kaidan.  He came from around the bookcase.

“Ah, I wondered if he was here.” Cicero smirked.

“Shut up!  Tell me!”  She ground the barrel into his forehead.  His smirk only widened.

“Let him go.”  Kaidan took hesitant steps toward her.  “Give me the gun.”

“Tell me why you want the money.” She leaned her weight into the gun. “Tell me!”

“You won’t kill me.”

“Hell I will!”  Her spittle sprayed in his face.

“Kill me, worse things will happen.” He stared her cold in the eyes. “If I don’t have the reins, then no one does.”

“Reins to what?”

Kaidan put a hand over her pistol.  She tore it out from under his touch.

“Back off!”  She shoved him sideways with a biotic pulse.

He stumbled backward, but it didn’t deter him.  “Don’t make me stop you.”

“All bark, no bite, Councilor.”  Cicero’s lips pulled sharply into his cheeks.  “Let me go.  We both know how this ends.”

“You smug, condescending son of a bitch.”  He made her feel so small in her other life.  So weak.  Helpless.  Worthless.  She wouldn’t let him make her feel small in this one.  “You don’t think I’ll do it?  You want some bite?”

Sideways Part 4

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Chapter 27:

The Way Home

Fandom: Mass Effect Trilogy, post-war

Pairing: FemShep/Kaidan Alenko

Rating: Mature

Available: AO3 (beginning, new chapter)

Summary:

Shepard, a paragon for galactic peace and devoted family woman, wakes up in another timeline. War-torn, brutal, and hurting toward destruction, it’s a timeline formed by renegade decisions.

To see her family again, she’ll need to do the impossible before time runs out. Powerful enemies and dangerous secrets stand in her way, but the alternative is worse than death.

“They didn’t invite you up there, huh?” James asked.  “Thought you were part of the show.”

“I worked an important deal for them, but I’m still an Alliance criminal.  Might detract from public support.”

“Public’s comin’ around,” James said.  “You’re all over the news.”

“Going on about your red hair.”  Joker fitted his baseball cap snug on her head.  “News people are all, like, ‘Brunette Shepard, bad.’ ‘Red-haired? Savior of Orian and the galaxy.’”

“Media’s favor lasts as long as a news clip.”  Movement on the screen overhead drew Shepard’s attention.  “Looks like they’re pulling out their big guns.  Got Glass announcing it.”

A trim movie star-esq figure took center stage in front of Parliament.  He was the quintessential PR representative with a clear, calm voice and arresting presence.

“How’s L2–I mean, Kaidan?  I went to the hospital to see him, but he was in some super-secret wing or something.  Wouldn’t let me in.”

“He’ll be okay.”

Truth was, she hadn’t seen Kaidan since he left by stretcher.  Her flood of messages to Quigley were met with one reply: “I said he’ll live.  There you go.  Stop bothering me.”

Sideways Part 4

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Chapter 26:

Rose Petals~

Fandom: Mass Effect Trilogy, post-war

Pairing: FemShep/Kaidan Alenko

Rating: Mature

Available: AO3 (beginning, new chapter)

Summary:

Shepard, a paragon for galactic peace and devoted family woman, wakes up in another timeline. War-torn, brutal, and hurting toward destruction, it’s a timeline formed by renegade decisions.

To see her family again, she’ll need to do the impossible before time runs out. Powerful enemies and dangerous secrets stand in her way, but the alternative is worse than death.

She refocused on Kaidan. He was frowning at her hands. Diamonds caught the light, and she dropped her hands quickly. She hadn’t realized she was twirling the bracelet on her wrist. 

She turned to the door behind her, but he was already crossing the room.

“Well, I’ve got to …” She reached for the door’s button.

Kaidan caught her wrist. The biotic tingle of his touch sent a wave of emotion rolling in her chest.  

“Hell, Shepard,” he whispered and looked her in the eyes. “Is this from him?”

“It’s none of your business.” She tried to yank her hand away, but he held on with a light touch. 

“He gave this to you?”  

“Mind your own—”  

Kaidan’s thumb rubbed across the yellowing bruises on her wrist, and her voice caught.  The diamond bracelet hung limp on her arm like nothing more than background static to him.  His touch was gentle on the discolored skin.

“Let me see your neck.” He reached to move the hair off her neck.  

She almost pulled away, but she longed to feel the light tingle of his fingertips on her throat. It was gone faster than it came, and then he was backing away.

“At least, that …” he murmured, indicating her throat.

Cicero had never put his hands around her neck. He’d never even once feigned trying to choke her. He was rough, but not homicidal.

“Are you …” Kaidan sought for the words. “Is he hurting you? Restraining you without consent?”

“You should see his bruises.” Shepard pulled her sleeve down into her palm and over the bruised wrist. She felt naked and exposed suddenly.

Kaidan must have felt awkward too. He rubbed the back of his neck and studied her. “I just … I want to make sure. You’re okay with him …” He searched for the word and spat it out like a bitter taste, “hurting you?”

“I am,” she said sharply. “I’m not some cowering house wife with a shiner and a story about tripping down the stairs. Don’t judge me.”

“I wasn’t. I was just … worried.” He shuffled back a step. “That was invasive though.  I’m sorry, Shepard.”

Despite the flush of embarrassment and anger, she felt the stirring of something else. A feeling of warmth blooming in her chest. He worried about her? No one worried about her. 

Sideways Part 4

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Chapter 25:

The Verdict

Fandom: Mass Effect Trilogy, post-war

Pairing: FemShep/Kaidan Alenko

Rating: Mature

Available: AO3 (beginning, new chapter)

Summary:

Shepard, a paragon for galactic peace and devoted family woman, wakes up in another timeline. War-torn, brutal, and hurting toward destruction, it’s a timeline formed by renegade decisions.

To see her family again, she’ll need to do the impossible before time runs out. Powerful enemies and dangerous secrets stand in her way, but the alternative is worse than death.

“Need … real doctor.”  Kaidan’s head lolled to the side.  His eyes closed.

“Little late to go over my CV now.”  Quigley watched the time on the wall and dropped Kaidan’s wrist.

“Can you do anything for him?” Hackett studied Kaidan’s face with a pained frown.

“We have the whole Parliament waiting on this,” Cicero said idly.  “Again, the timing is impeccable.”

“Timing?”  Quigley pulled off the stethoscope around his neck.  “Was it really so impeccable?  Keep blowing into a balloon, it pops.  It only surprises those who aren’t watching.”

“Meaning, the stress of the trial was inevitable in dropping him?” Cicero chuckled.  “Perhaps.  Alenko was never resilient, even before the red sand.”

Quigley listened on his stethoscope a moment then frowned.  He curled it back around his neck and met Shepard’s eyes.  “They should go.”  Quigley turned his back to Cicero and Hackett, referring to them with a backward wave of his hand.  “They’re causing stress.”

Cicero snorted.  “Look at him.  He’s taking a nap.”

“I didn’t say for him.”  Quigley pulled a syringe out of a drawer. 

Sideways Part 4

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Chapter 24:

The Test~

Fandom: Mass Effect Trilogy, post-war

Pairing: FemShep/Kaidan Alenko

Rating: Mature

Available: AO3 (beginning, new chapter)

Summary:

Shepard, a paragon for galactic peace and devoted family woman, wakes up in another timeline. War-torn, brutal, and hurting toward destruction, it’s a timeline formed by renegade decisions.

To see her family again, she’ll need to do the impossible before time runs out. Powerful enemies and dangerous secrets stand in her way, but the alternative is worse than death.

They were nearing the LZ.  The soldier in front of Shepard stopped short.  She collided into him.

“The hell, Corporal!  Go.”  She shoved him stumbling forward, but he still wasn’t moving.  “What do you think you’re–Oh.”

Her heart stopped.  They’d reached the edge of a clearing in the trees, their LZ.  It was too late to not be seen.

“Admiral Shepard,” Kaidan said.

Arms folded and dressed in full armor, he stood in the center of the open space. Four Alliance soldiers flanked him.  Their weapons were holstered on their backs, but their helmets weren’t off.  Their posture was tense and alert on seeing Shepard.

“Admiral Alenko.”  She regained her bearing.  

She snapped off her helmet slowly and tucked it under her arm.  The glove she ran through her hair left a tangle of mud that oozed down her neck.  

Damn, she and her men looked bad.  Mud splattered their face shields.  Their fronts were crusted bellies of dirt.  Pine needle-like foliage and moss junked the joints of their armor.  Then there was the horrified look of bewildered on all their faces, like they might break into a run if she gave the sign.  She wouldn’t give the sign.  The chance for running was over.

She sauntered through the clearing and stopped in front of him.  “Got the same tip I did?”

Kaidan put a hand out to the side.  One of his soldiers clapped a helmet into his hand.  He threw it down at Shepard’s feet.  It wasn’t Alliance colored. Scuffed and never once waxed.  She edged it over with her boot to see the front.  A varren insignia on the forehead confirmed her suspicion.

“Got them first?  Congrats.  Put your name above mine on the scoreboard.”  She put her weight on her back foot and stared him hard in the eye.  “This is a little out of your way to just be taking a Sunday drive from Orian.”

“You won’t explain yourself?” Kaidan’s voice was raw and sharp.  “You’ll leave me to draw my own conclusions?”

Sideways Part 4

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Chapter 23:

Deliberations

Fandom: Mass Effect Trilogy, post-war

Pairing: FemShep/Kaidan Alenko

Rating: Mature

Available: AO3 (beginning, new chapter)

Summary:

Shepard, a paragon for galactic peace and devoted family woman, wakes up in another timeline. War-torn, brutal, and hurting toward destruction, it’s a timeline formed by renegade decisions.

To see her family again, she’ll need to do the impossible before time runs out. Powerful enemies and dangerous secrets stand in her way, but the alternative is worse than death.

Kaidan stared at the screen of ‘Tool. “Maybe things between the Federacy and the Alliance can be fixed.  The governors hold more individual power than the Federacy’s collective central power.  If they’re trying to contact me behind Rice’s back …”

Shepard checked the time on the wall.  “Call them.  Now.”

He followed her eyes to the clock.  “Break’s almost over.  Cicero will beat down that door.  And, I still feel … I don’t know.  I could say the wrong thing, make it worse.”

“They’re at war.  It can’t get worse.  Let me take care of Cicero.”

“Shepard.”  Kaidan touched her arm lightly to get her attention.  “If they tie me to the Federacy leaders, it will be conspiring with the enemy.  Treason.  A true traitor.”

“They’re already seeking capital punishment, Kaidan.  Can they do worse?”

“Sedition, misuse of authority, endangerment.  But conspiring with the enemy?  I don’t want traitor with a capital T on my epitaph.”

Shepard considered it. “I don’t want that either.” She snatched the Omni-Tool back from him.  “Let’s go out there and finish this.”

Kaidan didn’t move.  His eyes rested on Shepard’s fist curled around the Omni-Tool.

“Come on, Kaidan.  We better–”

“Wait.”  He seized her hand and took his Omni-Tool back.  “There’s a war.  A lot of people are going to die.  The Alliance could end up at the bottom.  That should matter more than my epitaph.  I’ll try it.”

“You’re sure?”

Kaidan nodded.  “Keep Cicero away.”

@romanticallyterrible (300Polygons on Twitter, LeaRiley on AO3) surprised me with this gorgeous cover she made for my fShenko fic “Sideways”!

I can’t articulate how much it means to me to see the Shepards captured with this much care and thought. It’s crafted with so much detail and emotion!

Paragon Shep has her eyes wide opening, gazing upwards, at peace. Meanwhile, Renegade Shep is tormented, her eyes squeezed closed, and face turned down. I love the subtle freckles. The contrast between their hairstyles and expressions are perfect.

This artwork is breath taking, and I love it so much! I’m so honored that romanticallyterrible dedicated her talents to creating this amazing piece for my story.  Thank you!

Sideways Part 4

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Chapter 21:

Certified

Fandom: Mass Effect Trilogy, post-war

Pairing: FemShep/Kaidan Alenko

Rating: Mature

Available: AO3 (beginning, new chapter)

Summary:

Shepard, a paragon for galactic peace and devoted family woman, wakes up in another timeline. War-torn, brutal, and hurting toward destruction, it’s a timeline formed by renegade decisions.

To see her family again, she’ll need to do the impossible before time runs out. Powerful enemies and dangerous secrets stand in her way, but the alternative is worse than death.

“Not a problem.” Pathena eyed Garrus. “Coming by Palavan anything soon? We could get drinks or something. Go to the range.”

“Didn’t think you liked sniper rifles.”  Garrus shifted on his feet and gave Shepard a dodgy glance.

“Last time we talked, you got me interested. In sniper rifles, I mean.”

“Well, uh …”  Garrus squirmed, crossing and recrossing his arms.  “I don’t foresee coming that way any time soon.  Not much free time.  Busy.  You know how it is.”

“I see.”  Pathena mandibles drooped.  She turned her attention to Shepard.  “I’m sending the confirmation now.  The exam is remotely proctored.  You’ll need to reserve a comm for several hours.  I’ve heard the test is very difficult.”

“I’ve been studying for eight years.”

“Thanks, Pathena,” Garrus said.

“Think about my offer, Vakarian.  If you discover you have more free time than you thought, let me know.”  She turned off the comm and her shining silhouette faded away.  

Garrus avoided Shepard’s eyes.

“This was a bigger favor than I realized,” Shepard said.  “You two …”

“No, no, no.”  Garrus waved his talons and stepped down off the platform.  “She’s just … Nothing like that.”

“Why not?  She obviously likes you.”

Garrus sank back into his spot against the wall. “Not my type.”   

“She’s a turian working at C-Sec who likes to drink and shoot sniper rifles.”

“And … that’s not my type.”

“Really?”  Shepard smirked.  “What about then, say – I don’t know – engineering?  Is that more your type?”