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British Columbia, Earth
October, 2190

Shadows twist, a man shouts at the top of his lungs. Soft sleep and wistful dreams warp with sudden harsh light. A man yells in boiling rage.

“Get out!!!” The voice yelled. “You know what he is.”

He storms into the room. A shadow cloaked in anger, a voice thrumming with hatred. A knife of silver steel rises with a whisper, the sharp tip winks in the moonlight and promises death.

A hollow thud strikes the shadow. It falls slowly like seeds in the breeze.

Wind. Chilled and sharp. The moon a beacon of light, casting an eerie glow on the frosted air.

Heavy breath. Her heart races as she runs. Runs for dear life.

A hand grabs her from behind, throws her to the ground.

The shadow raises the knife, a mournful scream breaks the air. The knife plummets.

xXx

Three year old Ashton Shepard gasped and sat up violently from his nightmare. Eyes screwed shut. Not making a sound, not daring to look. The Shadow came again. Slowly he opened his right eye, then his left. He inched his head around looking for the Shadow and his scary knife. He knew knives were sharp, his Daddy and Papa scolded him when he threw the ones in the kitchen out the window. That was the first time the Shadow had come. Last year just after he turned two. Knives scared him, and so did the dark when it got cold.

He hugged Enkindler his mighty Hanar plushy close. He was his favorite toy by far, given to him by Uncle Thane. Enkindler never let anything bad happen to him. His N7 night light glowed against the wall. After all like his Uncle James always said, even tough guys need a light to guide them.

He looked around his room carefully. Toys star ships his Papa got him for his birthday and from times when he was a good boy. Books from Aunts Liara, Kasumi, and Samara. Pictures he drew with his grandparents of his daddies' adventures through the stars. His toy gun from Uncle Garrus, and eye patch to look cool from Uncle Zaeed. All the familiar things of his room, but no angry Shadow. Just the calm ones.

He took a deep breath like Uncle Thane showed him, and his heart beat fell back to normal pace. He squeezed Enkindler again.

“You know,” he whispered to his jellyfish. “You're supposed to protect me from nightmares.”

He stared at the doll, but no response. Then hugged him close, Enkindler must be really scared too.

“It's ok buddy. That one is really scary.”

He got out of bed and tiptoed his way out his bedroom door and down the hall. His Trident fighter feety pajamas from Uncle Steve made no sound against the carpeted floor. As quiet as a mouse he made his way to the landing. Voices stopped him from going down the stairs.

“Sorry to come by so late Shepard,” said a familiar voice. “Know Ashton asleep, will try to be brief. Don't wish to wake him.”

“It's fine Mordin, it's past twenty-two hundred,” Cole replied. “Ashton is well asleep by now.”

Ashton sat down on the very top stair and hugged Enkindler close. His Daddy and Papa always said it was rude to interrupt a conversation. He would wait till they were done talking, then go tell them about the Shadow. He just had to be patient.

“What brings you by so late Mordin?” Kaidan asks entering the conversation.

“Getting old, surprised I lived this long. Wanted to take care of things. Put house in order. Not much time, feeling (sniff) rushed. Again apologize for arrival at late hour.”

“Mordin I said it's fine,” Cole placated.

“Yes of course. Getting to point. Have drafted will, want you to be executor.”

“Are you sick?” Kaidan asked worried. “We can get you a doctor.”

“No no. Not sick, just old. Achy joints, slower reflexes, colder than should be at times.” Mordin assured. “Normal in Salarians reaching end of life. Not to worry too much.”

The soft clatter of tea cups followed by the pouring of liquid can be heard.

“Mmmm. Always liked earl gray,” Mordin said after a sip. “Earth one of best places to grow tea leaves. Such history. Thank you Kaidan.”

“My pleasure.”

“Getting back to point. Have completed will. Research donated to science, already completed biography. A few personal things for favorite nephew. Left something for Ashton as well. Should be simple, few items to give away.”

“We'll see that everything gets where it's supposed to go,” Cole assured. “Just focus on you.”

“Yes, have done so. Went to beach collected seashells, ran tests on seashells. Results informative and interesting. Conch shell especially interesting when pure sodium mixes with trace amounts of water within.”

The three laughed.

“How long do you have?” Asked Kaidan growing somber.

“Hard to say, like I said, not sick. Should be around for thanksgiving. (deep breath) But do not expect me for Christmas.”

The mood darkened, and Ashton sniffed. He didn't understand most of what was going on, but he knew Uncle Mordin was sad. And his daddies were too. Tears welled up in his eyes, and he sniffed again.

From his spot on the couch Urz lifted his head and raced toward and up the stairs. He came to a halt at the stair just below Ashton. He nudged at his littlest master and whined when Ashton only tried to wipe his tears away.

“Urz what's... Ash?”

Cole climbed the stairs to get to his son.

“Heeeeey champ,” Shepard cooed taking his son into his arms. “What's wrong buddy?”

Ashton sniffed again as his Papa wiped the tears away with his shirt hem. Then hugged his son close.

“Did you have a bad dream?” Cole asked

Ashton nodded.

“Is everything alright?” Kaidan appeared at the bottom of the stairs.

“Everything's fine,” Cole said soothingly. It more for his husband's sake than his son's. “Ash just had a nightmare.”

“I'll get some warm milk,” Kaidan said dashing off to the kitchen.

Cole shook his head, smiled and looked his son in the eye.

“Daddy's a big ole goofball.”

Ashton giggled and the tears stopped flowing. Cole mopped up the remaining ones then brought his son down to the living room. He sat him on the couch next to himself on his right and draped his right arm around his shoulders. Across from him Mordin sat in the recliner chair looking very tired and worn out, and a little sad too.

“So what's bugging you big guy?” Cole asked a little concerned.

“Yes, should be sleeping,” Mordin mock scolded. “Growing boy, need sleep if want to be big and strong.”

Ashton hugged his jelly friend close, and watched Urz come back down the stairs and hop up on the couch to Ashton's right. Then looked up at his Papa.

“The Shadow came back,” he whispered barely audibly. “It was in my room.”

Cole frowned, concerned for his son. He pulled him a little closer.

“Again? The same nightmare? Are you sure baby?”

Ashton nodded.

“Ah nightmare, I see. Easily fixed. Can show perfect way to get rid of nightmares.”

Mordin began singing a funny patter song. And in no time Ashton was giggling.

“A little hard to remember, but sure you can. Will write it down just in case.”

Ashton beamed at his uncle. Then got up and walked around the coffee table to stand in front of him.

“Don't be sad Uncle Mordin,” He said smiling “I like it better when you're happy.”

“Not sad,” Mordin assured smiling wide. “Never sad when you are here Ashton.”

Ashton shook his head.

“Nuh uh not now. Before, when you were talking to Daddy and Papa about your stuff.”

Mordin exchanged a horrified look with Cole.

“Here,” Ashton said holding up his stuffed Jelly. “Enkindler is really good at making stuff better.”

Mordin took the Hanar in his hand and gave it a hug. He began tearing up at the small gesture and the world of meaning behind it. Then he hoisted Ashton up on his lap.

“Thank you Ashton,” Mordin said in a shaky voice. “But you need him too, so lets share.”

Kaidan walked back into the room with Ashton's favorite Krogan head mug, a gift from his big brother Grunt. The mug was filled to the brim with warm milk.

“Here you go sweetheart,” Kaidan said pecking his son on the cheek then going to join his husband on the couch.

“Thanks Daddy,” Ashton said taking a sip.

“So what brings you up so late hon?” Kaidan inquired.

“Ashton saw the Shadow again,” explained Cole.

Kaidan frowned. That nightmare had plagued his son's sleep for weeks last time. He had no idea where his boy could have gotten such a terrible dream from. Ashton had never even seen a scary movie not even a little part of one. No one chanced it, not Jack or Javik the hardened warriors, or Wrex or Grunt or Zaeed, not even Garrus chanced it for fear the wrath of the Shepards and his wife.

“It's ok though,” Ashton said a little drowsily after draining half the mug in one gulp. “Uncle Mordin taught me and Enkindler a new song to keep it away. I forget how it goes. But Enkindler remembers, he remembers everything.”

Both Shepards smiled as their son began to nod off again. His eyes drooping further each time. Mordin began to hum a new song. This one was slow, steady, and warm. Ashton relaxed and his mug fell from his lax hand. Kaidan caught it in a biotic field and put it on the coffee table.

“Hey Uncle Mordin,” Ashton said.

“Yes little one?”

“Don't be sad, k?”

Mordin's lip trembled.

“Ok,” he promised.

Ashton nodded off completely relaxing all over in Mordin's arms. Cole got up and lifted his son into his arms and headed for the stairs. Mordin and Kaidan followed.

Back in Ashton's room Cole tucked his son in nice and tight and kissed his fore head. Kaidan smoothed his son's midnight black hair and brushed the bangs behind his ears. Then also kissed his forehead. Mordin slipped Enkindler under Ashton's arms and kissed his hands.

The three walked out into the hall.

“Worst part of dying. Will miss him growing up.”

“You're part of this family Mordin,” Cole said slinging an arm around his old friend’s shoulder. “And when you're friends with a Shepard you never really die.”

“He'll remember you too,” Kaidan reassured. “We'll make sure he never forgets his Uncle Mordin.”

Mordin smiled.

“Perhaps lucky to be old, Shepards still have tendency of finding danger.”

Cole and Kaidan let out a hearty chuckle.

“Come on you mad scientist, let's go finish that tea.”

The three walk down the stairs silently. In his room Ashton dreams of silly songs. The nightmare didn't come back the whole night. Urz settled outside his door daring anything to come hurt his tiny friend.

xXx

British Columbia, Earth
June, 2205

Ashton bolted up from sleep in a cold sweat, his breathing ragged. He instinctively reached out his hand to his bedside table and grabbed his echo shard from its place floating above its pedestal. He squeezed tight and shut his eyes. Instantly memories of his childhood flood his head, accompanied by on that was not his own. He reached for that one, the first one recorded in his shard.

Colors and shapes take form and he finds himself in a spacious apartment. There's club music around him and everyone's having a great time. All his aunts and uncles joking, laughing, and drinking. They tell one liners and inside jokes from their time aboard the Normandy. The atmosphere was dripping with mirth and good times.

Exhaling more evenly, Ashton returned to his conscious state. He put the Echo Shard back in it's gravity field and watched it spin lazily around.

“Thanks Uncle Javik,” he whispers to the dark room. “You saved me again.”

He rubs his arms which are eerily chilly, and wipes the cold sweat off his brow. Looking over at the clock he can see that it's 3 in the morning. And looking outside he confirms it's still hours before dawn. He sighs, knowing he won't get any more sleep. That damn nightmare has been following him his whole life. Every time I got chilly out he could count on its return. He had no idea why, but he always hated Autumn for that damn dream.

“No use whining about it,” he scolded himself. “Just do what you always do.”

When his fathers realized this would be a reoccurring event, they began to take steps to help their son deal with it. Naturally his army of aunts and uncles descended upon him offering advice, comfort and relaxation techniques, meditation poses and mantras, and a genetically code locked Echo shard to store good memories in to combat the initial fear and terror resulting from the nightmare.

That last one had been his Uncle Javik's idea. The Prothean's beacon technology was designed for their racial sensory ability. But with a little tweaking Javik was able to design the Shard to tap into Ashton's nervous system via his biotics. It was a custom design. Only Ashton, his Pops (having been given the Prothean cypher), or a Prothean could access the Shard's memories. The first memory with in was Javik's memory of the party in his Grandfather Anderson's old apartment.

“Ok, time to get moving.”

Ashton got out of bed and slipped into his blue mesh shorts and old high school swim team shirt. He put on socks hopped into his running shoes, and strode out the door. He tiptoed quietly down the hall and padded down the stairs. A muffled snort from his parents' room stopped him cold. He waited for sounds to continue, when none did he made his way down the rest of the stairs. Grabbed a water bottle from the kitchen and made for the door.

As he turns the knob his leg is nudged by a familiar snout. He looks down at Urz with his dusty violet stripes and brown skin, those deep blue eyes and adorable toothy grin.

“Hey bud, you wanna go running with me?” Ashton whispers.

At the word run Urz trembles with delight.

“Alright buddy lets go.”

The pair take off into the dark Canadian countryside. Cutting across a field to a river and following said river upstream. After 3 miles of running they come to a stop at the lake that feeds the river. The pair stop for a breather. Ashton picked up a stick and played fetch with Urz and let him have fun. Then the two flopped down at the edge of the lake and watched the sky grow light in the distance.

“Come on boy, we gotta get home.”

Urz wagged his tail and flashed a toothy grin. Then the two were off.

When Ashton and Urz arrived back at the house at half passed six, both his fathers had awakened. Ashton entered the kitchen for a drink of water and breakfast. His dads were both sitting at the table. Cole was reading a report on a data pad, Kaidan was scanning new feeds on his Omnitool. When he enters they both look up at him.

“You ok Ash?” asked Cole. “You were gone when your father and I got up.”

Ashton finished gulping down his glass of water.

“Went for a run,” was all he said.

“At three in the morning?” Kaidan asked disbelievingly

Ashton turned away refusing to make eye contact with his parents. He went about making breakfast, starting coffee and pouring cereal into a bowl.

A strong callused hand placed itself on his shoulder. His pop turned him around to face him. Placing a hand on each shoulder.

“What's wrong son?” Cole asked gently.

Ashton chewed his lip.

“I had that dream again,” He relented. “It's not even Autumn yet and I had it. Same as always. So I went for a run to clear my head.”

Cole hugged his son close. Kaidan came over and joined him.

“Damn it. I'm 18 years old today and I'm still scared of a damn dream.”

Cole laughed and released his son.

“I'm more than twice that and I still have nightmares son.” Cole assured. “It's nothing to be ashamed of.”

“You think those are bad,” Kaidan chimed in. “I have horror stories in my head from when your Pops fell out of the crashing SR1 and into Alchera's atmosphere.”

Ashton gave his family a thankful smile. Then decided to change the subject.

“Thanks again for letting me stay here until I have a plan. I promise I'll get out of your hair soon.”

“Stop talking like you're an inconvenience son,” Kaidan scolded ruffling his hair. “We should actually be thanking you. The amount of time your father and I sleep on the couches in our offices....”

“You're always welcome here Ashton,” Cole concurred. “We're family.”

The coffee maker dings and Ashton pours three cups. Hiss dads drink it black, but he allows himself two spoonfuls of sugar.

The three sit down at the table and Cole resumes reading his report. Kaidan abandons the news feeds and looks at his son with concern. Ashton just stares blankly out into space.

“Any idea what you want to do?” Kaidan asks between sips of coffee. “Now that you've finished high school and all.”

Ashton sighed. He really had no clue what he wanted. He go to college his grades were more than good enough. He also really wanted to enlist. How could he not. Half his family were members of the alliance.

“No clue,” he said frustrated. “I feel like either option would be good for me.”

Cole set down the data pad.

“You just got on vacation,” he reminded his son. “You don't have to kill yourself for an answer.”

“What do you guys think I should do?” Ashton almost begged.

“You don't want us to answer that son,” Kaidan said.

“Oh come on you must have an opinion,” Ashton prodded.

“Oh we do,” Cole confirmed. “But you might not like it.”

“Hit me with your best shot.” Ashton insisted.

“College,” they both said without hesitation.

Ashton looked between his fathers.

“Ok,” he said evenly. “Make your case”

It was something the family had practiced over the years. Laying out each reason for difficult choices or seemingly bad ideas. It helped everyone get a view point and make educated decisions. Ashton had used it particularly to get bigger allowances, or stay out later with friends. His parents used it mostly to convince him that they were making good decisions for him even when he didn't like some of the stuff they made him do.

Cole gestured for Kaidan to go first.

“I don't like the idea of you becoming a marine,” Kaidan said bluntly. “It's dangerous even in peace time. The training's intense and if you don't like what you sign up for you can't exactly back out. I just don't want you to get hurt.”

“Rodger that Admiral,” Ashton said sarcastically.

“Ashton...”

“Don't Ashton me dad,” he said cutting Kaidan off. “You're an Admiral, Pops is the Fleet Admiral of the 5th fleet. I worried about you all the time growing up, and I never ONCE asked you to quit, and you NEVER quit cuz it was dangerous. You love the Alliance. So you can't make that argument with me.”

Kaidan opened his mouth for rebuttal but his husband laid a hand on his. Their wedding rings touched and made a slight ring as metal met metal.

“He's right Kay,” Cole said. “We ran into the line of Reaper fire in our day. Peace time or not soldiers have to be willing to face danger. Ashton grew up learning about the Alliance same as you. Don't insult him, he knows what he'll be signing on for.”

“Alright,” Kaidan said exasperated. “Lets hear your reasoning.”

Cole squeezed his husband's hand and turned to look at his son.

“I'd be thrilled if you became a Marine son,” Cole said confusing both his husband and his son. “I'm just afraid people will expect more from you, or treat you differently because you're a Shepard. Not only are the son of the First Spectre and leader of the Normandy, killer of the Reapers, Collectors, Saran, and more. You're also Kaidan Alenko's son too. He's the second Human Spectre and he also created biotics division. That revolutionized how Biotics fight in the Alliance. He's also done plenty of campaigning for equality for Biotics. Both of us are very popular in Alliance circles. There's also the fact that your grand fathers are both Alliance Veterans and your Grandma Kahlee is the daughter of the first man through the Sol relay. In short son, people would expect a lot more of you in the Alliance than in college.”

Cole paused for a sip of coffee.

“Now I'm not saying you couldn't do it. And I'm not saying you shouldn't try. I'm only trying to make you aware of the nature of your situation. For better or for worse you will be treated differently than most recruits. And you might get used by people who want to get into your father's and my good graces.”

Ashton let that sink in.

“But if you still want to enlist,” Cole continued. “I will personally drive you to the nearest recruiting center and stand right next to you as you swear the oath of service.”

The three were silent for a while.

“You make a good point Pops, several in fact. I dunno. I need to think.”

“Thinking is always the best option son,” Cole said ruffling his hair. “Whatever you choose we'll both support you. Even if you want to become a master thief like your Aunt Kasumi.”

Ashton looked over at Kaidan.

“Your Pops speaks for both of us kiddo,” Kaidan confirmed.

Cole finished his coffee.

“But today is hardly the day to think about all this,” he said dismissing the topic. “What do you want to do today?”

“Zaeed and Irikah are taking me out for fun of some kind.”

“Well just make sure you're back by seven for dinner,” Kaidan said taking their mugs to the sink.

“Will do dad,” Ashton gets up to go shower.

“And son,” Cole says.

“Yeah?”

“Happy 18th Birthday,” both fathers say.

xXx

Later that night after a giant birthday party and gifts from everyone of the family, Ashton, Cole and Kaidan all plopped down on the sofa.

“Man Delmina and Lidia are REALLY getting big,” Ashton said exhausted. “I felt like I was keeping them out of trouble more than I was enjoying the party. And they've got another on the way?”

“Liara wasn't kidding when she said she wanted a bunch of little blue babies,” Cole remarked “And Javik loves doting on his girls.”

“Are we sure it's the same Javik?” Kaidan asked. “I don't remember him being this calm or joyful. And he hasn't called me a primitive in years.”

“Dead Reapers and peace will do that for you Kay,” Cole pointed out.

“Point made.” Kaidan replied.

The three Shepards just lay in their various flopped out positions for a while. Then Ashton got up.

“I'm gonna check the mail,” Ashton supplied. “I forgot to bring it in earlier.”

Ashton searched the mail and found a letter addressed to him. It was sealed in the back with an image of a rising sun.

“Dad, Pops,” Ashton said breathlessly.

Both Shepards look up at their son. When they see the official seal on the back they rush over to his side.

“Open it son,” Cole encourages.

With trembling fingers Ashton opens the envelope and pulls out a trifolded piece of paper. He unfolds and reads aloud.

“To Mr. Ashton William Shepard,
It is the decision of the Parliament of the New Dawn Initiative that you be extended an invitation to join the ranks of the Strategic Tactical Armed Reconnaissance Guards. With your aptitude scores and your placement in the top ten of your High School graduating class it would be an honor and a privilege to have you among us. If you choose to accept this invitation please fill out the enlistment form provided with this letter and present it to your nearest New Dawn recruitment station. The Extranet link below can guide you to where your nearest recruitment station is located. We hope to hear from you soon, and that you will stand beside us between the shadows and the light.
Yours most sincerely, Captain Darius Tebestus”

Ashton's knees buckles as he absorbed the letter's meaning. His dads both caught him and brought him over to the couch.

“They want me to be a S.T.A.R Guard,” Ashton whispered disbelievingly.

“It would seem so,” Kaidan said voice dripping with pride.

“So what do you think Ash?” Cole asked. “Do you wanna be a S.T.A.R Guard?”

Ashton got a shot of adrenaline and he opened his Omnitool to search for the nearest recruitment station.

“How fast can we get to London?”