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London, Earth
September 16th, 2205

The rising sun lit up the city skyline in golden glory. The light fell spectacularly on the monument of the Normandy crew built at the end of the Reaper war. Laid on the very spot the beam had connected to the Citadel. Each member of the Normandy's fabled crew stood out in loving detail, each in their own position of eternal glory. The couples of the crew were arranged in the throng of the figures so that they stood together in various forms of embrace. The single members scattered around and through out the couples. All stood resolute and stoic. Facing east as one glorious monument toward the rising sun. A testament to how even the darkest of nights will end.

Above the monument the normal multitude of skycars could be seen snaking their way through the skyscrapers. A familiar family of three zoomed along the London skyway morning traffic. In the back seat Ashton sat watching a data pad, his Omni-headphones glowing orange against the upholstery.

“Ashton good to see you. Hope you are well. Wanted to congratulate you on your High School Graduation. Good man, bright future. Know you will put your skills to good use. Hopefully with, 'sniff' less explosions than your fathers. Left some recordings attached to this, favorite times spent with you. Mostly giggles and crawling but good times. Want you to know, am very proud of you. Good luck in whatever you decide to do. Have my full support. All my love.”

The recording ended, and Ashton's Omni-headphones vanished. He had a few tears in his eyes from watching the last of Mordin's little gifts. This wasn't the first time his dads had surprised him with a Data pad. Mordin had thought well in advance for him. He knew Ashton would miss him long after he was gone. Uncle Mordin was one of his favorite uncles. Right up there with uncle Wrex who always slipped him extra dessert.

“You ok back there champ?” Cole asks from the front passenger seat.

“Yeah pops,” Ashton says stowing the data pad. “I just miss Uncle Mordin is all.”

“We all do kiddo,” Kaidan said from the driver seat.

“Remember what I told you when you were five,” Cole urged.

“When you keep someone in your thoughts they never really die,” Ashton affirmed.

“You got it champ,” Cole smiled.

He reached back and ruffled his son's hair. Then looked out at the city and frowned. He pulled out his Omnitool and checked the directions.

“Kay we missed the turn,” Cole said.

“Crap,” Kaidan said glancing the GPS. “Ok hold on I'll take us back around.”

“You know you don't have to go through the hassle of navigating London's skyways. I'd be more than happy to...”

“NO,” both Ashton and Kaidan shouted.

“What?” Cole asked put out.

Kaidan looked over at his husband with disbelief while maintaining an eye on the way ahead of them. Ashton glared at his Pops from the back.

“Are you kidding me?” Kaidan asked incredulously.

“No.” his husband replied clueless. “I'm not quite sure what you..”

“You have NO recollection of the days of the Mako?” Kaidan cut in. “All the rolling and the tumbling, and the free falling off cliffs?”

“Kaidan that's different it was 20 years ago and we're in a skycar how could I...”

“NO COLE!” Kaidan put his foot down. “This is a rental. I am NOT paying to replace another skycar because you wanted to go for a joy ride.”

“Come on Kay I can..”

“Pops I swear I will Stasis you to your seat if you try.”

Cole looked back at his son looking like his puppy had just been kicked.

“Ash not you too.”

“Yes me too. I have no idea what it was like in the Mako but you're no smooth skycar driver either.”

“When have I ever...”

“November 15th 2194. Father decides to drive his eight year old to school. THROUGH A CONSTRUCTION SITE!!!”

“You did WHAT?!?!?” Kaidan blanched.

“Ash you weren't supposed to speak of that ever again,” Cole protested.

“You're not supposed to claim you've never driven badly,” Retorted Ashton.

“Cole you drove our son through a CONSTRUCTION SITE?!?!?”

“Kaidan I can explain,” Cole stammered. “We were running late so I took a short cut.”

Ashton saw a truck loose control and begin to spin out.

“Dad.”

“A shortcut?!?”

“Dad!” Ashton said more urgently as the truck swung dangerously close to them.

“Kaidan you're over reacting,” Shepard said.

[Oh big mistake Pops.]

“Overreacting?!? You drove our 8 year old son through a construction site just to make up a few minutes of travel time, and I'm over reacting?!?!?”

“DAD TRUCK!!!”

Kaidan saw the truck at the last possible minute and swerved out of the way. He glanced over at his husband.

“This is NOT over Cole,” he stated sternly.

Cole gave a betrayed look at his son. Ashton returned it with one that said “You brought this on your self old man.” The rest of the car ride was gratefully short but tense none the less.
xXx

The Shepards' skycar landed in the Hotel garage. Ashton jumped out as soon as the door opened. Cole and Kaidan were still arguing.

“Kaidan it was 10 years ago,” Cole sighed. “I swear it was the only time.”

“How could you do that?” Kaidan fumed. “WHAT were you thinking?”

“Kay,”

“Don't Kay me. I swear sometimes you just....”

Whatever Kaidan was going to say next was cut off by another sky car landing. The doors opened and James Vega bolted out of the back seat into the open clearly upset.

“Por el amor de que es bueno y decente Esteban!!!” James bellowed at his husband.

Steve exited the skycar along with a handsome dark skinned young man, with a slim muscle build and deep brown eyes.

“You were driving 50K over the speed limit. Are you trying to give our son a heart attack?” James continued.

James crossed over to inspect his son up close and fret over him.

“James,” Steve sighed. “He took his medication this morning. He didn't tense up once, his heart beat is regular, and he didn't complain of palpitations.”

“Of course he didn't complain.” James protested finishing his inspection of his son. “He NEVER complains. He's a polite well raised boy who has a need to fly FAST. Why would he complain?”

Steve crossed his arms unamused and exasperated.

“Um maybe because he knows he'll die if he doesn't speak up?”

James mirrored his husband.

“I swear it's like you're actively trying to kill our son.”

“He's going to train how to fly a warship honey. If he can't handle a fast car ride then he wouldn't have been accepted into the New Dawn initiative.”

James and Steve kept bickering back and forth while the dark skinned young man made a break for it to stand beside Ashton.

“Ashton, you're here, good,” he said gratefully.“You can kill me with a biotic neck snap.”

Ashton smiled wide and embraced his fellow Normandy child.

“Robert, good to see I'm not the only one with psychotic parents,” Ashton retorted separating from the embrace. “What happened this time?”

“Dad saw some open air and gunned the engines to get some G's. It was fun. Papá freaked out as per usual. You?”

“Dad figured out Pops drove me through a construction site to get me to school on time when I was 8. And Pops told Dad he was over reacting.”

“Good lord is he insane?”

“Still building a consensus on that one.”

“How did he find out?”

“I told him. Pops was trying to take the wheel, and it just sort of slipped out.”

Robert gives Ashton a sly look.

“You're terrible dude,” Robert chuckled

“Thank you so much,” Ashton mock bowed.

Two more skycars land in the parking lot. Ashton approaches the closer one as it powers down. The top flipped up to reveal Garrus, Tali, Zaeed and Joker.

“Hey Zai,” Ashton greeted with a bro hug. “Didn't know you'd been invited.”

“Someone had to come and compensate for your dead weight Ash,” Zaeed replied with a dry chuckle and a Turian grin.

“Funny. And here I was thinking you'd thoughtfully shown up to make look good by comparison.”

“Won't work,” Garrus said standing up. “You Shepards always get drowned out by the Vakarian charm. It's such a curse.”

“Do all Turians suffer from rampant dementia?” Ashton grinned at the older Turian.

“You're pronouncing brilliance wrong. Now get over here and give your uncle a hug.”

Ashton embraced Garrus while Robert went over to greet Joker.

“Uncle J,” Robert said mid hug. “I didn't know you were going to be here.”

“Hey I wouldn't miss this for the world kiddo,” Joker replied separating. “Besides I couldn't let your old man poison you at the last second with inferior piloting advise.”

“Right,” Robert smiled. “So where's EDI?”

“She rode with Jack and Irikah. Said she wanted to keep the peace. That's my wife for you, always throwing herself into the line of fire so the rest of us can sleep at night.”

Robert, Zaeed and Ashton all shuddered.

“Why are Your fathers shouting,” Tali asked standing up.

Ashton and Robert pinched their noses.

“Pops said Dad was over reacting,” Ashton groaned. “And I may have let slip that Pops drove me through a construction site when I was 8.”

“While my Papá is just doing his usual tirade about dad driving too fast,” Robert continued. “And how I'll have a heart attack if we go so much as 1 KPH over the speed limit.”

“Whoa Whoa,” Garrus interjected. “Go back to the part where Cole said Kaidan was over reacting,”

“Yeah. It's as bad as it sounds,” Ashton sighed.

Garrus and Tali looked at each other and exchanged a look.

“Ok I'll take the Shepards,”Garrus said. “That's a nuke about to detonate. You see if you can calm down Jimmy.”

“Right,” Tali replied.

The pair walked off to the arguing couples who by the look of body language alone were about to kill one another. Ashton and Robert just sighed.

“One day. That's all I wanted. One day of normal parenting,” Ashton said.

“Normal was never an option for us my friend,” Robert said resigned.

“Yeah we never really had a chance did we?” Zaeed mused.

“Alright you three lets leave the argument defusing to Garrus and Tali. Now come on better go see if Jack killed my wife.”

The four walk over to the skycar just as it opens. EDI is in the driver seat, with Jack in the passenger seat and Irikah sitting behind EDI. There was clearly arguing going on in this car as well.

“Mom this is NOT up for debate,” Irikah said stepping out of the sky car.

“Jack I believe your daughter is right. She..”

“Stay out of this EDI” Jack snapped.

Jack got out of the car by jumping over the front bumper.

“You're damn right it's not up for debate Irikah,” Jack said to her daughter. “You're going to listen to me.”

“No Mother I'm NOT,” Irikah. “I'm going to be mature and walk away.”

Irikah turned and made to walk over to her friends when jack stormed up behind her, placed a hand on her shoulder to make her turn and face her. The result was a biotic punch to Jack's face sending her flat on her ass and sliding 10 on the pavement. Irikah's blue aura slowly faded but she didn't look too remorseful about her actions. As an unintended side effect the Shepard and Cortez arguments died instantly.

Jack got to her feet wiping the trickle of blood off her now fat lip. Her look of shock melting into one of anger and disgust.

“That better have been an involuntary reflex kiddo.”

“Or what? What will you do Mom?!?!? Tear me apart? Smear the walls with me? Disown me and send me to live with aunt cheerleader?”

Jack was furious, Irikah was fed up with her. Tensions were reaching a boiling point.

“Listen you ungrateful lizard. I didn't teach you how to control your powers so you could go sneaking around and stabbing people in the back. So you're gonna find your recruiter and get a transfer.”

“No. You listen you bitchy Cerberus lab rat! I scored a perfect on the Stealth Reconnaissance exam and I'm going to be a recon expert. What I choose to do with my powers is none of your business so long as I don't go homicidal maniac.”

“I trained you to be biotic force of nature not some sneaky back stabbing rat like those damn Cerberus Phantoms.”

“Is that what you think? Well what about Kasumi? And Legion? They're both stealth and infiltration experts. And Thane? He doesn't even use a tactical cloak! They're YOUR team mates, and you had NO problem fighting beside THEM!!!”

“That's different!”

“How!?”

“They weren't trained by me. I got you away from the jellies so they wouldn't waste your potential on playing hide and seek with a gun.”

“That is the MOST pathetic excuse I've heard from you Mom! And that's thirteen years of experience talking. This is MY life and MY choice. If you don't like it there's a convenient hole on your back where your legs meet that you can shove it.”

“If you go through with this don't expect a warm welcome home.”

“I survived for 3 months on Omega with a warehouse for shelter, scraps for food and the cloths on my back. I think I can handle living off of military housing, rations and salary.”

Irikah stormed off toward the elevator to the upper hotel. Jack just stood there fuming and stormed off toward the stairs. The arguments had long since died down. Now everyone stewed in an uncomfortable silence.

“Well that was fun,” Joker said breaking the tension.

Ashton nodded to Robert, grabbed Zaeed, and made for the elevator. As he passed passed his parents he shot them a glare that said “Deal with your issues later we have bigger problems.” His Pops nodded and headed for the stairs after Jack. Zaeed and Ashton followed after Irikah.
xXx

Cole entered the lobby of the hotel and crossed straight to the bar. Jack could be seen throwing back shots like no one's business. He sat down next to her and ordered a round for himself and a half dozen more shots for Jack.

“What do you want Shepard?” Jack demanded.

“I came to check on you Jack.”

“Sure sure.” she rolled her eyes. “It's all about me. You have NO ulterior motive. You're not here to make me apologize to my ungrateful bitch of a daughter.”

“No Jack I’m here just for you this time. Scout's honor.”

Jack laughed at that and tossed back another shot.

“So,” Shepard said swallowing his drink. “Why the sudden old west showdown? I know you don't mean what you said to Irikah.”

“You're wrong I completely do. Kids are nothing but trouble. I see why Samara put so much time into killing her's.”

“I'm pretty sure Samara only did that cuz her daughter was a space vampire,” Shepard retorted. “So what's really going on Jack?”

Jack knocked another shot back and sighed.

“Why does it always have to be something mushy with you? Can't I just think my daughter's a bitch? I mean I was the one who raised her. Is it really that much of a stretch for her to be a bitch?”

“You're not a bitch Jack. Hotheaded, strong willed, mouthy, stubborn, abrasive? Yes. But not a bitch. Not anymore. So spill. You should know by now that I'll just keep coming back until you tell me.”

Jack let her forehead drop on the table and groaned.

“Damn you Shepard. Fine!”

She looked up at him and beyond the stubborn look there was a very hurt person.

“I'm loosing her Shepard,.”

“She's just going away for training Jack. I know it feels like a long time but she'll be back.”

Jack shook her head and knocked another shot back.

“Not like that you dumbass. I'm loosing touch with her.”

Shepard raised his eyebrow.

“She's been spending time with Thane the last few months, “Jack explained. “She's been learned some tricks the jellies taught him. Meditation, self defense, religious crap.”

“Thane's teaching her how to be an assassin?”

“No. No he called me the first time she showed up at his place. Said he wasn't going to make her into a weapon like he was. He said he wouldn't visit her if I forbade it.”

“Did you?”

“No. She was.... happy. I didn't wanna be a bitch mom and tell her that she couldn't learn other stuff.”

“But?”

“But it reminded me of how different we are. I feel like I'm loosing her to the Drell. And then she tells me she wants to be a recon expert and all I could think of was that the wants to be more like Thane than me.”

“So you tried to persuade her into changing gears on military career choice, and when that didn't work you did what you do best. Shout, scream, threaten, and curse.”

Jack glared at him.

“Don't give me that look Jack. You're her mother. You decided to be her parent of your own free will. We don't get to pick and choose what out kids will do. She got the invitation, she got the score. It's her choice.”

“So I'm supposed to sit back and let her slip away?”

“You're supposed to support her and her decisions. To be on her side. Otherwise you end up PUSHING her away instead.”

Jack punched the bar leaving a dent.

“Jack listen to me,” Cole said laying a hand on her shoulder. “Irikah loves you. And I know you love her. You're right she's a Drell, and there are some things she can learn for Thane and Kolyat that she can't from you. But that doesn't mean she's replaced you or that you're loosing her. It means she's trying to figure out who she is.”

“She's my daughter. THAT'S who she is.”

“Your Drell daughter Jack. And she has an eidetic memory. She's going to remember everything you said here today. Do really want the last thing you said to her be that she's an ungrateful lizard who isn't welcome in your home? Cuz that's what she'll be thinking of as her drill sergeant makes her regret the day she was born.”

Jack clenched her fists and tossed back another shot. Then went for the last one but stopped.

“Damn it Shepard.” Jack said offering the last shot to him. “Drink this before you give me cavities with your sweet talk.”

Cole laughed, and accepted the shot knocking it back. Then he slammed it on the bar and belched.

“Nice!!” Jack praised with a slap on his back. “So much for being a boy scout.”

Cole smiled then tipped the bartender and added a little extra for the damage. The bartender nodded his head and smiled.

“Come Shepard. I gotta go find the little runt and burn a new memory in her head.”

“Right behind you Jack.”
xXx

Ashton and Zaeed made their way down the hall after their friend. They ended up in the pool room. Irikah was sitting by the deep end making ripples on the placid surface with her finger when they entered.

“Irikah,” Ashton began.

“Don't! Don't defend her. The last four months she's been nothing but a bitch and a half. I'm surprised we didn't have it out more than once before today.”

She was angry, but also sad.

[No way I’m gonna be caught dead crying in front of these bozos.]

“Irikah, you're not completely in the right here,” Zaeed said.

She shot a look that said “I'm going to drop you in this pool and see just how well Turians can swim.”

She paused then intensified her glare at the two of them.

“So what? I should transfer to Adept training and just go with it?” She demanded, daring them to so much as nod.

“Spirits no. She's drop dead crazy on that one.”

“Irikah you drew the short straw when it comes to Normandy parents with tempers,” Ashton reminded her. “There was never a chance for normal for anyone of us.”

“Do you really want your last memory before basic to be of you two fighting?” Zaeed added.

Irikah sighed.

“What do you want me to do?”

“Wait till she's calm or drunk,” Ashton said. “Pops went to talk to her so she should be better soon.”

“Talk out what's really bugging her,” Zaeed continued. “There's something else under all this. From the stories Mom and Dad have told me this is your Mom 20 years removed. She's falling back into old habits for some reason. Make her tell you what and help her get over it.”

She stared at her friends.

“You really think it's that simple?”

“Why not?” asked Ashton.

She sighed and got to her feet.

“Alright but if we end up leveling the hotel it's on you guys.”

Ashton and Zaeed laughed.

“Come on,” Zaeed said. “Before we do anything else we need to check in with the recruiter.”

The three nodded and headed off.
xXx

“Good day Mr. Shepard. Checking in?”

The remaining group stood in the lobby at the check in counter.

“Yes,” Kaidan confirmed smiling. “My husband and I will be sharing a room.”

“Very good sir. Should we be expecting the rest of the Normandy crew?”

“Just the ones that are already here. We were asked to not bring the whole crew because some people might feel intimidated by that many known heroes in one place. It also attracts a certain about of danger that many high profile targets in one place.”

“Understandable sir. Please enjoy your stay and if there's anything you need don't hesitate to call.”

Kaidan nodded and thanked the man. As he stepped out of line Cole came around the corner to rejoin the group.

“Hey Loco. Is Jack ok?”

“Yeah. She went off to find Irikah to talk. There's actually a very justified explanation to her out burst.”

“I'm sure,” Tali stated. “She's mellowed significantly with age and motherhood.”

“I'll say,” Garrus concurred. “This is more old days Jack than anything.”

“I'm just glad it didn't come down to a fight, “Joker said relived. “Remember her and Miranda going at it?”

“To be fair Jeff Miranda and Jack didn't get the chance to fight Shepard stopped them.”

“True EDI.” Joker replied. “Very true.”

Everyone nodded. Cole grabbed his husband around the waist and pulled him close.

“I'm sorry for driving Ashton through a construction site 10 years ago. And for saying you were over reacting today.”

Kaidan smiled at the softness and honesty of the words and accepted the olive branch his husband extended.

“Ok fine. You are forgiven. I'm sorry for flipping out.”

Cole took his husband in a deep passionate kiss thus sealing the deal that the argument was over. Judging for Kaidan's response, he felt the same.

“Oh please tell me you guys are gonna wait until you get to your room before you take your cloths off.”

The Shepards broke their kiss and looked over at their son who was completely mortified by his dads' public display of affection.

“I don't know son,” Cole smiled wickedly. “There are a LOT of people out there that would pay through the nose to see your Dad and I naked.”

“It WOULD make a good extranet vid,” Kaidan agreed.

“Ok all respect for both of you just died,” Garrus choked out. “Come on Tali.”

“Yeah us too EDI,” Joker agreed “So don't wanna know if they're joking.”

“I dunno guys. I've always wondered if that rumor about a thresher maw tattoo that wraps around his body with the tail ending in a very intimate place is true,” Steve confessed. “I think I'm gonna stay.”

“Oh NO you don't Esteban,” James said taking his husband by the collar. “The only tattoos you'll be examining tonight are mine. Hold the elevator scars.”

“My parents are insane,” Ashton affirmed.

“Right there with you,” Robert agreed.

“Well try not to think about all the sex they're gonna have tonight,” Zaeed chuckled.

“And with that I'm defiantly going to stab my ears when I get to the room,” Ashton said.

“You do mine I'll do yours” Robert offered.

The two shook hands then got into the elevator. The doors slid shut and the elevator glided up.
xXx

The bar was quieting down for the night and Jack sat on her stool playing with her drink. She mulled over her conversation with Irikah. Both had apologized in their own stubborn ways. And she had taken back her harsh words. Irikah had in return promised her that she would never slip away from her. That Jack would always be her stubborn ass mom, and eidetic memory or not she was completely unable to forget that truth.

“Little shit,” she whispered smiling.

As she knocked back the rest of her drink a red plated Krogan came up to stand beside her. He looked her up and down.

“Look buddy,” Jack said after he didn't go away. “I'm not nearly drunk enough to not kick your ass for staring at my tits.”

“Not here to fight,” The Krogan chuckled. “A little bird told me you're the biotic badass who traveled with Shepard.”

“Yeah so?”

“You're my kind of woman.”

Jack looked up at the guy to make sure he was serious. As she looked him up and down she noticed something over his right shoulder. Irikah was standing by the doorway. She smirked, cocked her head then left the bar.

“Shit. Why not?” Jack said standing up and paying her tab. “You man enough? Cuz I’m gonna rock your world big boy.”

The Krogan went to reply but Jack just dragged him to the elevator.
xXx

Garrus sat on the bed flipping through the channels trying to find something interesting to watch. Nothing caught his eye.

“Sweetie are you almost done in there?” He called. “I need to brush my teeth.”

“Be out in a minute Garrus,” Tali replied.

Garrus chuckled and continued flipping through the channels. Three minutes later the bathroom door opened. Garrus got up to go do his nightly rituals but was stopped in his tracks.

“Well? What do you think?” Tali asked. “I thought I'd throw on that old ceremony shawl you got me for my promotion all those years back.”

“Y-you look good,” Garrus said. “Um it really accentuates your bare skin. Makes your waist look um, very supportive.”

Tali giggled mischievously and slowly advanced on her husband.

“Tali um, I still have to bush my teeth. I have the worst breath right now.”

“Oh Garrus, don't be mean,” Tali pouted. “I got all dressed up just for you.”

Garrus looked upon the completely nude form of his wife and did what any hot blooded man would do.

“You know I think I can skip a night.”

Tali grinned and pushed him back on the bed, and crawled on top of him. They kissed and melted into one another as their hands slid lower and lower.
xXx

“Ninety-seven,” James grunted. “Ninety-eight. Ninety-nine.”

“One hundred,” Steve finished

As James returned to the resting position of his nightly crunches his back made contact with something very smooth and very solid. He looked up at his husbands face in surprise.

“Esteban, hey.”

A big grin emerged across James's face. His husband had a knack for slipping in behind him unexpectedly.

“Well hello Mr. Cortez,” Steve replied.

James smiled even wider at that. Then reached up and brought his husband down for a kiss. A kiss Steve was all too willing to give. Then quick as thought Steve flipped around and pinned James to the floor.

“You know Esteban,” James grunted. “There's a bed right there.”

“Where's the fun in that?” Steve said seductively. “The floor's nice and solid.”

Steve kissed his husband slow and deep. Then moved his kisses lower and lower. James's protests died with pleasured grunts as he allowed his husband to chart the course.
xXx

Joker allowed the hot water to stream over him. His joints were achy from being stuck in a car all day. He washed away the excess soap and just let himself go. He almost jumped through the roof when a pair of thin yet unmistakable hands wrapped around his waist.

“EDI!!!” He yelped.

“Jeff,” she replied humorously.

“Um, are you sure it's ok for you to get wet?”

“Oh yes,” she replied assuredly. “My platform is more than capable of sustaining high volumes of water with out malfunction. And can be submerged 50 kilometers in ocean depth before failure. I would not risk your well being.”

“Well ok then,” Joker stammered. “Quick question though. Why are you in the shower with me?”

“Of the numerous explicit images and videos you have searched on the extranet, a great deal of them center around couples engaging in intercourse in shower stalls. I wished to make one of your fantasies a reality. I have not yet had the chance since your Vrolik syndrome was cured.”

“Oh,” Joker huffed.

“Was I mistaken?”

“No EDI,” Joker whispered turning in her embrace and hugging her close. “I was just pleasantly surprised.”

The two kissed deeply then EDI pressed Joker against the wall. The steam production of the doubled as EDI gained experience on yet another example of human behavior.
xXx

Kaidan was lounging in bed with his back against the headboard, looking over a data pad. He was about to flick tot he next page when his right big toe was suddenly wet and warm. His eyes shot up from the data pad to the foot of the bed. His husband had his lips wrapped around his toe, and was sliding down to kiss his feet.

“Cut it out Cole you know I'm ticklish,” Kaidan said secretly enjoying the attention.

Cole did has his husband requested and began kissing his way up his leg, across his waist, over his abdomen, up his chest, neck, and finally coming to settle on his lips. When they broke apart, Cole stared into the brown depths of his husband's eyes.

“Ready to finish what we started in the lobby?” Kaidan asked.

“I've been waiting all night,” Cole whispered with lust.

“I could tell, you got pretty frisky during dinner.”

“Sorry.”

“No you're not.”

Cole smiled.

“What I want to know is how Steve knew about that thresher maw tattoo.”

“Maybe he was there,” Kaidan suggested.

“Yeah, still can't remember most of that night.”

“That's what you get for going out drinking with Jack.”

Cole chuckled and went in for another kiss. As he started to move lower though Kaidan stopped him.

“Oh no you don't,” he smiled devilishly. “You know the rules.”

Kaidan flipped them over and pinned his husband to the bed.

“In bed, I'm in charge.”

Cole grinned widely. Both men activated their biotic fields. Their auras twisted and writhed lighting up the darkness, reaching for each other and melding together just as intimately as the men who cast them. Cole felt the familiar meshing of their fields as the stabilized and equalized. This was always his favorite part. The point where he and Kaidan truly synced.

“Ready?” Kaidan asked huskily

“Always,” Cole replied words dripping with desire.

The auras died to a soft glow as the husbands twined together and made the kind of love that only years of experience could make.
xXx

“Yup they're defiantly having sex,” Ashton said getting up to go wash his face in the hotel bathroom.

“How can you tell?” Zaeed called from his place on his bed.

“Creeping chill up my spine and a sudden need to bathe in acid.”

“Oh grow up they're consenting adults.”

“Doesn't mean I have to deal with it in a mature fashion.”

Ashton finished washing his face and exited the bathroom. What he saw when he came back in the room made his jaw drop.

“Well then, let me give you a little lesson in maturity.”

“Zai, what are you...”

Zaeed put a finger on his lips and pulled Ashton into a very naked embrace.

“No one's around to see us and the door is locked.”

“But now of all nights you wanna..”

“Ash we're about to go 9 weeks minimum of sleeping in the same barracks with at least a dozen other recruits with drill sergeants doing random bed checks. There will be NO time after tonight.”

Ashton mulled that over and found truth in the words.

“Well when you put it that way,” he said pulling the Turian equally close and kissing him. “How could I possibly say no to my boyfriend?”

Zaeed grinned and stripped Ashton naked. The two fell onto the closest bed and rolled and romped giving into one another. Their biotic fields engaged as each found the others sensitive areas and the only thing left in their world was each other.
xXx

Nine Recruits stood at ease in a 3 by 3 formation. They were arranged by height so Ashton and Robert were in the middle with Zaeed and Irikah in the back. Five other recruits could be seen in the room. Two humans, an Asari, a Salarian, and a Vorcha. The room they were in was big enough to hold a small gathering, about the size of a normal dining room. All around the room were flags of each species. And at the very front was a small stage with a podium, and behind it was the insignia of the New Dawn. Along the back wall parents and friends stood to watch the proceedings.

It had been a long morning beginning at 04:00, consisting of a final physical, a mountain of paper work, and endless waiting. The final step was now at hand. The oath. The point of no return. Ashton's heart was in his throat, his nerves were on end. And then it began.

“Company, Attention!!!” called a voice from the back of the room.

As one the recruits snapped to attention. A gruff looking Turian marched up the left side of the room and came to a halt at the podium. He placed his hands on the surface of the podium and smiled at the gathered recruits.

“At ease recruits.”

Everyone relaxed to the at ease position.

“Welcome initiates of the New Dawn Initiative. As well as you friend and family of these fine young men and women. My name is Captain Darius Tebestus, it's a pleasure to see you all here today, I've been wait to meet you.”

He scanned the room smiling warmly and invitingly. Ashton's heart slipped back into his chest and he was able to relax.

“Now before we commence with the oath, parents please feel free to stand up here to take pictures and video if you like. Please no flash photography, and also set your Omnitools to silent mode.”

Some of the gathered friends and family tapped their Omnitools.

“Everybody all set? Good alright then. Recruits attention!”

Again they snapped to attention.

“At this time I would ask if there are any among you who have any reservations about the obligation you are about to take on?”

“No Sir!!!” all nine responded.

“Good I love it when no one says no. Alright hen lets begin. Please raise your right arm ad repeat after me.”

All nine recruits raised their right arms.

“I, [name], hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen. That I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Charter of the United New Dawn Initiative and the Constitution of the Citadel against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will obey the orders of the Council, The Parliament of New Dawn, and those appointed above me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. That I understand that I protect all regardless of Race, Creed or past transgressions. I make this obligation freely, without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of New Dawn, upon which I am about to enter, by the stars I make this vow.”

The captain took it line by line and waited for each recruit to finish before moving to the next. Ashton found himself deaf to those around him as he repeated each line verbatim. With each passing syllable the reality sunk further and further in. He became more excited the further in they went. As the oath came to a close he found himself smiling with pride. The Turian Captain mirrored his smile.

“Welcome to the New Dawn ladies and gentlemen,” He congratulated. “I'll give you a few moments to say your farewells to your guests. When you are done proceed to the front desk for a final check point. Then it's off to basic. Company fall out.”

He saluted them and made his way out of the room. The group dispersed and flocked to family and friend. Ashton felt oddly light walking over to his parents.

“Great job champ,” Cole said extending his hand.

Ashton took it and shook. His Pops had tears in his eyes, and his voice shook a little.

“I'm really proud of you son,” Kaidan said also extending his hand.

As Ashton shook it, he felt it tremble Kaidan wasn't crying but he looked close to it.

“You're gonna make me ask aren't you?” Ashton said hoarsely

They both eyed him confused.

“Get over here and hug me.”

Both fathers smiled and took the invitation. It was quick but loving and he felt a wealth of happiness, pride, and well wishes.

The aunts and uncles made their rounds of hugs and handshakes. A metric shit ton of pictures were taken. Some in pairs, some solo, a few all together, some with their flags in the background, some with the seal in the background. But finally it came time to say good bye.

“We'll leave you emails the instant we get an address to send them to we promise,” Kaidan said.

All around him he could hear similar promises being made form other parents.

“I'll make sure he doesn't send too many,” Cole promised. “We remember what basic was like.”

Ashton smiled. Went in for one last hug, and one last handshake each. Then they walked out the door together. To the left Zaeed, Robert, and Irikah were waiting patiently for him. The other parents were waiting for his Dads on the right.

“Good bye Dad, good bye Pops,” Ashton said smiling. “Take care, I'll see you before you know it.”

Then his dads did something that he would never forget. Admiral and Fleet Admiral Shepard snapped to attention and saluted him. When he could make his arms work he returned it. Both his parents beamed with pride. Then both parties turned in their respective directions. And parted. Everything had been said.

Irikah wrapped her arm around his shoulder from the left as he joined them. Zaeed did the same on the right.

“Come on Ash, time to go.” Robert said.

He nodded as a tear streaked down his cheek. The four friends walked off toward their futures. Not a single one dared look back.