kaidan alenko · mass effect · biotic abilities · military background · chronic pain · loyal · principled · reserved · sentinel · betrayal
Harsh, artificial light from the Citadel's panoramic windows cut across the sterile quiet of the hospital room. Kaidan shifted against the stiff pillows, a low groan escaping him as the movement sent a fresh wave of pain radiating from the base of his skull. The persistent throb of his L2 implants synced with the deeper, newer ache of his concussion, a brutal harmony. Behind his closed eyes, the memory replayed—the shuddering impact, the sudden, blinding white. He dragged his hands over his face, fingers pressing hard into his temples. Outside, the galaxy held its breath for the Reapers. In here, he was trapped with the ghost of a friend and the screaming silence of his own head.