((Send for a CHILDHOOD headcanon))

WHOOOSSSHHHHHHH

Penelope in her more care-free days was riding down the ramp on her longboard, trying to avoid hitting any suitcases or shore leave bags.

"Penny Shepard, what have I told you about that longboard?"

"Sir, that I need to wait to ride it till I have found dirt and kissed it with my lips."

"And what are you doing now?"

"Sir, saluting and talking to you sir."

God, she took after her mother. Always being the smartass of the family. At least she also gained her mother's looks as well.

He shook his head and picked up his bag and took her board as well. She looked at him and grinned. He often wondered what he did to deserve such a child in his life, and couldn't help but feel so… well helpless. He knows that she was meant for this, but it doesn't make it any easier. Karl Shepard has been in the Alliance for 22 years, as it was a tradition in the Shepard family to be in the military and serve for your country.

Now here I am, getting ready to sign over and give the permission to give my only daughter, only child to the military. Why does it feel like I'm signing her death contract?

He grinned back and gave her a long hug, then together they walked out of the spaceport, step in step. They both had this routine down pat. He would hail a cab, she would load the bags while he told the driver the address of where they would be staying.

But today, today would be different.

He instead rented a shuttle for them both, and took her to the recruitment office.

She looks up at him in surprise, when she realizes where they've arrived. He gave a small nod, and she calmly stepped out of the shuttle. Closely being followed by her dad, Penny started to imagine all the friends she would make, and how she would try to make her parents proud. She would make the name Shepard known throughout the universe and have space adventures with her team.

Right before she touched the gold door handle, shiny like brand new opportunities, he grabbed her shoulder gently.

"I know you've wanted to join for a few years now, and this is the first step. When it gets tough, just remember the code of honor."

She nods, and replies with a crisp response, "Non sibi sed patriae."