Hey folks this is my first Mass Effect story and I am looking to make this a success. What I like about Mass Effect is that each Shepard is their own, and I'm gonna try my best to avoid any specific details as to what my Shepard looks like.
I do not own any Mass Effect characters, places, or other EA content in this story.
Hope you guys enjoy my first-person take on this story, enjoy, and I'll see you on the other side.
The rude awakening comes at 5:30am...
"And in later news we speak with Captain Arkaeus Terick, who was the leading director of the search and rescue team that successfully found the missing Volus Trade Vessel that went missing two days ago. But next we-" I had finally found that sweet spot that shut off the microframed hologram alarm clock placed on the end table next to my bed. Now when the alarm clock goes off, that's only part one of waking up. Part two involves me sheltering myself under the covers for another ten minutes in hopes EDI doesn't request that I get out of bed. But to my dismay, EDI isn't gonna allow me my much deserved rest as I already hear her voice through the covers.
"Good morning Commander. Ms. Lawson would like to see you in her office."
I say nothing in hopes this AI would go away.
"Your attempts of a false repose is futile Commander."
With a groan of displeasure I sit up, throw both my legs on the side of my bed where I sit stagnant in hopes to stall for more ME time. But EDI isn't gonna have any of it.
"Now Commander." Her artificial voice rings of irritability. I think that we go through this charade four times out of the week which leads me to understand that EDI dislikes my resistance.
"Can you let Miranda know I will be down in thirty?" I asked.
"Twenty." EDI responded quickly.
I swear, sometimes I think this AI just wants to be the commander. But I don't blame her. She is doing her job after all.
"Okay twenty." I finally agreed which EDI proceeded to disappear from her console.
Finally on my feet I made my daily rounds in my cabin. First to my fishes, which I found almost half of them floating on the surface of their artificial environment. Great. I guess I've been so busy lately that I must have forgotten to feed the little guys, especially with my last mission to rewrite all of the Geth in the galaxy. Oh well, the rest of the universe comes first.
Passing by my esteemed collection of modeled cruisers and other space vessels, I hopped in and out of the shower and followed up with today's attire; standard issue Cerberus uniform. Comfortable and approachable.
Taking the elevator to the crew's quarters I stopped by our tiny mess hall to see what Sergeant Gardner had whipped up.
"Gardner." I acknowledged the man who was serving the few crew members.
"Ah good morning Commander. What can I getcha?" The older man offered.
"Y'know, a bagel sounds fine." I gestured to the wrapped bread behind him.
"Is that it? I mean I've got eggs and bacon. Actual bacon!" He insisted. "With the rations you bought I-"
"This is fine." I assured him. Receiving my breakfast-to-go, I waved him off and proceeded to the Executive Officer's Office.
As I approached closer to the door, I could hear the pressure locks disengaging until the metal separating Miranda and I were no longer. I first noticed that she was not at her desk meaning she was probably still preparing herself in the back of the room as a result of me being early. Which is a first. Taking the seat placed in front of her workspace I waited silently until Miranda stepped out.
"Miranda, What can I do for you?" I joked playfully. But I did notice she seemed more put together than she usually presents herself. She trying to get my attention? Maybe.
"Isn't that my line?" She smiled as the Cerberus officer took her place at the desk. Lately, with all that has happened with Miranda she has become more willing to spend time chatting and even allowed me to throw a few jokes at her to which she doesn't just shoot down right away. I could say that I've developed some what of a crush for Miranda in light of what has happened; what is happening. But to be honest I don't think it's fair what I'm doing. Not to her, and especially not to Liara. Because if Miranda is anything like Ashley, she will not be happy knowing that I've been enticing two woman at once...I guess I'll figure that out later.
"Shepard, if your not busy I'd ask that you deliver these evaluation forms to all of our new crew members." Miranda handed me a stack of PDA's while she continued her instructions. "Cerberus needs to know if our crew is stable both mentally and physically.
"Do you want me to give one to Legion too?" I inquired. Legions a synthetic. As long as he's not completely destroyed or bent on taking over the ship through interfacing, why should we care?
"Everyone." Miranda responded."Well, you have your assignment Commander." She gestured towards the door with her hand.
Trying my best to hold the precarious stack of PDAs I proceeded to turn back the way I came and began making my way out the door. But before the door shut behind me Miranda called once more.
"Oh and Shepard, come by this evening? I'd like to have dinner, if you'll have me." She asked with a shy smile. From the short time I've known the Cerberus Officer I could tell she was not one for being fearful, but it was flattering to know that I gave her nerves.
"It's a date." After accepting her request, I returned to my path to the second deck where I was to make my first delivery to Jacob Taylor.
Arriving on the second floor and passed by Yeoman Kelly Chambers who greeted me in the usual poise and exuberance that is her mannerisms.
"Hello Commander. How is everything?" Kelly saluted.
"At ease Kelly. I am doing fine this morning." I responded. I was about to allow her to return to her duties when I realized that the PDA on top had the yeoman's profile displayed.
"Oh Kelly, before I let you go..." I struggled to balance the awkward stack against my chest with one hand while passing her the device with the other. "Please fill this out and return to Ms. Lawson when you complete it."
Accepting the instruction, we both went our separate ways. Kelly, back to her station and me continuing towards the armory.
I hope you guys enjoyed this first chapter. What I plan for this story is to have each chapter focus on developing relationships with each of the squad mates and Shepard. I always appreciate the input and I enjoy hearing from you guys. Thanks.