Authors Note: My idea of the origin of Shepard's fish tank in Mass Effect 2. Bridges both games, and makes alterations to the canon (mostly in the area of fish and fish like activities).
Legal: I do not own Mass Effect, or any of the characters... So yeah... Enjoy.
"Alenko," the commanders voice brought the lieutenant back to the present.
As he looked over to her he noticed she was already halfway up the stairs on her way out of the Wards, a puzzled look on her face.
"Sorry commander, I was just..." Kaidan began to explain.
Shepard put her hand up to stop him, and moved to rejoin him at the stall, "Oggling the fish while we're on assignment," the commanders eyebrows were raised and her voice playful.
Wrex laughed and Kaidan blushed. Rubbing the back of his neck the tried to explain, "It's just kind of incredible don't you think? Something so fragile existing out in the vacuum of space."
Wrex crossed his arms, "Food should be eaten, not put on display. I will never understand humans tendency to keep things they should eat as pets."
The commander did her best not to laugh, though a smile passed her lips.
"It's a sentimental thing Wrex," she tried to explain to the Krogan, "But why anyone one a ship would keep a fish is beyond me. With all the feeding, and cleaning, and the possibility of them becoming food," she added as she looked towards Wrex and the large alien nodded and smiled to himself, "It seems like a hassle."
"Your missing the point commander," at this Shepard crossed her arms and gave Alenko a look that, though playful, dared him to continue with his explanation. "It is the sentiment and that fragile piece of home that you are able to take with you out into the nothingness of space."
"A living memento," Shepard contributed.
"Exactly."
"still seems pointless to me," Wrex interjected, "Especially if you don't eat it."
"Just please tell me you weren't seriously considering bringing one on board," Shepard smiled again, and Kaidan shook his head.
"Forget I mentioned it."
"Let's go," the commander put a hand on the LT's shoulder and the team moved up the stairs and out of the Wards.