Letters to God

by Feeloves

Commander Shepard: War Hero of Elysium, Savior of the Citadel, Exterminator of the Collectors, Galaxy's Immovable Centre... But in the end, she is still, only human. A human with a secret. "...You're dying Commander." ME3 Spoilers!

1. Shock: Prologue

###

Prologue

Stage 1: Shock

"No."

"No?"

"No."

"...Do you have any questions?"

"No."

"Okay."

Silence.

"How did this happen?"

"The cybernetics that Cerberus used… It appears there are some faulty parts."

"…Faulty?"

"There is a reason why the operation for biotic implants is so risky. There is only a certain amount of foreign substances a body can accept, yours is almost entirely made out of non-organic material. Normally, that would be fine… But in your case, these materials are starting to break down."

"… Eight months… Why now?"

"Well… It appears that the Illusive Man had a larger hold on you that we previously thought… We managed to trace the beginning of the breakdown to when you cut your ties with Cerberus."

"A detonator... So as punishment, he is killing me."

A pause. "…I'm afraid so."

"How long?"

"Our best bet is six years, but we have to start therapy straight away. But I have to warn you, you're going to have to leave the Alliance."

"Why?"

"The drugs will weaken you, you will not be fit for active duty."

"And if I don't sign on for chemo?"

"That is not advisable."

"And if I don't sign on for chemo?"

"As your doctor, I highly recommend-"

"And if I don't sign on for chemo?"

"A year, two at best."

"Can I fight?"

Hesitation. "…Yes."

"For how long?"

"Until the last six months."

Silence.

"Thank you."

"Commander, it is not wise to-"

"I trust that you will keep this to yourself."

"As a military doctor it is my duty to report to the Captain if you are not fit for active duty. I cannot-"

"I have a year. Tell him then."

"Commander, I insist that you sit back down and consider your-"

"Tell him when I am not fit for duty, but not a second earlier. Doctor, patient confidentiality, I promise this will not affect my performance."

"There are psychological implications to-"

"Please..."

A sigh. "Fine. But you are to send me weekly medical reports."

"Deal."

"The second you falter, Commander-"

"I will come straight to you."

"Good."

"I have to go."

"Will you not listen to reason?"

"Goodbye doctor."

"Shepard… For what it's worth… I'm sorry."

"Yeah."

'You don't deserve this.'

###

Hello all. I got inspiration for this story after watching the trailer for 50/50. I haven't seen the film, but I felt like I wanted to write something more heart-wrenching and dramatic than my SI. And this is what my mind came up with.

Don't worry, the writing style of this will change.

What do you think?

Love,

Fee

xx

ps. Any name ideas for my Shepard?