IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a follow-on piece to Transitions. I recommend you read that piece first.
SPOILER ALERT: This foreword contains spoilers for Transitions.
Foreword:
The events of this story take place in the weeks preceding the events portrayed in Shepard's nightmare described in Part 2, Chapter 3 of Transitions.
I wanted to post something a bit lighthearted.
Dedication:
This story is for all of those awkward elevator conversations...
Carpe diem.
Prologue:
Gabby Daniels was getting fed up; Donnelly wouldn't stop doing his happy dance. She could see it on Shepard's face too. She obviously wasn't expecting this sort of reaction when she told them that they'd be on secondment to the Destiny Ascension for a couple of weeks. According to Shepard, a few of the modification she and Donnelly had made to Normandy's already impressive drive core had caught the attention of the Asari Corps of Engineers. They wanted to pick their brains, and a little cultural exchange never hurt anyone. It was obviously going to Kenneth's head.
"I canna thank ye enough Commander," Donnelly said in his brogue. He paused, "Sorry, I meant Captain."
Shepard looked at the rank insignia on the collar of her 'working dress' uniform. The silver eagles shone just as brightly in the artificial lighting of main engineering now as they did when Councilor Anderson pinned them on her in the faux sunlight of the Citadel Presidium; one week ago. "Not a problem Donnelly, still getting used to it myself."
"What Kenneth means to say, Captain," Gabby spoke up, "is that we'll comport ourselves professionally and with a minimum of distractions." She shot a severe look to her fellow engineer. Kenneth wouldn't stop smiling.
"Very well. Normandy will be in dry dock for another three weeks at least. Alliance work crews are going to be running upgrades, so everything should be better than new when you get back," Shepard said, shaking her head at Donnelly's enthusiasm. "Pack up whatever kit you think you'll need for two weeks and get ashore. Transport will be waiting for you in two hours." With that Captain Shepard smirked at Kenneth, shook her head again, and left.
