June 25th 2183

True to Greatfield's words it only took two days from earth to reach the Citadel, but what he did not tell me was how vast in scale the seat of the council really was. My jaw would have probably dropped to the ground if it could as I saw this big space station for the first time in my life, not in a game but in actual un-pixeled reality. I was currently staring out of the window, my eyes darting around like an eight-year-olds in front of the lit Christmas tree. Suddenly a ship in black and white appeared in the line of my sight. Written on the black paint in white letters was the name of the ship "Normandy SR1". I was convinced that my heart skipped a beat there, as the elegant designed recon/infiltration vessel was making its way towards the docks.

This is it! , was all my mind could conjure in this moment, as it was stormed with feelings of anticipation, curiosity and a little bit of self-doubt.

Am I ready for this? It is getting fucking real now and I don't think I can simply turn back now saying `sorry guys, changed my mind, see you all when the reapers invade´.

Shaking my head to dissipate this stupid thought of mine and to give me a bit more confidence to face what lies ahead of me, I was pretty surprised as the captain of the transport vessel told us that we were all set and done and we could leave the ship now. After retrieving my duffle bag from the flight's respective luggage office I was already awaited by a C-Sec officer.

"Captain Black?", the man asked me with sceptical eyes.

"In the flesh. And who do I have the honour with?", feigning ignorance since I already recognised him.

"Owen Bailey. I am with C-Sec and I am here on the order to escort you to the Normandy's docking bay."

Smiling I responded: "Please lead the way."

As we were halfway to our destination, Bailey raised his voice again.

"So how do you get to be a Captain when you are just 24? Are your parents with the higher ranked Alliance brass?"

The mentioning of my parents induced a light sting in my chest. Over the course of the last three years I learned to deal with the reality I am in now, but although the wounds are mended their scars were still visible. Sighing I gave the C-Sec officer my reply.

"Nothing like that. My parents died before I even knew them and I grew up on the streets. Due to a string of events I ended up in the System's Alliance where I worked my ass off day and night to stand where I am now."

Bailey turned around his hands raised in front of his chest.

"Sorry, I didn't intend to rip up old wounds again."

I nodded and we walked further towards the Normandy, but it did not take long before he started to talk again.

"But it is still pretty impressive, the whole Captain-thing I mean. It really feels like eternity since I joined up with C-Sec, but do I get a promotion? Nada, stuck up Turians only give out promotions for a selected few every year and all hell breaks loose for them if they have to promote a human."

"Sorry to hear that, but I think your time will come too."

"Hahaha!", Bailey let out a humourless laugh before he continued.

"You think? For me it is just wishful thinking, but maybe you are right… well it was nice talking to you. Your new ship probably awaits you already."

He stopped in his tracks and gestured with his head behind him. Looking behind him the sight of the Normandy SR1 was revealed and I had to swallow hard and take deep breaths in order to not have my whole body shaking like a leaf. Bailey has noticed my obvious nervousness and put a hand on my shoulder.

"You look like you will make it work somehow, so pull yourself together."

He took his hand away from my shoulder and held it out for a handshake which I reciprocated.

"Thanks. I think I needed that."

"Well, I am off. Take care of yourself."

"You too, Bailey."

As I turned around, now facing the ship again, I could see how the crew Shepard recruited up until now filed out. Everyone but the alien members wore formal clothing. Tali was in her violet/purple environment suit. Wrex and Garrus wore the respective red and blue armour. My eyes started to dart around again, feverishly looking out for the human part of the ground team. It did not take long before I could discern the brownish hue of Ashley's skin and Kaidan's licked back black hair among the soldiers.

That only leaves Shep…

If my jaw would drop to the ground at the sight of the Citadel it would split earth in half at the image of Shepard. It was not your standard red haired, green eyed Jane. That was for sure.

Surveying her surroundings her gaze held still as she saw me. Knitting her eyebrows together she started heading towards me. It left me only seconds to get a full grasp of her. The uniform hugged her perfect body at the right spots and left little to imagination. Her face was framed by straight, wheat blond hair cascading down to the small of her back. Something customization did not even allow you in the game. There was a faded scar that split her left eyebrow apart and her eyes…

Holy fucking shit!, I let out a manly mental scream of shock.

Her eyes had the colour of blood. They were like two crimson pools, instilling fear in everyone who dared to look into them longer than a moment. Before I could even dwell on that, she was already standing in front of me, shifting her weight on her right leg, her arms crossed under her ample breast and her lush, pinkish lips pressed together to a small line as if she was thinking about something.

"You are with the Alliance, kid? Right? Then tell me where I can find this Captain Black. He should be here already."

I was stunned, to say the least. Her voice was saturated with authority and an 'I don't take shit-attitude'. I felt my Adam's apple bounce up and down as I swallowed my saliva. Her brows furrowed most likely in annoyance while thinking what is taking me so long to respond to her question. Well, to my defence, you would without much doubt be as speechless as I am if you got stared down by this Shepard.

"I… I am …erm… ha. I am Black."

Shepard's POV

Joker just told the crew that they were going to dock to the Citadel in five minutes, while Shepard was fixing her uniform for shore leave in her quarters. Sighing she pressed the holo-panel on her door and called for the elevator. As she arrived in the CIC she could already hear the joyful chatter of her crew, readying themselves for their little bit of freedom, something Cassandra should not be granted to get. Wordlessly she made her way towards the airlock only to join the icy atmosphere of her current ground team. Not everyone was alright with the way she handled things at the colony after shit hit the fan. Of course she suppressed every voice of opposition, stating that she was the commanding officer and if they have a problem with how she did things they are free to go. Nobody left, but the mood was heavy ever since. Garrus, Tali and Wrex gave her a respectful nod and her two fellow human comrades greeted her each with a salute. Leaning against the wall and closing her eyes, Cassandra waited till Joker would give the clear to leave the ship. If it was for her, she would prefer to stay on board but she had to welcome her new team member. Shepard was still agitated about the fact that the Alliance would send someone to look after her but her initial rage subdued over the past two days.

"The docking process is finished. Systems are all clear and we got green light to leave the ship. Have fun, while I am sitting here, trying not to break all of my bones."

Joker's voice resounded through the Normandy's intercom. Shepard pushed herself from the wall as she watched her crew walk out of the ship. After most of the members left the ship, Cassandra moved too and exited the Normandy. First thing she did is a quick look around. As she did that she noticed a man not older then 25 standing in Alliance Navy uniform at the far end of the dockside. Not knowing how Black looked like, this guy would be her best shot to find out. Therefore she headed with fast steps towards this person, standing at leisure before she asked him.

"You are with the Alliance, kid? Right? Then tell me where I can find this Captain Black. He should be here already."

Shepard could see him swallow hard before he started to stammer out one sentence.

"I… I am …erm… ha. I am Black."

Only after those words were spoken, Shepard for once took the time to scan the man in front of her from head to toe. At least the uniform isn't wasted on him, she thought after a thorough scan, but this is my show. If he wants to claim the entire spotlight for himself, he is going to have a very bad awaking. I will make sure of that. Smirking she raised her voice, making sure some hostility was coming through.

"Cut the crap! I am looking for a Captain and not some whimsical pencil pusher."

Suddenly the man started to activate his omni-tool and pushed some keys, displaying, much to Shepard's surprise, the name CAPT. Erik Black with a photo of him next to it.

"You have to be kidding me!? For real? Is this some kind of twisted joke? If yes, I swear I am going to shove my shotgun up the ass of the guy who is responsible for this."

To say that Shepard was furious was kind of an understatement. She prepared herself a lot for this moment but this guy was just ludicrous. He was definitely younger than her. By about five years she assumed and he was already higher ranked than her? Impossible! Suddenly her inner rant came to an abrupt halt as the supposed Captain started to talk. This time, there was no stammering but cold purpose in his voice.

"Commander Cassandra A. Shepard, I presume. You can keep your shotgun holstered because I am no joke. I am Captain Erik Black and I am here because your actions on Feros sent some ripples throughout the Alliance. They sent me so I can see to it that something like this isn't going to happen again. I am only too well aware of your position as a council Spectre but I hope you will heed my advice in regards of 'our' upcoming missions. Anyhow it is a pleasure to work with the hero of Elysium and the first human Spectre."

Black extended his arm for a handshake. If he was offended by Shepard's former rudeness, he did not show it. A bit perplexed, Cassandra complied and grasped his hand.

He has a strong handshake, was the only thing she could think about before he took the duffle bag next to him and passed her, heading towards the Normandy. Shepard could count the times she was shown the cold shoulder on one hand. But be shown the cold shoulder and being left speechless? Well that was an entirely new experience for the female soldier. Cassandra was only able to watch after her new crew member with her lips slightly agape and a wary look in her crimson eyes.

Fucking smooth, Cass. Fucking smooth.