Chapter 4: Good news and goodbyes.
"I should go" 2nd Lieutenant Shepard said to one of the new recruits for the 101, Nikolai Peshenev "It was good chatting with you, Private"
"Likewise, Lieutenant" Nikolai said without saluting, thing that picked Shepard's attention.
"No 'aye, aye' or salutation, Corporal?" Shepard asked intrigued.
"Niet, sir" he simply said "I don't mean to disrespect, I just feel not right to talk to the genius strategist from the 101 with tedious military honorifics. You are better than that, sir"
"That is an odd way to see it" Shepard sighed "But I guess there's nothing I can do to convince you otherwise"
"Niet, it is more of a personal belief Lieutenant, even if it makes me seem odd. In any event, it was good to chat with you" Nikolai ended.
"Yeah well, as I said before, I should go" And after saying that Shepard started to walk to his quarters "that made no sense at all. Weird guy right there"
Two years after the mission of the 101 on Akuze, Shepard became somehow the tactics expert on the team. Lieutenant-Commander Satonaka was transferred to a ship. The UNN Florence, a cruiser that was supposed to guard somewhere deep between Council Space in some sort of "Human aid to the Citadel races", or at least that was the motto of the operation. Although in reality it was no secret between Alliance Marines that it was only a façade from the Alliance and High Rank politicians to get more saying in galactic politics.
"I don't complain, but they shouldn't lie about it" Shepard thought, then sighed "But then again I'm just a soldier, no politician so what do I know?"
As Shepard got into his small quarters, his omnitool started to beep to which Shepard freaked out "Damn, can't I rest in this place sometime?" Since his promotion to 2nd Lieutenant Shepard got more tasked than ever, having at least 5 to 16 jobs per day, which was even more than Satonaka's responsibilities as Lieutenant-Commander back in her days at the team, and the worst part is that most of his jobs were usually talk to the Team about random stuff "And still, Alliance doesn't want to give me the batarian slaver investigation or any access to their important databases for that matter, I wonder why…"
In any case Shepard saw his message and calmed down a little when he saw it was just a message from Operations Chief Dan Schmidt "Hey man, we should hang out tonight, I already convinced Davidson and Hardy may be coming with one of the new female recruits! I know it is would be three guys and two girls AND we're military, but we can still enjoy the looks. So, what do you say?"
Shepard smiled at the irony "Hardy and enjoying the looks only? Nah". Although they were stationed on Terra Nova and Shepard had a ton of new responsibilities with his rank, he decided that he could take a little rest, especially since the new XO Commander Davidson was also going. Besides he and Hardy had become really close friends during the two years Shepard had in the team, maybe even closer than allowed by military standards "but as long as we don't bang, and nobody else knows about it, then we'll be just fine" Shepard just couldn't pass the chance so he wrote an answer to Schmidt.
"Alright, I'm going" He sent the message and lied down in his bed without closing the onmitool, he then pressed some buttons and started to read one of the classic novels he bought in one of the stores near the Alliance base on Terra Nova. "I don't understand how humans nowadays just look up on classics like fucking Othello, this book is awesome… I'd rather to have an old book though, with the paper and cover and all. But I don't have time to go back to Earth or to go to the Citadel to get one"
Shepard lost himself in the lecture, he was about halfway through the book and was enjoying it so far "I definitely love how Othello is pursuing Desdemona trying to find out the truth. But I love even more how Iago is seeking his revenge to Othello by deceiving him and making him believe that she is cheating on him. I'd really like to do something like THIS to those batarians" Shepard sighed "Will be hard to find Tanok though, he's just ONE batarian and I heard that the gang is being chased in the investigation I am not conducting! hate that they didn't pick me to look for them… In any case, I 'm so glad they decided to adapt that play to a book because it makes me think more than any other book I've ever…"
His reading was interrupted by the sound of the door of his quarters opening and then closing.
"Still reading your Othello digital book, Lieutenant?" Hardy, now the Operations Chief, said getting closer to Shepard's bed as he stopped his reading. Ultimately, she got on top of Cameron "So, what do you have in mind?"
"We cannot have intercourse, Chief. Besides my room's still unlocked" he said not really serious about it.
"I know we can't, but that only applies to sex because it is too noisy" She said somehow sarcastically "We can still make out as long as there are no cameras, microphones and your room's locked" she then introduced a code with her omnitool and shut the door "There. You have no escape now"
"I'm glad my room is still as private as day 1" Then, both started to kiss each other passionately in a slow and passionate way, their tongues fighting each other's for dominance of the developing action, and even if hers fought hard, Shepard's as always ended up controlling the kiss while at the same time he pushed her body back slightly to make clear whose dominance.
The seconds passed and they both stopped to catch breath. Shepard's omnitool started to beep to what he grunted in anger; he then saw the message and his eyes widened.
"I should go Christine. Major Kyle wants to talk to me, seems urgent" He said getting up of the bed and unlocking the room.
"One minute and fifteen seconds? New record for you…. That's why we cannot do it, though" She said disappointed.
"Because of the time being too short? Or is it because you are scared of making a lot of noise due to my abilities? " To what he smiled but of irony, due to the raid in Mindoir 5 years ago, Shepard's 'skills' were rusty "Last time I had real sex was... I don't even remember, what date's today? It was a long time ago, that's for sure… Of course I won't admit that to Christine ever, maybe I should practice in one of those 'clubs' next time I visit Elysium"
Shepard left his room and hurried to the Major's quarters, once he got there he messaged Major Kyle to unlock the door, to what he pressed the holo button and waited for the door to open. Once open, he entered the room and Major Kyle was standing up, besides him there were holograms of Admiral Hackett and the defense Alliance committee, there was also an empty spot for another hologram.
"What is this Major?" Shepard asked curious about the presence of such important members of the Alliance Navy.
"Lieutenant Shepard" Started Admiral Hackett "Here, in the presence of your commanding officer and the defense committee, I make you the formal proposal of entering the N7 training program" Hackett said in a proud tone.
"We have heard a lot of you, even if you don't know our names Lieutenant. I assume you noticed that empty spot, that is where an acquaintance of yours usually is; but Major Anderson was not asked to be in this process because we didn't want him to influence anything, we do trust him, but you two know each other. In any event, many soldiers are capable of becoming officers. Many soldiers are good handing weapons and also, many soldiers are capable of planning smart tactics for the success of any mission. But just few soldiers present these aptitudes alongside an outstanding leadership and a… Short age for a military man" One of the male committee members said.
"According to the reports Major Kyle here, you have not only planned every single strategy for your team the past two years, but also commanded some squads under the orders of your superior. Risky from him, but apparently it was trust well put" Another member of the committee, a woman, said but she was obviously displeased by the part of letting Shepard take leadership on operations that corresponded to Kyle.
"So, what do you say Lieutenant?" Major Kyle said ignoring the tone of the committee member.
"I… I don't know what to say. I mean, N7? Me?" Shepard was overwhelmed by the news.
"You don't need to give us an answer right away Lieutenant, you can think about it for a week and…" Hackett was interrupted
"I'm in, Admiral" Shepard said.
"Are you sure, Lieutenant? The N7 program is a hard training for elite soldiers. You should think about it before giving an answer" The female committee member remarked but Shepard's mind was already clear.
"Don't think this is a no-brainer ma'am, I have been thinking about joining the N7 program if I had the chance, ever since…" He stopped his comment because he didn't want to tell them about Grissom "... I enlisted. I know the 20 hours of training per day and I know the requirements to pass the tests from N1 to N7. I never actually expected to be asked but I want more, I feel like I need more responsibility in the Alliance, real responsibilities; no offense sir" Kyle shook his head saying that there was none "and I also feel that I want to make humanity proud. So I say this loud and clear, I am in"
"Well, he doesn't lack the determination, Major" One of the so far silent members of the defense committee said, then added "Well, Lieutenant. You are coming tomorrow back to Earth, I'm sure you are aware of the N7 training facility, Vila Militar, here on Rio de Janeiro if you know everything you say you know, Lieutenant. And one more thing, you'll be on my personal watch since you are the youngest N7 we have ever asked" Shepard nodded.
"Then we are out" Admiral Hackett sentenced and the holograms disappeared.
"You have guts, Lieutenant" Said Major Kyle as he reached Shepard's hand and shook it "I never accepted the offer myself"
"Why is that sir?" Shepard intrigued
"Well, that is because I never wanted to leave the unit. N7s are outstanding soldiers, but they need to sacrifice the unit or ship they are in to go to Earth just to try to be an N1 and you are not able to leave until you get the final test for the N7 rank. I got so used to constant travel that I was scared of being stationed on Earth forever, besides when you actually become an N7 you might need to sacrifice even more than a team or crew for humanity's sake" Kyle explained "Besides, being part of the reoccupation of Shanxi paid me well enough"
"Yes it did, sir" Shepard said nodding "Now if you'll excuse me, I should go, I was going to reunite with some of the team members as a celebration for a smooth run of our security operations here on Terra Nova, but I guess it has become my goodbye party"
"Good luck on the N7 program, Shepard. You deserve it" Kyle said as a way to say goodbye.
Shepard nodded and left the facility for the bar on the coordinates Schmidt gave him, the place was relatively close to the building and thus it was full of Alliance Marines, which made it kind of difficult to find Schmidt and the rest at first.
He was able to spot the table, only Schmidt, Davidson and a redhead were there, there was no sign of Hardy so Shepard was a little disappointed, but nevertheless he sat at a free spot.
"... Look who's here! Lieutenant" Schmidt said in a confident way "I thought you'd be the last one to be here"
"XO" Shepard said totally ignoring Schmidt and saluting Davidson
"Lieutenant" Davidson saluted backwards, a little amused at Schmidt's face.
"And you, little girl. I don't think I know you…" Shepard decided to ask "Are you a one of the new recruits for the 101?"
She shook her head "Lieutenant Mary Whitehold of the 315 Ground-Assault team. Pleased to meet you Lieutenant Shepard" She said smiling, at the same time, Shepard smiled back. "You may sit, Lieutenant" she added.
Shepard sat and started chatting to the other people present.
"So that is what was going on in your mind when you sent me to that moshpit!?" Schmidt asked angry.
"Yeah, we are talking about Eden Prime, usually nothing big goes on there" Shepard simply responded while Davidson nodded and Whitehold watched in disbelief.
"I could have died!" Schmidt screamed.
"And you would've passed down in history as the first fool to die in Eden Prime, not even the eldest to arrive all those years ago has died yet" Shepard said coldly.
"I still can't believe that you, the genius strategist didn't figure out that there was a group of smugglers on Eden Prime with all the hints" Whitehold said.
"Well, that is a funny thing Mary" he said remembering the first time he kissed Hardy right in that mission.
"Just how distracted were you?" she asked.
"A lot, but in the end we were able to rescue Mr. Hostage here and eliminate every bandit, when I found out that there were smugglers and that they had Schmidt I had to improvise. But we did it mainly because of my biotics and Davidson's gun abilities... And Hardy's stubbornness on not letting Schmidt die" Shepard explained "You owe Hardy by the way" he said looking at Schmidt "When's she going to come? I need to tell you all something but she must..."
"Speak of the devil" Davidson said "she just entered the place"
Shepard got up and waved his hand to get her attention.
She seemed upset so Shepard raised his hand even more, ultimately he succeeded in getting her attention.
She was getting to the table fast-paced and her face was of full anger and as the other soldiers saw this they decided that it was best not to be in her way. Her eyes were stuck on Shepard as more and more people just got out of the way. Once she got close enough she slapped Cameron, gaining the look of surprise from everyone near the table and those who actually paid enough attention in the place "You decided to join the N7 Program?!"
"Y-Yeah, it was proposed to me about an hour ago and I accepted" he said really confused at her anger.
"You know you'll have to go to Earth and you won't be able to leave until you are up to the final test?!" She asked even more furious.
"Yes, I know that" he said keeping his cool.
"It could take you years to even pass the N2 test!" She said.
"Yes, I know" Shepard kept repeating his line as if it was the only thing he could say.
"But what about the team? What about…" She stopped right on her tracks and turned around "… I… You are an asshole Shepard" She then left the bar.
Shepard was still in his spot, not really knowing what to do.
"Shepard, congratulations" Davidson said shocked.
"Yeah, man" Schmidt added. Whitehold remained silent since it appeared it was a matter too personal of Shepard's team.
Cameron was still confused about what to do and Whitehold catched that, so she decided to say something to the Lieutenant of the 101 "Lieutenant, you should go talk to her, it is already bad enough that she was upset, but if the reason is because of you then you have to be man enough to try to amend her" She added, to which Shepard nodded.
"Yes, you're right LT" Shepard then started to walk and left the bar looking for Christine.
"Man what was her problem?" Shepard heard Schmidt say as he left.
After a couple of hours, Shepard had no idea where to look for her, she wasn't in her room, she wasn't in the outskirts of the base, or even in the main colony. Shepard decided to look in the oddest place that came to his mind, his own quarters.
"Shepard! I…" Hardy was effectively there, waiting for Shepard "I wanted to apologize for my behavior earlier"
"Don't mention it. I understand why you are angry… I was going to tell you all at the bar"
"I know Shepard; I know you took the decision today. The Major told me but is just that I don't want you to leave… I was thinking to go… Serious with this whole affair" She said apologetically.
"The same here… But then I remembered that it is forbidden. It would have become harder to try… I might regret this for my whole life but I'm afraid of…" Shepard stopped, not sure of what to say next.
"Trying? Yeah, I am too" She said understanding "The rank means a lot of shackles for relationships like ours, Shepard"
"For what is worth Christine. I believe you'll find a boyfriend any of these days" Shepard said a little sad, but he really meant it.
"Thanks. But I don't have big seductive skills with this uniform on" Hardy responded "I bet you'll find a girlfriend faster" she smiled with sadness.
"Oh please, you've seen me dancing, every second I move means a thousand years of loneliness" he joked, they both shared a nice laugh, it wasn't really awkward but more of a sad laugh, then she got closer to Shepard, put her hand on his chest looking down.
"It was good while it lasted, Lieutenant" She then left the room "At least you won't dance around me anymore, you could blind a krogan with those moves" She then started to walk.
Shepard looked at her going every second and even followed her out in the hallway. He noted that she didn't looked back at all, it somehow felt like a stab in his chest "Now, that was hard…" He then sat on his bed and started to read Othello from where he left off as he received a message from Interplanetary Spacelines "ANC Casablanca 8 Earth Hours, in the morning. Thanks for choosing us as your Travelling Enterprise Lieutenant Shepard" He kept reading his book after reading the message.
The next morning, Shepard was waked by an annoying noise.
"W-What the hell?" he said trying not to fall asleep again. It was a message from Davidson.
"Lieutenant we wanted to officially congratulate you for your new promotion or whatever being an N7 is and we wanted to celebrate it personally with you, so come to the lounge. Right. Now. That's an order… And don't worry, I'm sure you have already packed what you needed to because your ship, the ANC Casablanca in case you didn't know leaves early. Now move your ass, man!" that was everything in the message.
"The Casablanca… Damn thing leaves in about four hours" He say to the clock in his omnitool "Or two… I can still…" Shepard then realized that he overslept "I forgot to set the alarm!" He hurried out of the bed almost falling to the floor and took one hand back, put in a change of clothes and boxers, one for each day of the week, he also added a toothbrush and two pairs of socks. He then took a mid-size backpack and put every piece of his armor inside, then added a holographic chess-board and his credit chin.
Afterwards, he put on some of his basic Alliance clothes, changing wasn't much of a problem for him because he sleeps in boxers. Then, he left his room and used his omnitool to send a message to Alliance maintenance "Send the rest of my belongings to the N7 program facility Vila Militar on Earth. ASAP" after that he hurried towards the direction Davidson gave him and there he found every member he befriended during his first mission with the 101. Hardy, Davidson, Schmidt and Kyle.
"Unfortunately, Satonaka was not able to come here in such a hurry" Davidson told Shepard "Though she congratulates you for this, Lieutenant"
"Also, the big russian weirdo said something like tell the Lieutenant that he deserves being an N7 and not sharing his time with the likes of us in petty activities" Schmidt said with his 'impression' of the russian accent.
"Don't act all high n' mighty on me just because you are my XO, Davidson" Shepard said ignoring Schmidt, then added "you are all friends and companions to me" He looked at them "When I'm done with the N7 program, I'll fight to be repositioned in this unit and also, Hardy I want you to tell Peshenev that thanks and tat I am sorry he is not here personally"
"Aye aye" she simply said, hiding her sadness behind seriousness, Shepard was able to see that.
"Are you sure about wanting to be with us, Lieutenant? They could assign you to a ship or to any important operation in Council space, even in a colonizing team… Heard that the Alliance is eyeing a planet that's going to be called Freedom's Progress, you might…" Major Kyle started but Shepard put his arm in his shoulder.
"I am coming back, sir" he then saluted them and they all saluted back.
"You better become an N7 Shepard, or else I won't forgive you!" Schmidt declared in loud yet unserious tone. Shepard looked at him like expecting something "sir"
"Damn straight" added Hardy. He didn't miss the chance, so he gave her a look "sir" she said rolling her eyes.
"Aye aye, guys" Shepard then lowered his hand and started to walk to the bay "My shuttle will take me to the ship in a couple of hours, do you guys want to eat at the port restaurant? I'm buying" Shepard said and Kyle smiled.
"I'm not going Lieutenant, you all have a nice day" he left the place after that.
"Well, unlike the Major, if it's free I'm going" Schmidt said exited and then they all started to walk away "Hey Shepard, have I ever told you about…"
The time passed and Shepard decided to go to the bay alone "it'll be the best for the team, you all have your responsibilities and they have been delayed long enough. Thank you, really, for coming" he told them as they argued, it was like that until Davidson withdrew taking the other two with him.
A voice sounded from the speakers "The shuttles that are transporting to the ANC Casablanca with destination to Earth are departing from the Bay B-13, please head there as soon as possible.Interplanetary Spacelines is also proud to announce that this is the twenty-first year we are transporting civilians in interplanetary traveling, all of those years without a single delay"
"I think I should go, then" Said Shepard to himself as he stood up and started to walk to the bay.