Chapter 21.5
Shepard entered the lab. Mordin was bent over his terminal as always. Hopefully he was working on the problem with the Collectors. They needed that solved as soon as possible.
"You wanted to see me?"
Mordin looked up. "Yes. One moment." He turned back to his console. "Thank you for your assistance EDI."
"My pleasure, professor."
He shut down the connection, giving the two some much needed privacy.
"What did you want to talk to me about?"
"Have results from your examination."
Shepard's eyes widened as he leaned on what was becoming his customary spot in the lab. "And?"
"You're human. Found nothing to suggest you have been altered."
"What do you mean?"
"Genes show no sign of tampering. Tissue only contain human DNA, all uniform."
"So I'm all human, probably all Troy Shepard."
"Yes."
There was a pause before the next question. "Am I a clone?"
"Highly unlikely. Tissues show signs of reconstructions, implants aiding in healing. Only repurposed after body was restored. Unnecessary steps if you were a clone. Process would be much simpler, less intensive."
"What does this tech do?"
"Augments natural abilities. Surely noticed body has been altered in some ways."
Shepard nodded. "I am stronger than I remember. Stronger than I have a right to be if I spent two years on a table. Then there's the world slowing down for a few moments when I look through the scope of my sniper rifle."
"Not world slowing down. Would break many laws of physics. No, your reactions, brain processes speeding up. Looking through scope must be stimuli for norepinephrine dump."
"So is that something in my brain that's triggering it?"
"No, no, no. Implant next to adrenals, merely hormonal. Siphons adrenaline for storage until needed. Possibly used to keep pressure up in vessels. Now used to accelerate actions."
He didn't answer the question Shepard really wanted to ask but was too afraid to. He couldn't stall any longer, however. "Is there anything in my brain, altering my decisions or telling me who…?" He left the question hang.
Mordin shook his head. "Brain completely organic. No implants to speak of." He sighed. "Is it the you before your death?"
Shepard flinched at the word.
"I don't know," the salarian continued. "Even with advanced technology, scientists still unable to find a 'soul,' the aspect that gives us sentience. Also do not fully understand how Cerberus reignited your brain. Suspect Operative Lawson does, but doubtful she will share such information."
Shepard pushed off the lab bench and brought his hand to his chin. He didn't meet Mordin's eyes. "Thank you for doing this, Mordin," he said absently.
"Of course, Shepard. Whatever I can to help."
Mordin watched has the man left his lab. The salarian got the feeling that for every question he answered, two more formed in Shepard's mind.