37) Charles Pressly, Navigation Officer of the SSV Normandy, Earth Systems Alliance Navy.
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"Anderson's dead worried."
"We are returning from the shakedown cruise without a Specter and a colony destroyed."
"Political backlash?"
"Downright shitstorm, Commander."
The two officers didn't look at each other. Instead, their whole attention was on Anderson – fair, understanding, strict as few Anderson. Pressly admired the man, how couldn't he?
"I can take the blame." It sounded bluntly nonchalant coming from her lips. "I was the one commanding the recon team, who else would be more believable when saying 'I screwed up'?"
Shepard didn't admire him. She was loyal, loyal in a way for which the soldier had no explanation for.
"You do know that, without a credible eyewitness, he'll just contradict you?"
"That's why I have you, officer."
Sensing something was off, Anderson stopped pacing and turned to them, eyes moving from older man to younger woman.
"What are you two conspiring about?"
"I'm no child to conspire," Presley added calmly.
"Not smart enough to conspire." Shepard shrugged, legs swinging lightly.
No gazes were exchanged, no extra words, no comments about their half-baked plan. It wasn't needed when understanding was already established. Who else would guard the caretaker, after all?
Behind Anderon's back, Navigator and Commander shook their hands.