A sleepy Alliance marine stumbled into the cafe. It was the closest place from her temporary quarters, and though she did have a favorite place, she wasn't complacent, and to be honest, she wanted coffee too bad. So, the Black Cap Cafe it was then.
Shepard blinked, trying to process what was in front of her.
"MAGGOT" She jumped as someone screamed close to her ear, but when she turned all she saw was...
A parrot. White, orange, and green... with a black cap of feathers on it's head. It jerked it's head up in down in mocking manner from it's perch, and then took off towards the counter.
There were perches on all of the tables, with little tins locked onto them. There was a conure on a harness at one table, munching a strawberry while her owner read the newspaper. One couple was sipping coffee while their budgie seemed to be asleep. A macaw was preening on the same intricate perch of twisting, winding wood that 'maggot' bird had been sitting on.
It was a bird-lovers cafe.
Okaaaay... Shepard had half the mind to walk right back out the door.
On the far counter, the 'maggot' bird seemed to be doing an interesting head dance... while looking right at her.
She needed coffee.
"Can I get you something?" A young woman with dark hair and lots of freckle came up behind the counter.
"Oh, uh, yeah. Just..."Shepard hurried up, still frazzled by the birds."Uh, just a black, please, little cream."
"Birds surprise you?" the woman asked as she prepared Shepard's order.
"Yeah, this one" she pointed at the caique, who was still dancing, "called me a maggot."
"MAGGOT!" the bird cried, as if to confirm it.
"Shut up, Morde. Sorry ma'am. Been trying to teach him new things... but all he caught on to was my insults." the young woman apologized.
"MAGGOT!
"Morde-"
"MAGGOT! MAGGOT!"
"Perch, now!"
"MAGGOT!" Morde took off to a perch on the opposite end of the room.
"How much I owe you?" the Commander asked, still trying to stay composed.
Once she paid, she left in a hurry, making a mental note not to return. Maybe I could send one of the guys in there, tho... probably Wrex, I'd pay to see that!
Not really serious about this one, just keeping my skills sharp while I muddle through my writers block.
Fare Thee Well!