Title: Hamster
Pairing: None
Warnings: None
Summary: Shepard overhears Engineer Adams discuss a rodent problem.
Word Count: 317
When Shepard overheard Adams talking to Vega in the mess about some frayed wires, her ears perked up.
"I think we have a rodent on board." He said between bites. "I keep finding wires that have been chewed through and droppings around engineering. Do you have anything could use to make a trap?"
"Rats aren't exactly my specialty, but I'm sure Estaban and I could rig something up. Want it to be humane?" James answered, pulling from his coffee.
"Honestly, I don't care. It's not like we could keep it as a pet. And I'm not going to release it on an alien planet. Our options are limited. I'm just afraid it has a nest somewhere and or something vital will short out at a critical moment."
Shepard abandoned her plate at the counter and hurried to the elevator with a piece of bread in hand. After the short ride to the engineering deck, she looked around and listened, but heard nothing. Continuing to the sub-deck, she did the same and saw movement in the corner catch her eye.
"Don't worry, buddy. It's only me." She grinned and sat on the floor. "Don't worry about Adams. He won't hurt you. He doesn't know you're my friend."
She broke off a few pieces of bread and put them in the floor. After a long moment, the hamster tentatively crept from the shadows and gobbled down the snack. Shepard held out a hand and he scurried in and up her arm. With a smile, the returned to the lift.
Adams was departing when she arrived and his jaw fell slack. "Is that..."
"Adams, Meet Lieutenant Squeaks. He guards my quarters. Your rodent problem is solved."
"Any other pets I should know about?"
"I adopted a varren on Tuchanka. I'm hoping to pick him soon." She answered as she boarded the lift.
"You're joking, right?" The engineer chuckled in disbelief as the doors closed. "Right?!"