Shepard awoke fully healed, hearing the doctor outside talk about the fact that he should've been out for a couple days. Tali sat next to his bed, head resting near his legs. He extended an arm and touched her, she looked at him and hugged him tightly, the cool metal of her visor stinging the side of his face. "Never die on me again, Bosh'tet." She said, squeezing the life out of him.
Once he was able to stand up, Shepard and Tali made their way to the docking bays, greeting friends with warm hugs and wide smiles. The only person who seemed to be missing was Javik, who Ashley said disappeared after Shepard's apparent demise. He felt an emptiness in his heart, he wanted him to know he was alive, he probably didn't mourn, but he felt he should know he was doing fine.
"Heard something about me getting a new ship, with a shiny new paintjob." Joker said excitedly. "Yes, and the same AI." Zach said, appearing from around the corner. "EDI is fine, by the way, in case you were wondering." Zach was wearing the same thing he did in Shepard's dream, Brown trench coat, black combat boots, and a million dollar smile that made his expression all the more smug. "Commander, you know this guy?" James asked, looking at his slightly odd attire. "Yeah, long story." Shepard said as Zach went to snap his fingers. "There she is, the SR-3." He said.
He was sad to not see the SR-3 pulling into the dock, (Then again, fuck Cerberus) but this was definitely an improvement. The Normandy SR-3 was definitely bigger than the old ship, it was solid black, with a white and red stripe running down the side. Painted on the side was a mural of a phoenix, the word "Firebird" was painted in fire like orange color on the side.
"I thought the name was ironic, due to the fact you've come back from the dead twice now Shepard." Zach said, gesturing at the large orange bird painted atop the cockpit. "It looks nice, a bit over the top, but cool." Ashley said, looking it over. "Now to discuss the rest of the terms of Shepard's contract." Zach said, his signed paper appearing in his hands from a plume of flames. "Contract, what contract, I never saw him sign a contract!" Garrus said angrily, clearly mad at Shepard for making them someone else's lap dog again. "That's because he signed it while he was dead, anyways." "What, by the goddess you must be joking with me, that's impossible." Liara protested. "Nope, its true." Shepard clarified, to the shock of everyone.
"Anyways, moving on to the terms of your contract. Death is not permanent, if one of your party members is killed, you will return to a few moments before in time, retaining your memories. If you attempt any form of self harm or suicide of your own volition, you will be admitted to a mental institution. You will still be under the command of the alliance, but I have the ability to send you on missions, and accept new applicants to join the team. Ah yes, and you have unlimited access to the Normandy's bar, kitchen, exercise facilities, tactical trials, gun ranges, and other services. That is your part of the contract." Zach explained. "What's your job then?" Tali asked, crossing her arms in frustration. "My job is to make sure you guys have fun, and there's never really many dull moments, as I was getting bored with all the serious, 'End of the galaxy,' type talk. I also create new rooms in the Normandy for new recruits to live in, that are decorated to personal preferences they have. I will also make sure you guys are heavily compensated for your work, not just in credits, but in little gifts here and there." Zach explained, so far it sounded like a good contract, there weren't many catches, and they could enjoy themselves.
"What's the catch?" Vega asked, looking at him slightly intrigued at the thought of a full exercise facility. "That's the end of the contract my friend." Zach said, rolling up the piece of paper. "Enjoy your new ship, EDI's waiting in the cockpit for you by the way, Joker." Zach said, before snapping his fingers and disappearing.