One month after the destruction of the Reapers…
Pale blue words appeared on the screen.
MISSION OBJECTIVE
REMNANTS OF UNCOVERED REAPER DEBRIS OFF SKY LANE 345. REMOVE AND STRIP FOR MATERIALS BEFORE SCRAPPING.
The monitor flicked off.
"Any questions?"
Silence.
"Good. Let's get in, get out. Leave no stone left unturned. We finish in under a days time, drinks are on me. Dismissed."
One week later…
"Mr. Vakarian, any news about Commander Shepard?"
All eyes focused on the Commanders former crew mate. Best friend. Brother, even. His green eyes found their place on the poorly polished metal floor. Mandibles fluttered out and back in but no response was heard. The reporters fell silent.
"Admiral Hackett!"
His gaze shot up. "Garrus. You're late."
Hackett pulled the larger Turian in for a rather awkward handshake. It was foreign, but not unwelcome.
"Let's get you out of here to meet with the rest of the crew."
One day later…
"Memorials.
Plays.
Movies.
Extranet Articles.
These and more offer insight to who Commander Shepard was and is. But, they aren't enough. Project: Angel seeks to change that. Any information you can provide can help change that. We hope that you can be the change."
If it weren't for the topic of discussion being the glue to the Normandy crew, the announcement would have been slightly whimsical. Funny even. But the atmosphere in the room was anything but that.
"So, Project Angel." James Vega broke the silence. "Thoughts?"
His eyes searched the group. There was a momentary pause.
"Bullshit." Zaeed barked out. The whole group turned to the mercenary. "What do these pencil pushers hope to achieve? Shepard's dead. It's about time we all move on with our lives."
Joker scoffed. "Easy for you to say old man. If it weren't for him you'd be a burnt crisp at an oil refinery in drop dead nowhere. Shepard was our friend. Our commander. Our family. The least we can do is offer what we have in memory to him."
His words were enough to draw the quiet sobs of fellow crew mates.
One month and 8 days. That's how long it's been since Shepard had destroyed the Reapers.
One month, 8 days, and counting.
They all were counting but deep down… Zaeed was right. Shepard was dead and no amount of technology could bring him back again…
Right?
Interview #246
"If you can look to the camera Ms. Williams. That'd be amazing."
"Right, sorry. Let me, compose myself first."
Interview #247
"Project: Angel?" He shakes his head. "Shepard was anything but."
"How do you mean Mr. Vakarian?"
Interview #248
"Damn microphone."
"Wrex, we urge you to be—."
VIDEO ENDED
Interview #249
"Ms. Vas Normandy, it's a pleasure to have you with us for Project: Angel."
"And you as well, although I have my reserves about the title."
"Oh?"
Interview #250
"Mr. Taylor. Please have a seat. We realize it's been a while but thank you for joining us."
"Of course, anytime. But seriously man, the name… Project Angel."
Interview #251
"Project Angel."
"Yes Ms. Lawson."
"While I respect the top scientists, researchers and historians that back this project, the name doesn't suit Shepard."
"Shepard was an Angel…
A scarred Angel at that.
Go through what he had. Add the weight of the galaxy on your shoulders. I dare say, try to come out in one piece. Try to stay sane. Try to stay true to your morals and beliefs.
No one could.
But Shepard… he… he was someone that could."
~ Dr. Karin Chakwas
"Years back, I was given a file with regards to Shepard. Back then, however, he was private Shepard.
The kid stood out albeit for his height at the time and lack of first name. He signed as Shepard.
His drill sergeants quickly changed that. Nicknamed him Icarus after a stunt he pulled during basic training.
The kid pushed himself to the edge to save his squad. Ended up being the only one injured.
The nickname stuck and eventually became apart of him.
His experience at Akuze only fed into his name, Icarus. The scars on his back mirror that of wings.
Just like the ancient tale. If Shepard was given something nearly impossible to achieve, he'd do it…
Even if it meant in the end he'd fall."
~ Admiral Hackett
This marks the beginning for a series of short stories. More shall be posted soon. For now, I wish you a good day.
~Ai