Loyalties:
Mass Effect Trilogy is a Bioware game. For any reference to the Official Game All rights are owned by Bioware. The Fan Fiction "Mass Effect At Dawn Again" is fruit of my imagination and my work, it is a free tribute, passionate and personal to a great video game. It is not allowed any use partial or total for profit and not.
Chapter 54
Virtually Impossible
The question floats in the sweet and silent air. A cold grip numbs the heart of the young Asari. In her ears the imprint of the sound wave is still vibrating. Liara sighs, imperceptibly. She knew it was only a matter of time before Shepard asked the fatal question. Truth be told, she was hoping that was the case. She wants to be with Shepard when she gets the news about EDI.
Liara closes her eyes and gives herself a few more seconds to think. She inhales and exhales, slowly, and prepares to tell Emily everything she wants to know. From personal experience, she came to the conclusion that it is best to give the good news first when there is any. Especially, when the bad news is very bad. A broken and distressed mood, tends to completely nullify the consoling effectiveness of any positive factor. That is why she decides to start from the best part.
"The Normandy has been docked in a hangar at the Alliance Heathrow Airport for a week. She is back from a long exploratory mission, successfully accomplished!" She assures, giving her partner a knowing smile, and continuing the story the moment she catches a glimpse of relief. "We all are still in London. Your crew is on the ship, waiting. No one wants to leave until you get back!" She says with a nod of approval.
Emily lets out all the worn air, which inflated her lungs and takes a long and powerful breath. Something in Liara's voice keeps making her anxious, suspicious. The woman feels a cold shiver run down her spine, watching her soulmate who is staring at the floor. The Asari's tone becomes bleak, subdued, and painfully predictable. Shepard knows Liara too well not to realize the good news is running short.
"Many of our people took part in the clashes as support for Hammer. Some of them are still missing in action, other ones... unfortunately, they didn't make it!" Liara whispers, mournfully, as she takes Shepard's hand in hers. This small spontaneous gesture is enough for the woman to be sure that the worst is yet to come. Something suffocating paralyzes her throat and makes it hard for her to speak. Emily frowns and continues to listen, motionless, like an oak tree in a summer sunset. She strives to be ready for the worst, but in vain. She still tries to delude herself, clinging to Liara's hand and the last shreds of hope, trapped somewhere inside her.
"The fellow crew members, however, are fine..." Liara pauses to let her mate enjoy the news. Emily's pulse accelerates, just long enough to take in a new breath. Soon, the Asari's face becomes serious, her eyes dive in Shepard's, her voice turns into a deep sigh. Shepard's heart slows down, stops, wanders in her chest, waiting. "Everyone... except EDI! I'm sorry, Emy! No Synthetics survived the Crucible!" Liara admits, as concisely as possible. She learned the hard way that there is no less painful way to receive very painful news. Only people, from whom, given the choice, one would prefer not to be forced to receive them. In any case, the speech better be short.
The cruel truth is resounding in Shepard's eardrums, echoing in her head, like a bleak bell. Two chimes, then four, five and ten. The only vague consolation is the presence of Liara. The Commander's face is instantly darkened due to an instinctive reflex. She exhales all the air, eyelids tightened, like she had just taken a punch in the solar plexus. After other dark and empty chimes, she lifts them up, wearily. A veil of sadness clouds in the warm and luminous blue of her eyes.
Liara puts both hands on Emily's shoulders and looks at her, intensely. It is easy to guess her thoughts. They share the same hole in their stomach, something very unpleasant pouncing at their heart, and make it slam into their chest. "I'm sorry!" She whispers, for the second time in a row. "I'm terribly sad for EDI. I miss her! And... I'm sorry for the Geth! Synthetic beings paid a huge price. They didn't deserve the same fate as the Reapers!"
Shepard gives her a nod of approval, and shrugs her shoulders still groggy, as confesses in a low voice. "I was hoping in whatever kind of miracle, in which the Geth... or... EDI... would find a way to escape the effects of the Crucible. I was under the illusion that they would be able to protect themselves, to survive. Despite any fucking doom and gloom prediction of the Catalyst! But... ah, dammit!" She pauses and scrubs a hand over her face, then slides it through her hair. When she lifts her head, stares at Liara with deep eyes. A slight shiver of regret is stirring her voice. "It was the mother of all tough decisions, the most horrifying in a million! Liara... I..." Emily begins to say.
Liara is completely reflected in Shepard's state of mind, like in a mirror. She feels all of Emily's regret pouring into her own soul. Her fingers move nimble and caring. They gently brush Shepard's lips, looking for a way to induce her to stop talking and above all, to stop tormenting herself. Liara's voice envelops Emily's senses, with the empathy of a caress, as she whispers softly. "Shh, I know, Emy! There was me too, in your mind, merged with your emotions. We shared everything, remember? I exactly know how you felt and... what you are feeling right now!"
Yes, Shepard remembers every second of that night, and every damn breath. She remembers the deafening noise, and the smell of blood. Remembers the pain and emptiness left by those who will not return. Remembers anxiety and fear. The sense of inadequacy and the long, terrible moments, when she thought she had lost her sanity. She remembers the constant presence of Liara, like a light in the darkness, an anchor into the soul. Remembers her invaluable support, calm rationality, emotional drive, resilience, love. She remembers her promise and Liara's.
And yes, Shepard remembers the last time she talked to EDI, just before springing into action. She was there, along with everyone else. Like everyone else, she was filled with a myriad of emotions. Fear and resolve, pride, strength, courage. Totally stubborn and irrational resilience and hope. Feelings common to all the others, that as for all the others flowed directly from the soul. Because Shepard was sure the Geths had a soul, and remembers she have seen for herself into EDI's.
A thought materializes in Shepard mind and she shudders, as it becomes a voice. "Poor Joker must be in despair!" She whispers, mortified. Liara does not say a word. She pulls Emily close and lands on her lips, with unexpected but very welcome effect and comforting. They have a long, deep and passionate kiss, until both are forced to stop and catch their breath. Liara speaks first. Her voice is warm and soulful the barely excited breath. "You have nothing to regret! You've accomplished something extraordinary back on the Citadel! You were broken, wounded, exhausted, but you held out! I felt your pain, so intensely, and... everything else about you! You had to choose, because no one else has been able to get that far. It was a terribly difficult, painful and decisive decision. The same that I would have taken too!" Liara insists, staring intently at Emily, with bright eyes, like two tiny twin stars embedded in the black velvet of the night.
Liara takes a long, slow breath, before admitting, in a sympathetic and respectful tone. "So yes! Joker is in despair. Just as I was three years ago after his decision not to abandon the Normandy got you killed!" It is a quiet statement, no trace of resentment in the heart or voice. "As only difference, Joker could have just followed your orders, but you just had no better choice, Shepard." A simple and unquestionable fact, said for the sole purpose of relieving Shepard's sense of responsibility for the loss of EDI and the suffering of Joker.
Both remain silent, as in a race, which each of them is planning to win. Emily takes a long, slow breath as she quietly caresses the outline of Liara's cheek, her chin and a slight smile on her lips. She is infinitely grateful for the understanding and comfort that Liara's presence is able to instill in her. Shepard speaks first. "Yeah, I got the point, and... I know you're right. It's just... Well, I knew it was virtually impossible, but... I'm not supposed to be here either. So, I was really hoping that EDI would be here, against all odds!" She admits, with stoic and conscious voice. Yet, Liara's sensitive ear feels a slight, imperceptible, but not entirely resigned undertone.
Liara breathes slowly, curled up in the tender embrace of Shepard, who lose herself in tenderness. The young Asari fell asleep instantly, visibly exhausted. Emily's senses recognize, one by one, all the unforgettable sensations that the delicate contact with Liara's skin is able to evoke. The last thing she needs tonight is sleep. Actually, she still feels quite sore, especially when it comes to her legs, but absolutely rested. She assumes that seven months in a coma can be considered a full-fledged substitute for sleep. Shepard believes she has a lot to catch up on, and is not going to waste any more time sleeping. At least until her physique starts demanding it in an urgent way.
All she wants tonight is to lie down and watch Liara, to fill her eyes with the presence of Liara, for sweet minutes, which become hours. All night long, for a lifetime. Emily lets herself be guided by her senses, pleasantly absorbed, lulled by the light rhythm of Liara's deep and regular breaths. She sways, enraptured by the intoxicating scent of her mate, fascinated by the warmth that emanates from her body, the relaxing rhythm of her heartbeat. Liara seems to contain all the grace of the universe. Her arms and shoulders, the soft curves of her forms, the belly so dilated and full of life.
Shepard savors all the poetry of her charm as she watches her sleep. She rejoices at each thrill recognized in that precious intimacy. Without even realizing it, her fingers slip on Liara's shoulder, caress it, glide slightly along her arm, in the usual loving way. Emily's lips rest on her loved one's shoulder, with a slight naturalness, not to risk waking her up. Briefly, like a butterfly laying on a flower. Emily takes a deep breath and feels filled with happiness. Infinite emotions pulsate with each of her cells, quiver, invade, fill her heart, overwhelm her senses and make her feel at home. At long last.
...The elegant silhouette of the Normandy becomes an increasingly imposing, familiar presence, while standing out, unmistakable, in the clear and fresh morning air. The warm sun, which heats the window of the shuttle, caresses the rare distant clouds, white and soft as spun sugar. Shepard watches it approach, sitting silently next to Liara aboard the transfer vehicle. She feels a lake of emotion in her stomach, a legion of hammers in her heart. Each breath becomes a slightly tighter knot, which coils around her throat. She makes a huge effort of self-control, trying to find a foothold in Liara's gaze. She immediately meets her serene eyes and a sweet incentive smile, which slowly dissolves the tension. Reassuring fingers touch her hand. Shepard holds and draws them into the warmth of her breath. She caresses them tenderly with her lips, gently smiling back.
"Are you alright?" Liara asks, thoughtfully. The woman gives her a reassuring nod, evading the truth. "I'm excited!" She admits, with an eloquent sigh. "The Crew... Ah, they stayed for me... have been waiting for months. I... I'm touched and damn honored!" She admits, puffing her chest out and straightening her back, quite unconsciously. Liara also assumes a stiffer posture, admired face. "They weren't waiting for just any soldier. They were waiting for you!" She assures, in a convincing tone. The shuttle stops next to the Command Deck airlock. Shepard immediately snaps to her feet, like a loaded spring. "I'm ready!" She utters, nervously adjusting her full dress uniform cuffs. She takes a first step forward, towards the entrance, eyes wide open, and unconsciously ceasing to breathe.
The sound of the hatch opening, spreads into Shepard's emotions, like a soft music that runs through her senses, imbued with memories and excitement. Her lungs are begging for oxygen. The woman breathes long and greedily, like someone who has just managed to surface from the bottom of an endless abyss. Breathes out with gratitude, before taking the final step that separates her from the Deck. She must make a tremendous effort to command her legs and appear calm and confident, as well as to dominate the waterfall of chills along her back. She is grateful for every second of her life spent training in self-control, which is now the only reason she cannot run around crying and jumping for joy. She feels like crying and laughing at the same time. No idea how long she will be able to control herself. There were times when she really believed she would never be able to come back. However, this moment is absolutely real, and her boots once again caress the Normandy's floor.
Flight Lieutenant Jeff Moreau is the first to welcome her. Standing at attention, in absolute general silence. The proud gaze, the heart out of scale. Everything in him speaks of a deep loyalty and sincere affection. Shepard, freezes in front of her pilot. All the tension barely hidden behind a faint smile. She stares him straight in the eye, with her brightest look. Joker stares back, no trace of resentment in his eyes and heart. She salutes him, with slow and elegant movements, without any words. Joker hardly swallows, hoping he had enough voice. "Ten-hut! Commander on Deck! Welcome aboard, ma'am!" He listens with relief to his own words shouted in the general silence, as they resound in the air saturated with electricity and emotion. Shepard's heart skips a beat, replaced by a collective heel slam executed in unison. She hardly nods, hoping she has enough voice, to say something vaguely understandable. "Thanks!... Sorry to be late, my friend!" She whispers, with a sigh of relief.
The crew is standing still at attention. Neatly arranged in two long opposing rows, along the edges of the corridor that leads to the elevator at the end of the CIC. Here, the Officers and all the members of her team are waiting for her. Of course, Liara, Karin and Miranda joined the crew and are waiting together, sharing the whole range of emotions. Shepard breathes in, turns her back to Jeff and walks along the ship's bridge, martial-stepping. Head up, flashes of pride in her eyes that light up her face as she walks to the elevator, confidently. She stops by the door of the conference room to meet again the moved gazes of her closest friends, of all her comrades, who solemnly welcome her at attention. She stands in front of them for a moment, silently, counting the beats that echo in her carotid, in the throes of emotion, before reciprocating the salute, formally. Finally, she turns 180 degrees, with a single fluid movement, and reaches the galaxy map, without any visible hesitation. She breathes out once, twice, three times. She strokes the railing with both hands and feels the cold steel gets warmer under her palms. She feels a thrill of excitement. The attention is pleasantly drawn to the galaxy map and to the great overall view of the Command Deck. Shepard's heart gallops, as she looks around slowly, with a gleam of satisfaction. It seems a perfect moment, which should never end. The deep voice of hers and familiar dissolves the silence, not emotion.
"At ease, my friends! There's one thing I'm absolutely sure of... In the history of the Alliance, no Commander has ever been prouder of her crew than me! Over the years, Our Ship has become the most advanced Frigate and feared in the Alliance Fleet. This was possible, only thanks to each of you! Your extraordinary abilities, extreme competence and courage made all this possible. The value of each of you, the self-denial with which you have accomplished your duty, at every single moment, made all this possible..." Shepard lowers her head, taking a long breath, while searching inside for the best words to continue.
"...Only the extreme sacrifice of some of us, who over the years have given their lives, heroically, to allow us to be here now, victorious against all odds, made all this possible! And, I was, I am, and I will forever be part of this crew. The best hell of a crew I could ever wanna have! Well, today if I stand before you to say thank you, is in large part your doing! So, thank you, my friends, for everything! I'm eternally grateful and damn proud of each and every one of you!" Shepard's gaze pauses on each of her comrades, as a mute sign of affection, readily reciprocated. Eventually, it slips into Liara's soothing eyes, as she clings to the railing with both hands, for fear of falling.
"From now on, anyone of you who wants can be considered on leave! You can resume your lives as they were. Anyone who chooses to serve aboard the Normandy is absolutely welcome! Today a new future awaits us. My wish for each of you is... make it great! Thank you so much, people, for everything! It was such an honor to work with each of you!" Shepard slowly lets all the air out of her lungs, wrapped in a multitude of emotions, which she struggles to name. Not least, a wonderful relief to have been able to talk to her crew without falling unconscious. She takes her hands off the banister of the galaxy map. She releases the tension in a clear smile, as searches through dozens of admiring eyes, the admiring eyes of Liara.
It was great to see her crew again. Shepard felt a special force crossing her, injecting every cell of her muscles with new vigor. She saluted her soldiers one by one, gratefully, shaking dozens of hands with deep feeling. Some of them will take leave of the Alliance Army. They are about to leave active service to pursue other projects. Very few of them, indeed. Most chose to continue serving aboard the Normandy, and Shepard has been flattered. In addition, embracing her closest friends brought new energy into her veins, as a revitalizing lifeblood. They talked at length, laughed and shared all the latest news and plans of each in the near future. It seemed that the last months had lasted only a few minutes, like a pleasant conversation suspended for a moment, and even more pleasantly resumed the next one.
Shepard learns some interesting news. Kaidan's presence has just been requested by the Council for an unspecified "matter" and the Major is about to leave the Ship. Tali and Garrus, however, have decided to get married and want Emily and Liara as their wedding witnesses. James plans to enjoy a couple of weeks of well-deserved vacation at Copacabana beach, before joining the N7 program. Traynor decided to stay on the Normandy, and is looking forward to give Shepard the chess rematch she promised. Cortez is determined to pursue his greatest passion, at least for a while. Since the Normandy already has the best pilot in the fleet, he decided to start flying the Tridents again. Shepard thinks it is a great idea. She looks for Joker and is sure to see him gloating over the compliment. But there's no sign of her first pilot. "Hey, I don't see Joker... where the hell is he?" She asks in a playful tone to nobody in particular. The guys look at each other and shrug, not knowing what to say. Liara is the only one who noticed something. "I saw him walk away a few minutes ago. Looked pensive..." She remarks, unable to provide further information. Shepard nods, raising her eyebrow. "Sure, I see. I'm going after him." She adds, suddenly becoming serious, heading for the elevator.
She knows Joker well enough to figure out exactly where to look. She selects the crew deck and waits, her back straight and ready to get out the moment the elevator door opens in front of the Memorial Wall. Shepard was right. The Joker's silhouette is right there, gazing at the long list of names in contemplation. Many of whom were not there the last time she looked at the wall. One in particular seems to catch the eye of the man, who is staring at it, still and silent. It is the shortest of all names. Shepard feels her heart rolling through her chest and her stomach shriveling to the size of a bean. She closes her eyes for a moment, and takes a deep breath, standing next to her friend, contemplating the same pain.
A still fresh wound, in Shepard's soul, starts bleeding when she reads Anderson's name on the plaque in the center of the memorial wall. For a moment, she sees Admiral's suffering face again and seems to hear his voice when spoke to her for one last time, with his last breaths of life. "You did a good job, child! You did good... I'm proud of you!" Shepard draws strength from the memory of those words as she whispers. "Hey, c'mon old sport! I know how much it hurts! There's an open wound in my heart, for each of them... will always be!" Joker lowers his head and tries to control his voice. He has been trying for months, but there is a huge hole in his heart, it hurts so damn badly. This is why he has not yet managed to pronounce the name of EDI! He nods sadly. "Yeah! I know, Commander, you don't need to say anything!" He assures, while doing his best to look strong. Shepard has no doubts that he really means it. She gently touches Joker's arm, and causes him to look into her eyes, with a sympathetic gesture. Her voice is friendly, full of concern and affection.
"I know, Jeff. I'm the one who needs to do that... for myself!" She confesses, her jaw clenching. "I'm sorry, trust me! I swear it was the most difficult and painful decision of my life! And I've had to take extremely harsh decisions and terrible ones over the years! EDI was not just a simple AI, not anymore! She had evolved a lot and... she was my friend! I miss her, just as I miss Ashely, Mordin, Legion, Anderson and Thane! I'd have given my life for each and every one of them!" Admits, the gloomy face as she tries to explain. "The damn and only way to destroy the Reapers involved the same devastating consequences for all synthetic beings, no choice, no distinction! Frankly, I'd have preferred that choice wasn't up to me!" Shepard admits, in a sorrowful tone and sincere.
Jeff looks into his friend's eyes, with clear, emotional eyes. He gently lays a hand on Shepard's forearm, reciprocating the affectionate touch. "No, Commander, as an old friend used to say... - Someone else might have gotten it wrong!" He sighs, with respect and admiration, as she takes a breath of gratitude and invigorating relief. Both smile wistfully as their thoughts turn to old Mordin. Joker shrugs and is the first to break the silence. "It's just... I miss her, and I don't think I'll ever get over it!" Confesses in a low voice. Even Shepard feels absorbed in a cloud of sadness. She has the feeling that she is looking at something without seeing it, like who pushes her gaze into the darkness beyond a window on a moonless night. An instinct, an intuition, a fragment of memory on which she keeps brooding about. Something that prevents her from accepting the reality of EDI's death. During one of their talks, EDI confessed she was afraid of losing everything she had become. Everything that mattered in her existence, namely Jeff, the Normandy, her friends. On that occasion, Shepard asked EDI if she was afraid of dying. The AI nodded, thoughtfully, before adding, in a mysterious tone, "I'm handling, Shepard..."
Emily stares at the wall, with a blank look. "How did it happen?" This is the instinctive and consequent question, plain and simple, no room to beat about the bush. The silence is marked only by the rhythm of their breaths. Eventually, Joker lifts his evocative gaze, from floor to wall as he begins to tell. His voice is low, but calm, though only a deep and vulnerable emptiness remains where his stomach used to be. "When we got the order to converge at the rendezvous point, she was sitting next to me, in the cockpit. We didn't wanna leave... not without you!" Shepard stops breathing, feeling like her lungs are slipping down the floor, fatally. Nonetheless, she stands still, listening. "Before I got time to think, She begun detecting abnormal power levels in short- and medium-range Relays. She left me in complete control of the Ship, without any warning, and launched a cascade of Primary System protection routines. I was worried, 'cause that was hell away from our SOP. I was wondering what the hell was going on, but she didn't seem to be listening. Instead, she... smiled at me, leaned against the back of the chair, and... uttered a single meaningless word."
"Which word?" Shepard wants to know, waiting like suspended in some sort of unreal expectation. Jeff shakes his head, still not understanding. "Extranet!" He reveals, looking confused himself. The man pauses, to keep control of his nerves. Shepard gives him a sideways glance. She can feel the mood of his friend, the deep pain, and would not want to force him to remember. Nevertheless, she needs to know. She waits, patiently, until he is ready to continue, and he does. "When I realized I was screaming her name, all that was left of her was an empty shell... without a soul anymore!" Flight Lieutenant Jeff Moreau lets out a long and gloomy wheeze, like the gasp of a dying man. He absently wipes a tear escaped his composure, while vacant eyes begin staring at the shorter name written on the memorial wall, unable to say it though.
Shepard begins to feel exhausted. Regret for the fate of EDI and Joker's pain are sucking every drop of her energy. The last word her synthetic friend said is still bouncing around her brain, incomprehensible. Why would she say that? Shepard agrees with Joker that it didn't make much sense, yet... Among the thousand words EDI could have chosen to say goodbye, she spoke the most unlikely, the least affectionate. The woman vigorously rubs her neck with a hand, not realised, staring at an indefinite point beyond the Jeff's shoulders. She wonders what the thick fog that envelops her thoughts tries to hide from her sight. Still, EDI smiled. It was clear she was saying goodbye, and she was doing it consciously. The way humans say good-bye, but hoping against hope that is not a real goodbye. Shepard herself had smiled at Liara, just before her last run towards the beam. When more than anything else, she wanted coming back. Perhaps, EDI was trying to communicate something extremely important and did not have enough time to do it. And so... So, it seems plausible EDI tried to give Jeff the best possible clue. A clue that, according to her calculations, she thought was optimal.
"So... is her body still aboard?" Shepard wants to know, with a soft but firm voice. Joker nods, staring down at his hands. "Stored in a conservation pod at the AI core." He explains, looking slightly up as he joins his hands behind his back. The two friends share a short, furtive, glance, then together start walking towards the med bay. Both hold their breath, in front of the wide open door, which leads to the IT core of the Ship. Shepard steps in the room first, looking straight ahead, hiding her wobbly legs and stomach in turmoil. Everything is still, silent. Every detail brings back memories of EDI. Everything but the pod. It is placed vertically against the furthest wall. It consists of a simple gray and smooth metal shell, equipped with a small front panel inspection, which is completely sealed. Shepard's attention is drawn to a green light, not coming from the pod but blinking on the configuration console, slowly and tirelessly. An active holographic panel shows the screen and keyboard, which seem to have been on standby for months. Everything seems to be wrapped in a grey and nebulous aura of silence. Joker stands for a moment at the door, staring at the green light, as hypnotized, then winces and slowly hobbles towards Shepard.
"Looks like a message..." Shepard muses out loud. The moment she reaches out to the control panel, the screen comes to life. [Commander Shepard biometric code detected. Spectre level authentication required...] An anonymous, metal voice fills the room. The crackling, electronic timbre is a thousand miles away from EDI's soothing voice. Shepard raises an eyebrow in surprise, as watches Joker, who reaches out an uncertain hand towards the panel, wordlessly. Again, the detection tool's reaction is not long in coming. [Biometric code detected. Flight Lieutenant Jeff Moreau. Identification number required...] Joker lingers, his fingertips vibrating, hovering above the holographic keyboard. "It says that, whenever I get close. I guess it's a farewell message, but... I just didn't get the heart to look, yet!" He confesses, in a sigh, without taking his eyes off the flashing cursor on the screen. Shepard feels a twinge of compassion for her friend. She puts a consoling hand on Jeff's shoulder, looking inside for words of comfort. "Yeah, it must be pretty damn hard, man! It's most likely a message from EDI. I can understand you don't feel ready for it!" She assures, staring at Joker with sincere eyes, then goes ahead, cautiously. "However, it isn't necessarily a farewell... I don't wanna you to get your hopes up, and be let down, but... maybe her weird attitude... Who knows... it could be a clue!" Shepard ventures, shrugging her shoulders. "Anyway, I'm not gonna push you. You don't gotta do anything you're not ready for. In any case, you won't be alone!" She says, confirming her closeness with a firm nod.
Joker's pensive silence lasts for a whole minute, then he clears his throat and stares at Shepard, with eyes shining with determination. "Thanks, it means a lot! You're right, it might be a clue. However, if it's not... now I feel like I want to know!" Joker comes to this conclusion, while, with measured gestures, enters the code into the terminal. Shepard simply nods and keystrokes the required authentication. Both waiting, muscles drawn by tension, breath trapped in their lungs. The screen uploads for one, two, three endless seconds, then EDI's serene face comes to life on the holographic display. A torrent of emotion rushes through Joker's soul. His legs go unsteady, his heart skips a beat. He stares at the screen, incredulous face, mouth wide open. "Hi, Jeff! ... Shepard..." The familiar voice spreads in the room, and in Jeff's soul. It is the sweetest, most unforgettable and beloved sound. "EDI!" He sighs, in a muffled whisper of emotion. For the first time since the day he lost her, Joker speaks her name, once again.
To be continued...