Chapter 3: Belief

Shepard PoV

It was interesting looking out the observation deck after everything that happened. It was strange really, I know I died, heck every time I tried to think about the experience, my mind instantly accepted that fact, I knew that instantly when they woke me up in that damn lab.

But I couldn't remember anything that happened after I was spaced, I know it was warm, and I felt safe, comfortable….but I can't remember any details. I felt a small sigh escape my lips as I continued to stare out into the darkness.

My hands couldn't help but clench into fists. I loved space, the stars, constellations, everything about it. One of the many reasons I even joined the military, but now…. My hands shook there was a slight increase in my heart rate, I could feel it, the suffocation setting in.

I shut my eyes tight to block out the trauma but knew that it wouldn't help, I don't know if I would ever get over my death, I hoped that I would… but until then it would be a tough few nights, I hadn't been able to sleep since I'd awoken.

What dip shit thought putting a view port above my bed would be a good idea? At least they kept the fridge stocked with some strong liquor, an old night cap would work wonders I think. I'd have to fix the shit show that is my bed room later.

Making my way back to the room, passing a few crew members as I go it was only when I reached the safety of my own cabin that I finally let my body relax. Joker had set in a course for omega, there were two people I hoped to recruit there, and though I didn't trust the 'Illusive Man' as far as I could throw him, it wasn't a bad suggestion to head there first.

Relaxing onto the bed, my eyes drifted slightly over to the small holo-vids off to the side, most all of them news articles and the goings on of the greater galaxy. It had been two years, I had missed so much, who could blame me to look them over.

What a bad idea that had been.

"Hah what a great galaxy I had returned to".

I'm sure the sarcasm wouldn't be lost to even the most literal person in that second. Denial of the reapers, defamation of my previous words after I died, questions of my mental health before my death.

Hell I couldn't find anybody that seemed to actually believe the threat that was coming. Meaning one of two things, one, no one believed me, or two, more likely than not the Citadel was actively blocking the news.

It was one of the reasons I decided not to instantly go see Hackett after my revival and acquisition of the Normandy 2. How could he have let things get to this? Reaching for the bourbon I left before my midnight stroll after my first read through, I honestly didn't think I could continue for the night.

Starring into the glass in my hand a memory long buried suddenly appeared before me, the shock of blond hair making me instantly zone into my surroundings, I was no longer in my room, I was sitting in a warm bar, facing the blue eyes before me. There seemed to be a bright smile on his lips as they both knocked another back, but his eyes were sad as he looked at me, as if knowing something I didn't. Of course I couldn't ask him what it was, I couldn't do anything but watch this fuzzy memory from a night long ago suddenly become crystal clear.

"Do you think they'll continue to believe in your words after your gone? Believe in your dream?" He looked at me with aged eyes at the word, a new depth to them, he waited for a response for a few second before finally snapping back to usual, another drink already on his lips as if nothing happened.

I didn't respond, I couldn't, at the time I was too drunk to even register the words, but now… I found myself back in my quarters, my eyes drifting back to the holo-vids.

I couldn't help but reply into the darkness, the cocktail of liquors in my system and fatigue over the last 2 days finally pushing me into slumber, mind no longer worried about the trauma above or any other pressing issue that seemed to be compiling in my mind.

"They didn't".

A Shepard chapter, maybe a bit dapper? I mean I don't think it was too depressing. Gave a little hint to the back story of Naruto in this.

Once again I will say I have never played the games, so any information you think I got wrong here call out.

Also to any Naruto fans, is there a supposed limit on shadow clones, like distance wise, can he connect to one from the other side of a planet or solar system. Is it ever brought up in Naruto, anime or manga? Would like to know.

Finally, Holo-vids a thing, or is it Data pads?