Disclaimer: The Mass Effect Universe and everything in it is owned by BioWare.

A/N: Thank you to everyone who has subscribed/ added to favorites!

This is the last chapter where you'll know the dialog. I just really wanted to continue with something that players might be familiar with - hopefully giving a firm starting base to the story as a whole.

[Chapter Two: Status Update]

As his team got back to work examining the ship, helping clean up the halls, or running diagnostics, Shepard made his way to the Communication Board that linked to the Illusive Man. EDI specified that he had wanted to talk, and oh did Shepard have something to say.

The damage to his ship was extensive, but between his amazing crew and the funding he had collected throughout his travels, it would only be a matter of time before The Normandy was up and running again. Taking a right turn before the tech lab from the armory, Shepard entered the Board. He waited for the table to lower before he walked onto it, waiting for the Illusive Man's image to appear. At first it didn't seem to work, but after a few moments of inactivity a tired whirring and lazy beeps could be heard. A fuzzy but clearing up image began to take its place.

The Illusive Man could be seen, and he didn't look happy.

"Shepard. You're making a habit of costing me more than time and money."

John raised his hand to his earpiece in mock deafness. "I'm sorry? I'm having trouble hearing you. I'm getting a lot of bullshit on this line."

The Illusive Man wrinkled his eyebrows and slightly lifted his lip in a scowl. "Don't try my patience. The technology from that base could have secured human dominance in the galaxy against the reapers and beyond."

Shepard let out a snorting chuckle, "Human Dominance… or just Cerberus?"

The Illusive man actually stood up from his chair. "Strength for Cerberus is strength for every human." He stepped towards Shepard's holo. "Cerberus is humanity. I should have known you'd choke on the hard decisions; to idealistic from the start!"

Shepard took a step forward as well, knowing fully that the Illusive Man was lucky they were not in the same room, "I'm not looking for your approval and I'll give you something hard to choke on. Harbinger is coming! And he won't be alone. Humanity needs a leader that's looking out for them. From now on I'm doing things my way—whether you agree or not."

The Illusive man had about had it. He took the final steps up to Shepard's holo and leaned in, "Don't turn your back on my Shepard! I made you. I brought you back from the dead," he practically spat.

Shepard couldn't help it. He looked straight into the Illusive Man's eyes and said with a sternly pointed finger, "I guess you should have listened to Miranda and put that chip in my head. Because as far as I can tell? I don't give a flying shit what you did. I got the job done and did it on my terms. Joker, lose this Channel."

The last thing that could be heard as the link was shutting down was Joker cackling, "We should have just told him that from the start! Channel Lost!"

The Illusive Man bit down on his cigar roughly as he returned to his seat. This wouldn't be the last time Shepard dealt with him. In the fight for survival there was no time for petty grudges. So, with new found patience, he swiveled his chair and returned to staring out onto the planet before him.

Time would come soon enough and whether Shepard liked it or not Cerberus' intelligence and resources would be needed again.

xxxxxxx

John made his way out of the Communications Room and through the Armory Door. There was Jacob, working away with Kasumi and Grunt and accounting for whatever weapons they had remaining, and the condition of all armor. As he passed he gave them a firm and reassuring nod. Jacob and Grunt simply nodded in return, while Kasumi offered a smile and a polite, "Commander."

He past the armory and went back into the C.I.C. Blue eyes wandered around the mess it had become until he spotted Kelly. She was typing away at her terminal, intent on keeping some kind of focus. Shepard could only imagine what his crew had gone through, so when made his way up to her John was sure to place a firm hand on her shoulder. Kelly turned to face him then brought her eyes down almost instantly. Her brow lightly wrinkled as her mouth turned into a thin line. "Commander, what can I do for you?"

He noticed that face: it was almost reminiscent of a child trying to be brave and not cry.

"Kelly, its okay…"

"You…you came for us. I knew you would. But…thank you. A thousand times thank you."

"How are you doing?"

"I'm holding up okay. I just can't get the memories out of my head." She seemed to space out a moment, visions taking her back to place she didn't want to be. "Trapped. Suffocating. It's oozing into every pore. Faint sobs echoing in the confined space…."

Shepard stepped closer and placed both hands on her shoulders, shaking her softly to snap her out of it.

"I…I'm sorry," she stuttered, "I can't dwell on it. I'm okay now. I'm alive. Back…back to the old Kelly."

John gave her an encouraging nod and a soft smile before she unexpectedly smashed into him with a very firm hug. "Thank you, Commander."

Taken back by the gesture his eyes went wide for a moment but soon relaxed as he hesitantly returned her hug. "Don't thank me for saving your life. You're my crew. No one gets left behind."

Kelly took a step back, wiping away a tear that had fallen from her eye and nodded. "Yes sir."

"Now, is there anything that I should know?"

Kelly cleared her throat before speaking, trying to find her professionalism. She wiped the remaining moisture from her eyes as she spoke. "Well. The ship looks like it's had better days, but the crew is all accounted for. Also, there are no new messages at your terminal."

"Thank you Ms. Chambers."

Kelly nodded her head in return then resumed her work, "Commander".

John passed the galaxy map and went towards the cockpit. The crew all gave him respectful nods and quiet 'thank yous' as he passed by their seats. When he arrived at the pit, he was pleasantly surprised to see both Joker and EDI working together.

"Well I'll be damned. I'm guessing everything is fine here in the cockpit?"

Joker turned his seat around to greet the commander. "Hey, Commander! She and I have come to a sort of…agreement."

"Mhm…well I noticed you're calling EDI 'her' and 'she' now."

Joker had never really approved of EDI aboard 'his' ship before, so this acknowledgment surprised Shepard. He was so used to hearing EDI be referred to as 'it' or 'the annoying thing that never seems to shut up and just break'.

Joker clicked his tongue. "Huh. Ya' know I've never really noticed that. EDI, should I have noticed that?"

EDI responded in her usual matter of fact tone, "No, Jeff. It is not worth noting."

Joker turned his attention back to Shepard, smirk on face and dismissive tone in voice. "Well there ya' go Shepard, we haven't noticed anything."

"…I think you're taking the human/machine interface a lil' far there," Shepard teased.

"Aaah I'm just havin' a little fun with you, Commander," he waved, "No need to get all 'that's unnatural' on me."

EDI felt the need to step in. "What Jeff and I are exhibiting is more a platonic symbiosis than hormonally induced courting behavior."

Shepard stared at Joker. An eyebrow rose.

Joker cleared his throat. "…okay yeah. That was … that was maybe just a little creepy."

Shepard laughed, crossing his arms. "You know, EDI can practically replace the whole crew. You're not concerned she can replace you too?"

Joker shook his head and readjusted himself into his pilot seat. "Well, she is amazing but there's something off about how she handles the Normandy. We ran some simulations and it's just better when we both have the helm."

EDI seemed to agree, "Calculating an optimum course of action is simple. If two A.I. weapons are pitted against each other, the one with superior hardware will always win. Human misjudgments defy predictive models."

Joker raised his palms upwards and shrugged at Shepard, giving him a smug smile. "License to screw up Commander; you heard it straight from the ship!"

Shepard chuckled, nodding in his defeat. He was no match for Joker and EDI combined. Looking around the pit he noticed that the glass beneath the metal protective shutter was still completely intact, so he decided to open the hood to see the stars around him. As he reached for the red button, Jokers eyebrows went comically upwards as he tried to stop the commander vocally, "Commander don—!" But it was too late and the button had been pressed.

Shepard looked over to Joker with a curious face, wondering what he had done wrong. Then he turned to see that instead of the shutter's usual smooth and sliding back motion, it pretty much just fell off, whipping and whirling in tight circles as it got left to float aimlessly about in space.

Joker sighed and rubbed his eyes, leaning back into his seat with the occasional irritated grumble.

Shepard bit his lower lip then looked from the ceiling, to Joker, to Edi, and then back to the missing hood of the cockpit.

"I…uh…we'll get that fixed."

xxxxxxx

It had been a long day, but Shepard was determined to see how everyone was doing. His next stop was the Crew's Quarters. The shaky elevator doors opened to reveal a busy section of the ship. The cook was hard at work making what appeared to be the biggest dinner Shepard had ever seen. It never dawned on him that it had been a bitch of a last day and he was truly hungry. He couldn't wait till everything settled down and the ship got together for a good meal.

Shepard made his way out and into the commotion, giving handshakes and pats on the back as he made his way through towards the medical bay. Dr. Chakwas and Mordin were hard at work. His eyes looked over all the injured laying in the beds and decided it best not to tell the two doctors of his hurting ribs just yet. He exhaled softly before making his way up.

"Anything I can do to help?"

The good doctor turned her attention to the new presence in the room, "Commander!" She leaned in to enfold him in a great big hug. "Everything is under control here. No need to worry yourself. Myself, Mordin, and two other crew members have got this covered. And…thank you again—for coming for us."

Shepard nodded his head and took his old friends hand into his own. "Anytime you need me, just call and I'll be there."

She smiled onto him and nodded, "I know Commander. And I believe you one-hundred percent."

Shepard then turned his attention to Mordin who was busy looking over the charts of a young and newer crew member to the Normandy. His eyes looked her over for any signs of stress. He could find none. "You're doing great work here, Mordin."

Mordin turned to his commander, "Ah Shepard! Actually wanted to talk with you! Medical Matters. Never got to speak to you in private."

Shepard was rather confused when Mordin pulled him away from the group and into what normally was Legion's space near EDI's core. However Legion must have been down in Engineering with Tali, Gabby, and Kenneth. John cleared his throat, "I just wanted to see how everyone was doing down here in the Med Bay."

Mordin inhaled sharply. "Understood."

The Commander blinked more in confusion. "So…what can I help you with, Mordin? You had said Medical Matters? Are you concerned with something? Is it Thane? Is he alright? I know I must have pushed him farther than he's ever been before. How are his lungs?"

"No, Thane is quite alright."

The companionable silence was beginning to feel awkward.

"Aware that previous mission was stressful. Different species have own habits and rituals of relieving stress. Aware that you and Jack are sexually active. I felt need to give warning: Stress may affect element zero in body. Emotionally unstable biotics dangerous during intercourse."

Shepard could feel his face grow hot and eyes get wide. "…Mordin...I don—"

"No need for modesty, Shepard. Know about Jack. Long talks. Frequently down on fourth level. Attractive in human sense. Only common logic to deduce that such thing would occur." He inhaled sharply.

Shepard gave up. If he knew then what was the hurt in asking? "Well…I…do you…have any advice as a doctor?" Shepard knew that he and Jack were nowhere near being able to have sex, but he figured it couldn't hurt to be prepared in advance were the situation actually to ever come up. Better safe than sorry.

Mordin nodded. "Can give biotic inhibitors to dampen neural receptors, weaken unintentional biotic affects. No guarantees. Suggest padding walls."

Shepard's face looked as if he were almost horrified. He could only imagine the things Jack's unintentional biotic power could to do him and his manhood. He cringed. This infiltrator was not exactly prepared for that.

"However. Biotic ability also gives benefits. Forwarding booklet to your quarters. Includes diagrams, exercises, and inventive uses of mass effect fields. Can supply oils or ointments to reduce discomfort. Have salves to apply to possible biotic burns. Gave EDI electronic relationship aid demonstration vids to use as necessary."

Shepard squint his eyes as a smile appeared on his lips. He waggled a finger towards Mordin and let out a small, uncomfortable laugh. "Wait a minute, Mordin. You're just yankin' me around aren't you?"

Mordin took a step back. "Shocking suggestion! Strict doctor/patient confidentiality a sacred trust! Would never dream of…mockery!" The salarian had a clear and very honest face that showed he was shocked Shepard would ever say such a thing.

Shepard tightened his jaw trying to keep from showing his embarrassment, "Thank you Mordin. I'll be keeping everything you've said in mind."

Mordin smiled, his eyes closing and looking like upside down U's. "Enjoy Shepard."

Quickly Shepard made his way from Legions small room out back into the Medical Bay. He nodded his goodbyes to a very confused Dr. Chakwas and made his way out and back into the open space of level three. There he exhaled and collected his thoughts. He knew Miranda and Garrus were busy at their respective stations, so he decided to get back into the rickety elevator and head down into level four: Engineering.

The doors opened and all was silent. Surprisingly the engine seemed to be working semi-decently. He turned right and went through the doors, looking down the steps that led into Jacks area. Shepard paused. He wanted to go down, but decided best if that were the last thing he did that day. He wanted to save whatever time was left of the evening with Jack. So, he went through the doors in front of him instead to be greeted by Tali, Legion, Kenneth, and Gabby. They had been working away furiously at the Ships core and engine.

"How's it coming along down here?"

All three looked to Tali to respond.

She sighed heavily, "Some of the control functions are being little bosh'tets! But overall, I suppose it could have been a lot worse for the energy core."

Shepard nodded. "Good to hear. Are there significant problems or parts that need to be replaced?"

Tali shook her head. "We're having problems with balancing some of our metric profiles around the middle and top tier, but Engineer Gabby rebalanced the coefficients and adjusted the anterior intakes on the second tier stabilizers. Now all that is left is the top tier. However, I don't expect the ship being able to take prolonged joyrides any time soon. Due to current damage the engine seems to overheat, and the energy core goes…" Tali thought for a second before using her hands to signify some sort of explosion. "… if used for too long. It is a problem that will be fixed eventually. No worries, Shepard."

"Do you think she could make it to the Citadel or at least Illium for some parts to help with the process? I have a nice amount of credits saved up for the ship and crews needs, so currency issues shouldn't be a problem for some time I would imagine."

Tali seemed to consider his words for a moment before replying, "We could run on reserved power which would output a smaller amount of energy, and I would imagine that further adjusting specifications to energy outputs and the coolant system would get us to at least the Citadel. Perhaps not as fast as it would normally, but it should get us there none the less."

Shepard smiled at her which caused Tali to look down at her feet. "I'll get to work on that, Shepard."

"Thank you, Tali. We'll set course for the Citadel. Let me know when the modifications have been applied and I'll give the direction to Joker and EDI."

Tali nodded.

"Oh by the way…do you think it would be possible to change EDI's holo? Something to like what Avina is on the Citadel? It's just a thought but I really think she'd like that. A gift I guess…for saving our asses on the Collector base while we were all slumped at the entrance."

Tali blinked behind her mask and thought quietly. "I couldn't see why not. While highly evolved for a ship A.I, her holo is just a standard installed A.I. depiction. I'm sure if we were to add a specific model type, or a custom made model type into the program her holo would and could change."

Shepard scratched his chin. "Hmm. It's definitely something I should look into then. Thank you, Tali."

The Quarian nodded her head and resumed to her duties. Shepard offered a single wave in goodbye to the other crew members then made his way out of engineering and towards the steps that took him to Jack's space.

He inhaled softly then made his way down into the darker area of the ship.

[End Two: Status Update]