Hopelessly Blue: Lulz, you're always so entertaining, HB! I believe I only learned of these plans, BTW, because of that snitch of yours- you know who I'm talking about. Or maybe you don't? You should. ;) Anyway, I'm glad you liked Vetrali's little mix up there. Not being related to humanity in any way tends to confuse, right? Good imagination there too; the scene with Raegas and Shepard smacking the crap out of innocent frogs was hilarious. Glad you liked the team as well- I wonder if any of them will end up… you know what? I'll let you finish that sentence. ;P
Kachie Takahashi: We all know Raegas doesn't like to waste time, right? And each race's reactions? Maybe we'll get to see the publicity soon?
Liege Lord: You feel like that because I make you feel like that. I am a master of manipulation, Mr. Roboto.
Hound Akragth: I would go insane if the council actually says that! Of course, they might not for fear that the Vertoak would obliterate all. You bring up a good point of that ship space thing. Maybe the carrier has a bigger ship that they could use? I'm not sure at this point. TIM better be happy Raegas is there to help, but he may pull his hair out when he gets wind of what's going on. If he hasn't already.
"We're here on a momentous day, everyone! Lixeria, formerly known as Raegas, an oracle who worked with Commander Shepard to defeat Sovereign, is the princess of an entire race! Her father, Emperor Haieven, has declared an alliance between galaxies! They're here with us today to bring light to this exciting turn of events!" Emily Wong certainly was excited. I was just glad it was her that got to me first and not Kalisah or any of the other insane reporters clawing through the crowd of citizens.
"Tell me, Princess: what brought your people here? As an oracle, you must know something we don't." she asked, turning to me with a bright smile. I was also sad to be the only one out there. The others told me to wait for them in front of the tower but thanks to my recognizable face, I didn't get very far.
"I only want what's best for everyone as a whole. If that means bringing my people to another galaxy if only to warn them of coming dangers then so be it." I answered, using Shepard's commander face.
"What dangers are these exactly?" another reporter asked, making his way to my other side.
"The Reapers." There was a shudder that went through the crowd as I used my cold tone. "Commander Shepard was the first to become aware of these dangers and yet she was stonewalled by your galaxy's politics. After I joined her, I shared her visions, as did Dr. Liara T'soni- they could be proven and yet your Council claimed it 'wasn't so simple'. This is my last effort to convince this galaxy of impending disaster." I stated, eying everyone I could make eye contact with.
"What makes you care so much for people that aren't even of your race?" a turian reporter inquired, looking genuinely curious.
"Race doesn't matter, nor does which galaxy we hail from. I wish only to save millions of families from heartache and loss. I couldn't allow what happened to my own race reoccur to yours- or anyone's." I answered, trying to be diplomatic. Some people were staring at my ears, too, since I put it up earlier.
"Princess, if I may; what do you hope to accomplish by coming so far only to send a warning?" oh, there's Kalisah. I had been wondering where she was. Maybe making out with her asari girlfriend.
"I and my father have decided to allow certain opportunities to the people of this galaxy. Anyone can come to our carrier, the Grey Star, and see just what we are. Anyone who wishes to do so may accompany us back to our galaxy for anything of their choosing; touring, training, refuge or simple exploration and opportunity." I explained, seeing shock, curiosity and eagerness reign as the most common expressions in the immense crowd.
"Why enable such drastic opening pardons?" Emily asked, brows furrowed.
"As humans say, drastic times call for drastic measures. It won't be more than two years from now that the Reapers descend and we want to make sure this galaxy and its people are prepared. In any war there are refugees; we have plenty of room and resources. In times of need, families will look to setting a new start or finding their 'calling'. We will not force anything on this galaxy or its people, nor will we interfere if we are not wanted. We simply want to help." I said, feeling antsy from knowing this was live to the galaxy.
"Some may think this is too good to be true. You come in an advanced giant ship, offer an alliance, aid, opportunity… what do you hope to gain?" Kalisah inquired. I was still waiting for her obnoxious tone to set in. oddly enough, she seemed to be in a really good mood.
"I can understand how most would be skeptical, but imagine a war. One that leaves billions dying, millions of families mourning the loss of their loved ones, soldiers being called away to the frontlines only to never return- imagine your family. Your loved ones. And losing them to a galactic massacre." Some of the sensitive ones were tearing up as they did as I asked.
"I know what this feeling is. My people understand what war is. The one to come soon may very well be worse than what we experienced- I have seen it. Please believe me when I say 'too good to be true' is exactly what we're trying to give." My mini-speech got a crowd of somber faces, but set shoulders. Maybe they were starting to believe me?
"What role do you plan on filling in future events as the princess of your people?" an asari reporter asked.
"I wish to support them and all who may need it, but I have an obligation to helping where the need is highest. Right now, my father is the leader of our people; he will see to these pressing matters himself." I said.
"But what are you going to do?" someone called from the crowd.
"If I am to help this galaxy, I must make sure it has people to save. An adjunct of the Reapers is already on the move, harvesting thousands of colonists from their very homes. I will stop them with the help of Commander Shepard and my own team." I replied, knowing TIM was most likely having a heart attack at that point.
"So the rumors are true? Commander Shepard really is alive?" Emily asked, getting excited again.
"Yes, very much so." I said.
"Then where is she? Is she really working for Cerberus?" another person called.
"I can't disclose that right now." I answered.
"Why not? You just said you were here to help; to deliver 'too good to be true'." Kalisah said, coming back to her obnoxious self again.
"I only say that to protect her and to keep a respectful silence on matters pertaining to this galaxy's fragile alignment." I responded, actually getting nods of understanding from some.
Of course, there were still more questions to answer.
…
Two hours later, I was back on the Grey Star in Shepard's room, waiting for news to come about our plan for the next few days. S fair amount of people were already exploring the ship, gawking at everything they saw or trying to shake hands with my people. Even some kids- lots of orphans- came aboard looking for food and shelter for the night since they saw my overly long 'interview'. It was a good thing Provider didn't care who he was feeding as long as they got good and full.
Shepard walked over, followed by Ko, smiling contentedly.
"You look happy." I smirked, letting her lie down on the couch and plop her head in my lap. Her dorky smile made me chuckle as I recalled how some days used to be just as carefree.
"I saw the 'exclusive' news feed. It was surprisingly entertaining and irritating at the same time." She said, smirking to herself.
"Oh? And just what was so entertaining and irritating, my dear?" I asked humorously, getting a mock sour look from Shepard. It didn't quite work right given she wouldn't stop smiling.
"The questions were irritating but the responses were entertaining. And my favorite part was how I could stare at you as long as I wanted without you noticing." I flicked her lightly on the nose, making her laugh.
"Pervert." I grumbled, smirking, making her laugh more.
"Hey Shep, are you there? Man, this thing is cool! Anyway, we're all waiting for you in the hangar since it's the only room where Jack won't complain too much about crowds. Raegas is with you, right? Bring her down, we want to meet her! Oh, and her team is here to you might want to hurry before a fight breaks out." Kasumi always was the most amusing PC in the second game.
Shepard sighed before turning into me more and snuggling her face into my lower stomach. I blushed to myself and blew out a smile at her antics. Ko was just staring in curiosity. It made sense, given he had only been 'alive' for three weeks. As an AI and a person, he was still learning.
"We can't even get five minutes alone without being bothered." Shepard grumbled, making me smile in apology.
"Well we did get more than an hour when I made my epic entrance." I said, getting a groan in return.
"It doesn't count." She mumbled in annoyance, frowning.
"Oh really?" I asked, my smile widening.
"Mm-hmm." Shepard hummed, relaxing as I massaged her neck with a free hand.
I waited for a few minutes, deciding to simply enjoy the few moments we'd be able to spend in such peace. I knew all too well what was coming. I could only hope the timeline was relatively similar to the Reapers wouldn't come for another two years- at best. If everything went according to plan, this galaxy would be as ready as it could be in such a short time. Then again, nothing ever went according to plan.
"It's been six minutes." I announced. Shepard paused for a moment before glaring up at me from her spot on my lap. I smiled wider and moved her bangs out of her eyes. "Do you want her to come up here to get us? Because if you make me wait so long I'll be forced to… occupy myself." I muttered suggestively, earning a cat-like smile from my Commander. She rose up, her face inches from mine, leering at me with glittering eyes.
"I think I still prefer the latter option." She muttered, making me blush as she turned the game on me. I knew that look. If I didn't act fast, she was going to jump me before I got away.
"Shepard, no! I know what you're-" I was cut off with a passionate lip-lock. My mind went hazy even as I tried to stay on track, but that was almost impossible when it came to this.
I had a feeling it would take some convincing to keep Shepard from attacking me.
A/N: Wow, Shepard. You're such a perv.