Prompt 5 : Setting: anytime during Mass Effect 1 Prompt: Kaidan and some guy friends (yes, all males, bwahahahah*) - preferably from the Normandy, but any Alliance or Shepard-affiliated person will do - go out for some drinks. As usual, Shepard is not there, so the guys can talk about Shepard behind his/her back.
The Elcor in the Room
Shepard had gone off to meet with Hackett and had sent Kaidan to meet up with Captain Anderson to bring him up to date on their mission. He was thankful that Anderson had chosen to meet in the embassy lounge rather than the brighter and noisier environment of Flux.
"Councilor Udina was not happy about Shepard's decision to release the Rachni." Anderson took a sip of his drink.
"Shepard had to make a decision. She had no time to wait for a committee to decide. She did what she thought was right." Kaidan said defensively.
Anderson held up a hand. "I'm not criticizing her, Alenko. I'll back any decision Shepard makes. She hasn't let the Alliance down before."
"I can see why the Alliance was eager to push for her Spectre candidacy." Kaidan nodded in agreement.
"Yes. She's the best candidate we have to advance humanity's standing with the Council. They've been watching her for a long time."
"I was surprised to find out she was a biotic. I haven't had the chance to work with many others."
"It wasn't something the Alliance advertised after Elysium when they started using her as the recruitment poster girl. But it was another reason why I wanted her on my crew. I thought you two would work well together." Anderson spoke quietly.
Kaidan was saved from replying by an Elcor who had approached their table.
"Heartfelt apology. Forgive me but I wanted to congratulate you on Shepard becoming a Spectre. She is a most a most excellent example of your species."
Kaidan recognised him as the Elcor that they had helped out with his problem with the Consort.
Captain Anderson indicated a seat and signaled the bartender. "Thank you, Xeltan. Please feel free to join us. We were just discussing Shepard actually."
"Surprised delight. Thank you. I would be pleased to join you. Shepard helped me with a personal matter when she was last on the Citadel."
"Yes I'd heard about that. You don't have any more problems do you?"
"Polite denial. No, everything is fine now."
The Captain turned to Kaidan. "So, what do you think of Shepard, Lieutenant Alenko?"
"She certainly lives up to her reputation," Kaidan replied unable to hide the admiration for her in his voice.
"Candid admission. She is attractive for one of your species."
Kaidan almost choked on his drink, and ignored the amused, if somewhat speculative look Captain Anderson was giving him.
"So do you think she's attractive, Lieutenant?" Anderson asked curiously.
"Sir, she's my commanding officer. It's a privilege to serve under her."
"Rampant confusion. Is that what your species refers to as a euphemism?"
Anderson laughed out loud and Kaidan's blush was caused from a combination of choking and embarrassment.
"Timidly. Did I say something wrong? I would not like to insult Shepard."
"No, its fine Xeltan, it's not an insult at all. Shepard is very attractive, but the Alliance has very strict fraternisation rules so even if the Lieutenant here was interested in her, he couldn't do anything about it." Anderson explained while watching Kaidan's reaction.
"With barely contained excitement. "Does this mean that I might have a chance to court her? I am not part of your Alliance. I believe the correct phrase your species uses is that I would so do her."
Anderson's laughter was now drawing attention to them. Kaidan was wishing that he was anywhere but in the embassy lounge at that moment. That was something I definitely did not want to hear. Thank God, Joker's not even worse, Shepard.
"I should get back to the ship, Sir. Shepard will want to ship out as soon as her meeting is finished," he managed to stammer as he left as quickly as good manners would allow.