When Fates Collide
Chapter 10
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The SSV Normandy ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Emperor's New Clothes
On the third evening aboard the Normandy, Liara had decided to give the more comfortable cot in the back a try and allow Dr. Chakwas to return to her own quarters now that Shepard was feeling better. The young scientist had become accustomed to sleeping on cots, those being the only available beds during her years on dig sites.
Sometime in the middle of the night Shepard awoke from an agitated sleep. Restless and unable to go back to sleep after a couple of hours, she slid on a pair of Alliance sweatpants and decided to fetch a bottle of water.
Walking across the mess decks in her bare feet, she blasted, "Holy shit! This floor is fucking freezing!"
Grabbing a cylinder of water she accidentally slammed the refrigerator door too hard, causing a nearby security guard on duty to call out, "Who's there?"
Her rebel instincts kicked in and she squatted down hiding behind the kitchen counter. Feeling the cold stainless steel on her back, she wished she hadn't stripped down to her gray sports bra for the night.
Knowing her presence was still not acceptable aboard the Normandy and not wanting to get Dr. Chakwas in trouble, she continued to hide. Thrusting back against the cold steel cabinet she heard footsteps approaching. Attempting to find a better hiding spot, the unarmed and half- dressed soldier quickly leapt to her right and hid behind a bulkhead.
As the footsteps got louder so did the man's voice, "I said; is anyone there?"
Shepard's heart pounded hard in her chest. Her gut instinct was to take down this one security officer, which she could do easily even though she was unarmed, but then she thought,
What then what Shepard? What are you going to do then? Exactly where would you be going? You're in space!
The thoughts filled her mind until the footsteps drifted into the distance. Feeling the danger had passed, she was suddenly surprised when the hair on the back of her neck stood up. When the scantily dressed woman slowly turned around, she was standing in front of a large door. Her curiosity was beyond reproach and she had to enter.
The doors swished open and the bright automatic lights came on. Shepard quickly covered her eyes and squinted as she commanded, "Dim!"
The lights instantly darkened barely illuminating the room, and for someone who was already fumbling around in the near dark, it was perfect. It didn't take her long to realize she was standing in the Captain's quarters. Analyzing her surroundings, her nimble digits outlined the empty desk near the door. Next to it she noticed a personal gear locker.
Feeling the chill in the air as the room had clearly not been used in a while, she pulled a dark t-shirt from one of the drawers. She couldn't see what it said, but put it on anyway. Looking up she saw several illuminated panels overhead. They displayed every critical system on board the ship. She knew this was essential for the Captain to know what was going on with the ship at all times. Continuing her exploration of the space, she huffed in discontent knowing she would never be the recipient of such luxury and honor, "Huh, captains get all the cool shit."
In the far side of room she traced her fingertips over another cold steel desk mounted to the floor and bulkhead before she turned around and stared at an incredibly large SR1 stenciled on the far bulkhead. Leaning against the desk she peered back over the room; for how long she couldn't remember as her life since being captured by the Batarians raced through her mind. All those years running from the law, living criminal mission to criminal mission; having no real plans since being tortured for nearly two years before being finally broken. She remembered there were days; no, months where she wished they would have just killed her.
Sarcastically chuckling to herself, the former Alliance soldier still found it unbelievable that she established herself on the rogue Spectre's ship assisting him in 'his cause' for a better universe. It was that same b/s slogan he had used on the Matriarch all that time ago.
Wondering how things might have been, she caught herself as her eye lids began to close and her head nodded forward with a jerk. Thinking she'd only be there for a few moments before she headed back to the med lab; the mentally and physically exhausted Shepard laid down on the bed. She wasn't used to sleeping in a bed, much less such a large bed and thought it felt oddly comfortable. Within seconds of her head hitting the pillow sleep overtook her for the remainder of the night.
The next morning the rogue soldier, albeit near stowaway, checked to see if the coast was clear before she made her way across the mess decks. Seeing that no one was around and the aroma of fresh coffee catching her attention, she thought, Why the hell not? Not long after she began pouring herself a cup of Alliance Joe, a uniformed officer strolled over to her going after the same morning beverage.
She was taken by his odd stride and thought he almost looked like he was in pain. A chipper hello shook her from her thoughts as the man began to laugh heartily before he introduced himself.
"Hello. You must be Shepard?"
Unsure of his sudden amusement, Shepard nodded yes as she blew on her coffee.
"Well, I'm the Normandy's pilot, Lieutenant Moreau, but everyone calls me Joker."
Smirking she replied, "Joker, huh? Isn't that a scary name for a pilot of an Alliance vessel?"
Returning a smug laugh of his own, "Yeah, someone has to huh? But that's why they picked me to fly this bird."
With genuine interest the former Alliance soldier asked, "So you're good?"
Standing a little taller the LT answered, "Hell, I'm the best pilot in the whole damn fleet if you ask me!"
Thinking it was a bit too early for his brightness but enjoying the friendly banter Shepard quipped, "I think I just did."
Their laughter caused an armed guard to clear his throat in a disproving manner which made the LT say, "Well I'd better get going. It was nice meeting you Commander."
It wasn't until the man hobbled out of sight, that it hit her: he called her commander. Her face askew trying to understand his odd comment she thought, Maybe there's something more wrong with him than just his body.
To add to her confusion: where the young Lieutenant was more than happy to see her, the security officer was now sneering at her. A near silent "Whatever" left her lips as she passed him on her way back to the medical lab.
% % % % % % %
Upon entering the med lab Dr. Chakwas' eyes went wide as she covered her mouth attempting to stifle a laugh. Shepard instantly looked down. Was her ass hanging out and she didn't notice? Quickly spying down she saw a pair of dark blue Alliance sweatpants and matching t-shirt but she couldn't understand what the deal was.
Greatly perplexed she asked, "What?"
Seeing Liara walk through the back door didn't help matters either, as the asari made no unusual facial expressions at Shepard's morning outfit. She simply looked at her oddly and returned to the storage space behind the medical lab.
The only word the red faced doctor could muster was, "Mirror".
Shaking her head the reluctant former Alliance officer sauntered over to a mirror next to one of the medical beds. Tilting her face from side to side she could see nothing wrong. She looked worn and needed a shower but nothing out of the ordinary for the hard working woman. Her eyes slowly moved down as a bright yellow insignia over her left breast caught her attention on the t-shirt: Commanding Officer, SSV Normandy.
Looking back at the mirror she scoffed, "Like that would ever happen!"
Now understanding the security guard's bad attitude, she ignored the shirt and began to question the good doctor. "So, what really happened to the Commanding Officer and the Executive Officer?"
Happily taking one of the extra cups of coffee Shepard had brought with her, the doctor stated, "Our Executive Officer was Commander Sophia Gerrad. She was a real hard ass; what Ambassador Udina would consider his ideal candidate for becoming the 1st human Spectre. She was his lap dog."
Genuinely interested, the moppy headed woman asked, "What happened to her?"
"She was killed in action on Eden Prime. She didn't last more than ten minutes down there before she was attacked by geth recon drones."
Before thinking about how insensitive it might be, the stunned Shepard said, "You mean they actually hit something?"
Carefully sidestepping the women's caustic question, Dr. Chakwas stated, "Trust me, the only one pining for her loss is Udina."
Shepard stared incredulously at the doctor as the she continued, "You may think that harsh of me but sometimes the truth is a bitter pill. The fact is the crew doesn't miss her overbearing antics at all." Sipping her hot coffee before she finished, "Myself included."
"Wow doc, you just shoot from the hip?"
"I'm too old to mince words." Spoke the distinguished woman, her voice laced with a British accent.
"What about Anderson?" The curious soldier asked.
"David Anderson was our Commanding Officer, one of the best. If you melted down all of his medals, I bet you could make a small statue of the man. What happened to him was a real shame. He was sent back to the Citadel after Spectre Nihlus and CDR Gerrad died on Eden Prime. Udina blames him for both of their deaths."
Utilizing her prior military knowledge, Shepard finished her statement for her, "So your 3rd in command is Presley and he has been running the show every since." And seems to be doing an adequate job considering they are flying by the seat of their pants.
% % % % % % %
Between the explosion of the Prothean Beacon, Liara's biotics and Dr. Chakwas's steady scalpel, Shepard's trademark green armor had pretty much been decimated. During her stay on the Normandy she had been given the staple dark blue Alliance t-shirt and sweatpants along with a pair of medical booties. The former Alliance Officer looked more like she was catching a skyball game rather than tooling around the Alliance's finest warship.
Walking past one of the scanner machines in the med lab Shepard's sweatpants caught on something, tearing a hole on the side of her thigh. "Oh come on, really?" Examining the tear she blasted, "This is shit!"
Grabbing the attention of the senior medical officer Shepard pleaded her case, "Dr. Chakwas, there has to be something else around here I can wear. Look at me? I look like a balloon." The woman held the sides of her overly large sweatpants out and flapped them like she as about to take off.
Even the good doctor had to admit, the rogue woman's attire was humiliating. Stroking her index finger and thumb across her chin the doctor pondered, "There must be something else we can do for you."
A sarcastic "You think?" ejected from the soldier's mouth.
A surprisingly mischievous grin on the doctor's face worried Shepard for a moment when the medical officer announced, "I have an idea."
The doctor encircled around Shepard; staring intently up and down her body, making Shepard suddenly feel like shark bait. When the doctor finished her perusal she concluded, "You look to be about the same size and height as Commander Gerrad. I'd be willing to bet you would fit into her uniforms."
Practically bursting Shepard scoffed, "You mean your former, XO? Won't that piss a couple of people off?"
"Really Shepard", the doctor protested, waving a hand in the air as she walked towards the back storage room of the med bay, "We are all professionals here. I am sure the crew would understand you need something more appropriate to wear."
Again holding out her balloon pants Shepard obediently followed Dr. Chakwas only slightly protesting, "Well anything is better than these."
"Oh hello Professor" Came the cheery greeting from Dr. Chakwas to the blue skinned woman sitting at a desk in the back of the medical lab.
The doctor then turned and told Shepard, "Look for a crate labeled, Gerrad." Standing up, she frowned, "or Mutt."
Shepard squinted and asked, "Mutt?"
Continuing to search the crates the doctor explained, "That was Joker's pet name for her and well they didn't exactly see eye to eye if you can imagine."
Remembering her little encounter with the man a few days earlier, she recalled his quick wit and humor. She could see how he would certainly not get a long with any potential lapdog of Udina's. Understanding perfectly Shepard replied, "Aye, Aye!" earning a dubious glare from the doctor.
"What are you two looking for?" The curious Professor asked.
"We're looking for a crate labeled Gerrad" stated the doctor.
And to her own amusement, already siding with the pilot, Shepard added, "Or Mutt!"
Pleasantly the young asari inquired, "Do you need any help?"
Not even lifting her head up from looking around the crates in the back, Dr. Chakwas blurted, "No, I think we got it Professor."
A soft disappointed 'oh' came from behind Shepard and made her turn around to see the sad face belonging to the sad reply. The pathetic look made Shepard smile.
"Here it is!" exclaimed an eloquent British accent from across the small room. Holding her back, the doctor was about to call one of the guards for help moving the containers when Shepard told her, "I got this."
To her surprise, the soldier easily lifted and dragged the large container to the center of the room where they could examine the contents.
Dr. Chakwas held up one of the uniformed blouses, "She was a little smaller than you but it should work. Tossing the jacket gently to the soldier, she said, "Here try this on."
As with any seasoned soldier, modesty was something they didn't possess, and Shepard instantly ripped off her shirt and sports bra leaving her facing the doctor completely bare breasted. Next, she began untying her medical booties when she suddenly noticed an unusual expression on the doctor's face.
What was she looking at? Shepard thought as she slowly turned around while beginning to remove her sweatpants from around her slender hips.
Behind her was a more than curious looking asari intently studying Shepard's every movement. Jokingly Shepard said, "Liara, you look like you want to dissect me in a lab or something."
The asari touched her hand to her forehead and blushed heavily, "Oh Goddess! No Shepard! I didn't mean to offend you. I was simply curious. I have never actually seen a naked human before and your skin is so soft and pale looking."
"Really, that soft looking?" laughed the once hardened soldier.
Twisting her hands like a young child, the asari looked away completely flustered, "Shepard, I only meant that you would make an excellent specimen for an in depth study. Oh Goddess that is worse. That is not what I meant."
"Calm down, Liara. I was only kidding." said the bare chested soldier; circling her thumbs in her waist band.
Taking pity on the flustered professor Dr. Chakwas offered, "Liara, would you like to accompany me into the other room so we can provide Shepard with some privacy?"
The badly embarrassed asari simply nodded her head in assent, afraid to say another word.
% % % % % % %
A few moments passed before Shepard exited the back room; lifting her arms and strutting like she was on a catwalk proudly announcing, "Tada!"
Dr. Chakwas had been correct about Garrad being slightly smaller than Shepard as the uniform was a bit snug but accented the rogue soldier's muscular body very well. Being in a lot better physical shape than Garrad, given her tough background, Shepard's muscles rippled under the dark fabric of her new Alliance uniform. While some would say it was a little tight; other crewmembers, especially the men, would say it fit her perfectly.
If she hadn't looked threatening enough before, the woman clad in the striking Alliance Commander's uniform certainly left no room for doubt. Even the security guards seemed to give way when she walked about the passageways, even when she was being escorted by other guards.
The uniform seemed to fit her perfectly except for the word, Commander that ran across her left breast pocket. The thought of it being there made her eyes roll, another day, another time maybe; but not now. Just about every human aboard had a strong disliking for her new attire, but she couldn't walk around in sweatpants all the time. However, the very idea made Shepard laugh; me the most wanted human alive, wearing a commander's uniform aboard the Alliance's best ship in the fleet. What a sight it is.
Feeling eyes thoroughly inspecting her body again, much reminiscent of the previous back room inspection, Shepard, not breaking the asari's unflinching gaze upon her asked, "So Liara, what do you think of the new duds?" as she proceeded to pirouette in front of the asari, awaiting the results of her assessment.
Thinking how thoroughly noble and alluring the outfit looked upon Shepard's body Liara said, "The drape of the uniform wonderfully accentuates your musculature while upholding the exquisiteness of your femininity."
Amused by Liara's comment, Shepard struck her infamous badass pose, gave a shit eating grin and asked the young professor, "Are you checking out my ass?"
Blushing, Liara mumbled something incoherently and rushed past both Shepard and the doctor, to the back room.
Astonished by her sudden retreat, Shepard stared quizzically at the Chief Medical Officer, "What did I say? I was just playing." Questioned the perplexed the soldier.
Dr. Chakwas, however, had her own ideas about why the young asari blushed so hard. The doctor raised her eyebrow, shook her head and assessed the bewildered soldier, "Shepard, I guess you aren't such a big know it all, after all."
Rubbing the back of her neck Shepard stared back at the path Liara used to escape. "Huh?"