Data Log Entry: 21831031

Well shore leave has been over less than two weeks and it already feels like more than a month. I brought Gunnery Chief Ashley Williams planet side with me today to clear out another freakishly similar warehouse of bad guys. While Tali was opening the safe I pulled her aside and asked, "With all due respect..." She cut me off before I could even finish my question stating, "Why is it whenever someone says 'with all due respect' they really mean 'kiss my ass'?" Immediately it pissed me off.

But then I remembered who this particular soldier was and all the shit she's had thrown in her face thanks to her grandfather so I calmly informed her, "Fair enough. I'm looking for info on the missing poker chips; do you know anything?" Within seconds of her saying "No!" and before she could build up any anger from my question, I swung my arm around her shoulders and quickly said, "Good. I didn't think you did but I had to make sure cuz I need to ask Wrex about it."

It didn't take long for the seasoned soldier to understand what I was asking. The boiling anger threatening to erupt from her face quickly evaporated; swiftly replaced by confusion then pride. "Sure thing Commander. Anything you need, I've got your back." With a friendly pat on her shoulder I responded, "Good! Now let's go see what Tali found in that safe."

K. Shepard Out!

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Data Log Entry: 21831101

During another one of Tali's critical engine failure drills I found myself in the mess hall going after something to drink. The flashing lights and sirens were blaring throughout the ship when I turned to Dr. Chakwas who was pouring herself a fresh cup of mojo. "You know between Tali and Adams, I think they stay up all night creating different catastrophic scenarios just so they can run their drills." Stirring her Harvey's Bristol Cream in her cup, the doctor smiled warmly at the thought.

After discarding her straw she turned to me and asked, "Are you going down there for the drill?" I gave a hearty laugh, "Are you kidding me? That's the 5th one this week. They don't need me down there. Those two are having the time of their life." Suddenly the lights and sirens switched off as Tali's jubilant voice echoed throughout the ship, "All Engineering personnel please report to the Engine room at once. All Engineering personnel please report to the Engine room at once."

Amused, I shook my head and thought, 'Tali, during a mass engine failure, there should be at least a tinge of fear in your voice. Instead of sounding like you're announcing guided tours on the Citadel.'

Opening my refrigerated canister of cold water I took a large gulp as I spied LT. Alenko by his station. Originally I planned on saying, 'With all due respect.' But after Ash's reply I thought I'd just come right out with it. Blowing out a heavy sigh I half whispered over to the doctor before she returned to the medical lab. "What do you know about LT. Alenko?"

Taking the opportunity to speak frankly with her commander, the good doctor delicately picked up a piece of sliced fruit from a plate on the counter and started. "I've never worked with him before this mission." The older woman placed the juicy fruit in her mouth as our eyes glanced over at Alenko, ensuring we were out of earshot.

"He keeps to himself though, probably because of the headaches." The doctor popped a grape in her mouth and continued, "It can't be easy being an L-2."

Not understanding her meaning, I questioned, "What's that got to do with it?" She leaned against the counter, eyeing the fruit dish, "Most biotics now use L-3 technology. He has the older L-2 hard wired." I watched as she carefully chose another piece of fresh fruit, scratching my temple for a moment before I said, "I still don't get it Doc'."

Her smile from the salacious fruit quickly turned more solemn. She cleared her throat before she spoke again; this time focusing entirely on me. "L-2's suffer from complications including severe mental disabilities, insanity, and crippling physical pain; there's a long list of horrific side effects. Kaiden's lucky, he only gets migraines."

Shocked by this information, I turned and gawked at him. Thankful he was engrossed in his work; I placed a meaningful hand on the doctor's shoulder. "Thanks Doc'." Dr. Chakwas nodded as she walked back to her medical bay; her vivacious hunger for the fruit gone over the sad history behind LT. Alenko.

Sometimes a Commander has to make decisions we're not happy about. So with that in mind, I walked over to the young Lieutenant. "Hey, got a minute Lieutenant?" He practically jolted away from his teleprompter. "Yes Ma'am! I mean Commander." 'He did it again, something about the way he calls me Commander, makes my skin crawl. Keep it professional Katherine.' I thought to myself. "I was wondering if you could help me with a little problem LT."

I shifted my weight nervously which had more to do with the Krogan Battlemaster than the man in front of me. "See, some poker chips went missing from the Normandy's poker night and I need to ask Wrex about it." The dark haired man immediately put his hands up and started to back away. I jumped at the opportunity before he had a chance to reply. "Exactly, see I need a biotic to come with me."

His head started shaking back and forth like one of those earth hula dolls. "No, No, No. I mean. I can't help you with that." I knew a frown of disappointment blanketed my face; however, he still continued, "Sorry ma'am, but unless this is official business, I'd like to keep my bone structure exactly as it is." I couldn't help blast the man in my head, 'You wuss! Ash has a bigger pair than you do man. She was happy to help out.'

A brief thought flashed across my mind; Gunny Chief Williams, proudly standing with a humungous set of balls, lovingly caressing a braided leather riding crop; while a tiny version of Alenko held up his hands and pleaded, 'Please! Please! Don't hurt me. I'm only a coward!' I couldn't help laughing as I gently lowered his hands, "Ok, Ok, Alenko. You're dismissed of your structural reconfiguration treatment."

Towering above our heads, the loud speaker filled the air with Dr. Chakwas' sweet voice. "Commander, I expect you to inform me BEFORE you have this 'encounter' with Wrex." Almost laughing at the nonsense of it she added, "I'd like to have the necessary medical equipment on standby" Only slightly humoring her I replied, "Will do Doc'!", and the speaker box went silent. Needing a quick escape, I looked over at the elevator and said, "I better go check on the engine room. I sure hope we didn't fail the drill." I gave the Lt. a vague smile, did an about face and was promptly out of there.

In the elevator I tried to plan out my confrontation with Wrex as if I were planning a full scale war. I even had my Chief Medical Officer standing by in case there were casualties. I laughed out loud, "In case? You mean, when there ARE causalities." I counted up my assets and my weaknesses against the Krogan Battlemaster; It wasn't looking good on my side. Playing with an imaginary hair on my chin, I pushed the button for the cargo bay and thought, "I need more volunteers!"

- K. Shepard Out!