The weight of my large skull rests on the knuckles of my right fist. The adequate metal dining chair has supported my weight for far too long. I strategically position the black marker here. Alternating between moves that benefit me and those that prolong the game. I sigh.

"********* do you wish to stop?" EDI puts a white marker close to where I just played. The holographic screen is fascinating; however, it lacks the sensation of cold stones between the tips of my fingers.

"Kinda but what else is there to do? Shepard is busy getting upgrades. Garrus finished the cannon installation. I finished my exercises for the week. I got nothing better to do than beat you at go" it's an uncommon eastern tabletop game. Flynn got me into it. The game itself is known for artificial intelligence having difficulty against human opponents. EDI sets a bad example proving it's still true.

Today marks 31 days since that fateful day at horizon. Kaiden called back. Told me he apologized to Shepard. I didn't let him off easy. The commander wasn't the same for a while. He wouldn't stay on the ship if he had too. An obvious attempt to distance himself from cerberus. I never said anything. The vibe wasn't right and it soothes me that the ship is getting upgrades that will likely save the cast's lives. Wonder which upgrade would save my life? I would like a mini fridge.

The Normandy is currently docked at Illium. Liara notified him a rare part for an important upgrade is available, but inventory is low. She paid extra for whoever was climbing the ship to save and install it. Shepard has the funds to pay her back. I haven't seen her. It's too soon to see another asari. Euhh the horror.

Several hours pass in which time the installation is complete. The stew I occasionally stir while I play go with EDI is almost done. The dish is mostly asari ingredients that required a lot of seasoning in order to taste what I find enjoyable. I'm stirring the pot and notice Shepard walking towards me in the reflection of the microwave. I turn around. He looks happy. Good to see a smile on that stoic face.

"Hey Shepard. Glad the smell of my stew is making you feel better. Give it another hour for the water to evaporate and thicken up" I taste test the concoction. Watery but delicious.

"I got good news and bad news" he said.

"Oh? Give both to me at once" I humm as the brown water with bits of meats and plant life circulates.

I can't wait to witness the shocked look on his face when I tell him. He's probably been bored out of his mind. I gave him a break from missions as a reward for helping me through difficult times. In retrospect, a month was too long. Things just became a blur afterwards and I threw myself into work as a distraction. Back to my original thought. I should have recorded this. Nothing fazes this guy. Oh I can't wait.

"I'm not as quick-witted with my words as you. The good news is we're going to see Tali" his face lights up. Those two formed a special bond. More than platonic but not romantic. I asked him about them, had to pry hard for an answer from those tight lips. Said he shouldn't but those red cheeks don't lie.

"The bad news is she's on a research mission and was attacked by the Geth. They held them off. Unfortunately, their ship was damaged, unable to take off, and geth reinforcements are on the way. We're closer than the migrant fleet. I thought you'd want to be on the ground team." ********* drops the ladle. His halcyonic face vanishes completely, overtaken by anger. I'm taken aback. This feels wrong. He has soldier eyes.

His voice lowers "When will we be there?"

"Ugh- 4 hours" I'm regretting my choice.

"Get there faster" he always asks politely.

"Joker is already flying at top speed. ********* will you be ok?" I reassuringly grab his shoulder. Knew it was a mistake as soon as contact was made.

"Watch the stew. EDI tell Jacob to meet me at the armory" ********* leaves for the elevator.

Zaheed pops out from the corner. "What in the blazes happened.? He never gets that mad. Close to it sometimes when I steal the food early. Wacks my hand with a spatula harder than a catholic teacher with a ruler. Was hoping you'd distract him long enough for me to slip by, not bring out the devil in him. Too afraid now." Zaheed massages his knuckles.

I think to myself this is going to be an interesting day. ********* never has issues in missions. He's focused and clear headed. reminds me of my instructor during N7 training. Nice guy and we wanted to keep him nice. Other drill sergeants in the past were furious at every little thing we did. Part of the culture to toughened us up. That guy however expected us to have the proper training and if we did something we're not supposed to, well he took one guy away for a minute and he came back pale. Not that ********* would do that to someone. The geth will be in for a reckoning. Snapping back to the present, what am I supposed to do with the stew? How the hell do I know if it is done?

Jacob calls me on the omnitool. I answer.

"Commander, ********* wants access to the big guns. Said he wasn't taking any chances. He's not acting like his usual self. Should I grant him clearance?"

"I trust him. Go ahead. It's my fault. Should have thought this is how he'd react to what I told him. He can be very territorial" I turn up the heat. I'm supposed to do that right?

"Aye commander. By the way I'm installing the penetration ammo blocks in your weapons for the geth. ********* put that down. That's the most dangerous gun in here. Got to go. See you at dinner" Jacob hangs up. Dinner damn it!

The stew boils over, a screaming sound comes from the burner. Uhh does stirring help? Shit shit shit. Where are the oven mitts? Oh fuck. I saved the galaxy, came back from death's doors, and I can't handle a simple pot of boiling water? What have I done? He worked all afternoon on that. ********* is going to be pissed.

OH SHIT! He's going to be even more pissed, and at me!

"EDI please take the blame."

"I'm sorry to inform you my programming does not permit endangering myself unless it benefits the mission."