Once upon a time, there lived a young prince of a thriving kingdom. He was a spoiled and mischievous young lad, always up to no-good troubling the servants and guests within the castle walls. He would play pranks on the maids and humiliate his father's subject. But one day, that mischief landed him in trouble.Well, bigger trouble than that he would normally face.
Deep within the heart of the castle lies a relic. An old relic which trapped a powerful being capable of plunging the world into utter chaos and destruction. The story surrounding this relic dates back to the founding of the kingdom, but such a tale is too long to tell to the young prince, whom would not stay in one place long enough to listen attentively to the old maids and knights who would usually warn him.
In the middle of plotting his next prank, he got himself lost within the castle corridors, walking aimlessly till he found a door. The relic, a tome bounded by age old wards, floated in the middle of the room. And like all kids of his age, anything they touch would break. Such logic could apply even for ancient wards.
The young prince's touch caused the wards to crack, then with a flash, shattered and dissipate leaving only the tome naked from it's chains. The tome flung open and a dark gleam shone from the tome. An arm burst from the book, then another. Soon the entity pulled itself from the tome, revealing his full form, but I should not disclaim such details, only that the being was beyond terrifying.
The prince was frozen in fear, he trembled before the being's presence. The being turned to him and smiled, sending chills cold enough to freeze a whole nation. He walked towards the prince and only said a few words.
"You have my gratitude, child."
The being disappeared before him, but it caused the whole castle to shake which resulted with a number of broken plates, and stumbled a few soldiers and servants unlucky enough to prepare for such a quake.
What felt like an eternity passed (which were only a few minutes), the castle servants found the young prince trembling with fear in the room. The prince was taken to his father, the King, where he was given two choices; To be sentenced to death for releasing the demon, which could have been preferable at the time, OR, be banished from the kingdom to go on a quest to find the demon and end him once and for all.
The young prince was only 12 at the time. It had been three years since his exile...
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Ghost Guardian
On the day of the apocalypse, I died saving the girl I love. But what awaits me was not the afterlife that many have preached. No, instead, I came back to the world of the living, but not in physical form. I became a ghost.
I had mixed feelings at first. On one hand, I won't be able to go to the hereafter, on the other, I can still remain beside her. But there is more cons than pros the way I see it. She will not be able to see me nor make any form of interaction with me. I can't do anything for her. Anything, except to protect her.
It would seem that my new form has granted me to see the true evil behind the end of the world. All these natural disasters were caused by invisible monsters that disturbed nature, causing all sorts of destruction on to the world. And I have the power to stop it. Well, those who turned into what I am.
I am no mere ghost. Because of the bond I have with her and my last act of sacrifice, I was given a second chance to stop the world from ending. I became a sort of wild-life warrior, protecting nature, but minus the whole hippie/hipster mentality on saving the trees and protesting and junk. No, I only exist cause I can stop the disasters. I can stop the monsters from causing the world further harm. I can become a Guardian Specter for the world. But most importantly, for Her.
Friday, August 16, 2013
Foolish Rick - Prologue
He laid his laptop on the glass surface of his roommate's dining table, pulled out the dining chair and sat down. He adjusted his rear against the cotton material of the chair. Or is it wool, he thought to himself. It doesn't matter, it's a chair. The young Malaysia man flipped open his 2 year old laptop and pushed the "On" button. The laptop comes alive, the screen asks for the password. He typed it in only to find it incorrect. He did it again, but it failed once again. Frustrated, he slowly typed in the password once again, minding each button he pressed on the keyboard, making sure everything was correct. After a moment, the laptop welcomed him and he was shown to his screen, wallpaper featured his favorite game, covered by some nifty-looking interfaces that caught the young man's eye on several weeks ago. The be frank, the whole software was useless except make the desktop looked pretty and slightly futuristic. It would be awesome if he added some voice interface or something, but that was too much work and who has the time?
The boy dragged the mouse over the his browser icon. Click. Nothing happened. He clicked again. Now two windows was opened and that pretty much pissed the man a bit. He closed the first one and focus back to the second. He lead the mouse to hover over the address bar. One click and he was ready to key in the website of his choice. He typed the address in and clicked enter.
It took a few moments before he was lead to the website. A blogging website he would usually use to rant about..well, pretty much anything. It started out as a thing he heard his friends were doing several years ago. Feeling left out, he signed in tot the same website in hopes to get in tune with his friends. That never really happened as they all, correction, as most of them moved towards something else. The young man was left behind (once again) and pondered on about what to do with a website that his friends will unlikely read. He left it dead for a period of time, but at the end, he found some form of solace in writing on a website strangers may or may not be interested in. So, instead of leaving it dead, why not just write. Just write about anything. There are no rules here..well, not a lot of rules here. Slander, complement and speak out the emotions you've been keeping hidden, the ideas you lack courage to scream out. This was a place you could write and no one cares about it. It's like running around naked when you're invisible. No one can see it and you have nothing to hide..well, except your very existence.
The man opened to one of his blogs he haven't been paying much attention to lately. It was a blog he created when his head was full of ideas of stories he wished to share. And he would have to, if not for his careless grammatical mistakes and the wavering of his self-confidence. But sometimes, one must take the plunge to know what's at the bottom of the hole. Bad analogy..or was that idiom..
He opened to the main menu of his story blogged and hovered his mouse over one of the button links. New Post, it said. He clicked it and was lead to a page with an empty space and a tab of writing related tools to help design his post to his choosing. The young man went straight to the title bar and keyed in the words, "Foolish Rick" and clicked to the empty page to start on his chapter.
The boy dragged the mouse over the his browser icon. Click. Nothing happened. He clicked again. Now two windows was opened and that pretty much pissed the man a bit. He closed the first one and focus back to the second. He lead the mouse to hover over the address bar. One click and he was ready to key in the website of his choice. He typed the address in and clicked enter.
It took a few moments before he was lead to the website. A blogging website he would usually use to rant about..well, pretty much anything. It started out as a thing he heard his friends were doing several years ago. Feeling left out, he signed in tot the same website in hopes to get in tune with his friends. That never really happened as they all, correction, as most of them moved towards something else. The young man was left behind (once again) and pondered on about what to do with a website that his friends will unlikely read. He left it dead for a period of time, but at the end, he found some form of solace in writing on a website strangers may or may not be interested in. So, instead of leaving it dead, why not just write. Just write about anything. There are no rules here..well, not a lot of rules here. Slander, complement and speak out the emotions you've been keeping hidden, the ideas you lack courage to scream out. This was a place you could write and no one cares about it. It's like running around naked when you're invisible. No one can see it and you have nothing to hide..well, except your very existence.
The man opened to one of his blogs he haven't been paying much attention to lately. It was a blog he created when his head was full of ideas of stories he wished to share. And he would have to, if not for his careless grammatical mistakes and the wavering of his self-confidence. But sometimes, one must take the plunge to know what's at the bottom of the hole. Bad analogy..or was that idiom..
He opened to the main menu of his story blogged and hovered his mouse over one of the button links. New Post, it said. He clicked it and was lead to a page with an empty space and a tab of writing related tools to help design his post to his choosing. The young man went straight to the title bar and keyed in the words, "Foolish Rick" and clicked to the empty page to start on his chapter.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Peace & Confession
Briar focused wiping his blade, and then carefully polished it before admiring his handiwork. The Cousland family blade, handed down from generations to generations since King Calenhad united all of Ferelden. It may not have as much power as his greatsword, but it was a keepsake that helped him through many obstacles during his travel. With the blade, he had finally sought out his revenge against Rendon Howe, stabbing the man and chopping his head off before he could say anything else. Briar sighed, remembering what he and his twin sister have to go through just to achieve that. Losing their home and parents, along with their sister-in-law and nephew. He had hoped that maybe vengeance would brought out peace within him. At least the love from his Orlesian lover was able to soothe the fire within him.
He sheathed the sword, knelt down and prayed. Well, to the best of his ability.
"Mother, Father, Oriana, young Oren.." He began "May your souls be at peace in the embrace of the Maker"
"That's probably the worst prayer you've ever made, brother" Blair said, walking towards the elder twin.
Briar smiled at his younger twin. He finished his prayer and stood back, "Well, it was worth an effort"
"Obviously someone haven't been listening to Mother Mallol 's lectures"
"It was not on purpose, I assure you. I am pretty sure some fade demons just like to put me to sleep. That Sloth back at the Tower was hell bent on putting all of us to sleep"
"That still gives me the creeps"
"Indeed" Briar sighed. He looked back at his blade, remembering the dream of seeing his family and the feast they had with his friends. He knew it was odd, but he missed them all very much. Blair sensed the unease on her brother's face. She walked towards him, rested her hand on his shoulder and gave a gently squeeze.
"I'm sure they are proud of you, brother" Blair reassured her brother"You've become more than just a Cousland. You've become a hero, a symbol. A Grey Warden like the tales we used to tell Oren about"
"But I don't even believe half the tales I told to him. They were just that. Tales" Briar turned to his sister, his face full of doubt and uncertainty, but not for himself, but for the whole situation.
"Brother, you have slain dragons, stopped abominations, killed that treacherous bastard and defeated Fereldan's most revered warrior in front of his fellow noblemen in single combat, and that's only a few of the long list of achievements you've done" Blair started "But the biggest accomplishment is that you've gotten everyone in the whole of Fereldan to fight under one banner against the Blight. Can you truly believe that all those tales were just tales now? I'm sure Oren would have been marveled and proud of his uncle. As is with our parents."
"I can't keep all the credit. After all, I did have a sister who dragged me around to all those danger"
"Exactly. When history remembers us, they won't just think of me as The Grey Warden's meddling Sister!"
"How about as the Queen of Fereldan" Briar stated, smiling at his red-faced sister. It was quite a sudden confession, although she didn't tell Alistair straight that she liked him, but announcing herself as queen was as good as he could get from Briar's stubborn sister.
"W-what! I-I wwass....merely..s-saying that ff-for-" Blair tried explaining. Blair's hand on Bria'sr shoulder fell back to side and started twiddling with the other, failing to keep her embarrassment hidden.
"It's about time you admit your littler crush to our bastard king" Briar interrupted. "You've been ogling on him since we first arrived in Ostaghar"
Blair was about to protest, but quickly held it back. She went silent and stared hard to floor, face still adorned with red blush and her fingers started twiddling with the thought her first encounter with the junior Grey Warden.
"Do you think it's the right thing to do, The proposal, I mean" Blair asked
Briar thought about for a moment, trying to find the right words to answer. Instead, he just spoke about his disdain for a certain woman.
"Well, considering that Anora, the one who sent me to Fort Drakorn in the first place, is in some tower alone, I'd guess everything turned out all right. I don't really have much love for our former ruler. And the fact that she was Loghain's daughter is simply a plus. That bitch got what she deserve", venom trailed his words, but he masked his face as if it was a joke. Blair shot a look towards him.
"What? I am just saying"
"She was King Cailan's wife. She ruled Fereldan and as such, it would make sense for Alistair to wed with her"
"So why did you speak out then?" Briar asked, now serious in tone.
"It's.." she hesitated to answer. There were so many things she could say to describe her object of affection.
"He's just so..funny, charming, sensitive, compassionate and-"
"Everything that you're not". Briar smirked. The remark rewarded him with a swift elbow to the midsection. The Grey Warden found his breath left him for a moment as he silently express his pain.
"Let me finish" she said. Any reply from the elder twin was dismissed, so Briar simply nodded.
"Alistair is..different. In a sense "she added, "He doesn't treat me like all those spouse mother and father tried arranging me with. Not that I am not grateful, it's just that they were looking at the only daughter of House Cousland, and never treated me as nothing more!"
"He may have pitied me a bit in the beginning, that I know well. But then he just started talking to me, not so much about the war or the Blight, but just mainly about..well..anything really. It was absurd. Who in the right mind talks about the weather when getting ambushed by hired killers!?"
"Seems like my advice was put to good use" Briar commented, finally able to restructured his words.
Blair wanted to retort, but decided to ignore her twin's comment. She collected herself and allow her thoughts to flow through.
"When Allistair became King, I knew Anora would take that opportunity to assume the throne. She wanted a King, not a husband. A figurehead so that she could still rule from behind the scenes. I couldn't allow Alistair to go through with that. I couldn't allow the man I love to be a puppet for that bitch!" Blair exclaimed. "So I did what I thought was right"
"Clearly. In a sense, it is a logical proposal. The Cousland are the second most respected and powerful noble bloodline after Therein. So being of Cousland blood, you have every right to marry the Therein heir, thus strengthening the bonds between the two noble house and displaying the unity between the two as a power ploy for other noble houses to stand together"
"I..I never really thought of that", the younger twin admitted, mildly confuse by her brother's unexpected logic.
"Of course you haven't. You are my TWIN sister"
"What are you insinuating?"
"Sister, do you think all the things I've been doing was planned? I have been playing by the ear since we started the journey. Maker knows how many times I've panicked when we're in trouble. But you and I have always followed what we believe is the right thing to do, no matter the consequences!"
I...I guess that's true"
"Andraste's breast it's true. But don't tell it to the others. Alistair already suspects and I know Morrigan doesn't give a damn, but I don't want to break the illusion of my marvelous leadership to the others" the Grey Warden said, exaggerating his gestures as he explained his dirty secret. This brought laughter to the younger twin, feeling her tense self relaxed from her confession. After a moment. Briar closed in on his sister and hugged her. Blair didn't resist on the unexpected gesture and a hugged back to her elder twin.
"Mother and Father would be proud of you" he whispered to his sister. Blair's eyes started to tear, but allow only a single droplet rolled down her cheek. They let go of each other's embrace. His sister looked at him and produced the words "Thank You". Briar merely smiled back at his sister.
"Now, what is it that you really want" The elder Cousland started. He saw his sister flinched, shocked to have her brother found out she had a hidden agenda. Blair composed herself and answer.
"Brother....Dear brother," Oh no, was all Briar could thought to himself "Could you kindly advice one on how one bed their true love?" she asked, speaking at a tone too innocent for the topic.
"Maker's breath, woman! Are you really going to ask your brother that question?"
"I only wish for some advice, dear brother. You are the only family at the moment and I wish to hear your words on the matter as a form of permission"
Briar sighed heavily at his sister's absurd answer. He lowered his head and his right hand trailed to his forehead. "I promised mother and father that I'll protect you but discussing about your love life does not fall under that category"
"My choices may not be as wise as one would think and I am in a disadvantage on the matter at hand. As such, asking advice from someone close, which in this case is my elder twin, for help will help shed some light on the matter" she argued.
At this point, Briar knew his sister won't leave empty handed. So he submitted to her argument and began his grueling task. His explanation on the matter was vague, which he had hoped it would. Never really reaching any point, the two Cousland went their separate ways; the elder twin towards his Orlesian lover in hopes that he could release some stress and ever-growing embarrassment on discussing sex to his twin sister, and the younger twin, contemplated on what they discussed, headed towards the elder mage, only to regret that choice later on as she openly exposed the topic to the younger Cousland.
"That still gives me the creeps"
"Indeed" Briar sighed. He looked back at his blade, remembering the dream of seeing his family and the feast they had with his friends. He knew it was odd, but he missed them all very much. Blair sensed the unease on her brother's face. She walked towards him, rested her hand on his shoulder and gave a gently squeeze.
"I'm sure they are proud of you, brother" Blair reassured her brother"You've become more than just a Cousland. You've become a hero, a symbol. A Grey Warden like the tales we used to tell Oren about"
"But I don't even believe half the tales I told to him. They were just that. Tales" Briar turned to his sister, his face full of doubt and uncertainty, but not for himself, but for the whole situation.
"Brother, you have slain dragons, stopped abominations, killed that treacherous bastard and defeated Fereldan's most revered warrior in front of his fellow noblemen in single combat, and that's only a few of the long list of achievements you've done" Blair started "But the biggest accomplishment is that you've gotten everyone in the whole of Fereldan to fight under one banner against the Blight. Can you truly believe that all those tales were just tales now? I'm sure Oren would have been marveled and proud of his uncle. As is with our parents."
"I can't keep all the credit. After all, I did have a sister who dragged me around to all those danger"
"Exactly. When history remembers us, they won't just think of me as The Grey Warden's meddling Sister!"
"How about as the Queen of Fereldan" Briar stated, smiling at his red-faced sister. It was quite a sudden confession, although she didn't tell Alistair straight that she liked him, but announcing herself as queen was as good as he could get from Briar's stubborn sister.
"W-what! I-I wwass....merely..s-saying that ff-for-" Blair tried explaining. Blair's hand on Bria'sr shoulder fell back to side and started twiddling with the other, failing to keep her embarrassment hidden.
"It's about time you admit your littler crush to our bastard king" Briar interrupted. "You've been ogling on him since we first arrived in Ostaghar"
Blair was about to protest, but quickly held it back. She went silent and stared hard to floor, face still adorned with red blush and her fingers started twiddling with the thought her first encounter with the junior Grey Warden.
"Do you think it's the right thing to do, The proposal, I mean" Blair asked
Briar thought about for a moment, trying to find the right words to answer. Instead, he just spoke about his disdain for a certain woman.
"Well, considering that Anora, the one who sent me to Fort Drakorn in the first place, is in some tower alone, I'd guess everything turned out all right. I don't really have much love for our former ruler. And the fact that she was Loghain's daughter is simply a plus. That bitch got what she deserve", venom trailed his words, but he masked his face as if it was a joke. Blair shot a look towards him.
"What? I am just saying"
"She was King Cailan's wife. She ruled Fereldan and as such, it would make sense for Alistair to wed with her"
"So why did you speak out then?" Briar asked, now serious in tone.
"It's.." she hesitated to answer. There were so many things she could say to describe her object of affection.
"He's just so..funny, charming, sensitive, compassionate and-"
"Everything that you're not". Briar smirked. The remark rewarded him with a swift elbow to the midsection. The Grey Warden found his breath left him for a moment as he silently express his pain.
"Let me finish" she said. Any reply from the elder twin was dismissed, so Briar simply nodded.
"Alistair is..different. In a sense "she added, "He doesn't treat me like all those spouse mother and father tried arranging me with. Not that I am not grateful, it's just that they were looking at the only daughter of House Cousland, and never treated me as nothing more!"
"He may have pitied me a bit in the beginning, that I know well. But then he just started talking to me, not so much about the war or the Blight, but just mainly about..well..anything really. It was absurd. Who in the right mind talks about the weather when getting ambushed by hired killers!?"
"Seems like my advice was put to good use" Briar commented, finally able to restructured his words.
Blair wanted to retort, but decided to ignore her twin's comment. She collected herself and allow her thoughts to flow through.
"When Allistair became King, I knew Anora would take that opportunity to assume the throne. She wanted a King, not a husband. A figurehead so that she could still rule from behind the scenes. I couldn't allow Alistair to go through with that. I couldn't allow the man I love to be a puppet for that bitch!" Blair exclaimed. "So I did what I thought was right"
"Clearly. In a sense, it is a logical proposal. The Cousland are the second most respected and powerful noble bloodline after Therein. So being of Cousland blood, you have every right to marry the Therein heir, thus strengthening the bonds between the two noble house and displaying the unity between the two as a power ploy for other noble houses to stand together"
"I..I never really thought of that", the younger twin admitted, mildly confuse by her brother's unexpected logic.
"Of course you haven't. You are my TWIN sister"
"What are you insinuating?"
"Sister, do you think all the things I've been doing was planned? I have been playing by the ear since we started the journey. Maker knows how many times I've panicked when we're in trouble. But you and I have always followed what we believe is the right thing to do, no matter the consequences!"
I...I guess that's true"
"Andraste's breast it's true. But don't tell it to the others. Alistair already suspects and I know Morrigan doesn't give a damn, but I don't want to break the illusion of my marvelous leadership to the others" the Grey Warden said, exaggerating his gestures as he explained his dirty secret. This brought laughter to the younger twin, feeling her tense self relaxed from her confession. After a moment. Briar closed in on his sister and hugged her. Blair didn't resist on the unexpected gesture and a hugged back to her elder twin.
"Mother and Father would be proud of you" he whispered to his sister. Blair's eyes started to tear, but allow only a single droplet rolled down her cheek. They let go of each other's embrace. His sister looked at him and produced the words "Thank You". Briar merely smiled back at his sister.
"Now, what is it that you really want" The elder Cousland started. He saw his sister flinched, shocked to have her brother found out she had a hidden agenda. Blair composed herself and answer.
"Brother....Dear brother," Oh no, was all Briar could thought to himself "Could you kindly advice one on how one bed their true love?" she asked, speaking at a tone too innocent for the topic.
"Maker's breath, woman! Are you really going to ask your brother that question?"
"I only wish for some advice, dear brother. You are the only family at the moment and I wish to hear your words on the matter as a form of permission"
Briar sighed heavily at his sister's absurd answer. He lowered his head and his right hand trailed to his forehead. "I promised mother and father that I'll protect you but discussing about your love life does not fall under that category"
"My choices may not be as wise as one would think and I am in a disadvantage on the matter at hand. As such, asking advice from someone close, which in this case is my elder twin, for help will help shed some light on the matter" she argued.
At this point, Briar knew his sister won't leave empty handed. So he submitted to her argument and began his grueling task. His explanation on the matter was vague, which he had hoped it would. Never really reaching any point, the two Cousland went their separate ways; the elder twin towards his Orlesian lover in hopes that he could release some stress and ever-growing embarrassment on discussing sex to his twin sister, and the younger twin, contemplated on what they discussed, headed towards the elder mage, only to regret that choice later on as she openly exposed the topic to the younger Cousland.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Chapter 2 (remade)
Murmurs spread among the crew as they watched the red-headed man follow Shepard to the bar. The man has a name similar to their commander, but their relation is unknown to them. Well to some of them at least. Kaidan moved towards the balcony rails and watched the two Shepards from the upstair lounge. He knew who that man is, but before he could make a comment, Vega interrupted his train of thought
"SHIT, it's the Admiral", he yelped, probably the first time the crew heard from the young lieutenant.
"Admiral? What's an Admiral doing here?" Kasumi asked, suddenly appearing behind Vega.
"Not an Admiral, THE Admiral. That is Rear Admiral Jared Cox Shepard" Liara answered. "An old friend of Shepard...John. Also the Butcher of Torfan" the broker added.
The other group of biotics, one muscled lieutenant and a constantly hiding thief joined the Major watching their CO and his friend enter the bar room, which was occupied by one Comm Specialist and three of the galaxy's most brutal veterans of war, enjoying a swill made by the said Comm Specialist.
"That is a strange, if not, overwhelming trio I've seen by far" Miranda interjected. The others nodded in silence.
The two Shepards walk towards the bar, where they met Zaeed, Javik, and Wrex sitting around the coffee table awaiting a glass of Traynor's mix and Traynor preparing the said drinks behind the counter, showing off her bar-tending skills which Shepard had no knowledge she had.
"How about some for us?" Jared asked
The unfamiliar voice and the battle-worn face enforced a sense of hostility among the group as they could tell a person from their own kind. Everyone looked at Jared for a moment, but one suddenly recognized the Admiral and stopped mixing the drinks.
Who the hell are you?" Zaeed said. Jared's demeanor could outshine Zaeed's own scarred face. It was even worst than Garrus' scares. Jared's face looked like it could peel off any moment.
"Admiral Shepard, Sir!" Traynor saluted to the Admiral, whether out of fear or respect or both, she did so instinctively. The two Shepard who stood before her are legends in their own respect and feared by through their reputation, especially the one beside her CO.
"This human appears to be another Shepard" Javik stated. The Prothean's statement caught the two merc's attention, interested in this "other" Shepard. "A brother. Not of blood, but bond".
"At ease" Jared said, "I'm just here to meet with my old friend" he gestured to Shepard. He then turned to the group of exceptional warriors, not flinching a bit at the hostility they were releasing. "You must be the Prothean I heard a lot about." He glanced at Javik. "Admiral Jared Shepard, Alliance navy" Jared gave the group the widest smile he could afford, except it made him look even more menacing than his regular smile. The smile sent shivers down everyone's spine. "As the prothean said, no relations to the commander".
"If you were with Shepard, you gotta have some interesting stories" Wrex said. There is no hiding the slight gleam of excitement to meet a person that the commander deemed as 'brother'.
Jared let out a grin, "Ever heard of Torfan?"
Torfan. It was as if the word itself echoed throughout the apartment. Everyone heard of the Torfan incident from a few years back, even Javik was slightly impressed from the story of the ruthless human soldier who sent most of his unit to their deaths just to end up murdering the batarians who surrendered during the mission. His name was known and he became a symbol brutality, showing the extent of what humans are capable of.
"You're the goddamn soldier who killed my target?" Zaeed started.
"Zaeed Massani, I presume" Jared replied ,"That's right. I am the soldier who took down those batarian slavers at their own base of operation".
"I was paid a lot of credits to murder that bastard. Well, I still got paid, but there was no satisfaction from a half-ass contract"
"Are you related to a one Jane Shepard, Admiral?", Javik interjected, a bit intrigued by the Admiral's past.
"Indeed I am...Javik, if I am not mistaken. I believe the Councilor will make her appearance here soon"
"Wait, Jane's coming?" the look in Shepard face was filled with excitement as well as curiosity and surprise.
"Yeah, Star is busy with work at the moment. She'll be arriving soon"
The two made their way to the bar and sat down on the stools placed at one corner of the counter at Traynor's left. Traynor placed two glass in front of them and poured the mix she was working on. "A Samantha Traynor Original, boys"
"Thanks, Traynor" Shepard said, eyeing the drink for what seems to be glowing with luminescent green.
"My pleasure, Commander"
Shepard lingered back to the old nickname of his female companion, "Star..". The thought that Jared said nonchalantly shows the depth of their friendship. Although a second thought came through his mind and out of his mouth. "Councilor!?"
"Right, you haven't heard yet. Star has been picked to be Udina's replacement. The other councilors thought that maybe a new figurehead will at least bolster some moral for the human species. It was Hackett who nominated her" Jared explained "You would not know how infuriated she was when she received the news, but it was all settled when Hackett and Hannah explained to her that it was just temporary"
"There is no way that Jane took that lightly"
"As I said, infuriated. She damned the council to suggest such a thing even after all the protest she did during the 2 years you were gone. But bygone be bygones, she begrudgingly accepted the role "
"So that Councilor Shepard was one of you! Ha, I knew you two were connected somehow" Wrex commented.
"You know her, Wrex?" Shepard turned to face the old battlemaster
"Do I know her, she was one of the councilors I was butting heads with on that little topic I mentioned when we met" Wrex answered "She has quads to argue with me on the expansion, I'll give her that"
"She's damn stubborn, like someone I know" Jared added, looking at Shepard's direction.
"She also had a child with this one fool who got half of his face melted attacking a batarian slaver with a flamethrower and can break that said fool's neck on a whim" A female voice said.
They turned to see the direction of the sound and saw the owner. She was lean, wearing a dress similar to the asari councilor, except white in color. Her hair was red, but in comparison to Jared's dark-red hair, hers was bright like flames, with eyes crystal blue and her features sharp with freckles covering part of her face. The woman was beautiful at the same time intimidating, holding a small child with similar features to the woman.
Shepard looked at the toddler, reminding him a little of Jared's face when he first met the colonist. He looked back at the woman, his old friend, the spacer, whom he met during his first day enlisting to the Alliance.
"Jane" Shepard smiled at the spacer
"Hi, John:"
"DADDY!" the toddler shouted
"SHIT, it's the Admiral", he yelped, probably the first time the crew heard from the young lieutenant.
"Admiral? What's an Admiral doing here?" Kasumi asked, suddenly appearing behind Vega.
"Not an Admiral, THE Admiral. That is Rear Admiral Jared Cox Shepard" Liara answered. "An old friend of Shepard...John. Also the Butcher of Torfan" the broker added.
The other group of biotics, one muscled lieutenant and a constantly hiding thief joined the Major watching their CO and his friend enter the bar room, which was occupied by one Comm Specialist and three of the galaxy's most brutal veterans of war, enjoying a swill made by the said Comm Specialist.
"That is a strange, if not, overwhelming trio I've seen by far" Miranda interjected. The others nodded in silence.
The two Shepards walk towards the bar, where they met Zaeed, Javik, and Wrex sitting around the coffee table awaiting a glass of Traynor's mix and Traynor preparing the said drinks behind the counter, showing off her bar-tending skills which Shepard had no knowledge she had.
"How about some for us?" Jared asked
The unfamiliar voice and the battle-worn face enforced a sense of hostility among the group as they could tell a person from their own kind. Everyone looked at Jared for a moment, but one suddenly recognized the Admiral and stopped mixing the drinks.
Who the hell are you?" Zaeed said. Jared's demeanor could outshine Zaeed's own scarred face. It was even worst than Garrus' scares. Jared's face looked like it could peel off any moment.
"Admiral Shepard, Sir!" Traynor saluted to the Admiral, whether out of fear or respect or both, she did so instinctively. The two Shepard who stood before her are legends in their own respect and feared by through their reputation, especially the one beside her CO.
"This human appears to be another Shepard" Javik stated. The Prothean's statement caught the two merc's attention, interested in this "other" Shepard. "A brother. Not of blood, but bond".
"At ease" Jared said, "I'm just here to meet with my old friend" he gestured to Shepard. He then turned to the group of exceptional warriors, not flinching a bit at the hostility they were releasing. "You must be the Prothean I heard a lot about." He glanced at Javik. "Admiral Jared Shepard, Alliance navy" Jared gave the group the widest smile he could afford, except it made him look even more menacing than his regular smile. The smile sent shivers down everyone's spine. "As the prothean said, no relations to the commander".
"If you were with Shepard, you gotta have some interesting stories" Wrex said. There is no hiding the slight gleam of excitement to meet a person that the commander deemed as 'brother'.
Jared let out a grin, "Ever heard of Torfan?"
Torfan. It was as if the word itself echoed throughout the apartment. Everyone heard of the Torfan incident from a few years back, even Javik was slightly impressed from the story of the ruthless human soldier who sent most of his unit to their deaths just to end up murdering the batarians who surrendered during the mission. His name was known and he became a symbol brutality, showing the extent of what humans are capable of.
"You're the goddamn soldier who killed my target?" Zaeed started.
"Zaeed Massani, I presume" Jared replied ,"That's right. I am the soldier who took down those batarian slavers at their own base of operation".
"I was paid a lot of credits to murder that bastard. Well, I still got paid, but there was no satisfaction from a half-ass contract"
"Are you related to a one Jane Shepard, Admiral?", Javik interjected, a bit intrigued by the Admiral's past.
"Indeed I am...Javik, if I am not mistaken. I believe the Councilor will make her appearance here soon"
"Wait, Jane's coming?" the look in Shepard face was filled with excitement as well as curiosity and surprise.
"Yeah, Star is busy with work at the moment. She'll be arriving soon"
The two made their way to the bar and sat down on the stools placed at one corner of the counter at Traynor's left. Traynor placed two glass in front of them and poured the mix she was working on. "A Samantha Traynor Original, boys"
"Thanks, Traynor" Shepard said, eyeing the drink for what seems to be glowing with luminescent green.
"My pleasure, Commander"
Shepard lingered back to the old nickname of his female companion, "Star..". The thought that Jared said nonchalantly shows the depth of their friendship. Although a second thought came through his mind and out of his mouth. "Councilor!?"
"Right, you haven't heard yet. Star has been picked to be Udina's replacement. The other councilors thought that maybe a new figurehead will at least bolster some moral for the human species. It was Hackett who nominated her" Jared explained "You would not know how infuriated she was when she received the news, but it was all settled when Hackett and Hannah explained to her that it was just temporary"
"There is no way that Jane took that lightly"
"As I said, infuriated. She damned the council to suggest such a thing even after all the protest she did during the 2 years you were gone. But bygone be bygones, she begrudgingly accepted the role "
"So that Councilor Shepard was one of you! Ha, I knew you two were connected somehow" Wrex commented.
"You know her, Wrex?" Shepard turned to face the old battlemaster
"Do I know her, she was one of the councilors I was butting heads with on that little topic I mentioned when we met" Wrex answered "She has quads to argue with me on the expansion, I'll give her that"
"She's damn stubborn, like someone I know" Jared added, looking at Shepard's direction.
"She also had a child with this one fool who got half of his face melted attacking a batarian slaver with a flamethrower and can break that said fool's neck on a whim" A female voice said.
They turned to see the direction of the sound and saw the owner. She was lean, wearing a dress similar to the asari councilor, except white in color. Her hair was red, but in comparison to Jared's dark-red hair, hers was bright like flames, with eyes crystal blue and her features sharp with freckles covering part of her face. The woman was beautiful at the same time intimidating, holding a small child with similar features to the woman.
Shepard looked at the toddler, reminding him a little of Jared's face when he first met the colonist. He looked back at the woman, his old friend, the spacer, whom he met during his first day enlisting to the Alliance.
"Jane" Shepard smiled at the spacer
"Hi, John:"
"DADDY!" the toddler shouted
Monday, June 17, 2013
A reunion of Shepards Chapter 3
"DADDY!!" a child's voiced followed after Jane's entrance. He struggled in his mother's embrace, excited at the sight of his father. Jane walk towards the two and handed the young toddler to Jared.
"H..hey, pup! The hel-h-how did you get here?" Jared tried his best to maintain his fatherly composure in front of the toddler, his voice slightly quivering at the unexpected appearance of his son.
"Mommy meets Daddy!! Johnny wanna meetss Daddy!!" the toddler answered with glee. The short answer brought laughter to the Commander, who was sat comfortably next to him, with a glass of Traynor's swill in hand.
The young admiral held the toddler and shot a look at Shepard's direction. The type of look that says "I'll kill you if you say anything", but the inaudible threat fazed through the amused Commander. In the end though, Shepard gave in to his friend's threat and stopped his laughter. His old friend, who was known as the "Butcher of Torfan" and who is apparently the youngest admiral ever, was pegged down by a his toddler son. Although amusing Shepard was intrigued by the presence of the child as well as his namesake.
"Jane, you named him John?" Shepard question the third Shepard.
"NOT JOHN, JOHNNY!!" Johnny rebutted. The toddler squirmed ferociously in the arms of his father. It seems he was not afraid of the unknown. Well, if the father looked like his face alone could stop the Reapers, being afraid of stranger was something non-existent to the toddler.
"Hush, lil' pup" Jared rocked his son to and fro, trying to soothe the toddler's outburst and hopefully succeed in cradling Johnny to sleep.
"Yes" Jane nodded "We sort of named him after you. I hope you don't mind". Her voiced trail a sight hint of sadness.
"It's fine, Jane. I;m actually honored" Shepard smiled. The little tyke rested comfortably in his father's arms. It was an odd sight, a man whose face was only holding together thanks to extensive input of cybernetics is holding his child who looks back to his dad with no fear of the man's cybernetic scars, but enjoying the view.
"I was thinking of changing his name, but he seem too attached to it. I guess I should start calling you Blue instead of John to avoid any awkwardness, huh" the Admiral said, calling his Spectre friend after his old nickname.
John smirked at the comment. He reminisce a few years back. Jane and Jared met up with Shepard at the Normandy's docking bay, giving the Commander one final farewell on his mission. Jane, already 3 month's pregnant with Jared's baby, hugged Shepard, saying goodbye. Jared followed after and telling him to kick some synthetic ass on his mission. All three Shepards were almost inseparable. Ever since their days as a marin, even when all three got into the N7 program. They were together on Elysium, where Jane earned her Star of Terra. The only time when they were not together was during when Jared was stationed to Torfan and shortly John went to Akuze.
It was a twist of fate when John Shepard was chosen to serve on the Normandy. They had joked on how in another lifetime, their roles would have changed. After one last hug and a tearful goodbye, the Earthborn, Sole-Survivor of Akuze went on his dubbed, "routine mission", unbeknownst to the fact that it'll set him on his path to his end. And his resurrection.
Shepard looked back at his friend's son. This child was living at the worst time within his cycle. At the same time, would be the first generation to enjoy the era of galactic peace. IF they won. He felt the pressure of one more hope rest on his shoulders and the memory of that one child he failed to save. Both felt real, but only the latter dug deep. At the very least, he knows what he was fighting for, but was it enough?
"John, are you ok?" Jane asked the Commander, whose faced suddenly went dark.
"It's..it's nothing"
"To hell it's nothing!" Jared exclaimed. Jane glared at her husband, cursing in front of their son. Then she noticed both of Jared's hands covering little Johnny's ears. Ignorant by what the adults were saying, the child stayed silent, allowing his imagination to craft whatever sort of story that comes to mind.
Worried by how the conversation was going to steer to, Jane gently took her son from Jared's embrace and tried to see if any of the gentleman on background would like to handle her baby, although when she thought about, it did not seem like a wise choice.
Before she could decide though, the so-called "gentlemen" have already left the premises. Somehow, the group of cold-blooded, dangerous, unpredictable individuals went passed the war-hero turned councilor. She was amazed by how nimble they were, but then felt a bit pissed by getting ignored without a second notice. Well, standing here feeling a bit dumb-founded (a slightly insulted) would not do her much.
Jane left the two to their conversation. Hopefully she could find someone to nanny the toddler. Preferably someone with experience..or an interested party. Jane was then flanked by an asari in what seems like red armored tights. She could tell that the blue alien was older than her, how many centuries she does not know, but there was an air of peace and tranquility, but also cold and sharp, like a well polished blade. She wore what seems to be a crown on her forehead.
"Allow me to be of assistance if you need" the asari said
"Umm..thank you..."
"Samara" the asari answered
Samara. That's one of John's old companion Jane thought "You're the Justicar" she accidentally let out
"That's right, Councilor. I have also heard many things of you"
"I hope all good"
"Indeed. Your actions on Elysium is nothing short of courageous and heroic. I've met many on my travel who wished to thank you for what happened on that day"
Jane smiled. She could feel the strength and sincerity behind the words the Justicar said. There have been many who said what she did back on Elysium was foolish and a that she only did it for the fame. But there were others who thanked her, the colonist that cried with tears of joy, grateful for her actions to saving them.
"Thank you, Samara. Although all I did was my duty, I'm thankful for those words"
"You did more than that. It seems like a common thing among you three. Whether it has to do with the name or just simply the ideal you each stood for, you three always seem to go beyond the call of duty"
"John is stubborn like that and my husband just hates following the norm. When he would never allow the unjust kill him without a fight, especially back in Torfan" Her tone grew somber when she mention Jared's act.
She remembered seeing his face when he came back. Completely burnt and bandaged. There was nothing left of Jared's old face. At least the surgery to redeem his face was successful, but his face has changed completely, as so was the man inside. He did not mind, though. The old Jared, as his wife, died back on Torfan. Flesh covered most of his face, but the cybernetic input filled in what the flesh could not, making his face show glowing scars. Among the things that was still the same was his dark-red hair, which he managed to grow through the years. One of his eye, however, was replaced, hence the mismatched color. He did not have full function of his face either, but Jared enjoyed the looks that people would give when he smiled at them.
"Are you an Asari?" the young toddler asked. His blue eyes filled with curiosity on the beautiful alien. The question threw Jane's train of thought, focusing back to reality.
"Indeed I am, little one"
"Your so....BLEW! and and..PWETTY!"
"Johnny, please don't shout when you talk to uncle John's friends, it's rude" Jane lectured Johnny.
"Uncle John?" the toddler cocked his head
"He's the man talking to your daddy. You met him just now. I mentioned him on the way here, were you listening?" The toddler shook his head. Jane sighed and looked back at Samara "I'm sorry, he gets excited when he meets someone interesting"
"I do not mind. His observation rivals our fearless Commander" Samara stated
"You could say that again" Jane chuckled. It was comforting for some reason. Talking to these people who served under John, they don't just act like their just another soldier. It's like talking to a relative of the Commander. Jane lingered on the thought for a moment and then asked the Justicar.
"Could you tell me about John. I mean, what happened after his...return" Jane flashed back to his funeral almost 3 years ago, where she cried, devastated at the lost of her closest friend. She could almost feel blood flowing out of her eyes. She did not, could not, say anything during his funeral. Now it was a distant memory. A memory which she had Jared to thank for helping her through the stages. "John didn't really call back and we sort of drifted after all these years"
Samara smiled sadly "I can tell you what I can. But from your tone, you mean to know something deeper, for that I know someone that can tell you who Shepard truly is"
As if on cue, Tali appeared beside Samara. Just finished reciting the elements and dancing her ass off, she decided a nice drink would do.
"Hey Samara, who are you talking to" the quarian asked. The shallow pants that followed told the two women how tired the quarian was.
"Good, you're here. I was talking to the councilor here about the commander and you know more about him than I as he is your hesh'la" The kheelish word rolled from Samara's lips. Jane cocked her head, unknown to what the last word meant. But Tali's reaction showed more to what the words meant.
K-Keelah, Samara, do you have t-to say that to everyone" Tali stammered, her face blushed behind the visor, forgetting the fatigue she had moments ago "I-I mean, yes, John and I are together but you don't need to say it in front of this stran-" as she was about to gesture Jane, Tali suddenly felt like there was something familiar about the human. She stopped at her tracks and looked closer at the human.
"You look familiar" Tali said. Then it struck her. "You're that human who was with that scary man back at the docking bay years ago!"
It also came to Jane. She remembered reading about the Commander's team on Anderson's report. John team consist of a few different species, among them was a female quarian who helped him chased Saren and as well as assisted him on the Collector's base. It was a remarkable feat that changed Jane's perspective on all quarian. The young councilor also remembered hearing from Anderson on keeping a certain quarian safe no matter the cost when Jane was still a Commodore under the SSV Einstein. She finally got what he meant by that.
The war hero grinned. She asked Samara to hold her son for a moment and turn to Tali. She grasped her hand.
"I've heard so much from you, Tali'Zorah" Jane started "But what I really want to know is how John was doing and you apparently know exactly what I mean"
"W-what do you mean-"
"Don't be coy with me, girlfriend! I've been around John for a long time and I can tell when someone is interested in him. You are not the first girl to fall for him, but you are definitely the one for him" Jane spoke to Tali like a high school gossip about their crush. "So lets play a game. Tell me something about John after his return and I'll tell you some interesting stories from when he was just a recruit, including all his embarrassing moments" The bait was set and Tali took it. She nodded in agreement and walk towards the living room, occupying one side of the couches. Samara and Jane followed after.
Time for a little payback The young councilor thought to herself.
"H..hey, pup! The hel-h-how did you get here?" Jared tried his best to maintain his fatherly composure in front of the toddler, his voice slightly quivering at the unexpected appearance of his son.
"Mommy meets Daddy!! Johnny wanna meetss Daddy!!" the toddler answered with glee. The short answer brought laughter to the Commander, who was sat comfortably next to him, with a glass of Traynor's swill in hand.
The young admiral held the toddler and shot a look at Shepard's direction. The type of look that says "I'll kill you if you say anything", but the inaudible threat fazed through the amused Commander. In the end though, Shepard gave in to his friend's threat and stopped his laughter. His old friend, who was known as the "Butcher of Torfan" and who is apparently the youngest admiral ever, was pegged down by a his toddler son. Although amusing Shepard was intrigued by the presence of the child as well as his namesake.
"Jane, you named him John?" Shepard question the third Shepard.
"NOT JOHN, JOHNNY!!" Johnny rebutted. The toddler squirmed ferociously in the arms of his father. It seems he was not afraid of the unknown. Well, if the father looked like his face alone could stop the Reapers, being afraid of stranger was something non-existent to the toddler.
"Hush, lil' pup" Jared rocked his son to and fro, trying to soothe the toddler's outburst and hopefully succeed in cradling Johnny to sleep.
"Yes" Jane nodded "We sort of named him after you. I hope you don't mind". Her voiced trail a sight hint of sadness.
"It's fine, Jane. I;m actually honored" Shepard smiled. The little tyke rested comfortably in his father's arms. It was an odd sight, a man whose face was only holding together thanks to extensive input of cybernetics is holding his child who looks back to his dad with no fear of the man's cybernetic scars, but enjoying the view.
"I was thinking of changing his name, but he seem too attached to it. I guess I should start calling you Blue instead of John to avoid any awkwardness, huh" the Admiral said, calling his Spectre friend after his old nickname.
John smirked at the comment. He reminisce a few years back. Jane and Jared met up with Shepard at the Normandy's docking bay, giving the Commander one final farewell on his mission. Jane, already 3 month's pregnant with Jared's baby, hugged Shepard, saying goodbye. Jared followed after and telling him to kick some synthetic ass on his mission. All three Shepards were almost inseparable. Ever since their days as a marin, even when all three got into the N7 program. They were together on Elysium, where Jane earned her Star of Terra. The only time when they were not together was during when Jared was stationed to Torfan and shortly John went to Akuze.
It was a twist of fate when John Shepard was chosen to serve on the Normandy. They had joked on how in another lifetime, their roles would have changed. After one last hug and a tearful goodbye, the Earthborn, Sole-Survivor of Akuze went on his dubbed, "routine mission", unbeknownst to the fact that it'll set him on his path to his end. And his resurrection.
Shepard looked back at his friend's son. This child was living at the worst time within his cycle. At the same time, would be the first generation to enjoy the era of galactic peace. IF they won. He felt the pressure of one more hope rest on his shoulders and the memory of that one child he failed to save. Both felt real, but only the latter dug deep. At the very least, he knows what he was fighting for, but was it enough?
"John, are you ok?" Jane asked the Commander, whose faced suddenly went dark.
"It's..it's nothing"
"To hell it's nothing!" Jared exclaimed. Jane glared at her husband, cursing in front of their son. Then she noticed both of Jared's hands covering little Johnny's ears. Ignorant by what the adults were saying, the child stayed silent, allowing his imagination to craft whatever sort of story that comes to mind.
Worried by how the conversation was going to steer to, Jane gently took her son from Jared's embrace and tried to see if any of the gentleman on background would like to handle her baby, although when she thought about, it did not seem like a wise choice.
Before she could decide though, the so-called "gentlemen" have already left the premises. Somehow, the group of cold-blooded, dangerous, unpredictable individuals went passed the war-hero turned councilor. She was amazed by how nimble they were, but then felt a bit pissed by getting ignored without a second notice. Well, standing here feeling a bit dumb-founded (a slightly insulted) would not do her much.
Jane left the two to their conversation. Hopefully she could find someone to nanny the toddler. Preferably someone with experience..or an interested party. Jane was then flanked by an asari in what seems like red armored tights. She could tell that the blue alien was older than her, how many centuries she does not know, but there was an air of peace and tranquility, but also cold and sharp, like a well polished blade. She wore what seems to be a crown on her forehead.
"Allow me to be of assistance if you need" the asari said
"Umm..thank you..."
"Samara" the asari answered
Samara. That's one of John's old companion Jane thought "You're the Justicar" she accidentally let out
"That's right, Councilor. I have also heard many things of you"
"I hope all good"
"Indeed. Your actions on Elysium is nothing short of courageous and heroic. I've met many on my travel who wished to thank you for what happened on that day"
Jane smiled. She could feel the strength and sincerity behind the words the Justicar said. There have been many who said what she did back on Elysium was foolish and a that she only did it for the fame. But there were others who thanked her, the colonist that cried with tears of joy, grateful for her actions to saving them.
"Thank you, Samara. Although all I did was my duty, I'm thankful for those words"
"You did more than that. It seems like a common thing among you three. Whether it has to do with the name or just simply the ideal you each stood for, you three always seem to go beyond the call of duty"
"John is stubborn like that and my husband just hates following the norm. When he would never allow the unjust kill him without a fight, especially back in Torfan" Her tone grew somber when she mention Jared's act.
She remembered seeing his face when he came back. Completely burnt and bandaged. There was nothing left of Jared's old face. At least the surgery to redeem his face was successful, but his face has changed completely, as so was the man inside. He did not mind, though. The old Jared, as his wife, died back on Torfan. Flesh covered most of his face, but the cybernetic input filled in what the flesh could not, making his face show glowing scars. Among the things that was still the same was his dark-red hair, which he managed to grow through the years. One of his eye, however, was replaced, hence the mismatched color. He did not have full function of his face either, but Jared enjoyed the looks that people would give when he smiled at them.
"Are you an Asari?" the young toddler asked. His blue eyes filled with curiosity on the beautiful alien. The question threw Jane's train of thought, focusing back to reality.
"Indeed I am, little one"
"Your so....BLEW! and and..PWETTY!"
"Johnny, please don't shout when you talk to uncle John's friends, it's rude" Jane lectured Johnny.
"Uncle John?" the toddler cocked his head
"He's the man talking to your daddy. You met him just now. I mentioned him on the way here, were you listening?" The toddler shook his head. Jane sighed and looked back at Samara "I'm sorry, he gets excited when he meets someone interesting"
"I do not mind. His observation rivals our fearless Commander" Samara stated
"You could say that again" Jane chuckled. It was comforting for some reason. Talking to these people who served under John, they don't just act like their just another soldier. It's like talking to a relative of the Commander. Jane lingered on the thought for a moment and then asked the Justicar.
"Could you tell me about John. I mean, what happened after his...return" Jane flashed back to his funeral almost 3 years ago, where she cried, devastated at the lost of her closest friend. She could almost feel blood flowing out of her eyes. She did not, could not, say anything during his funeral. Now it was a distant memory. A memory which she had Jared to thank for helping her through the stages. "John didn't really call back and we sort of drifted after all these years"
Samara smiled sadly "I can tell you what I can. But from your tone, you mean to know something deeper, for that I know someone that can tell you who Shepard truly is"
As if on cue, Tali appeared beside Samara. Just finished reciting the elements and dancing her ass off, she decided a nice drink would do.
"Hey Samara, who are you talking to" the quarian asked. The shallow pants that followed told the two women how tired the quarian was.
"Good, you're here. I was talking to the councilor here about the commander and you know more about him than I as he is your hesh'la" The kheelish word rolled from Samara's lips. Jane cocked her head, unknown to what the last word meant. But Tali's reaction showed more to what the words meant.
K-Keelah, Samara, do you have t-to say that to everyone" Tali stammered, her face blushed behind the visor, forgetting the fatigue she had moments ago "I-I mean, yes, John and I are together but you don't need to say it in front of this stran-" as she was about to gesture Jane, Tali suddenly felt like there was something familiar about the human. She stopped at her tracks and looked closer at the human.
"You look familiar" Tali said. Then it struck her. "You're that human who was with that scary man back at the docking bay years ago!"
It also came to Jane. She remembered reading about the Commander's team on Anderson's report. John team consist of a few different species, among them was a female quarian who helped him chased Saren and as well as assisted him on the Collector's base. It was a remarkable feat that changed Jane's perspective on all quarian. The young councilor also remembered hearing from Anderson on keeping a certain quarian safe no matter the cost when Jane was still a Commodore under the SSV Einstein. She finally got what he meant by that.
The war hero grinned. She asked Samara to hold her son for a moment and turn to Tali. She grasped her hand.
"I've heard so much from you, Tali'Zorah" Jane started "But what I really want to know is how John was doing and you apparently know exactly what I mean"
"W-what do you mean-"
"Don't be coy with me, girlfriend! I've been around John for a long time and I can tell when someone is interested in him. You are not the first girl to fall for him, but you are definitely the one for him" Jane spoke to Tali like a high school gossip about their crush. "So lets play a game. Tell me something about John after his return and I'll tell you some interesting stories from when he was just a recruit, including all his embarrassing moments" The bait was set and Tali took it. She nodded in agreement and walk towards the living room, occupying one side of the couches. Samara and Jane followed after.
Time for a little payback The young councilor thought to herself.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
A Shepard Reunion Chapter 1
Citadel, Shepard's Apartment
"No, Get lost" Grunt manned the front door, denying anyone from coming to Shepard's party. It wasn't much, but the simplicity of rejecting people was fun for the tanked-bred krogan. He grinned wickedly as each neighbor gets turned away, disappointed that they are unable to attend Shepard's legendary party, but too terrified to go against the krogan.
"How's it going over here?" Shepard asked. Shepard was curious on Grunt's slight giggle nearby the entrance, wondering whether the young krogan was laughing about his "incident" at he Presidium or just finding ways to past the time.
"It's going good", Grunt replied. He was having a lot fun just rejecting everyone who wanted to join the party.
"I can see that. Anyone interesting trying to get in"
"Not really" Grunt directed his attention back to the screen of a human and a dancing vorcha "Get lost!"
"You should let me decide that". A bit concern on Grunt's new hobby, Shepard wanted to see what was so interesting on denying anyone from coming in.
"Huh..Okay" Grunt reluctantly handed the next annoyance to Shepard, "But it's ugly out there"
Ok, bring out the next one, I doubt it'll be that bad, Shepard thought to himself. As soon as the next group appeared on the screen, Shepard was attacked by a shriek of excitement followed by the view of fangirls hoping to be noticed by the hero of the Citadel. The fangirls, which consist of asaris and humans, were just ecstatic at the sight of Commander Shepard.
Shepard turn to Grunt, "Grunt", he said "keep up the good work".
"Heh heh, will do" Grunt went back to rejecting the guest, "For the last time, NO!"
Shepard walked away and went about mingling with the rest of his crew, until he heard his name being called.
"John?" Shepard turn and saw the screen. A familiar face. A man with a scarred face appeared on the screen.
"There's no "John" here, get los-"
"Hold on, Grunt", Shepard was able to stop Grunt from turning down the man, "Let him in".
"Hmm" Grunt grumbled, feeling like his fun was spoiled.
"And what do you mean, "There's no John here"? Don't you know my name?"
"Never remembered you mentioning your name, Shepard" Grunt replied, "All I remembered from our first meeting was, 'I'm Commander Shepard'. No first name whatsoever." Shepard thought back to their first meeting and realized the numerous occasions on how he usually introduced himself. It was all formality, but at least someone should know his first name.
A moment passed, the door finally opened to a man, wearing the Alliance navy blue outfit, similar to Admiral Hackett's, and a face full of scars with a hint of cybernetics and a glowing red, left eye, while the right was crystal blue.
"John, it's been a while" said the man
"Jared! What are you doing here?"
"I came to see my old friend. It's a rare occasion to see the "Hero of the Citadel" on shore leave"
"I see" Shepard then realized something that was slightly amiss from the old friend. "You're an Admiral". It was not a question and Jared could also tell from the tone. Shepard was surprised for a moment, then quickly asserted himself back to the 'old friend' demeanor.
"At ease, John. Today is all about catching up, not reporting to the higher ups" Jared reassured. He knew full well how Shepard treated his higher-ups with respect. Well, only those who deserve the respect.
"You haven't changed a bit, Jared, especially the cybernetics" Shepard smiled. No matter the rank, the man standing before was still the same man who helped him get through the hard times after Akuze.
"Heh, a wound that let's me remember my greatest achievement...as well as my greatest fault" Jared reminisced, "But I hear you had it worse. Didn't bother calling us after your revival?"
Shepard winced at Jared's last remark. It's been years since the last time they met. He remembered when he said goodbye to Jared and another friend of his at the docks before his "death" from the Collecters two years back. He never contacted his friends after Cerberus revived him.
"I think you know about "that" from the reports"
"I did, but face-to-face interaction sounds more convincing than what I've read on paper""
"Ahem". The conversation was interrupted by Grunt's impatient grumble, "Is he coming inside or can I kick him out?"
"I would like to see you try, krogan" Jared grinned. He looked at Grunt in the eyes, showing his lack of fear towards the tank-bred and actually hoping for a fight. Gruntthought the same.
"Right, sorry about that" Shepard said, trying to avert any sort of confrontation at his party. he looked at Jared "Come on in"
"About time" Jared responded.
"No, Get lost" Grunt manned the front door, denying anyone from coming to Shepard's party. It wasn't much, but the simplicity of rejecting people was fun for the tanked-bred krogan. He grinned wickedly as each neighbor gets turned away, disappointed that they are unable to attend Shepard's legendary party, but too terrified to go against the krogan.
"How's it going over here?" Shepard asked. Shepard was curious on Grunt's slight giggle nearby the entrance, wondering whether the young krogan was laughing about his "incident" at he Presidium or just finding ways to past the time.
"It's going good", Grunt replied. He was having a lot fun just rejecting everyone who wanted to join the party.
"I can see that. Anyone interesting trying to get in"
"Not really" Grunt directed his attention back to the screen of a human and a dancing vorcha "Get lost!"
"You should let me decide that". A bit concern on Grunt's new hobby, Shepard wanted to see what was so interesting on denying anyone from coming in.
"Huh..Okay" Grunt reluctantly handed the next annoyance to Shepard, "But it's ugly out there"
Ok, bring out the next one, I doubt it'll be that bad, Shepard thought to himself. As soon as the next group appeared on the screen, Shepard was attacked by a shriek of excitement followed by the view of fangirls hoping to be noticed by the hero of the Citadel. The fangirls, which consist of asaris and humans, were just ecstatic at the sight of Commander Shepard.
Shepard turn to Grunt, "Grunt", he said "keep up the good work".
"Heh heh, will do" Grunt went back to rejecting the guest, "For the last time, NO!"
Shepard walked away and went about mingling with the rest of his crew, until he heard his name being called.
"John?" Shepard turn and saw the screen. A familiar face. A man with a scarred face appeared on the screen.
"There's no "John" here, get los-"
"Hold on, Grunt", Shepard was able to stop Grunt from turning down the man, "Let him in".
"Hmm" Grunt grumbled, feeling like his fun was spoiled.
"And what do you mean, "There's no John here"? Don't you know my name?"
"Never remembered you mentioning your name, Shepard" Grunt replied, "All I remembered from our first meeting was, 'I'm Commander Shepard'. No first name whatsoever." Shepard thought back to their first meeting and realized the numerous occasions on how he usually introduced himself. It was all formality, but at least someone should know his first name.
A moment passed, the door finally opened to a man, wearing the Alliance navy blue outfit, similar to Admiral Hackett's, and a face full of scars with a hint of cybernetics and a glowing red, left eye, while the right was crystal blue.
"John, it's been a while" said the man
"Jared! What are you doing here?"
"I came to see my old friend. It's a rare occasion to see the "Hero of the Citadel" on shore leave"
"I see" Shepard then realized something that was slightly amiss from the old friend. "You're an Admiral". It was not a question and Jared could also tell from the tone. Shepard was surprised for a moment, then quickly asserted himself back to the 'old friend' demeanor.
"At ease, John. Today is all about catching up, not reporting to the higher ups" Jared reassured. He knew full well how Shepard treated his higher-ups with respect. Well, only those who deserve the respect.
"You haven't changed a bit, Jared, especially the cybernetics" Shepard smiled. No matter the rank, the man standing before was still the same man who helped him get through the hard times after Akuze.
"Heh, a wound that let's me remember my greatest achievement...as well as my greatest fault" Jared reminisced, "But I hear you had it worse. Didn't bother calling us after your revival?"
Shepard winced at Jared's last remark. It's been years since the last time they met. He remembered when he said goodbye to Jared and another friend of his at the docks before his "death" from the Collecters two years back. He never contacted his friends after Cerberus revived him.
"I think you know about "that" from the reports"
"I did, but face-to-face interaction sounds more convincing than what I've read on paper""
"Ahem". The conversation was interrupted by Grunt's impatient grumble, "Is he coming inside or can I kick him out?"
"I would like to see you try, krogan" Jared grinned. He looked at Grunt in the eyes, showing his lack of fear towards the tank-bred and actually hoping for a fight. Gruntthought the same.
"Right, sorry about that" Shepard said, trying to avert any sort of confrontation at his party. he looked at Jared "Come on in"
"About time" Jared responded.
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