re: citadel dlc

[sheepherds]

Until now, I had this. I mean, there were some rough patches, but with crew to talk to, I had it handled. But now, after watching the guy who looked just like me fall to his death? Who only existed because some mad scientists wouldn't let me rest in peace? Therapy's starting to sound like a thing I need in my life. 

Who do I bill for that kind of thing, anyway?

Just another thing to look forward to once all of this is over.

Comments

[keelah]

Truth.

I'd say you've earned a free of charge.

[sheepherds]

Look at it that way, we all have. These few years have dredged up a lot of demons for everyone onboard, and created plenty of new ones. The least the Alliance can do is make sure our heads get screwed back on straight.

Although, that's assuming we can get everyone to agree to go.

[n7shepard_spectre]

The really bad part is that's not even the half of it.

[keelah]

Don't know. Boozing seems to work pretty well for me.

[ Kidding. ]

[sheepherds]

If it's the Reapers, I'm prepared for that. But another surreal stunt that makes me question who I am and what it means to be an individual? I'm out.

[or maybe not out, because you don't just get to quit being the savior of the known universe, but you know, the point stands]

[sheepherds]

I don't recall saying sobriety was required.

[n7shepard_spectre]

I suppose that would depend on your view of the sacrifices you've made, and the ones still to be made.

[Yeah, not even dying let's you get out of doing that it seems.]

[sheepherds]

I've given up a hell of a lot. No sense stopping now.

[n7shepard_spectre]

Good attitude to have, kid. You're gonna need that in the weeks? months? (Just how long is this game? Thank you BioWare for no exact measurement) to come.

[sheepherds]

Says the lady who doesn't look a day past 25. You trying to give me the superior officer talk?

[keelah]

Ha. Some of our ragtag group might just be convinced, then.

[n7shepard_spectre]

Flattery, huh? Nice, but you're wasting your efforts there. I'm a bit older than I look. Guess that's just one unexpected side benefit of being rebuilt by those Cerberus bastards.

Cmdr Shepard, Alliance Navy, Council Spectre.

[sheepherds]

[salutes, then automatically by rote:]

Commander Shepherd, Alliance Navy, Council Spectre.

[his hand drops, and so does the formality]

Tell me multiple universe theory is true and that I don't have a third, female clone. Or second clone. Third me. However you want to put it.

[sheepherds]

Only if someone else is buying.

[keelah]

Can the Alliance have that bill too?

[n7shepard_spectre]

Oh, there's only one universe, but something about multiple realities, or some crazy thing like that. Tech never was my strong suit. Give me a gun, and I'm fine.

Though, the real question here is, how can you be certain you aren't the clone?

[sheepherds]

Cerberus can fabricate DNA, but they can't fabricate memories. I remember my life, so I'm the genuine article. If you remember your life, you're the real you, from your reality. And even if you didn't, your life would still hold meaning without those memories-- you might not be me, but you're still a human.

[and a pause after that small speech]

So you're a heavy gun? No biotics?

[sheepherds]

Depends who drinks the most.

Is Wrex coming?

[n7shepard_spectre]

Um, yeah, that was a bit over my head. I'll take your word on that.

Primarily. I was exposed to eezo, though no formal training. Am able to use Slam, though

[which is odd, since lift or warp would be more likely one would think]

[sheepherds]

No formal training? Does your commanding officer know?

[okay, so they only really answer to Anderson and the Council anymore, but years spent dutifully following a chain of command makes you question things like that]

I've been taught by mom's shipmates since I was a kid, plus more at the Academy. Almost went to an all-biotics unit, so I was in that program for a while.

Could've been in Kaiden's place, easy.

[n7shepard_spectre]

[smirks slightly] Yes, I'm fully aware of my training. Though Admiral Hackett and Anderson knew as well. Likely would have gone to BAaT, though it closed right before my secondary exposure.

Prefer my guns anyways, I think. Can pick off someone before they can even see me to get of a biotic attack.

Left him behind on Virmire also, I'm guessing?

[sheepherds]

I didn't leave him.

...I thought he'd be okay. He was with the Salarians. Gave them every advantage I could.

[nope, not talking about how that brought up all his Akuze issues again.]

[n7shepard_spectre]

Wait, you had Kaiden with the Salarians?

[*scratches head*]

Things were way different there. Ash was with Kirrahe, Kaiden with the bomb. Rescued Ash and the Salarian STG squad.

I'm curious now. Conrad Verner.

[sheepherds]

I sent Kaiden with the Salarians because I could be sure he'd fall in line with Kirrahe's orders, and stay that way under pressure. They had a better shot as a unit and I wasn't gonna let Ash be a martyr.

Damn. Really is an alternate universe.

Conrad... meant well. But he wasn't Spectre material, so I told him his wife needed him more.

[n7shepard_spectre]

Understandable. Thought Ash would be better given she could offer better fire support.

[there might have been some personal feelings involved as well, but she's not gonna talk about that]

Yeah, definitely not Spectre material. Although he is persistent.

[sheepherds]

[overjustifying the logic because he couldn't live with himself if he accepted his feelings for Ash were a factor]

Seriously. Okay, my turn. The Rachni queen. The Battarian relay. Brainwashing the Geth for the greater good versus letting them die for their beliefs.

[read: all the things he's had doubts about]

[n7shepard_spectre]

I let the queen go. Couldn't commit an entire race to extinction. Totally pissed the Council off on that one, but, screw 'em, I did what I felt was right. Actually proved to be better than everyone thought, since they proved to be a great help in building the Crucible.

The relay... damn, wish there was something I could have done to warn them, but couldn't let the Reapers have the chance to invade. Let one system be destroyed, or let the whole galaxy fall... tough choice, but guess that's why I... er, we... were chosen for N7. If it comes down to it, they know we can make that call and do it.

Rewrote the heretics.

[sheepherds]

Two for three. The heretics deserved the right to die for their beliefs like any organic. Rewriting them felt like a war crime. And I had my doubts about the Rachni, but they came through in the end.

[bitterly]

But I hate how people look at me like I know how to do things so much better. Because I'm "Commander Shepard". I know how to take care of my people and make the best out of a bad situation. I didn't earn this rank by sitting around. But nobody's ever cut out for a job like saving the damn universe, at least the way they talk about it.

You know what I'm saying?

[n7shepard_spectre]

Oh yeah. Don't want to believe you, yet expect you to save the galaxy, and not on of them even knows your first name.

[Do I even know my own first name? I know it's not Commander.]

[sheepherds]

Kinda hope some of 'em at least recognize it, with it written right there in front of their faces on the dossier.

[they still probably don't]

Seems like we'd have to do first names between us, I can't call you 'Shepard' with a straight face. So... Isaac. It's a pleasure.

[n7shepard_spectre]

One can only hope.

[It's doubtful. Just lead you on with a flirtatious 'Skipper', and aren't even really interested]

Yeah, don't think I could call you 'the Commander' and keep my composure, either. [Seriously, is every other Commander and Lt Commander so bad that I/we are the only one worthy of being deemed as 'The Commander'?] Jakayla. Pleasure, Isaac.

[sheepherds]

[or call you 'Skipper' and are interested.]

Haven't heard that one before. I like it. Was that Mom's pick for a name?

[n7shepard_spectre]

[Glaring Shepard is glaring. Thank you soooo much, BioWare, for obvious oversight and lack of romantic options for femShep. Although, she's the only one to get Traynor. That voice.]

Yeah. Mom wanted something different than the usual. Guess it sort of helped when I got a little more noteworthy than they expected.

[sheepherds]

[tbh Ashley not being bi was complete bullshit, there's no way that woman is exclusively heterosexual]

I'll say. Still can't believe there are VIs of us.

At least they're just propaganda and not really accurate.

[n7shepard_spectre]

[IKR? And Jack, having admitted to being with women, or Tali, with total hero worship she had going on? And not one being romancable? Miranda I can see, but the others? Really?]

Oh, don't even get me started on that. Seven percent accuracy? I sound nothing like that.

[And not going to admit that she has a copy of hers, nope.]

[sheepherds]

[where are the lesbians bioware]

Seems like that should be illegal, or something, to take our image like that.

[n7shepard_spectre]

[Exactly. Need DA2 options with ME romance style. give me everyone, but make me work for it, not just flung at me at first meeting. At the very least, something besides aliens or lesbians with little choice in the lesbian department]

Yeah, don't think we can, since technically, we were dead at the time.

[sheepherds]

True.