Spoilers for ME3 possible in comments.

[2nd_spectre]

You've been fighting off the idea of trying your hand at me since day one. I can't say I'm surprised this happened. Well, maybe just a little.

Whatever happens, if you can at least allow me to stand by Shepard's side then we'll have no problems... ah, ma'am. [A small nod, he can't help but be polite. Though he does wonder if his mundane minds being called ma'am. Too late now?]

Comments

[galacticheroine]

Shouldn't be too hard, seems like there's a Shepard in every port, these days.

[2nd_spectre]

I can't say that would be all that bad for us. An army of you would only improve our chances, Commander.

[galacticheroine]

I don't know, I butt heads with my own conscience often enough. I don't think an entire army of me would be able to get anything done.

[reigninginstars]

Welcome aboard, Kaidan.

[2nd_spectre]

Haha, that may be true, but I think you're selling yourself short. Besides, I think all of us could manage to keep you... well, all of you in line some how.

We'd get things done, Commander. We always do.

[2nd_spectre]

[He'll snap into a prompt salute.]

Commander. Thank you for having me aboard.

[reigninginstars]

[Shepard nods in response to that salute.]

I hope you've been well.

[fightforthelost]

She didn't have a chance. You're a damn fine soldier and a persistent bastard.

[SAID with that renegade swagger and a grin. It's all in good fun, bro.]

[galacticheroine]

That we do. [small chuckle] All the same, though, I'd rather stick with one of me, per universe. It seems to be a formula that's working. Most of the time.

[2nd_spectre]

Been busy, but well--

... I've missed you. Think we've all missed you. How have you been, Shepard? Things got real messy back there, I don't think any of us really understand what happened.

[reigninginstars]

I've missed you too, Kaidan.

Yeah... it was pretty chaotic, but I'm okay. [A beat.] I've been shipped off to some new place. It's nothing like home.

[2nd_spectre]

Hah... I think I'll take that as a compliment, Commander.

Though I think that can go both ways. I don't know where we would be without you, hell, I don't know where anyone would be without you. We'd be in a hell of a lot worse shape if you weren't here.

You've done a lot, even if we don't always see eye to eye, you get things done and that takes a certain sort of person. I doubt there is anyone quite like you out there, Commander. [Kaidan. You talk too much. Though Shepard probably enjoys the praise as it is.]

[fightforthelost]

[Oh, renegade Sheploo does enjoy it indeed in his own way, but he still knows he couldn't have done it without his team.]

Save some of that praise for yourself, Major. It was a team effort. It always is.

[2nd_spectre]

Is that an order, sir?

Won't disagree with you there. But the fact you managed to get the entire universe to work together as a team to face the reapers... that was you. You've done some amazing things, Shepard, no one else can take the credit for that.

[daisybell]

That's it? Seriously?

[2nd_spectre]

If you'd like, I could stand beside you too, Joker.

But I wouldn't want to obstruct the view beside you.

[2nd_spectre]

Glad to hear. I think we were all ready for the worst possible option to happen, but it's good to see you're alright.

Even if the reapers are no longer a threat, we need you. We'll always need you. [The universe wouldn't be the same without Commander Shepard in it.]

Did they even give you a moment to collect yourself before sending you off? Where have you been shipped to?

[fightforthelost]

An order? Nah, I'm on a bit of an extended vacation.

[After that last mission and all.]

And if I didn't do it, somebody else would have came along and tried. The signs were obvious. If the galaxy didn't unite, everybody would have been dead in no time. Even the Council saw it for a change.

[daisybell]

Oh come on, you know that's not what I mean. If you're gonna make a list of demands, at least include something about all-expense-paid vacations and tropical beaches.

[ gosh, Kaidan ]

But if you are planning a heart-warming photo op, you can be second from my right.

[2nd_spectre]

[That last mission that ended... how it did. Yep.]

The Council may have seen it, but they were sure stubborn about doing the right thing. We sure had to do our share of everyone's dirty laundry before they would cooperate with us.

You would think that reapers threatening the entire universe as we know it would make things easier in that regard.

[reigninginstars]

You've always gotta be ready for the worst possible outcome - you never know how it'll turn up. I must admit I'm glad it didn't come to that either.

[Shepard can't help but to chuckle at the mention of always needing her. Well she certainly wasn't going anywhere any time soon.]

Not really, but I was greeted with familiar faces when I arrived there. It's a ship called the S.S. Thor.

[fightforthelost]

Nothing's ever easy. I've said it before: just once I'd like to show up to recruit someone and have them say, "Sure, let's go right now. No strings attached."

Never happens. Being humanity's second Spectre and all, you might find that out for yourself. Most of the time everybody's out for themselves.

[2nd_spectre]

So you think she could handle a case of Canadian beer then? Not as glamorous as a vacation, but man do I miss the stuff.

[Don't you gosh me, mister.]

Of course. I wouldn't want to steal the first spot from EDI. I doubt she would let me anyway.

[2nd_spectre]

[Kaidan would be lying if he said he wouldn't enjoy an army of Shepards to have the attention of. But that could get messy, real quick he was sure.]

True enough.

So, what are you up to now, Shepard? I'm sure you could use a break after saving the universe, yet again.

[2nd_spectre]

Heh. If only.

And it's times like this that I don't envy you, Shepard. Not sure I have the knack you do for recruiting people though, but if that time ever comes I will certainly do my best. I have worked along side the best, hopefully some of it stuck.