tushanshu | 006; video;

[Shepard looks a little less military-formal and a little more plain old contemplative today. This post is less about making an announcement or speech, perhaps, and more about making connections.]

I don't suppose many others here find the turtle diving sort of... comforting. Being underwater reminds me of space. There's no day-night cycle when you're in the black. It's really disconcerting at first, but after a while, you learn to sleep when your body needs to, rather than when the clock tells you it's night.

I was only just starting to get used to being on Earth again, when I was brought here. I hadn't been back in years.

[She sort of squints vaguely into the distance for a moment, like she's lost in a memory, her brow furrowed. Then she snaps back to herself and addresses the screen with a bit more of her usual professionalism.]

To the newcomers, I'm Commander Jane Shepard - Alliance Navy. [A brief hesitation, as she almost says formerly, but she's not willing to deal with that just yet.]

If anyone needs something to do, and you have medical or defense experience, let me know. I've got some teams working on emergency preparedness plans, and we could always use more help.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

How long were you in space for? It's certainly a whole other spectrum out there.

[Her mouth twists a little, a wry approximation of a smile, because what she's about to say will probably sound a little absurd.]

If you count the two years I spent in a coma, over five years.

Oh. [Good job, Doc.] I'm sorry about that.

Don't worry about it. It's not like I remember it.

I suppose that's true.

I've spent some time in space, as well. I wasn't very fond of it, I'm sad to say.

I like it. It started out as an escape - an orphan growing up on the streets doesn't have a lot of options. It was pretty much either join a gang or enlist.

But I don't know. I've seen some terrible things, but I've also seen some amazing things. And - some of the best people. Maybe it's ironic - I got spaced, that's what put me in that coma. But I'd still rather be out there than stuck on the ground forever.

To each her own then. An escape is seldom a bad thing and I can't very well blame you for wanting a way out of that.

[Terrible things, amazing things, and the best people. That sounded like a very familiar life.] Sounds like your career in space is very similar to my career in Providence. Maybe it's not always great, but it's still home.

Yeah. Home. [She nods a little.] That's about right.

[No place like home... That's probably a good thing.]

... Anyway, I thought I should mention to you that I plan to speak to the Emperor about conducting experiments on Tu Vishan and his... magic, I guess you would call it. If she agrees, a lot more can be learned about this place.

Good luck. If you'd like, I'd be willing to add my voice to yours - if you think it'll help convince her.

[Shepard isn't sure anything could convince her to let foreigners have unfettered access to the turtle, but she'll try to help however she can. The more information they can get, the better.]

I may take you up on that, but I'm still trying to get my case together. If I need an extra voice, particularly yours, I'll contact you. Thanks.

Anytime. Can't say I like dealing with politicians, but I've had to do a lot of it.

Yeah, I can't blame you there. This isn't the first time I've had to ask for permission or funding from a political standpoint. It's never fun.

No, no it's not. Explaining myself to commanding officers, I can do. Explaining myself to politicians, who have no concept of what it means to have to make decisions in difficult situations...

Don't remind me. [She's having horrible flashbacks now.]

Perhaps the Emperor is different... and if she refuses my request, perhaps there will be a good explanation as to why.

She's... a self-involved asshole who likes to make a big show of being far too important for the petty problems of the foreigners. I don't think she's heard of the word "diplomacy".

Oh.

... I know a guy like that... That's a good thing.

A good thing?

Well... whatever works for you.

I'm used to dealing with that sort of person...

Then again, maybe it's not. The guy I knew like that wasn't a big fan of me.

Can't say I've got a lot of politician friends, either. But sometimes having them owe you is better than having their friendship.

Yeah... I'm usually on the other end of that stick.

I do have a fresh start here, though. I'll just have to see what I can do with what's given. It can't be too hard.

Sometimes a fresh start is all someone needs.

I hope you're right.