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

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.