Unstoppable Force, Immovable Object
KallenShepard sauntered onto the Normandy’s lounge. She was just shy of tipsy on ryncol and was feeling good about herself. But then again, she almost always felt good about herself. Confidence and ego were two things Kallen had in abundance, though many did not begrudge her that self proclaimed honor. She got the job done like no other Spectre … ever. The press called her the “Butcher of Torfan,” a name she wore proudly. Not because she was really that ruthless, but because she knew the cost of war, the sacrifice she and others had to make. The title was a reminder of what she was capable of and what she had to let go. Kallen brushed the deep red spiky bangs out of her eyes and took a gander at the sight before her. There had to be at least fifteen women on the observation deck, mingling, laughing, talking and every single one a variation of her. In other words, each woman was Commander Shepard.
Kallen didn’t know the specifics, but Liara had found a Prothean portal that that she thought linked to different mass effect relays outside the galaxy. It didn’t. It linked to different universes. When the Shepards found each other it was odd at first, but ultimately most were glad to have others that could relate to each other’s experiences. Not all Shepards shared the same background or mindset, but it didn’t matter. They were just glad they found each other. Kallen was happy to have friends she considered her equal … well, almost equal.
“Hey, Shepard!”Kallen blurted out into the crowd.
There was a collective “yes” a few groans and a couple of chuckles. Kallen laughed to herself and headed to the bar. Kasumi, her face still partially covered by her bright red hood, was tending the bar and looking a little haggard while wiping a mixture of alcohols off its surface.
“Have you ever tried to keep 20 women satisfied with booze?” Kasumi said, not really expecting an answer.
“Not with booze.” Kallen replied in a bragging tone.
“Sorry, I forgot who I was talking to.”
“Ha!” Kallen let out an uproarious laugh that nearly silenced the room. Kasumi smirked and went back to cleaning the bar.
“Hey, Kasumi? Have you snagged Jacob, yet?”
Kasumi looked up from behind the table. “Not yet. I swear that man is so straight he’s crooked. Not that I’m complaining, but he could have something a cute little Japanese thief could help him fix.” The thief went back to sorting the bottle of liquor.
Kallen bent over the table, looked down at Kasumi and whispered, “I could go ask him if her likes sushi.”
Kasumi just shook her head. “Thanks, but I can manage on my own.”
“I like sushi … if you know what I mean.” Kallen smirked.
Kasumi sighed as she looked up at the red headed SPECTRE. “You do have to be … you. Don’t you?”
Kallen had a grin on her face that could charm a hungry Yahg out of its last meal. “Always.”
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