N7 Day Speedwrite

A few people tagged me to do a five minute speed write, so here it is. In honor of N7 Day. 😀 (it took 8 minutes with no editing.)

“Will they ever stop with the banner waving?” Shepard stepped out of the skycar slower than he used to. He had to brace a little bit more. Adjust his cane more carefully. Kaidan kept telling him to have the knee replacement surgery, but Shepard thought he’d had enough of that after the war. More than most people, and more than he ever wanted again.

Kaidan smiled at him, the same unchanging indulgent look that had never changed save for more lines around the mouth and more gray in the stubble. Still strength in the arms that looped under his elbow and guided him towards the dry dock. “Not until we’re long dead and gone. Maybe not even then. But this is important, saying good bye to a flagship.”

Shepard watched his steps more out of cowardice than necessity. Today was the day, and it felt like truly the end of his era. He’d retired years back, but the Normandy had still been out there back then. James had been at the helm and not yet teaching at the academy.

“Do you remember when she used to be the most advanced ship in the fleet?” Kaidan asked.

“That was decades ago,” Shepard answered, finally casting his eyes up to the old girl. Finally, he smiled too. “She still looks new.”

Kaidan’s hand tightened on his arm. “Do you wanna… do a final tour before they start decommissioning her?”

“I don’t know,” Shepard said honestly. “I’m not sure I’d want to see how she’s changed inside.” But that was a lie. And his feet kept pulling him towards the ship. Young marines in dress uniforms saluted him and Kaidan and welcomed him aboard.

“She’ll always be how we remembered,” Kaidan said softly, reverently as they walked the CIC, the cockpit, medbay, shuttle bay, Captain’s Cabin. Kaidan walked down the stairs to the middle of the cabin, though Shepard stayed by the door. “Lots of ghosts here.”

“Ours,” Shepard said. “Strange feeling.”

Kaidan rubbed his arms. “You’re right.”

“I’m ready to go now,” Shepard said after another moment. But back in the CIC, Shepard took the time to go to the star map one more time. Lay his hands on the controls, even though the power had been shut off. Ran his fingers over the cold metal and haptic interface. He’d always remember the feeling.

“Signing off,” he said under his breath. Then he turned. Silently took Kaidan’s hand and departed the Normandy for the last time. Leaving those words there for as long as they wanted to stay.