Chapter 1: Speculations

1 Year after the Reaper’s attack on the Citadel, everything was still not completely back to normal. Some were still edgy about the fact that it was that easy for a large force such as the Reapers to get into the Citadel and nearly destroy everything if it wasn’t for Commander Shepherd and his crew aboard the Normandy. In that time, there had been a few attempts to assassinate former Commander, John S. Anderson since he became the human representative on the Council. Many members of differing races did not like the fact that a human had been appointed to the council either at all or before someone from their race had been overlooked for him. Most of the threats had been thwarted before even concern had arisen. A handful, however, had caused some to wonder whether or not humans having a seat on the council was worth all the trouble it was causing. For most it was an unwanted question since they believed it had been a long time coming at that since a human was the one who saved the galaxy from the Reapers, how could they deny them this, without one of them there wouldn’t be a council at all.

When the few assassinations that demanded action arose, action was taken in the form of Commander John Shepherd and his crew aboard the Normandy. Upon finding out how serious the threat indeed was, the Council would contact the Normandy, inform them on the situation, then let the SPECTRE-led crew do it’s job and handle the situation which they did without fail. Even though SPECTRE’s only had to listen to the council, Commander Shepherd wouldn’t listen to anyone but council member, Ex-Captain Anderson, the man he served under originally on the Normandy and ended up being a big catalyst in him becoming a SPECTRE. No matter the situation, there was always a mutual appreciation between them that couldn’t be matched.

Another acquaintance of Commander Shepherd that has since become a fixture in his life, is Gunnery Chief Ashley Williams. She had originally been stationed at Eden Prime before the initial attack from the Geth, Saren, And the large Reaper known as Sovereign. After the Normandy landed and the shore party which consisted of Private Jenkins, Lieutenant (Kaidan) Alenko, and Commander Shepherd was sent out, a few minutes after being sent out, Jenkins was gunned down by Geth patrols, afterwards Alenko and Shepherd saved Williams from two Geth Shock Troopers and she joined with them to finish the mission. After it was completed, she was brought aboard the Normandy and has served there ever since. After becoming part of the crew, she and Commander Shepherd seemed to have a spark between them that seemed apparent to certain crew members depending on who you asked. Before the big galactic war at inside and around the Citadel with Saren and Sovereign, she and Shepherd consummated their feelings for each other and things haven’t changed that much since… Until now…

Before docking at the Citadel just for some R&R for the whole crew, Commander Shepherd decides to make a round and tell everybody the specifics on this little relaxation period for the crew.

“So you are saying that for the next 4 days we are to leave the ship and go about on our own on the Citadel?”

“Well for starters, yes, but it’s not like I’m trying to force you to do so if you don’t want to, Tali.”

“Oh, I apologize. It’s just that I am still so fascinated about the inner workings of this ship even after all this time on it. Will it be ok if I just stay here?” the Quarian asks tentatively.

“By all means, if you want to go ahead. Don’t let me stop you.” Shepherd replies before making his way to the door, “just remember that you can go out and walk around a bit if you get bored.” he calls back to her as he walks through the door.

“Yes sir” Tali responds before turning back to what she was doing.

While making his way towards the Doctor’s station, Shepherd ends up running across Liara and Garrus sitting across from each other at a table.

“Garrus, Liara. What are you two doing?”

“Just discussing different things , Commander.” Garrus responds timely before leaning back in his seat.

“Yes, did you need something Shepherd?” Liara asks.

“Not really, just here informing everybody that for the next 5 days the Normandy will be docked at the Citadel and all personnel aboard the Normandy is free to do what they want for that time span.” Shepherd informs them while not really breaking stride.

“Really? That’s quite generous, Shepherd.” Liara tells him while rising from her seat. “Maybe I’ll go and see the Consort… I’ve never met her before and I’ve heard so much about her.”

“Well, no matter what I decide to do. I’m staying away from C-Sec… Last thing I want is to cause a scene.” Garrus adds.

“Whatever you two decide to do, just make sure you’re back before it’s time to head on out. Don’t want to leave anyone behind. I’ll have orders to give once we leave.” Shepherd tells them before walking into the Doctor’s station. After walking in, he finds both Ashley and Doctor Chakwas both standing near her computer looking at something before they notice his figure in the doorway.

“Shepard , hey.” Ashley calls out from where she stood with a smile.

“Hello, Commander” Doctor Chakwas adds in while getting up from her seat.

“Hey you two, just wanted to inform everyone about the 5-day break we’ll be having starting today as soon as we dock at the Citadel.” he informs them.

“Wow, what brought this decision to fruition?” Chakwas asks.

“Just figured that everybody was deserving of a break, so here it is.” Shepard responds while leaning back against a wall and loosely folding his arms across his chest.

“That’s pretty generous of you, Commander” Ashley speaks up with a smile.

“Yeah, I thought so too.” he replies while waving to them and walking out of the doctor’s quarters.

“…How long until you think he notices?” Ashley asks the doctor in a hushed tone.

“I’m actually surprised that he hasn’t noticed already, you’ve already put on close to 25 pounds in a span of two months, Williams.” Doctor Chakwas replies while looking at her computer.

“Yeah, I just don’t know how he’ll react though, he’s always into completing missions. You think me being pregnant would stress him out too much?” Ashley asks while looking down at her body which had expanded in the last two months so much that her fleet-issued outfit was looking extremely snug on her. All in all, her whole body had softened causing her to not exactly look pregnant, instead just that she had gained weight and quite a bit went to her middle. Her stomach had swollen out while her hips, thighs and breasts had each puffed out about equally.