[Book Four] Chapter 12: Vacation days

Chapter 12: Vacation days

The visit ended well. All visitors were more than satisfied with what they had seen and felt like their money was well invested. Some considered investing more while others tried to recruit students in their last years.
Tevos had requested to see footage of the biotic training as Kahlee had purposefully glossed over quickly during the meeting in the morning and had been completely dumbfounded by the results the students made. More importantly she looked at Rick in a new light when she got a glimpse of him actually teaching theory and the practical. Especially the practical. The first week, the student got, for a lack of a better word, tortured to all hell with Rick sending them flying a few feet away for not dodging his Throws that he was sending with deadly accuracy and with a lot of punch in her opinion. While doing so, he shouted corrections to their movements and gave advice. She couldn’t believe that such a method of training could bore fruit, especially when the students, sometimes children, were laying on the ground all bruised. Yet as time passed they all improved at a very fast rate that she had never witnessed before.

“When you get tired of getting hurt you do whatever it takes to avoid the pain. In a state of panic and fear they are more alert, more focused on their surroundings and so learn faster and better. Of course a great deal of control is needed from the instructor to teach them appropriately and not inflict serious injuries. That’s why I’m doing it myself.”

That’s what Rick had told Tevos and it made sense to her. It also explained the outstanding results the students were displaying. So far they had learned how to use the basic biotics in a fight, including the curving shot and didn’t hesitate to retaliate when Rick was targeting them. She would never admit it to anyone but whenever she was stressed and had a break she practiced them herself and felt better afterward.

The guests were all invited back for the graduation ceremony and the open door day in six months.

It was now Saturday night of the first airing of his series Mass Effect and the whole family and crew, if they could come, were in one of the theater rooms on the 33rd floor to watch the first two episodes. So far the only ones missing were Wrex and Tali for reasons they didn’t disclose besides ‘I’m busy.’ Eve was there too just to see how Wrex became friends with such a group of misfits.
They were not the only ones at the academy ready to watch the show as the other rooms were in use or for the most recluse, watching it in their quarters. From EDI’s words the number of people connected waiting for the show to start was already nearing two billions. His advertisement had only been for a week but with a call to Diana she helped him get in contact with major news outlets which talked about the show every day. People were of course interested and the trailer had reached thirty two billion views in one week.
It was a gold mine for Rick who sold the permanent right to view for the first season at the price of ten credits. He calculated based on the average members of a family of each species that the revenues would not be far from the five billion mark. Just to be sure he advertised that half of the revenues would be donated to charities helping the people in need. That left him with two billions since the movie’s cost to make was five hundred millions. He would have to talk to Miranda about merchandising.

Hackett had given him the green light after five days and congratulated him for the work. He found the actor impersonating him to his liking and was in a good mood because of it. There were some parts however he didn’t agree to but it couldn’t be helped.

The first episode ended when the council dismissed the Alliance’s accusation against Saren the first time. It marked the introduction of Jane, of course, but also Ashley, Kaidan, Joker, Chakwas and Anderson. The shot of the Normandy arriving at the Citadel was simply beautiful.
The second episodes related the recruitment of Wrex, Garrus, and Tali. Rick’ antics and Jane’s reaction to it made everyone laugh, despite the fact that many agreed that the helmeted man was a blunt asshole of the highest order. On the chat that Rick had opened for the occasion, the opinion about him was divided between the sympathizer for the loss of his family and the ones who just saw him as an ass. A great number of Krogans and batarian were supportive of him for his attitude. The krogans for not taking any shit and the batarians for annoying Jane. The episode ended right after Jane became the first human spectre, with Rick joining the crew and the revelation of him hacking the Alliance database and his mysterious origins. Afterwards a small sneak peak of the next week's episodes was shown and the credits rolled.

Immediately the light went on in the room and people began talking.

“That’s exactly how I remember it.” said Jane.
“I tried to be as faithful as possible.”
“Couldn’t you change my armor?” Ashley pouted, remembering her white and pink Phoenix I.
“No, because calling you Pinky would have been meaningless.”
“Does… Does it cover our personal relationship?”
“Not much. It’s private. Or at least not fully until the start of the war.”
“Okay good. I didn’t want to appear as a… you know.”

Rick nodded and received some compliments for his work as others passed beside him, going for the exit.

“Are you going to reveal your identity?” asked Jane, making an allusion at his origins being broached at the end of the episode.
“From my father’s side, yes. I’m tired of wearing that helmet. I… don’t really need it anymore.”

Jane nodded and stood up pulling him with her. He grabbed Ashley’s hand in turn and the trio went back to their quarters for a good night of sleep.

____________________________________________________________

It was a success.

Mass Effect was the most talked about topic on the extranet and people couldn’t wait for the next Saturday. Forums and social media were flooded by messages regarding it. Lots of fanarts were being posted and already circulating. There were comparisons between the members of the cast and members of the crew, which looked better which did not. Tons and tons of reviews and critics, commenting on what they saw, the actors and their acting, the special effects, the music. For the last one, Rick released the list of every single one of them so the public could enjoy listening to them again.

Having enough of looking at the viewers’ responses, Rick turned off his terminal and enjoyed his breakfast with JJ who was up early and EDI who never slept.

“I’m having a dilemma.” he said to the AI.
“What is it?”
“Should I introduce you as an AI?”
“I don’t see why not.”
“To protect you? Your existence is still classified.”
“I don’t really care.”
“What about Dorothea?”
“Again, I don’t care.”
“Okay, duly noted. Finding an actress to impersonate Dorothea will be difficult though. Your curves and height…”
“I can play as myself.”
“Did you take acting classes?” he asked with a surprised tone.
“I did not, but I’m not the most expressive of a person so acting will not be a problem. I would just have to be myself. Besides, no one could act on what I experienced.”
“True enough. Did you find something you wanted to do?”
“What do you mean?”
“As Dorothea, did you find something that you would like to do full time? You can’t be the kids’ babysitter forever.”
“I like babysitting them.”
“I know but I feel like… I’m using you. I… don’t like it.”
“You’re not.”
“But you should experience things! Isn’t it why you created your organic body in the first place? You have plenty of experience dealing with babies and young children already. You could experience something else. So many things.”
“Hmmm…Perhaps… Gardening? Or taking care of animals. I’d like to try that.”
“Then let’s buy some small animals. Dogs? Cats? Varens? A poney?”
“The poney is tempting.” she replied and snorted at that.
“I don’t know where we’re going to put it but if it’s what you want, I’ll get you a poney.”
“I was joking but I wouldn’t say no to a dog.”
“Organic or synthetic?”
“Organic of course.”
“Why not cats?”
“Cats are not loyal and hard to please even though they can be quite independent. A dog is a man’s best friend.”
“Wise choice.”
“You prefer dogs too?”
“Not particularly. Depends on their personality I suppose.”
“Good morning!” greeted Jane, carrying a still groggy Arianna. She gave a kiss to Rick and put their daughter in his lap.
““Good morning, Jane””
“And good morning to you too, Arianna.”
“ ‘Mornin’, daddy. Auntie EDI.” the three years old replied with a yawn and wiping their eyes.

“I know someone who read past her bedtime~”
“I did not.” the little redhead answered as innocently as she could.
“What did I say about lying to daddy and mommy?”
“Bad.”
“Bad, yes. So, did you read past your bedtime?”

She didn’t answer verbally but gave a small nod. Giving her a kiss on the top of her head, Rick didn’t chastise her.

“And now you’re too tired. You know why you mustn’t read after bedtime?”
“No.” she replied, shaking her head.
“Because sleep is important. Your book won’t run away during the night and will be there in the morning but your sleep, you can’t get it back. How are you going to be as pretty as mommy if you do not sleep?”
“Sleep makes you pretty?!” she exclaimed as she looked up to him in shock.
“Hmmhmm. For the girls, that’s why it’s called beauty sleep.”
“Mommy must have slept a lot!”

Rick snorted at his daughter’s answer and Jane simply awed as her heart melted at how adorable Arianna was.

“She did. So did Auntie Dorothea, and Aunt Ashley, and Aunt Miranda… All your Aunts did.”
“So that’s why… But… Why is it only for girls?”
“Because boys and girls are different. Boys can’t get prettier but they sleep so they don’t become uglier. I saw a boy who hasn’t slept in three days once and he was the ugliest boy I have ever met! Thankfully after sleeping a lot he went back to normal.”
“Really?”
“Yes.” he answered and was telling the truth, talking about himself. He had looked like a zombie back then. “So, what about reading after bedtime?”
“It’s okay as long as I sleep after?”

That was such a perfect answer from her, that everyone at the table laughed. She had found the weak link in his argument and attacked it.

“No, you need a certain amount of sleep, that’s why your bedtime is right after dinner. Any less and sleep doesn’t have any effect. That’s why no reading after bedtime.
“Okay, daddy.” she replied dejectedly.
“Since you’re tired we won’t be going to the pool.”
“The pool?! We’re going to the pool?” she asked in excitement.
“Not anymore.”
“But Daddy!”
“Nuh-huh. You’re being punished today. We will go tomorrow if…”
“If I don’t read after bedtime anymore?”
“Yes.” he answered and kissed the top of her head. “Clever girl.”

One the side, Jane was watching attentively at the interaction between father and daughter. To see him reprimand Arianna while teaching her a lesson was an experience that she wouldn’t get tired of. How he led her to the conclusion of what she did was wrong and why then afterward giving the punishment that seems fair followed immediately by a possible reward if the bad behavior was not repeated. She would have simply said that what she did was bad and punish her and that’s it but Rick made the time to educate her. That he would think that he wouldn’t be a good father was beyond her as so far he had been the best.

Drinking the coffee she had served herself, she thought back to what she had seen the night before on the big screen. She couldn’t believe how bad their relationship was at first and how it has evolved to be what it is today. Seeing from a different point of view allowed her to have a new perspective. She was a bit embarrassed at the goody two shoes she has been and was proud of the person she became.

“..My?”
“...”
“Mommy?” Arianna called Jane.
“Yes? What is it?”
“Daddy doesn’t want to tell me what we’re doing today.”
“Not going to the pool, that’s for sure...”
“DADDY! I KNOW!” she shouted petulantly in answer to his teasing and made Jane internally laugh at her pouting face.
“How about going to the garden for a picnic?”
“Yay!” Arianna exclaimed and left her father’s lap to reach her mother.
“That’s a good idea. Should I change the weather a bit for the children? Less sunny and hot?”
“No, it’s fine. Let them know about the joy of a real Summer.”
“What do you want to do? The food or preparing everyone?”
“Cooking. I’m pretty sure I can’t go wrong with sandwiches.”
“Okay. Let’s go now, that way we can spend some time just by ourselves. EDI can you send an invitation for everyone, 10am for the close family and 12am for the others, please?” Rick said as he raised from his chair.
“I can and will.”
“Thank you. Arianna, you eat your breakfast and after that we’re dressing up?”
“Okay!” she said as Rick took a bowl, filled it with milk, added cereals and served her.

____________________________________________________________

The family was having a good time playing on the grass under the shade of a tree. Adam was now old enough to play with Arianna (to her delight) the two of them were playing the prince and the princess trying to slay the evil dragon (Rick with his helmet on, with a picture of a cartoonish dragon’s head displayed). Jane was leaning against the trunk, sitting on a sheet, with JJ in his small crib by her side. She was encouraging the children to defeat the roaring dragon who was attacking with his most ferocious attack: tickling. She was pleased to see that when one of the siblings was caught the other immediately came to the rescue. She had never laughed so much and thanked whatever god out there for this moment and her family. EDI was a few feet away, picking some fruits from some trees and putting them in a basket.

Around 10am, Miranda, Jennifer and Sandra arrived and the little girl quickly ran to help her siblings who were both caught this time. She gave a kick to the dragon’s chin, prompting him to release Adam and Arianna as he held his leg and fell dramatically to the ground. The three stooges didn’t waste time, climbed on the dragon and began to tickle back until he surrendered. The married couple came to Jane’s side and began conversing, the topic of conversation being what they had watched the day before. They were curious as it was a time from before they had met and they couldn’t imagine how bad Rick was.

A few minutes later, the rest of the family showed up. Dorothea, Liara and Ashley first then a few more minutes afterwards Anderson and Kahlee.
Rick bullshited the children by saying that he was in truth a good dragon but forced to do bad by the evil sorcerer Andy and pointed at his brother-in-law. He even added fake sobbing to make his story more compelling. In a flash the siblings attacked Anderson with righteous fury, promising to punish him and the man played the game, to Kahlee’s hilarity.
The blonde woman had some words for her brother about his attitude she had seen on the big screen but never raised her voice. Meanwhile EDI was back with a full basket for those who had skipped breakfast.

“Am I the only one wishing for days like this everyday?” Jane asked her entourage.
“““““No””””””/ “Yes.”

Everyone turned to Jennifer who quickly explained herself.

“I love it but not everyday. I need some action in my life or I’ll go mad.”
“I get what you mean.” Ashley said, nodding. “That’s partly why I’m still serving. Though I won’t mind having way more days like this.”
“Personally, I think I had enough action for a lifetime.” commented Liara.
“I guess we’re all wired differently.” Miranda said, smiling at her daughter climbing on Anderson’s back.

The children completely tired Anderson who needed a break and wanted to spend time with Kahlee. They played ball with Jennifer and Ashley who had taken the man’s place until it was time for lunch. They were joined by Garrus and Chloe (who were still going strong and were thinking of adopting) along Hannah who was taking a break. She was still a councilor and couldn’t skip on the job. She daringly sat in front of her son and laid her head in his lap as if everything was alright between the two of them. Seeing that she was exhausted he refrained from antagonizing her and simply let her be.

“How come, you’re not working?” Rick said to Anderson.
“It’s Sunday.”
“She’s working.” the young  man replied pointing at his mother with his finger.
“She is the councilor.”
“You can have your job back!”
“No, thank you, Hannah. I’m good.” he replied to the woman with a laugh.
“Ugh…I don’t want to go back to the Citadel.”
“Oh, they finished the reconstruction?” Jane said, not aware  as she didn’t follow the news.
“No. It’s only half way done, but it’s enough to get it working. They will fly it back to the Serpent Nebula soon.”
“So it’s decided then? They will put it back there.”
“Yes. The parliament finally relented and understood that they couldn’t keep it, not when all the other species were against it.” said Anderson.
“Why they thought they could in the first place is ludicrous.” commented Rick.
“They’re idiots, nothing new.” answered Hannah.
“I’m glad I won’t have to deal with them anymore.”
“What do you mean?” Miranda asked.
“This lucky ass, He got a job here!” lamented Shepard senior.
“Really?!” exclaimed Jane.
“That was supposed to be a surprise, Hannah!”
“Meh, I don’t care.” she replied nonchalantly with a shrug.
“What’s your job?” questioned Rick.
“I’m the overseer of the recruits and also a teacher for a commanding role. When Steven had presented a stellar report on the Academy when we went back to Earth last week, the parliament demanded to have someone in the Navy present.”
“Demanded?” Rick asked, raising an eyebrow.
“I rebuffed them of course. They have absolutely no authority here, despite Humanity’s donation. It’s still a private school after all so I politely told them to shove their demand but that I was open to negotiation.”
“In the end the government is paying me for being here as they wanted someone with a good reputation and experience.”
“David is not the only one getting a post like that. Each species sitting on the council asked for the same deal and I couldn’t say no. It’s fine though.”
“Did you make them agree to follow the cursus and not teach whatever they wanted?”
“Of course.”
“Speaking of, Primarch Victus asked me to be the turian overseer.” confessed Garrus.
“That’s great!” Jane said.
“Does that mean we’ll have a new doctor too?” Rick asked Chloe and she simply smiled at him.
“And a new nurse.”
“Sarah?” Ashley inquired and got a nod in answer. “Why that little… She didn’t tell me anything.”
“Everything's coming together it seems.” noted Jane with a satisfied smile.

____________________________________________________________

Time passed and the students came back to the Academy. Most were surprisingly happy about that to many’s surprise. Apparently, their life on Celeste was way better than their lives outside. It may have been the first time in history where so many students were glad to go back to studying.

Mass Effect was going strong and its popularity kept increasing. So much that Rick answered the fans’ demand for a Q&A with the cast positively after checking with them. Some couldn’t be present but agreed to film a short informal interview where they would talk about their role, their discussion with the real person they were impersonating, and how they went with their actual acting. The Q&A would of course take place at Celeste upon Rick’s invitation and Kahlee’s agreement.

Beside the popularity of the show growing and his revenues, Rick’s popularity also got up a bit despite being the most controversial on the team. His saving of Benezia and being pro-life for the rachni queen on Noveria along with his keen mind had made quite the impression on both empathetic and rational people. The Krogans were his fiercest supporters but that was expected. Popularity polls had seen the day and naturally Jane was at the top, crushing the competition. Garrus was a distant second to his surprise and everyone else had more or less the same popularity.
Last week episodes ended with the success of Virmire and tonight would be the battle of the Citadel meaning the end of the season.

Students had petitioned to have access to the theater to watch the episodes but also at some community areas, like the cafeteria. With an overwhelming 98% of the student’s signatures, Kahlee had agreed to keep the peace.

Rick looked at the number of people connected on the streaming platform and he couldn't believe it. There were twice as many as the previous week, reaching a total of ten billion, which represented almost the totality of humanity's population. When the last episode finally aired, he wasn’t watching the show but the student’s reaction from the security cameras’ feed.

Udina’s backstabbing had outraged everyone and that shocked no one in the know. The moment when Act!Rick headbutted a defeated Act!Jane with his helmet had made some people laugh and some cursed him but the scene was powerful, especially when Act!Rick asked one more time if Act!Jane was a mindless grunt or a soldier. The flashbacks reminding her and the viewers of Act!Anderson’s and Act!Rick’s words have been masterfully done. The actress impersonating Jane doing an almost perfect job at showing the moment where she went from a grunt to a soldier.

The explanation scene between Act!Rick and Act!Anderson has been intense and some people tip their hats at Rick’s intellect. He had added a small flashback where he infiltrated Udina’s office by landing down from the balcony above and punched the man’s lights out, spilled a bit of water on him and the ground and gave the Normandy’s the authorization to depart before jumping down the first floor ending the flashback. The students roared in approval at his action.

“Did that really happen?” Kahlee asked from the seat in front of him.
“Yes. And it felt so good. Cherry on the cake, he didn’t even know it was me.” Rick replied with a chuckle.
“I admit, I felt quite pleased every time I saw him with a black eye.” confessed Anderson with a smile.

The scene focused back on Jane and the crew arriving on Ilos and doing the insane landing with the Mako. Rick had no doubt that Joker’s popularity will go up for that. Everything was there as the people present had told him. The geths, the dead protheans pods, Vigil, the chase towards the conduit, everything. When Act!Jane ran the mako into the prothean Mass Relay the scene got back to Act!Anderson and Act!Rick where the latter shared a bit of his past before geared up and the review of the plans. Students gasped when the Mass Relay monument activated and Geths began to pour out from it, beginning the assault. It was even more horrifying because the point of view was from the elevator Act!Anderson and Act!Rick were riding. They could feel Act!Rick’s helplessness and rage at himself for failing and Act!Anderson genuine words of comfort.

Then the scene came where Act!Rick killed councilor Spartacus and took control ordering everyone around. The students couldn’t believe their eyes at the blatant murder the owner of their very school had committed.

“I can’t believe you put that.” Anderson said.
“I had too. It was a well known rumor, Wrex had also spilled the beans during the interview three years ago.” replied Rick.
“The hierarchy will not be happy.”
“That’s life. What can they do?”

The scene shifted to Act!Anderson, his team and the rest of council making their way towards C-sec academy and beginning to act as the leaders they were and take charge of the defense of the Citadel. The scene was cut with scenes between the alliance fighting on the presidium, c-sec helping and evacuating people and the mercs fighting in the wards but also with the Citadel fleet facing the geths. The part with Act!Rick and the five former Marines waiting for Saren and the geths was a sad but inspiring one.

The opening of the Citadel’s arms and Sovereign’s arrival from the point of view of the councilors and Act!Anderson was beautifully done and despite everyone knowing what happened, the viewers couldn’t help themselves and hold their breath. Breath they released and cheered when they saw a mako coming through the conduit, crashing against a building wall and Act!Jane getting out of it.

When she, along Act!Liara, Act!Wrex and Act!Tali began their ascension of the Council Tower on foot, blitzkrieging the geths in their way, the music accompanying the scene had pumped up everyone. It was an epic orchestral piece with a bit of choirs and with a frenetic rhythm. Viewers could feel the determination and how hard the team was fighting but at the same time the urgency that drove them forward. Rick believed that for the first time people realized how close they had been to total extinction.

The fight with Saren, his ‘resurrection’ and final death, Sovereign’s destruction. The whole battle had nearly been a thirty minute fight and people had been hanging at the edge of their seats. He had no doubt that in the years to come people would remember it vividly.

Act!Jane’s and Act!Rick’s banter after being found by Anderson had provoked a serious bout of hilarity from the public.

“It’s amazing how you two already sounded like an old married couple.” Jennifer said with a smirk and got a middle finger both from Jane and Rick in answer, making her laugh.

The fact that Rick had refused to become the second human spectre had shocked everyone. They called him crazy and some took seriously what he intended to do with the status while others began to think that his refusal had something hidden behind it. Finally the last scene of the episode and the Season was of Act!Jane and Act!Rick saying goodbye to each other their own way. The part about her huge sex toy was omitted (just like the others before) and replaced by another sexual joke which was a bit less trash, but the end was the same. Act!Jane telling him to fuck off and being embarassed. As the credits rolled an announcement for the beginning of the Q&A appeared on screen.

Checking the extranet, he saw people talking vehemently about the episode they had just watched. The consensus was unanimous, it has been awesome. There were talks about some favorite parts, some about what should have been done instead of what happened. The subject that interested him the most was people's thoughts about his murder of the turian Councilor. As usual the Krogans were practically roaring their approval and he wondered if his popularity with the species would get so high that whatever he did he would be let go scot free. For the other species the opinion was divided. Humans in general liked it because Sparatus was an ass against humanity but condemned the murder part. Turians were absolutely divided and livid. Some thanked Rick for taking care of a disgrace others called for his head. In the end that brought up a lot of chaos and if he didn’t know that in season three the point of everyone working together was driven home constantly he wouldn’t have put it in the first place.

After the filming bloopers were done being shown. The Q&A finally started. The interview was done once again by Illiana Lorat that Rick had contacted for the occasion. The asari had immediately accepted and had arrived, along with the cast on Celeste earlier in the day. Everyone of the main protagonists was present with the exception of Act!Ashley and Act! Kaidan who had other obligations.

“Greetings! I’m Illiana Lorat and I have the privilege to welcome and host some members of the cast of the historical series Mass Effect.” she said and the cast greeted her back and thanked her for receiving them. She introduced everyone and began her own questions, some simple ones, like ‘What did you think when you were picked to play the X or Y?’ or ‘What do you think happened when this or that?’.

“Urdnot Draax, what pushed you to audition for the role of Urdnot Wrex? Krogans are not known for their appreciation of art, especially acting.”
“No we’re not.” the krogan answered good naturedly with a bit of a chuckle. “Ever since the Krogans were reborn and that we rediscovered our roots, I wanted to help my people by doing something more than just being a warrior. When I heard they were searching for a krogan to play our chief I thought ‘why not?’. It seemed interesting and playing as one of the greatest Krogan heroes? I couldn’t pass it up, so I auditioned for the role. I was surprised to be chosen by Wald and I asked ‘Why me?’ and he answered ‘ You remind me of Wrex. A good head on your shoulders, a lot of sass and a good sense of humor. Finding a krogan that can fight is easy, finding a krogan with Wrex’s qualities isn’t.’. Basically I just had to say the lines and just be myself while doing it.”
“Did you like the experience? Is acting something you will do more?”
“Well… Yes. I had a fun time filming, as for acting more… There are seasons two and three. Beyond that I don’t know.” he replied.

Nodding in understanding, Illiana turned to the other actors and asked more or less the same question then finally asked Christina Stone (Act!Jane) how she prepared herself for the role.

“One day, as I was reading for perhaps the tenth time the script thinking about what to do, I got a call from Rick. He asked me if I was free to have a talk with Commander Shepard. I wasn’t but I didn’t care; I dropped everything and agreed on the spot.” the natural brunette said.

“What did the Commander and you talk about?”
“I mostly asked questions about what she thought and what she felt during certain scenes, about the relationship with the other members of her team. I wanted to be faithful to her character as much as possible.”
“That’s quite bold. Did she answer all those intimate questions?”
“All of them. She was quite open with her answers.”
“I’m sure you have plenty of juicy things to say about it.”
“Plenty, yes but sorry. I won’t share the Commander’s privacy.” Christina replied with a small grin.
“I understand, though I’m a bit disappointed. Was there a scene that was especially difficult for you to play?”
“The scene on the Normandy after it was locked down. That was such a powerful and emotional moment. The pain of betrayal, of defeat despite everything done. Then hope came from the most unlikely source, then the acknowledgement of what needed to be done to culminate with trust in someone she had kept on butting heads with. It was a short scene but… so impactful, so emotionally heavy and changing. I think… I think it was the key moment when the Commander became fully what she is today. When she embraced being a spectre and being a soldier completely. It was so difficult to… portray all of that…”

As Rick turned to Jane with an eyebrow raised she nodded in affirmation and took his hand in hers.

“I don’t know if you recreated the Commander’s reaction but I can say that yes it was such a powerful moment and I found your acting amazing.”
“Thank you.” the brunette answered with a smile.

Illiana turned towards Ryan Jackman (Act!Rick) who was wearing a mask, with a mischievous smile.

“First off… Why the mask?”
“It’s part of my contract. I’m not allowed to show my face in public until it’s revealed in the show or if that doesn’t happen, until its end.”
“Really?!”

“Yes. Rick wants a bit of mystery and to frustrate the public.” Ryan replied with a smile.
“That’s devious of him but in any case here’s a question for you, How was it to play the most controversial character of the Series? Did you expect the fans’ response?”
“I’m not going to lie, Illiana. I had a blast. It was difficult though, in fact it’s the hardest role I ever got but I learned so much, both as an actor but also as a person. Now, the response of the fans? Well… It was expected. I mean Rick was kind of an ass despite being on the good side and his actions while detrimental are… what they are.”
“Did you have a problem with them?”
“I used to and when I was imagining about how to act for a certain scene while reading the script… I had a lot of difficulties. I couldn’t comprehend what was going through his head or his emotions at the time. It was very frustrating.”
“You used to?”
“Yes. One morning, I got a call from my agent that Rick would visit me during the day. Just as I ended the call, someone knocked at the door and surprise surprise…”
“It was Wald.” ventured the asari host.
“Yes.” Ryan answered with a nod.
“What happened then?”
“At first I froze. I was shocked of course but… We are roughly the same height and the same physical build yet he has such an intimidating aura around him. He was just standing there in silence and yet was so imposing. For the first time in my life I felt… small. I think he knew the effect he would have had on me, that’s why he raised his hand with a bag of pastries and simply said ‘Breakfast?’. To break the ice you know? To try to put me at ease.”
“Did it work?”
“Yes. I invited him in, made some tea and in a totally relaxed manner he told me why he was here. It was like… He wasn’t a hero that fought in the war punching Reapers with his fist and I wasn’t a simple actor but we were more like… Two people on equal standing that have known each other for years and were just catching up. He was friendly. So different than when we’re on the set and a lot of people are around. Anyways, he was visiting to help me understand the role. ‘I know it would be difficult for you because you don’t have all the elements to make a distinct portrait of me. You don’t know me, my motivations, my background, who I am. Let’s change that?’ was what he said and of course I agreed.”
“Wait! Are you implying that you know what’s under the helmet? Not only his face but the man himself?” Illiana asked in shock and she wasn’t the only one with that expression. The other actors were sporting the same face.
“I do.” Ryan replied with a proud grin.
“And you won’t share it I suppose?”
“No. Out of respect for the man. What I can say is that … he had a hard life before settling on Eden Prime despite being only twenty at the time. I understood from his tale why he is the way he is. He gave me such a deep insight on his character that it really helped me with his portrayal on screen. At the core… he’s a very kind man that life has just shat on too many times. I’m sure the opinion of the fans will change with time and as the show goes on. After that meeting I was more understanding of his actions. If he had not taken them we wouldn’t be all here today. It’s hard to accept but… I made my peace with it. Sometimes, you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do even if you hate it, even if you know the consequences will be disastrous for you. That’s such a selfless attitude.”

“I see… Will the mystery of who Rick Wald is one day be revealed?”
“I cannot say because I do not know but… I think it will.”
“Alright. What was the scene that you liked doing the most?”
“Punching Udina.” replied Ryan without missing a beat and making everyone laugh. “More seriously… I think most scenes with Christina. We had a good chemistry on set and the exchange of lines felt so… natural? If I had to pick though… It’s… a tie between the scene in the Mako on Noveria and in the Cargo Deck just after the escape of Virmire. People may not have noticed but the scene in the Mako is so…emotionally charged for Rick. I think it’s the moment where he begins to crack and accept the Commander.”
“And the other scene?”
“It was just hilarious. Rick is like… an ass at the height of his redemption arc and he just… turned things around against the Commander making her look like an ass instead because… He’s honest with how she makes him feel about himself but dishonest about what she makes him feel about herself. Rick is so embarrassed to admit that the Commander finally got to him that he lashes out in fake indignation to cover it up. Christina acted so well that I really believe it and here I was trying my very best to not laugh aloud. Thank god I was wearing a helmet because I was biting my lip while smiling like an idiot.”

Jane turned to Rick and brought his head low for a kiss. “My little tsundere.” she commented with an amused smile earning a huff of indignation from him.