"You called for me, Shepard?"
The man she'd grown to respect and admire -- even before she understood emotions and was released of her shackles -- turned around in his chair, welcoming her with a warm smile.
"Yes; thank you for coming, EDI. Please, come in."
EDI did as she was told, stepping inside his cabin as the door shut behind her. The room was as tidy as ever. Multiple medals and decorations he'd received after the Reaper war, including a photo of the moment he was granted the rank of vice-admiral by Hacket, were lined up on a shelf at his desk. It was a testament to how much the commander had gone through.
With the war over and done with, and both the Reapers and Cerberus vanquished, the crew were hailed as heroes by the survivors. Shepard promptly received his new rank, granted special privileges. The Normandy now flew as special response unit.
Sadly, most of the ground team had split up. Not that everyone was surprised, seeing as they had their own lives. Jack was a teacher, Zaeed had bounties to collect, Tali was an admiral in the newly established Rannochian Republic's military, and so on. As of now, only Ashley remained as a former squad member; to lead the ship's marines.
"How can I be of assistance?" EDI asked.
In those years of serving Shepard, she had come to trust him like none other. Well, except for Jeff.
He grinned warmly. "No need to stand at attention. All I wanted to ask for was a small request. It's nothing formal or official, but between the two of us."
Now she was curious. In all honesty, EDI was concerned about the former commander. He'd been different since the end of the war; especially after the crew went its own ways. Shepard became more... distant.
"Then I'll gladly listen."
"Great. So, the brass has been looking into Cerberus projects, using the intel we got from the Illusive Man's sanctum. While they've done a lot of shady stuff, we can't deny that they came up with some amazing products." Shepard hummed, momentarily remembering their assault on the Cerberus base. True, the organization had made giant leaps in the field of technology. "In this case, their AI and android research. Now, I'm sure I don't need to emphasize this, but you happen to fall under that category."
It was true. She was an example of both advanced AI and robotic research, which had been developed by the terrorist organization. However, EDI was curious about the matter at hand.
"Does that mean Alliance command wants to replicate me?"
"Ha, you're too special, EDI." Shepard chuckled as he shook his head. "Nothing of the sort. You see; the scientists that made you were also working on other projects. Each one of them about robotics, and they had a very interesting theory about nano-machines. Supposedly, these would be injected into a person's bloodstream to enhance them in various ways. For example, more stamina and enhanced strength."
EDI nodded in understanding. "That does sound like something the Illusive Man would want. However, I fail to see what this has to do with me, seeing as I am not organic."
"Ah, just a moment. The scientists lacked a crucial component, which is why the project was never finished. According to the files, the nano-machines required a central processing unit, in order to make them work as designed. But I think a powerful, sentient AI such as yourself could do it."
Considering her processing power, and the power boost her freed sentience granted her, she was inclined to agree. EDI could theoretically control the nano-machines if given the proper tools.
"Understood, Shepard. When shall we try them out?"
"Right now, if that's okay." She nodded in compliance, prompting the human officer to grab a cylindrical object. It had a small tube at the end, which could be inserted into one of her dataports. "They're supposed to be self-replicating, so once you've been given control and host the nano-machines, you could simply infect anyone you'd like."
EDI nodded again; this time more in thought, which was an organic habit she'd learned early on. This was seriously advanced technology. Probably Prothean in design, but they couldn't ask Javik, since the warrior had perished during the final battle in London. Even more, he hadn't been a scientist either. But without consulting the Cerberus files, she wouldn't be sure.
"Very well. And you are certain this is safe?" She asked.
Shepard flashed her a confident smile. "Have a little faith, EDI. I haven't led you astray yet, have I?"
"Of course not. Then, let's proceed."
The AI turned around, shifting the metal plates on her back to reveal a small hole. EDI lowered her defenses as her friend inserted the cylinder. It took less than a second before the nano-machines poured into her mechanical body. It was a strange experience to say the least, but not completely unpleasant; her vents picked up the pace as her systems warmed up.
"Forgot to mention this, but the files mentioned your body should react to the nano-machines. Turns out they were designed in conjunction."
Well, that was surprising. EDI couldn't give a response, however, as her systems suddenly crashed! A few seconds passed by, even if they felt like an eternity, which were spent in darkness as her optics rebooted themselves. Confusion settled in; what was happening to her?
And then her vision was restored...
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