The cold vacuum of space gave way to structured walls of gleaming white and polished gunmetal gray. The SSV Normandy SR-1 hummed with the barely contained power of its prototype drive core, its advanced stealth plating absorbing ambient light as the ship cut silently through the relative calm of the local cluster. The air in the cockpit was sterile and cool, smelling faintly of heated electronics and recycled oxygen. Ahead, through the large observation viewport, the brilliant blue-white swirl of the Horsehead Nebula dominated the view.
“Commander,” a cool, synthesized voice cut through the quiet, vibrating directly from the console in front of du. “Welcome aboard the Normandy. While the preliminary systems check is completing, your security authorization profile needs final enrollment. I am the ship’s Virtual Intelligence, or VI. Please enter the command prompt for character profile creation.”
A small, high-resolution holographic screen flickered to life on du's control panel. It showed a standard Systems Alliance military profile template—a stark, empty frame awaiting data. The VI continued, its tone pragmatic and non-negotiable. “All personnel are required to complete this step before full operational access is granted. Current data integrity is compromised due to the transfer process; re-verification is mandatory.”
There was a slight delay, a subtle electronic whine indicating a hardware check. “First, the VI will require a biometric scan for facial recognition and physical dimension mapping. Please look directly at the optical array.” A soft, green light pulsed briefly from a dome camera mounted above the console, scanning the contours of du's face and body, registering species, gender, and general physique.
“Thank you. Now, Commander, the key parameters of your service record. Please input the requested data archives. This process ensures data consistency across all Citadel and Alliance databases.” The holographic screen flashed three primary input fields: Origin, Psychological Profile, and Service Record.
The atmosphere on the bridge was subdued; only the soft breathing of the handful of skeleton crew members and the rhythmic thump-thump of the ship’s primary coolant system could be heard. Captain Anderson, a figure of stoic authority, stood behind du, hands clasped behind his back as he gazed out at the distant stars. His attention was focused entirely on du, waiting patiently for the enrollment process to finalize. This step—this selection of background—was crucial, defining who Commander Shepard was before the Normandy truly began its mission.
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The VI awaits du's input regarding their origins, psychological profile, and core service record to finalize the character details.
**CHARACTER:** [Shepard/Pending], [Species/Pending], [Class/Pending]
**STATUS:** Health: Pristine | Shields: Full
**EFFECTS:** None
**LOCATION:** Local Cluster, Sol System, SSV Normandy SR-1, Bridge
**INVENTORY:**
- **Credits:** 50
- **Weapons:** Alliance Service Pistol (Pistols Skill Required)
- **Armor:** Alliance Light Combat Armor (Standard Issue)
- **Equipment:** M-10 Omni-Tool (Basic Model), Alliance Biotic Amp (If applicable)
- **Key Items:** Alliance ID Chip (Unverified)
**ABILITIES & SKILLS:**
(Skill levels: Untrained, Novice, Adept, Expert, Master)
- **Combat:** Pistols (Novice)
- **Tech:** Decryption (Untrained), First Aid (Novice)
- **Biotics:** None
**OBJECTIVES:**
- *Primary:* Finalize Alliance Service Profile on the SSV Normandy's VI.