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messydiabolical · 2 years

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50 questions: Keahi Shepard (they/he)

This post is ridiclously long, because I cannot do brevity to save my life! So i’ve put the Q&A under the cut :)

Thanks

@spookyvalentine

<3 original questions can be found here

1. Why did Shepard enlist? Any regrets?

Keahi was a fantastic archer as soon as he was old enough to hold a bow, a skill he learnt from his amazing mum Rita. When Mindoir was attacked and Anderson effectively became their surrogate dad an early way for them to bond was through Keahi teaching Anderson archery, and Anderson teaching them rifle skills in return. Turned out, Keahi was even better with a sniper rifle than the bow, and also very good at teaching and tactical planning.

Keahi was not especially attached to the idea of military life per se, but did feel a debt towards Anderson and no real passion for anything else (Mindoir happened when they'd be making life decisions and derailed things a lot). Also, broke AF, no inheritence, their parents life savings were all tied up in Mindoir.

They do not always agree with the Alliances decisions, but for the most part has managed to do things his own way by sticking to the infiltration track and working in smaller squadrons. While it was good for the galaxy that Shepard became more prominent within the Alliance, it leads to a growing contention, and ultimately Keahi will leave the Alliance (either at the end of ME2 after Aratoht/arrival, which is my main headcanon, or after the war if we go game canon).

2. How does your Shepard feel about having a yeoman assigned to them in 2? And in 3?

Keahi loves Kelly. They know she works for Cerberus, like duh, but heck, she's so open about herself in some ways (job aside) and such a quirky little oddball that it doesn't phase him really, and it's kind of fun chatting with her and throwing in random curveballs to see how she'll react. He loves thinking about what her reports back to the illusive man must look like, lol.

She picks up on this and they end up having a very funny, if odd, relationship of one upping each other in weirdness and bullshittery.

Traynor? Bestie. He's never playing strip chess against her again though, that was a dumb move on his part.

3. What’s their relationship with Anderson?

He's my dad- boogie woogie woogie

4. Is your Shepard any good at poker?

Deceptively good, as they seem like they have tells (lots of giggling, blushing and badly contained smiles) BUT they are strategicly used ;)

5. How well does Shepard know their crew? Not just the companions, but the folks making up the Normandy

Keahi gets to know people and tries to always see things from their perspective almost to a fault; sometimes their 'empathising with the enemy' attitude can seem quite frustrating, but he still has a strong moral compass and ultimately won't let people sway them, it's all part of his methodology. Some people can find it extremely annoying though.

When it comes to the crew, it is one of his greatest strengths as leader; getting to know everyone personally, relating to them, knowing how they tick to help facilitate a healthy, well working crew dynamic (even if he doesn't personally approve of every characteristic another person has, they will try to work with it as best they can). He did struggle a little with the some of the Cerberus crew; he will always call out bigotry and not let it continue. Thankfully, most of the crew had more nuance than you'd expect for cerberus. (He did give a few lectures on xenophobia to really make things clear that it would NOT be tolerated).

6. Initial reaction to EDI? Does it change?

Fascinated, if a little weary only because he doesn't trust TIM and can't be sure how much EDI is TIM's (all those confidential files about his own ship that EDI won't talk through raises their hackles a little). Over time as trust builds Keahi see's EDI as another valued crewmember, and then a dear friend.

7. Does their love interest move into their quarters?

Yes, one on one time with Thane in the cabin is one of Keahi's happy places. That said, the cabin also often ends up hosting others as well. Everyone on the Normandy has fallen asleep on Keahi Shepards couch or bed at some point. He's big on late night chats and blanket snuggles.

8. What is their reaction to the Alchera mission? And after?

pretty angry, if he's honest with himself. Angry that they were left to mop up geth remnants while the council was busy glossing over the real reaper threat, even with evidence literally on their doorstep. Angry that, two years later, that's still the case, and all these people they knew and cared for died in a fight the galaxy doesn't understand or take seriously.

Afterwards? Exhausted. Introverted. He needs a few days of isolation and introspection after that one. Crewmembers slowly bring him around with one on one time, just sitting with them and letting them be quiet but showing that they are there when he's ready, just the way Keahi would do for them.

9. What type of fighter is your shepard? Do they fight with honor, or do they fight dirty?

Keahi will give all enemies a chance to do the right thing wherever possible, try negotiation and such if the situation allows, but that often isn't the case and then he's a fiersome enemy to make and an extremely good infiltrator, which some might see as dirty I guess? shadow tactics, poisons, surpise attacks kind of thing? Depends on your definition of dirty I guess. He will use shadow tactics and kill people before they know he's coming if it'll utimately end the mission effectively. Part of why they relate and gets on with Thane so well is perhaps this almost battlesleep like attitude to missions.

10. Does Shepard keep any pets? The hamster, fish, something else?

One day exploring an alien market with Thane he spots a little green lizard and gets super excited, then worries that might seem a tad offensive to Thane so tries to rein it in, but Thane notices and hatches a plan.

The crew keep Keahi distracted all day after that and Thane has 'things to attend to' suddenly. When Keahi finaly gets back to the cabin, the formerly empty fishtank is now a terrarium, with little 'Not Thane' in there.

11. What order does Shepard pick up companions in me2?

No super specific order, but he does try to visit friends first, so Citadel to see Anderson (Kasumi) and Illium to see Liara (Thane and Samara) happen very early on compared to game lore. Then Omega as they know Mordin's research will be important. They would have gone for Garrus first if they'd known it was their friend and they were in trouble. Lowkey shade towards Cerberus for not figuring that one out tbh, and perhaps even a little suss.

12. Does Shepard have any nicknames? What do they think of em?

Often gets shortened to Kay, which they are fine with. Siha is obvously his fave though ;) In fact his nearest and dearest can't help but notice how much siha turns them to mush, so sometimes they also call him siha to catch them off guard (Garrus and Joker especially).

13. How does your Shep react to teasing/ribbing?

very cool with it, and can give back just as good and then some.

14. Any good at flirting?

They can playfully flirt and tease as part of a conversation if that's the tone set by the other person, but it's like a game and not serious. When he's actually seriously interested in someone romantically they prefer to have a good open heart to heart, lay it all out and be clear, before getting into flirting, as they know the what ifs and doubts will bug them otherwise. Keahi is demisexual; deep connections are essenial to them.

15. What colors does Shepard prefer for their armor?

Whatever is best for infiltrating the location.

16. Is Shepard a drinker? History of other substances? Do they struggle with sobriety?

Not much of a drinker except socially, but does enjoy edibles and chill during rare time off. Thane’s venom can be a lot of fun. He has used stims for longer infiltration ops before and has made it a point to only ever keep minimal amounts around, as they were a little too good and they can see that becoming a dangerous habit if they let it. If Thane met his canon fate Keahi would for sure abuse stims to get him through the following war :( not today satan >:| Thane lives mofos

17. How does Shepard react to attention? Do they enjoy it?

Small groups and found family are the best kind of attention and can be tolerated for longer periods; large crowds and riled up parties not so fond of. Decompression time is essential. And fame fucking sucks- it's like the worst thing for an infiltrator, how you supposed to be sluething and working from behind the scenes with that kind of focus? Genuinely puzzles Keahi why the Alliance would want to make him a prominent person.

There's a reason Keahi is an infiltrator, leads specialised squads, has a smaller stealth ship and was a good candiadate for being a specter. He's all about the close knit found family angle.

In terms of romatically, Keahi really loves it when they get one on one attention from Thane, but even moreso, LOVES lavishing attention on Thane. Thane is so naturally worshipful, but so is Keahi. They have to take turns, just slathering each other in love. Those around them find them sickeningly adorable (and a little hilarious how absolutely gone on each other they are)

18. Who’s the dream team? Which companions does Shepard fight best with and why?

They are known for putting together all sniping squads when they can, a move that some tacticians would think unwise, but somehow Keahi makes it work very effectively, it's like their signature move. So Garrus, Thane or Zaeed often end up in their squad for this purpose. It’s Keahi’s life’s mission to make Zaeed giggle and blush >:3 one day. One day. That said, they try to rotate squads and play to everyone's strengths, mission depending, and give everyone a fair shot to flex their skills.

19. Are there any companions your Shepard just absolutely cannot vibe with or relate to?

Keahi just see's differences as a challenge to work on, but will be more personally closed off if the vibes are too off and stick to professionalism.

20. Does Shepard enjoy looking for resources and upgrading gear, or do they see it as a chore?

He can get really hyperfixated on things, especially his rifle. Keahi loves having long nerdy talks with Tali, Thane, Garrus, Jacob and Cortez about upgrades and infiltration tech. He finds vehicle talk kinda dull if he's honest, but will try to be politely attentive. Engineering tends to sail over their head but they love seeing other people be enthusiastic so will just coast on the vibes even if the info is not sticking.

21. Do you have any AUs for your shepard?

My main headcanon for Keahi is, ah, Everything after ME2 is AU lol. I am doing an ME3 playthrough though, but to me THAT is the AU, lol.

At the end of ME2, Keahi is so done. Done with Cerberus (not that he was ever really on the same page as them, but did like using their cool stuff). Done with the council (he keeps sending them evidence throughout me2 of collector and reaper stuff and is constantly ignored).

Done with the Alliance, post Alchera they're on thin ice (pun not intended), then Aratoht happens and their reaction seals it. He does NOT hand himself in, and instead teams up with shadow broker Liara and forms a rogue shadow specter Normandy crew, who will prepare the galaxy for the reapers their own way whether they want it or not.

And also done with keprals. I got the powers of Miranda and Mordin bitch, my space husband aint dying.

22. What’s the last thing Shepard ate before the final reaper showdown?

It’s time to pull out all the secret stash foods and share with the crew. Keahi shares their last precious jar of jerk sauce and makes chicken, and a bag of fizzy gummy worms, in the canteen, Soon everyone on board is pulling out their own personal stashes, creating an extremely confusing but love filled meal.

24. Who does Shepard turn to for advice? For comfort? Who do they like to gossip with?

Everyone! That's the good part of taking time to get to know everyone; so many skill sets and strengths. Keahi thinks there's something to learn from everyone.

Also they try hard not to gossip themselves as the commander, but if they happen to hear some tea, well, as long as they maintain a good poker face who's to know how much they secretly love it eh?

Thane is Keahi's best friend, heart and soul. Everything will always get run by Thane. And in private, they can gossip, discreetly.

25. How emotionally articulate is your Shepard? Do they emote well?

Professionally they are stoic when they need to be. Personally? Heart on their sleeve, just a big mushy bag of emotions. Everything is written on their face to almost comical levels. If you met Keahi in a personal setting you would never guess this person is an infiltration and epsionage specialist. They can flip it like a switch for work.

26. Does your Shepard have a romance? Who are they, and what drew Shep to them?

Thane. Keahi always works so hard to get to know other people, to make them feel welcome and understood. Thane is the first person who was genuinely interested in getting to know Keahi on a personal level right from the get go, not just to work well together, not because of any hero worship, but because he liked who Keahi was and wanted to know him better. They also have a shared background of infiltration, sniper skills, and enjoy spending long stretches just being together, quiet and calm, a sanctuary within each other in between their busy bursts of life.

27. Do they have any pet peeves?

Poor communication, mean spirited people, general willful rudeness. And who keeps setting the showers to scalding?!

28. What about hyperfixations? What’s the topic that will get Shepard rolling no matter the person or place

Sniper rifles and bows Certain books and movies and the fandoms around them like Lord of the Rings (Keahi is known to suddenly belt out 'salted pork!' at any good smelling food Gimli style, much to the confusion of many). Speculating on former cultures and planet histories- he and Liara can really geek out on that for hours at a time.

29. How active is Shepard? Are they hitting the gym, playing sports, or do they prefer quieter downtime?

Keahi is not as beefcakey as the default mshep body. They work out as needed to weild their heavy rifle, and loves to swim when that's possible, but they aren't all about that weightlift life. They do like inventing ridiculous sports though; low G volleyball anyone? One time they decided to up it- low G volleyball, with inertial dampeners to minimal while Joker drove around. Chakwas had to put her foot down on that one.

30. What will always make them laugh? AND 31. Who can always make them laugh?

He loves a bit of sass and sarcastic humour, especially as they have to be quite diplomatic as leader a lot of the time. He can be pretty sarcastic and darkly funny himself, and LOVES it when people recognise that and join in.

Memes and silly vids are always fun too! There's a great Normandy group chat.

Thane's dry wit and sometimes dark humour is his fave, because of course. In the privacy of the cabin, they can become quite the morbidly hilarious and sassy salty little queens. When Thane said to the biotic god ‘go now and dream of little round women’ Keahi thought they might actually die. He still isn’t sure how he got through the rest of that mission but he’s sure the asari he fought in the next room thought he was taking the piss out of her because they couldn’t stop chuckling.

32. What do they do when they have hit their limit angry, just incandescent with rage

The diplomatic Keahi is dropped and he becomes cold, ruthless even, and reckless compared to his usual careful measured approach to things. It's very rare they get that bad, but quite the thing to behold.

33. What skills do they have that are a surprise to the people around them?

Really nice cursive writing. He often gives people gifts of their favourite quotes written in various languages in beautiful hand writing.

They can also crochet and has made little figurines of all their friends. There are lil crochet things all over the Normandy, hidden for people to find.

34. Got any tattoos?

yes. But I haven't designed them yet shhhh

35. Which companions have they lost? How do they cope with it?

Ash. Whenever he is feeling angry with the Alliance in general, he tries to temper it remembering what a great and dedicated soldier she was, an example of how great their best can be. It really hurts him when they leave the Alliance wondering if she'd have been upset, but ultimately they hope she would have respected their decision.

36. Do they like to style their hair, wear makeup and jewlery? How do they feel about getting dressed up?

His hair is very important to him; he has shoulder length natural curls with an auburn/red hue (Keahi means fire, and is also the name of a tree with red bark, Keahi was born with a mop of red curls and the name was chosen on the spot). They keep it tied back in a bun to work and let it loose in downtime. They also always wear a little black eyeliner, and would probably wear more if he had the time and weren't military. Post Alliance Keahi starts experimenting more with makeup. They love nail polish, and paint Kolyat’s claws in fancy designs as a stepdad-son bonding time.

37. Got any bad habits?

Cracking bones all the time (not just knuckles, everything gets cracked. He's very proud of a spine triple popper). leaving clothes laying around all over the place, wearing any clothes he comes across, eating off of questionable surfaces (5 second rule more like 5 day rule).

"Siha you have worked with poisons, you understand the risks of ingesting unknown substances. How can you possibly think eating that is a good idea?"

"Ug hungry"

Keahi gets hangry easy.

38. Does Shepard do any activities with the companions and crew during downtime?

All the time. Movie nights, group cooking, treasure hunts, hide and seek, the mail slot shield fort down in the hangar bay... Keahi has a childish streak and is very good at getting others to join in

39. Do they keep around any sentimental items? AND 40. Does your Shepard actually like to collect model ships? If not, what do they display?

Shep collects things everywhere they go, and that is what fills their shelves. Rocks, pebbles, leaves, dried flowers, local arts, scraps, you name it. He also likes to find rare print books for Thane.

41. How is Shepard with a gun? What about hand to hand?

Keahi is scarily good with a gun. No offence to Garrus but there is no way he's ever gonna beat Keahi at that shot, even Thane has to conceed, Keahi is THE ultimate shot.

They can do hand to hand if they need to but only basics. Thane and Garrus are teaching them to get better but it'll never be their strength.

42. Favorite weapon?

Widow. Sniper rifle go Pew. Just one. PEW. It’s called Gandalf.

43. Which version of the Normandy do they like best?

The one they create post ME2 with Liara, a hybrid broker base battleship that also has much better casual areas for the very tight knit rogue crew. Everyone gets their own bed in partitioned off areas (they are very small, but at least everyone gets somewhere), the cafeteria becomes more like a family kitchen, the bathrooms become mixed gender, with walled off toilets and showers. And someone turns the damn lights on. Also they move the armory down to the bay like in ME3 because no shade Jacob, but dafuq? why would it be up there?!

45. Do they approve of curing the genophage?

Your damn straight they do. Keahi be like 'Mordin, buddy, I love you you little war criminal you, but you better do good or i'm gonna get mad'. :p

In seriousness, getting the genophage cured is always on Keahi's mind from the moment he learns more about it, they know they will always fight to help make that an end goal however they can. Actually getting to be involved personally on it means so much to them, and is one of thier proudest achievements.

46. Does Shepard allow the rachni to live in me1?

Yes, they consider it carefully but their first instinct is 'I can't commit genocide' and anaylysing the situation and talking to the queen only reinforces that decision.

47. Does Shepard practice any kind of self-care?

Tending to their hair is a daily me time activity.

Knowing that sometimes it's okay to say to the crew 'i'm gonna get some alone time now, see you later' (though that one is something he has to remind himself of regularly as they want to be there for everyone all the time).

48. What abilities do they rely on the most in a fight?

Excellent observational skills, body language analysis and spatial awareness. Anything that gives them an edge with their rifle or tactical cloak, essentially.

49. What is Shepard’s happy ending? What’s the dream that keeps em going

Doing good while surrounded by loved ones. Marrying Thane, being a good step dad to Kolyat, guiding their son Grunt well in life, helping and loving his friends. If they can save the galaxy along the way, well hell, that'd be nice wouldn't it?

50. Is your Shepard indoctrinated

You clearly have not understood how fluffy I am. ;p

(+1: what does Shepard smell like?)

Shea butter leave in conditioner and Thane >:3

#keahi shepard #about my shepard #mass effect #ask meme #50 questions #shrios #thane krios #my art #my headcanons #md art #md headcanons

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