"Citadel Control, this is the Normandy. Requesting docking permission."
I was standing behind Joker on the flight deck as I just knew this might get awkward. And it didn't take long until it did.
"CSV Normandy. We have you flagged as a Cerberus vessel. We demand that you turn your vessel to the nearest relay and leave Council space immediately. Continuing on your current path will result in your vessel being stopped, boarded and all crew members arrested."
"Citadel Control, this is Commander Shepard. Council Spectre. Requesting permission to dock. Please pass a message to the Council that I wish to convene a meeting with them as soon as practically possible. I will also need to speak to any Alliance representatives currently on the Citadel in regard to my return." I waited until the line clicked off before continuing. "Joker, hold here for now. I'd rather not give them a reason to fire on us."
"Sure thing, Commander."
We waited for at least fifteen minutes before we heard back from them. "Commander Shepard, this is Citadel Control. Docking permission is granted. Councillor Gromova has requested that you visit her first. Her private chambers are in the Citadel Tower. Alliance representatives will meet with you after you meet with the Council."
"Thank you, Citadel Control. Normandy out."
Joker had the Normandy docked a few minutes later. Well away from where we had docked the original ship, I can only assume they considered my new ship a civilian vessel. Gathering the crew around the galaxy map, I issued orders regarding leaving the ship though suggested that just like Omega, any crew to leave wear clothing without the Cerberus logo.
Although I was working alongside Cerberus, I had told Miranda that I didn't want to wear anything with their symbol. Given that I probably wasn't part of the Alliance any longer as I assumed I was written off as KIA, I was dressed in jeans, a shirt and a leather jacket. Even though the Citadel was considered safe, I still carried my pistol and shield pack.
I wandered by myself, ending up on the Presidium and I could feel myself smiling at the recovery. There were few signs of the attack two years previously. I had no idea what things were like on the Wards, but that was a good sign of progress. I wasn't recognised by anyone as I strolled on by. I rode the elevator to the private chambers of the Council. I walked past the hallway that would have led down towards Kira's private office and apartment. There was a holographic sign for Councillor Gromova and a human receptionist sat a desk outside. She looked up and greeted me with a smile.
"Do you have an appointment?"
"Commander Shepard here to…"
Her jaw dropped and it looked like she'd seen a ghost. Well, to be honest, I was back from the dead. "I'll… I'll go and get her right away!"
I waited outside for her to reappear. She did within a minute, beckoning me in to follow her. There was a large waiting area with plush couches and places to make hot drinks and enjoy a snack, walking through another door into a large office overlooking the Presidium. Councillor Gromova was standing in front of her desk waiting for me.
"Thank you, Gloria. I think we'll be fine for now."
Councillor Gromova walked forward, offering her hand. "Thanks for agreeing to see me, Councillor."
"As soon as I got word that you were here, I knew a mountain of shit was about to start. I thought that I might as well get on the front foot. You're looking good for a dead man, Commander."
"Yeah. I'm already figuring that's going to be a problem."
"Just one of many. I'm going to be blunt. You're supposed to be dead. You've been gone for two years. And now you show up in command of a Cerberus vessel. It doesn't look good."
"I figured as much. All I can do is talk to you all and explain it as best as I can."
"Take a seat and tell me the basics to start with." She gestured towards a nearby lounge instead of sitting at her desk. There was already a pot of coffee and mugs waiting for us. After we'd made ourselves a drink, we leaned back and relaxed before she looked at me again. "Okay, explain the basics."
"Okay, I can share we both know. I was spaced over two years when an unidentified vessel attacked my ship. I don't suppose the Alliance ever figured out who did attack us?"
"No. They eventually wrote it off as a surprise geth attack."
"I doubt that. The weapon tore through our shields and armour like it was tissue paper. No geth vessel has weapons of that capability from what we do know about them."
"Pardon me for asking bluntly but how the hell are you here after that?"
"I haven't pinned down how I ended up in the hands of Cerberus, but they did receive my body and have spent the best part of two years and billions of credits putting me back together. Before you ask, I am still human. It was just cutting-edge technology that made sure that I'm here again."
"Okay, they put you back together. Why are you still working with them?"
"The Collectors are abducting human colonists."
That made her sit back and eventually sigh. "And I can only guess that the lack of response from the Council and Alliance means that Cerberus believe they have a right to interfere?"
"I'll leave any questions I have about that until I'm with all four of you. But you should know me by my reputation. I solve problems."
"What did you hope to receive by returning here today?"
"Answers to some questions. I'm not sure as to my status regarding the Alliance. I guess if I was considered KIA… And the same thing about my Spectre status as well."
"I'm not sure about the Alliance status, but the Spectre status… Thing is, even though you're considered dead, your status remains on the books. All we have to do is activate it again and you will at least have your Spectre status back. Not sure how it would help. And we'd all have to agree." She sipped at her drink. "Kira would agree immediately. She already knows. I'm not sure if she'll be excited, crying or incredibly angry."
She asked a few questions about what I'd been doing since waking up. She'd heard the rumours about my presence on Omega. I was honest about the reasons, recruiting people to help me take on the Collectors. We still knew little about them, so I was focusing on building a team while the Illusive Man worked on gathering information.
Walking alongside her towards the Council Chamber itself, she gestured towards a different corridor. I followed her through the door to be greeted by the three other councillors. Kira met my eyes and hers glistened as soon as she saw me.
"Shepard…" she whispered.
Then she said something to herself before walking around the table and crashed into my chest. And she wept. No one appeared surprised by that as I stroked her back. "Sorry," I said softly.
"You're a bastard for leaving me, but I'm so glad you're back."
"I know that I have a hell of a lot to explain." She leaned back, raising my thumbs to her cheeks to dry them. "Thanks for giving me the chance, at least."
The four councillors gathered on one side of the table while I sat on the other side. Kira just looked pleased to see me. I remembered Kyla, or Councillor Gromova, well enough. I was glad not to have run into Udina, her deputy. I still disliked the man. The other two councillors appeared to be curious about my return. I was sitting there wondering how badly it would go.
"Some of the reports we've received have been unsettling, Commander," Valern stated. The salarian councillor never gave much away.
"We'll get straight to the current day first. I've been brought back because human colonies are disappearing in the Terminus Systems. I have already gathered evidence that they are being abducted by the Collectors, and data suggests that the Collectors are working on behalf of the Reapers."
"The Terminus Systems are beyond our jurisdiction," Sparatus retorted, "Your colonists were aware of that when they chose to leave Council space."
"And the Reaper threat?"
"Ah, yes. The Reapers," he replied, using air quotes for the Reapers, "The immortal race of sentient starships allegedly waiting in dark space. We have dismissed that claim."
"You fucking what?" I said, almost slamming my first on the table, "You dismiss a claim that is easily verifiable if you were to take just a minute to check over the wreckage that ended up spread across the Presidium?" I glared at the turian and held his stare until he blinked first and turned away. "Have any of you even spoken to Doctor T'Soni and the research that she carried out on Ilos? There are also the recorded conversations that we had with Sovereign."
"There are no records of those conversations, Commander," Valern explained, "And as for Doctor T'Soni, the reports that we have received on her in the recent past would suggest that she would also be an unreliable narrator."
"You're fucking kidding, right?" I glanced at Kira who couldn't meet my eyes. Kyla wasn't on the Council during that time. She was only selected in the weeks before I was spaced. "We spent weeks on Ilos after we defeated Sovereign. The amount of information we received from Vigil on Ilos…"
"Which stopped working not long after you departed Ilos for the last time. Rather convenient," Valern suggested.
"You calling me a liar, Councillor?" I growled, glaring at him.
"Not at all, Commander. But we have looked over the remains of Sovereign and have found no evidence to believe that it's not a geth creation."
"The Reaper theory just proves how unstable your mental state appears to be. You have been manipulated by Saren and now you are being manipulated by Cerberus," Sparatus status.
I nearly shot him in the face. I had to keep my hands on the table to stop myself from whipping out my pistol and shooting at least two of them.
"The Reapers are a myth," Sparatus finally concluding, "One that you insist on perpetuating."
"I do all that work to stop Saren conquering the Citadel and keep you lot alive, and this is the thanks I get. Fuck me, I don't know why I bothered even coming here."
Kira finally spoke up. I could read her body language. I think Kyla generally agreed with Sparatus and Valern. Kira knew the truth, or at least she did when I last saw her. I know Liara had shared some of her findings with her and others back on Thessia. But I guess after I died, it was easier just to make it all go away and live in ignorant bliss.
"Shepard," she stated softly, waiting until I met her eyes before continuing, "We are in a difficult position because of the link to Cerberus. Many would consider you a traitor for working with them."
"Hang on a second…" Kyla started to say. The Reaper thing could be dismissed. Calling the only human Spectre a traitor was another thing entirely.
Kira held up a hand. "I don't believe he is a traitor, just suggesting how it might be viewed. Given your disappearance and now your current ties, going public about certain things is difficult for us… What we've already agreed is that we will reinstate your Spectre status. However, this does come with caveats. While you remain allied with Cerberus, you will have to restrict your movements to the Terminus Systems. You may visit the Citadel but… You will have to keep a low profile while doing so."
"Is that everything?" I asked.
"It is a show of good faith on our part," Valern explained, "We have discussed this and believe we do owe you for all that you did two years ago."
"We simply can't be directly involved in this, Shepard," Kira continued, "But reinstating your Spectre status shows our support for you personally." She paused and gave me her best smile. "And you can still report to me personally from time to time."
Kyla laughed out loud as she knew exactly what she meant by reporting personally. I gather it was no longer a secret that each time I reported to the Citadel, I stayed with Kira at her apartment.
"I guess with everything that I understand the Council's position, Councillor," I replied, looking directly at Kira, "You honour me again by returning my status to me."
"We do wish you well during this time, Shepard. We've been aware of the abductions, but the Council involving itself in that region of space will eventually lead to a galactic war that we simply cannot afford. What we do wish to see in the end is you terminating your relationship with Cerberus."
"It will be done as soon as the Collectors are defeated. But if the Council won't intervene, and it seems the Alliance is of the same opinion, then I have very few options and Cerberus are willing to fill the breach."
"I guess that's all we can ask, Shepard," Kira stated.
"We do have one question though. How are you back?" Valern wondered.
"I can explain that in very basic terms. What I could do is gain the information available and provide it. Truth be told, as far as I'm aware, I was pretty much as dead as anyone can be. It took them two years and billions to revive me. I'm sure that your people would be rather interested in some of the advancements in science."
"Despite everything, Commander, we are glad you're back," Sparatus added in a conciliatory tone.
"Thank you, Councillor. It's good to be back."
Sparatus and Valern did shake my hand before they left the room. Kyla gave me a hug and wished me good luck before that left me alone with Kira. As soon as the door closed, she leapt on me as my hands cupped her arse while her mouth was eager for mine. She sat on the table as her legs wrapped around me, one of my hands fondling one of her breasts as she moaned into my mouth.
"I should hate you, Shepard," she whispered when breaking the kiss, "You just left us."
"Should I keep saying sorry?"
"I still love you. Never stopped."
"My feelings are still the same. Nothing has changed in that regard."
"Carry me to my apartment?"
I snorted which made her giggle, wrapping her arms and legs tightly around me and I easily carried her all the way down to her office and then through to her apartment. She told me straight to the bedroom as we started to undress each other on the way. By the time we made it to the bedroom, we were both naked as I laid her down on the bed. She reached down between us to grab my cock, any thought of eating her pussy ending as she made sure I was inside her.
As soon as I was buried, she burst into tears. I didn't move as I rolled over onto my back and cuddled her. I sensed her smiling as I did, feeling her try and mould her entire body into mine at the same time. She eventually lifted her head, using my thumbs to dry her cheeks again, and she gave me such a shy smile that she was frankly adorable.
"I love you, Kira," I whispered, "I died not telling those who mean the most how I felt. Only Liara…"
"She's on Illium, Shepard," she whispered back, "I don't know if she's heard yet."
"Benezia?"
"Still on Thessia living with Tessia… I know how that sounds, by the way."
"I heard rumours about the Consort."
"No, she's still here. So is Naira… She… She spent a year in mourning." I looked away as that just broke my heart straight away. "Shiala is still on Feros with the colonists."
"They're doing well?"
"You should visit them if you get the chance. The Asari Republics really stepped up to make sure the colony will soon be thriving."
"And you?"
She had me roll her over and her hips moved. I started to move as well and the two years apart for her disappeared instantly. She was eager to kiss me. Her pussy was squeezing my cock with every thrust. Her fingers caressed my entire body. I loved hearing her moans and whimpers of pleasure again. When her legs were wrapped around me once again, she was begging me to cum inside her.
"Goddess, Shepard. I've missed this feeling…"
So had I even though it hadn't felt as long for me. When she climaxed, she kissed me with as much passion as I could remember, and she really started to move her hips in desperation to feel me cum inside her. When I upped my tempo even more, I felt her fingers digging into my back.
"Fuck me, Spectre!" she cried out, "Goddess, keep fucking me. All day and night. I'll cancel everything. Just fuck me…" Then she almost made me laugh. "I'll invite Kyla. I bet she'd love some of this Spectre dick inside her."
"I only fuck asari councillors," I growled into her ear, "Beautiful asari councillors who deserve my big cock."
"You really love me?"
"There are a few women out there that own a piece of me."
Then I came, the usual grunting and groaning as feeling me cum inside her made her moan with pleasure. I kept pumping until I felt rather empty, leaving my cock buried as I relaxed on a forearm and caressed her cheek.
"We'll meld next time in the proper position. Though I'm not sure…"
"I'll always be an open book with you, Kira."
I called Miranda and to my amusement she immediately put two and two together when I said that I would be gone for at least a day. She just told me to have fun and that she'd monitor the activities of the crew. Kira and I made love again twice more before my stomach growled and she suggested that we head out for dinner. Given that I wasn't dressed in a uniform and news of my return hopefully hadn't reached everywhere, she dressed casually as well, and we wandered out hand in hand onto the Presidium before heading to Tayseri Ward.
Neither of us missed the second glances in my direction though thankfully were left alone as we ended up at a small restaurant serving asari delicacies. I genuinely loved asari food as I was often fed it at Kira's apartment, and Liara had introduced me to other dishes that had my tastebuds dancing.
"Will you meet with the Alliance tomorrow?"
"Hopefully. I would like to clear the air with them. I know going to Arcturus is impossible."
"We've invited an Alliance Fleet to be based here at the Citadel as a show of strength and unity alongside the three other Council species. They now have a small base on the Citadel near the turians. There's an air of cooperation between the two forces now."
We made small talk while eating dinner as I asked her questions about what I'd missed during my absence. She didn't want to talk about my death, funeral or memorial service. It was still too painful even though I was back. We did end up in a club that played slow music so that we could dance. I didn't miss how she pressed herself into my body, and she definitely approved of how my hands moved over every curve of hers in return.
I think we made it an hour before the desire to make love again was overwhelming. While we were rushing back to her apartment, we did pass Kyla in the hallway near her apartment. She was dressed casually and chuckled at seeing us hurrying.
"Someone's eager," she stated in a tone that brought Kira to a halt, "I guess you're making up for lost time."
"Two years without having him inside me…"
"Consider me jealous." I raised my eyebrows at that. There was no doubting Kyla Gromova was gorgeous. Bright red hair. Definitely red, not quite ginger, but lighter in colour than Jane. Her blue eyes were captivating. And she had a body that one wouldn't expect of a politician. Great tits and some curves that would look wonderful on any model.
"Are you single, Ms. Gromova?"
"Very much so. Sure, I enjoy the company of an asari more often than not, but as for men, well…"
"Bad experience?"
"Ex-husband. He was a prick. I'll leave it at that."
"Maybe we can catch up during one of my visits? We don't really know each other."
"I'd like that, Shepard. But I think I'd better let you two go. Kira has a look…"
She did have a look as this time I did get to eat her pussy once we were in her bedroom. I must have spent an hour pleasuring her before she eagerly slid on the floor to her knees to return the favour. She made love to my cock with her mouth and tongue, drawing out my orgasm until my cock practically exploded in her mouth.
"I've missed your taste," she stated while licking up and down my cock, her eyes only for mine.
"I still wax lyrical about yours."
She chuckled with a shake of her head. "And every other asari you go down on, I bet."
"You're right there."
We made love for hours that night. Just when I thought that I had nothing left, Kira worked wonders to get my cock hard again. We only melded late into the evening. She avoided anything to do with what happened two years ago. She took note of Kelly, and I felt her happiness at my meeting Xera.
"Another cute, young asari, Shepard?"
"You know that I enjoy asari at any stage of life. I've known and enjoyed maidens. I'm enjoying a matron right now. And as for matriarchs…"
"I can sense you made her incredibly happy. You'll look after her?"
"I'll do whatever I can."
I woke the next morning to Kira moulded into my side, watching me sleep. Tears slowly trickled down her cheeks as I leaned up to leave a light kiss. "I woke up this morning in a fright because I thought it was all a dream. Then I felt your warm body next to mine again and I suddenly felt safe again," she said softly.
What made me even happier was the appearance of two asari that promptly burst into tears once they noticed me with Kira in the kitchen. Tara and Ariana could barely speak for ten minutes as all they did was clutch to either side of me and cry.
"They mourned you just as much," Kira told me once we were sitting down for breakfast.
Tara and Ariana wanted me to stay though they also knew that I had many things to do and my presence on the Citadel was tolerated only for a short while. Kira briefly explained my story. It seemed asari were up to date with events as Tara and Ariana knew about Cerberus and had also heard about the colonies going dark. They understood my desire to protect humanity though echoed what Kira said, that I should end my alliance with Cerberus as soon as possible.
I had to leave them and knew I probably wouldn't be back for a little while. I explained that I would meet with the Alliance and then hopefully make contact with a recruit nearby. Tara and Ariana kissed and hugged me before giving me time with Kira. In that last hug, she held me as tightly as I could remember. Then we kissed and we whispered our love for each other at the same time that made us chuckle.
"Waited two years to hear those words from you," she whispered.
"You'll hear them again too. In those last moments before… You know… That's one thing that I regretted. Never telling those who I did love how I felt."
Tara and Ariana were waiting nearby, and I heard the three of them laughing as I walked in the other direction. I didn't think anything could wipe the smile off my face though I knew meeting people from the Alliance could ruin my day. I followed signs towards the Alliance offices, walking through the main doors to be greeted by a pair of receptionists in Alliance blue.
"How can I help you?"
"Commander Shepard to see the officer in charge. I believe you guys have me listed as Killed in Action."
I noticed each pair of eyes widen in surprise before both were making calls to whoever was inside. I waited all of thirty seconds before a pair of MPs walked through one of the two sets of doors behind the wide desk. I was wondering if they were going to arrest me immediately. I was a little surprised when all they did was ask me to follow them.
The expected interview room for an interrogation didn't come to fruition either. I was led through the banks of desks, no one really paying any attention to the rather tall and broad man dressed casually, before I was led into a small waiting room.
"The officer in charge will see you shortly, Commander," one of the MPs stated.
"He was curious if you would come to the Citadel."
I took a seat in one of the armchairs and waited. It was around ten minutes when the door ahead opened and someone I recognised walked through the door. She came to a halt as our eyes met. The usual reaction that I was already used to. I rose to my feet as she walked slowly towards me, her eyes never averting from mine.
"I don't know where to slap you, hug you, or drag you into a quiet room so we can make up for two years," she said softly.
"Miss me, Jane?"
"I was here for your memorial service… I'm talking to a dead man."
"I can tell you all about it later, but I think it was partly dead, partly in a coma."
She hugged me tightly. I could sense that she was emotional though doing her best not to start crying in front of everyone. "I've missed you," she whispered.
"I'm sorry, Jane."
"Not your fault. I read the reports. I didn't exactly believe it was the geth, but I spoke to Joker and a couple of the others."
She leaned back so I could gaze into her eyes again. She smiled and she was just as beautiful as I remembered. "I guess we have things to catch up on. Um… Are you with anyone?"
That made her snort. "God no. And even if I was, I'd only be dining at the Y."
"I left an impression?"
"Shepard, I think half the asari population swore off men because of what happened to you."
We were hugging again when I heard a cleared throat and noticed Captain Anderson standing in the doorway. Jane let me go though only after we shared a kiss. She whispered that we'd talk later before I turned to Anderson and saluted. He returned it though I still wasn't sure as to my status. We shook hands and I think we were happy to see each other.
"Looking good, Shepard."
"Not bad for a dead man, eh?"
"Come on in. We should probably talk and catch up."
Someone brought in a mug of coffee for each of us rather quickly as I sat opposite Anderson. I finally had to ask, "Desk job, sir? Get a promotion out of it?"
"Given that I'm an N7, it was agreed to give me a promotion within the Marines structure. I'm now a Major."
"Congratulations, sir."
"I'm not sure what the naval lot in this office think though they're a good sort. Yes, it's now a desk job. I'm a liaison with Councillor Gromova and the diplomatic corps."
"Do you need me to explain anything? I had a meeting with the Council yesterday."
"Once we got word of your return, Admiral Hackett knew that you'd head here eventually. He's now Fleet Admiral. He's also a firm believer in the Reaper threat."
"Yeah, less said about that, the better."
"Trust me, those in the know believe that it is true. We've been in heavy discussions with the Hierarchy. They're ramping up their naval numbers as well as us. The asari… You have as many detractors as supporters. The likes of Lady Tessia believe the threat."
"Probably because of the melding and the fact they've seen the same warnings."
"You stirred a lot of things up. The thing is that your death allowed it all to die down. I think the Council have ended up denying it all because they are scared shitless. It's better to believe the threat doesn't exist."
"So they leave us unprepared for when they do arrive?"
"We won't be unprepared. But we're going to need time to build our forces. Do you have any idea how long it'll take for them to arrive?"
"No idea, sir. To be honest, since my, um, death, I haven't had the visions again."
He leaned back, cupping his mug before taking a sip. He finally asked, "Cerberus, Shepard?"
"Not my personal choice of who I want to work with. But they spent billions on bringing me back. Gave me a ship and a crew. The Council were adamant that they would not help out with the missing colonists. And I can only guess the Alliance…"
"It's not good at the moment. The Fifth Fleet is still being rebuilt after the Battle of the Citadel. The batarians have been causing havoc along their edge of space. And we've increased our patrols near our colony worlds not located in the Terminus Systems."
"I'm on my own with this one?"
"You are. However, Admiral Hackett has already signed off on all of this. Work with Cerberus to solve this threat. As soon as it's resolved, he wants you back in an Alliance uniform. We're already working on restoring your status and ranking. And if you could give us something that explains how the hell you're back…"
"I'll do what I can though I'm sure the Illusive Man…"
"You've spoken to him?"
"A few times now."
"Your opinion of him?"
"I think he's doing his best to convince me that he has our best interests at heart. He's surrounded me with people who are loyal to Cerberus but capable of independent thought and not xenophobic arseholes."
"Have you managed to speak to anyone from your old team?"
"Not yet. That's one thing the Illusive Man has made sure that I didn't do straight away. Kira told me about Liara. I know Tali is back home and busy working. Wrex is on Thuchanka. Garrus is now with me. I found him on Omega."
"What the hell was he doing there?"
"Cleaning house. It didn't really work out."
"And I'm guessing you heard the rumours about Liara?"
"I'm not sure if I should believe them or not. Though what she's doing on Illium… No idea what she's mixed up in. I would like to go and see her immediately, but I'm not sure if I should be distracted right now. What about Ashley, sir?"
He cleared his throat. "She's now an Officer of the Alliance Navy. Graduated with top marks. What she's doing is classified, Shepard. And given the nature of who you're working with, I simply cannot share anything else."
"That's fine, sir. I'm glad that she's now being rewarded for how good she is."
"I'm sure she's going to receive word of your return and who you're working with. She won't be happy about it."
"I know. Maybe some angry sex will be had."
That made him laugh. "I remember reading some of the reports that crossed our desks. You know that we're generally relaxed about fraternisation nowadays. Given that she's now a fellow officer, there's even less reason for anyone to involve themselves. You're consenting adults. Have at it."
"What about you, sir? Miss the front lines?"
"I do sometimes find myself sitting here, wondering what life would be like if I was still in command of my own ship. But there's more than enough work here to keep me busy. The turians are surprisingly cooperative nowadays. The asari want to be helpful where they can. The salarians… Well, those that I do meet with are friendly enough."
We talked for another half an hour or so as we discussed what I'd missed while I was away and also the Collector threat. When I eventually walked out of his office alongside him, word must have spread as the entire office stood up and started to applaud and even cheer. I was a little embarrassed though stopped to shake plenty of hands. If they knew about the Cerberus link, they didn't seem to care.
"Kick Collector arse, Shepard!" one of them called out.
Jane was waiting at reception for me, immediately taking my hand after I'd shaken hands with Anderson. Without a word, she led me towards a nearby taxi rank and we rode towards Zakera Ward. Due to their late arrival, humans would never really have their 'own' ward. Due to our close relationship with asari, we were happy to stay close to them. The asari liked that.
"Where are we going?" I asked.
"My apartment."
"Whatever for, Jane?"
"I'm making us lunch and then you're staying the night. I know you won't be here very often so I'm taking advantage of the opportunity. I still want to slap you silly for dying on me."
Lunch was nothing more than a couple of simple sandwiches though I wasn't going to complain. We didn't talk all that much as Jane's continuous look in my direction spoke of only one desire. We finished eating, putting everything in the sink, before she took my hand and led me to the only bedroom in the apartment.
The first kiss was soft and sensuous. When we broke apart, I caressed her cheek as her eyes immediately softened. "I love you," I whispered.
That made her start to cry. I didn't mean to make her cry though I'm sure finally hearing those words probably made her feel wonderful while also breaking her heart a little bit, needing to die first before I could actually express my feelings. "I love you too," she whispered back before we shared another kiss.
We slowly undressed each other. Jane had barely changed. Still a fantastic body, great tits, perfect arse, and a smooth pussy with a thin strip of hair leading to her pussy. She marvelled at my body as I knew that I was stronger and fitter than before. When she saw my cock for the first time, she suggested that it was probably a little bigger than before.
"Want to get each other off together first?" she wondered.
I ended up on my back on the bed with Jane's pussy hovering just away from my mouth as I felt her tongue run along the shaft of my cock. She teased me for at least a couple of minutes, keeping her pussy away from my mouth, before I finally growled and pulled her pussy down to my mouth. She moaned almost immediately as her lips wrapped around my cock and we got to work on each other.
Jane's head was soon bobbing up and down my cock while I devoured her pussy, savouring her taste and scent once again. She practically rubbed herself on my lower face. Hell, I would have been happy for her to coat my face in her pussy and wear her scent the rest of the day. I licked up to her arsehole, no surprise that she kept herself nice and clean.
"Oh fuck," she whimpered as I ran my tongue over her rosebud, "Not today. Today is just my pussy. Next time, though. Anal. Lots of anal as well as you pounding my pussy. We have two years to make up for, Shepard. Two long and very lonely years with only toys for company."
"Mourning?"
"Who could match you?"
She was the first to enjoy an orgasm, releasing my cock and releasing a loud cry before murmuring a few words to herself before she resumed her blowjob with determination to make me cum. I loved feeling her moaning and humming around my cock as I continued to please her, and when I made her cum again, I think she nearly gave in, ready to turn around to just slide her pussy down my cock. But I had a feeling she needed to taste my cum as well.
Two more orgasms for Jane nearly had her a blubbering mess. But she managed to keep blowing me and I could almost feel her pleasure when I warned her that I was getting close. I felt the tightness of her throat as she had always proven talented, and when I warned her one last time, her lips tightened around my shaft just in time for that first spurt.
"Fuck," I grunted, "Jesus, Jane…"
She gulped everything down before she lifted herself up and spun around, her eyes glistening as she
snuggled against my chest. I caressed her back and heard her sigh, kissing her cheek and using my other hand to gently squeeze her pert bottom.
"You always loved my arse," she whispered.
"Loved everything else. Still love it too."
"I always thought you were too addictive, Shepard. I know I'm going to feel the same again. If I wasn't Alliance, I would join you this time."
"I do have, er, company on the ship."
She lifted her head and laughed lightly. "That comes as no surprise. Is she cute?"
"A reminder of you, to be honest. I think she's a little younger, but other than that…"
I was inside her a couple of minutes later when we rolled over, watching her face light up with pleasure once my cock was buried. That first coupling was hard and fast, feeling her ankles pressing into my butt as she begged me to just fuck her harder and harder. My head eventually ended up resting next to hers, breathing into her ear and talking incredibly dirty about all the things we could do in the future. Her arms tightened around me as I fucked her harder still. She could barely get a word out.
Good thing that she'd blown me first. And I smiled to myself when she was the first to cum again, her pussy gripping my cock ever so tightly as I slowed down while she came down from her climax. Then I fucked her harder, savouring how hot and tight she still felt after all this time.
"Oh god, fuck me, Shepard," she moaned, "Missed your cock. Missed you."
"I'll make up for it."
"Come and fuck me whenever you can. But also take me on dates. I love being one of your girls."
She whimpered when feeling me cum inside her a little later. I raised my eyes to meet hers and I couldn't remember seeing her happier. Her fingers moved to stroke my cheek before we shared another kiss. I eventually pulled out as she rolled onto her side to snuggle into me. I sent a message to Miranda, letting her know that I was catching up with Jane.
"Did Cerberus try and recruit you?"
"Actually, they did. I have a feeling they probably wanted me to be your assistant or something. Is that what the girl you're sleeping with on the ship does?"
"Yep. Doctor Chakwas and Joker…"
"I know, Shepard. The Alliance know that Chakwas took long service leave to assist you. They won't do much with her when it's all over. Joker quit… I'm not sure what they will do with him."
"They realise they only left because of me?"
"Of course they know! But they're still aiding the enemy in some way. You're still technically dead. They can't do much about you right now."
We spent the rest of the afternoon fooling around before enjoying a quick shower together and heading out for dinner. I wanted something substantial, and Jane always enjoyed her food. Steak. I wanted steak. And we found a proper human steak house. After we filled up with meat and the trimmings, we visited a couple of watering holes as Jane was in a wonderful mood. She constantly smiled at me, and I found myself doing the same back at her.
"You're relaxed," she said, "I remember how stressed you were with Saren."
"I guess the fact that the work hasn't really started yet. Once I'm on the front foot against the Collectors, things might be different."
Drinking continued at a club that played the sort of music we both enjoyed, and Jane wanted to dance with me. One thing that I'd never been able to do was dancing. I was awful. I knew it. Everyone else knew it. That didn't stop Jane from draping herself all over my body and she made sure my hands were feeling her up constantly. When one hand ended up in her panties to fondle her pussy, I think she was ready for me to fuck her on the dancefloor.
We made love back at her apartment. That slow and tender lovemaking that provokes immense feelings while you're moving together. The way she gazed at me as we moved spoke volumes. Each kiss was as passionate as the last. And when it came time to climax, Jane made sure that we almost came at the same time.
It was only when we were snuggling later in the dark that I felt her start to cry. I pulled her even tighter as she apologised for crying on me. "I thought it would happen earlier," I assured her, "And I've already had this happen a few times already."
She wanted to spoon against me, making sure I was holding her tight all night. "I love you," she whispered.
I moved my lips by her ear and that made her giggle. "Love you too, Jane," I whispered back.
"This would be totally hot if I was your sister."
I roared with laughter as I immediately remembered some of the kinky things we'd say to each other. Waking up the next morning, we were still cuddled together, Jane not wanting to release me as I mentioned that I should shower and that I had things to do before I departed. She was reluctant before suggesting that we should at least shower together.
Yeah, we fucked in the shower too.
I walked her to the Alliance offices where we bid each other goodbye. An absolute scorching kiss before she hugged me tightly. I hugged her back just as tightly, enough that she started to laugh and whispered she was going to pee herself if I squeezed her much harder. She wished me good luck as we parted. I assured her that I would be back to the Citadel to visit soon.
After sending a message to Miranda that I was going to locate another recruit, I headed back to Zakera Ward to find someone by the name of Kasumi Goto. I knew that she wasn't going to meet face to face. Given that she was a thief and wanted to protect herself, I would only be meeting her through some sort of console.
I made it to the meeting point and stood around probably looking like an idiot. I only knew someone was trying to contact me when I heard my name being mentioned, turning around to see an advertisement. A woman seemed to be talking directly to me. I couldn't see much of her face from the hood. Her voice alone was quite lovely and playful.
"Can we actually meet in person, Miss Goto?"
"Look up, Shepard."
There was a walkway above my head. And I could see a figure in the shadows. She leapt over the railing and gracefully landed on her feet. Still couldn't see her face because of the hood but there was no missing that she was tiny. Lifting her head towards me, I saw the bottom of her face, at least.
"I've been waiting for you, Shepard."
"Sorry, I've been taking care of a few things."
"Seeing some old girlfriends?" I know I stared at her in surprise. She laughed and it was that sort of sound that would make any man a puddle. Yep, I knew that I liked her immediately. "Come on, Shepard, your love life isn't exactly a secret anymore. Who'd you go see?"
"After some juicy gossip?"
"I'll learn it all on the ship and tell you all about it. So spill…"
"Alright. Kira… The asari councillor. And Jane."
"I still can't believe that you're sleeping with the asari councillor. Why not Ms Gromova?"
"I don't really know her though Kira invited her to join us the next time I'm on the Citadel."
That made her laugh again. "Well, now seeing you in person, you are an impressive specimen, Shepard."
"And you're tiny. I mean, what are you, five feet at most?"
"Being tiny helps regarding my job. And I've got the skills."
"How are you at fighting though?"
"I'll take you on unarmed if you want though I'm also skilled with weapons. Depending on what we do, I'll also be able to assist in other means."
"Got any gear?"
"A rucksack in a nearby hotel room. When are you planning on flying out?"
"As soon as you're on board."
"Follow me then. The hotel is only a few minutes' walk away."
It was amusing walking next to someone so diminutive. She was almost taking two steps to my one though I wasn't in any rush. She talked as we walked, mentioning that Cerberus has been in contact with her, offered quite the contract with some good conditions including being paid half of the amount already and the rest to be paid upon completion of the contract.
Walking into her hotel room, I was immediately assaulted by a rather delicious scent. Kasumi heard me sniffing and chuckled. She admitted it was a traditional scent from her homeland. She packed away a few things, taking note of a few feminine things that would normally have me grinning. After she zipped up the bag, she turned around and handed it to me.
"I would have offered anyway," I told her.
"I know."
We walked towards where the Normandy was docked. Kasumi did come to a stop as I figured she saw the large symbol on the hull. Even though I couldn't see her eyes, I knew where she was looking.
"Second thoughts?" I asked.
"No. Not that. Just… I never thought I'd be working with Cerberus."
"Think of it this way. Cerberus might be paying you, but you're working for me."
"Before we get on, you are aware of the favour I need?"
"Of course. It was all in the information that I had. I need to pick up a couple more recruits. Depending on what happens after that, we can handle what you need done. Is it urgent?"
"It is though I'm waiting for information from a contact as to how to handle it. Once I have that information, I think we'll need to move quickly."
Stepping onto the ship, I gave Joker the order to depart the Citadel, and I'd let him know where we were going once we were waiting near the relay. Kelly was the first to greet Kasumi and offered to take her on a tour of the ship as usual. As I directed Joker to fly us to recruit the next recruit labelled 'The Convict', I did my usual rounds.
Mordin was working hard at producing a countermeasure to the Collector swarms should we ever run into them. He admitted to not needing a whole lot of sleep and he was more than capable of focusing on numerous avenues of research. Georgia was kept busy with weapons and armour, and when she wasn't busy, she found ways to keep herself occupied. She did lock her door so we could enjoy a make-out session.
"I know you're busy, honey, but I hope you won't forget about me," she whispered.
"Hardly. It's just…"
"You only had two women on the old ship?"
"Yeah, that did make things easier."
"Just throwing me a bone… Well, give me this lovely dick every so often. I can find other ways to have fun otherwise."
Doctor Chakwas admitted that things were rather quiet for the time being, but she couldn't complain if it was. She was monitoring Garrus and assisting Mordin on a couple of his experiments. She was also getting to know the crew. Speaking of Garrus, he was keeping himself occupied already in the front batteries, going on about calibrations. Considering what he'd been through, I think he was appreciating the solitude and having something to keep his mind busy.
Miranda was busy in her office with work though she immediately stopped when I came strolling through the door. I let her know that Kasumi had been recruited and that my conversations with both the Council and Alliance had been generally positive though we were not going to get much assistance from either.
"I expected as much," she admitted, "Though I was hopeful that the Council would return your Spectre status. And the Alliance?"
"They won't interfere with what I'm doing though they want me to end my relationship with Cerberus as soon as the Collectors are defeated."
"We expected that request as well." She met my eyes and asked, "And you met up with some old friends as well."
"I did. Kira was absolutely delighted to see me, and I wasn't really given a choice where I was spending the night. As for Jane, I didn't know she was now on the Citadel. Given my life right now, I didn't think that I'd be seeing her for a while."
"We're heading to the prison now?"
"We are. We'll recruit whoever this prisoner is before we go and recruit 'The Warlord'. I'm guessing the Illusive Man will have more dossiers for later?"
"He will."
I had turned to walk out when the door ahead of me went red. I smiled to myself before I turned around to see Miranda was out of her chair and walking towards me. She stopped just short before gently pressing against my chest, so I was backed up against the door. Her body was almost moulded to mine as she leaned up, her lips almost brushing against mine.
"What surprised me was how turned on I was the past two times when you messaged to say that you wouldn't be back… I was also insanely fucking jealous, Shepard," she said softly.
Moving my hands to her hips and around to her arse, I smiled at how firm each cheek was. Pressing her tighter to my body, she would have felt the erection that had formed rather quickly. She was wearing a perfume that would have suited an asari as they always had distinct scents. Her eyes watched mine as I made her giggle by gently squeezing her arse.
"You really find me attractive?"
"Miranda, I'm thinking of tearing off your clothes, bending you over your desk, and either slipping my dick inside you or getting on my knees and burying my face between your cheeks. Yes, I find you incredibly attractive."
We finally kissed as her mouth crashed against mine. When she whimpered within seconds, I think she was finally getting what she'd been craving for a long time. I did back her up and past her desk towards the lounge that was near her bed. She ended up on her back with her head against a cushion as I lay between her legs. She whimpered again as she felt my erection press right against where I would have entered her.
She unzipped the top of her suit to show off her lacey black bra. Her breasts were fake but absolutely perfect. She continued to unzip towards her hips as she took one of my hands and slid it towards her panties. I ran my fingers over the fabric and could feel the heat from her pussy and how damp her panties were.
"I'm teasing myself and you, Shepard," she said softly.
"Don't want to go too far?"
"Oh, I want to go as far as possible, but not right now. I just really…"
"I get it, Miranda."
That didn't stop us making out a little longer and I think it was just Miranda getting at least some of her feelings off her chest. When she finally pushed me back, I had a feeling it was with a great deal of reluctance. I sat back as she zipped herself up and sat up herself, talking more than one deep breath. Sitting next to her, she leaned against me, wrapping my arm around her.
"Feel better for that," she admitted, "I've just wanted to kiss you since you woke up." She paused before whispering, "I really thought that you were going to hate me."
"Hardly. You gave me back my life, Miranda. How could I ever hate you for that?"
She turned to give me another kiss, making her giggle when my hand immediately cupped her breast again. "Feel me up whenever you want, Shepard," she whispered, "I'm going to give into it all rather quickly."
"You won't let the jealousy…"
"No. I'm not experienced with girls, but hell, I know that I'll join in eventually. Part of me would just love to watch."
We walked together to the door where Miranda unlocked it. We shared a final kiss before I opened the door, glancing back to see her smiling at me. I found Amelie in the life support room. Asking why she selected it, she assumed it would be a room that very few people would ever visit. Taking a seat opposite her, she was cleaning her weapon though she kept her eyes on me.
"I won't bother you too much if you prefer to be alone," I offered.
"I don't mind chatting, Shepard. I just don't mind my own company. I know many expect snipers to work in pairs. After my training, I always worked alone. I prefer it."
"What were you doing on Omega?"
"I guess I'm what you'd call a bounty hunter. I either capture or kill bad people and get paid for it. Generally, not by law enforcement. Most of the contracts are from private individuals. The only agreement is that I only kill bad people. Criminals and the like."
"And before that?"
"I was a mercenary. That wasn't always entirely legal though I was paid very well for my services."
"Single?"
"Widow."
"I'm sorry."
"Merci¸ Shepard. But it was a long time ago. I try not to think about it or him any longer."
"I know Cerberus sent you a contract. Are you being well compensated for this mission?"
"I am. I wouldn't have agreed to join if I wasn't." She paused before a slight smile formed. "Okay, I guess I would have accepted less as the chance to work alongside you…"
"Reputation?"
"You have a good one, Shepard. And I've read certain reports about Torfan. Most of the people that I worked with agreed entirely with what you did there."
"I've not regretted anything except losing good people and one who I was very close to."
"What do you think will happen regarding this mission?"
"If we're taking the fight to the Collectors, I can only assume it will mean travelling through the Omega Four relay. That means obtaining something that will allow us safe passage. And when we're on the other side, no one knows. The Illusive Man hasn't really suggested anything yet?"
"What do you think?"
"We're possibly punching a one-way ticket. We might defeat the Collectors, but we're fucked even if we beat them."
"That's a bit merde given they brought you back."
"I've faced worse odds. I mean, you're blue and alive. I want to ask but…"
Amelie looked away and I could see she was a little upset. When I reached forward to take one of her hands, surprised by how soft it felt, she gave it a squeeze. "Merci, Shepard," she whispered, "Just thinking about it…"
"Sorry…"
"No, it's okay. I understand your curiosity. Let's just say that many of the changes done to me were not done so willingly."
"You were tortured?"
"Oui… Ils étaient des salauds…"
"I've just recruited someone else, and part of their contract was helping them with a private matter. I never asked if you…" She met my eyes and the steel in her gaze let me know the answer. I squeezed her hand again. "Okay. Just let me know when it needs doing."
"I will, Shepard. Thank you."
"Need anything else?"
"Not at the moment. Although I prefer solitude, I will join the crew for meals. I know that we will need to have a relationship to work as a team. When it comes to the field, I am a pure sniper. Although I am trained in hand-to-hand combat, it is not where I am proficient."
"Garrus is also a sniper."
"I haven't talked to him yet. I will endeavour to do so in the near future."
"Okay."
I walked out of the life support room just as Kelly and Kasumi were walking by towards the port observation lounge. I followed them in, and Kasumi immediately stated it was exactly what she wanted. Kelly took a seat with Kasumi, and I knew the pair would enjoy a good chat, so I left them to it. Hell, I knew Kelly well enough already that she was immediately attracted to our newest recruit.
Returning to my cabin, I checked my messages and read over a few of them. There was one from Admiral Hackett wishing me success against the Collectors and that I would return to the Alliance upon our victory. He would help out if possible though the official Alliance position matched that of the Council. And the Council wouldn't want humanity igniting a war with the Terminus Systems.
There was another message from Emily Wong. She was delighted to hear that I was back and made me laugh when her first request was for an interview. I replied to her message, letting her know that an interview might not be possible yet though I let her know that I was on a mission to stop the Collectors.
Dinner that night had everyone present including the newest recruits. The mood was generally positive. We hadn't really started though they knew that I was waiting for information from the Illusive Man. No one missed that Miranda sat next to me during the meal, listening attentively to everything that I had to say.
I made sure to say goodnight to her, finding herself lying back on her bed in a sheer negligee. She slid off her bed and walked towards me when noticing my presence. The negligee hid nothing about her body and was so short that it barely covered her pussy. She hooked her arms around the back of my neck and kissed me immediately as my hands slid underneath her nightdress to feel her arse.
"Come and say goodnight like this every night, Shepard," she said softly, "I have lots of sexy nightwear to show off."
"I love a woman in some sexy lingerie or what you're wearing. Nude is lovely, but you know…"
"Will you be up early in the morning?"
"I'm always up early."
"Well… I'll join you for coffee first thing then. But I'm guessing that Kelly…"
"I'm trying not to mention her while I'm with you."
"Trust me, I talk to that girl. She is so giddy already. Living out her dreams and fantasies. Good thing that everyone adores her."
"She's probably still talking to Kasumi anyway."
"Probably trying to get in her pants or convince her to have a threesome with you."
I kissed her again, and the moan into my mouth as I pulled her to my body had us both smiling. I only pulled away because I knew that she didn't want to make a leap that soon. I eventually turned her around and gently patted her bum, watching her walk back to her bed.
"Goodnight, Shepard. See you in the morning."
"Sleep tight, Miranda."
I was lying back in bed later when Kelly walked in, giggling away, and I knew that she'd been enjoying our new company. She stripped naked and crawled up the bed towards me, giving me a sloppy kiss. When she started to fondle my cock, I gently removed her hand and cuddled her.
"You're drunk," I whispered, "And I usually don't do anything unless we're both drunk."
It didn't really matter as she was fast asleep next to me within around two minutes. Chuckling to myself, I turned off the lights and prepared myself for the usual couple of hours that I would get. Despite that, I was feeling pretty bloody good about things.
I knew recruiting a prisoner wouldn't be easy. But how hard could it be?